Author's Note: I want to thank those who are following the story and continue showing their support. I appreciate all of you and it motivates me to continue writing. I noticed the lack of Symphogear stories that reach an ending at all. The only one I can think of is a Symphogear x Ultraman story. It's an awesome story, by the way, even for non-Ultraman viewers. But aside from that, most of them are either still going or never concluded. But I'll make it my mission for this story to reach its conclusion. So I hope all of you continue to be on this wild journey with me to the end.
Reviews:
FlameFireZero X: I'm liking these suggestions. I'll add them to the story after I figure out when I can implement them. I'm thinking maybe Ryuki can get his when he gets Survive and making add the Inferno Vent for a boost in power to his armor. Thank you for your ideas!
Guest DCDGojira: Glad you liked it. Yeah, I watched it too. It was pretty good. I hope the future Marvel movies get even better.
lordri25may2001: My exams went well, surprisingly lol. Just waiting for the results of my projects. I don't want to spoil much but there might be a face-to-face between Loki and Shem-ha. Whether it will be as allies or enemies, only time will tell. But we have a long journey before reaching AXZ so it's fine. And thank you again for your support. You guys make this story possible.
Chapter 34
Mutual Understanding
As the battle in Tokyo Tower commenced, the rest of FIS was stationed in a forest, waiting for the others to return. Kirika and Jades were enjoying the shade of a tree while waiting for Shirabe to finish lunch. While Jades lay on the grass, enjoying a peaceful nap, Kirika sat next to him, leaning against the tree, deep in thought.
"Am I really Fine...?" Kirika looked at her palms, then at Jades.'If so, Jades-nii-chan will be happy because Maria will continue to be herself. But...what about me...?'
Jades continued to snort quietly, his chest going up and down slowly.
'I haven't seen Jades-nii-chan this relaxed in a long time.' Kirika beamed at him, deciding to put her worries aside. She did the gesture he always did to her and playfully ruffled his hair. It had become a custom for him to do that to everyone. To Maria, Teru-nii, Raiden, Andreas, Shirabe, and even herself. It was his way to reassure them.
"You okay?" Jades suddenly cracked an eye open, startling the blonde.
"Y-you scared me-desu!" Kirika huffed before she gasped."Did I wake you up?"
"No. It's just I don't take long naps. So I was about to wake up on my own." Jades yawned into his palm."Something on your mind?"
"Huh?"
"You look uncharacteristically serious." Jades sat up, leaning against the tree."You looked deep in thought just now. If there's something on your mind, you know you can talk to me. I'll always listen."
"It's...nothing..." Kirika trailed off.'I don't want Teru-nii-chan to get sad again...'
"Come on, tell me." Jades poked her side, earning a yelp."Or I shall tickle you until you tell me, young lady. Should I call...the tickle monster?"
"N-no! Not the tickle monster!" Kirika erupted into laughter as Jades continued poking her on the sides."S-s-stop! Onii-chan!"
"Tell me what's bothering you and I will." Jades grinned, snickering as she squirm uncontrollably."Unless you want the tickle monster to continue his assault."
"O-okay! Okay! I'll tell you!" Kirika yelled, taking a deep breath once Jades stopped."It's...complicated..."
"Oh." Jades nodded in understanding before his face was drained of all color, horrified at the implication."Oh...Oh, God. Is it finally happening? This is about a boy, isn't it? I wasn't expecting to have this conversation with you just yet. W-well, you see, Kirika, when a boy and a girl-"
"It's not like that, brother!" Kirika smacked him in the head, causing him to comically fall on the grass."Well...it is about a boy. But not like that. It's about...Blacky-kun."
"Blacky-kun?" Jades arched a brow."Oh. Do you mean Ryuki? Hajime Adachi? Ah, that's right. You guys used to be playmates when you were little."
"Yeah..." Kirika nodded, a wistful expression on her face."We used to play together at the local park every day. We promised we would continue to play together every day. Then one day he just...stopped showing up. And I can't remember anything after that..."
"Must have been quite the surprise to see him again after all these years. Especially as the enemy."
"It was. At first, he didn't recognize me." Kirika continued."When we fought back at the concert, he didn't seem to recognize me. It wasn't until they invaded the hospital. Then he recognized me. He remembered me. When I hadn't forgotten about him for a single day. And now he comes in and keeps saying how he wants to "save" me. He thinks you guys are using me. And he says he wants things to go back to the way they were. The nerve of him."
"Did he ever say why he stopped going?"
"No...Does it matter?" Kirika asked.
Jades chuckled."Of course, it does. Especially given your age at the time. Sometimes things happen. Things that are out of our control and that even adults can't fix them. Something must have happened to him that prevented him from going to the park and breaking that promise." He reached out to her a rubbed her cheek."You can't always look at things in black and white. Life is not that simple. I'm not saying to forgive him or anything. But I am suggesting for you at least hear him out. See what he has to say and once you do, make your decision. I will support you, no matter what you decide."
"Is it okay...? I mean, he is an enemy..."
"Maybe so, but he was once your friend." Jades shrugged."Besides, they are nice kids. I'm sure if things were different, we would have all been friends. Sadly, that's not the case. But you can at least get closure. It's important to close doors to our past while we have the chance."
"Okay." Kirika nodded."If you think it's worth a try, I'll do it. Next time I see Blacky-kun, I'll tell him how I feel."
"Why do you call him that, anyway?"
"His hair!" Kirika pointed at her golden locks."It's the exact opposite of mine. So dark and mysterious-desu!"
