A/N: Hey guys I have returned, healthy and not stressed (somewhat)! Things before were putting a lot on my mind and I had to take some time off from writing because I had some stressful moments going on and concerns with the family. With how things are now due to the virus that has been about, I had to focus on helping the family out. While I still work, things have been slow so it gave me some time to write the chapters for my stories. So, for the time being, I have an opportunity (and hopefully) to do more writing. So, here's the newest chapter for you all!
DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN KAMEN RIDER W OR SENKI ZESSHO SYMPHOGEAR
Henshin!
'Thought'
Dopant
Shroud stared at the slumbering Rider, watching him sleep as the night continued. She wanted to make sure there were no changes regarding his condition as well as his compatibility to the Gaia Memory. The woman knew his fight against the fake was something that made him find first doubts for what she was doing for him. Looking at the desk, there lied the Lost Driver along with the current Gaia Memories he had in his collection.
ACCEL, BIRD, CYCLONE, DUMMY, and ETERNAL.
Five Gaia Memories are in his possession but there was still more out there. They needed to find all of them if her plan to destroy the organization Museum was to come to fruition. It was the only way.
"Not enough…" The masked woman frowned. Reaching in her coat, she looked over her phone and typed on what looked to be a formula for the serum, "Just a little bit and maybe he'll stop with this lousy Noise crusade." Shroud muttered. "My mission is too important."
She heard the teen mumble in his sleep, turning aside to sleep comfortably.
"Now if he can just give up on those 2nd Division people… then maybe we'll progress further." She made her way out of the bedroom, beginning her work on the new formula. "I'm sorry Enrique… but this is for the best," she murmured.
Kamen Rider Eternal: Song of Eternity
Chapter 7: Feral Power
It has officially been a month since the 'fight' between Hibiki and Tsubasa. The two were still not getting along with each other and were pretty far from acting as a fully fledged team. Not to mention the few encounters with Eternal and his fights against the Masquerade Dopants. Section 2 were still left wondering who the evil men were and what they wanted with the White Rider.
Speaking of the White Rider…
Enrique was currently walking in the city, carrying his guitar case over his shoulder like always. Since today was a weekend, it gave him a chance to relax from school.
He hated wearing school uniforms.
The teen grumbled at the sheer mention of it. At least he wasn't wearing the uniform now. Instead, he was wearing a short-sleeve, white collared shirt that was unbuttoned, revealing a black V-neck shirt with the necklace hanging around his neck and dark jeans with a metal cross design on the back pockets.
It was definitely a good day to relax.
"Man… it feels like an eternity since I had a day off…" Enrique groaned out softly to himself. School life and his work with Shroud was exhausting and strangling him. This personal day is what he needed and was thankful for Shroud to allow it.
He made his way to one of the music stores to tune up his guitar or maybe even buy him a new one to test it out. He always liked to see what others guitars were like due to the craftsmanship. Though he knew to only look into one that were hand made, those made by a greedy company will never work for him.
While he has the classic one and the electric bass guitar with the blue flame design, he always had a thing for other types of guitars to try out. Looking at his phone, he made sure he had time since he had other stuff to do.
Just as he was about to approach the store that was by the corner, someone accidentally bumped into his back, making him look behind him to see who it was.
"Oh, sorry about that." The young girl bowed apologetically.
Immediately he recognized the girl and said, "Miku?"
The girl blinked before she fully realized it was Hibiki's friend, Enrique. "Ah! Enrique-san, I didn't know it was you."
"It's fine," he waved off. "How have things been with Hibiki?"
"It's been… okay."
The Rider in hiding caught her tone. Something was bothering her about Hibiki. "Something wrong?" Miku frowned softly and sighed, "Hibiki... has been canceling our plans for a while now…. I trust her, but that doesn't mean I still feel neglected…"
He had a very good guess why. "Some things are sometimes difficult to explain, Miku." He said, "Besides, it can be for good reasons or bad excuses. Hey, maybe there can be a chance for you and Hibiki to hang out without any problems?"
"Eh..?"
"I heard about people planning on watching shooting stars that are coming up. Maybe you can ask Hibiki?" Enrique suggested.
Miku pondered about that, realizing how it could go before she smiled, "That sounds wonderful. Thank you, Enrique-san." She smiled at him. They then both heard the teen's stomach's growl before they chuckled in laughter, "How about I treat you to some food?"
"It's okay, I still have other stuff to do. Maybe ask Hibiki? She seems to enjoy eating."
"You have no idea…" she remembered how Hibiki devoured a bowl of rice in seconds… before she had to drink water to help her swallow. "She's a handful…."
"Heh, well at least she has a very good friend to depend on." Enrique complimented.
Miku smiled at him, "And one who is very kind to her as well. Especially one she looks up to," she complimented him in return.
"Huh?"
"She hasn't told you?" Miku questioned, "Hibiki said she looked up to you. Saying how kind, caring and brave you can be."
