Reviews:
Nexus240: That's a good guess but I actually named Jades after Hades, the god of the Underworld, just changing the H for a J.
DCDGojira: I'm glad you liked it.
TheOkWriter: Yeah, that makes sense. They must have had a limited budget too and couldn't include too many Riders at the time. I do find it weird that in the Rider Time: Kamen Rider Ryuki special, which came out in 2019, they still didn't show all the Riders properly. Abyss was killed in like one frame, and I think a few others died without even transforming. Also how Ouja and Zolda(Goro) had only one fight which ended in one move after Ouja was giving Ryuga a decent fight. I know it's a special and they couldn't drag the film for too long but it is still a bit of a letdown. I read somewhere that Femme wasn't in it because the actress who played her in 13 Riders was pregnant at the time but I could be wrong.
maxfz19: Estas mitad correcto. Tendras que leer para averigar en lo que acertaste xd.
Chapter 22 - G2
Siblings Bond
"Gosh! I can't believe it's happening today!" Hajime bounced up and down like a little kid."I can't believe I'm attending one of Maria's concerts! I'm so excited!"
"You might want to calm down." Hazuki nudged him on the ribs."Maria will think you're a child if you don't act like the teenager you are."
"Cut him some slack, Haz-kun." Miku giggled."He's excited, as we all are."
"Haji is more than excited." Setsuna snickered at her brother."Look at him wearing all that Maria merch."
"Of course, I'm excited, Setsu." Hajime said with pride."And I'm wearing this to show my support! Plus, don't act all innocent. You couldn't sleep all night because you were eager to see Tsubasa today!"
"Woah...I've known Hajime-kun for a while now but I didn't expect him to be such a fanboy." Yumi commented, stifling a chuckle."But then again, I'm in the same boat as him. I also adore Maria."
"That's adorable." Shiori said, earning a blush from Hajime."It's true. I see why Hibiki fell for you."
"We're not dating or anything!" Hajime rose his arms.
"You owe her a date." Miku reminded him."Sakamoto-san said that you'd ask her out after what happened."
"And I will. Just...well..."
"Where is Hibiki-chan anyway?" Hazuki quirked a brow.
"Uh...something came up!" All girls plus Hajime responded. Setsuna scratched her hair, not understanding, but Hazuki decided to let it go.
'She's probably busy doing whatever the hell the government makes her do.' Loki spoke in his mind.'Just pretend you don't care or something.'
"I see. Well, hopefully, she doesn't miss this." Hazuki elaborated a reply on the go."And Yanagi..."
"He's...well, I'm sure you heard what happened to Tanaka-san." Miku's lips thinned."I'm not sure if he'll show up. The wound is still fresh."
"I still can't believe he's gone." Hazuki leaned back on his chair, crossing his arms with a sour frown."He was too young."
"Ouja was more than likely the one who killed him." Loki threw out his theory."Which means he got stronger than before. Maybe not taking them with you wasn't the smartest choice."
'You're the one who told me to leave them there!' Hazuki internally yelled.
"Well, I make mistakes too!"
'You're a God. You're not supposed to make mistakes, Loki.'
(Play Dark Oblivion)
"It's starting!" Kuriyo's voice snapped Hazuki from his thoughts.
Hajime and Yumi stood from their seats, cheering alongside the crowd."I love you, Maria!"
"She can't hear you..." Miku whispered, not having it in her to ruin his vibes
"Maria-nii-chan sure has a lovely voice, doesn't she?" Andreas and Raiden were watching the concert from above on the ceiling."I have a good voice too, right? Maybe I can be an idol."
"You're too dumb for that." Raiden bluntly shut down his idea."You'd need a crazy good manager to compensate. Kind of like Jades-nii."
"Maybe you can be my manager then." The green-haired teen beamed, ignoring his brother's backhanded insult.
"Not a chance, Andreas. Nothing personal. I just don't see myself in that line of work. I'm more of a technical guy." He lay on the ceiling, staring at the sky while listening to Maria and Tsubasa sing."By the way...what do you think about what Jades-nii did?"
"You mean what Mom said he's keeping from us?" Andreas scowled."I don't know. I mean...can we blame him? He didn't know. We didn't know either. If anything, it's Mom's fault for keeping it from us."
"More like it's his fault." The brunette clicked his tongue."That's his biggest flaw. He thinks that he knows what's best for us. So he went ahead behind all of our backs, using the Gai retrieval mission as an excuse to hunt down the real Fine. And now it turns out Fine might have been reincarnated in one of our sisters. Because he thought he was doing the right thing."
"That's not fair. He didn't know either."
"And that's the problem." He groaned."No one could have told him or something. Not Maria, Shirabe, or Kirika? What, were they told not to tell us for whatever reason? Because they thought we'd rebel against them? And then he goes behind our backs instead of telling us his plan. It's like this dysfunctional family has no communication."
"Brother! You can't just say that!" Andreas gasped."We're not dysfunctional! We're all happy together!"
"No, we're not." Raiden closed his eyes, taking a deep breath."Not since Serena died. It's like it set off a domino effect of things that went wrong. After her, Atticus-nii and Teru-nii both went missing and are possibly dead. Someone took the Gai Deck from them. Any day they could come after us."
"Ah...well, you're not entirely right."
"What do you me-"
"Raiden."
Raiden grabbed the earpiece in his ear."Yes, Ma'am?"
"We're in luck. It seems there is only one Kamen Rider in the audience." The voice of an older woman came through."Your job is to take him down, if possible. If not, I have Kirika and Shirabe ready to go. However, if this Rider is one of the ones from 3 months ago, then you might need Jades to intervene."
"No." Raiden frowned."We can handle it, Mom. We're different from them. We're fighting for a good reason."
"Yeah, and we're heroes!"
"Very well then." The woman sighed."But don't let your arrogance be your undoing, Raiden. And keep an eye on Andreas. You know how much of a wildcard he can be."
