Reviews:

lordri25may2001: No problem, buddy. Also, I don't think Survive will be a thing this season. There needs to be a struggle to be made here and Survive would be a game changer. In this season, in particular. As for Alternative and Elfnein, you'll see what I have in store for them soon.

TheOkWriter: The game was broken but not because of that. He legit just admin abused and gave Odin the highest stats in the game. I think he just got too cocky with his own ability that he just gave them to Tezuka and Shinji because he thought they wouldn't do much with them. If he gave them to Asakura or Kitaoka it would have been a game over for the rest but as you said, he miscalculated. Also, I find it funny how the times Odin was defeated, they did it in base and not in Survive. Knight kinda just kills him with regular Final Vents and stabbed him with his Winglancer and that's that.

maxfz19: Uy lo que se viene

Daemon of Wrath: Yeah Raiden is proving to be a bit of a jerk, isn't he? Also, I'm happy to see another Chainsaw Man fan. To this day I feel the pain myself every time I watch that scene. Ouja will appear. It will be a surprise though so keep an eye out for that. And since he made a contract with Volcancer, he's vastly stronger than before. I don't want to spoil much on their future dynamic but yeah Raiden doesn't particularly like Hajime, mostly out of jealousy.

I'm interested in this theory. I know where it's coming from since Hajime's dad went missing and Odin's secret was sort of revealed by Ryuga. But Ryuga is still keeping things to himself that may bring the truth about Odin to light. Or maybe not. We'll see.

Guest DCDGojira: Glad you liked it.

Chapter 28
Reliable Brother

For Terunosuke, being locked up in the facility was sometimes as bad as being locked up in his room at home. He loathed the treated like just another number in the vast number of test subjects that accompanied him. He felt like no matter how hard he tried, he could never be someone he could be proud of. The shame and humiliation he felt for being disregarded and talked down on because he lacked the power to stand up to the authority figures was eating away at him. Their actions were limited to simple tasks. The environment was limited to nothing but white rooms.

In his heart, he thought that if he became a Kamen Rider, he would get the recognition he so desperately sought. That everyone would look up to him. Respect him. Fear him. But here he was now, patiently waiting outside of the control room with two children next to him, crying their eyes out in pure fear. It had been a while since his so-called older brothers were sent in to contain the Nephilim after it got out of control. He knew why they were posted outside the door.

They weren't sure if Jades and Atticus could subdue the beast. And given that they were the best candidates to get a Deck of their own, they were posted in case things went south.

"Can you guys stop that?" Terunosuke groaned, raising his hands and noticing the stains on his shirt."You're ruining my shirt."

"S-sorry, Teru-nii..." Raiden apologized, holding his baby brother Andreas close to them."It's just...we're afraid of what might happen to Atticus-nii and Jades-nii..."

"Jades is a fuck up, but Atticus is there. He'll get it done." He muttered, patting their heads."Besides, Maria and Serena are there for backup. Serena has her Gear and is ready to go. She'll kick ass."

"You think so?" Andreas looked up to Terunosuke, who grinned in return, poking his nose.

"Of course I do. Serena is amazing." He chuckled, staring at the ceiling."Just you watch."

"You say that because you like her, Teru-nii." Raiden pointed out.

"Of course, he likes her, Raiden. She's his sister!" Little Andreas pouted cutely.

"I don't mean it that way. Remember on his birthday? When we were getting ready to sing happy birthday? He was awfully close to Serena. He pretty much asked to stand next to her."

"Oh, yeah. You're right, brother! He's always staring at her too! I even read one of those poems he hides in his pillow."

"What the hell?!" Terunosuke bellowed, causing the children to yelp."What are you doing spying on me?! And none of it is true, okay?! And even if it was, it's none of your damn business, you little brats!"

"But that's not a bad thing, Teru-nii. I think she likes you too." Raiden offered, making him gasp."She hangs out with you more often than us now. And she's always talking to you and standing close to you. I think that means something."

"It could also mean she just thinks of me as her actual brother, though..." Terunosuke refuted."None of us are related. Fucking Jades."

"Just ask her." Andreas innocently suggested with a smile."You won't know what she thinks unless you ask!"

"I...Shit. When you little squirts are right, you're right." Terunosuke couldn't help but smirk at them, grabbing their noses and causing them to giggle."I can't believe I'm getting lectured by little kids."

"We're not that little anymore. I'm 8 now!" Andreas proudly proclaimed. Before Terunosuke could make a retort, one of the scientists called him over."Just me?"

"For the moment, yes." He nodded."The children will still be on standby just in case."

"D-did our brothers..." Raiden stammered.

"They're not dead." The scientist clarified."But the situation isn't getting any better."

