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Chapter 10
Shades of Black

"Big brother!"

Setsuna kicked Hajime's door open, awakening him from his slumber.

"What?! What's going on?! Noise attack?!" The hazel-eyed young man looked frantically around the room, searching for his Advent Deck.

"What? No, silly." His sister tossed him his phone and his deck."You left this on the couch yesterday night."

"Oh." Hajime hummed in acknowledgment."I guess I must have been really tired...But is waking me up like this really necessary, sis?"

"You tell me. Because when I was eating breakfast your phone rang." She eyed him suspiciously, hands on her hips."Who is Hibiki Tachibana? And why does have a smiley emoji next to her name?'

'There it is.' Hajime rubbed the edge of his nose."It's not what you think."

"Isn't it? You never called a girl before and they never called you." She pointed out, much to his chagrin.

"What? A-anyway, that's not relevant!"

"Is she the reason why you don't hang out with me anymore?" Setsuna gave him sad puppy eyes."Did another girl steal my older brother from me?"

"No. I just...been busy, that's all." Hajime was certainly not lying, just leaving out some key details."Look...she's a friend. And she's probably calling me because we were going to hang out with some friends today. If you don't mind the company, you can come too."

"Really?! I get to meet big brother Haji's friends?!" Setsuna clasped her hands together."Let's go! Oh, what should I wear?!"

"Just be casual. We're going to see a friend at the hospital later so don't overdo it."

"I get to meet Haji's girlfriend, granny!"

"She's not my girlfriend! Also, give me my phone back!"

"Wait a minute." Setsuna halted, nearly making Hajime crash into her."What's up with this phone? Didn't this come out like 2 months ago?"

"Let's just go and don't mention this to grandma." Hajime grabbed his phone from her hands, poking her in the forehead."Race ya to the kitchen."

Later on in the morning, the Adachis were making their way to Flower to meet up with Hajime's friends. However, a scowl decorated Hajime's face and no matter how much his sister tried to poke him, he did not react.

"Are you seriously mad? Mad that I took some time to look presentable?"

"Presentable? Yes, you look lovely, sis. But it's just a dress." Hajime looked over his shoulder. His sister was wearing a long summer pink summer dress with black stockings underneath and pink color-red boots with black laces."Since when do you like dresses? And also...why take so long putting that thing on!"

"Huh?! But grandma said it looked cute! And she was so happy that I'm finally wearing dresses." Setsuna twiddled her thumbs."I mean...I don't like wearing all this girly stuff but I wanted to make a good impression on your friends...I want to look good for my sister-in-law."

"Setsuna, you're 13. Why the hell are you even thinking about this stuff?" Hajime blushed profusely. He was wearing something casual. Black jeans, red shoes, and a red shirt with black marks on it."I only brought you because I have a surprise for you later on. You'll like it."

"If you say so." Setsuna clung to her brother's arm, the latter allowing himself to smile again."It's been a while since you've taken me out to hang out, Haji. I thought maybe you didn't like me so much anymore."

"Hey, I could not love you." Hajime leaned to the side, resting his cheek on her head."You're my baby sister. My everything. I got you that CD remember?"

"Because you got money doing bad things at school."

"I'm past that." Hajime puffed his chest out."I'm clean now. I even started taking my studies seriously."

"I find it hard to believe that there's not a girl involved in this." Setsuna rubbed her chin."I'm happy that you have more friends now other than Kuroiwa-san, but you never really took your studies seriously. Nor were you so self-aware about your appearance either."

"Self-aware?"

"I noticed the many clothes you tossed on the floor trying to get something decent when I walked past your room." Setsuna said smugly."Before you just went out with whatever you could find. But now you're putting in the effort! I'm so happy!"

"And what about you? Any boys I should be worried about?" Hajime crossed his arms, his eyes narrowing ever so slightly as he tried to shift the spotlight.

"Meh, I'm not at that age yet." Setsuna returned his words right back."You'd be the first to know, obviously."

"I can't tell if you're being sarcastic or not."

"Of course, I would tell you. I trust you, Haji."

That word seemed to sting deep in his chest. He lamented not being able to tell her what he had been up to. But he couldn't risk getting her involved in the Rider or Symphogear business. It was better to stay ignorant, at least in her case. But he disliked the idea of keeping secrets from his sister.

"I trust you too." Hajime mumbled, feeling a bit embarrassed."Thank you for always having my back."

"You do the same for us. I'm just glad you're...you know, getting better." Setsuna's expression softened."Ever since mom died...things haven't been the same, have they?"

"No. They haven't." He pursed his lips."But you guys pulled me out of that dark hole I was in. I'm better than ever. I won't make you worry about me again."

