Reviews:

DCDGojira: Happy you liked it.

HanzoHasashi98: Yeah that's what I was trying to do with Ryuki in the first season. A normal kid who happened to get incredible power and thinks he's invincible only to realize he's facing people who have way more experience than him. Kinda like how Shinji was at the start of the series. But don't worry his chance to shine will come soon.

Nexus240: LOL. Yeah, I think Scissors dying first is an unspoken rule in every Ryuki story amongst fans like how Mami is in the Madoka series. But I didn't kill him off because of the memes, I just thought his character had served his purpose and his character arc was over. But instead of making him an asshole like Ryuki or Dragon Knight, I wanted him to make him a good guy siding with the heroes and giving his life for a good purpose. As for Femme, Verde, and the others, you'll have to wait and see but I'll tell you right now that I won't be having Raia sacrifice himself like that for Ryuki or any deaths that would be similar to Ryuki. Thanks for your kind words by the way.

maxfz19: Me alegra que te haya gustado el capitulo. Lo de Ryuga al principio era un misterio pero despues me di cuenta que no funcionaria con la historia ya que mucha gente ya se lo veia venir pero igual termino funcionando.

TheOkWriter: Originally I was going to have someone dying earlier when I was writing the first few chapters but I realized there are less than 15 Riders and Symphogear has 5 seasons. Now the war has started and more Riders will show up. Abyss is not part of the original 13 but I feel like he's wasted potential like some of the Riders we barely got to see like Verde, Ryuga, and Femme. So I decided to add him because it wouldn't really hurt the narrative and would add to the list of Riders to face. The number of Riders will be discussed later on in the series as well as how Ryuga fits in the picture.

Cure Crystal: xDD honestly when I first wrote Ryuga, I wanted him to be a mystery but as I progressed the story in my head and pictured how everything will play out, I realized that if his identity being obvious to the reader would be better since I want him to be an actual character with feelings. And what better way to show that than with his friendship with Miku?

Chapter 21 - G
A Concert to Remember

Three months after the battle with Fine and Odin had passed, the Symphogear and Riders continued with their lives as best as they could. Now that the Second Division had organized more with more Riders and Symphogears at their disposal, they were able to go on more missions than before. This in particular was of utmost importance, which revolved around them safely transporting Solomon's Cane.

"What's up with your arms?" Hibiki asked as she sat next to Takeru, who kept rubbing his arms with a wince."Are your wounds still acting up?"

"Huh? Oh, you mean back when I had my arm broken? Nah, I've long since healed from that." Takeru leaned back on his seat."No...I just had to carry something really fucking heavy recently. For miles."

"And what was that?"

"A Buddist altar." Takeru nodded, closing his eyes as he nodded in a sage-like manner.

"Huh?! Really? I didn't know you were a Buddhist, Takeru-san."

"Eh, I'm not." Takeru shrugged."Neither is the person I bought this for, right, Chrissy?"

"She doesn't need to know that, Takeru." Chris glared at him."Why are you still complaining? That was days ago."

"Yeah but that thing was heavy as hell. My arms are still sore from that."

"Why did you need an altar, Chris-chan?" Hibiki asked in good nature, and due to this, Chris found herself unable to resist answering.

"It's for my Mama and Papa," Chris answered, playing with her hair."If feels wrong to go back to an empty home and forget about them. So I set it up as a memory for them."

"Oh." Hibiki gasped."I see. Well, I think that's a good thing, Chris-chan. To keep them in your mind at all times."

"There were other ways to do that other than buying an altar, though." Takeru muttered."Not that I can complain. At least I get to talk to them and tell them how nice I am to their daughter. But I guess it all worked out in the end. Though we did get stopped by the cops several times."

"You love me. You don't have it in you to say no to me." Chris shot him a smug grin, wiggling her eyebrows.

"I guess not." Takeru stood up from his seat, glancing over to the door leading outside, where Yosuke was."I'll go check in with Yanagi."

"Okay. Keep him accompanied for us." Hibiki asked, earning a nod from the orange-haired boy. Takeru made his way over to the door leading to the next cart. Takeru turned the knob, wincing as he felt the cold wind of the night on his face. He closed the door behind him, resting his arms on the railing."Yo."

"Hey," Yosuke said, not bothering to face him. He had his purple hair down, reaching past his chin and almost reaching his shoulders.

"Thinking?"

"Thinking."

"I see." Takeru fidgeted, not knowing how to properly approach him."Sorry. I'm not good at starting conversations. I kinda wish the Lieutenant had come here with us."

"I know how important attending Maria and Tsubasa's concert was for him." Yosuke said."I wanted him to be happy, at least."

"He appreciates that." Takeru grinned."He never stopped talking about it. Means a lot to him. And he must mean a lot to you for you to want to exclude him from this mission."

"You do too, believe it or not." Yosuke finally glanced at him."It wasn't always like that, though. When I first met him, we clashed all the time. Nearly let him go fight Odin by himself."

"Shit. You didn't like him that much?"

"I thought that he wasn't worthy of that Deck. You see, the Ryuki Deck belonged to my friend, Akira. Before it was just Akira, me, and...Goro...Now I'm the only one left. And it's all my fault."

"It wasn't your fault."

"Wasn't it? I wasn't strong so Akira and Kanade died. I got wounded and I didn't react him time to Ouja's attack. And if that wasn't bad already, I also didn't help during the battle with Odin. In all those scenarios, I could have done something. And yet I didn't."

"You can't think about it like that, dude." Takeru patted him on the shoulder."It'll eat you away. I used to think that Chris' life was the way it was because of me. And it was killing me slowly. If you let guilt take over you for something that you couldn't help, then it'll only affect you."

