Reviews:
Tigracho: Yup. That was what Yosuke wanted. For Tsubasa to be free. Fudo is the number 1 reason they were so secretive about their relationship. He's been the cause of her turmoils, and Yosuke did his best to save her from his hands. Noble Red power-up coming up. You're on the right track. Angelo is already the strongest of them by default. So his buff will be that much stronger. He has the Satan Relic inside of him, after all. Maybe...it possesses an even more terrifying power. For Allister...well, his and Terunosuke's paths are bleak. It's not like they can just run to SONG. They've killed important people to them, after all. Allister killed two of them. That's why Terunosuke just left and tried his luck by being alone. I doubt he'd join Shem-Ha since Loki poses more of an overall threat and is stronger. So it's in his best interest not to put an even bigger target on himself. Because then, he'd be risking not only Elsa but also Mona's life. In other words, the guy is in a pretty fucked up situation.
True, Shem-Ha and Loki have very different goals. That's why Loki never bothered trying to restore Shem-Ha. He knew she would get in the way of his plans. And Shem-Ha is aware that Loki may just be plotting something. Narfi was the one who was supposed to be in the middle. Like a mediator. But he turned rogue. We'll get more Loki backstory in due time. I agree. Tsubasa was just too stressed and many things led to this. Yosuke also feels the same way, but he realizes that he can't just give up and leave the others alone. Not after all the sacrifices their friends made. In a way, she figured Fudo's plans are more "humane", per se. At least they don't require the annihilation of all life. I think a tyrant over complete devastation is acceptable. Fudo seems to care more about prestige and power rather than protection. The way I see it, he only cares about Japan because he doesn't have power if there's no Japan. After all, he's the one who sent Noble Red to that stadium and they ended up killing everyone. So clearly he doesn't care about the citizens.
To be honest, I think they might figure something out. Fudo was the biggest obstacle in their relationship. But with him gone, they can finally be for the moment, concerns are off the table. Since...well, there is a date for Ragnarok. And Shem-Ha is running around. Taking it easy isn't really a choice for them. But I doubt she would quit. And for sure Yosuke wouldn't accept her quitting for his sake. After all, this is her dream. Yeah, Bragard and Fudo, are bastards to the end. And they met their ends. However, Bragard is just a puppet in the form of Nightmare. But it's ironic since he considered himself the puppet master.
Cyclone Fox: Who would have thought Ouja would kill his employer? I guess he has other priorities other than being an assassin. I'm glad you liked them. A friend of mine helped me come up with the concepts.
Ryugen: If he could. But it would involve risking Elsa's life. He'll have to be careful with what he does. Oh, shit. You're right. After her, only the Disasters remain as villains. The final vents are as follows: Pandemonium for Chiaki, Doomsday for Allister, Armageddon for Terunosuke, and Ragnarok for Hazuki. The names are after various names for "end of the world". Yeah, Noble Red could have stopped a while ago, but they wanted to reflect their pain on the world. This cost them 3 of their members.
Akira: Yosuke and Allister do what they have to for their girls...Ironic, since these two are natural enemies. We're coming closer to the final fight, but first, we have some powered-up Noble Red members to worry about.
primenidus: Yup. Almost at the end of this season.
nicksverino8: Maybe. However, they have the plan to use Wei as Fenrir's vessel. And if you don't know, in Nordic mythologic, Fenrir killed Odin. So he's a Conceptual Weapon that they want to use to kill him. That's their plan. Not sure about any ovas yet. And don't worry, it's okay. Yeah, Terunosuke didn't kill Atticus in the end. Andreas was right all along.
Lord Ri The Husbu King: I never imagined you'd be cheering for Allister. But I guess the situation calls for it. This is Fudo we're talking about after all. He hasn't changed. Much. He's just developed and grown a little. So has Terunosuke. It's a long story, so they were bound to change from how they originally started. And don't worry, Yosuke wasn't going to die. Not when he just got back with the love of his life.
SoutaAmetsuchi: I'm getting a lot of that, funnily enough. Allister, the unannounced...hero?! We'll see what he does. He's a lost soul, much like Terunosuke.
Tenzalucard123: Yosuke saved his father-in-law. Good job for him. Now he can ask him if he can marry Tsubasa. But he lived! Yay! Yes...In the end, Allister and Akira were from the same facility that made them assassins. But Kanade managed to change Akira. Maybe if Elsa had been around in Allister's life longer, she could have helped him too.
Chapter 133
Rise of the Yggdrasil
Shem-Ha observed her surroundings, humming in thought.'How bizarre. I could have sworn I sensed Narfi's presence earlier far from here. But now, it's suddenly vanished. How can that be? I felt his power surge and it's all gone...Oh, well. I suppose I can't expect much from him, seeing as he's merely a reincarnation and as such, nothing but a disappointment to his own mother. Just what are you playing at, Loki dearest...?'
"Hey, you! Give Miku-chan back!"
Shem-Ha blinked, peering over to see a few people down, glaring at her."Oh, right. I had completely forgotten about you in my moment of thought. Did you honestly believe that demanding me to give you my vessel would compel me to do such a thing? But do not assume I'll be as lenient when mere tools try to manipulate me."
