Reviews:
ChouG95: Glad to have you on board, friend. You caught us nearing the end game. That's okay. Just let me know if you have any questions about something you're confused about. Other than that, glad to have you join us on this great journey.
Ryugen: Don't think too much about the Metsuhojinrai reference. I only added it because so many people kept bringing it up so I felt compelled to do it. And nah, it's okay. I understand what it feels like to have crappy internet. Huh. You're right on that. Hazuki is the one who never gave up his free will, unlike his friends. But maybe that's because he's the second in command second only to Loki himself. Or maybe...he has other plans in mind.
Lord RI Husbu King: Bragi is dead. Finally, you got what you wanted. And Loki betrayed Hazuki. You basically got a two-for-one deal in this chapter. You're very lucky.
SoutaAmetsuchi: Yeah, me too. Honestly I kind of regret ever starting the MikuxHazuki relationship. It was well before I ever had planned to add Bragi to the story, so unfortunately by the time I decided to have it, it was too late. But it worked out in the end.
TheEmeraldMage: Hamaguchi is many things. A pervert, a bit of a clown, lazy, but he's very loyal. That loyalty is one of his greatest strengths, and he never gives up if it involves his loved one. At least he managed to hold off until Miku came in, and subsequently, everyone else. This was a tricky fight. Everyone is exhausted. Loki got 2 power-ups, but the damage done to him was already done, and the attack he received from Hibiki and Hajime sealed the deal. But Hazuki swapped places, and despite doing it unwillingly, he kept his promise of killing Bragi. Man, it's pretty sad to see Bragi off. I love this character. He's one of my favorites. Fun fact: I inspired him from Galliard from AOT cause I love that guy too. That's why he sometimes gets into fights with Hajime, especially in AXZ. But man...It's hard to say goodbye. I loved his interactions with Carol too. Carol deserved better in the original story, honestly. And Miku...Poor Miku. Lol yeah. It always amazes me how everyone just forgave America for nearly nuking Japan and moved on like nothing happened. Genjuro always strikes me as the dad figure of the group. And to him, seeing the children he's supposed to protect, drop dead one at a time, is devastating. Bragi dying was the last straw. The end of the chapter felt chaotic. Things were happening too fast, but it was to match the intensity of the moment in the story. A lot of things happened for the characters too fast to even process.
Anyway, I want to get on the "strongest" thing. You see, I'm a big sucker for power scaling. I love my shonen mangas. My naruto, bleach, dragon ball, Jujutsu kaisen, etc. So I always try to stay consistent with the power scaling of the characters. Who is stronger than who and who has certain advantages and all that good stuff. That way the store has a structure. And people don't say that some characters are pulling bullshit power-ups out of nowhere. I've seen these types of stories. But I stressed it more on Hajime and Hazuki because their fight was like the main event, if you will, but also the entrance to what was to come. It was meant to be a Gojo vs Sukuna. The top dogs of their sides go at it, and the ones representing their groups. That's why I put them to fight first and also to get that fight out of the way so the other fights wouldn't be underwhelming. All of them had a reason. The whole plan revolved around Hajime going first and being strong enough to stall or beat Ryuga. Because everyone else was scattered, he had to hold out alongside those who were there until the others were done with their fight. If Hajime wasn't significantly above his peers, this whole thing wouldn't have made any sense. Bragi being the Kashimo in this scenario and diving in as soon as Hajime gets taken out to keep forcing Ryuga to waste his energy. In a way, yeah this was a Sukuna fight, but he used all his heals at the beginning of the fight. He kept getting stronger as Ouja and Gai died, but he kept accumulating damage. That's why Abyss and Miku were actually putting in work. They both have their specialties. By the time the others were here, it was almost wrapped. So everyone had a very important part to play in this fight. But Hajime was the enabler for this to happen. But don't worry, I won't bring it up again. Fun fact, Hajime was so far up the scale in AXZ that I had to take him out of the story for a good chunk of it to let the other Riders catch up lol. Right now, we kinda need him to be the best. He's the MC here and well...the war is entering its final stages.
Tenzalucard123: It's a war. There are always casualties in a war. Oh, yeah. Just 4 good Riders left. Wow. We came a long way.
CJBoughton: I don't know if Odin would want to interfere since he has no business doing so. He's kind of just waiting to see who wins so he can kill the winner. Also...kill his sister? That's dark...but I'll write it down...
nicolasseverino95: Rest in peace, Bragi. I had to give that ending to him. Carol is one of my favorite characters, and Bragi deserved that kind of closure. At least he died protecting everyone else.
Dragstorm rider: Bragi gave his life to buy the others a little more time. And the opportunity to corner Ryuga. But now, things became worse. Yeah, I'm glad you enjoyed that scene. It's one of my favorites to write. Just Bragi talking to Carol and the first Bragard, telling them how he feels and acting like a family. And no, Odin has not appeared just yet. But he will.
Chapter 155
The Trumpets of Doom
A day before the invasion of the UN to China, Hajime and the others finished going over the plan one more time so everyone was clear.
"I still don't like this." Hibiki frowned, shaking her head."Why do you have to go alone, Hajime? Can't you take one of us?"
"Bragi, Miku-san, and Elfnein-chan are there. It should be fine." Hajime shrugged nonchalantly."Besides, more than likely, Hazuki is going to be there. If the others manage to make him come to the surface, then that saves us a lot of trouble. It's better if I go alone. I'm the strongest of the group and the only one that can fight him head-on without fear."
"When did you become so arrogant, Adachi?" Tsubasa asked, folding her arms under her chest."Do you not trust us to be able to fight on par with you?"
"I-it's not that, Tsubasa-san." Hajime was quick to apologize."It's just...Well, we know how he took out both Gai and Ouja. He's strong. If he took down an enemy that gave you trouble back on the moon. Besides, I know that you guys are coming later right?"
"Well, that's the plan." Yosuke curtly nodded."Of course, we first need to deal with Kuwana and Albedo. And we don't know how powerful they are. If Nakahara's transformation in Okinawa is of any indication, it's possible they could also transform into that kind of monster."
"So are you sure you don't want someone else going with you?" Maria asked, hands on her hips.
"Bragi and I will be there. Besides, this is the best team formation we can think of to be extra safe. 4 people per group. But...if you insist, I'll take Hamaguchi."
"Cool." Hamaguchi grinned.
"Hamaguchi..." Kirika pouted.
"What? It'll be fine. We-"
"I know...I know I sound arrogant when I said that, Tsubasa-san." He addressed the bluenette."But to be honest, I don't know if I can even beat him. I don't know when exactly we'll get there. If the worst-case scenario happens and Bragi is taken down first, it'll be just me. If I fall, then Hamaguchi, Miku and Elfnein follow. Right now, it's not in our best interest to gang up on him."
"Right. The plan you came up with to weaken Ryuga." Tsubasa rubbed her chin."It's an astute plan that honestly I didn't think you could come up with. To have Ryuga fight you and Bragi first individually and then together to try and debilitate him is a good way to ensure our victory. But you do realize that this needs us to successfully beat our enemies in time, right?"