"There's something else that my actions caused..." Yosuke grabbed at his face."I never told this to anyone new, not even Adachi or Goro. But...I was the one who killed the original Scissors."

"The original?"

"The one before Goro. My father was the original Knight like yours was the original Zolda. The original Scissors...was a scumbag. We made up a lie that he died fighting Odin because he had cancer and didn't have long to live. But we only did that so Goro wouldn't feel hesitant to use his powers. But that's what he was. A horrible person. On par with Gai and Ouja. My father and he were rival detectives. Scissors used his Deck to cause crimes and then solve them himself. My father knew figured it out and confronted him about it. Scissors killed my father. My father gave me the deck because he thought it would be in better hands with me. I transformed and chased Scissors away."

Takeru listened intently, frowning as Yosuke continued pouring his heart out.

"Scissors was heavily wounded. I nearly killed him. But he summoned Odin to challenge him to a duel to save himself, thinking he could somehow pull it off. Now that I think about it, maybe he thought he wasn't going to win. But he had no other choice to but try. As you might imagine, he died, and Odin took that Deck with him and officially welcomed me to the game. He gave me this."

Yosuke reached for his Deck, pulling out a card that read "Contract".

"What's that?"

"It's what Scissors got from killing my father." Yosuke explained."People who first get the deck have to make a contract with their monsters using this card. But this is also what Kamen Riders get when they kill another Rider in battle. Scissors didn't get the chance to use it since I was nearby and took my father's deck. I guess that's why Ouja took off before he could use it. Or maybe he just didn't know he had it."

"Wait a minute, so you're telling me...Ouja got that too?! And that's why he took Volcancer's card?! But I thought you couldn't make a contract with another monster!"

"I thought so too. But...maybe you can." Yosuke grimaced."If that's the case, then I inadvertently screwed us all up. If I had finished Scissors off that time...or maybe if I protected Goro as I should have..."

"What if the Deck is...I don't know, given to someone else? Maybe Odin gave it to another person."

"Impossible. Maybe if we still had the Deck and it was intact, we could have given it to someone else. But Ouja destroyed it. So there's no way other Scissors will arise. Odin once said that when he defeats a Rider in a duel, he gives their Deck to another person, since there's no point in him ending his own game. But if another Rider does it..."

"Then it's okay since it's part of the game." Takeru snorted."Great. So essentially we're being played with and forced to kill each other."

"Treated like gladiators, living in a world filled with nothing but despair. In a game where it's killed or be killed." Yosuke sighed."My plan was to gather as many Riders as possible to band together against Odin. But...I saw firsthand how useless that idea is. We all got decimated. Not to mention that only one Rider can win. Which means that the game will never end. And we're certainly not about to kill each other either."

"Fuck no." Takeru shook his head."That's stupid. You guys are the only friends I have. I would never do something like that. And I trust you would never do that to me either. But...Still, it makes things harder for us. Now we don't have a viable way to solve a particular problem. We can't rely on that wish."

"Right. I wanted to revive Akira or Kanade. And now I can't even revive Goro without killing a whole bunch of people, you guys included. The best thing we can do, which is Adachi's suggestion, is to destroy the other Rider's Decks. Going with the idea that we don't want to kill them. But honestly...I'm going to be the one to send Ouja to hell."

Takeru looked down to see Yosuke clenched his hands so hard that his nails cut his skin, causing some blood to come out."Revenge."

"He killed Goro in cold blood. And is most likely going for you too now." Yosuke bit his lower lip."I can't let a murderer like that on the loose. Neither Gai. While I respect Tachibana's way of understanding people with words and Adachi's way of taking away the power that gives them the ability to kill, I think it's best to kill those who pose the greatest threat."

"It is efficient to end a problem like that, especially considering our circumstances." Takeru nodded."Ouja, or rather, Cypher, is dangerous, even without his Deck. But Yanagi, revenge is a...path you'd better off not walking on. Especially with Cypher."

"What do you mean?"

"Don't take it the wrong way, but I think Ouja is counting on you wanting to avenge Goro." Takeru flipped on the railing, now resting his back on it."His whole goal is to witness a strong emotion from a person. That's why he wants to kill me. Because he thinks Chris would flip out on him and show him what time of reaction she'll have. When a strong emotion is aimed toward a goal. In this case, revenge. For some twisted reason, he believes that seeing a reaction like that would spark his emotions to flourish and he'll be able to feel something."

"That's...the stupidest thing I've ever heard." Yosuke felt the need to throw up.

"Yeah, it doesn't make sense to us. But to someone like him, an assassin trained since he was a kid to repress his emotions and trained to kill on sight, it makes perfect sense. He probably doesn't know how he feels. It's possible that the personality he's shown so far is not even his own. Assassins are master manipulators, after all. Maybe he lost himself along the way. Anyway, what I'm trying to say is if you're going to pursue him, do it because it's the right thing to do. Not because you want to exert your revenge."

"I know. I know it's a path I might not return from. But..." Yosuke reminisced of his times with Goro and Tsubasa before he remembered him dying in his grasp."I can't. I want the worse hell can offer to fall on Ouja. Goro was a nice boy with aspirations and dreams. And because of Ouja...now his dad is all alone. Lost both son and wife."

"At least the commander visits him every day." Takeru offered, but Yosuke fell silent."You said that only you remain out of the 3 Riders you guys had at first. But you're looking at it the wrong way. You have Tsubasa. And you have me, Hibiki, Chrissy, and Hajime. Don't fight for what you lost. Fight for what you still have. If there's one thing I've learned is that a man's at his strongest when he's protecting those he loves. It's because of that I stood strong during those years serving under Fine. Because I had Chrissy to think about."