"T-tools?" Ogawa frowned.
"Of course. The shortcomings of your imperfect language make it impossible to convey what is necessary." Shem-Ha explained.
"What does that even mean?!" Maria gritted her teeth.
"You've proven my point." Shem-Ha sighed in exasperation."You asked a pointless question, even though I've said something very clear. But I suppose I can't entirely blame humanity. After all, this is the vexing Curse of Balal at work, after all. But..."
Without warning, she sphere of energy, chucking it at the group.
Guard Vent: Darkcape
Knight used his cape to create a barrier in front of the attack, changing its trajectory and making it explode far away from them.
"Yosuke!" Maria cried out as Knight landed in front of them. She shifted her gaze, noticing Genjuro and Tsubasa running toward them."Tsubasa! Commander! You're all okay!"
"Gen! Tsubasa!" Yatsuhiro gasped when Tsubasa tackled her father in a hug."Tsubasa..."
"Father...I'm sorry, I-"
"I have nothing to forgive you for, my child." Yatsuhiro gently rubbed her back."Gen...is he...?"
"Kamen Rider Ouja did it." Genjuro informed him, his eyes glued to the goddess facing off against Knight."He killed him before we could do anything."
"Another armored warrior..." Shem-Ha looked at Knight with curiosity in her eyes."It appears as though much has changed since my passing."
"Give Kohinata back, you fiend!"
"Fiend? You dare insult me, you insignificant monkey?" Shem-Ha stretched out her arm, firing multiple spheres of energy. Knight brandished his Kamikaze, using it to deflect the attacks with ease.
"Divine Power..." Shem-Ha smirked, a vein popping in her forehead."You lowlives...How many have I seen already wielding Divine might as if it's their own?!"
Shem-Ha conjured an azure-colored magic circle, firing a silver beam from it. Yosuke tried to block it, but a stray sphere of energy hit his hand, causing him to drop his Divine Weapon. The beam hit his hand, but he quickly recoiled back. He gasped, noticing his hand starting to turn silver, and making its way up his arm."W-what is this?!"
"Since that weapon of yours has Divine Power, my Silver Transmutation might not work as efficiently, plus my output is low." Shem-Ha smiled."Now then, seeing someone with their arm turned to silver...This sure brings back memories. Now, to finish you-"
To her surprise, Maria's bladed whip wrapped around her arm, preventing her from striking Knight down."Oh? That arm of yours...I see. It makes sense. That Messiah as well as Loki's vessle are my descendants, so it shouldn't be that surprising that you're Enki's descendant."
"What in the world are you talking about?!" Maria demanded.
"Dissect!"
"Maria! Look out!" Knight quickly flew and pushed Maria out of the way, the attack severing his arm before the silver transmutation could keep expanding.
"YOSUKE!" Tsubasa screamed, horrified at the scene. Maria quickly caught Knight, who was writing in pain as blood splattered all over.
"W-why would you-"
"Why would I not...? You're my friend." Yosuke groaned in agony, watching as blood poured out from his wound."That attack...if I'm not mistaken, it belongs to Angelo Romano. It can bypass attacks and cut through anything it touches..."
"I see you were looking while Psykos was controlling you, Yosuke Yanagi."
The 4 remaining Noble Red members landed around Shem-Ha, all of them sporting red marks on their foreheads.
"What the hell...?" Yosuke muttered in disbelief."D-did you-"
"I simply copied what Loki did and gave these 4 some power, removing them from their weaker selves." Shem-Ha cryptically said.
"Shem-Ha-sama..." Angelo began, narrowing his eyes at the group below."Permission to kill these bastards and avenge my sister."
"Do what you want." Shem-Ha waved her hand dismisivally.
"Woah, woah. Hang on. Why kill them now?" Ouja asked, landing on a tree nearby."I'd say let them go for now."
"Let them go?! They killed my fucking sister and my friends!" Angelo snarled."They deserve to die!"
"We didn't kill anyone!" Maria protested. She shook her head, deciding to retreat while they could. Ouja sighed in relief, glad that they weren't about to reveal anything regarding Yomi's actions.
"Hey! Come back here!" Angelo was about to follow after, but Ouja appeared in front of him, stopping him."Move or I'll cut you down."
"Don't!" Elsa rushed to stand in front of Ouja."Don't fight!"
"Why are you letting them escape?" Vanessa asked.
"Haven't you heard the saying, "The cornered stag is the most dangerous?". I'll tell you right now, push them hard enough, and they'll fight you like there's no tomorrow."
"Teruno said that before..." Venassa hummed to herself, considering his words.
"I assume that's what happened to Narfi." Shem-Ha chimed in."The Messiah took him out, did he not?"
"Narfi?" Millaarc arched a brow.
"My son." She briefly explained."Or it's more apt to say he's the reincarnation of my son. My son and Loki's."
"Wait, Loki?" Angelo furrowed his brow."What is she talking about?"
"You did not tell them?" Shem-Ha tilted her head."That Divine Power courses through your body? That you are working with Loki."
"Divine...Power...?" Angelo's eyes shot wide open."So, wait...this whole time you-"
"Were you lying?" Elsa took a step away from her boyfriend."You...had Divine Power-de-arimasu...?"