"Hahaha. He does have pretty dark hair." Jades chuckled. Just then, Shirabe appeared."Hey, Shira-chan. How's lunch coming along?"
"I came to announce that lunch is ready." Shirabe gave a quick bow."I followed your recipe, Teru-nii-chan. And I managed to make a decent beef stew. I...I want you to be the first to try it and hear your opinion."
"Beef stew made by Shirabe!" Kirika cheered, jumping to her feet.
"Sure. Kirika and I can be your judges. But I'm sure you did great. You've gotten better at cooking." Jades walked up to her, ruffling her hair."I hope you don't mind if I take some to go. I have to go look for the boys when Maria and Mom get back."
"Are you sure you don't want us coming with you?" Kirika looked up at him.
"It could be dangerous going by yourself." Shirabe glanced at his still bandaged arms."And your arms..."
"What? This? I'm okay. Pinky promise." Jades suddenly crouched down, scooping them up on his arms and carrying them around."If the Tiger Express can't take his little sisters to the kitchen, can he really face off against his enemies? I think not!"
Kirika and Shirabe giggled along with Jades as he carried them over to the VTOL. All worries and concerns momentarily left their minds as they just enjoyed each other's company.
A few minutes before the attack on Tokyo Tower, Maria was pushing Nastassja through the halls on the highest floor of the building.
"Mom...about what you said. What did you-"
"Exactly what I said." Nastassja responded easily."Up until now, we've taken the role of terrorists when our true motive is to prevent the devastation the Moon's fall will bring about. For that to happen, we require Dr. Ver's cooperation, which can only be guaranteed by you pretending to be Fine. Thanks to our "friend"'s help, he's the most knowledgeable person in our team regarding Kamen Riders and the Mirror World."
"Not to mention that without the boys, we're down a few members." Maria added."I don't mean to doubt the doctor, but unlike the boys, he's not suited for combat, even with a powerful Deck like the Alternative Zero."
"Regardless, we just need to keep fooling him long enough for our plan to succeed. I'll take a look at his research and find a way to control the Mirror World. Even if I have to resort to communicating with the person on the other side."
"Do you know who it is?"
"I never met him in person. No one has, aside from Fine. From what I understand, they're old acquaintances. It's thanks to his research that we know what we know about the Kamen Riders. He provided the training regiments for the boys to follow as well as how to utilize their powers." Nastassja closed her eye."Though, there is something that I know. He is known as the "Herrscher of Catastrophe". Herrscher means monarch in German. Supposedly, he's a descendant of royal blood from an old empire. Or so the rumors say."
"Herrscher...Monarch of Catastrophe? Royal blood?" Maria blinked, perplexed."What do you mean?"
"We'll talk about it later." Nastassja ended the conversation. "We're here."
Maria pushed the wheelchair past an automatic door, coming face to face with a group of men in black."W-what is this?!"
"American government agents." Nastassja explained."I called them here for negotiations. I first got into direct contact with them back when Terunosuke and Atticus escaped. We kept tabs on the boy to make sure he wouldn't talk. But now, we're here to reach an understanding."
"I wouldn't call it keeping tabs on him." The man in the middle snorted."Does the girl with you not know?"
"Know...what?" Maria glanced over to the one-eyed woman.
"That's not important at the moment. Maria." Nastassja extended her arm, holding onto a chip. The pinkette took the chip, bringing it over to the man.
"It will be important if it becomes a bigger problem than what it is. But you're right." The man nodded at Maria."For now, we gladly accept the information you've provided regarding heretical technology."
"Of course. As I have said, I will deal with it personally." Nastassja cryptically said, confusing Maria even more."I also shall assist you in making full use of that information."
"Well...about our deal. Now that we have what we want, we don't feel like going through with it with terrorists." The man pockets the chip, pulling out a gun along with his comrades."Bullets kill faster and more ruthlessly than songs and even armored warriors.
"Mom!" Maria exclaimed, taken back by the guns aimed at her.
"Did you intend to spur our deal from the very beginning?" Nastassja scowled."I should have expected as much. Even from our countrymen."
"Need I remind you that you're the one who's been protecting that boy ever since he escaped?" The man grinned."That was just a personal favor. But now, all deals are off the table. He's also a terrorist, just like you, after all."
"Teru-nii?" Maria gaped."Mom, what does he mean?"
Before anyone could say anything, they noticed flying creatures surrounding the building."Noise?!"
The Noise went through the glass, immediately attacking the men and turning them to ash.
"Now that that's out of the way..." Nastassja eyed Maria, who nodded in return.
"Granzizel bilfen Gungnir Zizzl..."
(Play Resso Gungnir)
Maria used her spear to mow through a group of Noise that had surrounded Nastassja, clearing a path for them. She got Nastassja on her shoulder, breaking through the door and fighting one-handed. The elevators opened up simultaneously, revealing armed men that opened fire on sight.
The second Gungnir user used her cape to block the bullets, protecting Nastassja. She used her cape to swat the men away, jumping around and kicking a few others while blocking bullets with her spear.
"Maria, they are likely waiting below, so let us make our escape above!" Nastassja ordered over her shoulder.
"Yes!" Maria kicked the door down, running down the emergency stairs.
"Seems like the fun is starting." Allister observed with a smile."How envious I am of them. I wish I could see their emotions directly."
"Well, our conversation won't take that long, I'm sure." Dr. Ver offered."Before we begin, why do you want to help us? What do you gain from this?"