"Just stay here." Terunsuke glanced over his shoulder."It'll be fine. Leave this to us grown-ups. And when this is said and done...I'll tell Serena how I feel. You, kids, get to get front-row seats for that. Later."

The children watched as their brother followed the scientist. Raiden couldn't help but admire him. He was always one of the better candidates in the facility yet had no Deck. Despite that, he always tried his hardest to excel. Never show fear of failure."He's so cool..."

Terunosuke followed the scientist inside the control room and as soon as the doors closed behind him, his eyes widened at the horror of the situation. Both Gai and Tiger were being treated like mere chew toys for the Nephilim. Even Metalgelas and Destwilder were quickly dispatched after they were summoned.

"Teru-nii!" Serena exclaimed in surprise."What are you doing here?"

"Serena." Terunosuke walked up to Serena before his eyes darted to her biological sister."Maria. What's going on?"

"Terunosuke. You were called here in case either Atticus or Jades go down." Nastassja approached the young boy."You might become a Kamen Rider today."

"I'll...be a Kamen Rider...?" A gleam of excitement flashed in his eyes.

"They won't die, right?" Maria, on the other hand, was concerned."They're strong!"

"Not strong enough to handle this task." The woman shook her head."We were hoping for them to beat the Nephilim into submission. But as it turns out, it's impossible to control a complete relic that was forcibly awakened without the use of a song. The most they can do is either find a way or stall."

"So there's a possibility they'll die in vain...?" Maria gasped in shock.

Terunosuke shivered in absolute fear at the thought of dying. Would he just get his own Deck to die in vain? Without ever being recognized for his true worth? Without ever being someone people can look up to? Respect? Fear? Would he die being a slave without ever achieving true freedom? Would he-

A hand grabbed his, squeezing it tightly. He looked up to see Serena smiling tenderly at him, reassuring him."You're doing it again."

"D-doing what...?"

"When you get nervous, you clenched your teeth and your cheeks puff up a bit." Serena ran her thumb over his hand."I could tell."

"Of course, I'm not scared," Terunosuke muttered, the trembling of his voice betraying his words.

"You don't have to act tough in front of me. I keep telling you this." Serena shook her head."Even if you're not a Kamen Rider, you will always be special to me. That's why I can't let you do this. I'll go."

"W-what...?"

"No! Serena, you can't!" Maria refused the idea."You can't mean that song!"

Serena grabbed Maria's hand too in an attempt to ease her nerves."My Superb Song may be able to reset the Nephilim to its pre-awakened state."

"But that's a gamble, isn't it?" Terunosuke asked."If by chance you're unable to do it, the result will be the same!"

"That's not true. Believe it or not, you and Maria-nee-san are in the same boat. If those of us with power fail, you'll be there to pick up where we left off. Besides, the people from the FIS are here to help us as well. So we won't be alone." She gave them a toothy smile."That's why it'll be alright."

"But still..." Maria wanted to refute that, but Serena cut her off by speaking to Terunosuke.

"Teru-nii, unlike you, I never wanted to have this power. But since I have it, I want to protect those who I hold there. You two, and the other kids. It'll be fine. I promise."

She let go of their hands to head off to face the Nephilim.

"Wait, Serena!" Terunosuke rushed after her, grabbing her hand."I...there's something I want to tell you!"

"Teru-nii..." Serena breathed, a lopsided smile gracing her features."You can tell me later, okay-"

"I love you!" Terunosuke yelled, his voice somehow louder than the alarms going off."I love you...there! I said it!"

"Now's not the time for that." Nastassja pulled Terunosuke back."We have to-"

"I'm so...glad..." Serena clenched her chest, and for the briefest of moments, she hesitate to do what she intended to do."I love you too...I was worried that you would just brush me off because I'm a little younger than you. And I know you're not too keen on being around younger kids, so..."

"Of course not! You're special to me! More than special! You're everything to me! My reason to keep going despite being confined in this place! So that's why you have to come back, okay?!" Terunosuke was now crying, prompting the girl to shed tears of her own."And when you do, I promise I'll become a Kamen Rider! Because...I want to protect you!"

"Teru-nii!" Maria's jaw dropped to the floor."You like Serena?!"

"Yeah...what, you'll say you don't approve of me?" Terunosuke glared at Maria with his eyes half-lid.

"You could at least have told me!" Maria argued as Nastassja tried to hold them back.

Serena smiled upon seeing them argue. Despite how it seemed, she knew they cared about each other.'I'll do it. For them.'

Once she transformed, she entered the Nephilim's area, quickly jumping to catch Tiger after it was smacked by the Nephilim."Jades-nii!"

