Sympho-Saber: Song of Swords
RXU:EP18 – The Shadow-Cutting Flash
World of Shrouded Sun:
In the alleyway where the Gjallarhorn gateway was, it flashed as a Book Gate opened up. Slash quickly hurried through with Saikou floating beside him.
"Looks like we made it," Slash said before looking over at Saikou, "Think you can get us to the others?"
"Just hold on tight," Saikou said as he floated towards Slash before quickly reeling back when Slash reached forward, "And don't be weird about it."
"Come now, I can be professional in this dire time," Slash scoffed, a bit offended by Saikou's remark though he knew it wasn't entirely unwarranted. He then held out a hand, "Come on."
"Alright," Saikou said as he floated towards Slash. Once the Swordsman of Sound grasped him he immediately launched upwards into the air, already sensing where Touma was, "Let's go!"
Slash could only let out a yelp at how suddenly they launched upwards, giving a light gasp as he held on as tightly as he could.
The Karma-Megid forces had continued to keep growing despite multiple being killed off in mere minutes. The Riders and Wielders facing them had eventually decided to group up at a central point to keep from being overwhelmed. Blades and Chris focused on their artillery, aiming their blasts to disrupt the crowds of replica monsters. Tsubasa and Kenzan worked on dealing quick blows against the various Karma-Megid, leaving the weakened replicas to Buster who went on to deal with multiple of them at the same time in only a hit or two.
Odin meanwhile was dual wielding Storious' and Legeiel's blades, moving around and clashing briefly against Saber, Espada and Maria. Despite their best attempts they had only managed to cause a few minor cuts and slices into the amalgam's body, it managing to keep up decently well.
Maria quickly lashed out, extending her blade outwards via its chain formation. The result had forced Odin into a cross block with its blades, but she had pushed more force and energy behind her attack this time. The result was a burst of energy that forced Odin into an open stance, Espada lunging in at high speeds and striking past to stagger it further.
Saber let out a yell as he rushed in, Kaenken Rekka shining brightly as he slashed against Odin several times. He tried to dig the blade deeper in, hoping to open the amalgam up, "Hibiki!"
"Don't think you're hot stuff just because of a painful stick!" Odin yelled out as it unleashed a burst of wind outwards from its body to force Saber to stagger back. It stepped forward only to gag as it dropped its weapons, holding its open wound as it began to close it up, "No… stay inside me like the good meal you are."
"Looks like we're getting somewhere," Maria noted.
"But Touma can only deal so much damage," Espada replied.
"Try as you all might, it's only a matter of time till you fall," Odin said as it spread its arms out, "It would take a miracle for you to turn the situation around right now."
"Then what about several miracles?"
[ŌKYO SHUL SHAGANA! JUUKEN GEKIDAN!]
Dropping down from the air was Slash who held his left arm out, pink hexagons spiraling around and forming armor that resembled Shirabe's Shul Shagana on his left arm. He then drew out the Ride Book and pressed it against the finisher slot.
[A tremendous amount of circular blades are unleashed that slice through all…]
"Jiii…" Slash hummed as he took aim with both hands, aiming as pink energy continued to build in the barrel of Suzune, "Alpha Style: 100 Saṃsāra…"
Pulling the trigger a burst of pink energy was unleashed, that energy splitting and forming into hundreds of small saw blades that rained down against the battlefield.
[SUZUNE ONDOKU GEKI! YAY!]
Odin was forced to back away from his opponents while most of the Karma-Megid ended up getting shredded and burst apart due to being too unstable.
"Not bad," Odin remarked as he watched Slash land nearby, "But I'm afraid I can simply call on more."
More Karma-Megid began to rise out from the ground, slowly but surely going to replace the ones that Slash had gotten rid of.
"I see," Saikou said as he had chosen to stay high up to observe the situation, "If that's the case, let there be light!"
[SAIKOU HAKKOU!]
Saikou shined a bright light downwards against the field the battle was taking place in, the black pool that had sunk into the earth suddenly surfacing before breaking apart and dissolving. Most of the Karma-Megid began to hiss out as they began to burn from the light while slowly dissipating.
"What is this…?" Odin hissed as he felt his body grow uncomfortably hot at the light before realizing why he felt like this. He let out a gasp as he watched the Karma-Megid exploded into black dust, "No way, that blade is the same as…!"
"Nice going Yuri," Saber called out as Saikou began to move downwards.
"Its techniques are similar to Storious'," Saikou remarked, "So it was a simple matter."
"Considering how this Phantom Megid looks," Slash said, "You wouldn't be too far off."
"I'm not about to let you all overwhelm me," Odin said as it looked around at the opponents before it, noticing that the other Riders and Wielders were already eyeing it. It performed several hand-signs, its shadow suddenly splitting apart and removing itself while taking shape and growing.
It didn't take long for a duo of Karma Megid to rise up, this time taking the forms of Legeiel and Storious. They then turned towards the Riders that had faced the horde before, brandishing their blades before charging towards them.
"Are you serious?" Kenzan asked as he clashed blades with Karma-Legeiel, Buster soon coming in and stabbing against the Karma-Megid to force it back, "More distractions?!"
"Hey, so long as it wants to focus these on us I don't mind!" Buster called out, figuring that if they handled these distractions then Saber and Espada would be able to focus on Odin.
"Exactly," Blades called out as he and Tsubasa clashed blades with Karma-Storious.
"We'll deal with these things," Tsubasa said as she and Blades forced Karma-Storious' blade down while ducking. Soon enough red beams struck against the Karma-Megid, sparks flying.
"Touma, Miku," Chris said as she took aim and fired again, "Focus on saving Hibiki, we can deal with these things!"
"Of course," Saber nodded.
"You'll need a boost in that case," Slash said as he held out Ultimate Bahamut towards Saber, "It wants to help."
"Ultimate Bahamut," Saber muttered as he took the Ride Book and nodded, "Alright."
"Miku, it's time you broke past your limitations," Slash said as he turned towards Espada.
"But I thought a Wonder Combo was too risky," Espada replied before letting out a gasp when she saw Slash take out a newly created Ride Book.
It was primarily white, with a yellow frame that held purple accents. The cover held a God Beast mirror in front of a gold light, it being fairly reflective with two silhouettes within it. On the right was what looked like Miku in her Shénshòujìng Symphogear while the left was Kamen Rider Espada. The title of the book was at the bottom...
[GOLDEN SHINJUKYŌ!]
"While Super Ride Books are a step above a Wonder Combo, this shouldn't prove difficult," Slash explained as he kept it held out, "After all, despite how it worked out, you do have a connection to Shénshòujìng. That's what will keep the Ride Book from becoming too overwhelming for you."
"I see," Espada nodded as she gently took the Ride Book before slotting Ikazuchi into the Swordriver, "I'll gladly accept this."
"We'll let you two get ready," Slash said as he looked towards Maria, "Maria, let's go."
"Right," Maria nodded.
"I'm not sure what you all are planning, but…" Odin trailed before bringing out Gungnir and rushing towards the group.
Maria was the first to counter, speeding forward and using the turtle shell gauntlet on her left arm to deflect Odin's charge. She then swung with her blade to force Gungnir further away. Slash quickly closed in, shooting at Odin and causing sparks to fly as he closed in. He ducked underneath a swing from Gungnir before throwing out his hand, manifesting Shul Shagana's yo-yo and striking against the amalgam's gut with it, it grinding and causing sparks to fly.
The Swordsman of Sound and Airgetlam Wielder quickly backed away to avoid Odin's wild swings, the amalgam now focused on the two.
"Let's go, Miku," Saber said as he prepared Ultimate Bahamut, "For Hibiki."
[There once was the ultimate god-beast, dyed in jet black!]
"For Hibiki," Espada said as she opened up Golden Shinjukyō.
[The mirror that shines a bright gold and eradicates evil in the name of love…]
Espada then closed the Ride Book before replacing her two current Ride Books with it, Golden Shinjukyō resting comfortably in the Story Slot of the Swordriver.