He tilted his head, rather confused and surprised. Hibiki Tachibana looks up to him? It was new for him to hear. "Have you spoken to her yet?" He asked, curious.
"No, not yet." She shook her head.
"Huh…" he reached for his phone and decided to call her. He waited… and waited...
["Can't talk! Training!"] And just like that, the call ended.
He sighed. It was not training. She was fighting Noise.
"She is probably busy," he lied.
Miku sighed, "Her job always makes her busy…."
The young girl flinched when Enrique poked her forehead instead of a jab. "Don't be so down, okay? Just focus on watching the shooting stars with her when the time comes." He motivated her.
Her downcast look changed and smiled softly with a nod, "Alright…. Thanks, Enrique-san."
He smiled before checking the time on his watch. "I gotta go. Take care okay?"
"You too." Miku smiled as she waved before the two parted ways.
The American needed to get to the store and see any available guitars or tune up his instrument. Just as he was about to enter, his phone rang. He whined before reaching in his pocket and pulled out his phone to see the one who was calling him being his adoptive mother.
"Yes, mom?" He answered.
"I need you back at the house. Another Dopant signature has been detected."
Enrique sighed heavily. "Alright… I'm on my way." He turned around and rushed back to the manor. However, the rider was unaware of someone who listened in on the conversation.
"Guess it is a good opportunity to fight once he defeats the Dopant."
Coming back to the household, Enriqe walked into the underground base to allow himself to meet up with Shroud. The teen now wore the black uniform and sat down on the chair.
"Good thing you arrived." Shroud said. "The Dopant detected has a similar signature to a powerful Memory."
"Which one?" Her son inquired.
"The FANG Memory." She answered, presenting the image of the Gaia Memory. "I already sent the coordinates to your helmet." She tossed Enrique the motorcycle helmet which he caught.
"Okay," The teen nodded and put on his helmet before getting on his motorcycle.
"Be careful. The Gaia Memory is tough so tread carefully."
"Understood." He revved the engine before driving out and towards the location. The visor on his motorcycle helmet was providing him directions thus an easier travel to the destination.
He drove through a few streets and alleys before he came across the area. All around were several objects, plant life… and bodies, all sliced or ripped to shreds. If he wasn't wearing his motorcycle helmet, he would've puked at what he found.
He had to turn his head away. It was extremely difficult and horrifying to look at.
"M-Mom…" He tried to speak through the comms.
"I know. Just focus on finding the Dopant." She assured him.
Enrique took a deep breath, his hands clenched as his mind was feeling pain again. It felt like it was another influence but he quickly shook his head to keep it together. As he continued on, the damage and gore only got worse as some of the bodies looked fresher than the others. If his helmet wasn't on, he swore he could have smelled that stench.
He turned off the engine and got off the motorcycle before looking around. In his hand was a weapon that Shroud made for him, similar to the Bomb Magnum she owned. The gun was named 'Eternal Magnum'.
"Okay… I gotta keep it together…" he muttered. He heard a sound, making him point his gun before pointing behind him. It was nervousing to him. "Where is that Dopant…?"
The sound of rapid footsteps and a reptilian roar made the Rider quickly evade, rolling away from the attack as whatever tried to kill him only sliced a mailbox in half.
Looking at the source, he found the Dopant he was looking for.
The Dopant was bipedal, almost dinosaur-like but the one difference was the blades that were practically around its entire body. Its frame was nothing but blades and blood red eyes. Its tail had a curved blade as well.
"Oh… shit…" he swallowed.
It was the Fang Dopant.
He quickly aimed the Magnum and fired a few energy rounds at the Dopant as he needed the space to henshin. Each shot hitting the Dopant, its attention on him again. It roared at him as it charged ahead, causing him to quickly dodge while it tumbled forward into some supplies.
With the Dopant distracted, the teen strapped on his driver as he held up his memory before activating it, shouting out, "Henshin!" Before he placed the memory inside and tilted the driver.
ETERNAL!
With the tune, his armor formed before it created the Eternal Red Flare armor. He thrust his arm and gave a thumbs down. "Now, enjoy your hell." Brandishing the Eternal Edge, he rushed towards the Dopant. With his forearms enveloping in flames, he grabbed the Dopant's tail and began to pull the kaijin. Seems the armor also enhanced his body as it pulled it towards him before punching it square in the face. It fell onto the ground, sprawling in pain before it regained its balance and charged towards Eternal.
He quickly avoided a slash but it was a feint as it pounced on him, pinning him to the ground. Eternal grunted, stopping its jaw that was trying to tear his head off. The Rider used his armored gloves to prevent it from getting its teeth closer to him.
However with FANG being a strong Gaia Memory, Eternal was having trouble as he couldn't hold back much longer. The Rider gritted his teeth as the Dopant's razor sharp jaws were getting closer to his throat.