"What...Serena?!" Tiger gasped once she noticed the girl after she saved him."What are you doing here?!"

"Your arm!" Serena ignored his question, noticing Tiger's arm twisted unnaturally.

"It's fine..." Tiger winced as his arm hung limply."Why are you here? We can still fight."

"No, you can't." Serena shook her head, her eyes looking for Gai."Atticus-nii!"

Gai was on the floor, trying to get up but found it impossible due to how much pain his body was in."Serena-chan...get out of here..."

"Jades-nii...please take Atticus-nii and get out of here. I have an idea but I don't want you to get in the way of danger." Serena leaped over to the Nephilim, ignoring Jades' pleas. Maria and Terunosuke watched in terror as Serena began singing her Superb Song in front of the behemoth. Tiger used his good arm to help Gai to run before it was too late.

'Why...are you running...?' Terunosuke's eyes were glued on the Riders on the screen.'Help her...you're our big brothers, right...? So why...why are you leaving her behind?!' The black-haired boy's breathing became erratic, baring his teeth."Don't run away!"

"Terunosuke?" Nastassja glanced down at the fuming boy.

"You fucking cowards! Don't leave her behind!" He wrestled out of her grasp, but a few scientists rushed in to hold him back."You damn cowards! Spineless bastards! You hypocrites! You promised! You promised to always protect us!"

Serena continued singing her song, blood coming out of her mouth once she was done.

"So, please! Please! Please don't let her die!"

And with those words, Serena's Superb Song released a powerful energy blast that reached all the way to the control room, destroying all the monitors and bringing the place down. Suddenly, Terunosuke was on the floor, with a gash on his forehead, and staring at Serena, who was now covered in blood. The image of her bloody face burnt into his memory. And that's when he screamed.

Kuwana screamed, sitting up from his head. He took a moment to calm down, sweating bullets and feeling his heart beat incredibly fast. He glanced at the clock. It was 6 in the morning. An hour before he had to get ready to go to work.

"That nightmare again..." Kuwana sighed, laying his head back on his pillow. He figured he wouldn't be able to go back to sleep, so he opted to get up and turn the lights on in his small room. Once he did, he went to his nightstand and grabbed his phone. Before he could grab it, he stared at a stuffed chipmunk toy that had seen better days. He had managed to salvage it from his long journey after escaping the FIS. And the only keepsake from Serena. The man wordlessly headed for the bathroom, performing his daily activities to get ready for the day.

"My last day before I can have my 2 weeks off I requested." Kuwana muttered while he shaved."And yet I messed up my whole plan to get on the idiots' good side. Fuck. If only I hadn't lost control like that. I'm not particularly in the other kids' good graces, so I'm a sitting duck. How can I spin this around...?"

Heading for his closet, he began dressing up in his business suit.'There has to be a way. I can't give up now. For Serena, I have to keep going. I swear I'll find a way to get them to pay.' He went into his kitchen, grabbing some milk and cereal to have for breakfast. Frowning upon seeing how empty his fridge was, he slammed the door shut."They treated us like lab rats. Like just things, they could replace. Serena died because of that. So why stop after killing the hag and the others? Fine, the Americans. I have to aim higher. I'll take away their freedom...just like they took hers..."

The Gai Deck sat on the table, a reminder of his status as a Kamen Rider."This is a shitty world, after all."

Raiden punched the wall of the school with all his strength, nearly breaking his fingers."How?! How the hell did we lose?!"

"R-Raiden, I-"

"And to a civilian! Not only I lost to Ryuki, I lost to some random person!" Raiden continued, hitting the wall with his forehead. He shifted his anger towards an innocent trash bin and began kicking it, spilling its contents on the floor.

"Raiden! Please, calm down!"

"How do you want me to calm down!" Raiden screamed, causing his brother to recoil in fear."Do you realize what this means?! We're weak! Weak! We're supposed to be stronger than this! We're supposed to be the chosen ones to save the world! So how?! I-"

Raiden felt a hand on his shoulder, sending cold shivers down his spine. He didn't know who was behind him, but he could imagine a shadow looming over him with killing intent, its eyes set on him and its jaws opening as if to bite its target. Pure killing intent. Using his survival instincts, Raiden jumped forward, taking several steps back with Andreas.

"Oh, my. I didn't mean to startle you." Nakahara covered her mouth, playfully hitting her head."Sowwy! I didn't mean to scare you like that! I just saw you kicking this poor trash bin...are you okay? Do you need someone to talk to?"

'What's with this girl?!' Raiden shivered uncontrollably.'My body...it's shaken without control...what was that bloodlust just now?!'

"Ara, are you perhaps...lost?" Nakahara seized him up."You don't attend this school, do you? Did you come here to visit a friend, maybe?"