Saber let out a yell as he drew out Rekka, black flames spewing out from Rekka and landing in a ring around him before the fire erupted and formed a pillar of black flames.
[REKKA BATTOU! WONDER RIDER! KATSUTE NO SHINJUU!]
The flames died down as Saber finally took a form he wasn't expecting to ever take again, Ultimate Bahamut. It was exactly like Bahamut's physical form, though of course with the Swordriver that signified it was Saber utilizing the form.
There was one major difference to Saber immediately though, and that was he could feel the form bursting with more power. Whether this was because it was willingly cooperating with him, or because of the clarity it gained previously, he wasn't sure but he wasn't going to question it.
[IKAZUCHI BATTOU!]
Espada meanwhile drew out Ikazuchi, drawing a jagged zigzag line in front of her as Golden Shinjukyō dropped down behind her. It opened up to reveal the main page was simply a mirror, though it was opaque enough to have a silhouette behind it. The inside of the cover page however had an armored warrior in white molded into it, gold accents to detail them slightly as they had features that resembled the Shénshòujìng and Espada armor.
[SHINING! SYMPHOGEAR! SEIKEN!]
The mirror shined pale lavender light onto Espada, her armor shining and bursting apart to reveal new more enhanced armor. The jagged line of electricity turned lavender before launching towards Espada's face just as the light bathing her reached its peak, the light dispersing like electricity.
[SENKO! MAMORITAI! AKIRAMENAI! GOLDEN SHINJUKYŌ~!]
Espada's upgrade just like Saber and Blades had the base black bodysuit. The chest armor was based on Dragonic Knight, it being white with gold accents. The shoulders were similar to the Alangina lamps from the base form but also white with a gold trim, the peaking eyes violet in coloration. Gold whip-like cables ran downwards from underneath the shoulder armor, the cables growing slightly larger as they ran down to the ankles. At the ends of the cables were thin hexagonal mirror-pieces.
The biceps and thighs were had white thick plating on the sides, while the forearms and hands having similar armor to Espada's base right arm. The shin armor resembled the leg armor of the Shénshòujìng Symphogear, also white and with gold accents, but slimmed down to be more fitted to a more active combat style.
The Espada helmet was white in the back and gold in the front, the Alangina molding on both sides of the mouth plate. On the sides of the helmet were white horns similar to Shénshòujìng's headset but without the Direct Feedback equipment. There was a white version of the Shénshòujìng visor, almost acting like teeth as it was in its open position, the ring like visor of Espada between it. The Espada visor meanwhile was a solid and bold gold with a violet line running through the ring.
Just like Saber and Blades, she also had a booster, this one being a gold genie's lamp similar to the Alangina shoulders. This one was modified slightly however, the open portion of it being covered by a gold version of Shénshòujìng's closed visor, the jagged line being colored in violet.
[Symphogear and Kamen Rider, both united as one!]
"Oh, incredible," Blades said in awe.
"Now that's impressive," Tsubasa agreed.
"They can win this," Chris nodded.
"Not bad," Saber said with a nod as he went to stand alongside his friend, "It's just like Dragonic Knight and King Lion."
"Yeah," Espada nodded as she looked herself over, taking in her new power, "Espada and Shénshòujìng… working together."
"How splendid," Saikou said as he floated around the two, "We can finally begin the final phase in this rescue operation."
"You're right about that," Saber nodded as he went to take hold of Saikou, "Miku."
"I'm with you all the way," Espada said as she hopped up, her leg armor shifting and releasing a pulse that caused her to float upwards, "Let's go."
"Maria," Slash said as he glanced back before leaping away, "Let's help the others."
"Roger," Maria nodded, having glanced back as well before leaping backwards. Normally she'd be worried, but both Riders before her were wielding more than enough power to where she was that confident in their success.
"Huh?" Odin was a bit confused by the Rider and Wielder pulling back only to catch sight of Saber, Saikou and Espada, "Oh? Those are new."
Espada slotted Ikazuchi back into her Swordriver, holding her hand forward as the thick plating on her biceps and thighs broke apart slightly before launching towards her hand. The plating had slimmed down while the extra pieces expanded into a bat-like object that resembled a closed folding fan, it in a similar shape to the one she handled as a Symphogear Wielder.
Odin stared curiously at this, watching as the mirror that was on the tip of the Armed Gear began to shine before Espada launched a beam of light outwards. It was ready to strike at it only to let out a gasp before dodging to the side. The beam had barely nicked its arm, the hit piece partially crumbling as the amalgam stumbled before stepping backwards to regain balance.
Espada however didn't let up as she had pivoted and used her leg armor to boost her forward, electricity crackling on the shin boosters. The result caused them to release a burst that launched her at high speeds towards Odin, swinging out with her fan while charging more light at the tip of her club.
Odin had dodged backwards, the fan smashing into the ground. But the attack was already in play as the built up light released in a burst. This unleashed dozens of small beams outwards and striking Odin several times as a result.
Espada lifted up her fan, staring down Odin whose body was now smoking and crumbling at several points.
"That light…" Odin hissed out as it managed to regenerate from the attacks dealt against it, shaking a bit as it couldn't rid itself of the sensation it felt while its wounds were inflicted. It was as if something was eating away at its existence, "That light is dangerous."
"You shouldn't just be afraid of my light," Espada answered, Saber suddenly leaping up from behind her before dropping down and slashing at Odin.
Odin quickly deflected the strike with its spear before leaping back further and slamming its palm against the ground as it saw Saber rush towards it.
Saber continued to charge forward despite various spots of the ground cracking around him before erupting in pillars of fire. He managed to zigzag his way through the pillars while closing in and slashing with both Rekka and Saikou.
Odin went to defend against the slashes with strikes form its spear, letting out a gasp as the weapon was batted out of its hands. It quickly leapt up, this time forming ice spikes and launching them downwards at Saber.
Saber leapt up despite the approaching projectiles, slicing through them before lashing out as both black fire and a brilliant light erupted from his strikes.
Odin screeched out at this, Saikou's light burning it to its core while the black fires raged against its body. The amalgam unleashed a burst of wind to blow away the fires, healing its wounds before enhancing its gauntlets and rushing towards Saber to punch at the Rider.
[LAMP DO ALANGINA! ONE! READING!]
Espada had just scanned her Ride Book on her Golden Booster and quickly got between the two thanks to her leg armor. She unfolded her fan, extending it further to create a circular shield that Odin smashed into. The amalgam didn't get a chance to even counter as electricity gathered in an instant before suddenly forming into a rapid series or enlarged fists resembling the Lamp do Alangina's that launched out from the shield.
[SHOCK SHINE!]
Odin let out a gasp as the fists struck against it multiple times, sparks flying as it was sent flying back.
"Thanks for that Miku," Saber said as he relaxed slightly.
"No problem," Espada said as she retracted her weapon back to its folded state.
Odin meanwhile let out a yell of frustration as it released an invisible pulse of energy, rustling the leaves near it. It hunched over, its eyes shining a constant bright red now as it gained a red outline over its body, its fingers growing sharper at the tips.
"It's getting more dangerous now," Saikou said as he noticed the change, "We're cornering it."
"Then let's keep it up," Saber said as Espada nodded, the two entering defensive stances as Odin launched towards them.
The fights between the Karma-Megid and the remaining Riders and Wielders had ended up being split further from Odin's fight. While both copies of the Megid Leaders seemed to be mindless, both were set on keeping the group away from Odin. Of course the current set of Riders and Wielders realized it would be better to split the two up, especially since they were sturdier than the Karma-Megid army that had been defeated prior.
[GOKUREN IGALIMA! JUUKEN GEKIDAN!]
Slash closed in, a green flash occurring as he gained the armoring for Kirika's Igalima on his left arm, grasping the Armed Gear of the Relic in its compact form. He then extended the weapon into its scythe formation, swinging it and deflecting a strike from Karma-Storious to force it into an open state.