"Fine was my second favorite employer. She treated me so well during the short time I was with her. Also, I am a professional assassin. I feel obligated to complete the job, regardless if she's dead or not. That's why I want to help you since you guys are so closely related to Fine."
"Assassin...wait, you must be Code Cypher then!" Dr. Ver gasped in awe."To think you're so young. And you were working for Fine? You...are you a Kamen Rider?"
"You can just call me Allister. Code Cypher is just my professional name, after all. And we're here as...shall we say, kindred spirits." Allister pulled something out of his pocket, revealing it to be the Ouja Deck."And yes. I am Kamen Rider Ouja. Though you could say I'm also Kamen Rider Scissors."
"Kamen Rider Scissors?" The doctor arched an eyebrow.
Allister chuckled, shaking his head."Never mind that. I also want to help you, doctor. I can see your emotion clear as day. Your desire to complete your ambitions is radiating. It's fascinating. I wish to see more of it. Hence, I want to help YOU specifically."
"As expected of an assassin, you have a keen eye for determining a person's nature." Dr. Ver grinned maniacally."Very well! Let us discuss in peace while the idiots over there try to survive!"
"Now you're speaking my language."
Hajime and Raiden faced each other inside of an empty room, locking the doors so no one would intervene in their fight.
"Your siblings were looking for you. Did something happen?" Hajime asked, receiving a scoff.
"Yeah? I bet they were. But it's not your problem." Raiden grunted, showing him his Deck as his V Buckle materialized around his waist."The only thing you should be concerned about is our fight. I'm taking you down. It won't go the same way as last time!"
"I know I said I'm down for a fight...but can we talk about this first? We don't have to fight." Hajime attempted to dissuade him."Listen...if you could just come with us-"
"Unfortunately, things aren't that easy." Raiden snorted with disdain."My goal is important to me. And you just happen to stand in the middle of it. I'll get that wish, no matter what."
"Even if you have to kill your siblings?"
"Just shut up and get ready!" Raiden shouted, inserting his Deck into his belt."Henshin!"
Hajime did the same, transforming into Ryuki."Henshin!"
"I'll show you just how serious I am!" Raia yelled, rushing toward Ryuki. He threw the first punch, which Ryuki blocked with his forearm. Wasting no time, he went for a horizontal kick that was met by a knee. Before he could react, Ryuki spun on his heels and struck him against his chest. Raia stumbled backward, gasping at how strong the punch had been. To his shock, Ryuki had vanished, and before he could glance behind him, he felt a kick that launched him toward the ceiling. He hit the ceiling, bouncing back to the ground.
"Stay down and walk away. Otherwise, this ends in tears for you." Ryuki stared at him coldly."You just can't win this thing."
"Silence!"
"Okay then..." Ryuki took a battle stance.
"You're going down!" Raia snapped, already on his feet to begin his second assault. He delivered a barrage of punches that were easily blocked by Ryuki. The dragon Rider jabbed him in the ribs, earning a pained yell from his foe. He delivered two quick punches to his head before aiming a final punch to the chest. Raia twisted his body, receiving the punch with his arm, and was sent skidding on the ground, hitting the wall.
"Like I said. You can't win against me." Ryuki folded his arms under his chest."You're different from before, I'll give you that. But it's because you're not fighting strategically anymore. Back when we first met, you gave me a lot of trouble. But things are different now. And I'm way stronger than before."
'This can't be happening...' Raia sat up, his eyes wide in fury.'He shouldn't be this strong...the gap shouldn't be this big. He wasn't that strong a few days ago. It's impossible!'
'At least we're keeping the damage to a minimal." Hajime scanned around the storage room. Aside from a few dents on the walls, nothing had suffered major damage.
Swing Vent: Evilwhip
'Here he comes.'
Raia lashed his whip to Hajime's side, striking him directly. The boy winced in pain but grabbed onto the whip tightly. Raia tried pulling back to no avail, and before he could protest, he was pulled toward Ryuki as he began spinning around, dragging Raia along for the ride."Off you go!"
Ryuki released his grip on the whip, sending Raia crashing against the wall. The stingray Rider coughed up saliva, watching in horror as a Ryuki unleashed the full power of his Strike Vent, Dragclaw. The blast sent him flying out of the tower, free-falling toward the ground.
"Oh, shit." Ryuki yelped, running up to the hole. Once he peaked outside, he noticed Noise flying around the upper floors of the tower."What the fuck is going on?!"
A beam of lighting hit Ryuki dead on, sending him rolling on the ground. Raia was flying around in the air on Evildiver, using the monster's tail to fire beams of lighting at him.
Guard Vent: Dragshields
"Hey! You planned this?! Do you have Solomon's Cane with you?!" Ryuki hollered, blocking the attacks with his shields.
"Not...really..." Raia's eyes darted around."But that doesn't matter. My goal here is to kill you. And that's exactly what I'll do!"
"I have to go help Hibiki-san and Miku-san!" Ryuki tried to run back toward the door, but Raia shot another beam of lighting, forcing him to dodge."But he's not going to make it easier. Shit! I don't have time for this!"
Ryuki blew a hole through the door, running out of the room.
"Oh, no you don't!" Raia gritted his teeth.
Shoot Vent: Evilauncher
Raia began launching several egg-sized grenades at the hole from his grenade launcher, exploding them at will and causing the whole floor to begin to collapse."I'll blow away this damn tower if I need to!"
"What's going on?" Miku watched, horrified at the sight of the Noise.
Hibiki glared daggers at Andreas."Did you come here with Noise?! You'll put these people in danger, after all?!"