"Hahaha...thanks, but we're fine!" Andreas nervously chuckled, grabbing Raiden's hand."We're fine, thank you! See you later, miss!"

Nakahara blinked, tilting her head."What a cute pair of boys~."

After walking for a while, Raiden suddenly pulled away from Andreas, grimacing."Raiden...?"

"I'm so done with this. Done with all these lies...done with pretending things are okay. Done with being weak. Get out of here. Tell the others I'm done. I'm not coming back to the base."

"W-what...?" Andreas' eyes widened."What do you mean you're not coming back?"

"Exactly what it sounds like. I'm done being manipulated. From now on, I want to make my own decisions. Jades-nii-chan...no...Jades condemned us all. All he ever did was lie to us and prevent us from reaching our true potential. Not anymore." Raiden turned his back on Andreas."See you."

"Wait, don't!" Andreas wrapped his arms around him, crying."Please don't go!"

"Let go, Andreas," Raiden muttered, trying to pry his arms off him.

"I won't! I don't want you to leave!"

"Then come with me." Raiden suggested."I love you. You're my brother. And I don't want you to be on that sinking ship we call him when things go south."

"I-I love you too..." Andreas released him, glancing up at him as tears glistened in his eyes."But...what about the girls...?"

"They're blindly following Mo-Nastassja. We will never convince them." Raiden coldly stated."Look...I won't force you to come with me. But...we might be enemies next time we see each other."

"No! I don't want to fight you!" Andreas pleased, grabbing his arm."But...Is this the right thing...? To walk away from them? They're our family..."

"We might be able to convince them later on." Raiden reassured him, patting his head."But for now...not much we can do. So, what do you say? We've always been together ever since we were little kids. We'll be fine."

"But...where would we go?"

"The only place..." Raiden shifted his gaze to the sky."...where we can go."

Meanwhile, Nastassja, Maria, and Jades were lounging around in the VTOL. Maria stared at her knees, contemplating the words her younger siblings had told her earlier. She glanced at Jades, who was just staring at the ground, his head hanging.

"Are you having regrets?" Nastassja addressed Maria."About what we have done?"

"N-no, Mom..." Maria shook her head."I will accomplish the mission given to me."

They were surprised to hear the alarm going off, and the one-eyed woman immediately checked the monitors."Looks like our countrymen have caught up with us. We must take initiative before they enter the building. Maria, Jades, you will have to handle them."

"Right..." Jades muttered, already standing up.

"But they're just normal people!" Maria scowled, grabbing Jades' hand."One hit from Gungnir and Tiger and they'll die!"

"Nonetheless, you must do it." Nastassja glared at her."You were like this back at the concert. Are you so afraid to stain your hands with blood?"

"She doesn't have to. I'll go on my own." Jades said, his gaze low."Only one of us has to go anyway. No point in sending us both..."

"But Jades-nii, you're in no condition to fight! And besides...will you really...kill someone?"

"I was going to do it anyway." Jades forced a smile but falter."Might as well go through with it. We can't let them get in."

"I think it's a great idea." Dr. Ver chimed in from afar, holding Solomon's Cane."In fact, this is a great opportunity for us to try out our ace in the hole. I've been meaning to test it out, after all."

"Dr. Ver...you're going to use that?" Nastassja asked, earning a nod from the doctor.

"That's right. I think it's about time I jump in the fray." The man placed a hand on the taller but younger man."So how about it, Jades-kun?"

"Let's do it." Jades nodded, and he and the doctor exited the VTOL. Once they were outside, they both reached for their pockets. Jades took out his Tiger Deck and the doctor had a bizarre Deck with a golden circle on it.

A pair of belts manifested around their waists as they both yelled."Henshin!"

In a flash of light, the men were transformed into Kamen Riders. Tiger gazed at Dr. Ver, who was now clad in black armor and his helmet resembled the face of a cricket

"So that's the other gift our sponsors sent for us to test for them." Tiger marbled at the suit."What is it called again?"

"Alternative." Dr. Ver grinned under his helmet."But this particular model is called Alternative Zero, a prototype model. It's still a far cry from being the genuine thing, but the Deck evolves as I battle. Unfortunately, I only have access to a few cards. Fortunately, I have Solomon's Cane to back us up."

Once they exited the vehicle, they were met with a crowd of armed people."Now, now. No need to be so hostile. It won't do you any good."

A horde of Noise appeared around them, immediately attacking the men. Tiger inserted a card into his Destvisor and Alternative Zero scanned a card on the gauntlet of his right arm.