"No, listen, I didn't..." Allister sighed, rubbing his left hand."It's not...what you think it is. Yes, I have Divine Power. But...it didn't help me..."
"What do you mean?!" Millaarc demanded, growing impatient.
"It's a curse...I only did it because I wanted a purpose...I thought that if I could help Hazuki-kun, it would be enough but...Elsa, after I saw you again, I realized that I had made a mistake. You're all I need."
"Allister...what do you mean...?" Elsa frowned."Is that what you meant back then? When you said you were afraid of losing yourself...?"
"I'm sorry...I can't say nothing yet..." Allister lowered his head.'For your sake...please, Elsa...Stay away...'
"Normally, I wouldn't let you go like this." Shem-Ha started, earning his attention."But I do need a messenger. Go and tell Loki that whatever he's planning won't come to fruition. No wonder he did not hasten my resurrection sooner. He's been plotting behind the scenes. Tell him that he'll have to answer to me. And if we cross paths again, human, know this, I will slay you."
"B-but-!" Else was about to protest, but Allister cut her off for her sake.
"Alright. I'll let him know." Ouja nodded."Sorry, Elsa...I guess it's not time for us to be happy yet..."
"I'm sorry, Allister. I...want to go with you...I do...But..." Elsa looked over to her companions."There is something I still must do-de-arimasu. Just like you."
'Shem-Ha must be forcing her hand.' Allister clenched his teeth, weighing his choices.'I could take Elsa by force and kill Shem-Ha. After all, Loki-sama doesn't need her alive. But...I'm not sure what's the extent of her powers. Not to mention, the other 3 might jump in as well. Even with my three monsters combined into Genocider, I doubt I can take on all of them. But...what if I do what I did before...and sacrifice my Free Will this time? Could I get enough power to kill Shem-Ha...?'
Allister thought back to how vile he felt when he was fighting Takeru. At first, he felt as if he was at his happiest. Like there was no greater ecstasy than succumbing to that power. But...that wasn't him. The brand had affected his mind, much like it did to Chiaki and Terunosuke. If he died here or if he lost his individuality, who would look after Mona?'
'It's too risky...I can't risk leaving Mona alone. I promised her I'd never let her feel that horrible feeling of solitude ever again. Not to mention, if Shem-Ha has given Elsa power like Loki-sama has to me, then...if I were to attack her, she could kill Elsa in a heartbeat. I can't risk it. I'm sorry, Elsa. But I have to retreat for now...' With that, Ouja opened up a portal and stepped inside, giving Elsa one last look.'I'll be back for you. I swear, I'll free you from her, even if it's the last thing I do.'
Shem-Ha shook her head."It doesn't matter where he goes or what Loki does. As long as the World Tree, the Yggdrasil System, stands tall, there is nothing they can do against me.'
"So...even Goro's Father..." Tsubasa covered her mouth, but Yosuke squeezed her hand lovingly. They were currently in the medical bay, and Yosuke was lying down on a hospital bed after being treated for his wounds.
"It seems a lot happened too fast. Jades dying, a whole district being obliterated, Goro's Father being killed, and Lydian Academy being destroyed..." Yosuke closed his eyes."How did it come to this...? In a matter of days..."
"Yosuke..." Tsubasa sobbed, unable to contain her tears."We let Goro down...!"
"Tsubasa...it's okay." Yosuke kissed her hand."What's important is that we're still alive. We can still fight for what's right. Remember what I said before, all of these deaths would be meaningless if we just gave up. We have to keep going...for their sake and ours..."
"He's right!"
The couple turned to see their friends standing by their door, giving them a wide range of smiles.
"What's up, guys? Been a while, huh?" Hamaguchi grinned, pushing Hajime's wheelchair inside along with Hibiki.
"Are you sure you can walk, Raiden?" Elfnein asked her boyfriend, who was using crutches to walk and had bandages wrapped around his head."Should I get you a wheelchair?"
"I'm fine." Raiden assured her."I can walk just fine."
"He's just acting tough for Elfnein-chan." Shirabe giggled at her brother's demeanor.
"What's up with guys always acting tough like their feelings don't matter-desu?" Kirika pouted, glaring at her boyfriend, who just winked at her.
"Guys tend not to want to seem weak in front of their girlfriends, babe."
"Are you guys okay?" Hibiki asked, her voice full of concern."Tsubasa-san...Yosuke-san..."
"You guys..." Tsubasa avoided their gaze.
"We... humbly apologize for causing all of this trouble." Yosuke lowered his head."We can't ask for forgiveness enough..."
"The hell are you on about, bro?" Hamaguchi poked his nose."It was that parasite the one controlling you."
"And Tsubasa was being manipulated by her grandfather." Maria supplied."We have nothing to forgive you for."
"But..." Tsubasa opened her mouth, but Hibiki grabbed her hand, surprising her."Tachibana...?"
"We want you guys to come back with us!" Hibiki exclaimed.
"Wait, what-"
"We can't do much without our leaders, you know." Hajime managed a smile."But seriously...we don't hold it against you guys. Nothing. And...now more than ever, we have to be united. All of us. We're a family, right? We've lost so many people, but...we still have us. We can still protect each other and make sure none of us fall again. I haven't given up. And I don't want anyone here to give up either. But that said...I know we can't do this without you two. We're incomplete without our team captains."