Takeru faced him, and Yosuke did the same."Goro sacrificed himself so you can bring an end to this whole thing. So you can protect those who need protection. Honestly...I'm clueless about a lot of things and the Lieutenant is still a kid compared to us. So we're gonna need you to help us out."

"I owe it to Goro that I'm alive today." Yosuke nodded."I'll do it. I'll do my best to be a good leader to you all."

"Good." Takeru grinned a toothy grin."We're counting on you."

"I wonder what those two are talking about..." Hibiki trailed off, sitting by herself with Hibiki in the train cart.

"Takeru is probably trying to get Yosuke to talk." Chris shrugged."You know how he's been lately. Closed off. He's perfect for the job, honestly. Takeru doesn't seem to shut up sometimes."

"Really? He talks a lot?"

"You have no idea." Chris groaned, shaking her head."Especially when he comes over to my department. All he does is ramble on about daily things. But I don't dislike it. I love to hear him talk about his day. It's like he can get a conversation going about anything. That's why I think he's probably the only one who can talk to Yosuke right now. Well, other than Tsubasa herself."

"Why not me?" Hibiki quirked a brow."Or Hajime-kun?"

"Are you kidding me?" Chris narrowed her eyes."You'd just spout some nonsense about how he needs to smile and all that. Hajime would probably just be insensitive and provoke him. You guys are dense."

"W-we are...?"

"And speaking of which...when the hell are you going on a date?"

"A d-d-d-date?!"

"Please, it's obvious you guys have a thing for each other." Chris crossed her arms."Super obvious. And Hajime said he'd ask you out on a date but he never did."

"Wait..." Hibiki blushed profusely."He did what?"

"Yeah, that's what Takeru said." Chris nodded."Back when we fought Fine. He said if we survived, he'd do it. But he never did."

"I...well, that's because we were mourning." Hibiki's features softened, remembering how tough the first month it was for all of them."Goro-san was our friend...I don't think going on a date was in anyone's mind."

"Maybe, but I doubt he would have wanted all of you to put your lives on hold for that long." Chris reasoned."I mean, I didn't know him for long, but he seemed like the kind of guy who wanted the best for his friends. So the best for everyone to do is to move on. Sure, I know it's tough. I felt the same way when my parents died. And it's not easy. But when you have people by your side, you can share that burden. Takeru was there for me and now we're here for all of you."

"Chris-chan..." Hibiki gaped at her newest friend."You're...a lot more sensitive and nice than you let on, you know?"

"O-of course I am! What do you take me for?" Chris blushed, huffing."But seriously...You might as well ask him out yourself."

"But...Chris-chan, how did you fall in love with Takeru-san? How do you know if you love a person?"

"Well...honestly, I knew Takeru was into me on some level. Then he willingly came with Fine and me. At first, I thought he did it because he took pity on me because of what happened to me. So whenever he would get flirty, I would shoot him down. But then I realized he truly cared about me and genuinely wanted me to be with him. It took me a while to sort my feelings out, but it sort of...happened. I guess after coming to near death a handful of times and being separated from each other with no certainty of seeing each other again sparked something in us. And that's how it happened. It's something that you feel. How do you feel?"

"I don't know...It's weird. I never felt this way before. I like the way he smiles when he's excited about something. It makes him look so innocent and joyful. I also like the way he stands next to me sometimes. It makes me feel reassured. And how he's always acting confident and doesn't give up. It makes me think that everything is going to be okay. He says he's not a good person, but I don't think that at all. He saved my life when we first met without expecting anything in return. I wish he would appreciate himself a little more."

"Oh, yeah. You're in love alright." Chris gave her final verdict."And how do you feel about him being so obsessed with this Maria girl?"

"Well...it may sound silly, but..." Hibiki twiddled with her thumbs."I'd like him to say those things he says about her to me..."

"Yeah, no doubt about it." Chris chuckled."You're in love. Like, really in love. I don't remember getting jealous of Takeru talking to other girls. But then again, we never really interacted with anyone else. That said, I think you should just tell him."

"But...what if he doesn't feel the same way? I wouldn't want to ruin our friendship..."

"I'm sure he knows and is just as nervous as you are." Chris brushed off her concerns."Besides, better get him now before someone else does."

"Is there someone else?!"

"I don't know. Is there?"

"Not that I know of..."

"Then you're fin-"

A huge tremor ended the conversation, and before they knew it, the boys rushed back inside."What happened?!"

"Guys! We're detecting a huge horde of Noise coming this way!" Aoi entered through the cart behind."They're more than likely aiming for Solomon's Cane."

"Finally. Some action." Takeru cracked his knuckles."I'm raring to go."

"Hold on, Sakamoto." Yosuke grabbed his shoulder."We should approach this carefully. The Noise attack mindlessly. And if their goal is to get Solomon's Cane, then they're being controlled. Aoi-san, take the doctor to the front carts."

"Will I see two Kamen Riders in action?" Said a with white hair and glasses. John Wayne Vercingetorix or as he was commonly known, Dr. Ver."I'm eager to see what that armor can do."

"If you want a show, then you'll get one, good doctor." Takeru grinned, pulling out his Zolda Deck.

Dr. Ver looked intently as Yosuke took out his Deck."Let's get to work. Stay in formation and if you find yourself in trouble, let whoever is nearby know. If you're still in trouble-"

"Then we call for you, we know." Chris, Hibiki, and Takeru groaned in unison.

Yosuke rolled his eyes, but was satisfied that his endless lectures were paying off."Let's go."

"Balwisyall Nescell Gungnir Tron..."

"Kilter Ichaival Tron..."

"Henshin!"

(Seigi wo Shinjite, Nigirishimete)

In a flash of light, both Symphogear and Kamen Riders were now on top of the high-speed moving train.

