Sympho-Saber: Song of Swords
RXU:EP08 – The Reborn Spear
"And that's our current situation as far as I'm aware, given I hightailed it over here as fast as I could," Chris said as she stood in the lounge of SONG headquarters, arms crossed as she had run through everything her team knew about the parallel world they visited.
Listening to said explanation were Genjuro, Sophia, Elfnein, Touma, Hibiki, and Yuri, all of which were varying degrees of amazed, confused, and in shock at certain details.
"This is… a lot admittedly," Sophia spoke up.
"Where do you even start?" Touma agreed, "I figured there would be some changes to worlds, but I never thought…"
"…that a parallel world could get that different?" Chris asked before nodding, "I'm still trying to wrap my head around certain parts of it too admittedly…"
"Yeah like how Tsubasa seemingly died but now is Calibur?!" Hibiki asked in surprise.
"Or like how Finé as Ryoko never succeeded in her plan," Touma added, "And how Section 2 instead has a Ver that sounds rather normal?"
"Honestly, those appear to be the biggest differences alongside which Swordsmen are still around," Yuri noted, "Granted, they don't seem to be natural differences."
"It's not too surprising that the Phantom Megid had an adverse effect on the world," Elfnein spoke up, "Especially if no one was there to assist them to stop it."
"Wait, hold on," Touma said as he paused briefly, realizing something, "So was this likely the world that connected to ours during the Zwei Wing Incident?"
"More than likely," Genjuro nodded, "Needless to say, we need to step up and deal with this issue before it grows out of control."
"Which is exactly why I came here," Chris replied, "I was hoping to get some kind of backup given there's only so many of us on that other side."
"The best we can give you is Touma, Hibiki and Yuri," Genjuro replied, "Kirika and Shirabe would likely need another dosage of LiNKER soon and they're not on site at the moment."
"It also doesn't help that despite the treatments via Bremen no Rock Band that we're still running out of LiNKER fast," Elfnein admitted before sighing, "And we're still no closer to cracking the code on our Dr. Ver's data chip."
"You'll get it, I'm sure you will," Touma encouraged, "Besides, the three of us should be able to get the job done."
"Wait," Hibiki looked over at Genjuro, "What about you and Daishinji?"
"I'd rather not keep this world entirely undefended," Genjuro explained, "So having at least two of us stay behind especially when we don't have all our combatants available would be best."
"If that's settled, then we should get going," Chris suggested, "It'll be a long trip given I didn't get the chance to get the Book Gate off the rooster."
"Thankfully we can circumvent that issue," Elfnein said as she reached into her pockets before bringing out another Book Gate, "Daishinji started making more using the original one as a basis just in case we needed them."
"That guy's always coming in clutch," Chris said as she took the Book Gate from Elfnein, giving a smirk, "Even when he's not fighting he's supporting us pretty well."
"That's Daishinji for you," Touma replied before turning for the exit, "Let's get going."
"Wait a moment!" Elfnein called out, causing everyone to pause, "Before you all go, there is a theory that I'd like to share. Especially since you all will need to perform a large amount of damage given Hebi-O's healing."
"What would that be?" Chris asked, "Our Ride Gear forms should be good enough, especially since we can't go Ignite."
"While it relates to the Symphogear, it's more related to the Kamen Rider aspect of Project Ride Gear," Elfnein explained, "Daishinji theorized that a Relic themed Ride Book can tune to the user to create a stronger form if they've had a direct connection to it."
"Wait, what?" Hibiki asked as she tilted her head, "But none of the Riders have a direct connection to one of the Relics, well aside from Kanade who used… Gungnir before me…"
"Exactly," Elfnein nodded as she saw Hibiki's realization, "We've yet to test Falchion's compatibility with any of the Relic Ride Books, but considering Kanade's connection to Gungnir itself…"
"That sounds like it could be a splendid power boost," Yuri mused.
"Well what are we waiting for?" Chris asked, "Let's finish these damn anomalies off."
Parallel World:
Back at Section 2's command center, this parallel world's Genjuro was currently overlooking the footage that they were able to collect with Ver.
"This is insane…" Genjuro trailed before bowing his head, "I lost her again?"
"Doubtful," Ver said as he glanced over, "From what I could see, it's only two lesser Phantom Megid clones that are using her as a battery of sorts."
"So there's a chance?" Genjuro asked.
"Indeed," Ver smiled before sighing as he put his hands in his pockets, "Well there is if we get enough substantial backup. Their Rintaro's going to be out of commission for a while and that is an amount of time we don't have the luxury for."
"Kanade, please calm down!"
"We should've stayed!"
The two adults turned to the entrance of the command center, watching as Kanade was relentlessly following after Kamikawa who was trying to get the redhead to calm down.
"Kanade, that's enough!" Genjuro called out as he stepped forward, "I called for the retreat!"
"Give me one good reason as to why we couldn't help Tsubasa old man," Kanade growled out with a glare.
"Gladly," Ver said as he turned and leaned over towards his console, pulling up prior video footage before showing what had happened to Zooous, "Our dear commander here couldn't stand the thought of three Riders being absorbed by those abominations."
"There's also no telling how deep the absorption goes, but…" Genjuro nodded to Ver who had gone to put in a few more keystrokes.
Soon enough the video footage was pulled up, footage of the Phantom Megid absorbing Calibur being seen.
"The absorption seemed different in this case," Ver explained, "Meaning we might have a chance to free our now not mysterious Calibur, but we need the backup from your world first."
"Of course I need help," Kanade muttered as she stared downwards, her hair shadowing her eyes as she quickly marched out of the room.
"Kanade, wait!" Kamikawa called out before suddenly coughing and falling to his knees.
"You're pushing yourself too hard," Genjuro said as he hurried over, "As it stands, I can't let you go out again."
"But…" Kamikawa looked over at the commander before turning away and coughing into his hand.
"Just rest for now, you've done more than enough," Genjuro said as he went to help Kamikawa over to one of the couches in the bridge.
"Now then, all that's left is to…" Ver trailed off when a communication line was brought up, "Yes?"
"I've got the backup," Chris' voice said through the voice only communications line, "Mind sending someone to get us back down there?"
"Of course," Ver replied before looking over at Genjuro, "It appears as though our backup has arrived."
"Good," Genjuro said as he looked over, "Let's go and greet them."
Kenshin meanwhile had managed to make it back to Section 2 fairly fast, bringing Rintaro into the hospital that was connected to Lydian for treatment on Genjuro's orders. Thankfully they had just barely made it in time, the doctors all working to stabilize Rintaro before eventually settling him in a hospital room.
Kenshin was currently sitting next to the bed that Rintaro was lying in, the Swordsman of Water's equipment on the nightstand nearby.
The older swordsman could only let out a sigh of relief as he heard the constant steady and stable beeps of the monitoring equipment. He had assumed the worst but thankfully it seemed as though King Lion Daisenki's strong armor protected Rintaro just enough.
Rintaro meanwhile let out a groan, slowly but surely opening his eyes, "Where…?"
"You're in the hospital," Kenshin spoke up gently.
"I see…" Rintaro muttered, a bit surprised that the alternate version of his Master was waiting for him to wake up, "What happened?"
"I'm unsure, I just made sure your friend could go and get help while I made sure you got the help you needed," Kenshin answered.
"Thank you," Rintaro replied.
"There's no need to thank me," Kenshin shook his head, "I wasn't about to let you die in another life just because you got reckless."
"I suppose it's a constant between universes," Rintaro remarked, "But… it wouldn't be like me to simply run away. Even if the enemy is absurdly powerful, if I can do something to it…"
"You really are the same, huh?" Kenshin muttered as he hung his head, recalling some of the final words of his student.
