A/N: Heya everyone, I am back again with another update to this story. We are slowly getting closer to the conclusion to the Season 1 arc but things are taking a turn as we draw closer to it. There's not much else to say in the introduction Author's Note but I do have much more to mention at the end. Let's get started!

DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN KAMEN RIDER W OR SENKI ZESSHO SYMPHOGEAR

'Thought'

Dopant

The sun had begun to rise upon the new day, casting its warm glow across the city. Chris Yukine had been pondering recent events, initially conflicted about her choices. However, after much consideration, she felt compelled to confront her mistress alone. It had always been that way for her. After losing her parents and ending up in that horrid place before Fine took her in, no one else took care of her. Her trust in others was zero, except for… Enrique.

Her steps slowed to a halt.

Enrique was becoming the only person she began to trust. Her head slanted down, her train of thought briefly halted upon remembering him. At first she didn't trust him but over time he was someone she trusted.

… a friend. Her first true friend.

That was something she didn't want to admit, but she is. Enrique was the only friend who ever genuinely cared about her. The one who made her see her song wasn't a bad thing.

She had always been alone after losing her family in the flames of war. But meeting Enrique… she didn't feel alone.

'I…'

"How much must you disappoint me?" The Half-American froze to the melodic voice that called to her.

In the air were three small Noises, the trio circling in perfect formation. Slowly, her head turned towards where they were circling and saw a figure leaning against the railing afar, staring at the wondrous lake.

"Fine…" Chris recognized the voice and disguised appearance anywhere. She didn't expect to see her here. She was holding the Solomon Cane too. Her mistress paid no attention to her whatsoever but was speaking nonetheless. "I-I didn't expect you would… be here." Was she intimidated by her mistress? In some way.

Fine paid no attention to her but said, "You cannot even do what I ordered you to." Immediately Chris swallowed upon the criticism behind the melodic voice. "Is this all you can do?"

"I-I…" Chris swallowed what little saliva formed. "Fine… Should we not rely on the Durandal? After everything that happened?" She stated. "How can we stop wars if the things I have been doing only caused more death? Why do we have to sacrifice lives for the sake of accomplishing this goal?"

Silence lingered between them. The deathly silence that made the User of Ichaival uncomfortable. That was, until the blonde-haired woman elicited a sigh of disappointment. From the words Chris has said, it was clear the girl was having second doubts towards her. Her decision was now set. "It seems I have no more use for you." Fine decided. After Chris's failure to obtain Durandal, she was no longer of any use to her. "Your failures have given much clarity that you are useless."

To the petite, the damn words hurt her like a knife…but strangely she expected it to happen. She knew about all of her 'affections'. Nothing more than glorified torture sessions for constant failures.

It took getting beat down by some transhuman monsters leading a form of a criminal organization to open her eyes to the reality of her mistress.

Watching Fine move herself off from the railing, Chris' eyes widened to what her mistress was holding. The Solomon's Cane. She was holding the object. That means… Her lavender eyes widened as her mistress leapt away.

She had to go after her! She needed answers!

"Wait, Fine! Fine!" Chris called out but no longer saw her mistress.

Kamen Rider Eternal: Song of Eternity

Chapter 11: Keeping a Promise

It hasn't been long since Hibiki became a Dopant. Obtaining the JOKER Memory as the spoils of victory served as a reminder of Hibiki's feelings toward Shroud and everything else she hid. Was Enrique worried for the girl? Yes, he was. When he talked to Hibiki (before she became a Dopant), she never mentioned what happened to her in the past. From what she displayed as a Dopant, it was connected to a tragic event. He didn't ask Miku about what happened as she is probably mad at him too.

He remembered comforting her in the aftermath of the JOKER incident and her grandmother thankful for bringing her home safely. He couldn't disclose what actually happened to Hibiki to her grandmother. She assumed Hibiki nearly got hurt in an attack by the Noise. Hibiki didn't enjoy lying. From the interaction between her and Miku, it was clear they shared no secrets and after what happened, Miku must have felt betrayed and hurt by the truth.

Leaning against the HellCycle, Enrique looked up at the sky. He has been conflicted on what to do. The more he fought, the more he felt the odd feeling that is quickly quelled when doubts of his adoptive mother arise.

Right now however, he had been searching for Chris after their conversation over the phone. To discover she planned to confront her boss meant a grave result in the end. He had to find her. He didn't want to lose a friend. He nearly lost Hibiki, he didn't want to lose Chris.