"Okay, this is trippy." Zolda swallowed the lump in his throat, feeling intimidated by how fast the train was going.

"Not getting cold feet, are you?" Chris grinned at him."I'll kill more of them than you this time."

"I'm not scared." Zolda was moving slowly, trying not to lose his balance."But I don't feel like falling off a fucking train and breaking something again."

"No one is going to fall." Yosuke grumbled, already eyeing the flying Noise around them."Just relax. Besides, you hardly need to move."

"Right..."

"If you fall, I'll pick you up, dummy." Chris smacked him on the helmet.

"Yeah! I'll catch you too, Takeru-san!" Hibiki beamed, ignoring the teen's sigh."Let's try that combo we've been practicing!"

"You want to use a combo you've barely practiced on top of a moving train?!" Takeru shrieked."You're insane!"

"Well, we could use it only if we need it." Hibiki turned to Knight."Is that okay, Yosuke-san?"

"Sure. Only if I can see it in case something happens." Knight drew a card, opening his Darkvisor.

Sword Vent: Winglancer
ATK:3000

"Now you're acting like an overprotective father." Takeru snorted, pulling back on his visor as he activated his ability as well.

Shoot Vent: Gigacannons
ATK: 3000

"Watch my back," Chris told Takeru as she unloaded her crossbows.

"Only if you watch mine, pumpkin."

"Yeah, you're not calling me that. Try something better." Chris rolled her eyes, jumping into action. Zolda aimed his shoulder cannons at the Noise following Chris, protecting her rear.

Knight jumped off the train, causing Hibiki to gasp.

Advent: Darkwing
ATK: 4000

Darkwing equipped itself onto Knight's back, allowing him to glide in the air and pierce through Noise around.

'Nearly gave me a heart attack!' Hibiki sighed in relief as she sang her song, punching the Noise with calculative strikes. In the months after the attack on the Moon, she's improved her fighting skills and was stronger than she was before.

Zolda noticed a group of Noise banding together to attack him, forcing him to jump onto the center of the train.

Guard Vent: Gigaarmor
DEF: 3000

The Noise crashed onto his shield, pushing him back to the edge of the train. The boy panicked, realizing he was about to fall until he felt someone kick him on the back, causing him to push the Noise away before unloading missiles at them.

"Sorry, Takeru-san!" Hibiki apologized for her roughness."Did I hurt you?"

"You shitting me, right? You just saved my life..."

"You're falling behind, Takeru!" Chris hollered, focusing energy on her crossbows, making them bigger than before. The girl shot four arrows in total, which then began breaking into smaller projectiles.

Giga Zepellin

"I have to step up my game then. Can't let my girl outshine me like this." Zolda playfully said, grabbing a card from his deck.

Shoot Vent: Magnumini
ATK: 3000

Zolda grabbed onto his minigun, spraying a good chunk of the Noise as he spun in circles.

"Must they be such showoffs all the time?" Knight sighed in dismay before noticing a larger Noise, faster than the others, circulating around."What the hell?"

"What's that?" Zolda squinted, the rain somewhat making it difficult to see through the lenses of his helmet.

"It looks different from the other ones," Hibiki noted.

"Maybe their leader?" Chris offered, unsure of her suggestion.

"Since when do Noise have leaders?" Zolda pointed out.

"Who knows, but we have to shoot it down!"

Mega Deth Party

Zolda and Chris combined their projectiles, missiles, and bullets. The Noise maneuvered through the air, dodging their combined attacks.

"No way...how is that possible?" Zolda was taken aback, but Chris had more plays to make.

Chris switched her crossbows for her Gatling guns, continuing her assault.

Billion Maiden

The bullets were now being deflected by the Noise, who began diving down toward them at high speeds.

Knight tried intercepting it, but the Noise spun around, avoiding being slashed by his lance. Hibiki took her turn, landing a devastating punch that seemed to do little to no damage.

"This is getting us nowhere." Knight landed beside the girls."Not to mention that not only is the train moving, so are the Noise, which is messing up your accuracy by a wide margin."

"It's too bad we can't use our X-Drive mode like a few months ago." Chris frowned, annoyed that she had still yet to take the Noise down."Don't you guys get something like that? If you got any new tricks, now is your chance!"

"Trust me, I would." Zolda summoned Magnugiga to aid in their shootout."But we Kamen Riders work a little differently. We don't just power up when we start singing."

Advent: Magnugiga
ATK: 6000

"Sakamoto, shoot the ground, now!"

Instinctively, Takeru followed Knight's command, shooting a hole onto the train with his cannons. Knight grabbed Chris and Hibiki, pulling them inside the train. Takeru jumped after them, calling his monster off just in time before they entered a tunnel.

Knight released his hold on the girls, prompting them to fall on their rears."Ouch! Be gentler!"

"I literally just saved your life, Yukine." Knight drawled, glancing over his shoulder."Doesn't get any gentler than that."

"Let's use this time for a break." Chris sighed, leaning on Zolda."Man, this is so frustrating. How can we kill that thing?"

"I could try using my Final Vent," Zolda suggested, resting his head on top of hers.

"No, your attacks cover a wide area, but that thing is too agile and sentient. Plus, if it's being controlled, it could just fly away until your attack is done. Not to mention you might accidentally blow the whole train up."

"I have an idea." Hibiki poked him on the side, earning his attention."I remember reading something in Master's combat manual that might work."

"Isn't that manual all about action movies?"

"Alright, hit me." Knight folded his arms, earning a surprised look from Chris."We need any idea that might help us."

"Okay!" Hibiki rose her fist, ecstatic that Knight allowed her to relay her idea." I was thinking that maybe we could uncouple one of the carts and smash it into them!"