"Yeah." Hajime nodded."But it's okay. We'll figure something out. Once Allister and Terunosuke go down, then we just have one enemy to worry about."
"But don't forget, if any of those two are taken down, their powers will go to him." Yosuke reminded him, earning a sigh in response."And that will make your fight more difficult. It'll take us some time to get there. It's extremely dangerous."
"Yeah. I'm aware. But it's not like we have much of a choice in the matter." Hajime rubbed his temples."Look...I'll do what I can on my end. If it works out, I'll beat him. If not, then we'll make sure he's tired enough for the rest to gang up on him."
At least, that was the plan. Hajime didn't account for Ryuga's healing several times during his fight by sacrificing his own followers. He didn't think the gap between Loki and Hazuki using the Ryuga Deck was that wide. He didn't think he'd exhaust himself In the process. He lost count of how many times he had been knocked out. All of today seemed so surreal. They seemed to have the upper hand. 2 of their enemies had been defeated. Only one remained. But Bragi died. And now, he was staring at another surreal thing.
"What are you...doing...?!" Hazuki gasped, feeling the blades go deeper into him. Loki chuckled, stretching his head around and looking at Hazuki in the face.
"What? Are you really that surprised?" Loki chortled."I'm the God of Mischief, bitch! The king of lies and all that nonsense! Something like this was bound to happen."
"But why...? I thought we made a Contract..."
"We did, Superstar. But you didn't read the fine print." Loki took a step back, leisurely walking around Hazuki, ignoring Hajime."I am a God. Ultimately, my essence is stronger than yours, a mere mortal. Your development allowed my power to be used properly by you, a vessel. But this led to me being able to completely consume you. Right now...I am in control."
"You were using me..." Hazuki choked a sob, tears swelling in her eyes.
"Now, you might not believe it, but not entirely." Loki said, staring at him in the eyes."When we met, I could feel that hunger within you. Something that reminded me of myself. I also was abandoned by everything and everyone. I had lost hope. I also had someone I loved. And no, it wasn't Shem-Ha. She was just a side girl I liked. The woman I truly fell in love with was a giant named Angrboda. However, I was never able to properly have a relationship with her."
Loki paused, taking a deep breath."Odin was against it. He never allowed us to have any kind of distractions because he needed us to be ready to protect him. Back then, the Allfucker barely lifted a finger. The guy would have us do his dirty work, even though he was stronger than any of us. You should have seen him when Ventara became a problem. It was priceless." The God shifted his attention to Hajime, who was still perplexed."But I was never like the rest of my brethren. All of them follow his orders without question. Never having a mind of their own. Thor and Heimdall especially. All day licking Odin's boots. But that's what he wanted. He rewarded them for it. As for me? I was treated like garbage."
The trickster looked at the sky."I was always excluded from any of their parties. And no one really spoke to me because I wasn't exactly nice either. I liked to play a few pranks on people and that got me a bad reputation. Angrboda was the only one I had who could understand me and would bother giving me the time of day. But thanks to the strict rules, I barely saw her. I had time. I met Shem-Ha during a mission I had. I was desperate for that attention I craved. That hunger. Narfi happened. But I was called back as Odin had grown desperate and was making a plan. A plan to kill Ventara. But before that happened, I decided to play one more little prank, since I knew what was coming would be exhausting and tiring. I ended up killing Baldur by mistake."
"You killed your friend?" Hajime blinked.
"Yeah. It was an accident, but...part of me loved it. Baldur was loved by everyone. Always hogging all the spotlight for himself. He had it coming. And for that, I was sentenced to death. After all, I did for the Gods...and all the help I offered...I was tossed away like a used rag." Loki stared at his hand."However, an opportunity came to mind. Ragnarok. Contrary to what I told you, Superstar, I did not start Ragnarok. I was one of the enablers."
"Enablers?" Hazuki's eyes widened in horror."But then, that means-"
"Ragnarok was fated to happen. Why do you think Odin freaked out so much? He cared not about my gifts or anything I gave him because he loved the praise and obedience he got from the rest. He wanted to feel sure of himself. To be at the top. Taking out Ventara, a being more powerful than him, was an idea Heimdall proposed. Because, if Odin could overpower an all-powerful being like Ventara, a being of higher divinity than himself, he would be able to defy fate. So, he tried. And lost."
"That's...where the Zantetsuken comes into play, right?" Hajime asked, noticing Loki's eyes raise slightly in surprise.
"Zantetsu what?" Hazuki repeated, genuinely puzzled.
"Ah, so you know about that?"
"Lucifer told us all about it. How Odin traded his omniscience for a sword that could cut through reality itself." Hajime replied."A sword that sliced Ventara into 13 different pieces, allowing for the Advent Beasts to be born."
"So the ancient angel told you everything? Well, almost everything."
"What?"
"You see, him trading his omniscience wasn't enough. He also needed our power." Loki revealed the information behind the Zantetsuken, Odin's strongest weapon."By using the power of all the Aesir Gods, he forged that weapon. The result is evident. Ventara was no more. Naturally, after the war against the Ventarians, everyone was exhausted and wounded. Including Odin. And I was scheduled to be executed again. However, I had bid my time long enough. And Ragnarok happened. Using my children and allies to destroy Asgard."
"But why?" Hajime inquired."Why do all of that? You destroyed your own world. You died too!"
"My goal was to get rid of the curse of the Gods. The chains that they presented on other beings. A force that no one could oppose." Loki began to explain, sitting in the air."I wanted to get rid of the hierarchy that was already established. And started from scratch. So that I could be the only being in control. Sort of what Odin wants."
"Odin wants...that?" Hazuki gritted his teeth.
"Yeah. But I wasn't going to let him win. So I put all my cards on the table and ruined his plans. It was mere coincidence that my soul was called into your realm that day and that I came into the possession of Bragard along with Odin and Thor. It was also a coincidence when I split Dragreder into two."
"What?!" Both Hazuki and Hajime exclaimed, making Loki cackle.
"Surprised? Did it not strike you as odd how Dragreder and Dragblacker were so similar? Why Ryuki and Ryuga are the same? When Odin split Ventara into pieces, he made sure to make Goldphoenix the strongest. But the second strongest was Dragreder. A monster with near-infinite potential. One worthy enough to be in control of two messiahs. It was a perfect opportunity to try and groom the best weapon I could wield against Odin once we entered this world. So I split Dragreder's power before he was turned into a Deck...and made Dragblacker."
"So when you found me on that island...You were planning for this to happen...?"
"It was a coincidence, honestly. I didn't know Hazama had a son who was conveniently so close to where he died and turned to Odin. It all worked out so perfectly though. Like I said, I sympathized with your feelings. I also want the same thing you want...Except I don't want humans to enjoy that."
Both brothers could only stare in disbelief as Loki continued to speak. "Because you want to create a Utopia. One without their Free Will where they do what you want them to do. Your idea of good. You want to dictate how they live because your life was stolen from you all those years ago. But Hazuki...I want something a little bit different."
"Different?"