[Imprison and reap those before you with this deadly scythe…]
This allowed both Kenzan and Maria to close in, the two using the speed factor of their forms to easily deal quick potshots against their opponent while staggering them further. This in turn let Buster close in to slash downwards, dealing a heavy blow as sparks spewed out from Karma-Storious' body.
The Karma-Megid staggered back before its eyes shined brightly, the horns of its head extending outwards and striking against the area surrounding it. The Riders and Wielders backed off as a result of this tactic. It didn't take long for more tendrils to branch off of the tendrils it already formed, the Karma-Megid spreading its arms as if awaiting their approach.
"Buster and I can take care of those vines easily," Slash replied confidently as he stepped forward while resting his scythe on his shoulder, "Kenzan, you and Maria, I'm counting on you two to finish this guy up real quick."
"Who do you think you're talking to?" Kenzan scoffed as he prepared his weapons finisher, keeping his blades split, "I can do it on my own, but I guess I'll share."
"So long as you at least do that," Maria said as she prepared her own finisher.
Karma-Storious let out a chuckle as it launched the numerous tendrils forward, Buster rushing forward while Slash leapt into action. Both pressed their Ride Books against the finisher slots of their Seiken, Buster swinging outwards as a giant projection of Gekido sliced through the tendrils and split them in half.
[GEKIDO RANDOKUGEKI! DOGON!]
"Here we go," Slash called out as he reeled his scythe backwards before swinging it forward, green sickle-like energy launching outwards in a flash and slicing through the cut tendrils. The result had cut them into even smaller pieces, "DESS!"
[SUZUNE ONDOKU GEKI! YAY!]
Maria couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at the verbal tick that Slash just performed but quickly got back into focus once she saw Kenzan leap forward. The Swordsman of Wind let out a yell as he threw both blades of Hayate forward, the weapons stabbing themselves into Storious. He then leapt upwards before kicking out as wind erupted from his boot.
The Arigetlam Wielder took a deep breath, her boosters already active and waiting before she made the push, launching forward at high speeds.
[HAYATE SOKUDOKU GEKI!]
{Hissatsu Dokuha!}
Kenzan and Maria struck at the same time, Kenzan kicking against one of Hayate's blades while Maria punched against the other. The result released a bright flash of light alongside a torrent of wind, the combined finishers tearing through Karma-Storious.
[NINNIN!]
{Usagi-Kame Airgetlam! Issatsu Geki!}
Maria leapt back while Kenzan landed near her, Hayate being blown back towards the Rider thanks to the wind erupting out from the Karma-Megid. Both turned away as Karma-Storious could only stagger back before exploding.
Karma-Legeiel swung its sword, it being deflected by Blades who backed up slightly. This allowed Tsubasa to slip in, utilizing her naginata to slice into Karma-Legeiel several times as she spun it quickly in her hands. The two then slipped away once Karma-Legeiel slammed its sword into the ground, it attempted to follow them only to get struck by several beams courtesy of Chris.
"Let's end this now," Blades said as he shifted the lever on his book downwards.
[KING LION DAI CHANGE!]
Blades shouted as he leapt up, shifting into his Lion Form before landing and letting out a roar.
"Whoa," Tsubasa said with wide eyes, "None of our Riders are anywhere near this cool."
"Focus Tsubasa," Chris sighed at this, "But even so, that is a surprising transformation."
Blades let out another roar, charging up his cannons as much as possible as their power was increased in this form. With another roar he unleashed twin blasts of energy, "King Lion Bombardment!"
The twin blasts began to spiral around each other before combining into a sphere of blue energy that slammed against Karma-Legeiel. To everyone's surprise however, the Karma-Megid had managed to hold back the energy sphere to keep it from detonating. Despite this setback however, Chris wasn't going to give up.
"Rintaro," Chris looked over, "Can you give Tsubasa and I a boost?"
"Of course," Blades nodded.
"What exactly are we going to do?" Tsubasa asked before giving a light yelp when her left hand was grasped by her partner's right, "Chris?"
"Just trust me," Chris said with a reassuring smile before concentrating and focusing her energy.
"Alright," Tsubasa nodded and went to do the same.
The two quickly leapt up into the air, becoming bright lights of red and blue as Blades leapt after them. The giant lion shifted back into Rider Form, drawing out Nagare while rising higher than the Symphogear Wielders.
[KING LION HISSATSU DOKUHA! NAGARE BATTOU!]
He then let out a yell as he unleashed a burst of blue energy against the two Symphogear Wielders, it exploding behind them. Their angle at the time had caused them to launch downwards towards the sphere of energy Karma-Legeiel was still trying to keep back, the two empowered by Blades' finisher.
[KING LION HISSATSU GIRI!]
Chris and Tsubasa both reeled their right arms back, fists clenched as they approached the sphere before punching against it and releasing all the energy they had built up. The Karma-Legeiel yelled out as the sphere it defended against broke apart and all the energy flooded out and against it. The energy buildup soon became too much, an explosion occurring as Chris and Tsubasa leapt out of it unscathed.
{Tsunami Duo Operation}
Blades landed and let out a sigh of relief, "Good work you two."
"We couldn't have done it without you," Tsubasa said as she looked over.
"Thanks for the assistance," Chris nodded.
"It's no issue," Blades waved it off before looking off to the side, "Now then… Touma… Miku…"
Odin had gone full beast against the Riders before it, both Saber and Espada having to put away their weapons lest they be knocked away from them. The only one that was safe was Saikou who could easily return to them if necessary.
"There has to be a way to turn the tides around," Saber said as he quickly dodged against a speeding Odin that crashed into the ground near him.
"There is!" Saikou called out, recalling what Daishinji had told him on the way to meet up with everyone, "Miku, you still have yet to fully tap into that Ride Book's power!"
"Huh?" Espada looked down and noticed a button on the Ride Book, and without even waiting for another response she pressed down against it.
The result flipped the main page outwards, it becoming part of the cover now. The cover portion now had an image of a god beast mirror, Ikazuchi's emblem at the center with two hands clasped around it. The main page now consisted of a molded in image of the white armored warrior, their shape changed as it was clear they had heavy duty gauntlets now, alongside there being some lavender markings mixed in with the gold.
[KAIHO ZENKAI!]
Upon initiating the change, Espada's body shined brightly as the armor on her began to shift and either shrink or grow. Soon enough it was revealed that Espada's bodysuit had gone from black to white while the white armoring itself became lavender in coloration.
[GOLDEN SHINJUKYŌ ECHOING!]
The Shénshòujìng armoring on her legs grew even sleeker than before while adding pointed edges similar to the power jacks on Gungnir. The armor also extended and added additional protection to the Rider's boots. Thin hexagonal plates lined the sides of her biceps and thighs, being lavender with orange jewels at the center. The additions didn't stop there as she now had armoring resembling Gungnir's gauntlets. Though for her left arm, there was a gap in the gauntlet to accommodate for the Golden Booster. The Shénshòujìng portion of the visor had vanished, instead the main visor being accompanied by the headset Hibiki would use while in Gungnir, the main headphone portion being primarily lavender with white pointed ends. Likewise the cable-straps that ran down from the shoulders also vanished, the accessory replaced by a white scarf around the Rider's neck, it flowing outwards and falling behind her.
[Reflect and make reality the image of Gungnir!]
"This is Gungnir," Espada let out a gasp as she looked herself over, noticing the similarities the armor had to Hibiki's now. She quickly gripped her hands tightly and held them at her sides, "Hibiki, let's go!"
"Don't think a paltry change can help you!" Odin called out as he leapt towards Espada.
(Insert: Okaeri wo Iu Tame ni by Yuka Iguchi)
Odin dropped down while clawing with both hands, digging into the ground as Espada had backed up. It went to grab at her, managing to get the Rider by her arms. Espada however let out a shout as she shoved Odin's hands away, an electrical surge occurring to force it to let go.
"What is this power?" Odin questioned, noticing a significant increase, "Is this Gungnir? But that's impossible… I have the monstrous power of its strongest wielder, clearly."