But before it could reach and close its jaws, it was yanked back before it was slammed into the ground. Standing there was Hibiki, with its tail in her hands. She yanked it back only to punch the Dopant with her fist.
The girl smiled before she yelped and shook her hand.
"Hibiki…?" Eternal recognized, standing back up.
"Hey, Eternal-san." She winced, "That thing hurt!"
"That Dopant is a strong one…" he glanced behind him. "And did worse to others…"
"Others…?" She slowly looks back at the streets to see the destruction and carnage it left behind. Her skin went pale as she covered her face, trying to avoid it but unable to before the rider helped turn her away, "T-Thanks…"
They heard the Dopant screech at them, earning their attention to see its blades grow in anger.
"And I thought Tsubasa-san uses a lot of swords," Hibiki said but also feeling angry towards the Dopant for what it has done.
"You know where she is?" The white rider asked.
The Dopant roared, but as it rush at them, several blue daggers flew from the sky, impaling it's shadow and halting it. Landing next to him was Tsubasa as she smirked softly at him, "You called?"
Eternal rolled his eyes under his helmet before facing the Dopant. "I can't let that Dopant get away for what it did…" he gripped his hands as he brought out the Eternal Edge. "It has to pay for what it did." He rushed towards the kaijin, already starting to feel the effects from his Gaia Memory. He had to fight back against the influence. He had to stop the Dopant. He lurched back to avoid its bladed tail before striking its side, earning a cry of pain. Snarling, it used its arm to strike his chest as Eternal cried out in pain from the sharp attack.
"Let's go, Tachibana!" Tsubasa said.
"Hai!" The young girl nodded.
The two rushed over, singing as Tsubasa started when she sliced through the Dopants blades, before she cut away at it. Hibiki slammed her fists into the monster's blades to block it. With the attack stopped, she struck its chest and head over again before kicking up high, only for the bluenette to summon a barrage of blades down upon the Dopant, pushing it back into the ground.
This angered the kaijin further. It roared before its roar grew louder and the swords on its entire body grew and became sharper than ever. Tsubasa tossed another set of swords only this time it chomped onto one and literally shattered it in its jaws.
She sang but her eyes widened before the Dopant spun around, sending its own blades at her.
ACCEL: MAXIMUM DRIVE!
A red and white blue blur flew past as the swords impaled the wall instead of the idol. Tsubasa noticed that Eternal prevented her death, carrying her in a bridal-carry.
"E-Eternal-san…" She got out, as she had a faint blush on her cheeks.
He set her down before he focused back on the reptile. He stared before looking at the CYCLONE and ACCEL Memory in hand. An idea came to mind before he used his dagger, slamming a metal plate as it emitted a ringing noise.
The Dopant looked at Eternal upon hearing the noise.
"Over here you lizard freak!" He taunted. "You want lunch? I am right here!!"
Letting out a screech, it planted its feet on the ground before speeding towards him, claws out.
With the Dopant drawing closer, Eternal immediately reinserted ACCEL as it remained in the side slot while CYCLONE was placed in the sword.
ACCEL: MAXIMUM DRIVE!
CYCLONE: MAXIMUM DRIVE!
Red and green energy surrounded him and his dagger before he sped towards the Dopant. However he wasn't charging towards the kaijin, he was running in a circular pattern as it was creating a fast cyclone.
"Tachibana! Grab a hold of me!" Tsubasa ordered, as she planted her blade within the ground. The brawler nodded as she did so, holding her tightly as the two embraced themselves.
The Dopant however tried to stop its running but with the force of the cyclone was drawing it in. Even its own blades couldn't hold onto the ground before it was lifted off its feet and was sucked into the cyclone. Metal and the debris was being drawn in as each fragment was hitting the Dopant at a rapid pace. Soon, the red and green cyclone came to a stop as Eternal stood where he was. He looked up as the girls did the same.
Walking over to a food cart, he moved it aside and moved back a bit in time to see it crashing into the concrete instead of the food cart. The Dopant groaned weakly before the Gaia Memory detached from its host revealing… a lizard?
It looked to be hissing at them before the young brawler noticed it was injured. The poor reptile was scared and only defending itself against them hence the reason for its rampage.
Hibiki slowly walked over as the reptile moved back, hissing at her and willing to bite her.
She quickly grabbed hold of it before she removed the shrapnel in its leg. As blood slowly leaked, she tended its wound before quickly moving away.
It looked down at it's leg, licking the excess blood before it moved a bit. The reptile realizing the intense pain was gone before it looked back up at them. It flicked its tongue before it went on its way.
Hibiki waved as the lizard crawled away, back into the forest.
Eternal however picked up the Gaia Memory, observing it before he clenched it in his grip. "5 down… 21 more to go…" he muttered.
Clapping was heard, earning their attention.
