Author's Note: I'm accepting card suggestions once more! If you have an idea for cards, let me know. It could be as simple as just evolved versions of previous cards.
Reviews:
FlameFireZero X: It'll be explained in this chapter but I'll tell you right now. You can't use a contract on a stone since it's inactive. The reason why Bragard made them into Decks/Cards was to use their power.
Guest: La verdad la tematica de adolescentes peleando contra adultos/viejos ya me tenia algo cansado. Por lo que decidi ir con adolescentes vs adolescentes. Pero la explicacion en la historia es que Hazuki manipula la debilidad de la gente y usa a Loki para convencerlos de universe a su causa. Algo asi como un profeta que tiene evidencia para que le hagas caso. Y tambien tenia a Allister el cual le daba mucha influencia gracias a su conexion con Fudo.
Tenzalucard123: Hazuki manipulating his sister to turn against Hajime...What could he have told her to convince her? He'll be fine! Maybe when he goes to the bathroom he'll have some problems but not right now.
Ryugen: I guess it was too late for him to try turning over a new leaf in his life. His life decisions caught up to him and now he has to fight the person who gave him power. The Narfi situation is really weird still. No one knows if Narfi is in control or if Yomi is just a psychopath using Narfi's powers. Or maybe both. We'll see more about how Hajime uses the stone, don't worry about that. As for Odin...that's an interesting theory. That he takes all of Hazuki's hard work for himself. The trickster God...tricked.
Dragstorm Rider: Yeah, Hajime does it the same way Goku did it. To keep the stone safe. He's trying to make something of his life. He knows he doesn't have long, but he wants to try. For Jades.
SoutaAmetsuchi: Talk about blind fate...Well, at least it's safe inside of him...maybe?
nickseverino8: Probably not, as Allister is stronger than all of Hazuki's lackeys with his Trinity Mode. Hazuki is hunting them down himself. Terunosuke trying to follow Jades' example. He really changed him in that fight. He regrets killing the last person that loved him. I don't think I did. What card ideas?
Opening
(Play Black Clover by Vickeblanka)
Hajime and Hazuki are walking in opposite directions, Hajime shining in a white light on a black background while Hazuki has a dark aura on a white background. Both of them turned around, and the logos of their Decks appeared behind them as the title flashed in front of the screen
Symphogear: End of Rider War
(Tanjun na stage)
(kawaku hodo negai, mizu ga ito wo tsutai)
SONG were currently training, all of them doing push-ups, sit-ups, and sparring. Hamaguchi's face was completely blue as he couldn't do another push-up. Instead, he watched Kirika, who was doing sit-ups close by. Hajime smacked him on the back of the head. Yosuke and Tsubasa, who were watching, shook their heads in disappointment.
(dareka ni kanau konnan na stage)
Raiden was groaning in pain as Shirabe forced him to bend his back more while Elfnein lay on the floor, rubbing her aching legs. Garie skated over to them holding a tray of water bottles.
(choujou wo shimesu moyou)
Bragi was blocking Miku's punches, stifling his laughter, prompting the girl to pout and punch him in the belly with surprising strength, knocking the air out of him. Elsa, who was stretching close by, gasped when she saw the boy falling to the ground.
(suiheisen ga chuu wo mau)
Maria and Chris were jogging outside with Genjuro while Hibiki was doing jumping jacks.
(nando kujikaretemo)
The team collapsed on the ground, exhausted after a long day of training. Genjuro grinned at them, pulling out a jukebox, and prompting them all to groan in unison.
(sono kibou wo ryoute ni)
The scene changes to the Disasters of Valhalla, all of them standing behind Hazuki as he is being praised by the countless citizens of the city they were in.
(bokura nami wo utte)
Despia was standing behind Yomi, who was still in his wheelchair and covered in burnt marks.
(tsubasa wo misero to)
Nightmare and Wei stood by Hazuki's side, and from the shadows, emerged a feminine figure.
(sakebun da)
Setsuna had an emotionless expression on her face as a bone protruded from her shoulder before she crushed it with her hands.
(Get down!)
The scene changes to a frozen city as Kirika in her Amalgam form rushes toward Gai slicing part of his shoulder but he grabs her leg, tossing her against Shirabe
(we all let you know this time)
Raia shot several psychic projectiles, forcing Gai to jump in the air, but this was all a trap. He gasped as Maria flew toward him with her dagger out.
(can you bring me down)
The scene changes Ouja bounced from rock to rock as Tsubasa and Knight chased after him.
(back up, get far of the sky)
He landed on top of a building, but Chris sniped the place he set foot on, causing him to fall off.