"N-no! I swear I didn't!" Andreas protested."I have no idea what's going on either!"
"I have to go." Hibiki was about to rush into danger again, but Miku held her back."Miku?"
"Hibiki! You can't go! Remember that you will die if you transform carelessly!" Miku pleaded, her gaze shifting over to Andreas."Please, help us!"
"Help...you?"
"Help these people get out." Miku pleaded."Please. Hibiki can't transform so she can't save them. But you can!"
"We can help others even without me using the Gungnir." Hibiki addresed him."But if the Noise come inside...we'll need your help. Please, Imperer. All these innocent people are in danger."
"Mommy! Mommy, where are you?!"
Andreas felt his heart shatter upon hearing a child cry for his mother. He shook his head, pulling out the Imperer Deck."O-okay! I'll help you! I can help all these people escape to safety! Henshin!"
In a flash of light, Andreas was clad in the Imperer Deck, quickly drawing a card and inserting it into his Gazellevisor in his knee.
Advent: Gigazelle
A group of Gazelles appeared behind Imperer, led by Gigagazelle."Guys! Help all the people escape to safety! Check the floors above too! And make sure the Noise that break in are dealt with! Oh, and if you see Raiden let him know where I am!"
The Gigagazelle nodded, commanding the others to follow it.
"Your power...it's pretty unique." Hibiki complimented with a smile."It's great for saving people."
"Y-you think so?" Imperer stammered, not used to getting praise from people that weren't his siblings. He saw some Noise phasing through the windows, entering the building."I'll handle the Noise! I won't let them touch you!"
Spin Vent: Gazellestab
"Thank you." Hibiki bowed slightly."I...don't think I got your name."
"I'm Andreas. Andreas Kagutsuchi." Imperer dashed at the Noise."Now get going!"
"You heard him, Hibiki. Let's go help who we can." Miku and Hibiki exchanged a nod, jogging away.
'Is this right...? Should I be letting the Gungnir relic user escape?' Imperer pondered, stabbing through a Noise.
"What the hell is going on now?" Hazuki watched as people ran around in panic. He spotted monsters with horns, causing his eyes to shoot wide open.'What the hell is that?!'
"Superstar, go back in the bathroom!" Loki commanded. And he did just that, locking the bathroom behind him.
"I have to go look for Hajime-kun. And the girls. I have to save the girls." Hazuki hit his forehead.
"Calm down, kid. Look. Don't even worry about Hajime. He should be fine on his own. And as for Hibiki, she should be fine protecting Miku too. But I know you won't be satisfied with that so why don't we jump in too? Remember what I said before though? You have to save other people too before you save Miku."
"Huh?"
"Think about it, dummy. If you just save Miku, that would bring more suspicion to you. And remember the kid knows you're here." Loki pointed out."So try to save some people."
"But...the plan-"
"I know, okay? Not letting these humans die is a waste, but we do not need to hasten our plans just yet. So just be a little hero, at least for today."
"Okay...Loki." Hazuki pulled out his Ryuga Deck, staring at his reflection in the mirror."Henshin!"
Inserting his Deck into his V Buckle, Hazuki transformed into Kamen Rider Ryuga. The dark Rider opened the door, noticing the crowd of people blocking the stairwell.
"Hey! Over here!" Ryuga yelled at them, inserting a card into his Dragvisor.
Black Vent: Calamity Gate
"Go through that portal. It'll take you outside to safety!" He explained, but no one seemed to listen to him. The Gazelles slowly closed in, focusing their attention on Ryuga and branding him as an enemy in their eyes.
"Let me try."
Ryuga's left eye lens turned yellow and took a deep breath."Ya fucking deaf or what?! Move if you don't want to die!"
The frightened people had no choice but to listen to Ryuga, running into the portal that took them to the entrance of Tokyo Sky Tower.
"That's it. Keeping it coming." Loki chuckled in amusement as he clapped."It's like herding sheep. And now...what should we do with our friends here? Want to handle this, partner?"
"Sure."
Ryuga's eyes returned to their normal crimson, indicating that Hazuki was in control of his body. He drew a card from his Deck, activating an ability.
Sword Vent: Dragsaber
"I have to find Miku-chan and make sure she's safe." Ryuga began walking toward the Gazelles, who began to hop around him. The first one lunged at him, but he easily slashed it in half with his sword. Another one leaped toward him and was received by a boot to the face before its face was stomped under his heel. He threw his blade at another one, skewering a few of them as the sword pinned them against the wall. He sprinted toward them, easily avoiding the remaining Gazelles, and kicked the hilt of his sword, breaking the wall and throwing the pinned Gazelles over the edge.
He felt the tower shake once again as the building began to collapse on itself He peered out from the hole in the wall, noticing a familiar red Rider falling from the floor above."Great."
Mere minutes earlier, Ryuki ran up to the floor above, looking frantically around."Hibiki-san! Miku-san?! Where are you?!"
"Hajime-kun!"
Ryuki's head turned sharply to the loud voice he recognized anywhere."Hibiki-san! Miku-san! Hold on! I'll get you out of here-"
Final Vent: Hide Venom
Evildiver broke through the wall, slamming itself into Ryuki's side and forcing him out of the building.
"No!" Hibiki shrieked in concern."Hajime-kun!"
"Watch out!"
Miku pushed Hibiki out of the way as the ceiling collapsed.
"Girls!" Hajime screamed in utter terror as Miku held onto Hibiki's hand."Damn it! Take me back! My friends! My friends are going to die!"