"I say, you did well against a strong Dopant. And the sight of Relics was a wonder." They turn around to see a blue dopant clapping. His entire body was a cyan color with a silver metal color on his left breastplate. Two tail-like capes were the back of his shoulders while his head was covered in a copper facepiece. The unique thing was the silver belt with a gold orb on his waist. "But it is also creating a danger to my beloved city."
"What…. Is that?" Hibiki questioned, shocked by the sight of the Dopant.
Eternal heard his comms ring and answered. "Eternal! That is a General-tier Dopant! You must avoid him at all costs!"
"What…?" He quickly looked at the Dopant.
"You are not on his level! You must leave now!"
"Though, while you two are no enemies to me…" The Dopant said to the two Symphogear users before he turned his head to Eternal, "You on the other hand… could be worthy."
Eternal gripped his dagger, now worried about the predicament. "Hibiki, Tsubasa… we have to go."
"Huh? But we can-"
"That is a general-tier Dopant."
"As if you think you can leave when you left damage to my city." He said…. Behind Eternal?!
Eternal tried to look back but the Dopant punched him away from the girls before bringing out a long sword that was pitch black with white edges. With the sword in hand, Nazca dashed towards Eternal who had to defend himself but to no avail.
With Section 2, they were shocked to see the Dopant as its power and speed was on a whole other level.
Whatever is going on, the situation went from bad to worse.
Eternal cried out in pain as he tumbled on the concrete. He grunted in pain before looking at the Dopant. It was too strong… he needed a stronger Memory to help him fight against it.
Wait… a stronger Gaia Memory...
Looking at his recently obtained Gaia Memory, he realized what he can do. If it is as strong as his mother said, he can use it alongside ETERNAL's power to overwhelm the opposing Dopant.
"Let's do this," Eternal said, bringing up the FANG Memory. If he needed to beat the strong Dopant then he needed to use an equal Gaia Memory.
FANG!
The Rider immediately inserted the Gaia Memory into the Maximum Drive Slot. Reaching his hand to the button to execute the Maximum Drive, he was put to a stop when his mind suddenly felt a burning sensation.
The Fang Memory began to spark as arches of energy began to surround Eternal, from the Maximum Drive slot to his entire body. He staggered on his feet as he felt incredible agony from the surge of energy. It was like a rush but incredibly painful to his own body. It felt like dozens of needles were jabbing into him, his own mind feeling a migraine.
"Eternal-san!" Hibiki cried out.
The Nazca Dopant began to take note of what was happening to the Rider. Amused to see how he couldn't bear its feral power. It was rejecting him but allowing him to use it at the same time. The Rider grasped his head, trying to stop it.
Hibiki and Tsubasa begin to witness literal blades slowly growing out of the armor. His wrists, ankles, even the shoulders were growing blades while his knees and elbows grew spikes. The eyes of his helmet changed. The edges were more jagged.
Then he stopped, his arms drooping.
"Eternal-san…?" Tsubasa slowly reached out but suddenly, the Rider immediately stood up and roared. The sheer energy from the combined power of the two Gaia Memories denting the ground beneath him.
With ETERNAL's incomplete power and FANG's ferocious power, it was creating a feral rider. A beast.
The enraged Rider lunged at Nazca, the latter dodging but was met with the blade of the Rider's arm striking his torso, sparks bleeding off. The eyes of the Rider were feral, enraged… berserk. He felt so much pain, it was ignored by one word.
Fury
He struck the Dopant again with unrelenting rage. The Dopant was now going on the defensive to parry some of his attacks. Eternal ignored whatever attacks the Dopant could bring, taking the hits while he fought back.
Rage
Nazca punched Eternal's helmet but the latter slowly moved his head to look at the Dopant and punched back.
VENGEANCE!!!
He wanted to kill! He wanted to stop this for good! He wanted to fight after everything that was taken from him!! He roared as he fought.
"RAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!"
Eternal pounced on Nazca and began punching him, savagely and repeatedly.
Hibiki was scared. She was afraid of seeing her friend lose himself into vengeance. He was slowly becoming a different person the more the power injected into his body. She couldn't let this go any further! She has to help her friend!
"Tsubasa-san! We have to stop him!" Hibiki said.
"W-What?"
"I am not losing another friend to revenge! He helped us, we have to help him back!" The young girl stated.
Eternal roared out, slashing away at the Dopant, but before the Kamen Rider could attack again, he was greeted by Hibiki's fist, sending the rider into the wall. She had to weaken this power enough for her words to reach him. She began to sing and lunged towards Eternal who bellowed in rage. The blades grew slightly and sparks surging around his body.
The power was starting to overwhelm him.
Hibiki was unfazed, allowing her song to continue as she had to block a few of his sharp attacks. She may be new and have not enough combat experience, but she will save her friend!!