((black rover!)
Hibiki broke through a wall, surprising Ouja, as she winded her fist back to punch him in the face.
(itsuka)
Hazuki was smiling maniacally before the camera zoomed out to reveal him clad in the Ryuga armor in his Dual Mode, swiping his arm and summoning several arms of darkness that rained down on the ground.
(tomo ni miyou ima wa kuro ni someyou)
Miku countered by summoning various mirrors from the Shenshoujing, donned in her Amalgam form. Elfnein appeared next to her, waving her arms and controlling her Golem as it smacked the arms away from reaching them.
(Konna fuzaketa jidai)
From his left, Ryuga noticed a water tendril wrapped around his arm, courtesy of Abyss, who flung him away. Ryuga opened a portal, appearing on another side of the city. However, he looked up.
(black rover!)
Alternative in Beelzebub form and Ryuki in Oversurvive descended like two comets from the heavens, ready to attack Ryuga in unison.
(kuukyo no aida ni)
The camera switches to Despia and Yomi's bodies glowing in a dark light, then over to Nightmare and Wei who were also shining.
(bokura narabitatte)
Setsuna began floating, her face covered in a bone-like mask as a dark silhouette with several horns emerged from within her, grinning maliciously.
(ima kara, tobira wo)
Hajime watched in horror, his face then changing to one of determination as he sprinted ahead, stretching his arm out.
(hiraku kara)
Setsuna turns around, as a white light covers everything.
Hajime is crawling on the streets of a devastated city, his body covered in wounds as he looks up to the sky.
(Let's go next stage)
A pair of pink eyes opened up from within the white light and glowing dark hair could be seen as well.
Chapter 144
The Right Wing of the Black Dragon
"What the fuck do you want, Kaburagi-kun?" Terunosuke sneered, staring directly at Hazuki's eyes. And that's when he noticed one of them was gold instead of pink. Now it made sense. He laughed."So...should I be honored you decided to deal with me yourself, Loki? What? Hazuki finally lets you take the steering wheel?"
"No "Loki-sama" anymore, Teruno? I'm hurt. No, seriously, I am." Loki placed a hand on his chest in faux hurt."And what do you mean? Do you really think so lowly of me? Do you think I just came here to kill you? I thought you knew me better than that. Honestly, you don't mince with words, do you? But I suppose I do appreciate your honesty. It's always been one of your redeeming qualities."
Terunosuke's gaze hardened, not replaying back.
"So this is where you've been, huh? Not too far from home." Loki placed a hand on his hip, taking out a white piece of paper that Terunosuke easily recognized.
'That's...'
"Order for...Jades Demetrios! Huh!" Loki waved the paper around."So you're going around using Jades' name as an alias? Funny. You have a fun sense of humor...going under the name of the person that you killed. But hey! I like it! I do. You have style."
Terunosuke slowly reached for his Deck, but Loki simply chuckled.
"Real talk. What are you doing? Don't tell me you feel bad for killing your brother." Loki chuckled sinisterly."And after all the trouble you went through to do it. All those sleepless nights, planning what you were going to tell him. How you would kill him. And how he would pay for what he did to you. And now that you finally achieved your goal, you're dissatisfied? What the hell is that?"
Loki began pacing back and forth."That's always been your problem, hasn't it, Teruno? You never know what you want. You can never be happy with what you have because you want something else. It's always been like that, hasn't it? After all, you were the one who willingly got kidnapped and taken to FIS."
Terunosuke swallowed the lump in his throat, his fists clenching.
"You always wanted to be recognized. To be special. But all of that changed when Serena came into your life. But in the back of your mind, you wanted to be the best. For your efforts to be rewarded. And that's exactly what I did, no? When everyone else shunned you, I gave you a purpose. I gave you the life you wanted. You became someone because I helped you. And you did! Congratulations, son! You won! You beat the bad guy. You became a Kamen Rider with your own hands. You fulfilled your promise to Serena!"
"Serena...One day, I'll become a Kamen Rider and stand by your side." He remembered saying."I'll protect you."
"I know you will." His heart ached upon remembering her sweet smile."I'm counting on you, Teru-nii!"
'I didn't kill Atticus.' Terunosuke closed his eyes.
"But wait...I guess, you fulfilled your promise too late. You're always too late." Suddenly, Loki's tone shifted in pitch."You were too late in protecting Serena. Too late to become a Kamen Rider. And too late realize that you're just a walking contradiction. Is that why you betrayed me? Do you even want to do this right now?"