"I don't want to "cleanse" humans and get rid of their Free Will. It takes away the individuality. Their sense of self. And most importantly, the fun. The unique flavor each of them has. No...What I want is to have absolute power and rule over not just this tiny planet...But all across the universe. Not just as mindless zombies, like those monsters you created when you blew the Gjallarhorn beforehand. No...I want them all to know that I exist. And with your body and your power, we can end Odin's reign. This war is pretty much over. Aside from us and Odin, there are 4 Riders left. And all of that starts with him." He jabbed his thumb at Hajime."Both dragons have grown far stronger than they first were. And his has evolved to a new level that was never seen before. Oversurvive. With that, and the power of all the Riders in the body of a Messiah...Even Odin will stand little chance."
"So you were planning to use me as your puppet...Because of how my body is...?! Because of what I am?!"
"Not originally. But I have to say. I got lucky. Really lucky." Loki breathed a long sigh."Maybe it's some type of divine reward? For all the shit I had to put up with? Everything worked out so flawlessly. I truly am blessed. All I have to do now is claim his power so that the dragon may become one again. And you...Hazuki...Don't worry. You won't be alone here. Soon, everyone will join you as well."
Loki turned on his heels, making his way to Hajime."Now, Ryuki. Let us commence with the-"
From the ground, chains broke through the seemingly hard sky surface they were standing out, wrapping around Loki's body, holding him in place.
"W-what is this?!" Loki tried breaking free, but he suddenly felt extremely weak. As weak as when he was fighting SONG. He fell to his knees, terrified of what was going on.
"Do you really think I didn't anticipate you'd do this?" Hazuki asked in a bored tone, the swords impaling him turning into dust, revealing no injuries to his body."I've been with you for over 10 years. I think it was natural that I would pick up on your mannerisms."
"What is the meaning of this?! What is going on?!" Loki bellowed."I have absolute power in here! You shouldn't be able to do this!"
"That's where you're wrong, old friend. I have been making preparations for this day. I knew that eventually, you would stab me in the back. It was obvious to me that I was just a means to an end. Even if I considered you a family...in this cruel world, such a thing does not matter. Back when I fought Hajime briefly...Do you remember what happened?"
"Yeah, you got knocked out like an idiot and I had to carry the entire fight!"
"Yes. You did. And you fought for so long and used all of your power, sustaining great deals of damage." Hazuki said, slowly approaching Loki until he was right in front of him."You did all the heavy lifting, that's true. And in the end, when you got taken down, I stepped in. It all went according to plan."
"What...?!"
"I purposely let Hajime punch me when he did. It was a gamble, but I needed an excuse to not fight and for you to step in. I knew if I had asked you to go first, you'd have found it weird and be on alert. So I made you drop your guard and made you fight. I was counting on them to weaken your powers enough for me to capitalize on the opportunity. And the deal was sealed when Hibiki and Hajime were going to hit you with the Messiah and Godslayer powers. A combination of attacks deadly to a God, even one of your caliber. I couldn't risk you avoiding it. Why do you think your body froze momentarily?"
Loki gasped."That...was you...?"
"What, did you think you were exhausted and did that to yourself? That was all me. By that point, I had woken up and was ready to execute the finale. But I nearly failed because my body was almost destroyed. It was a gamble but somehow, we managed to pull through. Now that we're here, you're too weak to do anything, and my essence as a Messiah is keeping you at bay. In other words...you are under my control now."
"That's impossible! You could have lost everything, you moron!"
"Yeah...The whole plan nearly collapsed. But to be honest, I'd rather that than let the world into your hands." Hazuki scowled at Loki, stabbing his hand through his chest."A God like you and Odin have no business dictating what the future of humanity should be! Disappear!"
Loki screeched as his entire body was sucked into Hazuki without any chance of escape. Hazuki took a deep breath, examining his hands.
"What the fuck just happened...?" Was all that Hajime could utter.
"Sorry, you had to see that." Hazuki briefly apologized, shifting his attention to Hajime."I wanted to settle things with Loki before we could talk in peace. You can come out now. It's safe."
From out of thin air, a familiar figure appeared, standing away from the boys.
"Setsuna..." Hajime's eyes gleam in brief joy upon seeing his sister. His smile disappeared immediately upon remembering the last few moments before entering here.
"It's been a long time, Haji." Setsuna said, her voice completely emotionless as she walked over to her brothers."I missed you."
"Setsuna...You...You..." Hajime slowly stood up, his eyes wide.
"It's okay. It's over. We can finally-"
"WHY?!" Hajime grabbed her by the collar of her shirt, slightly lifting her off the ground."WHY DID YOU DO THAT?! HOW COULD YOU?! DO YOU REALIZE HOW MANY PEOPLE YOU JUST CONDEMNED?!"
"Aw, I'm sorry!" Setsuna feigned sadness, wiping invisible tears off her eyes."I didn't mean to do that!"
Suddenly, her gaze became murderous and she pushed him away, causing him to fall to the ground."Why don't you mind your own business? This is what I wanted."
"You...wanted this...?"
"Also, you said condemned. But it's quite the opposite, Hajime." Hazuki placed a hand on his hip."Setsuna saved the entire world with what she did. Thanks to her, Ragnarok will commence. And we can get rid of evil once and for all."
"BY KILLING BILLIONS OF PEOPLE?! YOU MADE MY SISTER INTO A FUCKING MASS MURDERER! THIS IS GENOCIDE!" Hajime exploded in rage."SO MANY PEOPLE DIED BECAUSE OF THIS STUPID PLAN! SETSUNA?! WHY?! WHY DID YOU DO THIS?! THIS ISN'T LIKE YOU! THIS ISN'T-"
"STOP ACTING LIKE YOU HAVE ANY RIGHT TO SAY WHAT KIND OF PERSON I AM!" Setsuna screamed back, taking him by surprise."You don't know me at all! You never knew who I was! All you did was pat my head and tell me a bunch of lies! You never cared about me!"
"Setsuna..." Hajime shook his head slowly."That's not true. I love you-"
"Bullshit! It's always about you! Only you get to suffer! Only you get to cry! And only you get to give up!" Setsuna snarled in disdain, her sclera turning black."What about me?! No one was there to comfort me! I saw my grandmother die in front of my eyes! My cousin and my uncle! And yet I never gave up because I was worried about you! I had to pretend to be strong for so long for you! And what?! So you can try to kill yourself again?!"
"Wait what-"
"I'm not an idiot. When you were in the hospital after the Okinawa fight, the nurses told me about a rope injury you had around your neck. I knew...I knew that you had tried to take your life. You or Hamaguchi-san didn't have to tell me anything. I knew." Setsuna kicked Hajime in the chin, knocking him away before she started stomping on him"YOU COWARD! YOU GAVE UP! AND LEFT ME ALL ALONE! I'M SO SICK AND TIRED OF PRETENDING TO BE STRONG! I DON'T WANT TO PRETEND ANYMORE! I WANT TO SCREAM! I WANT TO CRY! I WANT TO SUFFER ALOUD! I WANT TO BE COMFORTED! I WANT PEACE! PEACE THAT YOU NEGLECTED ME! BECAUSE YOU WERE TOO BUSY WITH HIBIKI-ONEE-CHAN! NO ONE EVER CAME TO SEE ME! NO ONE SHOWED ME A SOLUTION!"