Her next punch connected as she gripped the armor on her forearm as she pulled it back only to let it go, as like a piston, the energy it conducted through its momentum pushed through. It's energy hitting the rider hard as it knocked him through a few walls only for Hibiki to follow up with another punch, driving the rider to the wall, holding him in place.
"Eternal-san! Snap out of it!" Hibiki said, seeing the Rider struggling in her grip of her attack. "Please snap out of it!"
Eternal wanted to progress to stop this madness.
"ENRIQUE!!!"
Hearing his true name made him pause his movements. The Kamen Rider slowly and hesitantly looked at Hibiki, her eyes filled with worry. The edges of her eyes burned with tears. "Please recognize me, Enrique-san," She yelled. "Don't you remember me?"
He was silent but his arms were trembling.
"I know you are not this type of person, Enrique-san! You are a kind person! You are no monster or killer! Don't lose yourself to vengeance!"
The spikes on his body slowly shrink. Her words were starting to enter his mind.
"I want my friend back!!" Hibiki cried out, her eyes closed and spilling tears.
The spikes and blades vanish from his armor, the jagged edges around his lenses become normal again. His entire body shuddered before falling to his knees. Taking the opportunity, Hibiki removed the device and shoved it away from him as her friend cried, even with the bruises on his body, he was crying from the fear he just experienced.
She understood how he was feeling. He was scared.
"It's okay…. I'm here…." Hibiki said softly, continuing to hold him closely and let all of this pain and fear be relieved.
"What is happening to me…" he cried. He didn't understand what was going on with him. Was he really losing himself into vengeance? Was he becoming something equivalent to a killer? A monster like the people who become the Dopants?
"I don't know…. But I promise, I won't let it happen to you again…" Hibiki responded.
Her kind voice allowed the Rider to slowly stop his crying but from the beatings, it made him lose all feeling in his body and passed out from exhaustion and pain. Hibiki felt her eyes burning with ongoing tears. She was worried about her friend. Tsubasa knelt down, giving a sympathetic look. The bluenette realized vengeance can really change a person… making her fully realize the damage it can do.
However, the sound of a gun was heard as the duo looked up to see not the Dopant who vanished but a familiar woman.
There stood Shroud. The masked woman staring at them. Hibiki clutched her friend close, not wanting him to go back to his 'mother'. She was upset at Shroud. Sending her own adopted son to fight and the chance of getting himself to spill blood, especially after seeing what happened when he used the FANG Memory.
"Let go of my son," Shroud ordered with a frown.
"No." Hibiki denied, bringing her unconscious friend closer. "I no longer trust you…. Whatever you're doing is changing Enrique. Turning him into what he isn't. I can't let him stay with someone so toxic."
Shroud's aura darkened and aimed. "Second chance, girl, let go." She ordered darkly.
"I won't!"
Shroud fired a warning shot at Hibiki's shoulder, earning shock from Section 2 and Tsubasa.
"Last chance. Let him go." Shroud warned. "You are too naive to see what is going on and the dangers that will come."
"N-No… I won't let him be used by you for your revenge…" Hibiki gritted, holding her wounded shoulder. "Do what you want to me… but you… will no longer use him like a tool…"
The woman aimed as Hibiki's eyes widened. "Then count your sins." She reached for the trigger. "I am taking my son back even if I have to kill you."
"Tachibana!" Tsubasa cried out, rushing ahead to defend the young girl. The sight of the incoming blade made Shroud aware and quickly aim and fired at Tsubasa, the round hitting her not in the chest, but her stomach. The gunshot was powerful, causing the bluenette to fall to the ground and holding her now bleeding abdomen in pain.
"TSUBASA-SAN!!!!"
"I don't care for you or Section 2… You're just annoyances that I may have to deal with." Shroud informed her coldly, aiming at Hibiki once more, "I won't let anyone stand in the way of my vengeance." She tugged her son as she finally got a hold of him and began to carry him away while Hibiki watched in despair.
Genjuro gripped his hands upon the footage. "Send a medic to the location immediately!!" He ordered.
"H-Hai!"
(Some Time Later)
WIthin the base of Section 2, Hibiki sat next to the unconscious Tsubasa after the incident with Nazca. The bluenette was quickly put into surgery to seal the wound with success. Hibiki sat there as she was angered but saddened by the whole ordeal. Not only couldn't she save her friend, and another one got hurt because of her actions. She didn't know what to do right now.
It just wasn't fair…
She watched her friend taken away by his adoptive mother. Hibiki wanted to fight back but after what happened…? How could she… It really did feel like it was her fault. She couldn't hurt a human being.
"Don't be like that, Hibiki." Genjuro said, ruffling her hair before handing her something to drink. "You did your best, don't feel so down."
"But… Tsubasa-san is…" Hibiki whimpered. "I couldn't do anything to stop that woman from taking Enrique-san away or save Tsubasa-san…"
"The only thing you can do is be there for them. As for your friend, all you can do is try to help out and let him realize the truth. Forcing it will only bring more anger than anything." Genjuro noted, "You have done everything you can, the only thing you can do is let things sort themselves out, and be there for him. Family must deal with their problems in person rather than from outside sources."