"Understood," Raiden responded, turning off his earpiece.
"So, we're killing this guy?"
"Yeah. We need to in order to get stronger."
"Shouldn't we let Jades-nii-chan be the one to do it? He's the strongest out of all of us. If anyone can stand a chance against Odin, it's him."
Raiden groaned, smacking his forehead.
"What? Did I say something?" The younger boy blinked, puzzled.
"That! That!" Raiden sat up, scowling, causing Andreas to recoil."I don't understand why you guys rely on Jades-nii so much! It's like we're always under his shadow and I'm sick of it."
"But that's not a bad thing, right?" Andreas looked puzzled, raising his hands in defense."I mean, he's very reliable and strong. He wants to protect us. We can leave all the heavy lifting up to him."
"Sometimes I think Teru-nii was onto something. It's like you and the girls have grown too dependent on Jades-nii that you don't bother growing on your own. But I'm not that way." Raiden walked up to the edge, noticing the performance reaching its end."I'll prove that I'm capable enough to not depend on him. That's why I'm taking out the Rider. With or without you."
"Okay..." Andreas was perplexed at his brother's demeanor."But...why are you so insistent on that? It sounds like you don't trust him to help."
"He hid the whole Fine thing from us." Raiden turned on his heels."He didn't trust us. He lied to us. What stops him from doing the same? His word? His word doesn't mean much nowadays."
Andreas sighed, upset that his brother would badmouth their elder brother in such a way but couldn't argue.
"Look sharp. It's about to start."
Tsubasa and Maria waved at their fans after finishing their performance.
"Thank you, everyone!" Tsuba spoke through her sword-shaped microphone."You always give me so much courage. So today I want to give some of that courage back to everyone who listens to my songs!"
Maria nodded in approval, stepping as well."I shall give all of my songs to the world!"
"I won't look back! I'll keep moving forward as fast as I can!" The pinkette rose her fist in the air."Come with me, but only if you can keep up!"
The fans from all over the world went wild, including Yumi and Hajime who were crying in happiness, earning several odd stares from their friends.
"I am grateful I was able to participate in this concert." Maria's gaze fell on Tsubasa."And for the fact that I was able to sing with Japan's top artist, Tsubasa Kazanari."
"And I'm honored to have met such a splendid artist." Tsubasa walked closer to her, offering her hand. Maria accepted it, shaking her hand firmly.
"We have to tell the world that songs have power." Maria declared.
"The power to change the world," Tsubasa added. Maria smiled, turning her back on her. Tsubasa's eyebrows lifted slightly, curious to see what Maria had in mind.
"One more thing..." Maria swung her arm to the side, causing her dress to flow in the air. Just then, a ton of Noise spawned out of thin air, sending the audience into a frenzy.
"Stay calm!" Maria yelled over her mic, prompting everyone to freeze.
Tsubasa gulped at how dire the situation was. Sure, the Noise were stopped, but if Maria wanted to, this could be a repeat of what happened years ago. She pulled her scarf off, revealing her pendant.
"You're a scary girl." Maria remarked at her motion."Already trying to think of a way to jump me? But you shouldn't be so hasty, given the circumstances."
"And what do you mean by that?" Tsubasa narrowed her eyes.
"The audience won't survive an attack from the Noise. Furthermore, this concert is being broadcast all over the world." Maria pointed at the screens displaying the live feed."What's more, the Japanese government made the existence of the Symphogears and Kamen Riders public, but they never gave their identities."
"Do you think so little of me that you'd think I would hesitate to draw my sword?" Tsubasa glared daggers at Maria, but the pink-haired girl shrugged her off.
"You know, I like that about you. It's too bad not everyone can fight to protect someone. Otherwise, the world would be a better place."
"What?" Tsubasa's eyes widened."Maria...just who are you?"
"I guess it's about that time." Maria moved the mic closer to her lips."We have the power to control the Noise! And we have demands for every country on the planet!"
"Are you insane?!" Tsubasa gasped at the blond declaration of war."You're making an enemy out of the whole planet?!"
"I have one more trick in store for you." Maria tossed her microphone in the air as she began to chant.
"Granzizel bilfen Gungnir zizzl..."
In a flash of light, Maria was now clad in an armor very familiar to Tsubasa, except for a color change.
"No way..." Tsubasa's jaw dropped."Impossible!"
Maria spared Tsubasa a glance before focusing her attention on the crowd."I am...We are FINE! Those who bear the name of the end!"
"You're kidding me!" Hajime rose from his seat, nearly hitting Yumi in the process."No...No way..."
"What's going on?! Why are there Noise here?!" Shiori gasped in fear.
"Everyone, calm down!" Miku cried to her friends."We're safe here. Plus, they don't seem to be attacking anyone."
"I'm scared, Haji!" Setsuna clung to her brother's arm. Hajime felt something inside of him die. Seeing his favorite idol suddenly do something like this. To be the one controlling the Noise. The person he looked up to the most, declaring war on the whole world. The person whose songs had helped him crawl out of the dark void he fell into after his mother died.
"I have to go."
"Huh? Go where?" Hazuki glanced at him.
"I have to go help Kazanari-san." Hajime informed him."Get the girls out of here, Hazzy-san. I'll catch up with you later."
"What?! No way!" Hazuki shook his head."It's dangerous! Your sister needs you here!"
"I know!" Hajime bent his knees, getting to her level and grabbing her shoulders."But Kazanari-san is my friend. A good one at that. And I trust you guys to get my sister out of here. Please, Miku-san, Hazzy-san."
"Hajime-kun..." Miku muttered, understanding his feelings.
"Please keep Kazanari-san safe." Kuriyo pleaded.
"And stay safe," Shiori added.
"Don't try to be an anime protagonist and do anything stupid. You don't have plot armor." Yumi nodded, causing him to sweatdrop.