He drove the whole night looking for her and had no luck so far. It was already the next day and it was frustrating him. He doesn't even know where she lives thus there is no way to know where she resides. There were several options but wasn't sure they would be useful.

One option however would help but at the same time, making a huge risk. Using a Gaia Gadget will catch his adoptive mother's monitors, signaling he was out here.

If he was to pinpoint the exact location of Chris, he had to bite the bullet. Reaching into his blazer, he procured his Beetle Phone. The moment he activates it, his mother will realize he snuck out last night.

With the Memory in hand, Enrique tapped the button and inserted it into the mobile device.

BEETLE!

The phone transformed into the familiar mechanized beetle, awaiting his command. "I need you to locate Chris. Please."

The beetle clicked its metal mandibles and fluttered away. "Please be okay Chris." He hoped he would find her in time before it's too late.

In her base, Finé was seated on her personal chair while speaking with her contacts in America via her phone. After finding no more use for her young charge Chris Yukine, she had to progress her plans. Of course, that would mean by her own hands. She had gained much information as well as to the one who held no Symphogear. Alas there now had to be loose ends that are to be removed from the picture.

Suddenly, the door burst open, earning Finé's attention as at the door was none other than Chris.

"What do you mean, 'I have no more use for you!?' You don't need me, so that's it?" Chris shouted as she clenched her head in frustration. "My head is a mess! I have no idea what's right or wrong anymore!"

Unamused, Fine merely stared at her with a neutral look.

"Are you of all people who would treat me just as a mere tool too, Finé!?" Chris demanded with a shaky voice. "Just like those adults?! Those Dopant freaks?!"

Finally, Fine frowned in disappointment, standing up from her seat. "How dare you speak to me like that?" She admonished, slowly striding a step towards Chris, "Have you forgotten who it is that saved you? That gave you hope when you were in despair? Who was it that gave you the power that you have now in order to fulfill your idea of ending all the conflict?"

Chris moved back slowly as Fine stalked toward her.

"But… but is what we are doing right now will really stop all conflict in the world? We just release the Noise and let the innocents get hurt! I agree to walk this path with you because you said by destroying those with power, all conflict will stop but we keep getting the powerless involved in this!" Chris said. She remembered how many people were already dead by getting involved with the Noise. Especially the words of Nazca and Taboo. "And now you want to capture this girl to get your hands on Durandal's power alongside Eternal. Do you really want to stop all conflict or you just want to get power for yourself? Answer me, Fine!" Chris demanded with a mixture of betrayal and anger.

Fine's neutral gaze changed into a cold stare before she sighed, "I was hoping that you would just obey me quietly and be a good girl, if that was the case you wouldn't have to suffer much. But then again, it's not like you have been helpful much anyway."

"I-I did my best to help you, Fine! Just what was it all for?!"

"Then explain to me about him." She gestured to images of Eternal alongside his real identity. Chris' eyes widened with fear. Fine had been spying on her activities with Enrique?! "Yes, I know you have been helping him behind my back."

"I-I…"

"You have been helping him stop the monsters that are created from the same power he has." The older woman continued. "You have been giving him a means of more strength."

"H-He's my friend!"

The woman huffed dismissively, "Despite the presence of that other group that concerns me, it doesn't matter since my plan is almost complete."

Chris took another step back but tripped and fell on her rear, shocked over the revelation.

"Your value has been lost to me after so many failures. Well, it has been fun, but I guess it's time we end this shouldn't we?"

Fine took out the Solomon Cane and raised it toward Chris.

"You have been very loyal to me. I should repay you by taking care of you myself. I will let you witness both me and this armor Nehushtan, the immortal that we both possess just like a never ending future." Fine declared as her armor started to glow and change.

The Cane shot out green energy orbs and Noises emerged from them. With the lifeforms summoned, they made their way to Chris. The Half-American was too shocked at the revelation from the person she cared about to do anything before she noticed it.

"Oh, before you die as a farewell gift, let me tell you one simple truth." Fine informed. "The world can never be ridden of conflicts. The only way we can do that is to return this world to the state before humans corrupt it with their presence. What I will do is erase all humanity and reshape it to make sure conflicts are gone for eternity as everyone will be under my rule."

Chris was waiting for her end to come…

"Chris!" A familiar voice shouted at the user of Ichiaval. She knew that voice.