Hibiki lowered her head and slowly nodded before she stood up and left the base. Genjuro sighed. He was worried about his niece's condition due to what happened. The masked woman was willing to get her hands dirty just to complete what she wanted to do. And the Rider was the key to finding the odd devices that come from the monsters.
"You better realize the truth, kid…. Realize that what she's doing isn't right for your future." Genjuro muttered to himself, hoping the kid would see the truth.
(Shroud's Manor)
Slowly opening his eyes, the Rider groaned before he slowly sat up, finding himself in his room but… he noticed his arms even a part of his chest in bandages. He remembers what happened before he fell unconscious.
He winced in pain before sitting on the edge of the bed.
"You're up. I told you to run, and you didn't listen." Shroud said, as she was finishing up some touches on the serum.
"How long was I out…?"
"Almost a day." Shroud answered, flicking the vial before placing it into the gun. With the medicine in place, she injects the serum through his neck. "And your Serum will continue to help you."
"...Yes mom… what else happened…?"
"Besides your so-called 'friends' not listening? You now have Nazca on your back." She frowned.
"What happened to Hibiki and Tsubasa anyway?"
"I shot the bluenette for getting in my way. The other just sat there." She informed him.
"WHAT!!??" Enrique immediately got up from the bed, ignoring the pain.
"Don't you raise your voice to me, young man."
"But why would you do that?! They are my friends!!" He argued.
"Yet, they tried to stop me when I came to take you home. They're just using you." She told him.
"They are not using me, mom! They would never do that!"
"And how do you know that?" She questioned. "They tried to take you into their government base and use you to take out Noise. Does that sound like they are trustworthy?"
"But…" he tried to respond. "Why… Why did you have to hurt them…!?"
"Like I said, they got in my way."
He lowered his head, feeling angered and upset for what his own adoptive mother did. It was wrong for what she did… it was not the right thing to do...
"I know it seems cruel, but I'm doing this to protect you, Enrique… I'm doing this for you." She insisted.
Unbeknownst to him, the serum's new effects were beginning to take hold of his mind. "...Please don't hurt them again… I don't want to lose my friends…"
"Only if they stop resisting me and stop getting in my way." She said, turning away as she walked off.
His hands balled into fists as he felt tears. Why did she have to do this? Was it really just to protect him…? Or was it just to keep him in place for what is happening?
Glancing at the table, he could see the Gaia Memories he has in his collection. While he could see them all, he stared at one specific Memory – FANG.
He could only stare at the Gaia Memory. The FANG Memory hated him. He felt it. He may have won against the Fang Dopant and got the Memory, he wasn't worthy enough to use it. The Gaia Memory was like an untamed beast. Waiting to be released from its cage to fight.
"Here… you need more energy." Shroud said, handing him some food as the smell brushed his nose as he could soon feel his stomach yearning for food now.
He grabbed the utensil and began to devour his meal, the food satisfying his hunger. He swallowed and took a deep breath.
"I will be in the basement if you need anything, okay?" Her adopted son nodded, allowing her to leave his room as Enrique stared at the plate.
'Who am I really…?' He thought to himself sadly.
He needed to get out and get some fresh air. Glancing at the door for a moment, he finally decided to sneak out of the house. Grabbing his jacket, he quietly made his way out, not wanting to hear Shroud's denial and tone as he made his way out into the park, letting his mind relax and wander for now. There was already too much going on in his head right now.
Enrique eventually made his way out as he wandered around, as he reached the park. His mind only came up empty as he tried to figure out just who he truly is here. He felt unsure about his place in this fight as he was being shoved into different directions of what he should do.
It troubled him… it bothered him… just where does he stand in this society? As a hero? An avenger?
He didn't know what he was…. He just needed help but was unsure who to trust right now.
Before he could react, he felt a presence as he felt someone grabbing him and tossing him aside. He lands against a tree as he looks up to see the pearl armored woman from before, glaring down at him.
"I suggest you stay put if you wanna keep living." She threatened, "And don't even think to change into that armor."
He flinched upon the mention. Whoever she was knew he was Eternal. Just who is- wait…
As he stared at her, her eyes behind the visor were definitely familiar. "Are you sure we have met before?" He asked out of the blue.
"D-Don't change the subject!" She snapped. "Now stand up and don't try anything funny!"
Mannerism was almost like a tsundere. He swore he had seen her from somewhere. He couldn't use his armor due to her weapons… but… he placed his hands behind his back, feeling the Magnum.
"Now, you better follow. In spite of the fact I rather just end you now… my mistress has plans for you."
The teen kept his composure before he quickly brought out the Magnum and fired at the ground in front of her, causing a cloud of debris to shroud her sights. The girl coughed before hearing a familiar sound.