"We always worry about you." Her gaze fell on a family walking by. A mom and a dad laughing with their kids.

Hajime noticed this and immediately tightened his grip on her arm."We don't need to have a typical family to be normal kids. Grandma is the only thing we need."

"What if we-"

"Hey, no negative thoughts now, silly." Hajime placed a finger against her lips."Let's just focus on the present. We're lucky we have her. Say, why don't we plan something for her birthday? Something special. God knows she deserves it."

"That sounds like a great idea! Oh! Oh! I want to bake the cake! I've been learning a lot in my culinary class and I think I'm up to the task!"

"Then I'll handle the music and the snacks." Hajime gazed up at the sign he was supposed to look for to locate himself."We'll think of a gift later. Look sharp. We're here."

"I know. I've been here before." Setsuna rolled her eyes, ignoring her brother's deadpan expression. They both entered through the door and were immediately greeted by an amazing smell.

"Oh! I smell pancakes!" Setsuna practically jumped in place."Fresh batch too!"

"Hajime-kun!" Hibiki got up from her chair, rushing to greet him. She planted her hands on her hips, pouting at him."You didn't answer my calls! I thought you weren't going to show up! You didn't even text me!"

"I overslept." Hajime rose his hands in mock defeat."Can't blame me for that. With the training the Co-I mean, Genjuro-san gives us, I've needed good rest."

"That makes sense. You've been training much less than I have so you're probably not used to it." Hibiki nodded, her gaze falling on Setsuna and then on their intertwined arms. Blood rushed to her cheeks, and millions of thoughts crossed her mind."Hajime-kun...you..."

"She's my little sister." Hajime introduced her."Setsuna Adachi. She's the girl I told you about."

"I'm very pleased to meet you!" Setsuna released her brother's arm, giving a quick bow."I hope my brother's been treating you nicely."

"Ah...well, he's very pleasant and caring." Hibiki giggled at herself for making such a silly mistake."I'm Hibiki Tachibana. I'm your brother's co-worker and training partner."

"Co-worker?" Setsuna quickly turned to Hajime."You work?!"

"Ah..." Hajime remembered he hadn't told that lie to his family yet."How about we introduce you to the others?"

Hajime and Hibiki walked ahead with Setsuna trailing behind, confused at her brother's demeanor. They headed towards a round table for four, with two seats occupied.

"Hazzy-san! Miku-san!" Hajime waved at them with glee."I haven't seen you guys in a bit."

"Hello, Hajime-kun." Miku gently smiled at Hajime, sitting in the opposite direction of Hazuki."Is this your sister? I'm very pleased to meet you. I'm Miku Kohinata. You can call me Miku, though. No need for formalities."

"Hazzy?" Hazuki took a sip from his glass of milk."Really?"

"Sounds catchy, I think."

"On another note...my actual name is Hazuki Kaburagi. A pleasure to make your acquaintance. But feel free to call me Haz."

"I like Hazzy better." Setsuna said, much to the blonde's dismay."Woah...you look like straight out of a tv commercial."

"That's because I am." Hazuki raises his hand to earn the owner's attention."Pardon my request, ma'am, but can I grab a chair for her? I know the tables are meant for 4 people, but..."

"Of course, dear. Not like I got a lot of customers right now anyway, so go ahead and have fun."

With her permission, Hazuki offered his chair to Setsuna and grabbed another one, sitting next to Hibiki and in front of Hajime."So...what did you guys get?"

"We agreed to get the pancake special." Miku informed him."I know how Hibiki likes hers but not everyone else. So I just ordered regular pancakes with toppings on the side."

"You're a lifesaver." Hajime sighed in relief."Honestly, I'm a basic guy when it comes to my pancakes."

"Basic? But bro, you pour half the container of syrup every time you get some."

"And you put sprinkles on them."

"Ah! Don't say that in front of them!" Setsuna hid her face behind her palms.

"I don't think that's a reason to be ashamed." Hibiki patted her on the shoulder."I like to pour vanilla on mine. And sometimes a bit of sprinkle makes them better."

Setsuna stared at the girl between her fingers."You're so understanding, sister."

"Sister...?" Hibiki, Miku, and Hazuki both parroted.

"Oh my god." Hajime fought the urge to just leave right then and there.

"Thank you so much for taking care of my brother." Setsuna grabbed Hibiki's hands, staring into the older girl's eyes."A negative needs a positive, as they say."

"I-I-I-" Hibiki stammered, too embarrassed to say anything.

"Well, it seems like your sister is as outgoing as you are." Hazuki noted, holding a chuckle."You guys look like you get along just fine."

"We do." Hajime shot her a grin as did she."She came along because she got curious about you guys."