Strike Vent: Destclaws

Sword Vent: Slashdagger

Tiger was equipped with his claws while Dr. Ver had a large sword in his free hand. They both dashed at their enemies, cutting through them like butter. Where the Noise would turn people to ash, the two Riders slashed their opponents to pieces. Tiger's pristine white armor was tainted with blood. A soldier tried to escape, but Tiger lunged at him, impaling his chest and hoisting him up before tossing him on the floor. He heard some kids scream, turning his attention to them.

"Oh? Guess we have witnesses." Alternative Zero mused, approaching the children as he summoned some Noise."Unfortunately, we can't have that."

"Ver, stop it!" Maria screamed back in VTOL."Jades, stop him! Please! Those children have nothing to do with this!"

Jades averted his gaze, closing his eyes.

"Jades! JADES!"

But it was too late. The Noise had turned the children into ash. Alternative laughed aloud, seemingly gleeful at his actions. Tiger looked at his hands, tears glistening in his eyes.'This...is what we have to do...right?'

"Why the hell are you kids here?" Takeru asked, surprised to see the two girls approaching the stage.

"I think you know the answer to that, Zolda." Shirabe addressed him."We heard that the last one standing on that stage gets their wish granted."

"That's correct!" The MC nodded in affirmation.

"Then we'll take on the challenge-desu!" Kirika pointed at Chris."Unless you're scared to accept our challenge?"

"Of course not." Chris snarled, Takeru holding her back."Get on here and try your worst!"

"This is a very risky move of ours." Shirabe muttered to Kirika as they got up on stage."All Symphogears are here and only one of their Riders. Ryuki must be facing Raiden and Andreas."

"Yeah..."

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine." Kirika shook her head.

"Now, let's hear our challengers sing! Um..."

"Shirabe Tsukuyomi."

"Kirika Akatsuki-desu!"

"Alright! And they'll be singing Orbital Beat! That's a Zwei Wing song, of course!"

(Orbital Beat)

"What are they trying to do here? Provoke us?" Tsubasa scowled, folding her arms.

"Where did Yanagi-san go?" Miku pondered.

"Adachi must have gotten in a fight with the other two." Tsubasa deduced."But that's strange...I'm sure we would have heard if there was a fight between Riders going on right now."

Just then, Miku's phone began ringing. She picked up the call, placing the phone in her ear."Haz-kun? What's going on?"

"I found Setsuna-chan crying her eyeballs out." Hazuki sat next to a tree with Setsuna and Hajime, who was laying on the grass with his eyes closed."He was attacked. But he's not wounded or anything. Though I think he may have indigestion..."

Hajime groaned, holding his belly."I think I'm going to puke..."

"Hang in there, Haji!" Serena held onto his brother's hand."Don't die!"

"I'm not dying..."Hajime deadpanned.

"But yeah...he's okay." Hazuki surmised."Just thought I'd let you guys know. We're outside the gym."

"Got it, thank you, Haz-kun." Miku nodded, ending the call as the song ended."Hajime-kun is fine. He got attacked by some people but he's okay. He probably has indigestion."

"They must have attacked him after he finished his eating competition when he was off guard and unable to fight properly. Are they willing to go to that extreme?" Tsubasa grimaced, watching the girls on stage wave at the crowd."Are we, singers of songs, destined to fight like the Kamen Riders?"

"I'll text Yosuke-san." Hibiki quickly typed on her phone."Maybe they're still around...Haz-san is there with Hajime-kun, but he's not a Kamen Rider. If they attack again..."

"With those amazing voices, even the champion has to sit up and take notice!" The MC said with all the girls on stage."With those amazing voices, even the champion has to sit up and take notice! What do the judges say?!"

"I find it hilarious how you had to gang up on me to stand a chance," Chris smirked.

"Don't take it the wrong way." Shirabe narrowed her eyes."We just-"

The girls gasped, bringing a hand to their ears."Seriously? We were so close to getting the pendants!"

"Let's just go, Kiri-chan." Shirabe grabbed Kirika's hand and ran with her out of the stage.

"Hey! Why are you running?!" Chris gritted her teeth, chasing after them.

"Here we go." Takeru chased after his girlfriend. Tsubasa and Hibiki also joined in on the chase, chasing the girls out of the school.

The girls didn't make it very far, however, as their path was interrupted by a group of students carrying props.

"Damn it! Where are Raiden and Andreas?!" Kirika gritted in frustration."They couldn't have been defeated, could they?"

"That's as far as you go." Tsubasa ran to intercept them, blocking their path. They turned back, only to see Hibiki, Chris, and Takeru.

"Shirabe-chan and Kirika-chan, right?" Hibiki asked.

"Four on two..." Shirabe analyzed the situation, weighing her choices."But you're down a few members. Our brothers should be finishing them up as we speak."