"That's your idea?" Chris sweatdropped."They would just pass straight through the carriage anyway."

"Just let her finish." Knight chided her, receiving a pout, which he dismissed."Go on."

"I know what Chris-chan said is true, but we'll be hitting them with more than just the cart."

"Okay...I think it's worth a try." Knight nodded."Good thinking, Tachibana. We'll follow your lead."

The group went to the penultimate cart. Chris shot the link off, causing the cart to get loose.

"Alright! Thanks, Chri-chan!" Hibiki gave her a thumbs up."Takeru-san, if you please."

Takeru nodded, shooting two rockets at the cart to propel it back. As they expected, the Noise were phasing right through it.

Knight folded his arms, curious to see what the girl had thought off. He watched her focus energy into her gauntlet, enlarging it with an engine at her forearms."That's..."

Hibiki jumped off the cart, using her boosters to increase her speed and punching power, smashing her fist against the leader Noise's head. The girl let the piston on her gauntlet close down, creating an explosion of power that destroyed the remaining Noise following them.

The Gungnir wielder used the shockwave to boost herself back to the train, giving her friends a peace sign.

"She gathered all the Noise in one narrow area, preventing them from moving too much, and then unleashed a powerful attack by using the cart as cover." Zolda whistled."I...was not expecting that from her."

"Nice job, Tachibana." Knight praised her."You're very creative. That's a valuable trait to have."

"Ah, thank you, Yosuke-san!" Hibiki smiled at the older teen."It means a lot."

"What a kissass," Chris grumbled.

"What was that?"

"Nothing!"

A few hours later in the day, the group of teens stood behind Aoi as she finished the formal procedure for the transfer mission. Yosuke paid attention to the conversation, but everyone else was dozing off or spacing out.

"Now I've seen it first hand." Dr. Ver approached the youths, causing them to yelp at the unexpected approach."You're not called the Heroes of the Lunar Attack for nothing."

"Heroes? Us?" Hibiki bashfully rubbed her head."We hardly get any praise for our efforts. Please keep the compliments coming!"

"Talk about not being humble." Takeru rolled his eyes."Then again, it's not like we Riders did anything other than stare."

"Ryuga was the one who did all the heavy lifting, Tachibana." Yosuke reminded her."Otherwise, you'd all have used your Superb Songs. And..."

"I'll remember to give him his fair share of praises next time I see him." The girl smiled."I'm sure he'll appreciate it."

"By the way, I'm sorry if I'm overstepping, but do all Kamen Riders have different animals? You're a bat and he's a bull, correct?"

"Creatures, in general." Yosuke replied, eyeing the doctor carefully."Our comrade at home, for instance, has a dragon."

"A dragon? That's quite the mythical creature." Dr. Ver was amazed by the information."Does that mean he's the strongest?"

"You'd think so, but no." Takeru chimed in."Out of the three of us, he's the weakest in terms of experience and overall skill. Yanagi here is the second strongest even though he's a bat, and I'm the strongest. The Advent Monsters don't determine a Rider's overall power. One of the rogue Riders has a rattlesnake. Anyone would think a snake would lose to a dragon or a bull. But nope. We got our asses handed to us."

"Hold on, what do you mean second strongest?" Yosuke rose a brow at the remark."When did we ever decide that?"

"You're the captain but not because you're strong. But because your leading abilities and your intellect are higher than ours." Takeru blew raspberries."Need I remind you I took on all three of you by myself at one point."

"That was in the past. I don't mind showing you what I got now."

Before a fight could start, Hibiki and Chris pulled them apart.

Dr. Ver cleared his throat."A rogue Rider. Yes, I've heard about them on the news. One is killing off businessmen and the other one is a vigilante, thinking he's some sort of protector. But that's not what the world needs. The world needs great heroes who carry the hopes of mankind!"

"Ah, I agree!" Hibiki blushed, still enjoying the praises she was receiving.

Takeru gaped, a little disturbed by the man's sudden outburst. Chris shrugged, but he could tell she felt the same way. Yosuke knew something was wrong this the doctor and decided to keep an eye out for him just in case.

Half an hour later, the group exited the research center owned by Japan and America, all tired after their mission.

"We're done!" Hibiki exclaimed."Hopefully, we can make it make to Tsubasa's concert on time!"

"God, I hope so." Yosuke felt as if he was out of energy after having to help Aoi with the paperwork."I mean...I can't miss her concert."

"And you won't." Aoi reassured him."The Commander said you guys can take the helicopter back to Tokyo."

"Sounds good." Takeru moaned as he stretched, popping his joints."I'm dying for some chili fries right about now."

"You ever gonna stop eating junk food?" Chris berated him, hands on her hips."It's not healthy! And that's all you eat!"

"What? No, it's not."

"I live next door to you and have a key to your apartment." Chris walked up to him, jabbing her finger against his chest."I went there to wake your ass up, and what do I find? Bags of fast food everywhere! You don't even clean!"

"Okay, maybe...I haven't had time to eat anything else." Takeru took a step back, raising his arms in defeat."Or clean."

"Look..." Chris' features softened."We said we'd learn how to cook. Maybe we should work on that, yeah?"

"That... sounds pretty good."

"Oh! I want to learn how to cook too!" Hibiki got in between the, wrapping her arms around them and bringing them closer to her.

"The more the merrier, as they say." Takeru sighed, sad that his quality time with Chris just got ruined by Hibiki unintentionally.

As if God was playing tricks on the, an explosion occurred, ending their early celebration."Seriously?!"

"No rest for the wicked." Yosuke already had his Deck out, rushing into danger.