"I'm sorry...I just wanted to thank them for being friends with you." Setsuna squeezed Hibiki's hand."My brother can be a bit annoying and impulsive but he means well. Please continue to be friends with him."

"Of course!" Hibiki said without missing a beat, ruffling her hair."I'm glad to have him as a friend."

"I don't know him very well but Hibiki says good things about him." Miku gazed at him and Hajime could see she glared at him for the briefest of seconds. But when he blinked, she had gone back to her smiley self.

"That's the purpose of coming here today." Hazuki earned their attention."To get to know each other better. And have a good time. Back to what you said to me first, Setsuna-chan, I have appeared in some commercials here and there. See, I want to become an idol. But it's going slowly so far..."

"An idol! Does that mean you know Tsubasa?!"

"Sadly, no. But I would love to meet her. I take it that you girls are fans seeing as you go to her school?"

"Well...you could say that." Hibiki nodded sheepishly.

"I know her friend. Yosuke Yanagi. The guy is a real piece of work but he's okay for the most part." Hajime leaned back on his chair, crossing his leg."I don't know what's the big deal with Tsubasa Kazanari. Sure, she's cute and all but she has the eyes of an ice queen."

"Big bro says that because he's in love with Maria." Setsuna jabbered, earning a yelp from Hajime and Hibiki.

"I-in love?!" Hibiki cried out in shock.

"Maria is hands down the top idol right now." Hajime said, placing his hands on the table, his expression completely serious but a blush evident on his face."She seems so much more approachable than Tsubasa. And her eyes give life to anyone that she happens to glance at. And her music?" With his thumb against his lips, he made a kissing noise."Out of this world. I'm saving money so I can go to one of her concerts one day."

"He's a hardcore fan." Setsuna continued."Like, his whole wall is full of posters of Maria and even has all her CDs, as outdated as that sounds."

"I...certainly didn't know you would be an idol fan, Hajime-kun." Miku voiced her susprirse."You don't look the type."

"Could be that I first listen to one of her songs when I was going through rough times." Hajime shrugged, not embarrassed by his words."And her songs were one of the things that motivated me. I hope I can stretch her hand one day or something. As weird as it sounds."

"I can relate to that." Hazuki offered his piece."I mean, I'm not particularly into any idols. I admire them all but I don't got a favorite. But I can understand feeling motivated or hyped up when listening to one of their songs. I believe that it's because they pour their emotions into each song, and then those emotions are transferred to their fans."

"That's how it works?" Hibiki hummed in thought."I guess that's true. I feel like I understand Tsubasa-san a little better when I listen to her song?"

"You listen to her sing often?! How jealous I am of you!" The youngest girl lamented, crying on her arm.

"That aside..." Hajime sighed at his sister's antics."What made you want to decide to be an idol, Hazzy?"

"Still with the Hazzy stuff?" Hazuki groaned in exasperation."I suppose it started back when I came back from being lost in the sea." A chorus of gasps made him smile."Yes. When I was very young, my family and I went on a cruise. Unfortunately, the ship sank because it hadn't received proper maintenance before sailing so something malfunctioned, creating a domino effect. I don't mean to drop all this on you guys. Bottom line, when I got back to society, music was the first thing that got me out of my shell. And I thought that there were many people in the world in the same boat, pun intended, as I was. So I decided to give them hope, just like those songs gave me hope too."

"Haz-kun...I didn't know...I knew you were an orphan because you told me, but..."

Hazuki shook his head, giving Miku a reassuring smile."Don't worry about it, Miku-chan. These things happen. With the world as is, not everyone can be happy. We all carry our own baggage. But I can't let this deter me. I...I still have some things to look forward to. So I can't give up on my dream just yet."

"And what dream would that be?" Hajime leaned forward, a little too eager.

"I want everyone to just be happy and do what they love to do. Together. No strings attached. I feel like I can make a change with my music. Or at least, be part of the change. So that people can enjoy the little things in life a little more. But I also believe we all need a common ground for that to happen. Why not let music be the thing that unifies us as a race?"

"A song that speaks to the world." Hibiki said aloud."I...I understand."

"For the whole world to know peace, a catalyst is required." Hajime surmised."And you think music can be what causes that?"

"Sure. I mean, regardless of what gender, race, ethnicity, or religion we are, we all love music in some way."

"That sounds like a noble goal." Miku spoke, her eyes meeting with Hibiki's and then Hazuki's."I think it's wonderful. And that it can happen."

"Yeah. Keep fighting for your dreams. When you make it big, I'll be one of your biggest fans too!" Setsuna cheered.

Hazuki chuckled, a little taken aback by their reaction."Ah...thank you. I'm not used to such kind words. All the other children used to laugh at my ideas. It...feels nice. To be surrounded by...friends..."