The few Noises that dare draw near were gone as Chris opened her eyes, seeing the familiar Rider holding his dagger. He seemed very protective of her due to the body language he displayed to shield her from Fine.

"E-Enrique…?"

The White Rider glanced at her for a second before focusing on Fine. "So you're the real cause of the Noise attacks." He hissed.

"And you must be the one that has been becoming an annoyance to me, Eternal."

"I never thought you knew me. Makes sense to you , ordering Chris to capture me aside from Hibiki."

"You are not a user of a Symphogear yet capable of harming the Noise. That is the reason why I ordered her."

His hand gripped the blade tightly. He was starting to remember the times Shroud ordered him to obtain the T2 Gaia Memories. The times she took care of him. All for what? Revenge? To please the one who saved him? Fine was slowly starting to remind him of Shroud.

He shook off his thoughts for now. The main priority is to escape with Chris. The Rider never knew how strong Fine is, but if she knows about the Symphogears, she knows way more than anyone.

Eternal took a few steps back before he immediately grabbed Chris and carried her out of the manor. He avoided some of Fine's attacks, holding onto Chris who looked at the Rider.

Just as he neared the exit, he could feel a sharp pain to his back a few times but still kept moving. He didn't care about the damage he took. What was important was to save Chris, to get her away from Fine.

"Grh," Eternal gritted in pain. Clutching Chris tightly, he looked back at Fine as the whips retracted back to her. Performing a swift move of his hand, he slammed the ICEAGE Memory into his Eternal Edge while holding his friend.

ICEAGE: MAXIMUM DRIVE!

With a push, the Kamen Rider swiped the air and ice began to erupt across the manor. Ice enveloped the whole interior of the manor, freezing everything in sight. Once it finished, Eternal ran away with Chris in his arms.

In the manor, the ice of Fine shattered, revealing a frustrated look from the woman. The boy had the gall to stop her? To fight against her? That was inexcusable.

"They got away...fine by me, Eternal. I'll make sure you will die the next time we meet."

Meanwhile with Eternal and Chris…

Escaping from the woman wasn't easy but it worked. After the distance was enough for the Rider, he finally stopped further movement. When he first saw Fine, he felt intimidated due to the woman having knowledge of the Relics and Noise all together. His current form wouldn't stand a chance against her; thus escape was the only viable option. Looking at Chris who was still in his arms, Eternal set her down but when he did, the girl moved away from him for a moment. Her head craned low enough her bangs shadowed her eyes.

"You alright?" He asked.

"Why…" Eternal became confused until Chris added, "Why did you save me?! I told you I have to do this alone!"

"Didn't I tell you before? We are friends." He answered. "I didn't want to lose a friend. We may have been fighting but I couldn't let myself bring more harm to you. If I hadn't, Fine would have killed you. Especially when you nearly had your mind twisted by HEAT's influence."

Chris' lips were sealed shut by his rebuttal. The device she found tried to corrupt her, using her influence to please Fine to take over to a more twisted level. How can Enrique still move forward despite the medicine? She saw the Gaia Memory created markings on him when he fought Taboo.

Will he lose his mind permanently when he continues to use it? It… scared her.

Eternal winced and canceled his armor, his back already feeling pain from earlier the moment the adrenaline wore off. A few of Fine's attacks really did go through his armor.

The girl took notice of his condition. "You're hurt!" She gently touched Enrique's back but saw the stains that slowly expanded across the back of his shirt. She bit her lip in conflict. After everything, the teen still saw her as a friend and defended her from Fine. He took the damage just to get her away from the woman who betrayed her.

"You got these wounds just to help me!?"

"I told you…" He gritted in pain. "I don't want to lose a friend…"

Chris swiveled her head around before she gently helped him stand on his feet. She needed to get him somewhere. Somewhere he could get medical attention, and fast. She still didn't trust the adults and Section 2. Nor does she trust the Shroud woman. With all options weighed, there was one last option that erupted in her head.

The user of Ichiaval had to bring him to Hibiki Tachibana. At least she can trust her to keep an eye on this selfless idiot.

"Ye-" Hibiki stopped mid sentence when she saw who knocked. It was Chris Yukine as Enrique seemed to look exhausted, the girl helping him stand but she noticed the brief sight of his back was red.

"I… need your help…" Chris muttered. "He got hurt when he protected me…"

"W-What happened!?"