She stopped her kicking, panting for breath."But now...I see a light at the end of the tunnel. Hazuki-onii-chan showed me the truth. The truth behind this putrid and disgusting world. And why we have to end it all to start again. A world where I don't have to be strong. I can be as weak as I want. No one has to go through what I went through again. But you're still so stubborn to see it. You're still determined to save this dead world, even now! Well, let me show you what I saw! Let me show you what woke me up to the truth! You'll see it too!"
Setsuna lunged at him, placing a hand over his eyes. In an instant, Hajime saw several images flashing in his mind. Images of murderers, rapes, deaths, mutilations, countless massacres that happened throughout history, child labor, cannibalism, world hunger, torture, and much more. All of the horrors that humans make every day in the shadows...every single bad deed humanity has committed. Every single sinful act...he saw. And even worse, he saw what his friends had gone through. Every single one of them and the horrible things they had to endure. He screamed, pulling away from her grasp.
He was hyperventilating, grabbing his head as he attempted to calm himself."That...that...that was...?"
"Congratulations. You just passed your crash course of humanity's evil 101." Hazuki chuckled in amusement."You just witnessed humanity at its worst. You like we have."
"That's right. After I saw that, I was immediately convinced by Hazuki-onii-chan's words of a new world." Setsuna droned."I was against his ideals. I was naive. I thought this world had a future. That humans deserved to live the way they were. But I saw the truth. I know the truth. And so do you."
"You showed her this...?" Hajime asked him in disbelief."YOU SHOWED HER THIS?!"
"She needed to know. This is what you guys have been fighting for. Even now, as we speak, the world is about to crumble, and more people are doing those things right about now. Suppose you had stopped Ragnarok from happening. The world will be united for a few years. But what do you suppose will happen once the next conflict of interest appears? A few couple decades later, the world will forget I ever existed. Wars will start again. Evil will cloud human minds. Your efforts would have been in vain."
The oldest sibling stood in front of Hajime with a condescending smirk."Or what? Do you plan to train your children to protect the world? Dedicate their lives to the same thing you're doing now. And continue the cycle endlessly? You're suggesting a temporary peace. I am offering a permanent solution. I can prevent all of what you saw from ever happening again. Hajime...this can be just a distant nightmare. It all ends here."
Hajime said nothing his mind completely spaced out.
Hazuki took a deep breath, his smirk turning into a small smile."You know...Even we are products of an evil act."
"Huh?"
"Our Dad, Hazama Liang, had an affair with your Mother, Kaoru Adachi. Now, I was never that close with our Dad. He had his quirks. I never lived in one spot. We were always moving around. At least my Mom was. She was an explorer. More often than not, I spent my time at home. But when you were born, Hajime, that had to stop." Hazuki continued his story."Because...He didn't want to abandon either family. He felt responsible for it. So he was traveling from household to household. Naturally, he spent more time with you guys since you were younger than me. Funny. We never even met once, did we?"
"Not until I got my Deck," Hajime responded.
"Right. Anyway, because of that, my Mom had to stop going out to explore the world, and instead, was forced to find a boring 9 to 5 job to sustain me. Even now, I remember the sadness in her eyes. Like a butterfly whose wings had been ripped out. Like a surgeon without a patient. She would look at me and say 'This world is a beautiful place. I want to explore all of it and one day show it to you.' Oh, my poor Mom. How wrong she was. This world is not a safe haven. This world is...'
His left eye turned gold."Hell. In the end, I am happy she died believing that. Now she's part of me."
Hajime felt himself growing sick.'That's right. He...'
"The point I'm trying to make is that I've suffered as much as both of you. And I know what it feels like to have run out of choices. But...It's okay now. You're safe. We can be a family."
"That's right, Haji!" Setsuna beamed."We can see Mom and Grandma again! Hazuki-onii-chan showed me them!"
"He what?"
"The Sea of Souls. I've been collecting every soul that's died over the past 10 years. Your Grandmother and Mother are in there. They spoke to Setsuna. You can see them again, Hajime. All of this can be put behind us. This long fight. It's finally over."
"It's over...I can...stop fighting then?"
"You can. You just have to make one choice." Setsuna stood in front of him with a smile."Pick. The world...or me."
"W-what?"
"Do you want to keep pretending to be a hero? Or would you prefer to save me? You made a lot of mistakes Haji. I am the way I am now because of your cowardice. But you can fix that. You can fix me.":
Suddenly, Hajime recalled the day Setsuna was born. How his Mom called him over to let him hold her in his arms. How they cried together when their father never came back and their Mother died. He remembered how much trouble he got so he could get money to buy his sister gifts. He remembered the countless times he heard her sing one of Tsubasa's songs and asked for his opinion. All of that was gone. Because of him. He couldn't take it. He sunk to his hands and knees.
"I'm so sorry...I'm so sorry, Setsuna...I was too focused on feeling sorry about myself that I...I completely disregarded your feelings." He sobbed quietly."I'm so sorry..."
"Haji...It's okay. Really." Setsuna squatted down, cupping his cheek."I've never felt happier in my life than now. For once, I don't have to pretend to be strong. I don't have to be afraid any longer. And I want to share those feelings with you. So-"
"I can't..."
"Huh...?"
"I can't...I can't choose..." Hajime lowered his gaze."I can't do it."
"What?" Setsuna's smile faltered, forcing Hajime to look at her."It's easy! Choose! Me or the world! Me or Hibiki-onee-chan! Choose!"
"I can't...I can't condemn the world. I can't let all of those people die..." He stared directly into her eyes with a crestfallen expression."I can't let them down..."
"Really? Really? Are you that stupid?" She grabbed him by the neck, lifting him up." ARE YOU THAT STUPID?! You'll really pick this disgusting and unworthy world over me? You'll pick her over me?!"
Hajime said nothing, receiving a punch across the face that knocked him to the ground.
"Because now you're going to die! DON'T LOOK AT ME LIKE THAT!" She sat on top of his chest, a barrage of punches raining on his face."IT'S YOUR FAULT! YOUR FAULT! YOUR FAULT! YOUR FAULT! YOUR! FAULT! YOUR! FAULT!"
She halted, watching as Hajime's face was covered in blood and swollen. Her Runes activated, making brass knuckles made of bones."It's your fault...Haji! And you're going to pay for it-"
"That's enough." Hazuki had grabbed her hand, stopping her from doing the deed.
"Why did you stop me?" She hissed.
"Killing him now wouldn't do anything but put him out of his misery. Do you want him to pay for what he did? Why not let him suffer alongside the wretched humans he loves so much?" Hazuki grinned sardonically."Let Ragnarok show him the truth of his futile efforts."
"Okay...Okay, okay!" She yelled before taking deep breaths to calm herself."That's...a good idea, Hazuki-onii-chan."
"We tried, Hajime. We really did. But if you want to keep struggling in vain...then we'll give you what you want." He grabbed his sister's hand."Let us go."
"W-wait...Wait!" Hajime watched them walk away before chasing after them. However, he suddenly fell through a cloud, the ground now being non-solid anymore. He watched their malicious eyes staring back at him as he fell."No! No! Setsuna! Setsuna-!"