"I have to agree with my buddy here." Hajime looked around the table."I haven't hung out with friends like this since...ever. Usually, it's just me and Kuroiwa. But now? I got more people to call friends as well."

"And you will continue to have more friends." Miku stated with a matter-of-fact tone."Right, Hibiki?"

"Yeah! We can introduce them to our friends too. And next time, we can bring even more people! Can you bring Setsuna-chan next time too, Hajime-kun?"

"If she's up for it." He said, taking a glance at his watch."But we'll have the whole day today. Don't forget we have to go visit our senpai after this at the hospital."

"Hospital?" Miku grew concerned."Is it that person that got injured a while back?"

"Yes. She's stable enough to receive visitors. So Hibiki-san and I decided to go visit her today. I can't just send Setsuna home, so she's coming with us."

"I see..." Miku trailed off, a bit disappointed.

"It's fine, I think." Hazuki spoke up, hoping to cheer her up."I'm sure that person will appreciate you visiting them at the hospital. I wouldn't want to intrude but I do ask that you give them my best wishes."

"I'll be sure to do that." Hajime nodded. Before long, their pancakes arrived, and they all became to dig in.

'I've been thinking about what you said, Haz-san." Setsuna set down her fork, cleaning her mouth with a napkin."About using music to unify the world. I don't think it's as farfetched as you probably think. I mean, we have protectors who fight the Noise for mankind, right? They minimize casualties and prevent further destruction."

"There's also that armored guy going around hunting criminals." Miku chimed in."They're calling him a hero. But he's more of a vigilante than anything."

"You mean the guy who murdered all those Yakuza families?" Hajime eyed Hibiki knowingly."I don't know. It sounds a little extreme."

"I also heard about that vigilante myself." Hazuki joined in after finishing his pancakes covered with fruits."They say he's done more than just get rid of Yakuza. He's also stopped criminals' ploys consistently. But as Hajime-kun said, I think murdering people is way too extreme. Even if you think it's the right thing to do to get rid of all the bad people."

"Right. Killing is unjustified, no matter what." Miku lowered her voice."However...I can understand why someone would think that it's right. I mean, think about all the horrible things criminals do to other people."

Hajime frowned, his mind trailing off to Ouja as a prime example. An assassin hired to kill. Also, the mastermind behind Ouja, who was capable of even doing that, to begin with.

"That may be true, but...that should still not be an option." Hibiki stated, her voice low but free of doubt."Killing is wrong. We're not Noise. Humans should be capable of understanding one another through words. I understand some people did very bad things but...it's still wrong to take their lives. Wouldn't that put you on the same level as them?"

"Not to mention the whole "eye for an eye" thing just sparks up more conflict, right?" Hajime quirked a brow."Besides, if that was the right thing to do, everyone would just be killing each other. There are better ways."

"I suppose you're right." Miku nodded after being convinced.

"You have a good point." Hazuki agreed with a satisfied smile."Not everyone can be good."

"They could try." Hajime retorted, huffing."But if you can't convince them, just beat them up."

"Hajime-kun! You can't go around saying that!"

"Just kidding." Hajime stuck his tongue out at her."But I do like a good brawl here and there. You know that."

"So aggressive like always." Setsuna deadpanned."Hibiki-san will be avoiding you if you keep acting that way."

"I'm telling you it's not like that!" Hajime and Hibiki both cried out, much to their chagrin.

Hazuki chuckled at their reaction, while Miku simply smiled softly.

"Sorry, we have to cut this meeting short, you guys." Hajime gave an apologetic hand gesture at Hazuki and Miku.

"No worries. We understand." Hazuki said for both of them."That friend of yours needs you at her side, after all. We can always hang out another time. It was so nice meeting you, Setsuna-chan."

"Likewise, Hazzy-san," Setsuna pronounced his new nickname. Although he wasn't very fond of it, he couldn't say no to Hajime's sister."And you too, Miku-san!"

"I hope I get to see you again soon." Miku and Setsuna locked hands."I'll give you all the tips you need if you want to transfer to Lydian next year."

"It's a promise!"

With that, both groups separated and went on their ways.

"You look a bit conflicted, Miku-chan." Hazuki noted, hands in the pockets of his fur jacket."What's wrong?"

"Oh, nothing. It's just...Hibiki seems to be spending a lot of time with Hajime-kun." Miku sighed, shaking her head in disbelief."Not that there's anything wrong with Hajime-kun. It's just..."

"You don't like the fact that Hibiki is spending time with someone else?" Hazuki guessed, earning another sigh."I didn't know you were a bit possessive, Miku-chan."

"I'm not possessive!" Miku protested, pouting at the pink-eyed teen.