"I think not." Tsubasa folded her arms."Your brothers cowardly attacked our friend and had the nerve to run away."

"No way..." Kirika's jaw hung slightly."He defeated them...?"

"Even then, you can't afford to fight us here." Shirabe trailed off, her eyes scanning her surroundings."So think about your choices."

"Using dirty tricks?!" Chris sneered, clenching her fist.

"You were singing so cheerfully a moment ago." Hibiki tried to talk them down."Kirika-chan, Hajime-kun is your friend, right? He doesn't want to see you like this."

"He's not my friend! He abandoned me!" Kirika seethed, her temper getting the better of him."Look, that doesn't matter. How about we find a way to settle things without involving all these people? I know! I challenge you to a duel-desu!"

"Come on! We don't have to fight every time we meet, do we-"

"Make up your mind!" Both Kirika and Chris snapped in unison, much to their chagrin.

"Bottom line is...we'll notify you when the duel will take place." Shirabe addressed the other girls and Takeru."Until then...goodbye!"

With that, Kirika and Shirabe made their exit.

"We can't just let them escape." Takeru was about to chase after them when their communicators went off.

"Are all of you together?" Genjuro asked over the phone."We defected the emergence of Noise. They seem to have disappeared since then, but please investigate the general vicinity just in case."

"Fucking hell." Takeru groaned."I was just about to go to my class!"

"I think he meant we can go after we're done with our festival." Tsubasa pointed out."Come on, let's go."

Later that day, Kirika and Shirabe finally made it to the rendezvous point where they were met by Dr. Ver, Maria, Nastassja, and Jades.

"That's strange." Shirabe whispered to Kirika."Andreas and Raiden aren't here. I thought they had made it by now."

"I wonder if something happened to them..." Kirika frowned.

"Wait, where are Andreas and Raiden?" Maria asked, causing the girls to glance at each other."They're not with you?"

"We thought they'd be here by now." Shirabe answered for them."Have you tried communicating with them?"

"We did..." Nastassja closed her eyes, sighing."We'll talk about the matter at the next safe house. Let us make haste."

"We can't leave!" Kirika cried out."We promised we'd have a duel with them!"

"You what?" Jades, who had been quiet until then, quirked a brow.

"We almost got their pendants too." Shirabe chimed in."I believe that if we-"

In quick succession, Nastassja slapped both of the girls. Jades closed his eyes, forcing himself from intervening. Maria, on the other hand, was more vocal.

"Mom! That was completely unnecessary!"

"No. That's enough." Nastassja chastised them."All of you need to stop treating this like it's some sort of game. This is a battle. If you're not careful, you'll get killed!"

"Mom..." Jades grimaced. He didn't like her yelling at them like that. Normally, he would have intervened by now. But he knew she was right. Their lives were at risk.

"Hold on." Dr. Ver intervened, much to Jades' surprise."I think this could work to our advantage."

"What do you mean?" Nastassja inquired.

"We could make use of that duel they promised." Dr. Ver began explaining."As it stands, we're down 2 Riders and Jades-kun here isn't in the best condition. Meaning that even if we make use of our 3 Symphogear, Section Two has 3 capable Riders. However, with the Alternative Zero deck and the Noise, we might be able to close up the gap in strength."

"A valid point." Nastassja acknowledged his idea."Very well. You girls go inside. Jades, prepare to help the doctor. We'll go looking for Andreas and Raiden when this is over. Or in the alternative that they have them hostage, we'll demand them to hand them over."

The girls slowed walked past them and approached Jades. They avoided making eye contact with the man, and he couldn't blame them. He had failed them numerous times now. He understood why they were upset at him. But he would be lying if he said it didn't tear him apart. They were his siblings. And yet, it was true that at first he only approached them to fill that hole his unborn brother left behind. He had come to love them.

"Mind giving me a hand, Jades-kun?" Dr. Ver broke him from his thoughts."I'd like to discuss our strategy."

"You got it." Jades nodded, forcing his emotions to stay in check. He had a mission to accomplish.

Back in Section Two, the Symphogear and Kamen Riders had gathered around for their briefing with Genjuro.

"An abandoned hideout and traces of many people killed in a Noise Attack. Not to mention the numerous corpses." Genjuro informed them."It's possible Dr. Ver was behind the Noise, but we're not sure who was the one who mutilated some of the people."

"It had to have been Tiger." Yosuke frowned."Adachi had an encounter with Raia and Imperer. It couldn't have been them."

"There's also the possibility that Ouja is back. Or maybe there is another crazy Rider on the loose." Takeru shrugged."Can we say anything for certain, Commander?"