"No, I won't run! Even if he's strong, I'll still fight to protect you Master!"
"And yet, here I am…" the elder's voice shuddered as he put a hand over his forehead while leaning forward further, his eyes starting to water, "Why did I survive? It's clear to me from what you've shown that… that you're much more capable than I am."
"Master…" Rintaro muttered as he glanced at the older man, he cleared his throat as he shifted his head while still lying down, "Please… don't give up."
"Huh?" Kenshin looked up at these words.
"I won't give up on myself," Rintaro answered, "Those are words I've always repeated despite the intense hardships I've faced. I need to keep on pushing forward, in order to stand tall like you had requested."
"There's not much I can do," Kenshin admitted, "I lost my Seiken, so I can't help with the current battle."
"You've done more than enough by caring for a stranger who reminds you of a painful loss," Rintaro smiled, "And I think that's what matters most."
Kenshin held a look of realization at this before chuckling and glancing away, "I suppose so…"
"Thank you all for coming on such short notice," Genjuro said as he held an outstretched hand.
"Its fine," Touma said as he shook Genjuro's hand, albeit awkwardly due to the fact that he had just met with his universe's Genjuro not even that long ago, "When Chris told us about what was going on, we weren't going to let things be left alone."
"Even so, I can imagine hearing and seeing are two different things," Genjuro pulled away after noticing Touma's awkwardness.
"Just a bit," Touma admitted as he glanced warily at Ver.
"I can only imagine that my presence is a bit distracting," Ver said, "However trust me when I say I hate my alternate self as well."
"I suppose that counts as something…" Touma muttered.
"This is definitely odd," Hibiki agreed.
"I have no stake in these meetings," Yuri replied bluntly, "So there is no distraction."
"I suppose there's some solace in that," Ver admitted with a shrug, "But, we should probably get down to business."
"So what's been going on since I left to get help?" Chris asked.
"Well…" Genjuro said as he and Ver looked over at each other.
Kanade yelled out as she swung Kyomu awkwardly, swinging out in random directions. There was no real stance or precision to her practice, if you could even call it that. They were wild, uncontrollable, and unpredictable. There was no true purpose to this practice either, just Kanade wanting to blow off some steam.
She had been at this for minutes upon minutes, no goal in sight, simply swinging at thin air as she began to breathe heavily. After the last swing she gripped her Seiken tightly before yelling and tossing it against the ground, it bouncing and sliding towards the entrance which opened up.
"You know, if Daishinji was here he'd probably chew your head off…"
Touma's voice had caused Kanade to pause and look over, watching as the bookstore owner picked up Kyomu while Chris and Hibiki entered alongside him. Though the three stayed at the entrance as the door closed up, the phoenix Rider realizing she wouldn't get out without a confrontation of some kind.
"Kanade, what's wrong?" Hibiki asked, clearly concerned, "Is it about this world's…?"
"I'm fine," Kanade interrupted as she turned away, "Just trying to blow off some steam."
"You haven't been fine at all," Chris narrowed her eyes as she stepped forward, "You've been off ever since earlier in the day, this mission is just finally pushing you around enough to show it to everyone else."
"I know certain things can be hard to talk about, but we're friends aren't we?" Touma asked as he recalled Daishinji's words, "If there's something bothering you, let us know so you don't have to bear it's weight all alone."
Kanade stayed silent as she kept her back facing everyone, slowly but surely raising her hand as she stared up at it, "Why…?" she asked before speaking up again, "Why am I still alive?"
Everyone went silent at this, various expressions of surprise on their faces. Chris and Touma seemed to be taking it a bit better than Hibiki, the two not really blaming Kanade for feeling this way given her situation.
"Maybe alive is too generous given how I exist right now," Kanade admitted, "I died… maybe I still am dead. I just feel like I'm drifting compared to everyone else who's managing to move forward."
"Kanade…" Hibiki muttered.
"Sure everything felt normal, if a bit odd trying to sort of fit into the current group," Kanade shrugged as she began to pace around, "But after settling in well… I started to think on everything, and sort of realized how lacking I was compared to everyone else… and that got me questioning my second existence… if you can even call it existing…"
"Please stop saying stuff like that!" Hibiki shouted as she closed her eyes and stepped forward while she gripped her chest, "I know your circumstances are strange, even I don't know how it all works, but you're breathing right now right? You can feel, taste, smell, you can experience life, right?!"
"I…" Kanade blinked a few times at Hibiki's sudden shouting while taking a step back.
"Please, don't give up on living!" Hibiki called out.
"Those words again…" Kanade said as she looked over, "What's the point in living if I don't know what I'm supposed to do? Am I supposed to fight? If so why? I'm not exactly the strongest out of all of us and I've been starting to realize that for a good while now…"
"You say that but you've done some impressive stuff," Chris replied, "I mean there was the first Phantom Megid incident recorded-"
"I didn't kill that one on my own…" Kanade admitted, "While I wasn't fairing too badly, I wasn't getting anywhere with its regeneration. Then I met what I assumed was a Kamen Rider and he helped me out."
"Wait, why didn't you mention it in the reports then?" Touma asked.
"Maybe I was insecure about it?" Kanade asked, "Or maybe I was trying to not bog the report down with too many confusing details even I didn't understand."
"But even then, you're discrediting yourself too much," Touma replied, "You've still been a great ally to us, even when you didn't have your memories."
"Yeah and it didn't really amount to much," Kanade replied, still willing to put herself down, "I was handicapped because of LiNKER as a Wielder, and even as a Rider I'm not that impressive."
"You say that like you haven't constantly died/revived," Chris raised an eyebrow, "Which on its own is pretty impressive given no one else can do that."
"You've also helped us so many different times at critical moments too," Touma reminded, "Helping Tsubasa destroy Kadingir, protecting Hibiki long enough for her to regain her song, not to mention the new form only you and Tsubasa were able to achieve to defeat Phara."
"Exactly, that combination form defeating the Autoscorer basically kept us off the worst case scenario of Carol dissecting the world," Chris reminded, "There are some things only you were able to do that helped us out."
"I know everything seems confusing, and you're not exactly sure what to do," Hibiki finally spoke up again, "But staying in one place won't give you those answers. You need to keep on living in order to truly find what you want to do. That's what I tried my hardest to do after that fateful day when you protected me, and it's why I am who I am right now."
"Sometimes you don't need a big goal or even need to figure out your purpose," Chris added, "Just living little by little is fulfilling in its own way."
"You all…" Kanade muttered as she heard the words of encouragement, "I…"
"That's also not counting the fact that it's just nice to have you around," Touma gave a reassuring smile as he walked over and held Kyomu out, "I mean, after all you're important to quite a few people in SONG. Tsubasa getting to still spend time with her important partner alongside Hibiki getting to know you better is something that shouldn't be brushed aside so easily."
"I suppose so…" Kanade chuckled as she took Kyomu in a relaxed but firm grip before letting her arm drop to her side, "I guess all my frustrations were just getting to me, and seeing this world's Tsubasa sacrifice herself while I did nothing just…"
"Remember, we're always here if you ever need to talk," Touma reassured.
"Exactly," Hibiki said as she walked over with Chris, "We'll always listen."
"You've got plenty of reliable people to talk to," Chris agreed before glancing at Touma, "That being said…"
"Oh right, Elfnein said it was a theory, but…" Touma said as he drew out Gekisō Gungnir before holding it out towards Kanade, "There may be a way for you to grow stronger after all."
"Wait, really?" Kanade asked before she stared at the Ride Book in question, "That's…"
"Gungnir," Hibiki nodded, "Because of your connection to the Gear they think you can unlock something greater than the others can with it."