"It's not easy being heroes, huh?" Takeru clicked his tongue, following behind. Chris and Hibiki followed suit.

Meanwhile, back in Tokyo, Tsubasa, Hajime, and Ogawa were in the backrooms, helping Tsubasa get ready for her big performance.

"Thanks again for this, Kazanari-san!" Hajime said between tears, hugging the bluenette with all his might."I can't believe I get to fulfill my dream today!"

"It's the least I can do." Tsubasa awkwardly patted his back, glancing at Ogawa for help but the ninja just chuckled." At first, I wasn't sure whether to do this or not. Not since...what happened. But I...know how much this means to you. And you've been working hard. So think of it as your reward. Besides, I know Goro wouldn't want me to disappoint my fans by canceling another show. He'd want me to move on and continue performing. Now...would you release me, Adachi? I can't breathe."

"Oh, sorry!" Hajime leaped back, giving Tsubasa the space she needed.

The girl gave him an odd look."I see you're a hardcore Maria fan."

In effect, Hajime was wearing white pants with pastel-colored shoes, a long-sleeved pink shirt with the picture of Maria's face, as well as a pair of cat ears that tried mimicking Maria's hairstyle."Of course! I try to get some exclusive Maria merchandise with the money I get paid whenever I can!"

"I see your sister takes after you." Tsubasa giggled, making him blush.

"I-I wouldn't say so..."

"There's nothing wrong with that." Ogawa said."Just...you might want to lose the cat ears."

"Huh? Why?"

"Just do it. Trust me." Tsubasa sighed, staring at Ogawa who had just gotten a phone call.

"What? No!" Hajime grabbed them, keeping them out of Tsubasa's grasp."I have to show my full support to Maria!"

"And how come I don't get any support from you?" Tsubasa planted her hands on her hips."You're my friend. I should be able to count on your support the most. And after I went out of my way to have this concert just so you can meet Maria..."

"Kazanari-san, I-"

"I'm just messing with you." Tsubasa laughed, causing the boy to huff but joined in on the laughter."I'm happy with your sister being my fan."

"I do like your music." Hajime rubbed his nape."It's just...Maria has a special place in my heart. Her music was able to help me get out of the darkness I was in way back when. Her music had a big impact on me, so..."

"No need to say more." Tsubasa offered a warm smile."I understand. Goro used to say the same thing about my songs. Back when Kanade and Akira died, he was the one who insisted that I should continue on my idol career. I'm glad he did."

Hajime grew serious at her words."We'll make him proud, Kazanari-san. We'll stop Ouja and end this Rider War before you know it."

"I sure hope so." Tsubasa closed her eyes."I don't know how I feel about you being by yourself here with me. One of the boys should have stayed here with you just in case."

"You worry too much. I can handle myself just fine." Hajime waved her concerns off."Besides, why would they attack the concert? And who? Ouja wouldn't care and Gai would be more likely to be in the crowd than anything else. And if there are others...then I'll just protect you with all I have."

"Of course, I'll help too-"

"Nope. Tonight is your night." Hajime crossed his arms in refusal."Think of me as your extra buddy guard."

"I think you mean bodyguard."

"I know what I said." Haime grunted."But seriously, don't worry. Yanagi-san always stresses this when we're training. If we need help, we ask for it. So if I need to, I'll ask for your help. And vice versa."

"Fine." Tsubasa relented, realizing she wasn't going to make him change his mind."But don't do anything reckless. Please."

"Yes, ma'am!"

Just then, a knock on the door caught their attention. Shinji ended his phone call, heading for the door. Before he could grab the knob, the door burst open, revealing none other than Maria and a man with silver hair by her side. The man stood tall, above 6 feet tall, and had a muscular physique, his clothes emphasizing his figure. He was wearing a long-sleeved white shirt, black dress pants and shoes, and a black vest with a red tie. He had short, spiky, silver hair with choppy bangs that hang over his eyebrows, allowing his piercing dark blue to be displayed for everyone to see.

"Good evening! We're coming through!" The silver-haired man announced, Maria facepalming at his antics.

"Jades-nii-san, please... They didn't give us permission to enter."

"No, no. It's fine." Ogawa shook his head with a friendly smile."We were the ones who invited you here. Thank you for accepting our invitation."

"Hey, no problem." Jades grinned with a wink."From manager to manager, it's a pleasure to see our girls behind the stage."

"You're Maria's manager?" Tsubasa tilted her head.

"Yup. And her elder brother too." Jades gave a bow, holding his arm to the side."It's a pleasure to meet you face to face, Tsubasa Kazanari. My name is Jades Demetrios. Love your music by the way."

"Jeids?" Tsubasa hummed, trying how to pronounce his name."Ja...de..."

"It's greek." Jades chuckled, finding her attempts to pronounce his name cute."It's pronounced "Jay-Deez". Just like that. Though I still get people confusing it."

"You must have your hands full." Ogawa commented."Being not only Maria's manager but also her big brother."

"Oh, yeah. You have no idea." Jades adopted a predator-like smile."I'm the overprotective type, so when guys get too close to her, I tend to go a little haywire."

"A little?" Maria glared at him accusingly."Never mind my brother. Sorry if I'm blunt, but to what do we owe the pleasure of your invitation?"

"Oh, right." Tsubasa stood up, walking to Hajime's side."My friend is a huge fan of yours. And he begged me to let you meet him and maybe take a picture with him. He's been bothering me nonstop for months about it."

"That's him?" Maria glanced at Hajime, who had not said a single word since they had come into the room. He hadn't moved at all, his eyes rolled to the back of his head.

"He looks like he got frozen with ice." Jades said, approaching the smaller boy with a smile."Look, Maria. He's a hardcore fan. He even has those little cat ears they started to sell."

