Sympho-Saber: Song of Swords

by ZeroEnchiladas

Noise are mindless creatures that kill with a single touch. The Megid are monsters who wish to take advantage of that so they can rewrite the world's story. But there are those who stand against them, be they singers or swordsmen. They are the Symphogear Wielders and Kamen Riders, and how this story ends is for them to decide! (AXZ in progress)

64. RXU: EP16

Sympho-Saber: Song of Swords

RXU:EP16 – Thunder Strikes Again

---

World of Shrouded Sun:

"Maria, I don't mean to sound rude," Rintaro said as he thought over his ally's suggestion to bring their Miku into this alternate world, "But, do you not remember that Gjallarhorn is very specific on who it lets through?"

"Of course I remember," Maria scoffed as she crossed her arms and turned away, mostly doing this to try and hide her embarrassment at forgetting that major detail, "Which is why we need to figure out a way for her to get over."

"So you can't just send anyone over here?" Ryo asked.

"It has to be a Rider or a Wielder that passes through Gjallarhorn," Rintaro explained.

"And she's neither, correct?" Kamikawa asked, getting the gist of the situation from how Rintaro and Maria spoke about Miku.

"Well couldn't you just make her a temporary Rider or Wielder with something in your world?" Mei asked, as if it was the obvious solution.

"Well the Raimeiken Ikazuchi is vacant for us…" Rintaro trailed.

"But would Miku even be able to transform into Espada?" Maria raised a brow, a bit skeptical on the idea, "I'm not saying it can't be done, but when it comes to normal civilians transforming suddenly, I've read that Touma's more of a special case."

"I mean she was a Symphogear Wielder temporarily," Rintaro reminded, "Granted it wasn't exactly under the best circumstances but…"

"Even if these are better circumstances we can't use Shénshòujìng," Maria argued, "Everything about it was completely erased by its own light, remember?"

"Then we might just have to hope that Miku can transform using Ikazuchi," Rintaro said as he realized they were limited on their options.

"Hold on a moment," Ryoko called out from afar, having been going through some files when she happened to eavesdrop on the conversation at hand, "Could you repeat the Relic you just named?"

"Shénshòujìng…?" Maria asked.

"Yes, that's it," Ryoko said as she stood up and quickly went to hurry over, "You mentioned that it had a Wielder on your world too?"

"Yes, our Miku Kohinata," Rintaro nodded, "But…"

"No buts," Ryoko said as put a finger on Rintaro's lips to stop him from continuing, "I think I may have just what you need."

"Wait, really?" Maria asked, realizing exactly what Ryoko was implying, "You have a Shénshòujìng Symphogear?"

"Yep," Ryoko turned with a wink as she held up her finger, "We could never find a compatible Wielder so it's in storage because the higher ups didn't really care for the stealth capabilities it had."

"Do you think we could borrow it?" Rintaro asked.

"To be honest you could just keep it, I'm pretty sure it's eventually going to be put on the trash list regardless," Ryoko said with a shrug, "And I'd rather it be used for something than be scrapped because some suits didn't care to hold onto it."

"Then it looks like we've got our plan," Maria said, "Please prepare it for us and we'll be on our way."

"What about your friend?" Ryo asked.

"Gungnir's signal was spotted in the area where Tsubasa, Chris and Touma was," Genjuro said as he walked over, "More than likely he's found Hibiki, and hopefully he's gotten some progress done."

"If that's the case then can you tell them our plan?" Rintaro asked, "I know he'd likely not want to get Miku involved, but…"

"Desperate times call for desperate measures," Maria said.

---

"Understood," Tsubasa said as she and Chris were being informed of the current situation via their communicators, "We'll let him know."

"How is the situation going by the way?" Genjuro asked, "You mentioned you dealt with the Megid, but…"

"The situation with Hibiki Tachibana is going as well as it's able to thankfully," Chris answered, "We plan on allowing Touma to take the lead on this, though we will still be around in case something happens."

"Understood," Genjuro replied before cutting communications.

The two Wielders lowered their communicators before looking over at the tree in the park they were in, a sleeping Hibiki on the tree leaning on Touma who was sitting with her.

"I did not expect her to knock out after that," Tsubasa admitted as she walked over.

"Releasing all that baggage at once likely wore her out," Chris replied, "Relaxing like that after how tense she's been is bound to make it easier to sleep."

"Yeah," Touma nodded as he glanced at his sleeping friend, not too surprised that crying for that long and letting out all her grief would tire her out. Especially when it came after all the fighting she did, with there being no way of knowing when she had taken her last real break.

"It's kind of weird to think she's the same girl we've been having trouble with," Tsubasa said as she went to squat down to observe Hibiki, "She looks so calm right now."

"Tsubasa," Chris narrowed her eyes as she kicked Tsubasa in the shin, causing her partner to fall over in pain, "Don't be rude."

"Ouch… sorry…" Tsubasa gasped out as she tried to keep from making too loud of a noise while holding her shin.

"So what exactly is going on?" Touma asked, "What was the call about?"

"Your friends have a plan, they want to bring a girl named Miku over," Tsubasa explained as Touma's eyes widened, "They mentioned her being a friend with Hibiki in this world too."

"Apparently they ran into trouble since only Riders and Wielders can cross," Chris added, "Ryoko thankfully brought up that we had a spare Symphogear in storage for her to use."

"I uh… huh…" Touma trailed off with a light chuckle as he heard this news, "This is uh…"

"I know you're concerned for your friend since she likely isn't a full time Rider or Wielder," Chris said, figuring out that Miku was just a civilian ally from what little she could put together, "But considering your presence helped Hibiki, hers might be able to help further."

"It's not that," Touma admitted in a sheepish tone as he realized that things were about to get really interesting when it came to his world, "Did they already leave?"

"Yeah, they were already on their way to head back to the portal point when uncle called," Tsubasa nodded, "Why?"

"Because they didn't have to bother you and go through all the trouble of getting another Pendant," Touma explained, "Our Miku Kohinata, while there's a bit of a hiccup, is already training and is close to becoming a Kamen Rider."

"Wait hold on a minute," Tsubasa said, a bit surprised by this information, "Why'd they take the Relic if she's close to transforming then?"

"I think they don't know that she's training to become a Rider," Chris realized before looking over at the Swordsman of Fire, "Right?"

"Correct, because it was on a need to know basis until she was ready to be brought into action," Touma admitted, "Only a handful of people were let in on it, including me."

"Oh," Tsubasa said before shrugging, "Well guess it won't be much of a secret anymore then."

"I suppose this will make things easier then," Chris replied before turning to walk away, "Well for now we'll leave you two alone."

"You're heading back to base?" Touma asked.

"Not exactly," Chris shook her head, "We'll be close by in case something happens, but it'd likely be best for her if we weren't in the area while you talked to her."

"And just to make sure we can contact you," Tsubasa drew out her communicator before tossing it towards Touma who caught it, "Here you go. I'll let uncle know you're borrowing it, alright?"

"Alright," Touma nodded.

"We'll make sure to keep you updated," Tsubasa reassured as she went to head off with Chris, the two planning on finding a vantage point to keep watch on the two.

"Thanks," Touma said before hearing a light groan, looking over and seeing Hibiki slowly stir awake, "Hibiki…?"

"Huh?" Hibiki asked groggily before blinking and shaking her head, "What's going…" she trailed as she saw Touma, her breathing becoming shaky before she took a deep breath, "So it wasn't a dream? You're actually here?"

"I am," Touma nodded, "But…"

"You're not my Touma," Hibiki said, instantly recalling what he had said, but that only brought up another question, "How?"

"Would you believe I'm from another world?" Touma asked with a modest smile.

"That sounds like something from a silly fantasy book," Hibiki remarked dryly, "Next you're going to say you got hit by a truck and sent here."

"Actually it was more fantastical like a magical horn that connects to all worlds…" Touma trailed off in a sheepish manner, "And I came here to help a precious friend."

"Sounds like a nice story," Hibiki said as she looked away, her dry tone started to fade before sighing and glancing at the alternate version of her departed friend, "Even if you're not him, you still are, you know that?"

"Well I guess some things just don't change between worlds," Touma smiled.

"Also…" Hibiki trailed off while growing more alert and looking around, "Okay, good."

"Is something wrong?" Touma raised a brow at this.

"Sorry," Hibiki shook her head, "I just recalled those other girls from that organization were nearby too from what little I saw."

"Is there something wrong with them?" Touma asked, figuring he'd get a read on what this Hibiki thought of this world's Tsubasa and Chris.

"Those two and at least one of those Riders keep bugging me to join their organization or to at least cooperate with them," Hibiki explained in an almost frustrated manner, "I forget what they were called, but they found me the first time after I transformed."

"Why didn't you decide to join up with them?" Touma asked.

"I'm not one to easily put my trust in others, not after everything," Hibiki admitted with a sigh as she looked away, "They just want me for my power, I know it. Well I could care less about joining up with them and fighting together, I'll just defeat the Noise and Megid all on my own."