"You people have humiliated me and my family for the last time!" Raia squatted down as he began to throw punches at Ryuki's face, who managed to block them with one arm while holding onto dear life with the other.
"This is insane! What the hell is your problem anyway?!" Ryuki struggled to hold onto Evildiver while also blocking Raia's relentless punches.
"My problem is you! I refuse to admit that someone like you is stronger than me! I'm a trained Kamen Rider! I was raised in the facility! I can't lose to someone who takes this as a means to entertain himself and play hero!"
"That's not the case!" Ryuki swatted Raia's left hand, grabbing his arm and pulling him off the Advent Monster as they both began falling toward the ground.
Raia used his whip to grapple onto a pole before Evildiver scooped him up again.
"Okay, buddy! I need you!" Ryuki opened up his visor, inserting Dragreder's card. But nothing happened. He pulled out the card again and repeated the motion, but Dragreder was nowhere to be found."Oh, come on! I'm about to die! Why are you being such an asshole!"
A hand grabbed onto his arm, pulling him up on a black surface.
"You look like you've seen better days." Ryuga stared down at Ryuki.
"Ryuga! Why the hell are you here?!" Ryuki demanded.
"Is this the thanks I get for saving your life?" Ryuga quirked a brow. Dragblacker chased Evildiver around the building. He noticed Imperer hopping onto it from a broken window as the chase continued."What's wrong?"
"I can't summon Dragreder for some reason." Ryuki put away his card."I tried, but he was not listening to me. He's been acting like a big jerk ever since..."
"Oh." Ryuga nodded in understanding.
"Must be because of the brief synchronization they had." Loki explained."The kid probably went off on the dragon, so now it's pissed at him."
"Ryuga! We have to go back for Miku-san and Hibiki-san! They need help!" Ryuki exclaimed.
"Help? Can't the Gungnir girl use her relic to get herself and Miku out of there?"
"No! She can't use her relic! It'll kill her! Look, there's no time to explain! Their lives are in danger."
"Shit." Ryuga growled."Dragblacker! Take us back!"
"Like hell we'll let you regroup with your comrades!" Raia bellowed, launching more grenades at them. The dragon dived down, avoiding the explosions."Andreas!"
"I got it!" Imperer rose his knee, inserting a card inside his visor.
Shoot Vent: Gazellebolt
A nail gun appeared in Imperer's hands, loaded with long-thin mini drills. He began opening fire, forcing Ryuga and Ryuki to retaliate.
Strike Vent: Dragclaw
Ryuga began firing black fireballs at the grenades, exploding them on impact while blocking the nails with his gauntlet."Ryuki! What are you doing?!"
"I...I don't recognize this card." Ryuki showed him the card portraying a lonely ember. The card read."Ignite Vent"."I've never seen it before."
"Well, don't use it now! We need someone to help us win this shootout!"
"I know!" Ryuki inserted the card back into his Deck, drawing upon his own Dragclaw.
Strike Vent: Dragclaw
Ryuki concentrated into a single fireball, unleashing it after charging it up."Burst!"
The fireball exploded into thousand mini fireballs that forced Fine's Riders to take it head-on.
"Impressive." Ryuga couldn't help but compliment."Not even I have that kind of fire control."
"It's a work in progress." Ryuki shrugged."Listen, we need to get back to the girls now!"
"Andreas, collaboration time."
"You got it, brother." Imperer handed Raia a handful of nails, which he began sticking into one of his grenades and loaded it up. He fired the spiky grenade at the dragon Riders, a big grin forming on his lips.
"Watch out!" Ryuga grabbed Ryuki and pulled him down as the grenade exploded, sending the nails at them at high speeds. Some of them had pierced through their uncovered body parts.
"O-ow..." Ryuki grimaced in pain, his face draining of all color when he noticed a nail piercing through his left palm."Oh, shit..."
In the distance, the tower continued to explode, threatening to collapse in its entirety. Ryuga clicked his tongue.
"Calm down, Superstar. Even if Miku dies, it's no problem. You will see her in the new world. Just be patient and-"
"I'm going to go back. I can't teleport directly to where the girls were. I can only teleport to places I've been to. And I haven't ever been on the higher floors." Ryuga began explaining."So I'm going to throw you as hard as I can toward these guys and hope you can prevent them from escaping. I recommend you find a way to soften your fall, though."
"Huh? What do you-"
Dragblacker wrapped its tail around Ryuki, winding it back before throwing him at Evildiver. Ryuga jumped off his dragon, opened a portal, and went inside it.
"TOO FAST! RYUGA, YOU'RE AN ASS!" Ryuki felt his body moving damn near Mach 3, fastly approaching the other Riders.
"If you want to face us head-on, then so be it!" Raia declared, commanding Evildiver to meet Ryuki halfway as he winded his fist back. Ryuki did the same, realizing this was his last chance to prevent them from running away.
Imperer launched a grenade after grabbing Raia's grenade launcher, but Ryuki kicked it back using his momentum. He dodged Raia's punch by waving his head, delivering a devasting blow to his foe's face, breaking the left side of his helmet and nearly knocking him out, successfully knocking Raia off his monster. The grenade exploded, the shockwave launching Imperer off as well and adding more speed to Ryuki. The young man screamed as he crashed through several buildings before his momentum died, finally crashing into a water tower, knocking the whole thing down onto the street.