"I'm messing around. But I think I understand. I would be jealous too if my best friend were to hang out with someone else I just met. Nothing wrong with that. But based on what I heard, it does seem like we're Hajime's few friends. And Hibiki seemed to be his closest one."

"I know, I know...but Hibiki's been acting strange lately. Spending time alone or hanging out with Hajime-kun. We've done everything together since we were kids. I just think...no. I know that she's free to get more friends but..."

"You want her for yourself?"

"Is that bad?"

"No. But in a way, you are doing the same thing as her. Branching off and meeting new people, like me. Of course, I could never hope to replace Hibiki-chan and Hajime-kun could never replace you. Your friendship is incredibly rare and yet strong. Don't worry about her meeting new people. Because I'm sure she would never forget you."

"You're right. How silly of me to be thinking that." Miku gave him a heartwarming smile."Thank you, Haz-kun. That made me feel better."

"No problem. Just saying it how it is." Hazuki looked away, hiding a small blush."Besides, Hibiki-chan doesn't seem like the type to abandon other people."

"She's always been that way. Even to someone like me. Back then, I used to like being alone all the time and focused on being the track team's star. That's when I first met Hibiki. She just kept showing up every day to "keep me company" as she claimed."

"She figured you were lonely."

"Yes. First, I tried to ignore her. But she would always show up. One day, curiosity got the better of me and I asked if she needed anything. To which she replied that she just thought I needed company. Of course, I said I was perfectly content with being alone. I wasn't very social back then."

"You do come off as reserved, Miku-chan." Hazuki had to agree."I'm surprised you even let me talk to you when met during the meteor shower. Hold on...could it be that you..."

"I simply thought you needed company." Miku beamed at him."But unlike me, you accepted right away. Eventually, I gave in and realized that Hibiki's feelings were sincere. And that she truly wanted to be my friend. She said that it didn't matter if I was the best if I had no one to celebrate my victories with. Or enjoy the little things in life, kind of like what you said."

"It's important to have someone you can relate to." Hazuki trailed off with a sad smile."You're lucky. Cherish that bond with all your heart."

"You're lucky too. I'm your friend now." Miku's words made his heart skip a beat."We all are. You don't have to be alone anymore."

"I..." Hazuki closed his eyes, a chuckle escaping his lips."You're right. I'm not alone anymore. Maybe I am lucky, after all."

"There's a smile." Miku was pleased to cheer up him. She grabbed his arm and pulled him along."Let's go get some crepes. I know a good place you're going to love."

"Slow down a little." Hazuki nervously laughed but went along.

"I don't want to be that guy, but I'm pretty sure Miku-san doesn't like me." Hajime suddenly said, holding his sister's hand as she grabbed Hibiki's, being in the middle of the two while they made their way to Lydian.

"Whaaat? No way. Why would you think that?"

"She kept giving me this weird look." Hajime said, confusing the girls."I'm serious! Like whenever I would talk to Hibiki-san she would glare at me for a second."

"I think you ate too many pancakes, big bro." Setsuna dismissed his words."Stop being paranoid. I thought you were past that."

"Maybe I am imagining things." Hajime relented."Well...it doesn't matter, I guess."

"Huh." Setsuna shifted her gaze from Hajime to Hibiki."Big bro. For a guy, you're pretty short. Hazzy-san looked pretty tall to me."

"What?!" Hajime gasped at the sudden comment."What do you mean?!"

"Hibiki-san, how tall are you?"

"5'1."

"And Haji is 5'5." The brunette added on."And you guys are about the same age, right? Big bro was born on September 5."

"I was born on September 13." Hibiki's smile widened and Hajime deadpanned."Hajime-kun, I'm older than you!"

"By a few days!" Hajime huffed, beyond embarrassed."Besides I'm still growing...I just haven't hit my growth spurt yet. You'll see how tall I can get."

After chatting away some more, the trio finally reached Lydian Academy and went over to the hospital wing.

"Why are we here?" Setsuna inquired, hiding her excitement to be at Lydian despite not being an official student.

"Our friend is here. Wait here. You'll meet her later." Hajime cryptically said, refusing to elaborate more. But Setsuna could tell something was up due to the shit-eating grin her brother was sporting."She knows we're here?"

"I...believe so."

"Who? Who are you guys talking about? Tell me!"

"Just pipe down!" Hajime hissed due to how loud she was."And wait here. We just have to talk to a friend real quick. Then I'll walk you around town. How does that sound?"

"Okaaaay." Setsuna moaned, earning a pat on the head from her brother.

After a while, they finally reached a room, and Hajime knocked on the door, Hibiki close behind. A few seconds later, a familiar bluenette wearing her hospital gown emerged from the room, a towel around her head.