"I see," Touma replied, "I feel like they're trying to help out genuinely, especially if they're anything like they are on my world."

"If that's what you think," Hibiki replied before growing silent.

"By the way," Touma said, figuring he'd get this one question out of the way now, "Have you been eating well recently?"

"Huh?" Hibiki raised an eyebrow, "Why are you asking that?"

"Well it's just you kind of suddenly collapsed before falling asleep earlier," Touma replied, "While I know that not getting proper rest can cause that, a lack of a good meal can also have an effect on you. Plus, when it comes to the enemies we fight, it takes a lot of energy."

"I guess I'm a bit hungry…" Hibiki said as she looked away, soon feeling her stomach rumbling as it let out a small noise, she pulled her knees up and held them close to her face to conceal her embarrassment, "Okay, maybe not a bit…"

"It's not too late from what I can tell," Touma noted, "So let's get something to eat, my treat."

"Does your money even work here?" Hibiki asked.

"Well so long as Yen is still the main currency…" Touma trailed as he saw his friend give a quick nod to which he gave a thumbs-up, "Then it probably will."

"Then we should get going before it gets later," Hibiki said as she went to stand, taking a step forward while glancing back, "You have any preferences?"

"Not really," Touma said as he went to stand, "Aside from going for one of those all you can eat places."

"Then I think I know a good place," Hibiki said as she looked forward before walking off.

Touma simply nodded and went to follow after the alternate variant of his friend. He couldn't help but feel the situation was a bit off however. There was no sign of the Phantom Megid despite it being active, especially considering the world it was in. He knew that it wasn't just a coincidence that Hibiki was being fed negativity and that the world they tracked it down in had a Hibiki who had a more negative mindset. But for now he wanted to push those thoughts down, figuring what was most important at the moment was reaching out to this Hibiki.

---

World of Sympho-Saber:

It didn't take long for Maria and Rintaro to return, the two dismissing their transformations and heading immediately to the bridge with the Shénshòujìng Relic in hand. In addition to the Commanders and support staff, Daishinji, Elfnein and Miku were also there oddly enough.

"So you all did come back," Genjuro said as he looked over, "Tomosato and Fujitaka just informed us of Gjallarhorn acting up but we were a bit busy so we couldn't head over to greet you."

"Though it looks like not all of you returned," Sophia noted, "Is everything alright?"

"Aside from not making much progress on the investigation, we're fine," Maria replied, "Despite this we do have a lead in that other world, their Hibiki Tachibana."

"You think their Hibiki's the key?" Genjuro asked.

"Simply put, this Hibiki Tachibana is nearly the complete opposite of the one we know," Maria answered, causing several surprised stares, "And I don't think its coincidence that the world we tracked the Phantom Megid to is one that contains a more hardened Hibiki."

"Touma is currently with her, but given her circumstances we need Miku to cross over as well," Rintaro explained, but before anyone could speak up he continued, "I know we're asking a lot of you Miku, as well as the Commanders in even allowing this. And while I'm unsure if she's able to become a Rider, we were able to get the other world's Shénshòujìng for our use."

"Uh…" Elfnein trailed.

"You really didn't have to go through all that trouble…" Sophia remarked sheepishly.

"We wanted to do whatever it took to help Hibiki, and that includes getting Miku through Gjallarhorn," Maria said as she held up the Pendant that was the Shénshòujìng Symphogear, "I know this doesn't hold the most pleasant of memories, but…"

"Maria," Daishinji said as he stepped forward with a raised hand, though he went to take the Pendant regardless, "That won't be necessary."

"What do you mean?" Maria asked.

"I believe it's time," Genjuro said as he crossed his arms, looking over to Miku who simply stared at the Pendant in Daishinji's hand.

"Time for what exactly?" Rintaro asked.

---

Genjuro had managed to gather every available Rider and Wielder outside the training room, everyone standing near the control console with a nearby tinted window to hide what was inside.

"Okay, what's the big idea?" Chris asked, "And why are only Maria and Rintaro back?"

"I'm curious as well," Shirabe replied, "But also, why are we here?"

"Maybe it's special training concerning the current situation, dess?" Kirika asked.

"I doubt it," Kanade replied, "We would've been put inside the room and not outside."

"You're right, this is no time for training," Genjuro replied, "Put simply the current situation has forced us to finally reveal something we've kept under wraps for quite a while."

"What do you mean exactly?" Maria asked.

"Yes, I'm unsure what this has to do with our request," Rintaro admitted.

"It would be best if we simply showed you," Daishinji said as he walked out from the room, the door shutting behind him as glanced over, "She's ready."

"Perfect," Genjuro said as he pressed a few buttons, "If we're to help Hibiki recover, then we need a new comrade to join us on the field of battle."

To mostly everyone's shock, standing in the training room was Miku herself. Of course a few like Kanade, Maria, and Chris noticed that those there like Ogawa, Tsubasa, and Yuri had no visible reaction like the others.

Genjuro said nothing as he stared at Miku, giving a thumbs-up as a signal to start when she was ready.

"Alright," Miku said as she brought out her Swordriver, the Raimeiken Ikazuchi before holding it near her waist. The strap extended outwards and locked into place on the other side, the Driver now sitting at her waist. She then held up Lamp Do Alangina, opening it up.

[LAMP DO ALANGINA!]

[There was a lamp in a foreign land with a mysterious power that had been handed down since ancient times…]

"Hold on a minute," Maria's eyes widened, "That's…!"

"Wait, but is she actually able to?" Rintaro questioned as the other watched in silence but surprise at seeing Miku take up Kento's gear.

[IKAZUCHI BATTOU!]

Miku drew out the Seiken with ease after slotting in Lamp Do Alangina into the Story slot, a giant version of Lamp Do Alangina appearing behind her and opening up. The Lamp Do Alangina erupted out from the open pages and began to circle around. Miku closed her eyes and took a deep breath before opening them up, immediately raising her sword and drawing a halo in the air with electricity.

"…Henshin!"

[LAMP DO ALANGINA!]

She immediately slashed downwards, her fast swing launching the halo of electricity spinning upwards before it dropped and landed as the Lamp Do Alangina rapidly encircled her, the armor and visor of Kamen Rider Espada forming in a burst of electricity.

[IKAZUCHI ISSATSU!]

[When the spirit of the lamp and the Raimeiken Ikazuchi intersect, the lightning sword's light will shine!]

Espada soon held up her Seiken, the flat of the blade facing her audience as she held it vertically in front of her face. She took a few deep breaths before lowering her sword and looking herself over, as this was her first successful transformation.

Of course as the transformation completed itself there were several yells of surprise from those gathered.

"I can't believe it!" Rintaro called out in shock.

"She actually was able to transform into Espada?!" Maria questioned.

"That was so cool, dess!" Kirika exclaimed, as despite having seen Espada numerous times before, seeing the Rider return in this manner was enough to excite her.

"Incredible," Shirabe muttered, a bit surprised at Miku taking up Kento's mantle but also impressed that the girl that had remained on the sidelines had chosen to join them.

"Well done Kohinata," Tsubasa let out a small smile.

"Wait, you knew this entire time?!" Chris questioned as she looked over.

"Very splendid," Yuri agreed as he crossed his arms.

"Sounds like she wasn't the only one," Kanade remarked with a light chuckle.

"She asked me to assist in her training," Tsubasa nodded before gesturing towards Ogawa, "I asked Ogawa for help as well though we were later additions."

"Yes," Ogawa replied, "If we were absent more than usual for 'idol business' then it was likely for Miku's training."

"Because I am also a Seiken I am able to pick up on certain details," Yuri added, "I was able to find out around the time of the Alexandria incident."

"That far back, dess?!" Kirika gasped out with wide eyes.

"Just how long has she been training?" Chris asked.

"Just a bit before the Yeti Megid incident," Daishinji explained much to most of the group's surprise, "I had gone to her a few days before, right when the Gjallarhorn and Phantom Megid issues occurred. That was mostly prompted from her usage of bringing out Ikazuchi's elemental properties against Sabela."

"She did what?!" Maria asked, her shock growing even further.

"We didn't cover it in great detail in our reports, but the reason Sabela retreated to begin with was because Miku was able to surprise her," Genjuro explained, "Daishinji had brought up the possibility of her being Espada to me and I told him I'd accept it only if she agreed to it herself."

"But why keep most of us in the dark about this?" Chris asked, "Do the Bookworm and the Dummy even know?"

"Touma does," Miku said as she walked out of the training room, having dismissed her transformation and walking to the exit while the discussion was going on, "When he was freaking out after the incident in London, in addition to his duel with Daishinji, we figured it would be best for him to know."

"As for why the secrecy, it was mostly Miku wishing for that privacy," Daishinji replied, "Mainly because if it was made public then everyone would know, including Hibiki."

"Despite my resolve in becoming a Rider, I guess I'm still afraid about certain things," Miku let out a soft chuckle, "I guess I just wanted to make sure I could prove that I was ready to do this before anyone found out."

"That's… understandable admittedly," Maria said, getting why Miku kept quiet the way she did, "Though why wait until now and not when we needed people to go on the mission?"