"Brother..." Setsuna hugged her brother."Please don't die...Grandma said she was making something delicious tonight...I want to eat it with you..."
"Yeah..." Hajime chuckled, soothingly rubbing the back of her head."I know."
'Look at him, trying to act cool.' Loki cackled in Hazuki's mind.'Well, now you're the man in charge. Better get your princess out of here.'
Hazuki grunted at his partner's teasing, shaking his head."Okay. After I get the girls out of here I'll come to help you out."
"Roger that, friend." Hajime offered a fist bump, which the blonde accepted. The raven-haired teen sprinted out of the VIP lounge, running down the halls of the stadium, taking out his Deck."I have to talk to Maria. There has to be an explanation for this whole thing. She just can't be evil! She can't!"
"We are the paramilitary organization Fine and we have demands for the entire world!" Maria rose her fists."And we shall start by demanding that you hand your territories to us! To make sure you take this seriously if you don't follow up on our demands within 24 hours, your nation's capitals will be paralyzed by the Noise." Her gaze fell on Tsubasa, who was frozen in shock."I shall create a royal road to lead us to paradise. Doesn't that sound wonderful?"
"I don't know the purpose of your deception..." Tsubasa clenched her grip on her microphone."But the Gungnir is not a symbol for the likes of you to wield!"
"You think I'm a farce?" Maria looked genuinely offended by her words.
"Imyuteus Ame No-"
"Wait, Tsubasa-san!" Ogawa's voice cut her off from her earpiece."If you act now, the whole world will know that you're a Symphogear-wielder!"
"But what am I-"
"The songs of Tsubasa Kazanari are meant for more than just combat. They also bring healing and courage to those who've been hurt. Plus, you're not alone."
"Kazanari-san!"
Tsubasa shifted her attention to Ryuki, who was rushing down the stairs leading to the stage."I'm here!"
"Ryuki!" Tsubasa couldn't help but beam, relieved to see her friend.
Before Ryuki could get closer, two figures landed in front of him, blocking his path.
"Sorry, but we can't let go get close to them." Raiden folded his arms, raising his chin."Tough luck."
"Yeah! What he said!" Andreas stood close to him, giggling."Woah, he looks cool, doesn't he?"
"Meh. I don't like the red suit." Raiden looked unamused.
"Get out of the way!" Ryuki yelled, eyeing the Noise surrounding them."It's dangerous here!"
"Aw, look at him, Andreas, he's all concerned about us." Raiden chuckled, mocking him with a sarcastic laugh."How cute."
"Oh, man. How nice of him." Andreas also mocked albeit forced, following Raiden's example."We'll have to apologize to his friends later."
"Well then...let's show him how grateful we are for his kindness," Raiden muttered as both boys reached for their back pockets, pulling out two metallic boxes. Raiden's was pink with the image of a stingray embedded in it and a gazelle for Andreas.
"Henshin!"
Raiden's body was clad in a black bodysuit with purple armor and a small shield on his left arm functioning as his visor. Andreas was now covered in a similar bodysuit but had small horns protruding from his armor, with two being on his head. He struck a pose, bending his knees slightly and moving his arms to the right, striking a pose."We're Kamen Riders Imperer and Raia! And we're superheroes!"
The now self-proclaimed Imperer gasped, stomping his foot on the floor."Raiden! You didn't strike a pose with me!"
"I told you I wasn't going to do that pose stuff." Raia shook his head."But we are heroes...fighting villains."
"Villain?" Ryuki echoed, already not liking where this was going.
"Someone like you who knows no struggle shouldn't even be a Kamen Rider. Your reasons for fighting are nothing." Raia folded his arms."What we stand for is true peace! You're just a kid who happened to get that power at random. You have no stake in this."
"I'm sick and tired of people calling me a villain! First Ryuga and now you guys!" Ryuki growled, throwing his arms up in exasperation."I'm not! I fight to protect my friends and those who cannot defend themselves!"
"Yeah, all I hear is typical stuff a villain says to justify their actions." Raia waved him off."Don't worry. We know everything about you, Ryuki. Our brother briefed us on your abilities."
"But, Raiden..." Imperer scooted closer to Raia, whispering in his ear."Jades-nii-chan didn't ever fight with or alongside Ryuki. We only know that he has fire and a dragon."
"It's part of the plan. Psychological warfare." Raia whispered back."We make him think like we have the situation under control to weaken him mentally and make him make mistakes. In reality, we'll wait for him to make the first move and see what he's got until we have a clear idea of his abilities. Then we'll just jump him. We'll proceed with Formation E."
"Got it!" Imperer gave him a thumbs up, leaping behind Raia and hiding behind him."We got this, Maria-nii-chan!"
"I'll leave it to you, boys." Maria nodded toward her youngest brother.
"Adachi...be careful." Tsubasa narrowed her eyes, worrying about his well-being."Don't die..."
"Don't worry, Ryuki. We'll fight you and you only." Raia told him."We won't harm anyone from the audience and the Noise won't be mobilized. However, if you attempt to strike them down, then we'll have no choice."
(Hatenaki Inochi)
"Here they come..." Ryuki took on a fighting stance, waiting for his opponents to attack. He didn't wait for long as Raia shot towards him with Imperer shadowing him. Raia jumped above Ryuki, dividing his attention in two. Ryuki rose his arms, blocking the two punches coming from his sides.
"He blocked it?!" Imperer gasped.
"Don't be so surprised, damn it!" Raia kicked Ryuki's legs, causing him to drop to one knee. Imperer went for a kick on his own but the dragon-theme Rider rose his arms, blocking the impact. He delivered a jab to Imperer's stomach, prompting him to recoil in pain before resting his arms on the ground, kicking Raia away before he could attack. Both of Fine's Riders staggered back, bewildered.
"Compared to Ouja, Ryuga, or Odin, this is nothing!" Ryuki proclaimed, beckoning them to come.