"I was confused. I was lost. I thought I knew what I wanted. You're right. I never knew what I wanted in my life." Terunosuke thought of all his siblings."But that idiot Jades showed me...that I was never alone. I always had them but I ruined everything. Because I was jealous. And I didn't know how to just be me. Jades did it...to protect me. I wasn't ready. I wasn't ready to be a Rider."
"Hah! And just what are you-"
"Still, I can't just go ahead and blame you for everything I did. Before this whole thing started and before meeting you, I was killing everyone who was an eyesore for me. I killed countless people. Kids included. I have no way of ever redeeming myself. I was angry. Angry how my life turned out." Terunosuke looked at his open palm."I lost the right to ever hope to see Serena again...I was deluding myself. Even if I were to see her in the new world...deep down, I could never...look her in the eyes. I did so many things using her as an excuse...I ruined so many people's lives. Only Kirika, Shirabe, Maria, and Raiden remain. And it's all on me."
"So why do you betray me? Do you not want to scratch this shit life you have and have a better one? I can help you-"
"I'm done listening to you." Terunosuke thought of Serena, and this gave him the strength he needed to confront the God."I won't be the cause of the extinction...of those brats. Neither will I betray Allister's trust."
Loki heaved a long sigh, shaking his head."Why negotiate when you can just take what you want." The Trickster God pulled out the Ryuga Deck, stretching out his arm as his V Buckle materialized around him before sliding it in."Henshin."
An energy version Dragblacker appeared, circling Loki as he splayed his arms before the dragon fell on him, cladding him with the Ryuga armor."That brand on your hand indicates that you're my property. And as such, I must educate you and reign you in."
Terunosuke pulled out his Deck, and accidently took out Serena's picture as well."Serena...Watch me..."
He stuffed the picture back in his pocket, before sliding his Deck into his V Buckle."Henshin!"
Metalgelas appeared behind Terunosuke before rushing toward him at full speed. Before ramming into him, he became into particles as he absorbed him, transforming into Kamen Rider Gai.
Gai jumped inside a broken mirror next to him, appearing inside the Mirror World. Ryuga followed behind him, using his portals to teleport inside."Worried about involving innocent civilians? Or are you worried about that orphanage around the corner? You've gotten so soft, it's repulsing."
"Trust me. I feel the same." Gai drew a card from his Deck as Ryuga approached him, sliding a card into his.
Strike Vent: Calamity Kings
Two black gauntlets with white chains and purple energy around them were equipped in Ryuga's hands.
Strike Vent: Destclaws
"Aw, look at you! Thinking big brother is going to protect you again?" Ryuga tilted his head."But it's too bad. He's dead. Killed by your own hands."
Gai screamed in rage, rushing toward the black Rider."This won't go the same as our first fight-"
Suddenly, Ryuga sidestepped, easily dodging Gai's claws.
"Try again, buddy," Ryuga said. And Gai did just that. He attempted to backhand him, but Ryuga raised his arm, blocking Gai's forearm, and preventing the claws from reaching him. He slammed his fist into Gai's stomach, causing him to reel back, holding his stomach. Ryuga advanced, giving several jabs at Gai's body, forcing him to keep backing up.
With a growl, Terunosuke lashed out, waving his claws but Loki effortlessly dodged all of the attacks. He kicked Gai's knee, causing him to lose his footing before slamming his fist against his cheek and launching him into the wall.
Ryuga went for a punch, forcing Gai to block it with one of his Destclaws. He gasped, noticing the black gauntlet cracking his claws, prompting him to jump out of the way as it broke into pieces. He tried drawing a card, but Ryugs wasn't going to let him.
"You think I'll let you use your Confine Vent?" Ryuga punched the right, and a portal appeared behind Gai, Ryuga's fist coming through and punching him on the back of the head. The punch sent him staggering forward into Ryuga's foot, sending him crashing against a dumpster.
"It's oddly satisfying...punching you. You don't go down so easily, due to the nature of your armor. So I can treat you like a punching back all I want."
"Stop talking! I'm sick of you already!" Gai dashed toward Ryuga, swinging his last claw but Ryuga bent his knees, avoiding the attack. He began giving powerful and fast punches against his stomach, causing Gai to start coughing blood. One powerful punch sent him flying out of the alley and into the street, crashing against a mirrored car.
Wordlessly, Ryuga drew a card from his Deck, opening up his visor and sliding it inside.
Final Vent: Dark Flying Rider Kick
Ryuga began levitating in the air as Dragblacker coiled around him.
Gai tried to move, but he noticed his legs and right arm were trapped in a purple crystal."W-what is this?!"