"I ran into a bit of trouble with transforming," Miku admitted with a light frown, "I had tried back when Gaze started his final plan but I couldn't. Touma suggested I could have a mental block and thanks to Daishinji and Elfnein I was able to confront that directly after the mission was under way."

"Eh?" Kirika tilted her head, "I don't get it…"

"I think the point is everything is fine now Kiri," Shirabe said as she put a hand on her friend's shoulder.

"I suppose we don't really need the Shénshòujìng now," Rintaro realized.

"It may still prove useful depending on how the situation evolves," Daishinji admitted, "Leave anything regarding that to me."

"Will do," Genjuro replied, "I think we're just about done here anyway."

"I just have one request," Miku said as she looked around, "Please allow me to be the one to tell Hibiki after she recovers. I'd rather she hear it from me than anyone else."

"By all means, go for it," Kanade said as several others nodded, "I'm pretty sure we can all agree on you being the one to tell her."

"Exactly," Chris nodded, "It'd be in pretty poor taste if we did it ourselves."

"But for now I believe you're needed elsewhere," Tsubasa added, "Leave looking after Tachibana to us."

"Please do," Miku said with a bow.

"With that said, I should mention to be careful of your limitations," Daishinji spoke up, "While Two Book combinations should be relatively alright, you still likely need more training to properly use your Wonder Combo."

"Understood," Miku said as she looked over, "I'll keep to what I can do then, as long as I can help that's all that matters."

---

Elfnein was currently looking over and gathering what data she could from the Shénshòujìng Pendant that they were gifted. It functioned in a similar manner to the one that was in use when the FIS was still active. Of course there was one key difference and that was the lack of any modifications by Dr. Ver, the most notable one being the lack of a Direct Feedback System. Though that did bring her back to a conversation she had with Daishinji about Miku's brainwaves but couldn't finish before she had fully woken up.

"Well they're off," Daishinji said as he walked into the workshop, "How's analyzing the Gear?"

"It's going well," Elfnein admitted, "I've noticed that this lacks a Direct Feedback System."

"From what little we heard, this apparently came from Section 2," Daishinji mentioned as he went over to where Elfnein was, "So that must mean Dr. Ver didn't get his hands on it in that world."

"I suppose it's for the best," Elfnein said, "Speaking on that however, you were mentioning you had a theory as to why Miku was able to grow skilled fairly substantially in such a short time?"

"Yes, while I don't doubt her diligence and being fairly adept, even I was surprised at her growth rate," Daishinji replied, "But then her usage of your modified Direct Feedback helmet led into a theory once I recalled her relation to it."

"What theory?" Elfnein asked.

"To turn Miku Kohinata into a semi-competent fighter in order for her to stand a chance against the others, he input battle patterns and data via the Direct Feedback System," Daishinji explained, recalling what Maria had said on the matter, "So the question then becomes what would he make use of to do so?"

"Unless he chose to do it manually, he gathered battle data from elsewhere," Elfnein guessed, figuring that's what her partner was getting at.

"Yes, and while battle data of his enemies could be a likely place I doubt that all it was," Daishinji replied, "No, it would take more extensive data likely on hand. Battle data of the Symphogear Wielders the FIS had, alongside the one Kamen Rider that stuck around with them. That being Kento Fukamiya, the previous Kamen Rider Espada."

"Wait a minute," Elfnein looked over in surprise, "What are you suggesting?"

"That while Miku didn't suffer any bodily or mental injuries, something from her time with the Shénshòujìng stuck with her," Daishinji said as he finally voiced his theory, "While not something she would remember, the data regarding Kento's time in the FIS likely imprinted itself onto her which allowed her to more easily improve in her training as she called on what was essentially buried memories in the form of instinct."

"Do you think that's why Ikazuchi chose her?" Elfnein asked.

"Doubtful, in a way it almost feels like it was destiny from how Yuri spoke," Daishinji replied, "Regardless of theories, all we can do now is support the others by doing what we do best."

"Right," Elfnein nodded before sighing as she looked over at the Pendant she was viewing, "Though I'm unsure why you asked for us to keep hold of it. I'm not sure what we could do with this Symphogear in its purest form since Miku can already transform."

"Well, there is this," Daishinji walked over to his side of the room before drawing out a blank Ride Book, "Creating a new Gear Book would prove useful."

"Would that work though?" Elfnein asked though more to herself, "Considering Shénshòujìng's properties in the first place and its danger to Relics despite it being one… we'd need something to help offset and compliment its power, not to mention using something stronger than a standard Ride Book base to potentially keep it from instantly collapsing on itself."

"You're right, as a standard Gear Book it wouldn't cut it," Daishinji realized as he put a hand to his chin, "But…"

"There is one possibility I had in mind though it would be a bit difficult compared to a standard Gear Book," Elfnein admitted as she thought back on the Ride Books that SONG had created when she had joined up, "I think you might know what I'm referring to."

"I believe I do," Daishinji nodded as he went over to the main Ride Book station, pulling up files and bringing up the data on Dragonic Knight and King Lion Daisenki, "And if so, let's get to work right away."

---

World of Shrouded Sun:

Within the alleyway entrance to the world, the Book Gate formed with Blades and Maria walking through, Espada right behind them. Some time had passed since they had left, the clouds starting to clear as the full moon began to rise up.

"Whoa, that was a lot more normal than I expected," Espada admitted as she looked herself over, there was definitely a tingling sensation but other than that it was very much just a few steps through a bright flash of light.

"Yes, it's definitely not as odd as you'd think it would be," Blades agreed.

"That said," Espada looked up as the moon had caught her attention, "It feels weird looking at a normal moon again."

"It's definitely something we're not used to anymore," Blades replied, "As odd as that sounds."

"Now then," Maria said before taking out a communicator given to them by Section 2L, "This is Maria, there were some slight modifications but we've arrived with our Miku."

"Good," Genjuro answered, "I've kept in contact with Tsubasa and Chris, Touma's still with Hibiki and everything is fine on their end."

"Alright, we'll head to you and then get into contact with Touma, see what our next course of action should be," Maria replied before hanging up, "Now then, let's dismiss our transformations and get going."

"Right," Espada said as Blades nodded.

---

Touma and Hibiki meanwhile had gone to a Yakiniku restaurant in order to get as fulfilling of a meal as possible. Thankfully it was one of the cheap ones which meant only paying per customer for an all-you-can-eat course. This resulted in a lot of meat being ordered, with Hibiki taking the lead in grilling and eating the beef, mixing it with her rice which she had also ordered a lot of.

Touma couldn't help but silently chuckle a bit, going for more modest portions but eating a lot all the same given he hadn't had much to eat since the prior day. It was also a silent meal, but Hibiki was still fairly lively when it came to eating, if a bit more on the feral side.

"Hey," Hibiki said as she paused in her eating after swallowing and looked over, "Thanks."

"Its fine," Touma reassured, "After all, it's important to make sure you've got some kind of food in you."

"I guess," Hibiki remarked before sighing, "To be honest I've been getting hungrier than usual lately, but I haven't been doing anything different."

"Huh, that's odd," Touma admitted.

"I doubt it's anything to really worry about," Hibiki brushed aside before standing up, "If a server comes by ask for some refills, I'll be right back."

"Sure thing," Touma said as he watched Hibiki walk off, likely heading to the restroom given she had been also drinking a lot of water as well. The Swordsman of Fire couldn't help but tap his chopsticks a bit against the table in thought. He knew Hibiki had a big appetite, but her being hungrier and thirstier than usual seemed a bit odd.

Of course with Hibiki out of sight, it didn't take long for Touma's borrowed communicator to ring, soon picking it up.

"So how goes the investigation?" Chris asked.

"I'm still working on that part," Touma admitted with a sheepish chuckle, "She hasn't really said much, though I'm hoping the meal will help in the long run. She says she's been oddly hungry as of late."

"Considering how incredible her power output is I'd be more surprised if she wasn't," Tsubasa chimed in.

"Regardless, while I get taking your time, you are here for a reason," Chris reminded.

"I know, I know," Touma replied, "I'll plan on asking her soon, don't worry."

"Hey, ease up a bit Chris," Tsubasa said, "I'm sure he's just trying to handle this situation as delicately as possible."

"I know he is, but delicately doesn't mean slowly," Chris added, "Either way, we're also calling to let you know that the Commander got in contact with your friends. Your friend, Miku Kohinata, has arrived on world."

"She has? That's good," Touma replied, "Then all that needs to be done is for her to meet up with us."

"We'll stick to you all still, so we can let them know where you're at," Tsubasa said, "For now just sit back and relax-"

BOOM!

A nearby explosion had caused everyone in the restaurant to freak out, Touma immediately shutting off communications and standing up. Of course it didn't take long for Hibiki to rush out of the restroom, except she ran past Touma's table and out the exit.

"Oh no," Touma's eyes widened as he quickly hurried out, glad that they paid in advance, "Hibiki wait up!"