"They're losing ground...?" Maria blinked, watching as her brothers rushed in unison.
"Don't underestimate Ryuki." Tsubasa said with confidence in her junior."Do you think so little of us this is surprising you? If so, then you are way in over your head."
"We'll see about that." Maria huffed."This is far from over, after all."
Raia continued punching Ryuki on his left while Imperer went to his right, forcing him back. But much to their shock, none of their attacks had connected. Ryuki was blocking each of them as they walked through the frightened audience. Bending his knees to avoid a kick, Ryuki swept Imperer's legs before following with a roundhouse kick to Raia's torso.
The stingray Rider grimaced, holding Ryuki's leg."Now, Andreas!"
"Yes!" Imperer drew a card from his Deck, raising his right knee where his Gazellevisor was located.
Spin Vent: Gazellestab
ATK: 2000
A dual-spear-like weapon materialized in Imperer's hand as he charged toward Ryuki.
Ryuki, unable to move due to Raia holding onto his leg, was forced to go on the defensive.
Guard Vent: Dragshield
DEF: 2000
Ryuki rose his shield in front of him to block. Imperer thrusts forward, piercing through the shields and narrowing piercing through Hajime's face."What the hell?! He just went through them!"
"Don't underestimate me!" Imperer boasted."Against the ultimate spear, any shield is useless!"
"That's Gungnir, but whatever! Go again!"
"I don't think so!" Ryuki jumped in place, kicking Raia across the face with his free leg. He then sidestepped, grabbing Imperer's arm and hip tossing him with Raia.
"Tch." Maria clicked her tongue, growing more anxious as her brothers were losing ground.
"Not so confident now, are we?" Tsubasa taunted."Indeed, I can't act now since I would reveal myself to be a Symphogear, but he's just as capable as I am."
"Is that what's holding you back?" Maria asked, shifting her gaze to Tsubasa."And to have that much confidence in that kid. Is he the same kid that was with you earlier? Hajime-chan?"
Tsubasa didn't reply, but Maria took this as affirmation."At least he has the determination to fight. But my brothers won't lose to him. But..."
"Don't interfere!" Raia hollered to Maria."Don't you dare stay from the plan and call in for backup!"
"But Raiden, this guy is too strong for the both of us." Imperer whined."We need backup."
"He's not strong!" Raia screamed, causing his brother to flinch."There has to be a secret to his strength. We just have to come up with a strategy to neutralize him."
"You can do that if you want but I'm not doing anything special." Ryuki addressed them."I just have more experience than you fighting stronger people. I guess getting my ass kicked all the time is finally paying off. But compared to Ouja and Odin, this is nothing."
"You really think I believe you fought Odin?! You wouldn't be alive right now!"
"Oh yeah, we did. I'm alive by a miracle." Ryuki chuckled."But you guys are slower than those I've faced. I've trained for stronger people."
"Shit." Raia spat in frustration."He's looking down on us!"
"But we've had our powers for years...we shouldn't be losing to someone who got his less than a year ago." Imperer grumbled, grabbing onto his helmet and using his communicator."Maria-nii-chan, we need some help over here."
"Like hell we do!" Raia hissed, drawing a card and activating it."We can do this ourselves!"
Swing Vent: Evilwhip
ATK: 2000
A whip materialized in Raia's grasp as he slowly approached Ryuki.
Sword Vent: Dragsaber
ATK: 2000
"Come!"
Kuwana, who was hiding inside a bathroom, watched the fight on live from his phone."As expected...they aren't used to fighting other Riders in battle or people without holding back. Seems like all they did was spar with each other and combat simulations. And knowing Jades, he probably went easy on them, never allowing them to grow as fighters. So if Ryuki is having an easy time, even I would be able to take them down. Now...the real problem is Jades and the other brats hiding. Maria doesn't seem to be doing anything other than egging that girl on. But that's fine. The only one I need alive is Maria."
"If I play my cards right, I can get rid of all my bothersome brothers and sisters, leaving Maria for the taking."The black-haired man exited the stalls, running down the empty halls."Time for the show to start. You're going to hell today, Jades!"
"Ryuki is handling the other Riders just fine for now." Genjuro watched the fight unfold attentively."But we don't know what else they have up their sleeve. If they suddenly decide to add the Noise in, he'll find himself overwhelmed."
"Still, I think we're quite lucky he transformed out of the camera's reach." Sakuya offered his opinion."Now if we could only shut the broadcast so Tsubasa could do the same."
"That girl..." Genjuro scowled at the sight of Maria."She seems to be their leader. If she's controlling both of those Riders, she might pose a bigger threat."
"But to think she believes every country will concede to her..."
"If they can control the Noise, that might be within the realm of possibility." Genjuro rubbed his chin.
"Sir, we're receiving a call from Minister Shibata," Sakuya informed the Commander as they received a call in their main monitor.
"Patch him through."
"What a way to enjoy my soba." The older gentleman sighed, slurping on his bowl of cold soba."At any rate, it looks like Japan isn't the only place those guys have been causing problems."
"What do you mean by that?"
"A little while ago, there was also an incident at an American relic-research facility. Not only did they lose all their research data, but they also said the relic they had was missing as well."
"And do you think these incidents are related?" Genjuro inquired.
"It'd be foolish to at least not consider it a possibility." Shibata shrugged."At least, it would explain why she has her hands on that Gungnir. They must have stolen that fragment of Gungnir that was missing. Do you think that Rider of yours can handle this?"
"While he's improved tremendously over the past few months, he's still relatively new to being a Rider. We don't know the extent of the enemy Riders yet."
"Do try to get him some backup soon." The man continued enjoying his meal nonchalantly."Relics are one thing, but we still have yet to uncover all the mysteries about the Rider Decks. If there are about 13 or so, it means they are extremely limited. I'm sure this girl has something to back up her demands. So if things go wrong, not only are you losing the power of a Rider, but you're also giving it to the enemy and increasing their chances of getting their wish. And that's already happened, hasn't it?"