"Am I really worthy to take it up again?" Kanade asked, "After what you've managed to do with…"
"I only obtained Gungnir thanks to you," Hibiki shook her head to interrupt her senior, "Just like I obtained it again from Maria. Even if you two don't wear the armor anymore, you're still important Wielders of Gungnir."
"Huh…" Kanade said before grinning and taking the Ride Book from Touma before ruffling Hibiki's hair up a bit, "Well if you're going with that logic then I guess I'll try it out."
"That's the spirit," Hibiki answered with a light giggle.
"Feel better?" Chris asked.
"Just a bit," Kanade admitted before gripping the Gekisō Gungnir Ride Book tightly, "But I'll be better if we can save this Tsubasa."
"There's actually an idea on that," Touma spoke up, "When we were told about it, and how it was different than how it had happened previously, we figured Yuri might be able to help in that regard."
"Wait, you think that Yuri's whole separation trick will work on the Phantom Megid?" Kanade asked.
"It's very possible," Touma replied, "Especially given these are strange anomalies but they resemble Megid at their core."
"If that's the kind of logic you're going with then I guess I'll go with it too," Kanade shrugged before realizing something, "Hey wait, where is Yuri anyway?"
It didn't take long for Ver to lead Yuri to the hospital that was connected to Section 2, the two making their way over to the room that Rintaro and Kenshin were in.
"Coming in," Ver said as he entered after waiting a few moments, Yuri following in after him.
"Eh? Yuri…?" Rintaro asked as he looked over in surprise.
"What's going on?" Kenshin asked as he stood up.
"I am here to help Rintaro recover, though I am unsure as to if he'll be able to fight," Yuri said as he walked over and held his hands over Rintaro, a gold light shining down on Rintaro who began to relax at the process.
"You have healing powers?" Kenshin asked, "Wait, who even are you?"
"That would be Yuri," Ver introduced, "The Seiken of Light in Rintaro's home world."
"So it truly does exist?" Kenshin asked in surprise, he had heard legends of an 11th Seiken, but to think he'd see it himself…
"Unfortunately he's not giving us any hints as to where his potential alternate self could be hidden," Ver also added with a chuckle, "Though I suppose that's entirely fair."
"It would be troublesome if a legendary power like that was unleashed," Kenshin agreed.
"I'd rather keep this world's Kougouken Saikou out of play if I'm being honest," Yuri admitted before he pulled back from Rintaro, "This is the best I can do for now, I need to conserve my energy for the coming battles."
"I think I'll be good," Rintaro reassured, going to sit up only to wince and hold his stomach as he went to lie back down, "Or not…"
"There is a possible solution that I've been discussing with Yuri actually," Ver replied as he put a hand to his chin, "And that even if Rintaro's out for the rest of this fight, we still have a Blades."
"What are you talking about?" Kenshin asked, "I can't transform anymore, I don't have Suiseiken Nagare."
"Not yours," Ver said with a small smirk.
"Wait, are you suggesting…?" Kenshin asked, "Would that even work?"
"Nagare is Nagare," Yuri replied, "It should respond to you as you are its wielder. Utilizing the Wonder Ride Books Rintaro has on the other hand…"
"I've trained hard despite everything and I have mastered utilizing a Wonder Combo," Kenshin answered as he steeled himself, "I can handle whatever my student can."
"Very well," Yuri said before looking over at Rintaro, "What do you say? It is your weapon after all."
"Let him have it," Rintaro said before looking over at Kenshin with a smile, "I can trust he'll be a great help."
"Thank you," Kenshin said as he bowed forward.
"Now then, I told the others they could go ahead," Ver said, "Because there's still one person we need to deal with and Yuri will be a big help with that."
"I'll see what I can do for him," Yuri replied as he recalled the conversation he had with Ver on the way, "After all, my healing can only go so far depending on what the ailment is."
Explosions occurred as buildings were cut or smashed into. A recovered Hebi-O and newly created Phantom-C were causing as much damage as they could. Civilians had already evacuated, Section 2 having used the Noise Alerts to get people to head into the nearest shelters as quickly as possible.
That didn't matter to the two evolved Phantom Megid, as they were simply causing as much destruction was they could to try and draw Section 2 out again.
"Stop right there!"
[BATTOU! ETERNAL PHOENIX!]
[REKKA BATTOU! WONDER RIDER! DRAGON! ARTHUR OU!]
{SG-r02: Ichaival}
{SG-r03': Gungnir}
"Oh…" Hebi-O stopped its advance and turned to see the two Riders and two Wielders before them, "Some old, some new… do you really think this will work?"
"More Seiken…" Phantom-C said as it brandished its blade.
"It's time we finally dealt with you anomalies," Chris called out, "You shouldn't underestimate us."
"Yeah," Hibiki nodded as she raised her fists, "We will take Tsubasa back from you."
"You said it kiddo," Falchion nodded as she aimed her sword forward.
"How this story ends… is for us to decide!" Saber called out before rushing forward alongside Falchion and Hibiki.
"Yes, charge at me like the fools you are!" Hebi-O yelled out before launching its tendrils forward, planning on skewering the Riders and Wielder.
{MEGA DETH PARTY}
Missiles suddenly flew past the charging Riders and Wielder, striking and exploding against the tendrils and forcing Hebi-O to retract them.
Hibiki soon launched out of the smoke with a yell, striking the anomaly straight in the gut with a strong kick. The Wielder of Gungnir didn't let up, rushing in with several strong punches and kicks to keep Hebi-O from getting any breathing room.
Phantom-C was ready to help assist Hebi-O when a bright flash of light caught its attention, raising its arms up just as an explosive burst of energy hit it.
[JAKIN!]
Saber rushed forward as he held his dual blades up, swinging out at Phantom-C to force it on the defensive. He quickly had backed up, Falchion leaping over him and slamming her sword down against Phantom-C.
Phantom-C gasped as sparks flew, staggering back, "I will be taking your alternate Seiken."
"Like we're letting you do that," Saber said before charging forward, "Come on Kanade!"
"Yeah, we're taking Tsubasa back!" Falchion called out as she charged forward.
Phantom-C quickly blocked against the Seiken of the two Riders before it, yelling as it was dragged backwards and away from the other fight by the two. Falchion and Saber soon pushed forward, forcing it into a roll before it quickly raised its sword to block against the Kingexcalibur.
"We will save this Tsubasa!" Saber yelled out as he slashed with Rekka against Phantom-C's gut, yelling further only to pause as Rekka began to shine a bright red, "It's just the same as…"
"Huh?" Falchion paused as she watched the flesh of Phantom-C bubble and slightly part, revealing a purple suit beneath it, "No way…"
"Get away from me!" Phantom-C shrieked out as it unleashed a burst of darkness to force Saber backwards, its body reforming over the Rider it had absorbed.
"Whoa, what the heck was that?" Falchion asked as she hurried over.
"I'm still not sure myself," Saber said staring at Rekka before shaking his head, "But I could see Calibur underneath that anomaly's body… we can save her!"
"Hell yeah we can," Falchion said as she rushed for Phantom-C alongside Saber.
Chris meanwhile had decided to hang back for now, their makeshift strategy being that she'd provide support to disrupt their opponents. Of course when it came to choosing who to focus on, it was easy since they had an even split for the time being. She drew out Storm Eagle, recalling how she was loaned it for this battle to help assist her.
{Wonder Ride Sync}
Hebi-O had yet to hear the announcement as it focused its efforts on defending against Hibiki's attacks. It had managed to just barely start to keep up before unleashing its tendrils once more to try and skewer the Wielder.
{Hissatsu Dokuha: Storm Eagle!}
Red energy bolts struck against the tendrils, exploding outwards into bursts of wind that shattered Hebi-O's decorative weapons at their tips.