"For now, not. But I'm lenient on the Tiger theory." Genjuro rubbed his chin."The bodies were cut up as if they had been mauled by a wild animal. The only thing I can think of capable of doing that are Tiger's claws."

"At any rate, we were challenged to a duel today." Tsubasa stated, earning a surprised look from Genjuro."They want to settle things today. Our group against theirs."

"We think it might be a trap." Chris started, shaking her head."No. It will be a trap. But we figured that we won't get another chance to drag them out of their hiding like this."

"It'll be dangerous." Genjuro pointed out."But I agree. The only real threat would be Maria and Jades as well as the Noise and those weird monsters you mentioned. Hajime-kun has already proven that we have the superior power in terms of Riders."

"Ah...you flatter me." Hajime chuckled sheepishly.

"Yeah but Tiger will be a problem." Takeru folded his arms."Last time, even me and Yanagi here were no match for him. Even with Gai. Is there any way we can call Gai? He said he was willing to help."

"I'd rather not rely on that scum." Yosuke sneered."He's up to something. I still believe there's a connection between him and them."

"A fair point. Gai is too unpredictable." Genjuro agreed."For now, get some rest. You'll need it if you want to be in top condition for the duel."

"Hold on." Yosuke cleared his voice."Commander, have you discovered anything on the Mirror Monsters?"

"Nothing as of yet." Genjuro shook his head."We've analyzed some of the shards you brought back. But they're just regular mirrors. Mirrors that you can buy just about anywhere. It's possible it's heretical technology, but we don't know for certain. In case they use them again in your duel, try to get more information out of them."

"Roger that." Yosuke nodded, turning on his heel and following his friends.'I wonder...just what kind of power can create monsters out of mirrors? Is there something we're missing?'

"Honey, I'm home." An exhausted Kuwana said to no one as he entered his apartment, closing the door behind him and slowly making his way toward his fridge. He got the last can of beer he had and headed for his couch. He tossed away his jacket and shirt, leaving him only with his pants and a sleeveless white shirt, collapsing on the couch. He lazily cracked open his beer, gulping down a decent amount of it.

"Man, I hate my fucking job..." He groaned, snatching the remote to his tv from the floor. He put on the first movie he could find as ambient noise while he drank his beverage."Gotta buy groceries soon...I only have that egg salad from yesterday and I think it'll expire tomorrow..."

Just then, someone knocked on the door."Go away..."

The knocking continued and got louder and louder until he couldn't ignore it anymore."God damn it!" He sneered, grabbing his Deck just in case, and stormed toward the door."I swear, you better have a good reason to be knocking on my-"

As soon as he opened the door, he was greeted by Andreas and Raiden who had bags on their backs."Hi...Jades-nii."

"What the fuck are you-"

"Before you freak out." Raiden interrupted him."We followed you from your job. We didn't necessarily track you down."

"You followed me home...Is this a fucking trap? Did the old hag put you up-"

"It sounds bad but please hear us out! We didn't tell anyone!" Andreas pleaded."We ran away from home."

"Ran away? Why?"

"You were right all along, Teru-nii." Raiden scowled, clenching his fists."Jades never cared about us. Neither did Nastassja. We were just puppets. We're tired of lies and being treated like a liability. We were too blind to see that we would never reach our true potential with Jades holding us back."

"We didn't want to leave Maria-nee-chan, Shirabe, and Kirika, but..."

"They are blindly following Nastassja. At this point, we can't convince them to turn to our side. Furthermore, they think that by following her, they'll get to see a new world. And their belief has been strengthened because...we found out the Rider war can only be won by one person."

'Are they seriously just figuring this out?' Kuwana internally scoffed."What do you mean?"

"The enemy Riders had an encounter with Odin. They said he told them that even if he's defeated, the game will not end until only one person is left standing. So getting our wish...became an impossibility. But we still want to get stronger and defeat the other Riders! But we have nowhere to go. Please, let us stay here!"

"Hell no." Kuwana quickly shut down the idea."Why the hell would I want to look after you kids? I-"

'Hold on. This is perfect.' Kuwana thought to himself.'So my plan did work after all. They're at odds with the others. If I play my cards right, I might get them to kill each other and save myself the trouble.'

"On second thought...how could I say no to my little brothers? Come on in." Kuwana quickly changed his tune. He stepped aside, letting them through."Make yourselves at home."

"Wow! What a nice house, brother!" Andreas gaped as he spun in circles, admiring the apartment.

"It's an apartment. One of the few good perks of working my stupid job." Kuwana shrugged, sitting on the chair next to the couch."Sit down. Talk to me. We can figure this out together. So...you just left? Can the hag track you down?"