"If that's what you think, then it's no wonder you're losing," Espada said as she drew out Needle Hedgehog and Tri Cerberus, soon loading them into her Booster.
[ONE! READING! NEEDLE HEDGEHOG!]
[TWO! READING! TRI CERBERUS!]
Espada stepped forward as the projection of a yellow electrical paw formed over her boots, her Gungnir gauntlets enlarging and entering their booster states. In an instant she sped forward with a burst of electricity, landing a punch across the amalgam's chest. She skidded to a stop before turning and speeding forward again, her speed increasing as she struck against Odin multiple times before skidding to a stop, her back facing it.
Odin gasped as it staggered, electricity crackling against its body and moving forward only to yell out as spikes erupted from its body. The needles all shattered as it fell onto its back, writhing in pain.
[STRIKE SHINE!]
Espada turned and began to approach Odin who immediately got up and manifested its spear, swinging at the Rider who simply blocked with her left gauntlet.
"The difference between us is that Hibiki and I wield Gungnir in order to protect," Espada said as she let out a yell, punching and kicking at Odin multiple times as electrical bursts went off. The result forced the amalgam back before she unleashed an uppercut, launching the spear it held up into the air before said spear exploded.
Odin gasped out as he was kicked in the stomach, backpedaling before launching fireball after fireball towards Espada.
Espada simply approached, easily batting away the fireballs with her gauntlets before suddenly putting a pause on her advance.
[HISSATSU DOKUHA!]
Odin turned as it felt a chill, soon face to face with Saber who kicked outwards, the Rider's right leg erupting with black fire. The Rider yelled out as he struck through the amalgam, black fires raging against Odin's body.
[KATSUTE NO SHINJUU! HISSATSU GEKI! FIRE!]
Saber landed in a kneeling stance, quickly turning and getting up as he had used his cape to conceal he was hiding Saikou in a reverse grip while kicking. He switched to a standard grip as he reeled his arm back, Saikou's blade shining bright.
[SAIKOU HAKKOU!]
"Not on my watch!" Odin yelled out as it unleashed a wind to blow away the fires and force Saber to brace, closing in and striking the Rider's hand with an uppercut to launch Saikou into the air, "I'll withstand the black fire for as long as I can but you're not digging the light of that sword's blade into me!"
"Fine then," Saber called out as he tapped Ultimate Bahamut's Ride Book, grabbing onto Odin who grabbed at him. He then yelled as he began unleashing black fire from his body to keep Odin pre-occupied and burn through the amalgam's healing, "I don't need to deal the decisive blow!"
"What?" Odin asked before gasping as Saber's grip and the burning flames were too strong, "Don't think this will-!"
"Hibiki, are you in there?!" Saber questioned as he kept his grip strong, "We're coming to get you! You won't be alone for much longer! So don't give up!"
"Hah, like that will-" Odin paused as it let out a gag, sparks suddenly flying from its back despite the fires burning the front of it, "Is she actually… how-?!"
[SENKO! MAMORITAI! AKIRAMENAI!]
Espada leapt upwards while sliding back into her upgrade's base form, using her leg boosters to launch up after Saikou and grab the Seiken of Light. She then dropped down and landed behind Odin, "Yuri…"
"I see no issue with wielding me at the moment," Saikou answered.
"Will you be okay with my light?" Espada asked.
"While I understand your concern, being a Seiken of Light should allow me to coexist with Shénshòujìng's own," Saikou answered, "Do as you please!"
"Very well," Espada said as she initiated Saikou's finisher, the blade of it shining even more brightly as she raised it up.
[SAIKOU HAKKOU!]
Espada then tapped her Ride Book, tapping it again in order to initiate her Swordriver's finisher. She then raised Saikou upwards before gripping it with both hands, it releasing a beam of light upwards and creating a flash at its peak.
[GOLDEN SHINJUKYŌ HISSATSU DOKUHA!]
From bottom to top, Espada's armor started to become coated in gold, a violet light emanating from her. Soon enough she had turned entirely gold, the light radiating like an aura from her body.
"Luminous…" Espada trailed as she removed her left hand from Saikou while swinging downwards with her right, the pillar of light erupting from the Seiken following after as well, "Lightning Slash!"
Saber had seen the wind up and quickly kicked Odin away while leaping back and to the side, figuring it'd be best to keep a fair distance from a Shénshòujìng empowered Saikou.
Odin tried to turn, only to feel a pulse echo through its very being as it staggered and placed a hand on its chest.
'I'm not…'
It paused as it could clearly hear Hibiki's voice.
Odin suddenly turned, within a black void as he was now face to face with his host, Hibiki Tachibana.
"I'm not giving up!" Hibiki called out as she stared directly at the Phantom Megid. She then looked down and let out a pitiful chuckle while glancing towards the side, "I was an idiot for falling for your words…"
"Do you think I'm lying to you?" Odin questioned in defiance, "What I told you is my own experience with your feelings and memories! I was simply-!"
"Twisting my memories against me, my insecurities, every little bit of hate I have towards myself," Hibiki spat out in a near venomous tone as she glared towards the Phantom Megid, "I've been lying to myself all these years."
"What?" Odin questioned, now confused, "You deny your pain, your suffering? Everything you've been through?!"
"I'll never deny any of it!" Hibiki rebutted as she grasped her jacket and gripped it tightly, "But I've been blind, all this time! There were people who have wanted to help me yet I was too afraid and angry to even think of it at the time! But right now especially, there are two people precious to me that want to save me even if they aren't from this world!"
"They'll just abandon you once this is all over!" Odin nearly screamed out, its composure breaking, "That's why you need my power to-!"
"I'll take control of my own life without your help!" Hibiki shouted back to shut the entity up, "You just want me to submit, to be your precious little battery! Well guess what you freak? I'm not letting you violate me any further!"
"You talk as if you have power," Odin chuckled, though it was a laugh born of nerves and a lack of confidence, "Do you really believe-"
"Odin," Hibiki interrupted in a calm manner as her head was lowered to shadow her eyes, slowly but surely walking forward, "All these years I thought I did have power. Yet, I realize I never really did in the end. I was able to fight, but I focused myself into the wrong reasons. I fought for vengeance primarily, not to protect. But…!"
Odin had tried to back away for some reason it couldn't comprehend. And yet, it couldn't. It could only stand still and watch as Hibiki continued to close in on it. It had tried to speak only for Hibiki to strike it directly in the face, cracks forming on its monstrous face as it let out a shuddered gag.
"Starting from now on, I'll live on for the sake of the one who sacrificed himself to save me," Hibiki said as she reeled back her fist. While she wasn't fully transformed, she now held the gauntlets and gloves of Gungnir over her jacket sleeves, "In his name, I'll fight for others."
"You'll fight for the world that shunned you?" Odin questioned in a desperate manner.
"Yes, I know what it means to suffer," Hibiki said as she reeled her fist back, soon performing two successive swinging punches, her fists only grazing the entity's chest in a cross-like pattern. The power behind her swings however sliced through Odin deeply, "I'll do whatever I can, no matter how small it is, to help those in need."
Odin could only let out a scream as it fell backwards, the scream suddenly being silenced as the entire area went white in an instant.
[GOLDEN SHINJUKYŌ HISSATSU GEKI!]
Odin staggered back and turned in a clumsy manner, its conversation with Hibiki having physically damaged it as it could only stare at the attack crashing down. The light expanded and burned away at its body as a result of the direct hit. It wasn't long before its body turned fully black, breaking off from the source and revealing Hibiki in her Symphogear beneath it. Of course as the light bathed her Symphogear, even that began to dissolve due to Shénshòujìng's properties.
Surprisingly however the black specks that were left managed to persist despite the purification, soon gathering together as an unstable shadowy silhouette of Odin leapt out of the light to try and reach the source.
[GOLDEN SHINJUKYŌ ECHOING!]