{Ride Gear Finish!}
"What?" Hebi-O asked before catching Hibiki's next strike with both its palms, wincing at the strength behind her attack. It shoved her back only to quickly brace as more energy bolts struck against it.
"Come on, did you really think we're going to let you get comfortable?" Chris asked as she continued to fire at Hebi-O, allowing Hibiki to close in deal a strong punch to break open Hebi-O's guard.
"Take this!" Hibiki yelled out as her gauntlet's piston shot back just as she punched forward, slamming back in place to help the Wielder of Gungnir unleash a devastating punch Hebi-O's stomach.
Hebi-O coughed out as it stepped backwards from the shockwave, hunching over and holding its stomach. It then began to chuckle, this action surprising both Hibiki and Chris. It's chuckling soon turned into laugher as it wrapped its tendrils around its arms, gold and blue fire erupting and engulfing the tendrils while spiraling into drill-like patterns.
Hibiki's eyes widened as she watched Hebi-O leap upwards, quickly leaping back and avoiding it stabbing with both of its fiery drills. The result cracked the ground and caused an explosive burst.
"Crap," Chris said as Hibiki landed near her, "Is it evolving further?"
"If this is all you have to offer, then I'll simply get used to your attacks and counter them," Hebi-O boasted as it withdrew the fire and tendrils, holding its arms outwards. That was until a hailstorm of bullets began assaulting it, sparks flew as it quickly braced and backing away against the attacks.
Hibiki and Chris looked back to see who was shooting only to see two Ride Gatrikers, Kenshin and Kamikawa riding them. Of course Yuri was one of the passengers, riding on Kenshin's.
"Hey, you sure you should be out and about old man?" Chris asked the Swordsman of Earth.
"I'll be fine, Yuri helped me out," Kamikawa reassured with a smile, "Besides, you're going to want all the help you can get for this fight."
"Just don't go too overboard," Chris warned.
"But wait, didn't you say that Rintaro's Master couldn't transform?" Hibiki asked after realizing who Kenshin was.
"I will fight in Rintaro's place via his equipment," Kenshin said as he prepared the borrowed Swordriver with Nagare slotted in it alongside King Lion Daisenki, "I won't give up on myself… I will move forward from that day…"
"Huh, I didn't think it'd be possible to share transformations," Chris admitted before turning back towards Hebi-O who had finally recovered, "But whatever works."
"Yeah," Hibiki nodded, "We can do this!"
"I think it's time we finally get started," Yuri suggested, the other two members of Section 2 nodding before the three initiated their transformations.
"Henshin!"
[NAGARE BATTOU! KING LION DAISENKI!]
[ITTOU RYODAN! DOGOUKEN GEKIDO!]
[WHO IS THE SHINING SWORD? SAIKOU!]
The three soon assumed their transformed states, Saikou floating alongside the alternate Kamen Rider Blades and Buster.
"What?" Hebi-O asked as it took a step forward.
"Incredible," Blades let out a light gasp as he looked himself over, "It's almost overwhelming in how strong this form is."
"Don't get too used to it," Buster said as he moved over to join Hibiki and Chris, Blades following after him. He looked back at Saikou, "We'll handle things here for now, please, save Tsubasa."
"Do not worry, so long as Touma's fighting then we will do what needs to be done," Saikou said before launching off towards the fight with Phantom-C.
Phantom-C reeled back from a few slashes against it before raising its blade and blocking both Falchion's and Saber's advances. It chuckled and pushed them back, leaping forward only to gasp as it was struck in the gut by Saikou who flew past it.
"Yuri," Saber said as the Seiken had floated towards him, "I take it everything went well?"
"As well as it could," Saikou admitted, "For now let us focus on freeing this world's Calibur."
"Right," Saber nodded, "Kanade, we're going to need a bit of an opening."
"Leave it to me," Falchion said as she slotted Kyomu into her Bladriver before swapping out Eternal Phoenix for Gekisō Gungnir, "Let's see this work!"
[BATTOU!]
A burst of energy occurred as Falchion withdrew Kyomu to initiate the form change, forming two rings around her that soon burst apart and became glowing pieces that shaped themselves into armoring. The armoring soon shot towards the phoenix Rider, latching on with the light bursting apart to reveal the new armor.
[ETERNAL RELIC!]
It was a simple form change, and it could be aptly described as parts of Kanade's variant of the Gungnir Symphogear overlapping onto her Falchion armor. Her shin and outer thigh armoring resembled that of when she wore the Gungnir Symphogear, but in white. She also had the white gauntlets of Gungnir, though more stretched out over her forearms. Her chest and stomach armor gained white patterning, resembling an open coat as her left side coattail of phoenix feathers were turned white and also extended, having feathers flowing down from the back of her waist alongside the right. Coming up from underneath her armor was a white popped collar while her helmet's sides had the same design as the headgear she used to wear.
[The unrivaled song returns everything to nothing!]
(Insert: Gyakkō no Resolve by Minami Takyama)
Falchion slotted Kyomu back into the Bladriver, orange and white fire erupting from her palms. The fire extended before dispersing to reveal the legendary spear, Gungnir. She twirled it over her head before swinging her right arm to the side while holding her left hand forward.
"Whoa," Saber muttered in awe, "It worked…"
"Most splendid," Saikou spoke up.
"Just what do you hope to gain by this change?" Phantom-C questioned before rushing forward.
Falchion yelled out as she gripped Gungnir tightly with both hands before charging forward, deflecting one of Phantom-C's swings before going to jab and swing with her spear. Her assault managed to catch the anomaly off guard, forcing it to dodge around her strikes and swings. Of course she had gone low to distract it, swinging the end of her spear and smacking Phantom-C in the head before shifting, soon thrusting forward and stabbing against it.
Sparks flew as Phantom-C was sent staggering back, "What kind of power is this?"
"It's my power, that's what it is," Falchion called out before rushing forward with her spear.
"Yuri, I was able to kind of get Rekka to react again," Saber spoke up now that Phantom-C was distracted.
"Intriguing," Saikou mused, "Do you recall the feeling you felt when that happened both times?"
"I…" Saber paused as he recalled his feelings both times, "I wanted to save the person trapped inside."
"Keep focusing on that feeling when you attack," Saikou suggested, "That may just help you better strengthen that power. However, even then it might not be enough…"
"We can't give up though," Saber insisted.
"We can't, which is why I'm glad your allies make such useful tools," Saikou noted, "Utilize Airgetlam's Ride Book, it should boost my power."
"Wait, seriously?" Saber asked.
"Yes," Saikou replied.
"Alright then," Saber said, deciding not to question it as he slotted Rekka into his Swordriver, replacing King of Arthur with Ginwan Airgetlám. He gripped Rekka before drawing it out, "I'll trust your word!"
[REKKA BATTOU! WONDER RIDER! DRAGON! AIRGETLÁM!]
A bright white light shined before fading to reveal Saber in Dragon Airgetlam form. His left arm and side of his stomach gained coloration that resembled that of Maria's Airgetlam armor alongside the actual armoring of the gauntlet and shoulder piece that Airgetlam held. The left half of the helmet also changed, now having armoring resembling Maria's headgear.
"Perfect," Saikou said as he slipped into Saber's right hand, Saber himself launching out the dagger that Maria would use from the gauntlet on his left arm before grasping it with his free hand.
Fire erupted from Falchion's spear as the Rider leapt high into the air, the fire spreading out and forming various flaming projections of Gungnir. Falchion aimed downwards with her weapon, the fiery spears all launching down at high speeds against Phantom-C and exploding upon contact.