Dragblacker breathed fire, shooting Ryuga toward Gai as his kick impacted against Gai, sending him flying through several buildings.
Gai coughed up blood, using his arms to lift himself slightly off the ground.
"I knew you wouldn't die so easily. You are my beloved subject, after all. You and Allister...You both are meant to be the dragon's wings." Ryuga landed on top of a traffic light, showing Gai two cards. One was his Unite Vent and the other one his Survive Card."So...how about we get serious?"
"Stole the words right out of my mouth..." Gai responded, also holding his own Unite Vent and Survive Card.
A few weeks back...
"So, doctor, what do you think?" Hajime asked, sitting on a stool as Tobias scanned his reports.
"Well, it's been a few days, and I still don't detect anything wrong with your body." Tobias said, showing Hajime the X-ray results."No sign of the Advent Stone you swallowed. No side effects. It's like...it vanished. It's nowhere inside of your body."
"Oh. Okay. That's a relief." Hajime chuckled sheepishly."I've been worried. Good to know I'm okay."
"But the question is...if it's not in your intestines or your gut or anywhere in your body...where is it?"
"Maybe it dissolved?" Hajime shrugged."Like a pill? The ones that dissolve in your body?"
"I doubt an ancient rock would just dissolve."
"Then I don't know."
"Do you feel any different? Maybe it was assimilated into your body."
"I feel fine." Hajime reiterated."Nothing wrong with me."
"Hajime-san...why did you do it? I mean, there were a lot of risks involved. We don't know what could happen now. Also, what if you choked?! Or if he didn't dissolve? Your body wouldn't be able to break it down and you'd have to defecate it. Which by the way, I'm sure I don't need to tell you how much that would hurt considering it was almost the size of a baseball."
"Sheez, relax, Tobi." Hajime laughed, ruffling his hair."It's all good."
"But why did you do that Hajime-san? I mean...did you know it was going to go smoothly?" He furrowed his brow."I mean...I understand the Contract Card is useless on an Advent Stone since the Monster's power is not active, but I think we could have found alternatives other than...eating it."
"Well, I remembered what Lucifer said. So I had to give it a try. I actually didn't expect it to work."
"You trusted...the enemy?" He gave him a skeptical look."And you just ate it?"
"Sure, he was our enemy. An ancient angel that tried to have us all killed. But the guy seemed to know what he was talking about, regarding reuniting Ventara's pieces. And I can't imagine an uptight being like him ever telling a lie. Especially about the thing he worshipped the most. And hey. It worked. So no harm done."
"Just don't go around doing that too often. At the very least, let us know in advance so we can properly prepare." The Autoscorer sighed."Well, with that being said, you're good to go with the others."
"Alright! Time to train then." Hajime punched his palm, feeling pumped up. Hajime made his way down the training grounds with a big smile. It was already day 3 of training and everyone was in good spirits. It didn't take him long before he made it there. He opened the doors and was met with everyone running a lap around to warm up. Everyone except for Bragi, Miku, and Elfnein, who were in their respective Gears. Bragi had gotten the Shenshoujing back to being a regular Symphogear instead of a Faust Robe, and Elfnein was wearing the outfit given to her by her Golem Relic.
The hybrid was set to train Miku and Elfnein to use their powers and get accustomed to them. Then, they'd be able to join on the physical side of training. Hajime joined the group as they ran by him, greeting them.
"Well, well, well. Mr. Deep Throat himself finally made it here." Hamaguchi teased.
"Why the hell would you phrase it like that?!" Chris sneered at him, her cheeks flushed as she tried to keep up with everyone else.
"Yeah, man. You're weird for that." Hajime chortled, much to Hamaguchi's dismay."Should I take that as a sort of signal?"
"I-I-I didn't mean it like that!" Hamaguchi stammered, his cheeks red."C-come on, I was just joking!"
"This is what your over-the-top jokes get you, Kuroiwa." Tsubasa chastised him."Maybe think better next time."
"Tsubasa-san!"
"Think better?" Yosuke hummed."Can Kuroiwa do that?"
"Yosuke-san!"
"Come on guys, leave him alone." Hibiki intervened in his defense.
"Thank you for coming to my rescue, Hibiki-chan!"
"So, changing topics..." Shirabe addressed the half-Liang."How did your examination go?"
"Oh. Yeah, same as before." He answered, giving her a peace sign."All good."
"So Tobias-kun found nothing wrong with your body?" Kirika asked, her tone full of concern for her childhood friend.
"Not really. Everything is fine with me." Hajime replied."I don't feel any different honestly."