---

As Rintaro, Maria, and Miku made their way through the city to get to Lydian, the three paused at the sudden explosion. Turning, they were able to see smoke rising in the distance from where it had occurred.

"That isn't good," Rintaro realized, "Maria…"

"Right," Maria said as she brought out the communicator, "Section 2L this is Maria, do you read me."

"We're reading you loud and clear!" Ryoko called out, "I assume you're calling about the sudden disturbance?"

"Yes, is it Noise?" Maria asked.

"No, it's more than likely another Megid attack," Genjuro replied, "Tsubasa and Chris are already nearby as are Touma and Hibiki so they should be good for now. If you can hold your position I'll send Ryo and Ren to join you with transport."

"Understood," Maria said before hanging up, "Now then, as much as I want to have faith in them and wait for the others…"

"How would we even get there in time?" Rintaro asked, "It's rather far off."

"I can get there quickly enough," Miku said as she drew out Lamp Do Alangina, "Just leave it to me."

---

Legeiel let out a yell as he raised his sword, lightning striking down against the city streets as people ran away. He had brought out numerous Shimi Megid to rampage alongside unleashing the Gargoyle Megid in order to assist in the assault.

"That's right, run away like the worthless fools you are!" Legeiel shouted as he formed several rocks around him before swinging downward, the rocks launching in different directions to strike at different buildings, "There's only one person I want!"

"Balwisyall nescell Gungnir tron~"

"Finally…" Legeiel let out a soft chuckle as he turned, watching as a bright flash of orange descended before smashing into the ground, "There you are!"

The bright flash faded to reveal Hibiki who rose from a crouching stance as a quick burst of steam erupted from her armor. She then adjusted her scarf slightly while sending a glare in the Megid leader's direction.

"Again and again with these stupid attacks," she nearly hissed out as she entered a fighting stance before launching towards Legeiel, "When will you freaks learn to quit?!"

"That's a laugh coming from you," Legeiel remarked as he reeled his sword back before swinging forward just as Hibiki punched at him, unleashing a burst of wind out from his sword, "You damn monster!"

Despite the elemental properties, the force and pressure from behind Hibiki's punch managed to match the windy attack. The result sent a shockwave of air outwards and forced both to take several steps back.

"Master Legeiel," Gargoyle called out, ready to take a step forward only to see the Megid Leader hold a hand out, "Huh?"

"This is my fight!" Legeiel shouted, "Just make sure no one gets in the way!"

"U-Understood," Gargoyle nodded.

"That's fine, once I'm done wiping the floor with you I'll make sure every last Megid is obliterated," Hibiki answered as she firmed up her stance, "Just like I did with that horned freak!"

"Mocking Storious like that…" Legeiel trailed before yelling out and leaping towards Hibiki while bringing down his sword, raging fires erupting from it, "How dare you!"

Hibiki simply stepped back and towards the side, watching as the sword crashed down against the ground, a pillar of fire erupting near her. She held a more neutral expression with clear contempt in her eyes before shifting and lunging forward. Before Legeiel could even attempt to counter he was struck in the gut, sparks flying as he gasped out and stepped back while holding his stomach.

"I guess Legeiel's presence explains Medusa and Goblin from earlier," Touma mused as he ran onto the scene, having barely managed to catch onto Hibiki's trail. He quickly prepared his Wonder Combo before initiating his transformation, "Henshin!"

[REKKA BATTOU! CRIMSON DRAGON!]

Just as Saber was ready to move forward, several fireballs impacted around and forced him to step back. The Gargoyle Megid quickly leapt in front of him as Shimi began to close in.

"You aren't getting anywhere near master Legeiel!" Gargoyle shouted as it gathered flames in its mouth only for its mouth to get struck by a red beam of energy. Sparks flew as it held its mouth in pain, a sudden blue saw-like blade spinning rapidly and slicing into the Megid alongside several of the Shimi before flying back to where it came from.

"Huh, was that a saw?" Saber asked as he turned to where the attack had returned to.

"Not a saw," Tsubasa said as she held up her hand, the saw-like object slowing down and revealing it to be her Armed Gear that she caught. She was currently standing on the roof of a low building with Chris nearby her, "A sword!"

"We'll take care of the extra Megid," Chris said as she took aim while Tsubasa leapt down towards the battle, she pulled the trigger and unleashed several beams that helped clear more of a path for the Rider, "So get going!"

"Yeah," Tsubasa called out as she went to slice through more of the Shimi before going to close in on Gargoyle, "If she'll accept anyone's help it'll be yours!"

"Alright," Saber said before hurrying through the gaps created, slicing through any stray Shimi that got in his way.

"Why you…!" Gargoyle shouted as it unleashed a fireball from its mouth, Tsubasa managing to spin her blade in front of her to brace against it, "You'll pay for making me fail in my duty to Master Legeiel!"

"Sorry to say but you should be more worried about yourself," Tsubasa remarked before rushing towards the Megid.

Legeiel shouted and stabbed his sword into the ground, an ice trail launching towards Hibiki while ice spikes immediately began erupting from the trail. Of course a shout and a punch from Hibiki was all it took to shatter the ice, the trail breaking apart in an instant. Hibiki kept the initiative, launching forward and punching at Legeiel who was forced to block with the flat of his blade. A concussive force of air pushed against him as he barely managed to hold Hibiki back.

"You damn monster…" Legeiel hissed out, "I will be getting revenge for what you did to Storious."

"If you miss him so much I'll gladly send you to join him," Hibiki hissed back before letting out a grunt only to suddenly let out a light gasp, the end of Legeiel's sash launching out and wrapping around her neck tightly. She was forced to pull away and grasp at the cloth to keep it from squeezing too tight, "Y-You…!"

"I'm tired of you running that damn mouth of yours!" Legeiel spat out as he tightened his sash's grip on Hibiki to cause her more pain while raising his blade, "I'm ending this today!"

[BRAVE DRAGON! STORM EAGLE!]

Saber was soon between the two, spiraling flames around Rekka as he cut through the sash with ease before spinning and lashing out at Legeiel, a torrent of flames unleashed while growing enhanced by a burst of red wind.

Legeiel yelled out as the fires raged against him, sparks flying as he was forced to stagger away.

Hibiki meanwhile let out a gasp as she fell to her knees, breathing heavily as she held her neck while Saber hurried over to her.

"Are you okay?" Saber asked, receiving a quick nod from Hibiki while she tried to catch her breath.

"Enough of these stupid games, I don't care if a Swordsman of Fire is somehow here!" Legeiel shouted in frustration as he raised his sword, gathering all the rubble around into a boulder that he launched towards the two.

Saber instinctively went to shield Hibiki, ready to tap Storm Eagle to help brace when he heard a distinct crackling sound.

[IKAZUCHI BATTOU!]

Lightning struck down against the boulder, it shattering into numerous smaller chunks of rock as Kamen Rider Espada landed between them in the two book combination of Lamp Do Hedgehog.

[TOGE! TOGE! LAMP DO HEDGEHOG!]

Hibiki could only stare in surprise, not knowing who the new Rider even was. When it came to the Riders of Section 2L she knew of Buster, and Kenzan. But including Saber, she didn't even know who Espada even-

"Are you two alright?" Espada asked, her voice causing Hibiki to pause immediately, almost near instantly recognizing the voice…

"Miku," Saber sighed in relief, "I'm glad you made it."

Hibiki tensed up immediately at the name, her body slightly shaking as she tried to process what exactly was in front of her. That voice and that name… it couldn't be…

"The Swordsman of Thunder…?" Legeiel questioned before shaking his head, "No, he should be dead, not to mention this build and feeling... what the hell's going on?"

"You…" Hibiki barely spoke up, it more being a whisper that not even Saber was able to hear it despite being close by.

"Sorry I'm late," Espada said as she glanced back.

"You're just in time," Saber reassured.

"So what if you're here!" Legeiel called out, "I'm not letting anyone get in the way of my revenge!"

"I'm not sure what's going on, but you're going to find that difficult," Espada answered as she raised her sword forward.

"That's right," Saber said as he put a hand on Hibiki's shoulder briefly to reassure her before going to stand. He then walked over to Espada, standing alongside his close friend, "If you want to get to her, then you've got to go through us."

"I'll gladly take that offer!" Legeiel called out as he rushed forward, having a plan to force them to split with a mighty downwards swing.

[SAIYUU JOURNEY!]

Saber immediately punched forward with his left fist, the pole protrusion of his left forearm launching outwards and striking Legeiel in the gut. A few minor sparks flew, but the important parts of the attack were the sudden force and push to force Legeiel into an open position.

Espada lunged forward at high speeds, an electric trail behind her as she spun, performing a quick two kick strike with electrical spikes being unleashed from her kicks.

Legeiel gasped, the electric spikes being embedded into his stomach and releasing shocks against him as he was stunned briefly. Saber spun inwards by utilizing the wind of Storm Eagle, Rekka lighting ablaze and striking Legeiel as a result. The Phantom Beast leader gasped as he staggered back, but thankfully was out of his briefly stunned state. He watched as Espada went to move in for another attack, but he knew he couldn't let her get another hit in so he went to counter.