"Yes..." Genjuro muttered, his gaze falling.
"At any rate, I'll leave this up to you." The man ended the call, leaving Genjuro in silence.
"Put Aoi on the line. We must tell her to bring the other Symphogear and Riders as soon as possible."
Raia screamed, lashing out his whip at Ryuki. The Rider leaped back, only to be intercepted by Imperer who tried to impale him with his weapon. Parrying with one arm, Ryuki paid more attention to Raia's next strike, and when he lashed his whip again, he jumped to the side, accidentally striking Imperer in the process.
'He was keeping an eye on me while fending off Andreas?!' Raia's eyes widened.'Did he already figure out he's our weakest link?! And not only that, he's countering our coordinated attacks better and better, as if he's adapting to our fighting styles!'
Before Raia could call his whip back, Ryuki grabbed it and forcefully pulled Raia towards him. Raia could only scream as Ryuki delivered a devastating punch to his gut, knocking the air out of him.
'I have no choice.' Maria grinded her teeth.'I'm sorry, Raiden. I know you don't want me to interfere, but...'
Maria grabbed her microphone, bringing it to her lip."I hereby release the audience! Get out of here now! None of the Noise will harm you!"
"What?!" Tsubasa's brows shot up."What are you planning?!"
"Yes, do tell, Maria. What ARE you planning?" A voice came from her earpiece."I don't believe I ever told any of you to give up our advantage."
"I'm the star of the show." Maria said, hoping to appease the person on the other line."Tasking hostages isn't my style. Besides, their Rider is proving to be more effective than we anticipated."
"Then just say so instead of doing something like that." The voice sighed."But I've already sent Shirabe and Kirika. I'll contact Jades and-"
"Wait, Mom." Maria cut her off."Don't send him just yet. Raiden...doesn't want to get him involved if he can help it. He wants to prove himself."
"That boy needs to let go of his petty pride." The person sighed."I'm sending him anyway. We can't let the plan fail because of personal grudges. We can't lose sight of the original plan."
"Roger that, Mom." Maria closed her eyes, a faint smile adorning her lips."Thanks."
"Maria, what is the point of all this?!"
"I told you before. I'm letting you confirm my resolve yourself. No audience, no casualties" Maria smirked condescendingly."Are you willing to fight now? Or do you need more?"
Ryuki sighed in relief once the audience was evacuated. Now there was no danger of people being caught in their fight.
"Don't look so happy, Ryuki." Raia chuckled."Now the Noise can fight."
"Is that okay, Raiden?" Imperer asked timidly.
"Yes. The enemy is strong, I'll give him that. We'll have to send the Noise in to wear him down and attack him when he's vulnerable. We don't have the luxury for an honorable fight." He grabbed his helmet, activating his communicator."Maria-nii..."
"Raiden." Maria responded."I'm sorry. I know you wanted to take him down with Andreas, but..."
"No. I appreciate it." Raia shook his head."We can't play fair with him. And thanks for only telling Mom to send Shirabe and Kirika."
"Anything for my little brother." Maria mused, giggling and earning a frown from Tsubasa. Maria held a finger up, indicating the bluenette to give her a second."I still don't understand why you don't want Jades-nii to help you. This isn't the first time."
"I'll...tell you later, okay?"
"Fine." Maria relented, hoping to give him space and make him comfortable enough to talk to her later."Be careful. Just hang on until they're here."
Raia cut his communicators off, watching as Ryuki was fighting the waves of Noise coming his way."Get ready, Andreas."
"Already on it." Imperer showed him his Final Vent.
"Adachi!" Tsubasa gasped, watching the boy in question cut his way through the Noise surrounding him.
"Not going to help him?" Maria asked rhetorically."What would it take for you to fight? Do you need to see him die?"
That comment sparked something in Tsubasa and mustered all the venom she could in a glare that sent shivers down Maria's spine."Don't you dare say that!"
"I like the fire in your eyes." Maria composed herself again, glancing down at her sword-shaped microphone in her hands."Maybe you're finally taking this seriously. But just in case, I want to test that. Have you ever wondered why our mics were designed like this?"
Maria then dashed at Tsubasa, swinging her microphone at her. She parried with her own and swung back. Maria easily dodged her strike before returning the favor as they clashed.
"Kazanari-san!" Ryuki cried, slashing a Noise in half.
"You can't worry about others right now, Ryuki." Raia reminded him of their presence."Do it now, Andreas."
"You got it!" Imperer rose his knee, inserting his card into his visor.
Final Vent: Drive Divider
ATK: 5000
A horde of gazelle-like creatures appeared behind Imperer and Raia, with a purple one bigger than the rest acting as their leader. The Gazelles began jumping forward, killing the Noise in front of them indiscriminately as they closed in on Ryuki.
Ryuki noticed too late the stampede coming his way, and the monsters began attacking him as they ran over him. The young boy managed to strike a few of them but they were far too many attacking simultaneously.
Imperer joined in the crowd, covering himself to avoid being spotted by staying in the back. When the stampede was almost done, he lunged at Ryuki to knee him in the face, but Ryuki reacted quickly and sent him back to his brother with a kick with a kick.
Raia caught Imperer, gently setting him on the floor."Alright then...How about this then?" Raia activated his Final Vent.
Final Vent: Hide Venom
ATK: 5000
Evildiver glided around in the air for Raia to jump on top of it and charge toward Ryuki who began jumping around to avoid him.
"ADACHI!" Tsubasa screamed, but Maria pressured her again and broke her microphone.
"You can't look away!"
Hajime thought quickly on his feet and activated an ability of his own to counter.
Guard Vent: Dragshield
DEF: 2000
No amount of preparation could help Ryuki brace himself for the impact. He was flung several yards away, crashing into a far wall of the stadium and falling on a seat.