"What about your Deck? Any new cards?" Came the voice from his right, Raiden, who was curious.
"No, nothing. Maybe it takes time? Well, I don't know if it'll even work. I didn't exactly make a contract with Biogreeza. I just...ate his Advent Stone."
"Maybe it's for the best." Raiden shrugged."Remember, it's impossible to use Conquerer's Regalia with more than 1 monster. The transformation wouldn't be able to hold it."
"Is that how it works?" Tsubasa pondered aloud.
"Well, it's a hypothesis that Dienheim came up with." Yosuke elaborated."Think how hard it was for all of us to even achieve that form. Hell, we almost died. Had it not been for you guys, we would have surely died in our fused states. If it required a literal miracle to even control 1 beast, imagine another one."
"According to Bragi and Elfnein, Oversurvive requires perfect synchronization between Rider and beast. 50-50. You can't add another factor to that equation. And we know that Oversurvive is stronger than a Unite Vent. So maybe it's for the best Hajime can't use that." Raiden half-shrug.
"I wouldn't be so sure." Hajime suddenly said.
"Huh? What do you mean?" This caused the bespectacled boy to arch a brow.
"Lucifer seemed pretty damn sure of what he was doing." Hajime pursed his lips."Kind of makes me feel we're missing something. Maybe the power takes time to activate?"
"I see what you mean." Yosuke nodded."After all, if the stone became one with you, it must be because you're a Messiah. As such, you should be able to use all of Ventara's powers if you happen to get it. That being said, for now, don't worry about it too much. At least we know for sure Kaburagi won't be able to get his hands on Biogreeza."
"Not unless he rips me open or something." Hajime chuckled, earning a punch from Chris."Ow! What the hell, Chris-san?!"
"Stop talking like that! You sound like Yosuke-senpai with this dark humor shit!"
"H-huh? I don't do it anymore." Yosuke raised his arms in defense."Sometimes it just comes out..."
"And you'll worry the dummy." Chris glanced over to Hibiki, who looked a little upset.
"It's okay...I know he didn't mean anything about it." Hibiki managed a smile.
"I'm sorry, Sunshine." Hajime grabbed her hand."I promise I won't say that kind of stuff anymore. I wasn't thinking."
"It's okay, really!" Hibiki shook her head."I'm not mad or anything."
Meanwhile, Bragi continued to jump around, avoiding Miku's cables. Her folding fan became a full circle, firing several purple beams toward him. The beams bounced off Alternative as he used an electromagnetic field to defend himself. He quickly turned around, preventing the Golem from grabbing him by jumping above.
"Come on, darling, you almost got him!" Raiden cheered from the sidelines, making Elfnein blush in embarrassment and lose concentration. Alternative kicked the Golem down, sidestepping and grabbing Miku's fan with his hand, pulling her closer until they were inches from each other.
"Hey, there." He said.
"Hi." Miku couldn't help but smile."We're supposed to be training."
"You're supposed to be hitting me." He teased her.
"Well, I am hitting on you now." She kissed him in the helmet, prompting him to gasp in shock. She took his opportunity to smack him with her wires, sending him into the Golem's hands as it secured him."We got him!"
"Nice work, Miku-san!" Elfnein jumped up and down in joy.
"I have to admit...Your coordination was superb. Not bad. You're getting the hang of it." Alternative admitted, removing his helmet."How about we go a little faster?"
"Faster?!" Miku's eyes widened."Just how fast can you go? You're almost as fast as Shem-Ha was when..."
Miku froze, her gaze becoming distant as she started shaking and grabbing her head as if she were in pain.
"Miku." Bragi pulled her in for a hug, soothingly rubbing her back."I'm right here, dear."
"I'm sorry...I'm so sorry. I just...When I remember, even if I don't mean to do it...I can't help but remember how horrible it was...the darkness...Shem-Ha's constant mockery...I felt so weak...so defenseless...So lonely...It was so dark...I still can't even sleep without a light on, Bragi. It terrifies me. I was alone..."
"And yet, we came for you." Bragi gently rubbed her shoulders and kissed her cheek."I came for you. And I will never let you be taken away again. I'm sorry...I'm sorry I couldn't rescue you sooner. I'm sorry you had to go through that alone."
"No...It's not your fault." Miku shook her head, tightening her grip on him."You fought so hard for me. I couldn't ask more of you. You protected me."
"Maybe you should sit down a little bit." He suggested.
"I'm fine." She smiled."Really. The therapy has really been helping me. I just...sometimes I have those episodes. But I'll be fine. You were brave for me. So I want to be brave for you too."