"I'll explain later. Just help me treat him quickly!"

A few minutes later...

Enrique hissed as he felt the warm rag patting his back. Hibiki squeaked when she saw his pained look.

"S-Sorry!" Hibiki apologized.

"It's fine." He strained his voice. Hibiki slowly nodded and began to tenderly cover the wounds. However, for Chris and Hibiki, they saw the scars from fighting the Dopants. Even with the armor, the attacks from the monsters he faced can get through regardless of the protection. Unlike them with the Armed Gears, his armor isn't capable of blocking all damage to his body.

After being patched up from his injury, Enrique carefully puts his shirt back on, winced a bit until the pain subsided. "Thanks, Hibiki. Same to you, Chris." He said the last part to Chris.

"I-I'm just paying my debts since you saved me." The half-American stuttered in reply.

Enrique chuckled softly. It was obvious that she helped him but was too embarrassed to admit it. "How did you find your way here anyway?"

Chris's body language stiffened slightly before she deflated. "I...had to ask for directions…" She tried to answer with embarrassment. "I'm never hearing the end of this, am I?"

"Knowing Hibiki, you probably earned her friendship. Especially after that fight with Taboo." He quipped.

"Not like you when you fought her as the Joker Dopant." The petite huffed. "At least Tachibana doesn't get punched by you…you never go easy…"

"Hey, you were going crazy as a Dopant too."

Looking between the two, Hibiki noticed the interaction. "Um…" the user of Gungnir was a bit surprised at how cordial Chris is with the young man. "S-Since Chris-chan came here, I think she left her boss…I think?"

"Yeah." Enrique answered. "Calls herself Fine. She is the one responsible for the Noise attacks."

"Fine? So then…" Hibiki realized why the attacks in the past few weeks had been so coordinated. It wasn't because of Chris but from a woman named Fine. Could that mean Fine was the mastermind for the concert incident two years ago? It would also explain the first confrontation she had with Chris. Fine was after the Relic Durandal thus sending Chris.

"Yeah… all of these attacks over the past few years were due to her…." Chris nodded. "So…" she massaged her palms. "I-I'll wait outside for you." She immediately and swiftly rushed outside. With her out, it left Enrique with Hibiki.

"How are you feeling at the moment, Hibiki?" asked Enrique.

"I'm okay, just-"

"Hibiki."

The girl flinched. He knew she was lying. She lowered her head, rubbing her arm in discomfort. It was nothing at first but she said, "I…am not… I tried calling Miku but she hasn't responded to my calls or texts…" her fingers gripped the sleeve of her sweater. "She still hates me for lying to her…"

Enrique's eyes softened. "Not even at the school dorms you stay in?" Hibiki shook her head, "No… I really messed up didn't I?"

The American 's voice caught in his throat.

At first Hibiki expected to hear nothing from her friend but he said, "To be honest, Hibiki. There's a line in between when it comes to that answer." He admitted. "I-I know it's not one to expect to hear. While it is true, lying to her was a bad thing." Hibiki's head dipped lower. "You were working for a government agency under, my best guess, confidentiality right? So you couldn't tell her the real truth. Yes it was bad to lie but it is also a no in regards to the answer as well because you wanted to protect Miku."

"But I-"

"Hibiki, look at me." Hesitation crossed her mind but did as told, looking at Enrique. Her second best friend who became close to her in such a short time was just like Miku. "Do you remember that I too hid my identity as Eternal?"

Hibiki nodded. "It was because it was to prevent anyone I know from getting caught in the crossfire. If they had known I was Eternal in the midst of a fight, what would they do? Would they try to stop me from doing the right thing? Or run away?"

That made the wielder of Gungnir purse her lips. He was right. When she found out he was Eternal, she wanted to do something to ensure he was okay.

"The… former?"

The raven-haired student smiled. "Sometimes, when a friend is in danger you would do what you can to save them. To protect them. That is what I see in you Hibiki. To show others of the feelings you hold in order to protect them."

This made his friend contemplate his speech. The more she looked back on it, the more she noticed some parts of it were true.

Giving her some things to think over, Enrique gently pushed himself to stand. The American gave one small smile at her. "I have to get going before my mom asks any questions. Take care, Hibiki."

Just as he left, Hibiki called out to her friend. "Enrique-san."

"Hm?"