Espada had figured that Odin wasn't going to quit that easily and so she was prepared, letting go of Saikou and shifting back into her Gungnir based form via a flash of light. She removed her Ride Book and scanned it against the Golden Booster, light and electricity gathering in her right hand. She gripped it tightly, forming a fist as she reeled her right arm back.
[FLASH! READING! GOLDEN!]
Odin yelled out as it reeled back its left arm, curling its hand into a fist before punching forward to meet Espada's own attack.
Both fists struck each other, though Espada's quickly broke through and dispersed Odin's unstable arm. She yelled out further as she slammed her fist directly into the distorted amalgam's chest, electricity striking against its body as light began to shine out from various cracks forming.
[GOLD REFRACTING SHINE!]
"No… this revenge is…" Odin gasped out as it remembered its base mission.
"Is one that won't happen," Espada said as she pushed further, Odin yelling out as its body fully destabilized and broke apart. The Rider lowered her arm as the amalgam was nothing more than black specks that dissolved even further to leave nothing left.
(Insert End)
"Well done," Saikou said as he floated over before dismissing his transformation, staggering slightly as he approached Miku, "If a bit excessive."
"Did I…?" Espada breathed heavily.
"You did," Saber said as he walked over while holding onto an unconscious Hibiki, having caught her after she had fallen out of the light. Wrapped around her body was Ultimate Bahamut's cape, "You saved her."
"We saved her," Espada said, not willing to take all the credit as she dismissed her transformation while falling to her knees.
"I suppose so," Saber said as his transformation faded, though the cape covering Hibiki stayed.
"I don't think I'll ever understand it," Yuri admitted as he looked over the two, both Riders having suffered several hefty wounds despite their armor. The two also looked fairly exhausted and ready to fully collapse at any moment, yet they still stayed conscious, "The way you can fight until your bodies nearly fall apart."
Touma and Miku looked over at Yuri before looking at each other and chuckling a bit at those words.
"What?" Yuri asked, confused by the sudden laughter, "What did I say?"
"We may be hurt, but that's how we're able to understand someone else's pain," Touma explained, "By feeling it ourselves."
"I didn't get it at first," Miku admitted, "But tiring myself out while training, feeling the burn of overextending myself… and now experiencing my first real battles. Feeling this pain, this strain, I get why Touma and Hibiki fight their hardest to protect others."
"Pain…" Yuri muttered.
"That's how we can muster the resolve to save others," Touma continued, "Why we fought so hard to protect Hibiki from the pain they were experiencing."
"Resolve, I see… truly splendid," Yuri nodded as he crossed his arms.
It didn't take long for the other Riders and Wielders to approach, all of them having dismissed their transformations by this point.
Unbeknownst to everyone however the light had hidden one important fact. While the Shénshòujìng powered Saikou had erased not only Odin but the Gungnir within Hibiki, it didn't technically eradicate everything.
While the Ride Books of Storious and Legeiel had been wiped clean, something left in their place were ancient pages. These pages flew through the night sky only for a white gloved hand to grab them. Staring at the papers he had grabbed was none other than what seemed to be Tassel, holding a neutral look as he turned away and vanished.
World of Sympho-Saber:
Despite everyone's exhaustion, the members of SONG had left the alternate Hibiki in the hands of Section 2L while returning to their own world for the time being. They had moved as quickly as they could, eventually making it to the medical wing where the other Riders and Wielders were waiting.
"How's her condition?" Touma asked, a bit out of breath.
"Is she going to be alright?" Miku asked, clearly exhausted but still standing. Thankfully for both her and Touma, Yuri still had enough energy to lessen their pain for a bit.
"She's calmed down thankfully," Genjuro admitted in relief.
"You seem to have done it," Tsubasa agreed.
"There's only one last thing to do," Yuri said as he managed to make his way over to Hibiki before concentrating his healing on her. The result was a golden light washing over her body as she relaxed further before a sudden ripple occurred near her chest. A white shard with pieces of black suddenly leapt out from the rippling of her body. Yuri quickly grasped it, utilizing his light powers further and completely eradicating it, "It's done."
"Thank goodness, dess," Kirika said as she sighed in relief.
"Yeah," Shirabe nodded as she put a hand on her friend's shoulder.
"Now hopefully something like this doesn't happen again," Chris admitted in near exasperation, "It was too much to deal with while only waiting around."
"I hear you," Kanade agreed, "Next time put me on the team that's doing the ass kicking."
"You would say that," Maria sighed.
Everyone suddenly put a pause on their discussions when they heard a light grunt, soon turning towards Hibiki who began to slowly wake up.
"Where…?" she muttered as she tried to focus her vision.
Miku let out a gasp as she hurried over, "Hibiki!"
Touma smiled as he walked over, "You're finally awake."
"What happened?" Hibiki asked as she blinked a few times, "I remember just wandering around the apartment before suddenly feeling this intense pain in my chest and then… black…"
"It was a Phantom Megid plot," Touma replied, "It's a bit complicated to explain right now, but the most important thing is you're alright now."
"Yeah, Touma and the others managed to work together to save you," Miku added before Touma or anyone else could get a word in.
A few of the members gave some skeptical looks at Miku continuing to keep her existence as Espada a secret, but others figured that Miku would tell Hibiki when the time was right.
"Ah," Hibiki nodded as she began to sit up slightly, Miku helping her, "Thank you, everyone."
"Touma was the one who did most of the work," Maria replied, "We were just along for the ride in a sense."
"I suppose so," Rintaro nodded, "But I'd like to believe each and every one of us here fought our hardest with what we were given."
"Especially Miku," Hibiki smiled as everyone paused and wondered if she had somehow managed to figure out Miku's secret already, "I'm not sure why, but at certain points there was this strong warm and familiar light that allowed me to feel some comfort. I think that was Miku."
"You really think so?" Touma asked, "Are you sure it wasn't Yuri."
"I mean I could feel Yuri's light, I think, but I'm certain I felt Miku's presence," Hibiki explained as she went to smile towards her friend, "I'm not sure what you did, but thank you."
"I just did what I could," Miku said with a smile, inwardly relieved that Hibiki was still none the wiser and she had some time to explain, "I'm just glad you're alright."
"That said…" Hibiki trailed as her stomach began to rumble, "I'm really, really hungry…"
Nearly everyone fell over at the remark, the girl had just gotten out of one of the worst battles of her life and now the next thing on her mind was food.
"You dummy," Chris shook her head though she cracked a small smile.
"Oh, Hibiki…" Miku sighed.
"I feel like this is par for the course," Touma sighed as well.
"After all of that she's still her usual old self," Maria remarked, "It's hard to believe anything had happened to her."
"That's Tachibana for you," Tsubasa replied as Kanade nodded.
"All's well that ends well, right?" Ogawa asked as he looked over at Daishinji.
"Agreed," Daishinji replied as he rubbed the back of his neck, "We got there just in time too, thankfully Yuri…" he paused when he saw Yuri was no longer in the room, "Where's Yuri?"
"Now that you mention it…" Shirabe trailed only to wince when she heard Kirika yell out, "Kiri?"
Kirika shouted further as she pointed downwards, "Yuri, dess!"
The Kougouken Saikou was on the ground, Kin no Buki Gin no Buki near it. Everyone could only stare in surprise at the state that Yuri was in.
"Wait, his sword and book?" Kanade asked as she went to pick them up.
"Considering how much he was treating Hibiki alongside the fights, he likely exhausted himself," Genjuro replied.
"I should take him back to the workshop then so he can rest," Daishinji said only for Chris to suddenly put an arm in front of him, "What?"
"Yeah, how about no," Chris replied, recalling the incident that happened a while back, "Unless you've changed your tune."
"Come now," Daishinji coughed as he turned with a blush, "I can be a professional, especially at a time like this."
"Sure you can," Chris answered skeptically with narrowed eyes.
Genjuro and Ogawa could only chuckle lightly alongside a few others while everyone else was confused. Well except Miku who honestly sighed at seeing Daishinji getting flustered like this.