"Miku...You are the bravest person I know. Never think otherwise. I'm only brave because I think of you and Auntie Elfnein." Bragi reached for her cheek, slowly doing circles with his thumb."I'll always protect you. No matter what."
"I know. I love you." She blushed.
"I love you too." He was about to lean for a kiss, but he heard sniffling next to them. They both turned to see a weeping Elfnein."Oh."
"I'm so happy for the both of you!" Elfnein tackled them for a hug. They sheepishly welcomed her in their arms as they chuckled together.
"Hey, guys!" Shirabe waved them over."We're about to start sparring! Want to join?"
"Sure. We'll be taking a little break from this." Bragi shrugged.
"Oh, right. Bragi, isn't Beel with you?" Miku asked her boyfriend.
"Nah, he stayed at home." He replied, sweating."He's...afraid of your Shenshoujing. He's paranoid of a stray beam hitting him."
"Huh? Really?" Miku felt her heart ache."I hope he's not upset at me..."
"He's not. But remember, he's a demon turned into a Relic. He's scared of being hit with the Shenshoujing light because it'll just cause him to die. He just wants to be precautious."
"But Satan didn't die." She pointed out.
"That's because Satan was a special case. His real form was Lucifer, a corrupted angel turned into a Relic." Elfnein helpfully supplied."So I understand why Beel-chan is...intimidated."
"Aw...I'll buy him some delicious pastries on the way home." Miku said in determination."He deserves it!"
"You're just spoiling him..." Bragi deadpanned at her antics."No wonder he likes to hang around you so much."
A few days later, Hajime and Hibiki were inside a Walmart, doing some grocery shopping.
"I'm so tired..." Hibiki whined, using their shopping cart to lean on as she drove it.
"Yeah, me too. Good thing we get a break on the weekends, huh?" Hajime grinned, putting some stuff inside the cart."I'm a bit sore, I'll admit. Haven't trained this hard since...Huh. Come to think of it, I don't think we've trained that much. The last hardcore training I did was with Chao."
"You're right. Other than some simulations against Noise and Mirror Monsters, we kind of just been learning on the go." Hibiki nudged him on the side with a playful smile."But that's no problem for a prodigy like you, eh?"
"Yeah...I guess me being a Liang plays a huge role in it." Hajime rubbed his nape."But are you sure you're not a prodigy yourself?"
"Huh? Me-" Hibiki started laughing as Hajime began rubbing her biceps"S-stop, Hajime! That tickles!"
"You call me a prodigy, but these are some insane muscles to have. And you were like a little hamster when I first met you. Are you sure you're not the real genius?" He teased, lowering his arms to rub her belly."You even have abs now!"
"H-H-Hajime!" She whined, gently pushing him away."There are people here!"
Hajime glanced around, and caught sight of a few people chuckling at their interactions."Right. Sorry. I just...well, I like it when we're holding each other."
"I like it too. But we gotta control ourselves." She gently said, grabbing his hand.
"Yeah. Sorry. I'm just...Well, I want to enjoy every second. You know?" Hajime shrugged."And make up for lost time."
"Are you scared?" Hibiki tenderly brushed his hand.
"Of course not, Sunshine." He grinned, puffing his chest out."I got everything handled-"
"Hajime," Hibiki said, a little louder.
"I...I can't lie to you, can I?" Hajime sighed."I am. I always have been. It's just...well, aside from that time, I never really let fear overtake me. I can't. Not when there's so much at risk. I feel like I've been lucky. Too lucky. And maybe my luck will run out. Back against Yomi, I was up against the wall. If I hadn't gone berserk, it was game over. And against Lucifer...Shit, I'm pretty sure I died there."
"But you pulled through. You always do."
"Yeah, but...Now the stakes are so fucking high. My sister is kidnapped...my brother wants to destroy the world with my cousins' help and what is essentially the bastard who killed my family and started this whole thing. And everyone depends on me. I don't mean to brag, but I am still the strongest fighter in our group. And if I'm the key to using Ventara's power...It all basically comes down to me. And I'm afraid I won't live up to those expectations. Heh. It's kind of a sick joke, really. The ones who are trying to destroy the world are my family. It's sick humor."
The couple headed for the cash register, waiting as the clerk scanned their items and bagged them up.
"When I fought Bragard...everyone had their hopes on me. And look how that turned out. I lost my family, my arms were cut to pieces, and I went berserk. It feels like I just can't come through when it matters, you know?"
"That's not true." Hibiki's lips thinned."That's not true and you know it."
"I'm a mess." Hajime heaved a long sigh."Barely keeping it together as it is. It's frustrating..."