ETERNAL!
She witnessed a small glow of light in a cloud of dust before it activated again with music.
ETERNAL!
The white light gathered before seeing an incoming fist that was slammed against her stomach, her eyes seeing the yellow visor. She stumbled, clutching her stomach with a grimace as the Rider stared at her.
"I don't want to hurt you…" He warned.
"Tough…. I do." She glared as one of the whips on her person shot out, striking the teen before the Noise she summons uses the advantage.
He grimaced and reached for his CYCLONE Memory. "Let's bring the storm."
CYCLONE!
Slamming the Gaia Memory into the Maximum Drive Slot, he presses the button to activate its power.
CYCLONE: MAXIMUM DRIVE!
A whirl of green wind surrounded his body before he spun himself around, becoming a mini cyclone as the rush of wind began to draw the Noise into the twister, the debris hitting them as the sound of a dagger cut through them. He moved around more as the cyclone was heading towards the mysterious girl.
"As if you think that'll stop me!" She growled and charged ahead before she reached the cyclone. She whiplashed through it, tackling the rider out of it and onto the ground as she began to strike him hard. Her attacks really hurt as he could feel the spikes through his armor.
The Rider grunted as the whip was wrapped around his wrist, preventing him from grabbing his dagger.
"I am not letting you use your knife. I won't let her get mad!" The mystery girl growled.
Eternal wondered who she was referring to but with how the situation is now, he had to do something. Something like this… what was he even fighting for in this? He wanted revenge but…
He remembered Hibiki's words. Her words about him to never give in to vengeance. To not let it cloud his mind again. He slowly managed to grab what he needed. Instead of his dagger, he presneted the FANG Memory. 'Just this once… let me use it…'
He wanted power for revenge, yes. But one thing he learned the day he became Eternal.
FANG!
It was to fight with a choice.
'Another Memory? Doesn't matter, he can't harm me with this suit.' She frowned in her thoughts upon seeing the new Memory.
He placed the FANG Memory into the Maximum Drive slot before it reacted, arcs of energy surrounding his body. He grunted. He was not letting himself lose control. He can't give up. He is not weak. He is not going to give in to his need for vengeance!!
'I defeated you! I claimed you! You are mine!' He mentally shouted to the FANG Memory's power.
FANG: MAXIMUM DRIVE!
The energy unleashed a burst of power, the whips and the girl shoved away. She shook her head and noticed Eternal's body having blades on his forearms, elbows, shins, shoulders, and knees. The edges around his visors were jagged. He panted, his breathing labored but under his helmet, a grin spread across his face. Not feral, but more… satisfied. He can feel it; it was temporarily allowing him to use the finisher by his demand. For now, he had a limit to its use.
"What the?" The masked girl gawked, only to growl as she held her whip back, ready to slash at him.
He dodged the lash and sliced the whip in half. The girl's eyes widened under her helmet as she tried again but the Rider was focused, prepared. He launched himself towards the Symphogear.
She felt her body shake; The feeling of fright was slowly embracing her. She tried again and again, the Rider avoiding her attacks until her back was against a tree. The white Rider drew close and lunged with his wristblade. The glowing blade that will impale her…
She shut her eyes and… nothing happened?
Opening one eye, she saw the Rider's visor boring into her own, the blade close to her nose while the other hand was against the tree trunk she had her back against. Silence reigned over the two.
"Why…? Why aren't you finishing the job?" She finally questioned, "Go ahead! Kill me! You already won."
The masked Symphogear user noticed the blade shrinking back into the armor. "No." He said softly, almost whispering. "Victory isn't something to be proud of. There is always a mistake that leads to victory." He moved away from her but kept the distance close with his other hand against the tree trunk. "Killing you won't lead to anything good. Just more pain." She could see her own reflection from his visor but she swore she could see his eyes behind it. "And believe me, being afraid of death is what makes us human."
"Then why isn't your lousy gun mom or those Section 2 bastards here to arrest me?" she frowned.
"I chose to be away and now? Now my eyes are open to how society sees me." He leans forward. "A fighter. Be it for peace… or vengeance."
"You know this won't stop us right? We'll still be after you."
"Then I will keep doing what is right. Human or monster, I will fight no matter who or what you are." He moved away slightly, averting his eyes from her, feeling the effects of the use of the Lost Driver. He grimaced before moving away from her completely. "Just go back… Killing you isn't the right thing for me to do."
"Why let me go when you know we'll be back? Never stopping." she questioned him.
"Because I will continue to fight and stop you. Again and again." He replied resolutely.
"Then that will become your downfall." The mysterious girl growled before standing up as she left him, resting to fight him another day.
With the fight finally at an end, Eternal removed the two Gaia Memories, but when he did, his entire body shuddered and fell to his knees. His body felt weak from using FANG. Guess its energy really put a lot of strain on his body. He couldn't move much, only to crawl and rest his back against the tree. His head was feeling the migraine and his body felt like it ran a marathon. He needed the medicine… he needed to make the pain stop.