"Normally, yes. But we destroyed our communicators." Raiden elaborated."There is no way they can track us here, Teru-nii. You see, we were sent over to Lydian Academy, where the Symphogear and Riders attend to ambush them. However, things did not go the way we intended them to. So if anything, they may think that Section Two are the ones who have us captive."

"I see. You thought this through, didn't you?" Kuwana praised the brown-haired teen."Not bad, kid. So what will be your next move? Just hide?"

"I...I honestly don't know. We're still a far cry from catching up to the stronger Riders like Jades and Knight. We had trouble with Ryuki, even working together. We have to fight. But we have no real plan yet."

"What's the point in fighting anyway?" Terunosuke sighed, leaning back on his couch."If you can't get the wish, why fight? Not to mention-Hey, don't touch that!"

Andreas yelped, caught red-handed as he tried to grab Terunosuke's can of beer."Sorry. I was just thirsty..."

"That's not for kids like you. Go get some water or something. Actually, go get us some drinks from the vending machine in the lobby." Kuwana pulled out a few bills from his pocket."Get whatever you want. And be grateful I'm giving you money again after last time."

"Thank you, Teru-nii!" Andreas gratefully took the money and exited the apartment.

"As I was saying...if there is no wish, what is the point in fighting? What will you do? What do you want to do?"

"I want to prove myself capable of fighting my own battles. That I don't need Jades to hold my hand. That I can be my own person and I can surpass him. I'll grow stronger to one day beat him and every other Rider in my way."

This caught Kuwana's attention. He hadn't expected Raiden to be this ambitious. It sort of reminded him of himself. This was a great opportunity.'You always said this, didn't you hag? To grab every opportunity I could.'

"Actually, there is a way to get the wish. A wish that could benefit everyone, not just Serena. What you could do is...kill all the Riders. Including Jades and Andreas."

"W-what...?" Raiden nearly choked on his saliva," I suggested that idea...but at the moment, I wasn't thinking straight. But...I don't think I can do that...to kill my brothers..."

"Well, think about it this way. If you kill them, you can use the wish to bring everyone back. You'll be securing the wish by making their powers your own. However, let's say another Rider shows up. And he kills them and you. At that point, not only can you say goodbye to ever seeing them again, you'll be leaving behind the girls by themselves." Terunosuke stood up, kneeling in front of Raiden, who was silently crying."You're the only one that can do this. Jades is unreliable, and the burden is too much for a kid like Andreas to carry. Believe me. If I was a Kamen Rider, I'd do it myself. With all the pain in my heart. But if it's not done, someone else will take the wish and everything will be for nothing."

Raiden shook like a leaf, trying to get words out but he was unable to.

"Look...just sleep on it, okay? I don't want to force this on you. Do what you think is right. But think about the greater good. You can either let them be killed by a stranger with bad intentions. Or you can kill them yourself for the sake of making our family long again. This house is empty. Sometimes I ponder how life would be if we got a good upbringing. I would have loved for all of us to live together. And we can make that happen. Me, you, Andreas, Kirika, Shirabe, Serena, Maria, Atticus, and even Jades. Doesn't that sound wonderful?'

"It does...far better than how our life has been up to now..."

"Right? It's not too late. Besides, I'm not saying grab a knife and cut Andreas' throat right now. You can talk it through after all the Riders are gone. He'll understand." Terunosuke smiled at him."Tell you what. You boys can stay here for as long as you need. You can figure out what to do and I'll support you no matter what. I'll protect you and keep you clothed, fed, and sheltered. No strings attached. How does that sound?"

"Would you..." Raiden stared at Kuwana with tears glistening in his eyes."...do that for us...?"

"For my brothers? Of course." Terunosuke playfully ruffled his hair."Besides, we've been separated for years. We have so much lost time to catch up on. How about we go grocery shopping tomorrow? I got paid today and we need to restock the fridge."

"I'd love to. Andreas would love to as well!" Raiden beamed, throwing himself against Kuwana."Thank you, brother...thank you..."

"That's what brothers are for, right?" Kuwana rubbed the back of his head.

"A group hug!" Andreas closed the door behind him, set the bag he was carrying on the floor and rushed in to join the hug. Andreas and Raiden nuzzled against Kuwana, enjoying their brother's comfortable warmth

Kuwana, on the other hand, smirked. Everything was falling into the right place, after all.'I can't wait to see your stupid face when you find yourself facing your own brothers...Jades.'

And that's it for this chapter. I had to get it out this soon because I'll be a little busy with school work a bit so I thought I might as well finish this chapter now.

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

Alternative Zero: Dr. Ver

Deceased Raiders:

Scissors: Goro Tanaka