"Hajime...You have to..."
'That voice...' Hajime grabbed his head, hearing the voice inside of his head.' That's...My Dad's voice...'
"Hajime..."
"Dad! Dad, is that you?! Where are you?!" Hajime looked around, but all he saw was the blue sky as he continued to fall.
"Hajime...I am so sorry. I started all of this. It's my fault."
"No...No, Dad. It's not." Hajime shook his head."You saved us! You-"
"Hajime...Please...stop your siblings. What's coming for humanity...is hell itself."
(Play Geto Culling Game theme)
A loud horn was heard through the entire world, serving as a bell to calamity that announced damnation. From the ground, a large blue sphere, the Sea of Souls, shot up toward the sky, floating in front of the eclipse and becoming one with it. Suddenly, the eclipse began to crack as the skies also showed cracks before breaking, revealing crimson-red skies with black clouds. The temperature dropped considerably to the point where each breath could be visibly seen.
Hazuki and Setsuna gasped as gold lights engulfed them, floating into the sky as pillars of energy coming from their bodies connected to the eclipse.
Yomi shoved Abyss against a wall, ready to punch him again when he also was engulfed by the light, floating into the sky.
"The hell...?" Abyss blinked, puzzled.
"Give up already!" Chris seethed, shooting several arrows at Despia. But her crystalized body managed to bounce them off of her. She was about to shoot more projectiles from her hands when she was also engulfed in a light. The fights were forced to end, Nightmare and Wei following suit.
"What is going on?" Tsubasa asked Maria, who had a terrified look on her face.
"I don't know...But you heard that loud horn just now, right? Does that mean-"
Space shattered. As if a window was blown out of the sky itself, breaking the rest of it along with it. Shards of reality exploded outwards in a rain of illusionary glass, giving light to a dark red-colored sky with freezing winds. And worst of all, countless demons as they poured out from the hole the eclipse left. Demons of all shapes and sizes began invading Beijing, seemingly endless in their numbers. Onis, ogres, hounds, and any type of beasts the human mind can think of invaded the streets, wasting no time in starting to kill and devour whatever civilians and soldiers that were still alive they could find.
(Quick author's note: A reader gave me the idea of the demons of Helheim to be whatever demons/monsters different cultures and religions have in their stories. Like one big conceptual weapon, if you will. I won't describe all the demons unless they are specifically required in a scene, so for the most part feel free to use your imagination and think of the greatest terrors there are. Like Lovecraftian beasts invading our planet.)
"The day of judgment..." Maria breathed, taking slow steps back."It's really here..."
"What's going on?!" Kirika could only stare at the demons from a distance, petrified. The ground began to shake as the sound of distant screams and inhuman screeches invaded their ears."What happened?!"
"It's Ragnarok! It's starting! Hajime-san didn't make it!" Shirabe grabbed her hand, but the ground shook more, forcing them to balance themselves as the earth moved.."Kiri-chan, we have to go find the others and-"
"Look!"
From the skies, a gigantic, titan-sized serpent slithered from the gaping hole, roaring so loudly everyone thought they would go deaf by its mere didn't understand what they were looking at. They had seen huge monsters both here, and in the past. But this...was incomprehensible. It stood so tall that its entire height could not be captured without tilting their heads up all the way they could go. It towered above absolutely everything and anything they had experienced in the past. Nothing on the planet seemed to be a match for its godly size. The World Serpent, Jormungandr, was here.
This was the world-ending calamity that would lead Ragnarok to its completion. All Symphogear and Riders were afraid of their very cores. Unable to do anything but stare at the face of oblivion that awaited them. They clutched their heads in terror from just staring at the colossal snake in front of them, causing their minds to collapse in on themselves as they tried in vain to understand. But it was futile. The 6 people who were engulfed in the golden lights were now trapped in cocoons, their bodies going through a metamorphosis.
"What is this...? Is this...the culmination of All Evils of this World...? Is this what Hazuki Kaburagi...planned...?" Tsubasa whispered to herself, barely able to stay sane.
"It's the end..." Maria mumbled.
"What...?" Tsubasa asked, watching as several demons were headed in their direction.
"It's over! We lost!"
"What are you saying?!"
"Hazuki started Ragnarok! Hajime-chan didn't make it! We're doomed!" Maria screamed in hysteria."We're all dead!"
"Maria!" Tsubasa quickly pushed her out of the way, slicing a flying demon in half. Another one came in, but Tsubasa did a spinning handstand, unfolding the blades at her ankles to tear the incoming demons apart."Get ahold of yourself-Oof!"
Tsubasa was tackled to the ground by demons, grabbing her arms and legs as one opened its head like a flow, readying to devour her.
"Senpai!"
Chris unloaded her Gatling guns on the demons, freeing Tsubasa from their grasp."Quick! Pull back!"
The Ichaival user provided cover fire, allowing Tsubasa to grab Maria's hand as they sprinted away. The idol glanced around her, noticing Knight, Raia, and Hibiki fighting against hordes of demons in a vain attempt to decrease their numbers.
"There's no end to them!" Raia continued shooting grenades from his grenade launcher without stopping. But despite his best efforts, the demons never seemed to slow down in their march.
"Where's Hajime?!" Hibiki yelled, punching a demon across the face and killing it.
"He was in ground zero where that giant snake appeared." Knight swallowed the lump in his throat, trying his best to ignore the fact that more demons kept coming and coming. Helheim and Earth were becoming one and the same. The final moments of humanity were now at hand.
"Yosuke! Do you read me?!"
"Commander?! I'm a little busy here and-"
"Take everyone with you and meet us northeast of your location! There is a helicopter there where we'll be waiting! Take everyone and get over here now!"
"What?! But, are you saying that-"
"Old man, what are you thinking?!" Chris screamed, jumping away to avoid the devils chasing after her, trying to prevent her from shooting.
"We're evacuating," Genjuro grunted. She could tell he was fighting by the way he would grunt every now and then."We're doing our best to keep these things at bay. But we won't hold out much longer as the hole in the sky is getting bigger and bigger. We have to leave. Now."
"But-"
"If you all die, then all of this was pointless!" He screamed, shocking her."Live to fight another day! This is a lost cause!"
"He's right." Knight panted, noticing a claw mark on his left arm that had cut an artery."We...don't have the strength. We're all too wounded and weak. And even in peak conditions, we wouldn't be able to do anything against a wave of infinite monsters. We have to leave!"
Raia quickly made his way to Elfnein, picking her up in his arms. The girl was unresponsive as if she wasn't even conscious."Kirika! Shirabe!"
"We're on it-desu!" Kirika and Shirabe jumped down, grabbing onto Miku before they started to run away. Tsubasa dragged Maria with her, while Chris and Knight stayed behind them, covering them from the demons.
"We can't leave!" Hibiki pleaded."We have to look for Hajime-"
"I got him!" Abyss leaped from on top of a building, his body covered in lacerations and various wounds.
"Oh, my God...His arm..." Hibiki covered her mouth upon seeing the bone sticking out of Hajime's arm.
"Yeah, but he's alive. That's what's important. Now come on. I need you to be our fists since I can't fight with him on my back."