"Oh, yeah. You're right, Jades-nii-san." Maria touched her hair."Though they're not cat ears. That's just how my hair is."

Hajime's mouth started opening and closing rapidly as if he was trying to formulate a sentence but couldn't get his words out.

"Go on, Adachi." Tsubasa pushed him forward toward Maria."Sorry, he's acting a bit uncharacteristically shy."

"That's quite alright. People tend to have that reaction when they have me in front of them." Maria leaned forward."Hello, there. It's okay. You don't have to be nervous around me. I like what you're wearing. The color choices fit just right. Though the ears..."

"Ah, I'm sorry!" Hajime quickly grabbed the cat ears, throwing them away, his eyes full of sparkles and his face blushing furiously."Maria! I'm a huge huge fan! Number 1 fan, even! I must be dreaming or something...I'm meeting my favorite idol! Gosh! Kazanari-san! Why didn't you tell me to take off the damn ears?!"

"We tried..."

"I think it's great that you love showing your support..." Maria stopped, realizing she hadn't gotten his name yet.

"Hajime! I'm Hajime Adachi!"

"Okay." Maria's smile widened."Hajime-chan it is." She reached for his air, petting him.

"To be on a first-name basis with Maria..." Hajime felt like he was about to explode in his chest."I have to be dreaming..."

"How about a picture?" Jades suggested."To commemorate this moment and just in case you need a reminder that this was not a dream."

"Sounds like a great idea." Maria nodded to his brother. She wrapped her arm around Hajime's shoulder to bring him close, winking and giving a peace sign at the camera. Hajime meekly rose his fingers, forcing a normal smile despite his nerves betraying him.

"Got it." Ogawa nodded after taking the picture with his phone."I'll send it to you, Hajime-kun."

"Well, we should get going." Jades glanced down at his watch."The concert starts in an hour and we have to get a few things ready."

"Right. Thank you for fulfilling our request." Tsubasa bowed down."I look forward to being on stage with you, Maria."

"As do I." Maria nodded."I can't wait to perform with Japan's number 1 singer."

"M-M-Maria...?"

"Yes?" Maria looked down at Hajime, who had his arms behind his back and was fidgeting in place.

"Well...your music inspired me to be better and look towards the future. And it's always been a dream of mine to...shake your hand. I know it sounds weird, but-"

"How about I do one better?" Maria walked closer to him, wrapping her arms around his smaller frame. The boy nearly fainted, feeling Maria's ample blossom in his face."A hug for my number 1 fan."

Maria released Hajime, turning to her brother, who glared at her with a disapproving glare. The girl grabbed his hand, pulling him toward the door."We'll be seeing you."

"Looking forward to your performance, Tsubasa." Jades waved at her, closing the door behind him.

"They certainly have an air of elegance to them, don't they?" Tsubasa couldn't help but admire."They carry themselves in a dignified manner. Well...maybe the brother not so much. But he seems reliable."

"They are foreigners after all. Everyone is different." Ogawa pointed out, his gaze falling on Hajime."Hajime-kun, what do you think?"

"I think this is the best day of my life." The raven-haired boy collapsed on his back, a goofy smile on his face."I'm never showering again."

"Did you have to hug him?"

"Nii-san, please, he's just a child." Maria sighed in exasperation."He seemed too happy, I couldn't help myself. A gift from an idol to her fan. Nothing more, nothing else."

"I didn't mean it like that." Jades folded his arms."I mean, why put his face against your chest? You know I don't approve of that."

"Ok, that was not my fault." Maria defended herself."He's short and he happens to reach up to my chin. It couldn't have been helped."

"Fine. I guess it's understandable." Jades decided to end the topic."My bad. I just can't help but worry about you guys and any potential suitors you may have. Especially you girls. I wouldn't want just any guy to get at you."

"You worry too much, Nii-san." Maria wrapped her arms around his."I understand Kirika and Shirabe, but I'm just a year younger than you. I think I know how relationships work. But if you must know, I don't have anyone in mind, so you don't have to worry."

"But that also worries me." Jades rubbed the edge of his nose."I don't want you girls to stay by yourselves forever. But at the same time, I don't want another guy taking you guys away from me..."

"Like we would ever love anyone else more than our big brother." Maria rubbed her face against his arm."But you know...what about you? Do we have to look out for any girl trying to steal our brother away?"

"Never." Jades rejected the idea."Besides I...I don't think I'm good at relationships. All things considered. With everything going on lately, I barely had time for myself."

"Is it about that mission?" Maria halted in her tracks, forcing Jades to do the same."You've been acting strange ever since you came back after the unsuccessful mission of retrieving the Gai Deck."

"Acting strange?" Jades chuckled nervously."Whatever do you mean, Mari?"

"I know something's bothering you, Jades-nii-san. You may have fooled the others, but not me." Maria moved in front of him, glaring up at him due to the height difference."You're distant. And that's so unlike you. Especially to Kirika and Shirabe. You look at us as if...you feel regret. What exactly happened when you were gone?"

Jades frowned, his fists clenching. Maria noticed this, growing more concerned for her brother. He gave her a reassuring smile, kissing her forehead before walking ahead."You read the report, Maria. Everything's fine. I'm fine. Don't worry about me. I promise that I'll keep looking after you guys no matter what. And you know I never fail to keep a promise."

"Nii-san..." Maria breathed, staring at his back."What about you...? How do you feel? Why won't you tell me anything...?"

'I'm sorry, Maria.' A pair of tears escaped Jades' eyes, grinding his teeth.'I have doomed one of you...Your big brother messed up again...Just like six years ago.'

"I want some gummy bears! Oh, and can't forget about some cotton candy! And a bag of sour patches! And maybe some-"

"What are you doing?"