"That's not it, Hajime. You're underselling yourself."
"And how do you know that-"
She placed her bags on the floor and grabbed his cheeks.
"I know that because I know the boy I love." Hibiki stated resolutely."I know you. And I know that you're just belittling yourself because of your guilt. You're scared. We all are. But unlike before, you're not alone. You are not going to be fighting along for our sake. We'll fight together."
Hibiki picked up her bags in one hand while holding Hajime's hand as they walked down the street.
"Besides, you do come through when it matters the most. Remember back when we first met? You came to my and that little girl's rescue." She blushed."You were so cool even though you were scared. And back when St. Germain-san and I were fighting Adam and Lilith. You saved Kirika-chan and Hamaguchi-kun. You reassured me that everything was going to be okay. And I felt so safe. I'm sure the others felt the same."
Hajime gave a lopsided smile, a little embarrassed.
"My point is that your presence alone just fills people with hope. So never think you're not good enough. To me, you're absolutely perfect, Sunny."
"H-Hibiki, where is this coming from all of a sudden?" Hajime bashfully laughed."You sure know how to make me feel better."
"It's only fair. You do the same for me all the time. Now let's hurry! I'm so hungry right now!" Hibiki pulled on Hajime's arm as they jogged back to the base."You know, sometimes it's still surreal to think that this isn't my original arm."
"You're telling me?" Hajime chortled."I lost both of my arms."
"So how did it go?" Yosuke asked, watching as Tsubasa closed the door of an office behind her."What did the great Tony Glazer say?"
"As you can imagine, he was a little disappointed. But he understood my reasons." Tsubasa beamed."He even put me in contact with someone in the music industry. And he was kind enough to let me have one last concert for my great finale."
"Are you sure you want to do this, Tsubasa?" Yosuke frowned."I mean, you don't have to go through all this just for me. I don't mind if we keep our relationship a secret-"
"I do mind." Tsubasa placed her hands on her hips."Come on, Yosuke, enough is enough. We've been keeping this a secret for a long time. Don't you think it's time for us to finally be happy?"
"But Tsubasa..."
"It's what I want to do. I want to sing. That doesn't necessarily mean I have to be an idol." Tsubasa placed a hand on his shoulder."I'm tired of lying about us. I want the world to know how much I love you."
"T-T-Tsubasa...?" Yosuke was caught off guard, blushing profusely as Tsubasa giggled at his reaction."When did you get so bold?"
"I've always been bold. It's just now I want to open up about us." Tsubasa grabbed his hand."I hope this doesn't make you embarrassed?"
"No, no. None of that." He shook his head."I guess I'm just a little nervous. I know we've been dating for a while now but now that we don't have to keep it a secret...I guess I'm just nervous."
"I am nervous too." Tsubasa blushed slightly."I've been taking notes on how the couples behave to get some idea."
"I doubt we can be as touchy openly as Kuroiwa and Akatsuki," Yosuke said.
"I think that counts for everyone." Tsubasa chuckled."Those two are one of a kind. By the way, Yosuke, I know what I'll be doing once this is over. But what about you? Do you still have the same plans as before?"
"Yeah. Kind of. I think I'll be a private investigator rather than a full-on detective."
"Really? Why?"
"I want to help out others who go unnoticed. I was thinking of starting my own agency. Maybe get some people on board and guide them along." Yosuke shrugged."Hopefully, I can eventually have a group of detectives that can help the world. I want to pass down what my Father taught me."
Tsubasa gave him a tender smile."It seems you want to protect and instruct others, even once this is done."
"I guess it's just in my nature." Yosuke scratched his cheek."I mean...I've been doing this for so long, it's become part of me. Back then, when Akira and Kanade died...I made the mistake of shutting others away from my life."
"I made that mistake too." Tsubasa assured him."Not just you. But we opened up, didn't we?"
"Right. And we got Tachibana and Adachi on board." A wistful smile graced his lips."I'm glad we have so many friends now. I don't think we would have come this far with just the two of us. It's because we worked together that we made it here. That's why, I want to be able to help others be better. To guide them down a better path so that one day, they can do the same for others."
He turned to Tsubasa with a grin."And honestly, I miss doing detective work. I like investigating and putting clues together. The last time I did that was when we busted Kuwana. And honestly...it was pretty exhilarating. Not like fighting for your life for the sake of the world type of exhilaration but a normal one."
"Look at you..." Tsubasa laughed."Now you're the adrenaline junkie? How the world goes around."