{STARDUST∞FOTON}
Phantom-C yelled out as it unleashed a dark burst to disperse the fire and smoke from the explosions, leaping upwards just as Falchion landed.
"Let's see how you like this," Falchion said as she began spinning the pole of Gungnir in her hand, turning the spear into a makeshift drill. She then used her other hand to increase the speed, fires erupting before she aimed forward, unleashing a fiery twister against Phantom-C and forcing it back down to the ground.
{LAST∞METEOR}
Phantom-C coated its body in darkness, bracing against the raging fires before slashing outwards and dispersing it.
"Not bad," Falchion remarked before glancing back, "However…"
"It's time we finish this!" Saber shouted as he lashed out with his dagger, the blade of it extending into a chain-like whip that he swung towards Phantom-C with.
"While your power output is above average… I don't expect that to happen," Phantom-C quickly slashed at the whip-sword, deflecting it. Despite this it hung in the air and wasn't recalled as Saber rushed in as it landed, "Huh?"
"Considering your overconfidence…" Saber said as he yanked at his whip-sword and jerked around his arm a few times before kneeling and stabbing the hilt of it into the ground, "I think I'll manage it anyway!"
Phantom-C didn't have a chance to react, the whip-sword quickly ensnaring and trapping it in one place thanks to Saber digging the base of it into the ground, "What is the meaning of this?"
"Needed you in one place," Saber said as he drew out Rekka, charging Saikou's finisher while tapping his Story Ride Book.
[SAIKOU HAKKOU!]
[GINWAN AIRGETLÁM]
Instead of the Ride Book's activation powering the Armed Gear that had trapped Phantom-C, it instead powered up Saber's arm, a bright shining light emitting that Saikou soon absorbed as he began to shine bright as well.
Phantom-C could only watch as Saber closed in, struggling before yelling out and unleashing a burst of darkness to break the replica Armed Gear that had trapped it. But it was too late as Saber had slashed, pressing both of his blades against the anomaly's chest.
"Just what do you think this will accomplish?" Phantom-C questioned, "Two Seiken won't…" it paused as it felt its skin bubble and while being peeled away, parts of Calibur showing underneath it, "W-What is…?"
"See you wouldn't know this but back in my particular world, I went through a series of trials and managed to obtain the blessing of the Kougouken Saikou," Saber said as he focused his feelings, Rekka's blade shining a bright red as the bubbling and peeling continued to tear the strengthened Phantom Megid apart, "It's a sword that has the handy ability to separate a human from a Megid, and guess what you guys are at the end of it all?"
"N-No way…" Phantom-C gasped out as it felt its grip on the Rider of Darkness slip further, "Impossible!"
"It is not impossible," Saikou said before shouting as he increased his output, "Let there be light!"
"Dragon's Silver Cross Slash!" Saber roared out as he slashed downwards with both weapons. Red, gold, and silver light erupted from the blades before an explosion occurred.
Phantom-C gurgled out as it rapidly stumbled out of the smoke, the entire front half of its body torn through and opened up, revealing that it was entirely hollow inside. It was now an empty shell that was currently attempting to seal itself as it backed away.
[HISSATSU MOKUDO!]
A large shadow suddenly covered it, it turning with another gurgle only to gasp as gigantic Gungnir spear was falling downwards towards it. Falchion was following the spear, kicking against the pommel of it to accelerate its fall.
Falchion yelled as she closed in, "Spear Orbit!"
[GEKISŌ HISSATSU MUSOU GEKI!]
The massive Gungnir crashed down against the damaged Phantom-C, the weapon suddenly exploding into fire that all funneled itself towards the Phantom Megid, trapping it in a raging inferno as Falchion landed on her knee facing away from it. As she picked herself she glanced back and saw as the fires raged further, burning Phantom-C's body further before turning it to ashes.
(Insert End)
She quickly looked over, watching as the smoke cleared from Saber's attack. The Swordsman of Flame holding onto a kneeling Calibur who was shaking and breathing heavily.
"You're going to be alright," Saber said, "We got you out of that thing."
Calibur continued to breathe heavily, just barely registering that Saber and Saikou were near her before she felt another presence in front of her. She looked up to see Falchion staring down at her.
"Hey," Falchion spoke up, "You okay?"
"Y-Yeah…" Calibur spoke up shakily as she began to pick herself up, nearly falling only for Falchion to grab onto her and keep her stable, "Thank you…"
"Hey, you've got a lot of people who care about you so I wasn't about to let you go out like that," Falchion replied, "Especially your Kanade, even if she hasn't woken up yet."
"What?" Calibur asked.
"When she wakes up, you should still be around so she isn't left alone," Falchion replied, "I remember you saying something similar to me when you hit me with that gut punch."
"I see," Calibur nodded, giving a light chuckle, "I suppose you're right."
"That said," Falchion said as she looked over at the sounds of fighting, "Still got it in you for at least one more fight?"
"Of course," Calibur said as she managed to pull away and stand up straight, "Let's get going."
{Ride Change: Ichaival Sanjo!}
{Ride Change: Kin-no-Gungnir!}
Flashes of gold and red occurred as Hibiki rushed towards Hebi-O, Chris leaping high into the air with her enhanced agility. Hibiki punched forward while Chris shot an arrow out, it morphing into a projection of a dog's head as it bit down once it was close enough. Meanwhile Buster and Blades yelled as they charged in at different angles, slashing towards Hebi-O, the plan being to try and overwhelm it.
Hebi-O stayed where it was however, its tendrils lifting themselves up to block all of the attacks. It then pushed its attackers backwards while shattering the attack Chris had sent at it. The tendrils all raised up higher however, spheres of energy forming before launching outwards and striking the ground before exploding.
The Riders and Wielders all shouted as they were forced back by the explosions, smoke kicking up as Blades rolled before getting in a kneeling stance.
Hebi-O marched towards the Swordsman of Water before launching all of its tendrils towards him. Blades however yelled out, unleashing bursts of blue energy from his cannons to deflect the tendrils. The enhanced Phantom Megid hissed as it went to march forward only to feel its back dug into. It turned and swung out, forcing Buster away who had used the beast's attention on Blades to catch it off guard.
[BURST!]
Blades yelled out, unleashing two powered up blasts of energy out of his cannons and striking against the anomaly, sparks flying as Hebi-O was forced to step back several paces.
"Hibiki Style…" Hibiki took a deep breath as she leapt towards Hebi-O, her gold fist growing shinier as the light reflected off of it and blinded the anomaly briefly, "…Gold Storm!"
Hebi-O gathered its tendrils around its arms, forming its drills again as it braced. A gold burst of energy occurred as the tendrils were unraveled, the anomaly taking a step back before yelling and launching them towards HIbiki.
Hibiki let out a gasp as she quickly backed up, raising her arms to brace and defend herself as she was forced back. She spun, swinging her right arm forward as her gauntlet opened up and extended out axe-heads, "Hibiki Style: Iron Cutter!"
The quick counter had managed to unleash a gold slash while striking at the tendrils directly, forcing them backwards.
Hebi-O however yelled further, summoning multiple copies of Zooous' blades before having its tendrils grip them like one normally would. The blades glowed with energy as the anomaly began to slash all around, unleashing waves of crescent energy to keep his distance from the Rider and Wielders.
[BURST!]
{Hissatsu Dokuha: Storm Eagle!}
Despite the attacks Blades and Chris were able to get up fast enough, using their various ranged attacks to strike at tendrils, breaking them and causing the weapons to fall. Before they were able to fully retract, the tendrils were suddenly wrapped around by a silver extended whip-blade.
"Like we'll let you keep on using those!" Saber shouted as he was holding a new replica of Airgetlam's armed gear, tugging on the whip-sword to keep the tendrils in place, "Yuri!"