He formed two boulders on the far sides of Espada, before launching them towards the Rider at high speeds.

"Ah, Miku pull back!" Saber called out when he saw this, ready to rush in only to feel a sudden force launch past him, "What?"

"Huh?" Espada saw the boulders hurtling towards her and went to reach for Lamp Do Alangina in order to defend herself. That was until she felt a sudden kick in her back that sent her tumbling forward with a yelp. She could only turn and let out a light gasp, "Hibiki?!"

Hibiki raised her arms bracing against the boulders before yelling out, managing to get her palms against the surfaces of the rocks before unleashing a high amount of pressure against them. In an instant the boulders broke apart as they were pushed away.

"There we go," Legeiel chuckled as he saw Hibiki take action, glad to see that she was still in this fight as much as the other two were, "Now I'll simply slaughter you-"

[HISSATSU DOKUHA! REKKA BATTOU!]

A burst of wind launched Saber straight at Legeiel, passing by Espada and Hibiki via a harsh gust of wind that forced them to step back. The Rider of Flames lunged forward, a thin beam of fire shooting out and piercing through Legeiel to stun the Megid leader.

Legeiel let out a gasp as he held his chest, taking a step back from the pain before his head jolted towards Saber who was now right on top of him.

Saber let out a yell, lifting his blade upwards as fire erupted from Kaenken Rekka. He then shouted further, slamming it down against Legeiel.

[DRAGON! EAGLE! SAIYUU JA! SANSATSU GIRI! F-F-F-FIRE!]

Legeiel gasped out as he barely managed to bring his sword up in time, though the explosive fires erupting from Rekka were enough to damage him. It didn't take long for him to yell out as the fires exploded further, both Rider and Megid sliding away from each other.

"Touma," Espada called out in surprise.

"Figured that wouldn't work," Saber admitted as he let out a few heavy breaths, "But these guys are no joke when it comes to power."

Hibiki however stayed silent, simply glancing at Legeiel and Espada before going to stare at Saber.

"If he's not going to back off then we'll need to work together," Saber said as he held his sword out.

"You've gotten lucky kid, even if you are pretty strong for a newbie," Legeiel said, unaware of Saber's true origins. He shook his head, "But don't think I'm going to-"

"Yeah I've heard enough," Zooous interrupted as he flipped down from a nearby building, landing in front of Legeiel as he transformed into his monstrous Megid form, "We're getting out of here."

"What?" Hibiki asked immediately as her attention turned towards Zooous.

"Yeah," Legeiel agreed as he looked at his comrade, "What?"

"You've already got five fighters who haven't been taken down yet," Zooous replied, "And plenty of others that are likely on their way."

"I can take all of them on," Legeiel insisted.

"You say that but can you really? Especially considering only one of them took down Storious?" Zooous asked as he glanced at Hibiki before looking back at his ally, "We need to be smart about this."

"Fine then," Legeiel hissed out before looking over at Gargoyle, "Hey, we're getting out of here!"

"Like I'll let either of you get away!" Hibiki called out as she crouched forward before launching towards the two.

"Too bad for you I figured this would happen!" Zooous called out as he swung his blades forward, releasing bright blue bursts of energy in a cross slash.

Hibiki went to bat away the cross slash only for it to explode outwards into a blinding blue-white light that forced everyone to cover their eyes. Zooous went to walk away, grabbing Legeiel before vanishing with him. Gargoyle meanwhile used this to his advantage, quickly taking off into the air while everyone was distracted.

The light soon faded, Hibiki lowering her arms with a growl of frustration as she realized the Megid had fled. Chris went to leap off of her vantage point, landing near Tsubasa before the two dismissed their transformations.

"Is everyone alright?" Tsubasa asked as she walked over.

"Oh wow," Espada muttered when she realized just how different both Tsubasa and Chris were compared to how she knew them. She then shook her head before nodding, "I'm fine."

"Same here," Saber nodded.

Hibiki said nothing as she dismissed her transformation, simply putting her hands in her pockets as she turned away to where her side was facing everyone else. Saber and Espada meanwhile dismissed their transformations, Miku unaware of Hibiki honing in on her instantly for a few seconds with wide eyes before turning away in hopes no one would notice.

"I'm Miku Kohinata," Miku said as she stepped towards the two alternate Wielders before bowing, "It'll be a pleasure working with you."

"The pleasure's all ours," Chris replied.

"It wasn't long, and I had my own fight to deal with, but you're pretty good," Tsubasa said as she pointed towards Miku with both hands.

"Oh, uh, thank you," Miku managed to stammer out, mostly in surprise at how casual this Tsubasa was, soon going for a quick bow this time, "I'll do whatever I can."

Touma nodded before glancing towards where Hibiki was, "Are you alright?"

"Fine," Hibiki answered simply though she let out a light wince and gingerly touched her neck.

"You don't look fine," Miku said as she noted Hibiki's reaction.

"We should probably get that looked at," Touma suggested.

"I'll be fine," Hibiki insisted before walking off.

"So that's…" Miku trailed.

"This world's Hibiki yeah," Touma nodded.

"Rintaro and Maria told me so that I'd be prepared," Miku admitted, "But hearing about it and actually seeing her… it's a different experience."

"Yeah," Touma nodded before taking a few steps forward, "Despite that though, we need her cooperation if we're going to figure out how to help our Hibiki."

"You're right," Miku nodded, "Let's go."

"We'll regroup with the others," Tsubasa said.

"We'll also inform them that you'll be taking the lead on this still," Chris added.

"Thank you," Touma nodded as he glanced back before walking in the direction Hibiki took off in, Miku following after him.

"So do you think they can actually get her to help them?" Tsubasa asked.

"Well she didn't immediately run off after the battle," Chris noted, "I'd like to imagine their presence was why."

---

"Alright," Zooous said as he shoved Legeiel away, the two retaking their human forms while Gargoyle stood nearby. They were currently in one of the stripped down rooms of the abandoned apartment they had made a base out of, "Gargoyle was it? Step out of the room for a bit, I need to talk to your master."

"I will leave you two to your business," Gargoyle nodded before walking out of the room.

"What's there to talk about?" Legeiel questioned.

"Planning on ending it sooner rather than later," Zooous repeated Legeiel's earlier words to him, "Did you mean breaking this stalemate by losing your life and basically making it to where everything crumbles on me?"

"You dare doubt my power?" Legeiel asked.

"Considering it was five against two, soon to be more against you and your Megid helper, yeah," Zooous replied before poking Legeiel in the chest and shoving him away with his finger, "Especially when the girl who basically killed Storious is there."

"I could have killed her!" Legeiel shouted in an insulted manner.

"Or you'd end up just like Storious!" Zooous called out as he brought out a bulky Ride Book, it having a green base and pages, a yellow-gold cover on the front with the Story Megid sigil done up in green. There was a green label with the word Storious on it. Of course the Alter Ride Book was not in pristine condition, blackened cracks running all along it, it looking ready to fall apart, "We may still have his Alter Ride Book but it's basically useless!"

"Why do you think I've been trying to push for us to collect more blackened Ride Books?!" Legeiel called out as he glared at his remaining ally, "So we can try and fix it!"

"Yeah well you won't get anywhere by being prideful and vengeful about it!" Zooous spat out, "We need to be smart, smarter than Storious even! Especially when it comes to that girl…"

"What do you mean?" Legeiel asked.

"Come on you idiot," Zooous hissed out, "Don't you remember what Desast told us when we asked what had happened?"

---

It didn't take long for Tsubasa and Chris to regroup with Maria, Rintaro alongside the recently deployed Ryo and Ren. Of course despite this, Genjuro had ordered the group to stay in the city just in case another attack occurred, especially given the rapid pace at which each attack followed.

"We get called into action but it's already done and now we're just on standby," Ren said before groaning loudly as he laid on the park grass before kicking his arms and legs, "Seriously?!"

"And here I thought I was the most impulsive guy here," Ryo remarked as he picked at his ear, standing nearby but still wincing from how loud Ren was being, "That said, if you're that bored maybe you should-"

"Nope," Ren answered immediately, "I am not giving him anymore attention than I need to."

"Right…" Ryo trailed off, figuring that maybe Ren might be able to find some closure by trying to interact with this alternate Rintaro, but it was clear the Swordsman of Wind wasn't going to let that happen, "Well I guess all we can do is wait."

Rintaro and Maria glanced over at the conversation before looking over at Tsubasa and Chris who were currently sharing a park bench that was near a pathway lined with trees.

"I'm unsure how you're able to deal with him constantly," Maria admitted.

"He's not that bad, once you get to know him," Rintaro replied, "At least, that's how the one I knew was."

"He was honestly fine for the most part until recently," Tsubasa admitted, "I'm not sure how or why but Hibiki just flipped a switch and he started acting rowdier."

"We've tried getting close to him but he's just frustrating to deal with in general," Chris added with a hint of annoyance but took a breath to calm herself.