"Ah right," Touma said as he brought out Ultimate Bahamut before holding it out to Hibiki, "You have someone else to thank."
"Bahamut…?" Hibiki asked as she took the Ride Book, "When did you…?"
"He let us know about your condition immediately once it happened," Touma replied, "He also leant me his power to fight for your sake."
"Ah I see," Hibiki said before looking at the Ride Book and smiling as a faint roar was heard from the Ride Book, "Thank you Bahamut."
A Few Days Later…
World of Shrouded Sun:
While SONG's mission had been completed, it didn't feel right to simply leave it at that. Especially when it came to the parallel world they had uncovered as a result of trying to save their friend. So after resting, Touma, Miku, Maria, and Rintaro had all returned and stayed for a few days while making sure everything would be alright in their absence.
Rintaro and Maria were currently meeting with Genjuro, Ryoko and Kamikawa, the five currently going through Hibiki's medical results.
The comparisons were starkly different when it came to her condition and how it had been treated. The first X-Ray was standard, it being one taken by Section 2L when they first met Hibiki. The shards were present and visible, but there was nothing inherently wrong.
The second X-Ray was more concerning, this being when Hibiki was brought in before the Phantom Megid took over. The Relic pieces had expanded and combined further with Hibiki's body, becoming tendril like extensions that were tied directly to various vital systems.
The third X-Ray thankfully resembled the first but without any shards or any trace that they had existed in the first place. It was entirely clean, which meant that the light that Miku bathed Hibiki in had done the trick.
"Yes, the second X-Ray was similar to what we saw with our Hibiki," Rintaro confirmed, "Thankfully we were able to purge it from her system before it grew further."
"Yes, thankfully," Genjuro replied as Kamikawa nodded.
"Shénshòujìng was able to come in handy after all even if Miku didn't use it like intended," Maria said before drawing the Relic Pendant out of her pocket and holding it towards Ryoko, "We appreciate you letting us borrow it."
"Are you sure you don't want to keep it?" Ryoko asked.
"It'd be best if we didn't hang onto a Symphogear that shouldn't exist in our world," Maria admitted.
"Very well," Ryoko said as she took the pendant back before pocketing, "Still, while the girl was a once in a lifetime case, it's for the best that this didn't continue."
"Agreed," Kamikawa replied, "She won't have to worry about her body corroding itself thanks to a wound that couldn't fully heal."
"Speaking of wounds that can't fully heal," Maria said as she looked over at Genjuro, "While we are here to make sure that everything worked out for our Hibiki, we can't be here forever. Or rather, Touma and Miku can't."
"We'll try our best to support Hibiki however we can from now on," Genjuro reassured before letting out a sheepish smile, "So long as she chooses to accept our support, of course."
"I don't think you'll have to worry about her being stubborn anymore," Maria reassured.
"Especially when it comes to Touma and Miku," Rintaro replied.
"Luckily we've been making some progress on a few things," Kamikawa replied, "And we've been approaching the appropriate parties to help make things easier."
"That's good to hear," Maria replied.
"While helping her everyday life is going to likely go well, there is one issue," Ryoko admitted, "She won't be able to fight again."
"Wait, do you all not have a spare Gungnir?" Rintaro asked in surprise.
"We ended up losing it around the time of the Zwei Wing Tragedy," Genjuro replied, "The merger was hectic and that's not counting us recuperating from our losses. It must've somehow been lost during all of that."
"I see," Maria replied, "Well, I'm sure she'll manage regardless."
"If that's everything, then I think we're done here," Ryoko replied as she went to look at her watch, "Especially since we need to prepare given our out of country duo is set to return in a few hours."
"You sound excited," Genjuro replied with a chuckle, "I figured you missed her."
"She just didn't show it by diving deep into her research," Kamikawa chuckled, "Though I'm sure these recent events definitely helped distract her."
"Oh you boys are such teases," Ryoko pouted before giving a smile, "That said, we should probably make sure everything's set to go for their return."
"True, I'll join you for that then," Genjuro replied.
"Speaking of preparations I should make sure with Mei that everything's set," Kamikawa added.
"We shouldn't keep you any longer then," Maria said as she held out a hand, "It was a pleasure working with you all."
"The pleasure is all ours," Genjuro said as he shook Maria's hand, "I'm glad you were able to help your precious comrade."
With those words exchanged the three senior members of Section 2L took off while Maria and Rintaro planned to meet up with Touma and Miku.
"So," Rintaro finally spoke up once he knew it was just the two of them.
"What?" Maria asked as she looked over.
"I've been thinking on what you said about Shénshòujìng," Rintaro replied, "Does that not apply to the Gungnir we were gifted?"
"It was under our Commander's orders," Maria explained much to Rintaro's surprise, "He didn't want a new Shénshòujìng Symphogear existing in our world. It was done in order to keep it from potentially getting out of our reach if certain parties found out about it."
"How will we explain Miku's upgrade then?" Rintaro asked.
"Daishinji mentioned he had put in the paperwork and explained it along the lines of it mimicking Shénshòujìng and utilizing its image as a basis for the form," Maria replied, "Not us actually using it."
"Alright, but what about the extra Gungnir we have?" Rintaro questioned.
"From what I heard, it can be excused as scraps," Maria explained, "Especially since we've used it for two projects already, it isn't really a functional Symphogear anymore and likely only has one last use for a potential future project."
"Right," Rintaro nodded, "It's a shame since we could have gifted it to this world as well."
"As much as I would have liked to, it would have felt wrong," Maria replied, "Giving this Hibiki a chance to fight again immediately feels cruel. It should be a choice, not something forced out of obligation. I'm hoping that being unable to fight immediately will help the healing process for her."
"I see," Rintaro mused, "I'd like to hope so as well."
Hibiki let out a grunt as she went to lie on the grass, putting her hands behind her head as she stared up at the blue sky before her. Sitting nearby her were Touma and Miku, the two also taking in the rather nice weather. The three were at the special park that seemingly tied the three together across two different worlds, all of them nearby the tree.
Hibiki had been out for a day or two, likely due to the strain of everything. Even with Gungnir and the Phantom Megid infection erased, her body still had to recover. When she woke up, she was admittedly surprised and speechless when she found out that Touma and Miku were still on her world. She was even more surprised that they chose to stick around as well, not that she minded.
Of course when it came to their last day on the world, and them giving her the chance to do whatever she wanted, she simply chose to relax and spend whatever time they could together before they'd leave.
"It feels like forever since I've seen a sky as bright as this," Hibiki admitted as she kept staring upwards, "Recently it felt like I just kept staring up at an endless wall of gray that would threaten to pour down."
"Even if it rains, it'll stop raining," Touma replied, "Then the sky will be blue again. Even then that blue sky doesn't go away because it's still there, just hidden. An endless blue sky that stretches for as far as you can see."
"I suppose so," Hibiki replied, "I just have to remember it exists."
"Think of it as something to look forward to," Miku added.
"Right," Hibiki said as she went to sit up, still staring up but glancing over towards the alternate variants of her friends, "Thank you."
"Huh?" Touma asked before chuckling, "Where'd that come from?"
"I mean you two saved me right?" Hibiki asked, "What else is there to say?"
"Well better late than never," Miku remarked before giggling.
"Eh?" Hibiki nearly dropped down onto her back again as she looked over, "What's that supposed to mean?"
"Well you kind of just stared in shock and muttered to yourself when you found out what happened," Miku replied, "After the shock wore off you didn't really say much else about it."
"Not like it matters," Touma replied, "The relief we could clearly see was more than enough, right Miku?"
"Come on Touma don't baby her," Miku huffed a bit, "I know she's rough around the edges but she should still have some manners."
"Hey, hey," Touma held up his hands, "Let's have her take it one step at a time."
"Whatever," Hibiki said as she looked away before cracking a smile, "I'll see what I can do about that."
"That's the spirit," Miku smiled though she grew more serious in expression, "I know I got after you but really, just take it one step at a time okay? Whatever's most comfortable for you at the end of the day is what should matter."