"O-okay...Okay!" Hibiki followed after them. She took a last glance behind her as hundreds of demons were scattering around the city, destroying everything and killing everyone in their path. And several dozens chased after them without rest.
(Song End)
Meanwhile, across the world, the sounds of alarms rang in every single city. Panic quickly ensued, and chaos took over the streets. Riots started, and people ran for their lives and hid in every place they could.
In Okinawa, everyone in the restaurant could only hopelessly stare at the black screen. Chisa and her daughters hugged each other, praying for the safety of Hamaguchi. Amber ran home, rushing to her parents' house before it was too late.
In Val Verde, things were worse. The demons had invaded Argentina quickly after going through the hole left behind from the battle between Ryuga and Ryuki, using it to quickly cover a few Southern American countries.
Genjuro roared, punching a demon into several more as Ogawa sliced them apart with a kunai. Garie skated around the perimeter, forming spikes of ice and Elsa protected the ship with her tail attachments.
Sakuay and Aoi started up the helicopter. A special gift was delivered to them by trusted people that Yatsuhiro had sent.
'Gen...Evacuate the city. I left you a helicopter, similar to the one FIS had back when they were our enemies. It should be enough to fly you all away from China. And please...Take care of my daughter.'
Genjuro gritted his teeth, his phone call with his brother still going on a loop in his mind. He didn't know if Yatsuhiro was safe or not. All he could do was make sure the children could escape.
"They're here!" Garie quickly destroyed a wall of spikes, allowing everyone to enter the perimeter before creating more, impaling a horde of demons.
"We got to go! Now!" Genjuro hollered, alerting everyone to head into the helicopter. More demons broke through the ice walls, forcing the group to take a battle stance again. To their dismay, the Symphogear lost their transformations.
"We're out of Phonic Gain already?!" Tsubasa cried out in disbelief.
"We did use X-Drive form too much and have been fighting for hours." Chris clicked her tongue."What now?!"
"Only we can fight and...We have almost nothing left in the tank." Raia could feel his powers running out. He wasn't going to last much longer.
"This helicopter...It won't accelerate enough for us to get away." Knight gritted his teeth."Even if we somehow get airborne, the demons are still going to chase after us and bring it down. We don't have the time to escape. I'll stay behind and-"
Knight's armor shattered, reverting to his human form. Raia was about to open his mouth when he also lost his transformation.
"Oh, fuck..." Raiden mumbled. Both boys turned to Abyss, who was still in his transformed state."How are you...?"
"If there's anything I have, it's stamina, my friend. You can ask Kirika all about that." He winked under his helmet before getting serious."Listen, I didn't fight that long against Ryuga. Compared to the rest of you, I'm still fresh. I'll buy us the time that we need."
"Are you insane?!" Kirika stormed toward him, grabbing his hands."You're getting on that helicopter now-desu!"
"And what? We'll be served as canned meatballs to those things. Don't worry. I'll just clear the area a bit and then go with you."
"Hey." Yosuke grabbed him by the shoulder."Don't try to be a hero. There has to be another way-"
"Yeah? And what is it?"
Yosuke was left speechless, unable to answer him.
"Yeah, I figured. Don't worry. I won't die a hero." He reassured him, removing his helmet and sparing Hajime a glance. He was now being carried by Genjuro, knocked out. The blue-haired teen then eyed his girlfriend, cupping her cheeks and kissing her passionately.
"I have a lot to live for. I want to go save my family and keep them safe. I want to grow old with Hajime and tell war stories with him to our grandkids. And...I want to marry you, Kirika."
"Marry me...? Kirika blushed at his words.
"I want to spend the rest of my life with you. So yes, I want to marry you. So don't worry. I don't plan to die here." The teen rested his forehead against hers."I love you, little reaper."
"I love you too, baby shark."
"Get in!" Genjuro shouted. Yosuke grabbed Kirika, taking her away as they boarded the helicopter, and the propellers came to life."What is he doing?!"
"Buying us time!"
Abyss turned on his heels, facing the army of demons that were closing in on them."Time to put on a show."
Oversurvive: Conqueror's Regalia
Abyss went back to his Oversurvive form, summoning his Leviathan Shredders. He felt his power rapidly declining. He didn't have long.
'Now it's time for me to live up to the Abyss name. I'll try to be a hero just like you, Hajime.' Abyss heaved a long sing and... jumped into action.
(Play Yakuza 0 - Oath of Enma)
Abyss roared, using his energy wings to take off into the air, attracting the horde toward him. Using his blades, he mowed through them like a knife through butter, heading for the next wave. However, a giant hand grabbed him, throwing him against a building. Meanwhile, the helicopter began to slowly take off into the air. Genjuro placed Hajime on a seat, Tsubasa and Yosuke helping wrap his arm around the bandages as best as they could. Miku and Elfnein were both unconscious, crying themselves to sleep and passing out from too much grief. The others watched from the windows as a giant centipede lunged at them, but Abyss flew back, cutting the beast down.
Abyss raised his hand, raising several water sharks from the ground and devouring a good chunk of demons. But more of them came in to replace them. He reverted to his Survive form but continued fighting.
"Hamaguchi-kun!" Hibiki yelled. They started hearing banging from around the helicopter. Many demons were trying to get in, but Abyss quickly swung his arm, shooting blades of water at them. A tongue wrapped around his torso. It was a chameleon monster, using his venomous tongue to burn into his arm, causing him to howl in pain, reverting to his normal Rider form. However, out of thin air, Abyssodon, Abysslasher, and Abysshammer appeared, helping their master and killing the creature. They split into four, protecting the helicopter that was now in the air, getting away from the area plagued with demons. Abysshammer and Abysslasher were overpowered and killed, leaving only Abyssodon and Abyss.
"Hamaguchi-kun!" Genjuro's voice came from his communicators."Now! Get on board! It's too dangerous! We'll just have to attack them and try to shake them off!"
Abyss clicked his tongue, shooting a jetstream of water to propel himself toward the sky. He looked behind him after recalling Abyssodon back. The demons were hot on his trails. Too many. And they still kept coming. The helicopter wasn't going to make it. They were about to be trapped in and be served as lunch for those things. In the state everyone was in, no one could fight. And those who could wouldn't be able to defend those who couldn't. He finally reached one of the windows, watching the others as they huddled around inside.
"Hamaguchi!" Kirika exclaimed in delight. Abyss took off his helmet, smiling at her. He closed his eyes, touching the glass.
"I love you." He smiled brightly at her before jumping away. He quickly formed a concentrated bubble of water in his hands before shooting it at the helicopter at full power. The water cannon hit the helicopter, shooting it away at great speeds due to the force of the attack.
"What is he doing?!" Kirika screamed, banging on the glass."Hamaguchi! Hamaguchi-"
Abyss was swallowed whole by a large earthworm. Many demons jumped on top of it, devouring the worm to get to the delicious treat waiting inside.
"Don't look!" Yosuke covered Kirika's eyes, dragging her away from the window."Don't look!"