"If Kento was here he'd probably be better," Rintaro admitted, "Or even uh…"

"You don't have to say it if it's too awkward for you," Tsubasa held up a hand as Rintaro nodded.

"I do seem to recall Kento mentioning a friend who used to be a Swordsman of Wind," Maria said as she put a hand to her chin, "Said he was rough but had the potential to be the best. I assume he was talking about Ren."

"Yes, the two were very much partners in our world," Rintaro replied, "At least until our Zwei Wing incident…"

"Oh it didn't turn out well for you all either, huh?" Tsubasa asked with a light wince, "I know you mentioned some vague details but…"

"We lost quite a few swordsmen that day," Rintaro admitted, "Not to mention the founder of the Logos Sector stepped down with Sophia taking his place before the merge."

"Wait, you mean Sophia wasn't the person who stepped down for you?" Tsubasa asked.

"No, it was Viktor," Rintaro replied, "Why?"

"Weird, I don't remember hearing anything about a Viktor," Tsubasa admitted.

"I guess it's just one of the many differences of our parallel worlds," Chris replied, not giving much thought to the idea of differences in hierarchy, "Speaking of differences and similarities though, there is one point I'd like to discuss while we have the time."

"What exactly would that be?" Maria asked.

"You all have faced down the Megid, right?" Chris asked back.

"We have though we've yet to fully defeat them," Rintaro admitted, "And even then they've liked to hide in the shadows while taking advantage of whatever opponent that takes center stage."

"At least until recently," Maria noted, "And even then they're still rather relaxed in their methods."

"But you still have experience with them," Chris pointed out, "Which brings me to my next point. While Storious has been taken care of, we've yet to defeat Legeiel and Zooous."

"Some info on those two would be nice," Tsubasa added.

"Wait," Rintaro said as he held up his hands to pause the conversation, "What do you mean Storious has been taken care of?"

"You mean he's already been defeated?" Maria questioned, recalling how in Kuro-Wing it had been mentioned Calibur had defeated the one there as well, "How?"

"Wait yours hasn't been beaten yet?" Tsubasa asked as Maria and Rintaro shook their heads. She then put a hand to her chin in surprise, "Huh… weird."

"Well considering how Storious ended up going down and from what little we've heard of your world… it's not that much of a surprise," Chris said as she thought back on the incident, everything starting to line up, "There's not much to say, especially since we arrived later and we got a rough and crude response from Hibiki, but…"

---

A peculiar rooftop was Hibiki's destination, it being odd in how it had a small stage with several random items strewn about on it. Whether they were stools or an inflatable globe, maybe some props, they were all seemingly just left up there, unattended and yet usually untouched. If they were touched, they weren't ever stolen either.

When it came to gathering her thoughts, this was one of Hibiki's first destinations to visit. There was so much happening for her that she just had to try and be alone for just a bit. There was Touma's reappearance, and then there was Miku… she was someone who she wasn't expecting to see again. But even then she knew this Miku had to be different...

'You don't need them…'

"Huh?" Hibiki looked around, having sworn she heard someone only for there to be no one, "What even…?"

'Stop thinking about them…'

"Ugh, what's going on," she muttered as she grasped her head tightly, hearing something so clearly yet she wasn't even sure where it was coming from.

She was distracted from the sudden voice when she heard footsteps alongside the door to the rooftop opening up again. There was only one guess as to who was even at the rooftop, turning and watching as Touma and Miku made their way out from the entrance.

"So you did come up here," Miku said while Touma looked around at the rooftop, taking in the scenery at the moment.

"You're really persistent, huh?" Hibiki remarked.

"We just wanted to make sure you're doing alright," Miku said as she took the lead, hoping she'd be able to get some kind of reaction, "Touma told me on the way about what Legeiel did."

"You don't need to concern yourself with me, I can take care of myself just fine," Hibiki answered before looking down and to the side, "I've had to ever since that day… the day I basically lost my normal life…"

"Even so," Miku said, "I still want to make sure you're alright."

"That's a laugh," Hibiki admitted with a scoff, "You of all people? Make sure I'm alright?"

"What's that supposed to mean?" Miku asked as she furrowed her brows.

"Then answer me this," Hibiki replied, "You're not from this world, right?"

"I doubt Touma hid it considering what I was told," Miku replied before nodding, "Yes I'm from a Parallel World, the same one Touma's from."

"Then where's my Miku?" Hibiki asked, "Because you're the first Miku I've seen in a while, about two years in fact."

"Hey, hey now," Touma said as he began to walk over, "Hibiki there's no need to-"

"Stay out of this," Hibiki shot a glare towards Touma who backed up in surprise, she then looked over to Miku, "My Miku abandoned me the first chance she got… it's as simple as that."

"There's no way that could be true!" Miku shouted out as she hunched over before moving closer to Hibiki, her fists clenched and held close as she stared directly at the alternate version of her friend, a few teardrops forming, "If she was the same as me then she'd want to stay by your side and protect you forever! Something happened to keep her from staying!"

"Eh?" Hibiki took a step back from how impassioned the response was, "Y-You don't know that…"

"I do actually," Miku replied, deciding to stand firm in her rebuttal, "Maria and Rintaro told me about why I was even considered to come here to begin with. Your Miku left the city, not because of you, but because her family's work forced them to move."

"You don't know that," Hibiki gritted her teeth as she looked away.

"If she's the same as me, she wouldn't abandon you easily, especially after the Zwei Wing concert," Miku stated as she kept her gaze on Hibiki, "I'm willing to bet on that."

"Willing to bet on it…" Hibiki repeated as she lowered her head.

"Yes," Miku replied as her face softened. She knew that she needed to help her Hibiki, but she wasn't about to abandon this one because of an understandably rough exterior, "I want to help you too."

"Miku," Touma muttered.

"You want to help me?" Hibiki asked before letting out a soft chuckle that suddenly rose into a yell as she sent a punch towards Miku, "Then get out of my sight!"

Touma let out a yelp and turned away, covering his face with his arms while Miku didn't flinch in the slightest. Of course once there was no audible impact, Touma slowly turned back while lowering his arms, surprised by what he was seeing.

Hibiki had stopped her fist a fair distance away from Miku who didn't seem worried about potentially getting hit. Hibiki let out a few shuddered heavy breaths while Miku kept calm and stayed where she was.

"Why didn't you move?" Hibiki asked as she hung her head.

"Because I knew you wouldn't hit me, despite it all," Miku answered, "You protected me earlier after all, and you've been fighting against the Noise and Megid all this time right?"

"Its revenge, that's all it is," Hibiki answered, "I'll do whatever it takes to rid the world of them."

"Then why were you careful back at the park?" Touma asked as he saw his friend tense up in response to his words, "I saw how you were fighting, you showed restraint. You didn't want to mess up the park or the tree that was nearby."

"That's…" Hibiki trailed off.

"Despite everything, there's an innate kindness to your fist," Miku said as she grasped Hibiki's hand with her own, slowly but surely working her hands through the fist and unclenching it, "It's not a weapon of destruction, but a tool you use to protect everyone."

Hibiki let out a few shuddered breaths before pulling away and falling to her knees. It didn't take long for Touma to hurry over, Miku stepping forward as the two knelt near her.

"I'm sorry… it's just, everything's been so frustrating…" Hibiki managed to speak up as she stared at her hands, "And despite wanting to end this all… I've still only taken out one of them…"

"Wait," Touma said as he looked over, "So what Legeiel was saying…"

"Wait, what's going on?" Miku asked.

"The reason Legeiel was fighting her, he said it was revenge," Touma explained before looking over at Hibiki, "What happened?"

"Well, when I found out I could fight, I fought," Hibiki replied, "I trained myself as much as I could to make sure I could stand a chance against those monsters. Eventually one of those Megid leaders caught interest in me…"

---

"You're not too bad!"

"Shut up!"

Hibiki was currently fighting against Desast within a forest, the chimera Megid being forced on the defensive despite having a sword. While Hibiki was unarmed, her raw unfiltered power alongside her close-ranged fighting style was enough to keep Desast on the ropes.

Desast swung his sword downwards, letting out a gasp as Hibiki simply stepped to the side to avoid it before closing in to strike at him. The hybrid Megid quickly tried to pull his sword back only to cough out as Hibiki elbowed him in the gut, and despite it not being a fist, it was enough to launch him backwards.

Hibiki watched as her opponent managed to adjust his body to where he landed on his feet, using his sword to dig into the ground and slow down. She simply went to take a more offensive stance, crouching forward and ready to move before she paused at a sudden bout of clapping.

"Not bad," Storious called out as he walked between the two in his monstrous form, clapping a few times before letting out what seemed to be a sigh of disappointment as he kept his hands clasped, "But not spectacular either."

"Hey now…" Desast trailed as he managed to stand straight, "What are you doing?"

"I sent you here for a reason, remember?" Storious said as he glanced at Desast before looking over at Hibiki, "And I'd like to say this experience has been enlightening."

"What?" Hibiki raised an eyebrow as she looked Storious over, "You're a lot more elaborate than the others… kind of like that one behind you."