"Adachi..." Yosuke muttered.
"I...I suppose that by now, I shouldn't be surprised when you say stuff like this." Tsubasa giggled."Unlike Tachibana, you have a more poetic way with words."
"Right?" Chris guffawed, slapping Hibiki on her back."All this dummy says is "Let's hold hands together!". But hey, somehow it works."
"C-C-Chris-chan! What does that mean?!"
"It's crazy since Adachi used to solve anything the world threw at him with violence," Tsubasa commented.
Hajime scratched his nape."Yeah, but...When I fought Yomi, I realized that I could have easily ended up like him if I hadn't met any of you guys. And I'm grateful. After what that monster did, I..."
"But you're not him." Yosuke suddenly said."I don't know Kugisaki very well, but from what I heard, you're not like him at all. He fights for the sake of fighting and fun. A true anarchist. But you fight with a purpose. To protect what is dear to you. I'd say that's worth something."
"Yeah. You're right."
"So..." Yosuke trailed off, smiling at the bluenette.
"If you'll have us back...we'd be happy to help."
"Alright!" Hamaguchi beamed while everyone cheered.
"Though, without a hand, I don't know how much use I can be." Yosuke showed them the stub on his hand.
"Worry not! Because His Majesty is working on your new prosthetic arm!" Garie happily announced as she twirled around. Bragi, who was leaning against the wall near the door, blushed.
"Huh?" Yosuke blinked."Why is...Garie here?"
"Long story." Bragi sighed."But yeah, Tobias is working on the new bionic arm I designed. He's just doing a few finishing touches and we can get it attached to you. It's of a stronger material than the one Chao-Xing-dono had, so it should serve you well in combat. But...for now, the four of you can't fight. You're all wounded. So..."
"So that means you're the only Rider that can fight." Hajime finished for him.
"Man, that's so unfair." Hamaguchi whistled."I wish I could regenerate like you."
"It's not that great because a situation when you're the only Rider that can fight could happen. And I know you hate overworking."
"Also, the Young Master can't take too many attacks to the head or he'll die." Garie said firmly, jabbing her finger against his chest."So it's in his best interest to be careful. For his Mom and Aunt's sake. Right, Prince?"
"Yeah..." Bragi responded.
"Wait, what does she mean?" Kirika tilted her head.
"Nothing important." Bragi chose his words carefully."Just that I can't be getting too overexcited like I did."
"Yeah, you're pretty reckless." Hajime nodded.
"Not as much as you!" Bragi clicked his tongue.
"When did you guys become best friends?" Maria chuckled at their interaction.
"Me?! Best friends with him?! Not in a million years!" Both of them said in perfect unison.
"Sounds like something best friends would say..." Raiden muttered to himself.
"A-anyway!" Bragi groaned."Look, we got a problem, Yosuke-dono."
Bragi proceeded to tell Yosuke and Tsubasa what had transpired in Lydian.
"All of those students...and teachers...How...how horrible..." Tsubasa covered her mouth."Tachibana, your friend...I'm so sorry..."
"Tsubasa-san..." Hibiki and Tsubasa exchanged a quick but big hug that felt needed.
"And they're planning to use Setsuna as a vessel. Also... February 29th." Yosuke rubbed his chin after nodding."If I'm not mistaken, that's when the eclipse is at noon, right?"
"Oh, yeah. I forgot about that eclipse." Shirabe nodded."There are also these...Gates of Hell he mentioned."
"We looked into that, but we couldn't find much." Elfnein chimed in."Just rumors about places being gateways to the underworld...or Hellheim."
"These are actual gates to Helheim." Bragi supplied."It's not like the small portal the Second and I made. The ones we did are more like breaking tiny holes into a wall where Helheim is. The Gates of Hell, I assume, are locations that are directly connected to that place. We have no idea where they're even at."
"But this is good..." Yosuke said, earning their full attention."We suspected that Ragnarok required some sort of requirement. Aside from the Gjallarhorn, now we know Adachi's sister is needed. As well as these Gates of Hell. Above that, we also know that the eclipse is extremely important. So, keeping that in mind, not all is lost. I know it seems we're at a disadvantage, but we can still turn this around. We got about a month to settle things with Shem-Ha and stop the Disasters once and for all."
"Of course! We won't give up!" Hibiki grinned.
"That's the spirit!" Chris nodded.
"Still, for the time being, the girls and I are the only ones that can fight. And even then, we still have another problem. Is Ryuga stronger than Yomi Kugisaki? Because if what Adachi says it's true..." Bragi looked over to the raven-haired teen."Then it took him losing control again to beat him. I don't like saying this, but out of all the Riders, he's the strongest. And I'm next."
"What about me?" Hamaguchi asked curiously.
"You're last. But anyway-"
"And me?" Raiden inquired, interrupting him again.
"You're after him, which makes Yosuke-dono the third." Bragi rubbed the bridge of his nose."We're getting off-topic, damn it. If our strongest got beaten by the guy who is not even the leader, then that means one thing."