"Oh. Tachibana. Adachi." Her eyes widened at the unexpected guests."I...wasn't expecting any visitors right now."

"Really? Didn't Yanagi tell you we were coming to visit?"

"No. He didn't." Tsubasa clicked her tongue."He must have forgotten. And I didn't have a chance in picking up my room. I knew he was up to no good."

"Huh. Guess he has a sense of humor?" Hibiki received a shrug from Tsubasa.

"By the way...are you sure you should be up and about?" Hajime checked her over real quick."I mean, you look better than before I guess. But..."

"Are you worried about me, Adachi?" Tsubasa covered her mouth in mock shock."I didn't expect you to care."

"What? No, of course, I do." Hajime fidged in place."You're my...comrade. And my superior. And I'm sorry for the way I treated you before. I was out of line and because of my inexperience and foolishness, I wasn't there to save you in time."

Tsubasa sighed, already knowing that the boy had demonstrated improvement in his conduct since the last time she saw him."Adachi, I don't have anything against you either. Or Tachibana. I too let my emotions get the better of me. You both have been working hard. I can't ask more. You've both improved as warriors and proved yourselves capable of carrying the weight that your powers represent."

"So... we good?"

"I suppose so."

Hibiki smiled at her friends making up after such a rough start."How about we go inside, Tsubasa-san? You can't be standing there while you're still recuperating."

"I...don't think that's a good idea." Tsubasa carefully began closing the door.

"Please, Tsubasa-san! We want to make sure you're alright!" Hibiki forcefully pried the door open, immediately regretting her decisions."Eh?"

"Huh?" Hajime's jaw dropped. To say Tsubasa's room was a mess would be an understatement. It was out of a nightmare. Clothes everywhere, medicines, snacks, even her underwear.

"Don't look!" Tsubasa covered his eyes with her hand.

"What the hell did I just see...Why do you have your bras on the floor? Why are your panties hanging from a chair?!"

"Just shut up and stop talking, Adachi!"

"It's messy, alright." Hibiki bit her thumb."But I think I can get this place cleaned. How about it, Tsubasa-san? Mind if we help?"

"You don't have to do this." Tsubasa was quick to shoot the offer down.

"It's fine. We don't mind. Hibiki shot him a grin."No problems there, right, Hajime-kun?"

"Sure." Hajime shrugged, eyeing his phone."My sister said she's walking around campus, exploring."

"She was looking forward to meeting you." Hibiki said, beginning to fold Tsubasa's clothes."But I guess I see why you wouldn't want her to see you like this."

"Normally, I wouldn't mind meeting a fan. But I don't want her image of me to change from being Tsubasa, the idol, to Tsubasa the mess. Based on what Adachi's said about her, she's probably my number one fan. I wouldn't want to crush her hopes."

"You're really considerate, Tsubasa-san. A true idol." Hibiki couldn't help but admire.

"I wouldn't say that." Tsubasa shook her head, sitting on the edge of her bed."I just know how to fight. Can't even pick up my own mess. Ogawa-san usually helps me with it. Yosuke was here earlier but he didn't have to help."

"You're okay with me, Ogawa-san, and Yosuke-san helping you with this stuff? We're guys." Hajime asked as he opened up a trash bag and began throwing stuff inside.

"I...when you put it that way, it does sound weird, doesn't it?" She bashfully conceited."But I trust you to not do anything weird. Can I believe that you won't try anything, Adachi?"

"What?! What do you take me for?!"

After 20 minutes or so, the group finished cleaning up and were in a much cleaner environment.

"Again, thank you for helping me." Tsubasa bowed to her juniors."You didn't have to. Even more so with...the rough beginning we had."

"We wanted to help. And we understand. You were grieving, Tsubasa-san." Hibiki eased her worries."We can start over. And this time, fight like a proper team."

"I'd be honored to." Tsubasa settled for a smile."I know our little wildcard is actually working as a team now."

"It's tough but I've been listening to Yanagi's tips." Hajime confessed."Besides, I don't need to keep eating dirt with how many times I've lost a fight now."

"We're off to a great start, but...I still haven't been able to use my Armed Gear." Hibiki deflated."And even though I used Durandal, I put everyone in danger. I swung it at Ouja, and even though he's the enemy, I..."

"Ouja is an enemy. A hired gun that has possibly committed many atrocities over the years." Tsubasa explained sternly."Unlike Zolda, he's not someone that can be convinced with words. I know you don't have it in you to take a life, but perhaps ending his will stop many people from suffering."

"I thought the same thing." Hajime agreed."I mean, I don't know much about assassins and this dark web stuff but I read about it online and they do really bad things. Messed up things. I don't think he would hesitate to kill us. Even then, I stood no chance against him. Goro was helping me too and we couldn't even scratch him. Makes you wonder if Durandal was our only chance to beat him."