"I suppose you could say I'm the Megid's Leader," Storious answered, "Desast is a special one, but he's nowhere near the level of me and my two allies."

"Is that so?" Hibiki asked as she lowered her face enough to where her bangs shadowed her eyes, "I suppose it's my lucky day then."

"This scent…" Desast muttered, he had smelled it before, but this time it was even more intense now for some reason. Sorrow and anger mixing together to form an explosive burst that would tear anything in its path away, "Hey now..."

"Oh?" Storious hummed in curiosity.

Hibiki's head immediately shot up, rage filling her eyes as she launched towards Storious and punched at him. The Megid leader simply laughed and blocked by summoning his sword, managing to hold Hibiki back.

"You hold great strength, but really that's all you have," Storious replied, "It's honestly a shame!"

"Huh?" Hibiki questioned as she kept up the clash, "What are you on about?"

"The fact that Touma Kamiyama had to give his life for you," Storious said as he noticed Hibiki faltering in her attack. He let out a laugh as he unleashed a burst of energy while pushing outwards, managing to knock Hibiki away and onto the ground, "He was every bit the hero I knew he could be, chosen for greatness! And yet, he chose to save you while he was sacrificed to the Noise… why? Why did he do that?"

Hibiki was currently lying on the ground still, face down as her hands gripped the grass tightly.

'Shut up…'

Storious began to approach as he raised his sword, planning on striking a decisive blow.

"Why risk his life for a girl like you?"

'Shut up…'

"Why throw away the leading role in a story for some side character?"

'Shut up…!'

"Hey now," Desast said as he took a step forward, the scent he smelled earlier growing stronger by the second, "Something's not right here."

"Why make such a stupid and idiotic decision?" Storious questioned, ignoring Desast's remark while bringing down his sword with a yell, "But that's fine because I am the one who decides how this story continues from here on. And my first order of business is ridding the world of the useless girl that took a great hero away from it!"

CLANG!

"I've got a suggestion…" Hibiki said, having gotten up into a kneeling stance as she blocked Storious' blade with her left gauntlet, soon shifting her arm to where she grabbed the blade with her hand, "Why don't you shut the hell up?!"

In an instant she stood up and reeled Storious in by pulling on his sword, yelling out as she gripped her right fist tightly. Her gauntlet shifted to its booster mode, the rockets kicking in as she struck Storious in the gut with an uppercut, a bright flash of light being unleashed and enveloping Storious. The result had knocked Desast's book away from Storious, the hybrid Megid taking notice immediately and rushing over to grab it.

"Alright," Desast said as he gripped his Alter Ride Book tightly before backing away, "Well, it's not like you didn't earn this you damn control freak…"

Storious could only gasp out as he bent backwards and let his arms hang, his feet firmly planted on the ground as he stared up in a daze. He was stunned both physically and mentally thanks to power behind the prior attack.

Hibiki's attack was one of pure force, after all that was the only thing she had when it came to the abilities of her Symphogear as it was now. Yet she had somehow channeled all of her anger and sorrow into a singular point, utilizing those heavy emotions as fuel to somehow draw out the attacking power of Gungnir's Armed Gear as an actual ability. When she had punched, it had also acted as if she had skewered Storious with a spear that didn't physically exist.

The result was a sickening green cracked dent on Storious' stomach, the cracks spreading out and growing thinner but still spreading fairly far.

"How dare you talk about him like you knew him," Hibiki hissed out as she glared towards the stunned Megid Leader, "You damn abomination…"

Storious gagged as he tried to force himself to stand straight, his bright green eyes flickering from lit to un-lit as he tried to focus his eyesight. By the time he had stood straight he saw the blur that was Hibiki Tachibana closing in at a rapid pace, her face shadowed with only two fierce red dots for eyes being an indication of her current state.

In an instant Hibiki had closed in and struck hard against his cracked stomach, causing him to cough out as she further damaged the wound and sent him off his feet. The Symphogear Wielder didn't let up, going for a rush of punches, juggling Storious while primarily striking at his face, chest and damaged stomach.

'What… what is this monstrous strength?! The shock from each hit is so hard I can only react in pain to this!' Storious questioned as he felt his body screaming in pain, soon giving a gasp as he was grabbed before being thrown into a tree. It didn't take long for his near numb body to receive a further kick by Hibiki to launch him through the forest. He smashed his way through several trees before he felt a cracking sensation come from his back upon hitting and stopping against a sturdier tree, 'How is she able to draw out this much power from her Relic?! Is she fused with it?! But even then… that wouldn't explain-!'

Hibiki had enhanced her gauntlets into their booster forms, using them to launch herself forward before she punched with both fists, digging them deeper into Storious' damaged stomach, piling on momentum damage alongside her own bestial strength. Hibiki relaxed slightly but held on her punches, her fists continually pressing against Storious' stomach. Her gauntlets retracted as she reeled back her right fist, orange light gathering.

Storious was nothing more than a training dummy at this point, a sandbag for Hibiki to unleash her enhanced punches against. The Gungnir Wielder had kept concentrating her strikes to the damaged area, even mixing in a kick or two to keep her assault flowing as smoothly as it could.

CRACK!

Hibiki paused briefly when she saw the cracked dent slowly start to peel away to reveal an object within. It was something book-shaped floating within the green ethereal light that seemed to be Storious' monstrous body. She held firm and lunged with both hands, gripping the dent and letting out a yell as she tore away the decaying portions of Storious' physical body.

It was a confusing sight to her, the idea of a strangely shaped book floating within the body of the monster. But then she recalled the books that the Riders held, that the Megid tried to create, and she saw Storious' name on the cover of that book. Without a moment's hesitation she reached in with her right hand, grasping the Alter Ride Book and tearing it out from Storious who screamed out in pain.

Hibiki backed away, gripping Storious' Alter Ride Book tightly in her hand before tightening her grip further while releasing power out from the palm of her hand. The sickening creaks of the Alter Ride Book seemed to drown out Storious' pained screams somehow. Despite Storious still being nearby she directed her glare at the book, continuing to tightly grip it before tossing it upwards.

The Alter Ride Book began to spin, a few faint stress marks on it already. It flew as high as it could before dropping down, and once it was low enough it was smashed into by Hibiki's booster enhanced gauntlet, the stress marks suddenly breaking out into a multitude of glowing cracks as sickening snapping was heard.

Storious' body grew limp, the inner light fading as the body began peeling away into nothingness. Hibiki breathed heavily, raising her fist as she stared down at the fatally damaged Alter Ride Book. It wasn't broken to her surprise, but looking up she watched as Storious faded away without any remark. Despite what she assumed would be relief, there was no reaction, only her usual dull expression. At least until she closed her eyes before letting out a scream of anguish.

---

Touma and Miku were silent after hearing Hibiki's story, the Gungnir Wielder herself having gone to sit on the stage that was out while her friends sat on both sides of her. They knew that Touma's death was a sore spot for Hibiki, but to think that Storious had pushed it enough to cost him his life… it was surprising to the two.

"Why?" Hibiki finally asked after enough silence had passed.

"Huh?" Touma tilted his head.

"What?" Miku asked.

"Why are you two even bothering with me?" Hibiki questioned, "Especially considering you come from another world, and likely one that has…" she began to lower her voice as she thought on the two's familiarity with her despite their sudden reappearance in her life. She sighed as she put her hands in her jackets pockets before standing up, "What do you need from me?"

"Eh?" Miku looked in surprise, "What do you-"

"Don't you dare play dumb with me," Hibiki said as she held a hardened look, walking a few steps forward before turning to stare down at the alternate versions of the people she knew, "What do you need from me?"

Touma and Miku glanced at each other before nodding.

"I'll be entirely honest with you then," Touma replied, "Have you seen an inverted version of a Megid recently?"

"Why?" Hibiki asked, her look giving away that she knew what they were talking about.

"Our Hibiki, she fell ill because of that strange version of a Megid, we call it a Phantom Megid," Miku explained, "We're hoping that by defeating it then we can help her."

"Phantom Megid…" Hibiki trailed before shaking her head, "I ran across one the other day, but I defeated it already."

"Wait, really?" Touma asked in surprise.

"So was it another one then?" Miku questioned, trying to figure out why they didn't get an alert on that Phantom Megid as well.

"So are these Phantom Megid trouble?" Hibiki asked, "How often do they appear?"

"Well thankfully they should be a rare occurrence," Touma reassured, "They also appear in different worlds, so you won't have to worry about a bunch suddenly appearing."

"Though this new one that's infected our friend is likely using something to hide itself," Miku replied, "Normally it shouldn't be able to but this is likely the plan of a defeated enemy we faced not that long ago."

"I see," Hibiki replied before turning away, "So because your Hibiki is affected, you think I'll be able to help you. Solid theory, but I've got no clue on where to even start."

"Even so," Miku said, "We need to-"

"So why should I even help you two? Why should I keep talking to you two?" Hibiki interrupted with the questions burdening her mind, "Especially when you're clearly just going to leave once your mission is done."