The horrible scene quickly disappeared as they were shot several kilometers away, managing to lose the demons thanks to Abyss giving them the push they needed to gain speed. Kirika let out a horrible wail, dropping to her knees as she sobbed as loud as she could. Yosuke quickly wrapped his arms around him, tears streaming down his cheeks. Everyone started to cry together, mourning for the loss of yet another friend. All of them were exhausted. But even that did not stop them from letting out the agony in their hearts. Genjuro bit his lower lip so hard he drew blood, a tear trickling down one of his eyes. Ogawa covered his eyes while Aoi and Sakuya sobbed silently, trying to block the screams in the back to concentrate on piloting the helicopter away from China. The group was distraught. In less than 20 minutes, they had lost 2 of their dearest friends.
Unbeknownst to them, Hajime's hand began to glow in blue as a small stone appeared in his grasp.
(Song End)
Mission: Prevent Ragnarok
Status: Failed
As all of this was going on, the cocoons finally opened, and the 6 beings emerged from within them. They were all clad in armors that resembled those of the Riders before reverting back from their transformations, revealing humanoid forms. All of them had a slight golden glow to them alongside halos, pristine wings, and white robes. They had pale skin, onyx hair, and purple eyes alongside the symbol of X's on their foreheads.
"Alas...We have been reborn," Hazuki announced, looking at his family. He raised a brow upon seeing Bragard. He was now out of his armor but was now wearing a mask to keep him under control."How do you all feel?"
"Well, well, well," Yomi smirked in glee upon seeing his arms again. He activated his Runes, cackling upon feeling the electricity coursed through his veins."Oh, yes, baby! The Custodian is back!"
"You're now more than a mere Custodian." Hazuki wholeheartedly."All of you are Gods."
"Gods..." Despia's eyes widened, touching her neck."I...I can talk again. My voice box is healed..."
"The transformation into Godhood healed you from any injuries you had sustained. Your bodies are now at their peaks."
"So this is...the pinnacle of Divine Power..." A maniacal grin appeared on Wei's face."This power...is truly worthy of a God! I am no mere man anymore!"
"Someone is happy." Hazuki placed a hand on his shoulder."And with good reason. You are now Fenrir's host and the most important piece to defeat Odin. All of you have the power of each of your respective Gods. And thanks to me fusing with Loki and taking his power, none of you will be taken over by them."
"So what now, onii-chan?" Setsuna asked, pointing at the distance. The Calamities followed where she was pointing and saw the helicopter in the distance."They're getting away."
"Don't worry. I'll take them down." Yomi shrugged, charging up his right hand with electricity and aiming two fingers at the helicopter."Unlike before, I can now use my Atomic Blast at will without the need to hit a target to build up charges."
"You sure you can shoot from all the way here? I could just fly over there and kill them all." Wei suggested.
"Dude, you're forgetting I'm a magician. I had to do some archery every now and then. Some cool tricks to impress the crowd. I'm confident in my aim." Yomi shrugged nonchalantly, closing one of his eyes to aim better. He had the helicopter in his sights. The attack would hit the back of the chopper and cause it to either explode or make them fall to their deaths. A smile appeared on Yomi's face, quickly aimed his hand higher than before before faking a sneeze.
"Achoo!"
His attack completely missed the helicopter by a few meters."Oops."
"You idiot!" Wei grabbed Yomi by his robe."What are you doing?! How can you miss?! You said you were sure!"
"Something got in my nose. I had to sneeze." He chuckled, raising his hands."Boy Scout's honor. Pinky promise, if you want."
"Is this a joke to you?!"
"Enough." Hazuki got in between them before the fight escalated."It matters not whether they got away or not. They are beaten and scared. They lost. Let them go hide in a hole if they want. Ragnarok will come their way soon enough. But for now..."
He jabbed his thumb at the World Serpent, that was patiently waiting for them."How about we start our march? Let's go save the world. Our new objective...defeat Odin."
"I told Kazanari that this was a terrible idea." Cyrus Garrison, the president of the United States was in his private resort in America, his computer next to him as he was on a call with a general."We've prepared as fast as we could. Assembled our army, navy, and airforce alongside borrowed forces from other countries. However, we cannot use nuclear weapons. Thanks to the scandal of last year, nuclear weapons are limited now more than ever. However, I will not hesitate to press the button if this gets out of hand. Do not let them into the country, General. At worst, we can allow ourselves to lose a couple of states due to the radiation. But we must protect our country."
Worry not, Mr. President." The General replied."I assure you, we have the best of the best. Our military force is the world's number 1, after all, and combined with the efforts of allied nations, drastic measures will not be..."
"General?"
"It's coming." The General put down his binoculars, watching a humongous black cloud coming from the horizon. It was fast and closing in on them. They were the only defense between that and the world. The General raised his hand, ready to shout his command. All troops readied their weaponry, helicopters aligning above the battleships and the jets circling around, ready to unleash their payload. The soldiers on board dreadfully waited. The seconds seemed to be eternal, and the weariness spread through the soldiers in anticipation.
The General screamed, and the alliance began bombarding the black cloud with everything they had. All types of artillery could be heard, the crimson skies contrasting the orange explosions as if it were some sick fireworks show. The General narrowed his eyes, noticing that their incessant volley of attacks wasn't doing anything to slow down the black cloud. He didn't even have time to scream as the cloud consumed them, countless demons ravaging their ships and leaving no trace of their existence behind. From the dark cloud, several flying demons emerged, attacking the jets and matching their terrifying speed, killing the pilots.
The soldiers on land could only stare in awe as the cloud advanced toward land.
"SHOOT! DO NOT LET THEM HERE! WE ARE THE LAST BASTION OF AMERICA!" A high-ranking soldier commanded, forcing the soldiers to shoot their cannons and tanks at the demons. While their artillery managed to kill a few, they barely made a dent in their infinite number of abominations.
Several soldiers screamed in fear, jumping into their jeeps and any vehicle they could find, and fled.
"Cowards!" The soldiers screamed at them."Don't run! Come back here-"
A demon decapitated the man in an instant before grabbing his legs, drinking his blood, and eating his body. The soldiers exited their base, noticing the several vehicles jamming traffic from the countless civilians trying to escape.
"D-damn! There's no way we can advance!" One of them yelled.
"Idiot! Run them over! We'll die otherwise!"
"B-but-"
"DO IT!"
The soldiers screamed, driving his car on the sidewalk, running over countless people in the process. It was carnage. A scene straight from a horror movie. The demons had breached the country and were now entering the cities of America.
"Look!"
The soldiers stopped, looking at the sky to see several missiles flying by.
"T-THOSE ARE NUKES! THE PRESIDENT IS TRYING TO NUKE THOSE THINGS!"
"BUT WE'RE RIGHT HERE! HE'S GOING TO KILL ALL OF US BEFORE THOSE THINGS EVEN HAVE THE CHANCE TO EAT US!"
To their horror, a giant black wolf appeared from the skies, blowing the missiles away and into the air where the head of a large snake appeared from the skies. Jormungandr devoured the missiles as if they were a snack, having no visible effect on its body.
"W-what is that..." The President nearly fell to the ground once he saw the silhouette of the titan snake."Is that...That's the World Serpent!"