"But he was still capable of leaving with that girl." Tsubasa pointed out."If he clashed against Tachibana using Durandal and lived, it's possible it wouldn't have been enough anyway."

"Yanagi was gonna fight him but he left. Maybe he's the only one capable of fighting him."

"But still, I don't think resorting to killing him is the right thing to do." Hibiki interjected, giving him a concerned look."He's still a person, despite all the things he's done. Maybe subduing him would be enough."

"That's overdoing it on the optimistic department." Tsubasa sighed."Your plan of convincing Zolda and that girl to stop is already up there as it is. But Ouja is a different matter. Not all Kamen Riders are good, despite what Akira used to say. Some of them will use their power for selfish reasons."

"I...I just don't see myself hurting a person, much less...you know."

"The Noise are one thing, but you can't talk to everyone. If at all. Some people just don't understand or don't want to see other perspectives. If you encounter such people, what will you do?"

"I would still try to talk to them. Try to understand them and hopefully reach an agreement." Hibiki continued, speaking with pure emotion."Even though we're all different, I still believe it's worth a try. Right?"

"I...guess." Hajime said, unsure."I don't mind."

"If that's how you feel, all you can do is express your feelings as much as you can." Tsubasa caught them off guard with her smile."Your will is what will give you the ability to fight. That, itself, is your Armed Gear."

"Yes!" Hibiki nodded, happy to see Tsubasa encouraging her.

"And what about you, Adachi? Still in this for the sole purpose of entertaining yourself?"

"Yeah, but...I know there are more important things to worry about." Hajime's eyes darted to Hibiki."I want to fight but I want to protect as well. I can balance both, I suppose."

Tsubasa smiled knowingly, but chose not to comment on it."But first, for your plan to work, you have to find Zolda."

"Zolda seems attached to that Nehushtan girl. Enough to want to spend his wish on her to "save" her. Ouja mentioned that he was the reason Zolda wasn't there last time but that girl was cooperating with him. She seemed quieter in comparison to your fight with her, based on Hibiki's account. Deep in thought but still capable. Which led me to believe that Zolda is probably injured or locked up or something."

"I agree." Tsubasa nodded, surprised at Hajime's deduction skills."It wouldn't make sense for them to just kill off someone like him. Yosuke's report stated that Zolda is a walking army with all his weapons. If they know we have the advantage in numbers, they wouldn't just cut him off."

"So...our best bet is either to wait for Zolda to show up or talk to that girl ourselves." Hibiki surmised."I'll give it a try. If Ouja comes along-"

"We'll hold him off, no sweat." Hajime interrupted her."If Goro, Yanagi, and I jump him, we can take him down and make him spill information."

"Sounds like a sound plan for now. But don't be reckless. Think about your lives first." Tsubasa ordered them, earning nods in response."Good. Now, out of topic, do you guys happen to have bought something to eat? I'm famished."

"No. Not really. But I can go to flower to get you some pancakes! Hajime-kun, want to tag along?"

"Sorry, Hibiki-san. But my sister is spamming me saying she wants to go home." Hajime groaned as he muted his phone."I'll meet you later. I want some more pancakes after today.

With that, Hibiki and Hajime went on their separate ways, leaving Tsubasa by herself and her thoughts.

"I have to say, Miku-chan, those crepes were good." Hazuki patted his stuffed belly."I don't think I've tried better sweets than that in a long time."

"That good, right?" Miku said with a toothy grin. She was carrying an extra bag she had ordered for Hibiki."I'm proud to say I was one of the first ones of my group of friends to find that place. I figured you had a bit of a sweet tooth and would enjoy it."

"Enjoy it? I think that aside from Flower, I found my go-to restaurant." Hazuki smirked."Speaking of Flower, you must really like that place. It's kind of small so I can't picture people going there other than to eat something."

"We could go somewhere else if you don't want to."

"No, no. I like it." Hazuki quickly eased her worries."It's homey, in a way. And the lady there is very nice."

The blonde upstart idol noticed an ice cream truck parked on the side and had an idea.

"Miku-chan. Let me get you some ice cream." Hazuki offered."It's the least I can do for you. It's really good. Trust me. What's your favorite flavor?"

"Still have room for dessert, huh?" Miku giggled humorously."I'll take vanilla."

"Vanilla ice cream coming up." Hazuki jogged over to the truck. At the same time, Miku spotted Hibiki running by as if she was in a hurry.

Miku gasped, remembering that she had gotten Hibiki some crepes. Glancing at Hazuki, who was still in line, she decided to run after Hibiki.'I'm sorry Haz-kun. I won't take long.'