"On it," Saikou shouted as he launched out towards the tendrils, spinning rapidly and becoming a spinning saw of light. The light sliced through the tendrils at their lowest point, making them complete stubs as the cut ends shattered from the force of the cutting.
"Do not think this will deter me," Hebi-O hissed out as it tried to regenerate its tendrils only for several energy slashes to strike against its back and destroy the base of the tendrils, its back becoming scarred.
Upon turning it was greeted by Falchion who yelled out and slashed forward, striking the anomaly across the chest with an energized Gungnir.
{STARLIGHT∞SLASH}
"What?" Hebi-O gasped as it held its chest, "That form…"
"Whoa, Kanade it worked!" Hibiki's eyes lit up.
"It's like an inverse of our forms," Chris said as she noticed how the form affected Falchion's armoring.
"Yep, and that's not all," Falchion let out a soft chuckle.
A burst of darkness occurred behind Hebi-O, and before it could turn back it felt a blade press against it.
[JAAKU READ!]
"You're not getting away this time," the darkness faded to reveal that Calibur was speaking, her weapon charged with dark energy as she dragged it down to slice through the Phantom Megid further.
[KURAYAMI HISSATSU GEKI! SHUUTOKU ISSEN!]
Darkness exploded outwards, tearing into Hebi-O who gasped out and staggered forward as sparks flew from its body. It hunched forward before falling onto its hands and knees, it's back slowly regenerating but clearly taking its time now.
"No…" it said in an almost desperate manner, surprising quite a few of the combatants, "I can't be ending up like this… I was supposed to go beyond…" it said as it began to pound the concrete with one of its fists repeatedly, "I was supposed to become more!"
"Just what are you trying to do?" Buster questioned.
"I do not know. All I know is I must grow," Hebi-O answered, "I must find what is beyond my current state!"
"Like we'll let that happen," Chris gritted her teeth, "We need to end it now!"
"Then let's go for it," Saber suggested, "Hit it with everything you've got!"
"You ready to do this?" Falchion turned towards Calibur as she held up her left fist.
"I'll…" Calibur stared at Falchion before shaking her head and going to knock her right fist against Falchion's, "No, we'll finish this monstrosity off together."
"That's the spirit," Falchion chuckled.
Blades and Buster nodded to each other, the Swordsman of Water activating his Booster's finisher with King Lion Daisenki while Buster activated Gekido's finisher. The two then ran towards opposite sides, Buster gathering the rubble in his sword and extending it to where it was only slightly bigger than average while Blades had water spiraling around his blade.
"It's time to finally break free from our past!" Blades shouted as he ran towards Hebi-O's left.
"With this, we'll put all those fallen souls at ease!" Buster shouted as he ran towards Hebi-O's right.
Hebi-O let out a gasp as it stood, but it was too late as both Blades and Buster slashed past him, the two sliding onto opposite sides.
[LIONIC FULL BURST!]
[KAISHIN NO GEKIDO RONDOKU GEKI! DOGON!]
"Dragon's Shining Cross Slash!" Saber called out as he closed in with Saikou, initiating both of his Seiken's finishers.
Hebi-O had attempted to grab at Saber only for the Rider to easily bat away the swings with the enhanced blades, Rekka shining bright silver while Saikou shined a bright gold. Upon Hebi-O's guard being broken, it was sliced in rapid succession by Saber, several burning cuts occurring as a result.
[DRAGON! AIRGETLÁM! NISATSU GIRI! F-F-FIRE!]
[SAIKOU HAKKOU!]
"Hibiki Stlye…" Hibiki stepped forward as she held both of her arms forward, gripping her enlarged fists tightly as the forearm portion of the gauntlet began spinning rapidly. She let out a shout as she launched the fists forward, the two rocketing off with tornado-like wind following from behind, "…Vortex Rocket Punch!"
The gauntlets flew forward though the right fist picked up more speed, punching straight past the Hebi-O and tearing through part of its stomach. The left fist meanwhile finally closed in, coming in at an angle as it slammed into the anomaly. It had angled itself to where it became an uppercut, carrying the creature high into the air, tearing through its chest in the process.
{Kin-no-Gungnir! Isatsu Geki!}
Chris meanwhile closed one eye, taking aim as her crossbow shifted into that of an enlarged bow, her armor glowing as she gained three extra copies, each having the mask of a dog, pheasant, and monkey covering their face. The four pulled back the string of their bows, energy arrows forming before they launched them forward.
It didn't take long for the four arrows to strike one after the other, each exploding and sending the anomaly higher up.
{Ichaival Sanjo! Isatsu Geki!}
"Alright, let's put this thing down for good!" Chris shouted as he clones vanished.
"Yeah," Saber said before turning, "Kanade, Tsubasa!"
The two had been charging their finishers the entire time, Falchion utilizing her Bladriver's finisher while Calibur had scanned Jaaku Dragon thrice. The two leapt upwards, eventually rising higher than the airborne Hebi-O, Falchion tossing her spear and launching it towards Hebi-O before the two kicked towards the anomaly.
Hebi-O was just barely regaining its bearings, only to be stabbed by Gungnir, the spear embedding itself deep between what was left of its stomach and chest.
"Get that monstrosity!" Blades called out.
"And get it good!" Buster shouted as he raised a fist.
Falchion's right leg erupted in orange, white, and black flames while Calibur's erupted in purple flames. The two slammed their right feet against the spearhead of Gungnir, the fires transferring to it and erupting out, engulfing Hebi-O.
"Impossible…!" Hebi-O yelled out as it tried to reach towards the two only to be unable to, "I… I…!"
"You're going down!" Falchion called out.
"Indeed!" Calibur called out, "You won't be surviving past today!"
Hebi-O screamed out as its body was enveloped by both Falchion's and Calibur's flames. While Calibur's smothered and tore it apart, Falchions raged further and burned its torn apart pieces away. This coupled with the fact that it was high in the air, the two dragging it downwards for quite a while, meant their finishers kept going and going… which meant its regeneration was stalled as it was continually eaten away at by the finishers.
The two eventually slammed it into the concrete, dragging it across the ground before slipping past it.
[GEKISŌ HISSATSU MUSOU GEKI!]
[KURAYAMI HISSATSU GEKI! SHUUTOKU SANSEN!]
Hebi-O let out a weak gasp as it exploded, the fires engulfing it as the remainder of its body was rapidly torn apart and burned away, no single piece remaining. Falchion and Calibur meanwhile slid across the ground in a kneeling stance, the two slowing down before stopping. They turned and stood up, watching as the fires dispersed to reveal only scorched ground.
"We did it…" Falchion said.
"Yeah… we did," Calibur nodded slowly before suddenly falling forward, her transformation dismissing itself as Falchion quickly caught her, soon slumping and falling unconscious.
"Looks like you tired yourself out," Falchion said as she began to set the unconscious Tsubasa down as the other Riders and Wielders began to approach.
Watching the scene from afar was Gaze, the strange entity giving a low hum as he was undetected by any of the current Riders or Wielders.
"Gaze's log," he said as he held up his recorder up, "It appears as though despite assisting in hiding them and allowing them to advance, the Phantom Megid here were unable to truly grow. Disappointing…" he trailed off before clearing his throat, "However I will have to be careful in the future, as I was not expecting SONG to have expertly mobilized their Parallel World teams in such short time."
With a click of a button he pocketed the recorder before turning and walking off.
The Next Day:
The parallel world team had decided to spend the rest of the day in the parallel world, well everyone but Yuri. The Sword of Light had been tasked with heading back to their main world to inform the others that everyone would be taking a necessary breather but that the anomaly had been taken care of.