"Right," Hibiki nodded.
"The others will be plenty patient with you," Touma added, "They're just trying to help after all, like they've been trying to."
"I thought I couldn't trust anyone because of how much ridicule and pain I've been through," Hibiki replied, "But after everything I want to try and start over, even if it's small."
"There we go," Touma smiled.
"Speaking of…" Miku looked over as Tsubasa and Chris began to walk over.
"Maria just called," Tsubasa spoke up first, "She said they're about done with what they needed to do."
"She said to take however long you all needed to though," Chris added.
"That's fine," Hibiki nodded as she closed her eyes with a smile, "We were just about done anyway."
Tsubasa and Chris could only stare in surprise at this declaration, Touma and Miku looking over in surprise as well.
Touma could only stare, "Eh?"
"Are you sure?" Miku asked, "We got a second Book Gate just to make sure that we could take all the time we needed…"
"I can't cling to the past forever, especially when you two have more people you need to protect," Hibiki answered as she kept her eyes shut, "But I'll never forget our meeting that opened up a new chapter in my life."
"That's a good way of putting things," Touma said as his shock faded into a smile, "But we can visit from time to time if you want."
"There's no need to push yourselves for my sake," Hibiki replied, "You've already done more than enough."
"If that's what you want," Miku nodded.
"Besides, it's as you said, I have others to rely on," Hibiki said as she opened her eyes, looking over at Tsubasa and Chris, "If that's alright…"
"Of course it is," Tsubasa said as she walked over before holding out a hand, Hibiki grasping it as she went to help her stand up, "Even if it will be a bit annoying considering your attitude, but maybe that's better now."
"Hey, what's that supposed to mean?" Hibiki asked as she narrowed her eyes.
"Do not start you two," Chris sighed as she pinched the bridge of her nose briefly, "But we'll always be around if you ever need anything. We do go to the same school after all."
"Well you two do, I graduated," Tsubasa reminded, "But I'm always around Section 2L underneath, and even if you can't fight anymore you're always welcome there."
"I guess," Hibiki replied, "I just don't want to impose is all."
"Don't worry about it," Tsubasa replied.
"Whatever," Hibiki said as she looked away.
Touma and Miku could only sheepishly smile as they stood up, the two choosing to slowly but surely head off.
"Hey," Hibiki spoke up suddenly as she glanced back towards the two, "I know I said not to force yourselves, but... do you think we'll ever meet again?"
"Why do you ask?" Miku asked.
"One day I want to repay you two for what you did for me," Hibiki replied, "It only feels right."
"I'm sure a day like that will come," Touma replied, "Even if that potentially means something bad will happen."
"But it is a nice thought despite it all," Miku added, "Even if bad things happen, there's still so much good that can come from it."
"Well said," Chris nodded.
"You all take care," Tsubasa said with a wave, "And don't be strangers if you do come back, alright?"
"Right," Touma smiled as he and Miku walked off.
Hibiki simply watched the two alternate versions of her friends walk off into the distance, turning away to look back at the tree once she could no longer see them.
"Are you going to be okay?" Tsubasa asked.
"I think I will," Hibiki replied, "Maybe…"
"If you're unsure, we didn't just come here to tell them about their friends," Chris spoke up, "We're also here for you."
"What do you mean?" Hibiki asked as she looked over.
"Mei wanted us to get you," Chris explained, "She said she had a surprise you might enjoy."
"A surprise…?" Hibiki raised an eyebrow as she fully turned.
Mei was currently humming a bit as she waited at another park, leaning against the railing of a small bridge that closed the gap over a small stream that ran through the center of the park. She raised her arm to check her watch before looking over when she heard some noise, lowering her arm as she saw Hibiki approaching, with Chris and Tsubasa waiting in the distance.
"Ah good, you made it," Mei smiled.
"Yeah," Hibiki said as she had her hands in her pockets, "What's this about?"
"Give me a minute or so please," Mei said as she held up a finger before quickly hurrying off in a seemingly random direction.
"Alright," Hibiki said as she went to lean on the bridge, deciding to stare up at the sky again, "Wonder what this whole thing is about. Are they giving me a way to fight again? Do I even want to fight again?"
Her answer would come soon when she heard footsteps, though she didn't pay them any immediate mind.
"Hibiki…?"
That was until the voice that just spoke up sounded just like Miku's.
"Huh?" Hibiki turned, soon seeing at one side of the small bridge Miku. Though she noticed something immediately off, and that Miku's clothing was different from what she had last seen. Though she could tell more was off, mostly from the demeanor, "Miku…?"
"It's really you, isn't it?" Miku asked.
"Yes…" Hibiki trailed with a slow nod, "It's me-"
Miku had immediately hurried over and nearly tackled Hibiki, managing to wrap her arms around the former Gungnir Wielder via a hug.
"It really is you," she said as her voice shook and her grip tightened, "I'm so… so sorry."
"What?" Hibiki asked, hugging back and though she was currently in shock, she could tell something was different with Miku.
"My parents were insistent about moving as quickly as possible, so I never got a chance to say goodbye especially since that meant I couldn't go with you and Touma to that concert since I was out of town," Miku said as she kept an ironclad grip on her friend, her voice shaking, "I'm so sorry about what happened! If I was there… then maybe…!"
"You…" Hibiki let out a light gasp as she realized now what exactly was going on. This wasn't the Miku she had seen the past couple of days, this was her Miku, "You're…"
"I tried to keep in touch but I guess I failed terribly at that," Miku admitted with a grimace before giving a soft smile, "But, I knew I'd have some chance to see you again when my parents had to move back here because of work a month back. I've tried searching for you but could never find anything… at least until this group called Section 2L approached me."
"Section 2L…" Hibiki let out another light gasp, looking over and seeing Tsubasa and Chris flash her smiles with Mei walking over and giving her own smile and a wave, "Those guys…" she let out a soft chuckle as she began to tear up, "They're already doing such a good job…"
"I'm sorry," Miku continued, "I'm sorry I couldn't be there for you when you needed me most, and I know I can't make up for all the time I've missed. But I'm here now."
"I appreciate it," Hibiki admitted as her expression fully softened, "I'm honestly just glad you didn't forget about me."
"I could never," Miku answered.
Tsubasa gave a smile at the interaction while crossing her arms, "All's well that ends well."
"Yep," Chris nodded before looking over at Mei, "Thanks Mei."
"You can also thank Kamikawa and especially Maria," Mei spoke up as she put her hands on her hips, "They're the ones who pushed for this while I did what I could to make it all happen."
"Good to know," Tsubasa replied, "But I bet you helped just as much."
"I appreciate the flattery," Mei said as she went to rub the back of her neck with a smile, "That said, I've got one more place I need to take them too. You two can head back though."
"Are you sure?" Tsubasa asked.
"We can hang around if need be," Chris replied.
"Normally I wouldn't mind but the Commander insisted," Mei explained, "He wants you two on standby, especially since Hayato and Starlit are set to return soon."
"Ah that's right," Tsubasa let out a light gasp, "That was today, huh?"
"We were so busy with Hibiki and the others that we forgot I suppose," Chris said with a slight sheepish smile, "Though I suppose that's not a bad thing."
"It just means you two really want to try helping her," Mei replied.
"Well if that's the case, we'll leave it to you," Tsubasa patted Mei's arm before heading off.
"Stay safe and call us if anything happens," Chris said with a bow before following after her partner.
"I will, don't worry," Mei reassured before turning back towards the two reunited friends.
"Actually Hibiki, there's one place I want to take you," Miku said as she pulled away though she managed to grasp Hibiki's hands with her own, "That is if you have the time."
"Eh?" Hibiki asked as she tilted her head, looking over and seeing Mei approach before she looked back at her friend, "What do you mean?"
"I'm not sure this is a good idea…"
"It'll be fine."