As the fight raged on in the skies, the two friends found themselves in a life-and-death predicament. After the floor had collapsed, Hibiki was about to fall to her death, but Miku managed to grab her arm in time. However, thanks to the constant attack from the Noise, Maria's powers, and Raia's grenades, the tower was about to collapse on itself.
"Miku, the floor won't hold out for long!" Hibiki pleaded to her best friend."You have to let me go! Now!"
"No! I won't let go!" Miku shook her head."I can protect you too, Hibiki! Hajime-kun is not the only one!"
"Miku..." Hibiki adopted a tender smile."One day, when I'm really in trouble, you can save me. But until then, let me do my part, okay?"
"Hibiki...please don't..."
Hibiki released her grip, making it harder for Miku to hold her as she began to slip from her grasp until finally she was forced to let go."HIBIKI!"
The Gungnir user flashed a smile toward her friend, letting herself free fall to the ground."I'm sorry, everyone. There's no other choice."
"Balwisyall Nescell Gungnir Tron..."
In a flash of light, Hibiki was clad in her armor and landed on the ground in a squatting position, destroying the ground beneath her feet."No time to waste! Miku! I'm coming for you-"
Her sentence was cut off when the area where Miku had been was engulfed in an explosion.
Raia groaned in pain as he grabbed the edges of the dumpster he was in, lifting his body out of the trash that had cushioned his fall. He fell on the hard ground with a thud. And that's when he noticed his glasses were broken. Not only that, the left side of his helmet had broke, revealing his left cheek and mouth.
'Why...?' Raia breathed heavily, images of what just happened flashed in his eyes. Ryuki giving him that punch that told him that he was nowhere near his level. He told himself he was. Or that he could at least get there. But the difference was made clear when he felt that punch nearly break his neck. He wasn't going to beat him.
'It's all because of you...' Raia gritted his teeth, thinking of Jades.'Because of you, I'm so weak...Because you prevented me from getting the experience I needed. Now...now I'm so weak. And Ryuki just keeps getting stronger. Is there no way I can keep up...?'
"Raiden!" Imperer ran down the alley, huffing and puffing for air. Part of his armor was tattered, presumably from the grenade from earlier.
'No...there is a way...' Raia's eyes widened, tuning out his brother as he lifted him up.
"Come, Raiden. Let's get out of here." Imperer wrapped Raia's arm around him."They won't chase us. They went back to the girls."
"Wait...you saw them? You saw Hibiki and her friend?"
"Y-yeah..." Imperer trailed off, avoiding Raia's gaze.
"And what?" Raia demanded."What happened? Is that why you showed up late? Tell me. We promised no more lies."
"I...did see them." Imperer began."And...I helped them."
"Helped...them? How?"
"I helped them evacuate some people..." Andreas's voice lowered to a whisper. He knew the baffled expression Raiden probably had, and rose his tone."But I only helped them save people! I didn't want anyone dying!"
"So you ignored them and let them get away?!" Raia pushed Imperer off of him."What the hell is wrong with you?!"
"I'm sorry, brother!" Imperer backed away, hands in front of him as he waved them frantically."I didn't want innocent people dying! The Noise attacked, and I got scared! And...I just don't want to kill innocent people! That's not what we are!"
"And now we lost the only chance we had to get the upper hand." Raia's knees gave in, and he collapsed on his rear, grabbing his head."Now they know we're after them,...and if the Noise were there, it means that Dr. Ver was around as well. They'll know we betrayed them and now we won't belong anywhere..."
Imperer felt crestfallen upon seeing his brother this way. He wanted to comfort him, but he knew Raiden would be in a foul mood for the rest of the day. This always happened, after all. He would upset his brother and he would ignore him the whole day. But they'll make up like they always do."It's okay, Raiden. I'm sure Teru-nii-chan can give us some ideas on what to do. As long as we're together, we can't be beaten. Next time, we'll fight together, like we always do. Okay?"
Raia said nothing, his head hanging and not moving a muscle. Imperer flinched at his silence but decided to go make sure no one was following them.
"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."
Raia suddenly moved his head, watching as Imperer walked around the alley.
"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."
"I'm...the only one..." Raia repeated those words, getting back on his feet. He slowly drew a card. His Final Vent. His arm shook uncontrollably as he inserted it into his Evilvisor."Only I can save them all...And if I get his power...I'll get even stronger...right?"
Final Vent: Hide Venom
Imperer turned around, receiving a beam of lighting from Evildiver, sending him crashing onto the ground as the monster flew by Raia. Raia jumped on top of it, ordering the creature to go full speed toward Imperer.
"R-Raiden! What are you doing?!" Imperer tried to crawl away, but slipped and fell on his back."I-I-I'M SORRY, BROTHER! I PROMISE I WON'T BE BAD ANYMORE! I'M SORRY!"
'Am I... going to kill my little brother?' Suddenly, Raiden broke out of his trance and began reflecting on what he was about to do. Memories of his childhood with Andreas invaded his mind. The times were they stuck together like glue and comforted each other. Every smile Andreas had given him cheered him up, infecting him with his happy-go-lucky nature.
All of that was going to end here. Was he going to kill him? But if he did, he would get stronger. Far stronger than Ryuki and his friends. Perhaps even stronger than Jades. He would get a new power. And all he had to do was kill his little brother.
'I can't...I can't, I can't, I can't!" Raia shook his head."EVILDIVER, STO-"
Out of nowhere, a black tornado collided with him, causing him to fall to the ground harshly. The other figure fell on his back but recuperated quickly. It was Kamen Rider Knight.