"Survive isn't enough anymore." Maria pursed her lips."Then...what could you guys do?"
"Maybe there's a version of the Amalgam for Riders?" Kirika pondered.
"I doubt it." Bragi shrugged."But speaking of which, I need your guys' Deck to run some maintenance and make sure they're at an optimal level. We can't afford to not be at our best, right? I'll need your help when you four have recovered."
The Riders agreed, handing him over their Decks.
"What do you have in mind, Bragi-chan?" The blonde Alchemist asked her nephew.
"Just going to see if our Decks and Divine Weapons are optimal." Bragi briefly said before heading toward the door."Garie, please tell Tobias to let me know when he's done with Yosuke-dono's bionic arm."
"Will do, Your Highness!" Garie saluted.
"I told you...you can just call me Bragi." Bragi sighed.
"Sorry." She giggled."Force of habit, Prince Bragi."
With that, the Prince exited the room, glancing down at the Decks in his hand with a complex expression.'I'm sorry for what I'm about to do, but...we don't have a choice if things get any worse...'
"By the way, guys..." Yosuke addressed what remained of the FIS group."I...First, I offer you my sincerest convalescences about Jades. I...I know saying something like I could have done something wouldn't be useful and-"
"And we'd still turn you down." Maria cut him off."It's not your fault. Go on."
"Before I went to the Kazanari compound, I noticed I had gotten an email. From Jades."
"Jades?!" Maria exclaimed in shock.
"From Jades-nii-chan!" Kirika gasped.
"What does that mean...?" Raiden unfolded his arms.
"Is he-" Hibiki was about to ask, but Yosuke raised his hand, silencing her.
"He's dead. There's no doubt about that. So I asked Aoi-san to check the email for me. It seems...he sent it to me while I was still possessed by Psykos." Yosuke informed them."I guess he was counting on you guys to free me from the control. I watched the video...And I apologize for that. But I want you to watch it. The 4 of you. It might...give you more of what was going through Jades' head during that fight."
"What was going... through his head...?" Maria breathed, clenching her heart.
"Should we...?" SHirabe asked, unsure.
"I say do it." Hajime voiced his opinion."Not that I have any room to say anything. He's your brother, after all. But to be honest, it might help put your mind at ease, wouldn't you say?"
"He's right." Chris said, placing a hand on Maria's shoulder."If it's as important as Yosuke-senpai says, then I say watch it. Trust me...I wish I had known Takeru's thoughts before he died. I think it would have helped me make peace with his death a lot sooner. So don't let this chance go."
"Okay..." Maria nodded before shifting her gaze to the young detective."We'll do it."
"Good." Yosuke sighed in relief, laying back on his pillow."Then...meeting adjourned. One more thing...All of you."
The group listened intently as Yosuke took a deep breath before he continued.
"Let's fight as hard as we can..." Yosuke looked at Hajime with a smile."Our objectives are clear. We're stopping Shem-Ha and Noble Red to rescue Miku Kohinata. Then, we're taking Setsuna Adachi back to her brother and stopping Ragnarok. No matter what!"
"Yes!" Everyone cheered in unison.
Meanwhile, Noble Red awaited to be called in by Shem-Ha, who was currently doing some scans on her body.
Elsa was curled up in a corner, crying, while Vanessa tried to comfort her.
"She was brave when talking to Allister." Angelo commented to Millaarc, who was sitting next to him."She didn't have it in her to tell her that...we're all complete monsters now with no hope of returning. I guess...in a way, it's a good thing the others died before this happened...Because of that, they don't have to suffer anymore."
"Why are you saying it like that?!" Millaarc punched him in the arm.
"Sorry..." Angelo rubbed his aching arm."It's just...I don't even know what to think anymore. We were so close to finally ending this nightmare...but it seems we landed on another one straight after."
"Not all is bad. At least we have a God guiding us now." Millaarc said, patting him on the back."Vanessa and Elsa believe in her. So I don't see why we shouldn't either."
"Maybe..." Angelo grimaced before losing himself in his thoughts..'I don't even feel Satan anymore. Did I fuse with him? That's what was about to happen to Tachibana Hibiki, according to the reports we got from Fudo. Maybe that's what Shem-Ha meant when she said I was also 'complete'. I can still use my powers, but his voice...it's gone.'
"What am I going to do now, Vanessa...?" Elsa muttered in the older woman's embrace."How am I supposed to face Allister and Mona-chan-de-arimasu...?"
"Don't think about that for now." Vanessa whispered, gently rubbing her head."We'll figure something out. Shem-Ha said she'll create a world free of rejection and solitude. There is a way."
"Speaking of Shem-Ha..." Angelo's head perked up."She's calling us in."
The 4 Noble Red members entered the room where Shem-Ha was and noticed several images of her real body plastered on several screens.
"What is this?" Angelo voiced his confusion.
"You are witnessing something incredibly ironic." Shem-Ha adopted a small, almost mocking smile."I am gathering the fragments of myself through the very device they hoped to restrain me with. Humans are truly nonsensical, after all."
"And what does this do, exactly?"