Raia landed gracefully on the ground, admiring his dandy work."That should have weakened him. He's good. He blocked some of your monsters' strikes and also softened the blow from my Final Vent. But he shouldn't give us much trouble now."
Just then, all the screens around them began shutting off one after another.
"What happened?"
"The broadcast was cut off." Raia's eyes shot wide open."That means...!"
"Imyuteus Ame no Habakiri Tron..."
In a flash of blue light, Tsubasa had transformed into her Symphogear form."Adachi!"
"Leave them to me, Kazanari-san!" Ryuki stopped her before she could come to help him. He used his blade to help himself up, shaking his head to regain his bearings."Please! I...I don't have it in me to confront Maria in a fight..."
"Adachi..." Tsubasa shifted her gaze to Maria, a solemn expression on her face."Very well. As soon as I'm done here I'll go assist you."
"Assuming you can deal with me so easily?" Maria scoffed."Let's see how well that works."
(Gekko no Tsurugi)
Tsubasa dashed forward, thrusting her katana toward Maria. The nimble girl dodged elegantly, keeping her cape close to her before attacking her, forcing Tsubasa to parry.
"Your Gungnir is real?!"
"It took you this long to understand?" Maria snorted, finding her reaction to be expected."That's right. This is my Gungnir. The spear that can pierce anything!"
Tsubasa leaped back, avoiding Maria's cape and gaining some distance."Still, I won't lose to you."
"Like I said, we'll see about that!" Maria used her cape to create a tornado-like attack. Tsubasa used her katana to block but felt herself being pushed back.
"Liste now, Maria." The voice came off her earpiece again."Phonic gain is currently around 22%."
"What?!" Maria cried out, astonished.'We still have 78% to go?! So all of them...are beyond what we initially thought...'
The bluenette leaped back, sheathing her katana while putting out two blades from her sides, combining them at their butts."You cannot afford to waver while fighting me!" Tsubasa focused her energy as she sang, increasing her energy output and causing her blades to catch fire.
Fiery Windblades
Tsubasa turned around after landing an almost successful blow to Maria and went for a double tap."You can tell me your story from bed!"
Advent: Gigazelle
ATK: 4000
The Gigazelle kicked Tsubasa on the side, causing her to lose momentum and saving Maria at the last second."Andreas?!"
"You leave my big sister alone!" Imperer cried, holding out his Gigastab."You...you...You ugly wench!"
"Huh?!" Tsubasa deadpanned at the childish insult."
"Yeah, you're ugly! And...and very mean-looking!" Imperer continued insulting her."And your music sucks!"
"You idiot! He's behind you!" Raia screamed after Ryuki, who was about to attack Imperer from behind until a few pink circular saws descended towards him. Tsubasa quickly threw her blades at them, intercepting them in time and saving Ryuki.
(Okyu Shul Shagana)
"About time," Raia grunted, watching as a pink Symphogear descend from the sky, firing more saws at Ryuki.
Strike Vent: Dragclaw
ATK: 2000
Hajime unleashed a volley of fireballs from his gauntlet, destroying the saws before impact.
"Over here!" A blonde girl wielding a scythe appeared from Ryuki's right, slashing the air and launching six spinning crescents at him. The young man was forced to block them with his blade, narrowly avoiding Imperer piercing through his chest and double kicking him away.
"Shirabe! Kirika!" Imperer yelped, falling on his rear but smiling at the sight of his sisters."You're here!"
"Of course, we came!" Kirika beamed at him.
Shirabe gave Raia a curt nod."Seems like you need help."
"Yeah..." Raia admitted with a sigh."Thanks for the assists, Shirabe."
"No problem." Shirabe shifted her gaze to Ryuki."If he's giving you trouble, he must be tough. How should we engage?"
"You and Kirika surrounded him and take him from the sides. Andreas and I will close in on him and then we go in together to finish him off." Raia drew a card."We'll use our numbers to our advantage. Keep your distance. He's remarkable in close-quarters combat and has insane reaction speed. Time your attacks accordingly."
"Sounds good!" Kirika nodded enthusiastically. Both Shirabe and Kirika situated themselves at Ryuki's sides while Imperer ran to stay in Ryuki's rear, surrounding him.
'Shit...I don't think I can take all of them on.' Ryuki swallowed the lump in his throat.'But I can't lose here...if I do, Kazanari-san will be all by herself against them.'
"Adachi, we need to hold out until backup arrives!" Tsubasa yelled at him."Can you hold on?!"
"You kidding me? I'm having the time of my life here." Ryuki couldn't help but grin from ear to ear."It feels nice fighting like this without being completely overwhelmed. I forgot how fun this was."
"You're incorrigible." Tsubasa sighed in exasperation, but a feint smile graced her lips."It feels like I'm fighting with Akira again..."
"That boy is good, but he's no match for their combined effort." Maria looked over at her siblings."Don't hold back! I'll take care of Tsubasa so don't mind me!"
"Understood," Raia responded for them.
"You say you're having a blast?" Shirabe began skating around Hajime while Kirika leaped around, causing him to focus his attention on them."You won't be thinking that after we're through with you."
"You thought our brothers were strong? But we're stronger when we're all together-desu!" Kirika cried, and her voice suddenly cause Hajime to freeze.
'What...did she say...?' Ryuki followed Kirika, trying to get a better look at her face. This proved to be a mistake because Imperer was already behind him, trying to impale him.
He ducked at the last second, but the drills managed to grace part of his arm, drawing blood. Imperer kicked Ryuki away into Shirabe, who unleashed more saws at him. Ryuki winded his fists back before unleashing fire from his Draclaw that took the shape of Dragreder. The flames incinerated the saws and would have hit Shirabe had Kirika not jumped in and saved her.
"You okay?!"
"Yes...thank you, Kiri-chan..."
"So that's what that gauntlet does." Raia analyzed the situation, finally activating the card in his hand.