"Were you really going to kill your brother?" Knight scowled under his helmet."And for what? For power? Is that all your bond with your siblings is worth?"
"N-no. A-Andreas, I-"
Andreas shrieked in fear, his transformation becoming undone as he stared at him with pure horror.
Regretting his actions, Raia had no choice but to jump on top of Evildiver and fly away. Knight decided not to give chase. Instead, he focused on the boy wailing behind him.
"Commander! I got him!" Takeru waved at the red-haired man, carrying Hajime on his back."He's okay."
"Define okay..." Hajime winced at the nail piercing his hand."Where is..."
"Hibiki is okay. Well...kind of." Takeru frowned."We...couldn't find Miku. Nor Hazuki."
"Did Ryuga not make it either...?" Hajime patted Takeru's back. The taller teen helped Hajime back on his feet, helping him steady up."So Miku-san...Captain, is she...?"
"It's too soon to give up hope, Luitenant." Takeru placed a hand on his shoulder."We'll find her. And hey, we're talking about Ryuga here. The dude can teleport to anywhere he wants. I'm sure saving Miku wasn't a problem for him."
"But...Hazzy-san..."
"Worry about one thing at a time." Takeru pointed at the car Hibiki was in."Right now, she needs you. And Chrissy needs me too."
"Chris-san? What happened to her?"
"Other than her punishing herself? Not much." Takeru gave him a toothy grin."Everything will be fine. Don't worry. Now go."
Hajime nodded, jogging over to the car, and on his way, he was met by Aoi."Aoi-san."
"Take it easy in there." Aoi instructed him."She's...not doing so well. So be mindful of what you say."
"I know." Hajime nodded, and with her permission, opened the door to the car."Hibiki-san. It's me."
"Hajime-kun..." Hibiki's eyes were red and puffy. The young man's heart broke into a thousand pieces upon seeing her in that state. It tore him apart. He got inside the car, closing the door behind him and without another word, he engulfed Hibiki in a tight hug, ignoring the pain in his palm."I'm sorry...I'm sorry I couldn't do more..."
"I-i-it's not your f-f-fault..." Hibiki sobbed, her tears damping his shirt."I shouldn't have let go. I shouldn't have but I did...And because of that-"
"Don't lose hope, Hibiki-san." Hajime squeezed her tighter."Never lose hope. We'll find her. I swear. But no matter what, never lose hope."
"Hajime-san..." Hibiki couldn't hold back any longer and broke into tears, a howl of agony leaving her mouth as Hajime offered nothing but comfort, refusing to let go and crying in anguish as well upon the supposed loss of their friend.
Meanwhile, Chris sat on the curbside, spacing out as she stared at the ground.
"Yo, pretty lady. Mind if I sit with you?" Takeru playfully said, sitting down next to her.
"It's you." Chris acknowledged him with a whisper.
"Yeah, it's me." Takeru feigned being hurt."You wound me to address me, your boyfriend, like that. Don't I get a little kiss?"
"I'm not in the mood, Takeru." Chris huffed, annoyed at his antics.
"Is it about Solomon's Cane?" Takeru asked, not receiving an answer."I knew it. Chrissy, we talked about this. It wasn't your fault."
"I know!" Chris yelled, shocked at how loud she was."I...I know, okay? But I just can't shake that feeling off..."
"Well, hear it from me. It's not your fault, my sweet gunslinger." Takeru scooted closer to her, allowing her head to rest on his shoulder."I'm the same way. I often blame myself for all the lives I took while I was a mercenary. But we can't live in the past forever. What we can do is prevent that from happening again. And we can do that by making sure no one else can use Solomon's Cane for evil."
"I'm going to kick that doctor's sorry ass." Chris grumbled under her breath."For everything he's done with that cane."
"Now that I have to see." Takeru chuckled, kissing the top of her head."But in the meantime, let's just take it easy for a bit. We don't want to be overstressed when our next fight comes up. Say, how about hearing one of my jokes?"
"Goddamnit. Not this again." Chris groaned."Not another of your horrible puns."
"But you like them!"
"I do not! They're so cringy!"
"Come on, I just want to see your smile." Takeru clasped his hands together."I want to see you happy, Chrissy. I promise it won't be bad."
"Fineeee." Chris sighed."Go ahead."
"What did the custodian say when he jumped out of the closet? "Supplies!"" Takeru laughed at his joke while Chris just groaned."Okay, here's a better one. Why are colds bad criminals? Because they're easy to catch."
"My God." Chris shook her head, punching him in the arm as a small grin formed on her face."After all this time you still can't tell good jokes!"
"You're smiling." Takeru poked her cheek with a goofy smile."I'd say everything worked out in the end."
"Gosh, you're such a dork sometimes." Chris leaned on him."But that's what I love about you. Thank you. For always making me feel better."
"Of course. I love you with all of my heart." Takeru wrapped her in a hug."Making you happy is just part of the job. Want to come over to my house today? I've started to bake and I need someone to try out my dishes."
"You're baking? So that's why you've been buying all that sugar." Chris surmised."Okay. I'll be your guinea pig. Your food better be good."
"It will." Takeru grabbed her hand, kissing it."But...you know that our pain is shared. We're together in the good times and the bad times. So let me help you carry your worries and ease that burden. I'm your boyfriend, after all."
"I know...Thank you. I...feel better thanks to you." Chris nuzzled against his arm."I'm so lucky to have you. I love you..."
"I love you too. And if anything, I'd say I'm the lucky one."
Yosuke pushed Andreas in front of him, heading over to where the Commander and Ogawa were.