"In simple terms, I am language. And thus, I bring everything together. I am the Custodian of Language. But enough about me. It's time we move on with our plans. I did say I was going to get rid of rejection and solitude. I shall return this planet to how it was about 5000 years ago."
"W-what?! But that's like...prehistoric times! With dinosaurs!" Millaarc exclaimed.
"However, there is the matter with Loki." Shem-Ha frowned."We were once lovers and had a child together named Narfi, the Custodian of Mayhem. However, ever since my death, I have lost contact with them. Narfi inhabits the body of a human as is Loki. But as it turns out, Loki also has a plan of his own. I am sure of it."
"Do...do we have to..."
"No, we do not have to kill that lover of yours." Shem-Ha shook her head."Not unless he gets in our way directly. If we get rid of Loki, it should be enough to get rid of their Divine Power."
"How do you know that Loki is plotting against you? If you ask me, it sounds like you're being too paranoid." Millaarc quipped.
"I shall ignore that comment. But he's the God of Mischief, after all. And besides, he's had all this time and didn't bother reviving me. And he's been avoiding me. He is hiding something and we'll find out what. But for now...listen up. I have a mission for you."
After briefing them on their mission, Noble Red dismissed themselves from the room, but Shem-Ha hollered at the only male."Angelo Romano...was it?"
"Yes, Shem-Ha-sama?" The red-haired gasped when he turned around and saw Shem-Ha so close to him. He felt her cold hand on his cheeks, sending shivers down his spine."D-did you need...something?"
"You are special." Shem-Ha caressed his cheek gently."That demon inside of you...it might just be what I need the most. Good. I needed a...extra helper, shall we say."
"W-what do you mean?" Angelo yelped when Shem-Ha suddenly pulled her hand back.
"Exactly that. While your friends are formidable, thanks to the power I bestowed upon them, you are on a completely different level. Plus...I have heard of the type of demon you possess. One of the Seven Princes of Hell, Satan, the sin of Wrath. I trust you feel different...like the devil in you isn't communicating with you? Well, that's because you have become the devil himself. Your souls have merged and now you're one and the same."
"So Satan is...?" Angelo glanced down at his body, touching his horns."But other than that, I don't feel any different..."
"Your power is still latent." Shem-Ha explained."You'll see what I mean when you transform."
"But...I don't understand. Why am I so different from the others? Is it because of the "Dissect" ability?"
"Oh, that is one incredible ability. But...I am interested in your potential." Shem-Ha smiled sinisterly."Believe it or not, you have the potential to even match me in terms of power. You just don't know it yet. I'm surprised. I'd have thought becoming one with Satan would have told you the secrets he held. But I suppose it did not. No matter. I will guide you."
"But...why? What's my role in all of this?"
"You shall be my Godslayer, boy." Shem-Ha responded, giving him a grin."Now...allow me to tell you what your power can really do."
"Hey...If you're watching this video...then I'm dead." Jades started. He was sitting in front of his bed in front of a camera."Or maybe you found this video by accident. In which case, please, turn this off. Because this will be extremely awkward...Hahahaha..."
The silver-haired man heaved a long sigh, avoiding looking into the camera."I...I've been nothing but a disappointment my whole life. I broke after my Mom had a miscarriage...I coped by thinking of everyone in FIS as a sibling. But all these things I've learned to accept and move on from...But my biggest mistake was lying to Terunosuke. All my life, I've been thinking that I've known what's best for my siblings. Raiden, you probably know better than anyone. Back when I helped the others kill Fine, I ended up almost condemning Maria. Or I guess Shirabe since she was actually Fine's new host. I just...I wanted to protect all of you from suffering. From feeling the type of pain I felt."
He slowly faced the camera, a small smile forming on his face."If only I had been more honest with all of you...Maybe I could have avoided a lot of bad things from happening. But I was a coward. I kept it hidden. I took that from him. And because of that, he became this way. I know what you might be thinking. It wasn't my fault. He chose his path. But he chose it because he was heartbroken. Serena was everything to him. I think...I wouldn't be any better if Maria died and I couldn't do anything to stop it..."
The former Tiger Rider stood up."But still, I want to make amends. Fix my mistakes and right my wrongs. I want to at least be able to say that I fixed the mess that I left behind. And for that...I have to kill Terunosuke. He's...too far gone. He won't listen, no matter what I say. Especially now that he knows the truth. You are in danger. The 4 of you. I guess we've been in danger the moment Andreas died. I couldn't do a damn thing for him...Or for Terunosuke. For Serena or Atticus. But I want to at least do this for you guys."
At this point, Jades was staring directly a the camera, tears swelling up in his eyes."I don't want you to stain your hands. The pain...it will kill you. It will destroy you inside. There is no coming back for that. Same for Terunosuke...I think he knew that, so that's why Ryuga had to be the one to kill Andreas. I don't want any of you to kill. That's why...I'll do it. I'll kill Terunosuke and free him from this. To stop him from committing more atrocities. But...my heart will shatter. So that's why...After I kill him...I'll kill myself. That way, I'm removing a threat from the DDV. But I'm sorry...I wouldn't be able to look at any of you in the face after killing him. I...I couldn't live with the fact I killed one of my loved siblings."