The group of Kanade, Chris, Rintaro, Touma and Hibiki were currently at the warehouse area where the gateway of Gjallarhorn was located. Seeing them off were Ver, Kamikawa and Kenshin. Genjuro had chosen to leave it to them as he was planning on making sure Tsubasa was alright, the Wielder of Kurayami having been placed in the hospital connected to Lydian in order to recover.
"Shame that Tsubasa couldn't be here," Kamikawa admitted.
"She's earned a nice long rest," Kanade replied, "Hopefully things will be better for you all with her."
"We can only hope," Kamikawa said before smiling, "Though you look to have regained some of your spark."
"This trip was surprisingly helpful," Kanade admitted, "Still not sure about some things, but I've got time to figure stuff out."
"That's what I like to hear," Kamikawa smiled further.
"You've grown fairly strong," Kenshin complimented the alternate version of his student, "I'm sure your version of me would be proud."
"I appreciate the sentiment," Rintaro smiled, "I'm just glad our plan worked out."
"I'll admit I'm still kind of reeling from that form…" Kenshin admitted as he went to roll his arm only to wince slightly, "But I suppose that just makes you even that more impressive."
"I suppose," Rintaro nodded, "But you being able to handle that power is also just as impressive."
"I wasn't picked as a Swordsman of Water for nothing," Kenshin chuckled.
"I suppose all's well that ends well," Ver said as he was currently talking with Touma, Hibiki and Chris, though he was also holding onto a thick and large silver briefcase, "What will you all do now?"
"Head back, and deal with our issues alongside any other ones that pop up on parallel worlds," Touma explained.
"What about you?" Hibiki asked.
"Continue researching ways to help this world I suppose," Ver admitted, "However, it sounds like you all still have a lot of work and not a lot of resources."
"What are you getting at?" Chris asked as she raised an eyebrow.
"This," Ver said as he held the briefcase up before opening it, a brief cold mist being released from it as it was revealed to be a briefcase full of LiNKER, "LiNKER Model-K, the same you're using to keep three of your members still active."
"Wait, what?" Touma asked.
"Unfortunately unlike your counterpart, I'm not well versed in the ways of LiNKER, but we did have a lot of spares due to our Kanade being inactive at the moment," Ver explained as he closed the briefcase before handing it to Touma who took it from her. He then shuffled around in her pockets before drawing out a Relic Pendant, "There's also this."
"Wait, a Relic?" Hibiki asked.
"Wait is that supposed to be…?" Chris trailed.
"It's the second Gungnir that Finé created and was holding onto," Ver replied, "The chances of our Kanade waking up are slim to none, plus her original Gunngir was spared and has since been repaired. Considering how potent those Gear Ride Books are, I figured I could contribute to your scientific discoveries by giving you another sample to test with."
"That is awfully nice of you…" Chris narrowed her eyes as she snatched the Relic Pendant away from Ver and looked it over, "What's the catch? Why do all of this for us?"
"I suppose I'm being slightly selfish and wanting you to see me in a better light than my counterpart from your world," Ver admitted with a sheepish chuckle as he grabbed the back of his neck before quickly clearing his throat, "Even then, I want to help out wherever I can, and if it means helping out seemingly the only people who wish to solve this Phantom Megid problem? Then I'll do so without a moment's hesitation."
"We… appreciate it?" Touma said, but mostly asked, still trying to get used to this version of Ver.
"You better," Ver remarked before turning and walking away to stand at a distance, "But we should get out of your hair, you have places to be, correct?"
"Right," Touma nodded as he and the other team members went to gather while Kenshin and Kamikawa went to stand near Ver.
"~Balwisyall nescell Gungnir tron~"
"~Killter Ichaival tron~"
[BATTOU!]
[REKKA/NAGARE BATTOU!]
The five assumed their base Rider and Symphogear forms before turning towards the green light that was emitted. Saber stepped forward and activated the Book Gate.
[BOOK GATE! OPEN THE GATE!]
The five glanced back at the parallel versions of people they knew, watching the three wave them off before they turned back towards the book portal that had opened up. They stepped forward and entered it before the book closed up and shrunk.
Genjuro ran as fast as he could through the hospital's halls, having gotten alerted that there was something wrong in the room that he had left Tsubasa in. Entering it he soon saw that Tsubasa was no longer in her bed, though her sheets were still covering it for some reason. The most notable difference in the room was that the window had been opened up however and kept open.
He had put two and two together, quickly rushing towards the window only for his eyes to widen.
Tsubasa was still nearby, having leapt down to the ground and landed without issue. She seemed to be standing there for a while since she was already looking up at the room she had leapt from. Catching her Uncle's gaze she stared at him long and hard before she let out a small but noticeable smile. She placed her hands in her coat pockets before turning and walking off, a slight bounce in her steps.
Genjuro could only let out a soft smile at this. Glad to see that despite Tsubasa clearly still wanting some space, she seemed better than what he had seen of her via what little she showed of herself. It was the smile that tipped him off however, especially when he realized something, something he noted was off but only now realized.
He turned back to the bed, noticing the sheet was covering it but it was uneven and bumpy for some reason. He quickly walked over and threw the sheet off, his eyes widening at what he was seeing. The Suiseiken Nagare, Raimeiken Ikazuchi, Fuusouken Hayate, and the Onjuuken Suzune were underneath. While Kaenken Rekka wasn't with them, most of the swords that were under the Logos Sector's eye had been returned.
Tsubasa was currently in a closed off space at Lydian, staring at the Kaenken Rekka and holstering it on loop that hung on her pants before drawing out Kurayami. She let out a soft shout as she cut through the space in front of her, a dark portal opening up before she entered.
"I suppose I can loosen up a bit…" she said as she fully entered the darkness, the portal closing up behind her.
Main World:
In Gjallarhorn's chamber, a book projection formed before opening itself up, Saber, Blades, Falchion, Hibiki, and Chris all stepping through before their transformations dismissed themselves. The four glanced back at the Gjallarhorn, all of them noting how the light it shined was dimmer than when the alert first went off.
"Looks like we made it back safely," Touma said as he looked around before holding up the briefcase, "And it looks like other items can travel through as well."
"Yep," Chris said as she held up the spare Relic Pendant.
"Welcome back, it's good to see you all made it back alright," Genjuro said as he walked in with Sophia, Daishinji and Elfnein. He paused however when he saw the briefcase, "What is that?"
"A few gifts from the parallel world that should help us in the long run," Touma said as he opened it up, revealing the extra Model-K LiNKER they had received, "The same kind we're using for the others while we figure out how to produce our own."
"Whoa," Elfnein felt relieved but also was in awe at this news, "We'll have to run some tests but this is an incredible gift if it proves to be the same as our LiNKER."
"What's the other gift?" Daishinji asked before he watched Chris hold out the Relic Pendant, "Huh?"
"It's a spare Gungnir," Chris said, "I'm not sure what we'll need it for, but it's here."
"Interesting," Daishinji said as he went over to retrieve the gifts from Chris and Touma, "Unexpected, but potentially very useful."
"Thank you all for your hard work," Sophia said, "Luckily nothing's come up so you can rest and relax for the time being."
"We also confirmed that before Yuri arrived that Gjallarhorn's signal had calmed down," Elfnein added, "Meaning you dealt with the anomaly."
"We've also added the parallel world to our database," Genjuro explained, "Fujitaka and Tomosato were able to catalog the coordinates and signal just in case we need to go back."
"Sweet," Kanade replied before she put her hands behind her head, "Guess we can really call it mission accomplished."
"Speaking of the mission, did our theory test out?" Elfnein asked.