"Thank you…"

Enrique's smile grew calmly. "Anything for a friend. If you ever need to talk or have some company, just let me know okay?" He offered. Hibiki slowly nodded.

Chris and Enrique walked together in the night, the former having her hands to herself while the white rider had his hands in his pockets. Although Hibiki promised to keep this meeting a secret from her friends, it didn't seem to comfort the user of Gungnir due to recent events that transpired for her. Chris peered at her friend, recalling the scars that lingered on his torso, arms, and back.

"Enrique…will you keep going like this…?"

The older teen gave a glance then changed his focus on the sidewalk. "I… have to." He muttered. "If I am to find the Dopants to retrieve the Gaia Memories… and rid the damn Noise and now, Fine." He frowned heavily.

"But...you got hurt plenty of times already." She pointed to his current condition. "Isn't that a sign that you have to stop?"

"I am not willing to stand back and see people die in front of me. If it means to kill every Noise alive to my dying breath, you bet I will do so." After what the Noise took away from him, they deserved it. Fine deserved it.

Chris lowered her head, her fingers gripping the fabric of her dress. So he was still set on his vendetta. "Can-Can you promise me one thing?"

"What is it?" He inquired.

"…Don't lose yourself, please." Chris requested. "If you lose sight of who you are...you're nothing but a machine. You will break down if that happens."

Hearing the ETERNAL Memory's side effects brought her concern to the Rider for once. His mental state has already been damaged due to the continued use despite the serum suppressing its effects. It was like torture.

… and she didn't want him to continue to suffer from it. He was her only friend who genuinely cared about her.

"I'll… try my best. I promise… Yukine." He vowed to her.

The young girl stopped before looking at him. "What did you call me?"

"I called you by your last name: Yukine." He clarified. "It's something to tell me that we're good friends."

"Isn't that a bit...odd? You always called me by my first name even when we first met." She knew his habit to call everyone he meets by their first name as per his customs.

The American scratched the back of his head, "Well I thought it is better for you since it's… cute."

The Half-American blushed hearing that. Chris shook her head furiously before pushing Enrique and said, "B-Baka!"

"What? You are very cute, Yukine."

If he could see it, Chris's face turned completely red like a thermometer rising, her cheeks gaining a much darker shade. The half-American didn't expect him to compliment her like that!

"Y-You stupid flatterer!" She shouted in embarrassment, stomping her foot onto his own. The Rider held back the pain as he looked at her. Good god, this was the fourth time already she targeted the same leg! If she kept it up, she would definitely shatter his foot!

When the pain subsided, Enrique sighed. "Well, take care of yourself. If you need help, just let me know, okay?"

"I got it." The Half-American nodded, turning her head away. "…You better be careful too, okay?"

"I will." He paused when he realized Chris wouldn't have a place to stay. "Wait, Yukine." He jogged up to her and reached in his wallet and handed her Yen. "I know it's not much… but this should be enough to find a place to stay for a few nights since well…"

"... Ah...thank you." She accepted the money. "Then...I'll see you later…Enrique-kun. Just…don't do anything stupid when you face that Taboo bitch's group."

Enrique crossed his arms. "You still want to take them down?"

"They're using people as guinea pigs much like what Fine did to me but on a larger scale. I am not going to be a puppet anymore." The young woman seethed until it briefly subsided. "I'll… settle on teaming up with you to make up for what I did for her… i-if that's okay?"

The American smiled slightly. It would make retrieval of the Gaia Memories easier. He was barely lucky with Iceage until Chris provided him assistance so there's no telling on the parameters of the remaining T2 Dopants.

"I don't mind it." He accepted.

"Then… we're a team. Got it? No more solo stuff!" Chris demanded.

Enrique chuckled and poked her forehead. "If you say so, Yukine." The said girl puffed her cheeks.

"Mou! Just don't get reckless, okay?!" She marched away.

The Rider heaved a sigh, rubbing the nape of his neck. "How can I tell mom about this…" He scratched his head in nervousness over what happened.

*SLAP!*

Enrique held his cheek, holding back a grimace from his tongue nearly being bitten by his clenched teeth. Shroud slapped him, again for disobeying her orders.

"You disobeyed my orders." Shroud frowned at her adopted son. "How many times has it been already, Enrique?"

"… A lot…"

"You went off without informing me, including using the armor when I specifically reminded you that your medicine is to be applied after dismissal of the gear." Her tone was full of frustration towards him. "Just because you want to hunt Noise, you still need to find the Dopants. The next time you go behind my back for something like this, I will heighten your curfew. Is that clear?"