Copy Vent
Much to Hajime's shock, a replica of Dragclaw appeared on Raia's free arm."No way!"
"I figured out how you fight. You're not the only one who adapts in the middle of a fight, Ryuki!" Raia fired a few fireballs in front of Ryuki, purposely avoiding him and creating a smoke screen.
"Got you-desu!" Kirika appeared from the smoke, narrowly avoiding striking him with her scythe. Ryuki jumped back, heading for Imperer.
"I got him!" Imperer yelled.
"Me too!" Shirabe declared as she came from above.
Before they could strike him, a dragon made of fire struck Ryuki, throwing him up in the air.
"Hey, what gives?!" Imperer threw his arms out while Shirabe stared at Ryuki in the air.
"Eh...sorry..." Raia blushed under his helmet after he accidentally put too much power into Dragclaw's strike."I meant to stun him."
"You need to learn some self-control, Raiden." Kirika chided him.
"I don't want to hear that from you." Raiden narrowed his eyes at her."Anyway, let's go in and flank him! This is over!"
On cue, Kirika and Raia leaped into the fray along with Imperer and Shirabe. As soon as Ryuki touched the ground, he received relentless strikes from saws, scythes, drills, and even his own Dragclaw. He managed to somehow block some of the attacks, using all his strength to reduce the damage being inflicted on him but even he was not up to fighting four people at once. He kicked Imperer's leg, causing him to trip, and shot a fireball at Shirabe, causing her to fall to the ground. But this only seemed to infuriate Kirika and Raia, who increased the ferocity of their strikes. When the others recuperated, they lunged at him again.
"ADACHI!" Tsubasa tried to go to help him but Maria simply kicked her on her back, causing her to fall abruptly on the floor. To top things off, Maria jumped in the air, planting her foot on Tsubasa's back, earning a pained yell.
Hajime's eyes shot wide open after hearing her scream, his eyes turning crimson red and his deck shining brightly. "KAZANARI-SAN!"
A terrifying pressure emanated from Ryuki, causing them to halt. Before they could recover, Ryuki punched Raia across the face, kicked Imperer in the gut, uppercutting Shirabe, and elbowed Kirika in her chest. All four of them were sent flying in different directions.
"What just happened?!" Maria gaped, unable to process how suddenly Ryuki had knocked them all away.
"Adachi..." Tsubasa muttered in awe.
Ryuki took a deep breath, falling on one knee and his deck losing its glow.
"Ow..." Kirika winced, rubbing her aching chest."That hurt..."
"Where did he get that strength from?" Shirabe rubbed her chin."We had him..."
"He's a monster..." Imperer fell on his rear, backing away.
"This can't be happening...where did he suddenly get stronger? We're growing stronger too, I know we are. But his skills far outclass ours...How can this be?!"
Wordlessly, Ryuki drew a card from his Deck, grimacing once he noticed it was his Final Vent. His gaze fell on Imperer, who shrieked in fear.'I have to aim for the Deck. I don't have to kill him. If I get rid of his Deck, it'll be fine.'
His mind flashed memories of Ouja cackling as he used his Final Vent, ending Scissors' life back then.
He recalled his mission with the others to escort Durandal.
"A Final Vent is a Rider's ultimate move meant to be their strongest asset. But normally, getting hit first with a Final Vent won't kill you unless you have taken substantial damage. Now, of course, this all depends on each Final Vent."
Feeling his knees growing weak, he grew sick to his stomach.'But...how do I know how much damage is that? What if I accidentally kill him? No...I can't use this...I can't use my Final Vent.'
"We have no choice." Shirabe turned to Raia."I know you won't like this, but we have to use "Crocodile tears." "
"What?! No!" Raia denied the idea completely.
"Oh, yeah! "Crocodile tears"!" Kirika beamed excitedly."We haven't done that in a long time-desu!"
"There it is again..." Ryuki could swear he had heard that word before."Desu..."
"They're finally resorting to that?" Maria smiled."Took them long enough."
"What? What are they doing?" Tsubasa asked, but Maria offered no answer."Adachi! Don't hesitate! Do it now before it's too late!"
"B-but I can't just kill them!" Ryuki stammered, his confidence wavering.
"Please, Raiden! Let's do it!" Kirika pleaded, giving him puppy eyes."Please?"
"If we don't do it, we'll lose here." Shirabe stated."It's better to swallow your pride and just do it rather than us losing."
"Yeah, let's do it, Raiden!" Imperer nodded frantically, still afraid of Ryuki standing close to him with his Final Vent in his hand.
"Okay, fine!" Raia groaned, moments away from bashing his face against the ground."Let's do it, damn it! But I'm not joining in!"
"Sounds good to me!" Kirika glanced at her Shirabe and Imperer."Are you guys ready? 3...2..1...GO-DESU!"
The three siblings took a deep breath before yelling at the top of their brothers."ONEE-CHAAAAAAAAAAAAAN! HELP US!"
"Huh?" Ryuki tilted his head.
"Huh?" Tsubasa's reaction was the same."What the hell are they doing?"
"They're doing what little siblings do when they're being picked on by a bully."
"ONEE-CHAN HELP US! THIS MEAN GUY IS BEATING US UP!" Imperer cried.
"HE MADE FUN OF MY HEIGHT AND HIT ME!" Shirabe joined in.
"AND WE'RE SO SCARED! PLEASE, ONEE-CHAN! WE NEED YOU! SAVE US, ONEE-CHAN!" Kirika screeched as loud as she could.
'Wait...are they calling for Maria?' Ryuki glanced back, noticing the haughty smirk Maria had on her lips.'No...She's fighting Kazanari-san...so what are they-'
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO MY SIBLINGS?!"