Hibiki was currently staring at the entrance of Fantastic Bookstore Kamiyama, knowing exactly what was waiting for her behind the door. She had always known about the shop but never stopped by, purely because she was afraid. She was afraid of Touma's parents, and the reaction she expected them to have because of her involvement in Touma's death. Mei was currently across the street, simply crossing her arms and leaning against a Section 2L car. She planned on waiting for the two since she was giving them rides back home after this.
"No, I can't do it," Hibiki turned away while gripping her hands tightly, "What if they…"
"You'll never know if you don't take that first step," Miku said as she stayed where she was as she wanted to keep Hibiki from being pressured by her.
"I've tried to take that first step so many times…" Hibiki admitted as she looked down, "But I just can't."
"Well there's one difference between then and now," Miku answered as she walked over and put a comforting hand on Hibiki's shoulder, "I'll be here for you, I promise."
"Thank you, Miku," Hibiki said before taking a deep breath and walking towards the door, "Alright…"
"Right behind you," Miku said as she walked after Hibiki.
"Then, let's get this over with," Hibiki sighed as she went to open the door into the bookstore, wincing a bit due to how bright the store itself seemed. Despite this she only entered a few steps in, Miku stopping beside her.
"Excuse us," Miku spoke up.
Despite seeming like a random visit, Hansuke and Michiko were actually waiting for the two. Mei had returned to the bookstore the day after the battle, after Kamikawa had gotten hold of Miku. The two were able to set up a meeting with both Kamiyama parents alongside Miku herself, the group coming up with a plan to try and help Hibiki out. It was decided that they'd try to reform some kind of support structure for her, since while Section 2L would help out, a more familiar and warm presence would be good for Hibiki. So once Miku met with Hibiki, she'd take her to Fantastic Bookstore Kamiyama.
"Glad you could make it," Hansuke said, a big smile on his face.
"Yes, it's really nice to see the two of you again," Michiko said, also having a smile.
Hibiki took a deep breath but wasn't sure what to say, but she shook her head. The warm smiles coming from the two were enough for her to not immediately run away. She lowered her head however as she walked forward, quickly getting on her knees, ready to bow further.
"I'm… I'm…"
Hansuke's and Michiko's expressions softened as they walked over and knelt down on one knee each, putting their hands on Hibiki who tensed up.
"Hibiki, it's alright," Hansuke reassured before pulling her into a hug, "I'm just sorry we couldn't have been there for you."
"We don't blame you for what happened to Touma," Michiko insisted as she went to join in on the hug, "You shouldn't have to feel terrible for making it out of that awful experience."
Hibiki let out a hitched breath before shuddering, squeezing her eyes tight as tears began to flow out. She soon hugged back, letting out a muffled wail as she cried into the hug. Hansuke and Michiko closed their eyes as well, tears starting to stream out from their eyes as they held Hibiki more firmly.
Miku sniffled a bit as went to wipe a tear, glad to see that the two parents had managed to provide some kind of release for Hibiki. She managed to keep herself composed, at least until she heard the three clear their throats and start to shift, Hibiki and Hansuke opening up their arms to allow her into the huddle. She let out a small squeak as she covered her mouth, tears starting to form further before she hurried over and entered the hug.
A Few Days Later…
Hibiki and Miku were with Hansuke and Michiko again, the four of them walking into a graveyard with a bouquet of flowers. The Kamiyamas had visited fairly often to keep the weeds around the gravestone from growing too much. So it was a rather simple visit, grabbing a bucket and ladle to clean the stone tomb, and placing the flowers in the appropriate spot. After that the four went to pray in front of the grave before backing away.
"Despite there being no body, we still wanted a grave," Hansuke spoke up.
"Yes," Michiko nodded, "We both felt like we owed him that much at least."
"I'm sure he's happy that you did," Miku reassured.
"Yeah," Hibiki nodded as she stared at the grave for a while, "I know we just finished, but… could I have some time alone with him?"
"Sure thing," Hansuke patted her on the shoulder before going to lead his wife and Miku off, "We'll be waiting by the gate."
"Just take your time alright," Michiko replied, "We're in no rush."
"Yeah," Miku nodded.
"Thanks," Hibiki nodded.
It didn't take long for Hansuke, Michiko and Miku to walk off, the three giving her the space she needed. Despite how dreary a cemetery could be, there was some peace to her being left alone with the grave of her friend. She knew she couldn't stay forever, and she could always visit, but staying for a while longer just felt right. Even if she did pray beforehand she still went to crouch down again, holding her hands up in prayer as she lowered her head.
'I'm not sure if everything can go back to the way it was… but… I'd like to think things could get better than they have been. The other you certainly thought so as we parted ways… and despite how sad it felt, I was glad to have some kind of reassurance from you even if it wasn't really you. Even so, I want to start thinking more positively. You saved me for a reason back then, and I promise I'll keep living not only for my sake but for yours as well.'
She let her hands drop, resting her arms on her legs as she let her head hang. At least until she felt an odd hot wind in front of her. She raised her head only for her eyes to start shaking at what she was seeing. At the base of the grave was a Wonder Ride Book, specifically Brave Dragon. She stumbled and crawled closer to the grave, quickly picking up the Ride Book.
She wasn't sure why it was here in the first place, because she was sure that the Touma from the other world had needed it to leave. But that simple connection to a Touma was what she needed to piece things together. The other Touma was Saber, and there was no Saber in this world for the time being. Was her Touma meant to become Saber in this world as well? She would like to imagine he would be given how similar that other Touma was to hers. But that only pointed towards one thing in her mind, which was the breaking point for what composure she was able to muster for the day.
It was that imaginary non-logical yet perfectly sound connection that caused her to let out a shuddered breath as her eyes shook further, watering up. She held the Ride Book tightly in her hand as tears began to fall onto it, her entire body shuddering as she tried to keep her crying to low short gasps. This Ride Book was a sign, a sign from her dearly departed friend. That was what she wanted to believe, what she wanted to be sure of. She wasn't sure what she'd do yet, all she knew was that she had received a gift.
"Thank you, Touma…" Hibiki whispered with a smile as she stared intently at the Ride Book despite her tears. At least until she went to clasp the Ride Book in both hands, kneeling and holding her hands close to her lowered head as she stayed in that spot for a long while, "I'll cherish this, for sure."
To Be Continued…
...
...
[SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT]
"I take the name Kamen Rider Saber."
Hibiki (Another) will Return
"I'll protect the world and personally send anyone who threatens it straight to hell!"
(Tentative Title)
SONG OF A NEW SABER
(Now in Development)
Author's Note: You can thank a late night call with Josh for this idea manifesting. He had suggested Edgebiki finding Brave Dragon at Touma's grave and becoming the new Saber. Now you 'd think that making another Saber-related fic would be tiring, but there's a lot of moving parts both seen and unseen that I've touched on and hinted at that make this a different beast than Sympho-Saber. But you'll have to wait a bit since this won't start immediately. However this is a project I want to try and seriously pursue as one of the few additions I make to Sympho-Saber's story.
It's partially the reason why I extended it from 3 to 4 parts. I wanted some breathing room given what I was tackling, but I also wanted to give a solid introduction to this world. Hence why I had been planning and revising everything consistently until it was officially published. A lot of work went into figuring out a base and showing it to you all. After all, why have Bayonet Charge as an additional concept just for this world? Why would I have it that Touma in this world is gone (gone) when I've made compromises in past Parallel World with the major characters? It's all in service for the story I want to try and tell.
That said of course we've still got the rest of the chapter which was a bombastic finish featuring Ultimate Bahamut and Miku's new upgrade, a Dragonic/King Lion upgrade in the form of Golden Shinjukyo. Of course since it's artificially made it gets the extra feature that King Lion gets via me utilizing concepts of a Gungnir styled Shenshoujing XDU did for Miku in a couple of events. It was a fun form to figure out and craft for sure.
But despite this being a big finish, there are still three chapters left in RXU's main story as I plan on doing things a bit differently for our finale. I've got some final setup I need to do for AXZ and there's one lingering thread that needs to be taken care of. Thanks for reading and I'll see you all next time.