A green-haired boy yelped as he felt his cheek being pulled."Owie! That hurts, Raiden!" He was wearing baggy black pants with white sneakers alongside a black shirt and a yellow sweater unzipped. He also had a cap and a pair of headphones around his neck.

The other boy in question had short brown hair and sported a pair of reading glasses. He had green eyes, a slim build, and a silver stud in his left ear. He had black form-fitting pants, blue shoes with pink highlights, and an oversized blue sweater with the image of a scorpion printed on it."You can't be stuffing your face before an operation, Andreas. You'll be too bloated and sluggish for when we have to fight."

Andreas was a short boy, even shorter than Raiden, and was rather thin. He had short green hair that leaves a V-shaped fringe in between his orange eyes."What? But Jades-nii-chan said-"

"I know what he said." Raiden cut him off, snatching the credit card he held in his left arm."But we don't have an unlimited budget. Plus, you just ate an hour ago. How can you be hungry again?"

"Hey, it's a concert. Maria-nii is playing tonight and that means we can celebrate with her!" Andreas tried grabbing the card again, but Raiden held it above his head."Come on! Just some snacks!"

"We're on a job right now." Raiden flicked his forehead."Sheez. Why did Mom tell you to come along with me? I can handle any Rider that shows up here. Honestly, I would have preferred having Shirabe here over you."

"Of course, you'd prefer her. She's no fun, just like you!" Andreas stunk his tongue out, stomping his foot down.

"Cry about it." Raiden stuck his tongue before heading off."I'm going to the bathroom. And no, I'm not buying you any more snacks. So buzz off."

"Aw, man!" Andreas stomped his foot on the floor again, pouting. His eyes landed on the menu of the food stand in front of him, his mouth-watering. He shook his head."No! Bad Andreas! I must resist the temptation-"

As he began to backpedal, he bumped into someone, nearly causing them to fall.

"Watch where you're going, you brat." The man with unkempt black hair pushed Andreas off him harshly.

"S-sorry!" Andreas rubbed his rear, eyes landing on the young adult in front of him."I didn't...Wait...I know you!"

'Oh, shit.' Kuwana, who was attending Maria's concert, was misfortunate enough to run into Andreas."No, you don't."

"Yes, I do!" Andreas jumped to his feet, throwing himself to Kuwana for a hug."Teru-nii-chan! You're alive!"

"Get off of me!" Kuwana tried removing Andreas from his body, but the small boy proved to be too strong."Okay, it's me! Now stop that, you annoying kid!"

"I'm so happy! I can't wait to tell the others! Raiden should bere here soon, he just went to the-"

"No, no, no. You're not telling anybody." Kuwana grabbed Andreas by the shoulders, trying to glare at him in an intimidating manner."It's our little secret. Okay?"

The boy giggled, not intimidated by his brother's demeanor."Huh? But...we've missed you! And Mom said you were dead! That you and Atticus-nii-chan died! We love you-"

"Look...I..." Kuwana groaned internally, trying to formulate an excuse."I just have my own life now, okay? And I don't want to go back to...there. I have my own life. My own job. So don't go telling everyone about me. Is there something I could to do earn your silence?"

"Well..." A cheeky smile formed on Andreas' lips."I want some snacks! Some hotdogs and candy! And a shake!"

"Okay...so you're bribing me, you little shit?" Kuwana scoffed, chucking. He pulled out his wallet, counting a few bills in his hand."Since when did you get so smart? Here. 6000 Yen. Should be enough."

"A few thousand more should be better."

"If you tell me who else is here with you aside from Raiden and Maria then I'll give you two more."

"Okay! So aside from me, Shirabe and Kirika are on standby. I don't know where Jades-nii-chan is, though."

"So all six of you are here, essentially, huh?" Kuwana growled, grabbing Andreas' hand and stuffing it full of bills."Anyway here's your bribe. Now fuck off, Andreas. And don't forget. Don't tell anyone."

"Right on, nii-chan!" Andreas waved goodbye to him, earning Kuwana to flip him off as he walked away. The boy rushed to the food stand, ordering all the snacks he could want. A few minutes later, Raiden came out of the bathroom, putting on his hoodie.

"You wouldn't believe how nasty those bathrooms are." Raiden shivered."Some guy splashed water on me with his dirty paws-What the hell?"

"Hi, Raiden!" Andreas giggled, stuffing his face with a handful of popcorn before taking a bite out of his chocolate bar."Look! You want something to eat?"

"How in the world did you get money for all of that?" Raiden grabbed a bag of sour patches from his hands."Did you steal?"

"What?! No!"

"So how and when did you get the money to buy this?" Raiden narrowed his eyes at him."What happened while I was gone? You know what, tell me later. Let's get going. Also, don't eat too many sweets. The last thing we need is for you to have a stomachache in the middle of a fight. Now let's go, we're about to be needed."

"Okay..." Andreas nodded, following his older brother.

Kuwana watched from afar as the younger boys left the area."Damn. I knew the hag would work fast, but to think she's already mobilizing them. I hope that dumbass can keep a secret. If not, I'll be in trouble. Whatever they're planning can't be good. But..." A sardonic smile adorned his face."If I play my cards right, I might be able to get rid of all of them. Especially that motherless fuck, Jades. After all...I will never forgive any of them. For what they did."

And here we go with Symphgoger G. I decided to release this chapter because not much happens in the first episode. The girls fight with the Noise, Maria and Tsubasa have their concert but not much action happens. Same thing here except I added extra character interactions as well as the reveal of new characters. Can you guess what Riders will appear this season? I'm sure you know who Jades is. Anyway, if you enjoy don't forget to leave a review to show your support!