"We will need to head back to our world, yes," Touma nodded, "But, while we do want to help our Hibiki…"

"We want to help you too," Miku nodded, getting her friend's line of thought, "I know we can't stay forever, but we're not about to leave you wallowing in all this pain."

"You two are so stupidly kind… you know that?" Hibiki remarked though there was no real venom in her words, having taken note of their genuine expressions.

"I guess that's one way to put it," Touma said with a sheepish chuckle.

"One way indeed," Miku nodded with her own sheepish smile.

"Well then, I don't know how much help I'll be but I'll help you two regardless," Hibiki said before turning and walking over to the two while holding out her fist, "It'd feel wrong to abandon the both of you. But I also want to maybe see if I can find something out of all of this."

Touma and Miku looked at each other, soon smiling before nodding and pressing their own fists against Hibiki's.

---

Gargoyle was currently wandering around the empty apartment space, having decided to do so until it was called on by Legeiel or Zooous. Of course there wasn't much to do or see. At least that's what it thought before it noticed something odd.

"Huh?" Gargoyle asked as it began to hurry over to an odd spot in an open room.

The air itself was shimmering, as if something was giving off heat but there was nothing at all to indicate that. And even then, the shimmering suddenly began to warp and twist. Soon the twisted air grew darker and black in coloration as a small hole began to form.

Gargoyle tilted its head, slowly but surely inching towards the strange and small but slowly growing hole. At least that was until the inverted hand of a Megid suddenly grabbed at its upper neck, managing to grasp the Megid who gasped out as the hand began to use the Megid to pull itself out while pulling it closer.

---

World of Sympho-Saber:

It was quiet on the bridge as Sakuya and Aoi were monitoring the surrounding areas in case something occurred while checking in on Hibiki's status every now and again. Genjuro and Sophia sat in silence, the two hoping for some kind of good news sooner rather than later now that they had sent Miku. Either that or Daishinji and Elfnein were done with the last minute project Daishinji had decided to take on.

Unfortunately the alarm began to sound off, Sakuya and Aoi quickly shifting from what they were doing to get the proper details.

"We've got a Phantom Megid alert!" Sakuya called out before gasping, "Wait, it's on the world we managed to track down?!"

"It's on the same world?!" Genjuro questioned as he stood up in shock.

"Is this the same signal we managed to track finally letting itself be known?" Sophia asked.

"Unfortunately no," Aoi shook her head, "This signal is not matching the one we were able to locate."

"So there's now another Phantom Megid on top of the one already there?" Genjuro asked before crossing his arms, "Is the enemy trying to overwhelm us?"

"It might be a case of really bad luck," Sakuya suggested, "From what we were briefly told, Gaze seems to have had no presence at all in that world."

"You're right about that," Aoi replied, "This might be a naturally occurring Phantom Megid."

"Of all our luck…" Genjuro narrowed her eyes.

"We can only hope they'll be alright," Sophia said as she clasped her hands.

---

World of Shrouded Sun:

Legeiel and Zooous quickly ran through the abandoned apartment, having heard explosive bursts sound off from nearby as the building shook. The two quickly entered the room only to yell out as they were blown back by a fireball, Kabekara Gargoyle being dislodged from Legeiel's possession and clattering away.

The culprit was a Phantom Megid, the only modification it having being folded demon-like wings thanks to the Gargoyle Megid it devoured. Though it only devoured the Megid's physical form, it quickly snatching the Alter Ride Book and shoving it into its body, the monstrous book sliding into its form before its eyes shined bright.

"More… more…" the Phantom Megid trailed as it gained stone gauntlets, the hands of the gauntlets being pointed at the tips.

"I don't know what kind of Megid you are…" Legeiel hissed out as he simply brought out his sword, swinging it at the Phantom Megid which blocked the strike with its right forearm, "But you don't get to just barge in here like this…"

"You idiot, it easily took out Gargoyle!" Zooous called out as he rushed towards the two, ready to transform, "Think for a minute!"

"More… more…!" the Phantom Megid called out as it used its free clawed hand to form a fireball, getting it underneath the clash it was performing with Legeiel and unleashing it outwards.

The result was a fiery burst that sent Legeiel flying back with a yell, slamming into Zooous and this time dislodging Storious' damaged Alter Ride Book.

"More…" the Phantom Megid quickly scurried over to the Alter Ride Book and took it, but it didn't absorb it immediately as it suddenly perked up, "Another…" it said as it turned towards the wall before forming a fireball and launching it outwards to destroy what was keeping it holed up inside, "Must gather…"

Legeiel winced as he began to sit up, his eyes going wide at seeing what was in the Phantom Megid's hand. He tried to give chase but once the Phantom Megid had spread its wings it launched out of the now broken wall, soon soaring high above the city towards parts seemingly unknown.

"What the hell was that?" Zooous questioned.

"I don't know and I don't care," Legeiel said as he stood up, "It has Storious' Book, and I'm not about to let it keep parading around with it."

---

"If you want I can try and take you to the last spot that I saw that Phantom Megid at," Hibiki said as she was leading Touma and Miku through the city, "But I doubt it'll be much help."

"Hey who knows, we might find something there," Touma said, not wanting to give up on their potential lead.

"Exactly," Miku replied, "We're not going to give up that easily."

"Alright then," Hibiki said with a nod, soon wincing as she felt an intense pain in her chest. She stopped and hunched forward, gripping her hoodie tightly as she tried to fight past the strange pain, "W-What…"

'You don't need them…'

'The only thing they're good for is for food…'

"Hey, is everything alright?" Touma asked in surprise as he hurried over with Miku.

"What's wrong?" Miku asked.

"N-Nothing…" Hibiki said as she brushed it off, trying to stay standing straight as she felt the pain begin to fade, trying to push down the voice echoing in her head, "It's nothing at all…"

'Devour everything…'

Hibiki's eyes widened as she clutched her face and hunched forward, falling to her knees.

'Devour everything before you're devoured…'

"What's going on?" Miku asked as she looked over at Touma.

"I'm not sure," Touma said as he went to kneel down, "Hibiki?"

'I want more… give me more despair… more power...'

"Shut up… shut up…" Hibiki gasped out in a low voice as her eyes shook, trying to fight past the pain and sudden voice continually echoing in her head, "Just go away already... you stupid voice…"

"What?" Touma muttered as he just barely managed to hear what she had said, now wondering if this was something that was reoccurring.

"Found you…"

"Huh?" Touma looked up and quickly stood in front of Hibiki, Miku looking over and doing the same as the Phantom Megid that had escaped from Legeiel and Zooous landed in front of the three. It didn't take long for the anomaly's appearance to freak out anyone nearby, civilians rushing off in a panic.

Of course it was different from when it first attacked the Megid, having chosen to consume Storious' Alter Ride Book during its flight. It had gained black and white inverted versions of Storious' shoulder pads and horns though the horns were protruding out from the near back of its head.

"Must gather…" the Phantom-S said as it spread its arms, "Must gather… friend…"

"What?" Miku asked, "Is that…?"

"It has Storious' features, but how?" Touma questioned, "I thought Hibiki said…"

The two glanced back at the alternate version of their friend, the Gungnir Wielder seemingly not reacting to Phantom-S due to her current issue.

"Friend…" Phantom-S trailed as it began to step forward, "Friend, come here."

"What?" Touma asked as he glanced at Hibiki, a thought forming as he started to piece things together, "Why is it…?"

"What is it even saying?" Miku questioned.

"Friend, friend, gather with me," Phantom-S beckoned as it inched forward.

"Miku, how far are you able to transform?" Touma asked as he prepared his Swordriver, brushing aside his thoughts for the time being.

"If I don't want to do anything risky, two book combos," Miku answered as she did the same.

"Then I'll match you so we can sync up," Touma replied.

"Alright," Miku said as she drew out Tri-Cerberus and Lamp Do Alangina, "Touma, do you think…?"

"This is the Phantom Megid we're looking for?" Touma asked while he brought out Brave Dragon and Saiyuu Journey, "I'm not sure but it's odd that Hibiki's not feeling well the minute it arrives."

"Then let's finish it off quickly," Miku nodded.

"Gather… must gather…" Phantom-S stated as it held out its hands forward.

"Henshin!"

[IKAZUCHI BATTOU! MITTSUMATA LAMP DO CERBERUS!]

[REKKA BATTOU! KISEKI NO SAIYUU DRAGON!]

Espada and Saber stood between Phantom-S and Hibiki in their two book forms, the duo brandishing their blades as they stared down the anomaly that they assumed was hurting their friend.

To Be Continued…

---

Author's Note: Not much to say other than we're continuing to go through this parallel world while also getting some more interactions, context and world building in. Of course there are a couple of points of interest, such as elaboration on what exactly happened to Storious, alongside Miku's official debut as Espada. Speaking of her debut, her transformation slash is inspired by GARO. The titular Makai Knight in that franchise would usually form a circle above his head to form a portal that drops the armor down, similar to how Miku forms the electrical halo over her. With that little tidbit out of the way, thanks for reading and I'll see you all next time.