"Maria...forgive me. I know I promised you a future together...but forgive me for asking this of you. Protect them. They're young and naive. But I love them with every fiber of my being. Kirika, keep being who you are. The lovable and loud ball of energy we all know and love. Hamaguchi-kun is a good kid. He has my blessing. Shirabe. You're doing well in opening up more. Never be afraid to get out of your comfort zone. Your walls are not to keep people out but to protect and accept them. You're very brave and full of love. It takes a lot to do that. Raiden...you're the man of the house now. You're the smartest person I know. We're here because of your intellect. You're strong, but you need to be a little more sincere about your feelings. Your emotions matter. You're never alone."
"And Maria..." Jades's tears streamed down his cheeks as he poured his heart out."I love you. You're the most beautiful and kind-hearted woman in the world. Ever since we met when we were kids, I fell in love. But I was afraid of our sibling bond. I'm happy you talked to me that day at the beach and told me how you felt. I was so happy. It meant I did at least one thing right. And, even if we never get to have a family, like we said...the kids are our children. We're their parents. So thank you...for fulfilling that wish."
The silver-haired man reached for the camera."I know...you might hate me for this. That you might resent me for doing this. Wondering why I'm doing this for Terunosuke. But...I want you to know this. I love all of my siblings. All of them. With no exceptions. I love you...and please...live on. Don't let your hate...ever take control of your actions. Foster understanding and affection. We must be better. You must be better than me. I know you can. I know...I know..."
The video ended, leaving the 4 siblings in tears. Maria felt the girls embrace her, crying in sorrow as they released their pent-up emotions. Raiden's eyes remained glued to the screen, speechless, but the tears continued falling from his eyes.
"Raiden..." Maria grabbed his hand, pulling him toward them."It's not anyone's fault..."
"Why did he have to die, Maria...?" Raiden closed his eyes as he began to sob."Why couldn't I have just said anything nice to him...?"
"He knows you loved him very much." Maria cooed, doing her best to calm him down while also comforting the girls."He's proud of you. Never doubt that..."
Raiden remained silent, his cries mixing with everyone else's as they shared their grief, but also the love they all had for Jades.
"Cool! We're going to the moon!" Hamaguchi beamed.
"Let him finish!" Chris punched him lightly on the shoulder. Currently, all members of SONG were in a meeting and en route to Tanegashima, Kagoshima prefecture. Their objective: reach the space center on the island. After the Yggdrasill emerged, Tobias reported detecting some kind of signal reaction from the ruins on the moon. This revelation had caused Hamaguchi to get excited since he had wanted to confirm if his theory of the earth being flat was true.
"Thank you, Chris-kun."
"Also, even if that was the case, you're still wounded-desu! I forbid you from doing anything other than resting!" Kirika said in an authoritative tone.
Hamaguchi was about to protest, but Kirika grabbed him by the collar and pulled him closer to her until their noses were touching."I already told your sisters and Aunt. So if you do anything, I'll have no choice but to let them know-desu!"
"O-okay! Okay! Anything but that!" Hamaguchi deflated, raising his arms in defeat."Don't tell Seiko or Kagura-nee-sama, please!"
"Anyway..." Yosuke cleared his throat. He was sporting his new bionic arm after Bragi had attached it to him."Forgive me for saying this, but it seems rather quick for them to just prepare a rocket a couple of days later just like that. Who is even going if not us?"
"They are sending an American special forces unit. Under my orders."
The group turned to the screen to see Yatsuhiro's face being displayed.
"Father!" Tsubasa beamed.
"You arranged this, Yatsuhiro-san?" Hajime arched a curious brow."How? I mean...after what happened with America..."
"Believe me, I know." Yatsuhiro nodded."However, we did agree to put the past behind us and move forward with a beneficial partnership, as you may have heard on the news."
"The moon rocket!" Hibiki gasped."I remember...when we went to the mall to look for Chris-chan's gift!"
"Oh, yeah. That was on the news at the time." Hajime nodded upon remembering."How generous of them."
"Well, aside from this, they are expecting a full invoice for any extra expenses."
"Never mind." Hajime immediately backpedaled.
"So our mission is to protect, right?" Raiden folded his arms."If Shem-Ha is targeting the moon, then surely that rocket is in her best interest?"
"Or perhaps to prevent it from being launched." Tsubasa added."When is the rocket leaving?"
"3 days from now. Until then, we'll stay on watch. We'll split into teams of two." Genjuro explained."Bragi-kun will be our ace in the hole, so he'll remain behind until we need him out on the field."
"Bragi used to complain he didn't get the recognition he deserved, but the dude has been a key player multiple times." Hamaguchi scratched the back of his head."You guys remember back against S. Ryuki? If he hadn't been there, I'd be a fried fish!"
"Speaking of which, where is he?" Shirabe pondered, looking around but noticed Bragi was nowhere in sight.
"I think he's in his lab with Elfnein-chan and Garie." Maria said."I believe he said he was working on-"
"Guys! Guys!" Garie barged into the command room, clearly flustered.
"Garie? What's wrong?" Maria asked, concerned for the person she once called an enemy in the past.
"It's terrible! Something...something happened to the Prince!"
A few minutes earlier, Bragi was currently finishing working on his Deck in his lab while Elfnein checked out the Relic he had given her.