A minute later, Hazuki's turn had finally come up and he was ready to order. He eyed the menu, turning his head to where he thought Miku was only to realize she was gone."Miku-chan?"

Hibiki rushed towards where Genjuro had commanded her to intercept the Nehushtan girl and Ouja.

"Just hold them off, for now, Tachibana-kun." Genjuro had instructed her."Yosuke, Goro, and Hajime will be there in a few minutes!"

"Got it!" Hibiki said, nervousness and doubt swelling deep within her.'Could I hold both of them off for that long?'

"Hibiki! Wait! I got you something!"

"Miku...?" Hibiki froze in her tracks, mortified as her best friend was rushing towards her."No! It's dangerous!"

On cue, a purple whip smashed the ground in front of them, launching both girls in opposite directions.

"Shit! There was someone else there!" Chris's eyes widened in shock.

Ouja landed next to her, his sword Venosaber already in his hand. The assassin glared at Hibiki before shifting his gaze to Miku."Well, it can't be helped. I have a no-witness policy."

The snake-themed Rider moved in a blur, appearing in front of Miku before Hibiki could even react.

"Wait, don't!" Hibiki cried out, beginning to sing. She transformed, but she wasn't going to make it in time.

Miku was confused, hurting, and beyond scared as the man rose his sword."Sorry. I'll make it quick, sunshine, just for you."

"Don't do it! She has nothing to do with this!" Chris screamed at him.

Just as he swung his weapon down, Ouja was kicked across the face, knocking him across the area. The assassin was startled, not having expected to be caught off guard by such an attack. He kicked the ground, doing a few backflips to stop his momentum.

"The hell?" Chris gritted her teeth at the newcomer.

"Hajime-kun!" Hibiki beamed in relief.

In effect, Ryuki stood in front of Miku. But there was something off about him. He didn't acknowledge or said anything to Miku or Hibiki. And to top it off, his whole armor color palette had changed. Instead of his signature red armor, it was now black and the piercing red eyes of his helmet were more defining now.

"Chris...our objective just got here," Ouja muttered to Chris, who was still flabbergasted.

"Hajime-kun...?" Hibiki repeated, a hand over her chest but the Rider said nothing.

"Huh. He changed his color." Ouja commented as if it was such a minor detail.

"So what if he got a paint job?" Chris clicked her tongue."If he thinks he's cool now because he turned emo then he's sorely mistaken."

Hibiki winced as she approached Miku, who stared back with a crestfallen expression."Miku, I-"

Before she could continue, 'Ryuki' showed them a card, pushing his visor forward and inserting the card.

Strike Vent: Dragsaber
ATK:3000

Chris lunged at 'Ryuki, swinging her whip. He easily blocked it with his blade, but the whip wrapped itself around his arm.

"I got you now!" Chris went for a horizontal kick, but 'Ryuki ducked at the last second. He countered by uppercutting Chris' stomach, causing her to spit blood from the impact.

'It's strange.' Ouja observed with interest as 'Ryuki' kicked Chris back, sending her thrashing against a tree.'His power is unstable and poses no threat. And yet, his presence feels abominable. Something is off...'

"How?!" Chris growled with effort as she tried to block the incessant strikes with her whip."How did he get this strong?! He was just a little shit last time!"

'Ryuki' swept her feet, prompting her to fall to the ground. He grabbed her thigh and threw her harshly toward Ouja.

The assassin took a step to the side, avoiding Chris colliding with him."Interesting. I think I understand now." Twirling his sword around, Ouja rotated his neck, cracking it.

"Hajime-kun..." Hibiki couldn't believe what she was seeing. It was like watching another person fight instead of her friend."He changed his whole fighting style. And he doesn't look like he even needs my help. But did he really get that strong from just training with Master and me for a few days?"

'Ryuki' and Ouja seized each other up briefly before they both charged at each other with their swords.

Ouja chuckled, feeling himself being pushed back by the black Rider."It's clear as day. Your power, your abilities, your very presence. You aren't Ryuki. If I had to guess...based on your color and your savage nature...you must be that vigilante Rider I heard about."

'Ryuki' said nothing, continuing trying to beat Ouja in strength but they were evenly matched.

"A man of few words. You remind me just of the old man that I called a mentor." Ouja continued."Come on, why don't you give me your name at least? I'm Ouja."

Ouja rose his leg to go for a kick, but the black Rider reacted in time and jumped away, landing in front of Hibiki and Miku.

The Rider brandished his sword, raising his head."I'm Ryuga." He stated his name, drawing a card from his deck and showing it to Ouja."I'm the strongest Rider. I'm the savior of this world."

Advent: Dragblacker
ATK: 6000