"I understand…" he murmured.

"Now go to your room."

He obeyed and made his exit from the lab. Deep down, he wanted to understand why she would do this… but it kept being shoved back into the depths of his mind. As if it was forced. Not from natural means.

What was going on?

What was even the right thing?

Plopping onto his bed, his eyes dimmed and a disgruntled sigh left his lips. Was this path… the right path? The more he looked back on now just Shroud's doings but his own actions Ringing echoed in his room, prompting Enrique to reach into the pocket of his blazer jacket and procure his phone.

It was a notification of a text message from his mother. Flipping it open he checked what it said.

"A T2 Dopant has been detected. You know what is to be done."

Enrique sighed, pocketing the phone. Just as he got back and in the midst of recovering from Chris' rescue, he was thrown back to fighting.

Guess it was another hunt for the T2 like any other usual moment when it comes to this. He moved off the bed and exited his room before proceeding down the steps. He stopped his steps midway, peering at the study room leading to the underground bunker that was the lab.

'Is vengeance truly your way to live?'

He swiveled towards the door leading outside then the study room. He lowered his head, his fingers digging into the railing of the stairs. At first frustration pooled inside him but it dimmed and made his way outside to his motorcycle.

The ignition roared to life, allowing the White Rider to drive. The destination of the Dopant's location was displayed on the visor within the helmet. From what the helmet displayed from his mother, he followed the route that was the quickest to reach his destination.

The location said it was within Shibuya district so there were large open areas which meant people. Turning, he evaded several cars until he hit the brakes of his bike, narrowly avoiding a possible crash. His helmet was nearly blinded by the yen flowing out from an ATM on his left. A truck's cargo wide open, the lock too open. It's like everything that was locked was unlocked.

Hopping off, people fled until he made it to the famous crossing. Not too far was the target his mother wanted him to defeat.

Its body looked to be a mixture of brass and nickel acting as skin. Chains wrapped across its torso and arms, revealing locks keeping each set in place whereas the lean shoulders protrude with the shape of keys. Its head looked like metal melded, draped over its glowing yellow eye that was shaped as a key. A crop jacket was glued over its body to fully complete its appearance.

It was the Key Dopant. It took herd of him, removing its limb from the electronic device on the building.

"Who the hell are you supposed to be?!" The Dopant demanded.

Enrique placed the Lost Driver on his waist, allowing the belt to strap around. He plucked his Gaia Memory from his pocket, presenting it to his opponent.

ETERNAL!

"You'll see soon enough." He slanted his right arm diagonally to the left, the other hand pressed against the left side of his face. "Henshin!"

Slamming the Gaia Memory down into the Driver, the right hand pushed it to the right whereas he swiftly dragged his left hand downward to match the position of the opposite.

ETERNAL!

Light shrouded him as music played, materializing the armor of Eternal Red Flare once more. With an arm extended, he said, "Now, enjoy your hell." and gave the Dopant a thumb down. With his declaration, he rushed towards the Key Dopant.

The kaijin swung its sharp weapons, forcing Eternal to swerve left and right. However the next set of attacks struck his armor, creating a blast of sparks. "Grh!"

"Don't interfere with my quest to unlock the secrets!" Key struck him again, finally delivering a stronger blow which sent Eternal rolling across the pavement. Frustration boiled in Eternal's chest and retaliated with a series of counters from each slash the Dopant tried to deliver.

The kaijin flicked its right arm, the hand forging a large key shaped as a sword and delivered a diagonal uppercut. It dodged the dagger and spun on its heel, leaving another blast of sparks upon contact of its weapon on Eternal. Its glowing yellow eye that was within its shadowed face narrowed. "What secrets have you locked away in your heart?"

Eternal tightened his grip on the weapon he wielded. "It's none of your business." He hissed.

"That just means there's something juicy to learn!" The Key Dopant chimed with glee as it then slashed at his chest with the chains on its body.

Ducking, the White Rider's fist shrouded in crimson flames and dug the limb into Key's midsection. The kaijin buckled before the Rider leapt with a spin, slamming his heel against its head. The body of the monster spun before snarling and swung its key sword back at him.