"And this..."Golem"...is supposed to help me fight?" She tilted her head, looking at the small gem in her hand.
"Not fight. Protect yourself." Bragi clarified, carefully inserting the Relic he had been working on inside his opened Deck."You're not a fighter, Auntie Elfnein. And Mama...well, she can't fight for too long. So the Golem would serve as a puppet, and you will be its puppet master. That way, you will not be directly in danger."
"Aw, the Prince is all concerned. That's cute." Garie giggled.
"Garie, please...You love embarrassing me, don't you?" Bragi groaned."Could you pass me the wrench, please?"
"Sure!" Garie twirled over to him, gracefully handing him the wrench. Of course, Bragi could just get the wrench himself by pulling him toward him with his gravity manipulation. But Garie had voiced her want to help around. And he wasn't going about to upset someone close to being another aunt."This brings back memories. Back to...simpler times, I suppose."
"Right." Elfnein nodded with a smile."You were close friends with Carol and the original Bragard."
"That's right. Though I met the Prince when I was pregnant with Tobias." Garie smiled wistfully."Times were certainly different than today. It's hard to adjust. But while I miss my friends and my husband...I still have you two and Tobias. So it's not like I'm lonely."
"The others have accepted you." Elfnein assured her."And they're more than willing to be your friends too."
"I'm glad. I was worried I wouldn't have a place in this world."
"Trust me, I know the feeling." Bragi said, finishing putting his Deck back together."It was pretty rough to get to where I am. The Second left a sour taste in everyone's mouths. Plus, I was kind of...you know...an asshole."
"Language, young man." Elfnein reprimanded him.
"Sorry...But the point is, you don't have to stay stationary. Change comes naturally. Everyone can change."
"Speaking of which..." Garie wagged her eyebrows suggestively."I was not expecting the Prince to have his own Princess!"
"W-what?!" Bragi blushed."L-listen, Garie, we're not...a thing, as they call it."
"But you like her." Garie hummed."So your taste in women is the modest type. Not too big on the chest or butt, but have a lot of personality behind them."
"You sound like Hamaguchi-dono." Bragi ran a hand through his hair, making the Autoscorer giggle.
"Well, he is Damian's successor and uses water. So we're cut from the same cloth, I suppose. You don't like the big girls with big breasts? Like those two in your team?"
"They're nice. But aside from them, big-chested and flirty women are not to be trusted." The hybrid's mind imagined Cagliostro.
"Little Prince~!"
He shuddered, still feeling sore that hadn't gotten his rematch against her and clear his name."Ugh...Insuferable witch..."
"I'd be more than happy to see another heir." Garie gave a longing smile."As long as you're alive and your lineage continues, our kingdom will never fully die."
"Yeah...That's why I won't give up." Bragi stood up from his chair, inspecting his Deck."Our enemies are getting stronger. And I'm concerned. So, here's hoping this little Relic can help us turn the tides."
"You first made two communicators with those bears, and then you made Elfnein a Relic to protect herself." Garie tilted her head."What about the last one you have?"
"We're about to find out. Mama gave me the idea to install it on my Deck since it's completely artificial and not one of the original ones. Anyway, stay back, you two. I'm about to transform."
Elfnein and Garie stood a fair distance away from the boy, who took a deep breath."Henshin!"
Inserting his Deck into his belt, Alternative was now clad in his armor.
"Do you feel any different?" Elfnein asked, taking out a table to take any notes.
"Not...really?" Alternative examined his arms and legs."I feel the same. Nothing out of the ordinary."
"Weird," Garie commented.
"Damn it..." Bragi groaned in annoyance, turning off his transformation as he turned on his heels heading to his desk."What the hell did I do wrong? I'd made sure the insertion of the Relic synchronized perfectly with Psycho-Rogue and-"
Suddenly, Bragi became stiff, not moving a muscle.
"Bragi-chan? What were you going to say?" Elfnein asked, approaching her nephew, but Garie grabbed her hand and pulled her back."G-Garie?"
"Something happened...I don't know how to explain it, but...I can feel it..." Garie narrowed her eyes.
"Finally!" Bragi exclaimed, though his voice sounded completely different. More jolly and loud."I thought I wouldn't be woken up! But things do have a weird way of working out, hahaha!
"W-what are you talking about, Bragi-chan? You're scaring me..." Elfnein muttered.
"Elfnein. That's not Bragi." Carol said in her mind.
"What do you mean that's not Bragi-chan?!" Elfnein yelled aloud.
"Huh?!" Garie gasped.
"Damn, my cover is already blown? That sucks." The unknown person chuckled, turning around and revealing Bragi's eyes, which were now amethyst-colored."Not like I was trying to hide. But I wanted to be a little dramatic, you know? It makes for a super-duper cool reveal!"
"W-who are you?!" Garie asked in a shaky voice."And what did you do to the Prince?!"
"Oh, yeah! I'm supposed to introduce myself! I completely forget, hahaha!" He gave a peace sign with one hand, winking while jabbing his thumb to his chest."I am Beelzebub, Lord of the Flies! But my friends call me Beel, so feel free to call me that too! Now...how about you let me devour you?"