A shadow looming over him becoming bigger and bigger was the sign he needed to realize the danger of their cries. He turned around on the spot, coming face to face with their former temporary ally, Kamen Rider Tiger, who had his fist winded back. On instinct, Ryuki rose his Dragclaw, using it to block the punch he received that shattered his gauntlet on impact. He was flung across the stadium, crashing against through the screens and destroying them on impact. He fell to the ground, his limp body creating a small crater.
"ADACHI, NO!" Tsubasa screamed, her eyes filled with rage."Tiger! You're with them?!"
Tiger landed in front of the fallen teens, rushing to their side.
"Kiri-chan, are you alright? Anything hurts?" Tiger inspected the blonde girl, checking for injuries.
"Now that you're here, Jades-onee-chan, I'm fine." Kirika beamed at him, earning a pat on the head and causing her to giggle. Tiger jogged over to Shirabe, helping her up.
"What about you, Shira-chan? He didn't hurt you too badly, did he? If he did, I swear I'll-"
"I'm fine, Onee-chan." Shirabe shook her head."He got me good but I should be fine."
"That's my girl." Tiger gave her a quick hug, which she happily reciprocated. He then headed for Imperer, kneeling beside him.
"Andreas! Do you want to eat some sweets after this?"
"Boy, do I!" Imperer nodded happily."If it's your treat, Nii-chan!"
"That's the spirit." He guffawed, giving him a thumbs up. He then glanced at Maria."You got this under control, Maria?"
"Yes, Jades-nii." Maria nodded."Everything is going smoothly."
Tiger nodded, his gaze falling on Tsubasa."I apologize for this, Tsubasa-chan. But we're just doing our job."
"You're...Jades, aren't you?!" Tsubasa seethed."How dare you hurt Adachi like that?!"
Raia grumbled in defeat, simply collapsing on the ground and staring at the sky. His brother squatted in front of him as Tsubasa berated him, but didn't pay any attention."Heya."
"Hi." Raia adverted his gaze as he felt his brother's hand on his helmet."We almost had him."
"I know you did." Tiger rubbed his helmet, causing him to groan."Leave it to me now. You and Andreas have been holding the fort pretty well. I'm proud of you. Girls, you up for another fight?"
"Yes./Yes-desu!"
"I'm sorry, Tsubasa." Tigert addressed the bluenette."I did say next time we meet we'd be enemies."
"But...but to do this...what's the point of doing this?! This is madness!"
"Maybe so." Tiger stared at her eyes."But this is what we have to do. I truly enjoyed my time with you guys, as short as it was. You guys are nice and caring people. If we had met under different circumstances, I'm sure we'd have been great friends. But...your Riders have to die. That's just the way it is" Tiger materialized his Destvisor, glaring at Ryuki."I have a promise to keep. We lost far too much for anyone to ever understand. And now...I'm going to fix my mistakes. By winning the Rider War."
Final Vent: Crystal Break
ATK: 6000
Ryuki felt something grab his legs, pulling him forward and causing him to fall to the ground. Destwilder was dragging Ryuki toward Tiger, who had his Destclaws equipped.
"No!" Tsubasa kicked Maria's stomach, lunging toward where Ryuki was but Kirika intercepted her."MOVE!"
"I don't think so!"
"You won't interfere with our wish." Shirabe coldly stated as both girls prevented Tsubasa from helping.
Hajime frantically tried to smack Destwilder's body, but he had flipped him on his stomach, making him unable to properly reach him.
Imperer closed his eyes, not wanting to see what was coming. Raia observed in silence, part of him hating how easy it was for his brother to handle a situation they were struggling with.
"No! Leave him alone!" Tsubasa implored, almost begging."Stop it! STOP! ADACHI!"
Closing his eyes to brace himself for the inevitable, Destwilder lifted Ryuki up to Tiger, who went in to impale his chest.
Confine Vent
The Destclaws disappeared, changing a stab to a punch to the solar plexus.
"That Vent..." Ryuki coughed in pain, turning to his side, and noticed a familiar rhino Rider approaching them.
"Hey there. Looks like I came a the right time, eh, Ryuki?" Gai splayed his arms, descending the stairs leading to the stage."A hero comes in at the last second, as they say."
"What?!" Maria stopped in her tracks, nearly kicking Tsubasa in the ribs.
"Gai is here?!" Tsubasa watched in awe as the Rider came into full view.
"Why...? Why...?" Imperer took a shaky step back.
"That's...Atticus-onee-chan's armor..." Kirika gasped, her eyes almost tearing up.
Even the stoic Shirabe grimaced, hatred bubbling inside of her."He's here..."
"Shit..." Raia cursed."Why is he here now?!"
Tiger slowly faced him, narrowing his eyes at the man wearing his brother's armor."You...You have a LOT of nerve showing your face in front of us."
"That's right." Gai gave him a thumbs down."I came to help these two helpless brats."
"Why...?" Tsubasa was at a loss for words.
"Because..." Gai's eyes scanned his siblings slowly, taking an eyeful of their current image."I have a job to finish. Today..."
Gai showed them his Strike Vent card, wagging it around."...we get to have a nice family reunion."
Next chapter will continue the conflict with Gai and FIS as well as the intervention of the other Symphogear and Riders. Will they take Gai's offer to help? Stay tuned to find out!
Current Raiders:
Ryuki: Hajime Adachi
Knight: Yosuke Yanagi
Zolda: Takeru Sakamoto
Ouja: Code Cypher (real name unknown)
Ryuga: Hazuki Kaburagi
Gai: Terunosuke Kuwana
Odin: ?
Tiger: Jades Demetrios
Imperer: Andreas Kagutsuchi
Raia: Raiden Amaterasu
Deceased Raiders:
Scissors: Goro Tanaka
FIS Children and their age(For reference):
Atticus(Deceased): Died at 18 and would currently be 25
Jades: 22
Terunosuke : 22(Younger than Jades by a few months)
Maria: 21
Serena(Deceased): Died at 13 and would currently be 19
Raiden: 16
Kirika:15
Shirabe: 15
Andreas: 14