"What kind I say? I guess Adachi rubbed off on me at some point." He chuckled."But honestly, I always loved solving cases. Whenever my Dad showed me what he was working on, I was like a kid in a candy store. It's like building a puzzle. But you're putting different perspectives, different pictures, different times, and different kinds of information and putting it into one single piece. I love it."
"I'm happy for you. An idol and a detective...Now that's a bizarre combo if I ever seen one."
"I suppose. One thing is for sure, your fans are going to hate the hell out of me."
"Then I'll just have to stay by your side at all times so that no harm comes to you." She smirked.
"I love you, Tsubasa." He muttered under his breath, cupping her cheek."Let's get through this. All of us. I won't let anyone else die on my watch."
"I love you too, Yosuke." Tsubasa leaned in for a kiss."We'll do it. We'll put an end to this once and for all."
A few weeks later...
Gai was lying down on the ground in his Unite Survive form, several black arrows piercing his back. Black ice was all around him, and several of his Zelles were impaled by black spikes and held up in the air. The whole area was frozen in ice, but black flames were spreading around, causing the ice to start breaking.
Ryuga flapped his dark and white wings in his own Unite Survive form, descending from the sky and landing in front of Gai, snapping his fingers. The black arrows disappeared from Gai's back, earning a pained moan from the Rider.
"Finally had enough? You really are tough to put down, huh?" Ryuga asked in a derisive tone."Not using your Divine Power was your big mistake. Although, even if you had used it, you wouldn't have stood a chance against me. You are nothing if not persistent, Teruno. I'll give you that. Always a hard worker."
"Just shut up...and put an end to this." Gai slowly stood up despite his injuries.
"Huh?"
"If you're going to kill me, just fucking kill me already." Gai sneered."I'm sick of hearing you ramble on and on about bullshit. So get to it. But guess what...those brats don't play around...So even if you get my power, it won't be easy...you better be prepared."
"Kill you? Oh, no, no, no!" Ryuga shook his head rapidly."You got it all wrong, Teruno! I don't need your power yet. I need you! So guess what, I'm not going to kill you."
"W-what?" Gai was completely taken aback by this."Wait, if you think I'm going back to working with you, you're insane. I'm done being your puppet, Loki."
"You won't have much of a choice." Ryuga shrugged, forming a small sphere of darkness in his hand."But you know...the destiny that awaits you will be incredibly painful and agonizing. Believe me, Jades killing you would have been a far better fate over this."
Ryuga threw the sphere toward Gai's feet, prompting him to leap back. However, the sphere increased in size, becoming a giant void of darkness that began sinking Gai into it.
"What the-?! What's this?! What's happening?!" Gai panicked, trying to get out but he was sinking fast. It was almost like quicksand.
"I don't need your power, per se. I need you, Teruno. So right now, I'm going to...shall we say, fix your priorities and make you give up your detestable Free Will. That's right...I am going to make you into the perfect soldier. By getting rid of your Free Will. You should be thanking me."
"You...YOU WORTHLESS SCUM!" Gai tried to lunge at Ryuga, but he only managed to graze his foot.
"Wow! Almost got me there." Ryuga laughed, enjoying as Gai struggled in vain."By the time you get out, you'll be a completely different person. So sleep well, Teruno. And again, thank you for your services. And now, to hunt down the snake. The other wing."
With that, Ryuga stepped inside his portal, disappearing from the Mirror World and leaving Gai sinking into the abyss.
His transformation became undone as everything started to turn black. But one voice spoke in his head.
"Just let yourself go, Teru-nii."
"Serena...?" Terunosuke saw Serena in his mind, but her eyes were covered by her hair as she floated over to him, hugging him."Serena..."
"I love you, Teru-nii...Would you come with me...to the perfect world and leave this dump behind?" Serena asked sweetly."Let's be happy together. Just...let go."
"Let go..." Terunosuke's eyes turned pitch black as he cupped Serena's cheek."Just...let...go..."
He succumbed to the darkness of his heart, his brand shining as his face disappeared, leaving instead a black void and two red dots as eyes.
"Who are you?" The fake Serena muttered.
"Stop calling me brother." A younger version of himself growled."We're nothing like that. We are rivals competing to become a Kamen Rider. I don't understand what the old hag sees in you, but I will prove myself!"
"Then to become stronger..."
"If you want to live...Accept my power." Loki's silhouette appeared in front of him, holding out his arm."I can give you the power to be a winner."
"All I have to do is submit."
"So just submit. Who are you?" The fake Serena repeated.
"I am no one...I...I am Null."
Everything became dark.
Yahoo! I love fluffy chapters. Who doesn't love fluffy chapters, right? Everything is fine.