"So… here is where you came." a familiar voice said. He knew he was busted the moment he heard that voice. Approaching him with her arms crossed was Shroud. And while the mask was on, he could feel her disappointed and angered look.
He lowered his head in shame.
"You snuck out, without informing me. You disobeyed my order to stay home and recover." She listed.
"I get it mom…" The teen grumbled.
"Don't you talk back to me, young man!" she snapped, making the Rider flinch. The woman furrowed her eyes under her mask, looking at her adoptive son. "You should've stayed home."
"I am sorry…" he said softly. "It's just that… everything is conflicting… it bothers me." he raised his head slightly.
"You can worry about that once we're home. Come." Shroud ordered him. He nodded and slowly stood up before following Shroud back home, unaware of the girl watching them.
"Should I follow them?" Chris whispered into what looked to be a comms device on her ear.
"No. You are to come back home for failing the mission."
"B-But Fine! I can still-"
"Now."
"Yes Fine…." The girl lowered her head as she made her way back to the mansion. She wasn't going to get sleep tonight.
Hibiki was resting her head on the pillow, the lamp being the only light source for her dorm. She was still worried about what happened two days ago. It still felt like it was her fault.
"Hey, everything okay, Hibiki?" Miku asked her.
"I… I don't know, Miku." Hibiki mumbled into her pillow. "It feels like it is my fault."
"What do you mean?"
The young Symphogear couldn't tell her but she had to (regrettably) come up with a lie.
"Enrique-san's mother wouldn't let me near him… she just… took him away." she somewhat lied. She couldn't tell Miku how his mother shot her and Tsubasa.
"What? Why would she do that?" Miku asked.
"She dislikes us… she doesn't trust anybody." Hibiki gripped the pillow. She remembered how fixated the woman was to revenge, just like how Enrique was. Her friend had a need for vengeance and that was why the masked woman adopted him. To carve him into the perfect warrior of vengeance. She didn't want anyone to disturb the process.
"Doesn't he know? Can't he just deny what she does?" Miku frowned, not liking the sound of the woman.
"No…" Hibiki whimpered. She has seen how it was between the mother and son. He clings to her as a lifeline. To keep walking on his feet but not on the right steps to recovery. "Why is it so difficult to help him… to help anyone?"
"Hibiki…" Miku muttered, "I think all you can try to do, is keep reaching your hand out to him. People can understand one another when they hold hands. If you care for him, you have to keep trying to reach out and grasp him. Only then will he be able to see the truth and stand up for himself."
Hibiki lifted her head from the pillow. "You… really think so?"
"Mhm. I know so." Miku nodded, "Since I met him, I know he wants help, he just doesn't know how or who to turn to for it. But you can."
The Symphogear's eyes begins to be filled with hope before it was ignited with determination. "You're right!" She nodded. "You are right, Miku-chan! I can't give up! I just have to try harder!"
"Hehe, and there's the Hibiki I know." Miku smiled as the two friends hugged.
Chris was walking back to the mansion, after failing her previous mission, she knew the mistress will punish her… it just upsets her. She has to do better! She needs to make Fine happy with the capture of Hibiki Tachibana and Enrique Narumi. She wants to be better…
A red flash caught her attention when it suddenly clattered onto the ground in front of her. She stopped before looking down to see the object. A familiar object she might add.
Picking it up, she noticed it was red with the letter 'H' and the word HEAT. It was a Gaia Memory. Her eyes stared at it. Not knowing it was influencing her.
"Maybe... maybe this can turn the tide next time?" Chris muttered before pocketing it.
A/N: Seems like more has occurred for our Rider as tensions begin to rise between him and Shroud. Now being (unknowingly) subservient, he will be conflicted on his decisions regarding his time fighting. But what will occur for him? Many questions will rise but you all just have to find out now won't we? Also, for the use of FANG, while he managed to use it against Chris, that doesn't mean it will be useful again. Due to the T2s' fickle selection, it will be a long process before he can fully use its Maximum Drive without trouble. Thus merely only using it once without problems. I hope you all enjoyed this development for our protagonist. And if yoy wll recall, Shroud is the type willing to get her hands dirty, including to kill someone. Again, I do apologize for the late update but life at home and work was important but at least I updated this for you guys right? And my next update will be the Wizard story so look forward to that!
Also, I plan to publish a new story soon (maybe next month). However, I am searching for a Beta-reader/editor for it. The requirements are the following: Must have knowledge of Final Fantasy VII (and its remake since the story will follow the remake storyline) and Final Fantasy XIV Online as I also played both games. If you are interested in helping as an editor/beta-reader, PM but you must know both games very well.
Don't forget to favorite, follow, and review! Stay in the shadows everyone and see you later!