Backing away, the Dopant threw the blade at him. Eternal ducked and rushed at it but its visible eye sneered. Why would it-

"GAH!" The key sword that the monster threw had spun back to its owner, striking Eternal against the back and into the Key Dopant's hand. Pain surged across Enrique's nerves beneath the armor. The attack to his back was causing the wounds from Fine to reopen.

With the Rider losing balance, he felt a mighty blow onto his torso, sending him rolling and landing on his back. He tried to get up but he was denied by the stomp of the Dopant.

With the opponent pinned, the tip of the weapon slammed into Eternal, making him buckle. "Reveal what you have locked away!!" It twisted the weapon and light erupted.

Orbs hovered around them but each one played memories. The memories of his anger was dark red whereas his anguish and sadness were deep blue color. A black bubble hovered close, holding the memories of what he felt towards the Noise. All the hatred after losing his family to them.

"COME ON, YOU BASTARDS! LET ME SEND YOU ALL TO HELL!" He remembered what he felt when he gained the capability and power to kill Noise. To finally have his vengeance.

Vengeance that was swallowing his heart from everything he endured.

That is what he kept locked in his heart as it had been the only thing that had driven him. By doing so, he locked away everything else he experienced; slowly darkening his outlook on life.

"…Don't lose yourself, please." Eternal perked up and raised his head through his pain that coursed in his body. A bright red orb, brighter than the orb of anger, that originated from his heart showed the memory of his time with Chris.

"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!" A bright gold orb held his memories of Hibiki.

"But even so, you have a chance for a better life, one that isn't drenched in blood and anger." Tsubasa's voice echoed from a bright blue bubble.

The Kamen Rider's fingers dug into the pavement. He gritted his teeth beneath his helmet and bellowed in fury, striking the Dopant viciously. The attack on the kaijin caused all the orbs that came from Eternal to vanish.

"No!!! The precious secrets! I.. I must have them!" The Kaijin shrieked, attempting to save the vanishing orbs as if it was his own.

"No one has the right… to find my answers…." His yellow visor gleamed furiously. "Only me!" He pulled up Eternal Magnum and fired several rounds. Sparks blasted off the brass skin. Tossing the firearm to the side, he struck the Dopant several times, leaving the poor monster to be shrouded in smoke from its injuries.

With the Dopant weakened, the young man quickly plucked the Gaia Memory from his buckle and inserted it into the side. The USB Device clicked into place and when it did, Eternal tapped the button to activate the Maximum Drive.

ETERNAL: MAXIMUM DRIVE!

Tossing the knife to his other hand, Eternal leapt and went for a kick directly into the Key Dopant's torso. The finishing blow landed, allowing the White Rider to land on his feet and turn his back on it. "Now, enjoy your hell." He gave a thumb down.

The Dopant bellowed in agony and exploded, separating KEY from its host. The T2 Gaia Memory flew and landed on the Rider's waiting hand.

Staring at the newly obtained Gaia Memory, the Kamen Rider could only feel the brief rise of sadness. In his previous fights, he never felt anything aside from doing what he was told and ensuring victory was at hand. After fighting Hibiki and Chris, he felt regret having to hurt his close friends. The experience of looking back at the words his friends said to him.

To not lose himself. To not let vengeance cloud his heart. To have a better life than what he has now.

Now, he was starting to feel no satisfaction from this victory. Only the lingering feelings began to rise in regards to his current path.

"Just… what am I really fighting for…?"

That was the one thing that had finally erupted from his heart.

A/N: Thus ends another chapter but now our protagonist is slowly beginning to see the weight of hisemotions and the doubts that were finally rising. He had been blinded with vengeance for so long and now will begin to see what his path will bring him to. Will it end with despair? Fury? You guys will have to see. Since we are drawing close to the end of S1 arc, I know there are some questions. One such is if this story will be around S1? To answer that, I plan to combine all seasons into one large story. While I had done is similarly to the OOO story, I honestly think it's better to have it as one whole story since the time skips aren't that long.Plus I do plan to implement the Symphogear mobile game storyline into this story since it took place after GX.

In regard to other stories I have, I left a poll regarding my Final Fantasy story Final Fantasy: The Lost Warrior and it's already at an end so results should be there. And the updates to both Final Fantasy stories takes awhile cuz the stories for both games lore is quite big adding to the countless quests and such in FFXIV.

I also plan to publish another story by middle of September so look forward to that.

Until then, don't forget to leave a review as well as favorite and follow this story! See ya later!