Jormungandr slithered its giant body, crushing civilizations with ease as the demons killed any humans in their way. Soon enough, America had lost Virginia and North Carolina, and Ragnarok continued on its march toward the end of the world.
"Time to purify." Hazuki said, splaying his hands and smiling upon laying his eyes on the genocide they left behind."This is...the greatest evil of all!"
Behind Ragnarok, nothing was left behind but wastelands and destruction. No one was safe. There was no place to hide. All they could do was wait for the inevitable.
"It appears a Messiah has taken the lead in the race." Odin mused from above the skies, hands behind his back as he observed with interest."This took me by surprise before but now, I am more than capable of ending it swiftly. However, I want to see where your determination will lead you, Messiah of Calamity." He looked back in the opposite direction of the precision of demons."As for you, Messiah of Chaos...What will your next move be? Will you let your world end and accept a new reality? Or will you stand up against the invincible? Whatever your choice, keep this in mind: If you don't fight...you won't survive."
Somewhere in space, a ship cruised around in the darkness of the universe. Inside, 6 people were silently asleep, waiting to reach their destination when suddenly, a call came through a screen above them.
"Huh? Huh? Oh. Answer that." Said a laid-back voice as the others groaned, waking up from their slumber.
"Thank goodness, I finally reached you." Said a robot-looking being on screen."Veles!"
"Oh, Amaterasu!" Said the person in the main chair, folding his wings.
(Veles, Custodian of Anima) If you want a representation, he looks like Arsene from P5
(Author's note: Yes, this is Amaterasu from XDU)
"Veles, I have urgent news. There is an emergency." Amaterasu sounded distressed, which alarmed Veles greatly.
"Hey, it's okay. Take a deep breath. What is going on?" Veles asked her calmly.
"It's Ragnarok. It has started once again."
"What in the hell is Ragnarok?" Asked a being with white armor, wearing a long red cape.
(Heracles, Custodian of Strength) He looks like Gallantmon from Digimon.
"What, you don't know?" Veles cocked his hair to the side."Oh, yeah. You're too young to have known. It's what annihilated the Nordic Pantheon long ago. You remember the Swarm centuries ago?"
"Those bugs that took over an entire world and used the citizens as hosts?" Heracles groaned just remembering the incident."Don't remind me. I want no part in the extermination of parasites again."
"Well, something like that. You get the gist of it. But still, how can Ragnarok even happen again?" Veles asked the woman."I mean, if I'm not mistaken, it was a one-time thing, right? And just something that belonged to the Norse. So why is it happening again? And where?"
"I...I don't know. From the intel we've gathered, it appears to be on...planet Earth..."
"Earth? Wait, wasn't that where Shem-Ha stayed after that whole fiasco? Did she do it? I thought that girl was dead."
"Well, she was...But a lot happened. Including the destruction of the Cursed of Balal. She died once more. This time permanently. But that's not all. We have also detected the presence of another Custodian."
"Could it be Enki?" Veles rubbed his chin."No..Enki died there too. Is anyone missing from our home?"
"Every citizen is accounted for. This is a Custodian who is not recorded in our records. He may be related to what is happening right now. Lastly, I saved the worst news for last." Amaterasu carefully said."Apparently, Odin is alive."
"Wow...Really? That's awesome." Veles laughed in a carefree manner.
"That's not funny, Veles." Amaterasu was about to have a heart attack."He's extremely powerful. We have no idea what his intentions are."
"Relax, Amaterasu. So what's our mission? Kill him?"
"I'm afraid before we start thinking of wagging war with him, we must focus on Ragnarok and preventing it from expanding across the universe. It does not that it will stop with just the destruction of Earth. It may very well ravage the entire universe and this timeline. I am afraid that the forces opposing Ragnarok on Earth have been taken out. Which leaves only your squadron to be the only ones capable enough of preventing it from exiting Earth."
"So you'll be sending us?"
"Yes. We require the Royal Flush, Captain Joker." Amaterasu confirmed."The 6 of you are our strongest defense force and our strongest warriors. We please ask to undertake this mission and-"
"Sure, anything for you." Veles easily responded."We are Custodia's defenders, after all. If Ragnarok can spread through the universe, it is our job to defend our home and save as many planets as we can. Ain't that right, Ace?"
"Yeah, you're right. That was easy." Heracles seemed unamused. He knew his captain had a thing for Amaterasu, after all.
"Thank you. We are eternally grateful for your services." Amaterasu bowed slightly."And worry not. We have sent Susanoo to stall Odin as soon as you get on Earth so he won't interfere."
"Seriously? That desperate?"
"You must understand, you are the sole warriors across the worlds that are capable of ending this. If you fall...then everything will be destroyed."
"Alright then. I guess I can't say no to a request of that magnitude." Veles stood up from his chair, typing a few things on the console of his ship."Alright. We'll go pick up the others and head toward Earth."
"Eh? Seriously?" Heracles sighed, seemingly not as interested.'Well, I suppose I get to meet a new Custodian. So it should be interesting."
"Now then..." Veles grinned, cracking his knuckles."Let's go on a little vacation across the universe."
To be continued in Part 2 of End of Rider War...
Remaining Kamen Riders:
Ryuki: Hajime Adachi
Knight: Yosuke Yanagi
Raia: Raiden Amaterasu
Odin: Hazama Liang
Ryuga: Hazuki Kaburagi
Deceased Riders:
Scissors: Goro Tanaka (Killed by Ouja)
Verde: Zeke Crowley (Killed by Zolda)
Imperer: Andreas Kagatsuchi (Killed by Ryuga)
Zolda: Takeru Sakamoto (Killed by Ouja)
Femme: Chiaki Nakahara (Killed herself before succumbing to the effects of her Swan Song)
Tiger: Jades Demetrios (Killed by Gai)
Gai: Terunosuke Kuwana (Defeated by Raia, Maria, Shirabe, and Kirika. Killed by Helheim demons)
Ouja: Allister Albedo (Killed by Chris Yukine)
Alternative: Bragi Third Dienheim (Killed by Ryuga)
Abyss: Hamaguchi Kuroiwa (Killed by Helheim demons)
Calamity Riders:
Kamen Rider Loki: Hazuki Kaburagi
Kamen Rider Surtr: Yomi Kugisaki
Kamen Rider Garmr: Despia Kugisaki
Kamen Rider Fenrir: Wei Liang
Kamen Rider Hel: Setsuna Adachi
Kamen Rider Niddhog: Nightmare(Bragard Second Hyperion)
And with that, we end the first part out of 3 of the final season. You may be asking yourselves...Why divide it into 3? Well, I figured it'd be easier to digest. It's easier to read through in case you want to go back to a certain section of the finale. Also, while they're all part of the final season, each part is different than the rest. So it's also a way for me to differentiate them and whatnot.
As of now, our friends bit the dust and were forced to retreat before taking to loss. The enemy now has the upper hand but mysterious figures are entering the stage against Ragnarok. The world may be doomed, but will humanity stay by and let it all end? Stay tuned for part 2. I'll be taking a short break. Not as long as the last one, since I need to get everything ready. So if you guys have any questions, concerns, or comments, feel free to message me at any time.