"Yep," Kanade smirked as she held out Gekiso Gungnir, "Felt weird using my old power again, but it also felt pretty good."
"We'll have to tune a few things now that we know it works," Daishinji said, "But I'm glad to hear that we were able to strengthen one of our members."
"Well with all that out of the way I'm ready to just relax," Chris said as she slumped slightly.
"That I can agree with," Rintaro nodded.
"It was pretty strenuous," Touma agreed.
"Yeah, but it all worked out," Hibiki said before realizing something, "Oh no wait, I nearly forgot!"
"Huh?" Kanade looked over, "What did you forget?"
"There's something very important we need to figure out!" Hibiki called out with near urgency, "It's-!"
A Few Days Later…
"CHEERS!"
Inside the storefront of Fantastic Bookstore Kamiyama, different drinks in glasses all clinked together. Tsubasa and Maria had finally returned, with Hibiki having rallied the rest of the Wielders alongside Miku, Touma, Rintaro, Yuri, and Kanade in throwing a party for the two idols return.
It was a bit of a squeeze since there were eleven of them, and the bookstore was only so large at its front. But Touma managed to make it work for the most part when preparing for the day, various decorations being set up alongside a few small tables that had various drinks and snack foods scattered about.
"You all really didn't have to do this," Tsubasa insisted, though despite this she still smiled.
"It's been a while since we had a party like this," Touma reminded, "Plus we're not as on high alert as we were with Carol and the Autoscorers so we're able to relax a lot more this time with you all coming back."
"That… is a fair point," Maria agreed, "I suppose despite the situation at hand, things are more relaxed than before."
"Yeah," Hibiki nodded, "I figured we could all use a party to relax and have fun after everything."
Shirabe meanwhile was staring at the food, "Hmm…"
"Is something the matter, dess?" Kirika asked.
"I'm thinking the next time we have something this big, I want to cook for it," Shirabe admitted.
"I'm sure you'd do a wonderful job, dess!" Kirika reassured.
"If it's as good as these snacks, then I very much await it," Yuri said as he passed the two, currently filling his plate up with more snacks, clearly enamored by everything he had seen/tried already.
"You know I never thought I'd see someone more enamored by food than the dummies… but here we are," Chris said as she held a deadpan stare at Yuri's antics.
"W-What are you even trying to say?" Rintaro questioned.
"You're a sweets maniac," Chris turned towards Rintaro to point at him before pointing at Hibiki, "And she's a food maniac."
"Okay, that's fair," Rintaro hung his head, choosing to admit defeat.
"Eh? I don't think I'm that bad though…" Hibiki tried to defend.
"Hibiki…" Miku sighed as she hung her head.
"So you forgot about how you kept eating all of the fruit baskets I kept giving Elfnein, huh?" Chris asked as she raised her fist, a dangerous aura emanating from her as she was severely annoyed.
"Uh…" Hibiki trailed off as she didn't have a proper answer, "They were good fruit baskets?"
"Alright, come here!" Chris shouted as she raised her fist and began marching over to Hibiki who tried to hide away from Chris.
"Ah, please let's not get too active!" Touma shouted, not wanting a huge mess to be made.
SMACK!
A stuffed Octopus was launched into the air, it being one of the stuffed animals that hadn't been put up. The result had been Hibiki throwing it in fear at Chris, it smacking the white haired girl straight in the face.
"W-Why you…" Chris glared as the Octopus slid off of her face, her fist clenching further as the dangerous aura grew in intensity.
"Oh no…" Miku muttered as she saw this.
As the party continued, and everyone began to calm down and break into their own groups, Tsubasa had chosen to wander off to a corner, going to sit while taking out a couple pieces of paper and writing a few things down. They were mostly potential ideas for new songs that she could perform. While she wasn't an active idle writer like Touma was when it came to most days, she did have bursts of inspiration every now and again.
"So what are you up to?" Kanade asked as she leaned on the seat Tsubasa was sitting in, the Wielder of Ame no Habakiri letting out a small squeak of surprise at the sudden appearance of her friend, "Well?"
The wielder of Kyomu had ended up changing up her casual appearance after the mission had ended. She had gone for fairly light blue jeans with brown boots, a loose white shirt with a black flower-patterned blouse over it. She had also picked out a new coat, it being a black leather coat that only reached down to the back of her upper waist. Though said coat was currently hanging near the door since she wanted to relax a bit.
"Just writing down some ideas before I forget," Tsubasa replied while glancing back at Kanade before giving a smile, "I must admit though, you seem to be doing better since last I saw you."
"You really think so?" Kanade asked.
"It looks like a massive weight's been lifted off your shoulders," Tsubasa explained, "I noticed a similar feeling from Kamiyama today as well."
"Really now…" Kanade said before looking up, "I suppose that is true, sort of gained some clarity on what I should be doing nowadays."
"That's good to hear," Tsubasa smiled, "I'm honestly glad both of you ended up figuring things out."
"Yeah, same here," Kanade replied.
"Ah Tsubasa," Miku said as she hurried over, "I was wondering if you weren't busy if you could help me take a few things upstairs for Touma."
"Gladly," Tsubasa said as she went to pocket her pen and papers before standing.
Miku had Tsubasa follow after her, the two grabbing trays that weren't being used and heading to the back of the shop before heading upstairs. Eventually they made their way to the kitchen to toss anything disposable while putting any dishes or silverware in the sink.
"Actually…" Miku spoke up suddenly just as they were finishing, "I have another favor to ask."
"Of course," Tsubasa said, unsure what Miku wanted but still chose to be polite, "What exactly did you need?"
"I… I…" Miku wasn't sure what to say before taking a deep breath, "I need you to promise me to tell no one but Touma and Yuri about this."
"Of course," Tsubasa nodded, "But why only them?"
"Because they're the only ones that know alongside a few others, the rest of them down there don't," Miku explained as she looked over at Tsubasa, "I want you to help train me in the way of the sword."
"K-Kohinata…?" Tsubasa asked with a stammer, caught off guard by the request, "But why?"
"Because I'm training to become the next Kamen Rider Espada," Miku explained in a somewhat low voice, but she knew her answer was heard clearly as Tsubasa's expression was nothing but immediate shock, "Daishinji had told me that having others like you and Ogawa helping out would be great for my training. And after considering it… I realized you all will find out eventually."
"I see," Tsubasa replied, surprised by the sudden revelation but managing to keep herself calm. Of course she did realize something about Miku's words, "But Tachibana…"
"I'll let her know when I've fully completed my training," Miku answered, "In order to show her that I am ready for this."
"I see," Tsubasa said as she closed her eyes, a smile forming at her lips before she locked eyes with her friend, "Then I accept, but do not expect me to be the easiest teacher."
"Of course," Miku nodded, bowing at the response, "Thank you."
To Be Continued…
Author's Note: Well we finished our first parallel world. When drafting up this season I knew Gjallarhorn related issues were going to need at least three chapters to sort through. I wanted to have some depth to where two chapters weren't enough but I knew I didn't want to go overboard. The main issue to deal with is the Phantom Megid of the Arc and maybe a couple of personal issues, but I do want to leave these Parallel Worlds open ended.
That said I had some fun with this because it's Kanade's turn for an upgrade. I figured I'd do something special for her which resulted in her using the Gear Ride Book based on Gungnir. The Eternal Relic callout was pretty much me referencing the different callouts Kyomu would do for other Ride Books and applying it to Gekisō Gungnir's usage. When it came to powers though this form was easy to figure out, basically giving Kanade access to her Armed Gear and Attacks she used to have, while also spicing it up with some XDU Exclusive ones.
That said, not much else to say aside from us starting a new arc next chapter, so please look forward to it. Thanks for reading and I'll see you all next time.