"Yosuke-kun?" Ogawa looked down at the green-haired boy he had brought with him."Who's this? A survivor?"
"Guess again, Ogawa-san." Yosuke tossed Genjuro the Imperer Deck.
"He's Imperer?!" Genjuro cried out in surprise."I knew FIS's Riders and Symphogear were young. But he's...how old are you?"
"14..."
"Anyway, he was fighting alongside Raia against Ryuki and Ryuga. I followed them using Darkwing and eventually, Ryuga retreated and Hajime was put out of commission but not without giving one final attack. I searched the area where I thought they fell and found Raia about to kill him."
"Raia? His own brother?" Ogawa asked for clarification, receiving a nod.
"Where is Raia right now?" Genjuro inquired.
"Gone."
"A-a-are you going to force me to tell you where we were staying...?"
"There's no need." Yosuke pulled out his phone, showing him a CCTV recording of an apartment complex. The video showed Raiden, Andreas, and one other person entering the elevator."Are you going to tell me who that person is? Clearly, it's not Jades."
"..." Andreas closed his eyes, pursing his lips.
"I know whose residence is that. Terunosuke Kuwana, age 22. He was in FIS as well and escaped six years ago."
"H-how do you know that?!" Andreas' eyes widened."He has nothing to do with this! Please! If you want to punish someone, take me instead. I-I-I...Please...he didn't do anything wrong."
"Actually, that's where you're wrong." Yosuke narrowed his eyes.
"Not here, Yosuke-kun." Genjuro addressed him."Wait until we take him back."
"Fine." Yosuke scoffed.
A black portal opened up a few meters away from them, ceasing their conversation. Ryuga emerged from the portal, holding onto his right arm and his helmet cracked.
"Ryuga?!" Yosuke got on guard. In a matter of seconds, everyone gathered around in front of Ryuga.
"Ryuga! You're okay!" Hajime exclaimed before he remembered what Ryuga did to him."You threw me way too hard! You asshole!"
"Are you okay?" Hibiki noticed his condition. He was holding onto his arm and his left knee was bent slightly.
"I'm just peachy..."
"You're not here to fight us, are you?" Takeru quirked a brow.
"I see you captured one of them. By the way, I saved a friend of yours. Guy has blonde hair, scar on his face?" Ryuga stared at Andreas, who was being escorted away by Ogawa."Anyway. Listen. All of you. Miku Kohinata is alive."
"Huh?" Hibiki blinked.
"Alive?" A triumphant smile graced Chris' features.
"So Kaburagi made it out okay." Takeru sighed in relief.
"What do you mean? How do you know?" Tsubasa approached the group."What happened?"
"When Ryuki and I were being chased by the brothers, I realized one of us had to go back to save the girls. I threw Ryuki at them and he neutralized Raia and I went back using my portal. However, my portals can only take me to places I have been. So I have teleported 2 floors below. And so..."
"Miku! Where are you?!" Ryuga continued running up the stairs until he reached the floor he thought Miku was in. The tower trembled again, nearly causing him to lose his footing. He shook his head and continued running. Eventually, he reached the area where the girls had been. And that's when he noticed a pink-haired girl holding onto Miku.
"Miku!" Ryuga called after her.
"Ryuga-san!" Miku gasped. Maria glared at Ryuga, her face contorted in a mix of surprise and wariness. Ryuga attempted to go after her, but the floor gave in and he fell through.
"I managed to make a portal. It was nothing short of a miracle because I was so out of it after I saw that. Some debris teleported with me and well...I'm not in the best shape right now but I'll be fine. But yes. That pink-haired woman is the one who took Miku."
"It must have been Maria." Tsubasa realized."But why was she there?"
"Aoi! Check for Miku's tracker!"
"Yes, sir!"
"So Miku is alive!" Hajime's smile reached both of his ears."Hibiki-san! She's alive!"
"She is..." Hibiki covered her mouth as tears of relief streamed down her cheeks.
"But she's been kidnapped by the enemy." Yosuke folded his arms as he reminded them."Not in the best position either."
"That doesn't matter. We'll just get her back." Takeru cracked his knuckles.
"And what about you, Ryuga?" Genjuro asked the black Rider."Are you going to continue being a spectator in all of this? Or will you finally join the battle?"
Ryuga grimaced when he noticed the group watching him with curious eyes."I'll fight them. It doesn't sit well with me to leave Miku in their hands. So I suppose I have no choice but to intervene."
"That's great!" Hajime beamed, walking over to Ryuga."We have the same goal then. We can work together and help each other out."
"Work...together?" Ryuga looked at him as if he had grown a second head."Me? With you?"
"While what you did is bad..." Genjuro rubbed his chin."I don't see why we can't put our differences aside and cooperate to rescue Miku-kun. And honestly, you did help save the world back when the moon fragment was about to fall."
"Yeah, you're not a bad guy. At least not like Ouja." Takeru grinned, hands behind the back of his head."Ain't that right, Chrissy?"
"I guess..." Chris planted her hands on her hips."But he better not try anything suspicious."
"I'm sure Miku would appreciate seeing you again." Hibiki voiced her thoughts."I know you care about her. You've been saving her ever since you first appeared. So I trust you have her best interest in mind."
"Are you guys all fools?" Ryuga couldn't comprehend what was going on."You do know that I want to be the ultimate good and wipe out evil from the world by destroying humanity. And yet here you are, asking me for help. We're enemies. There's no way this will work."
"Maybe so. But Chris-san and the Captain were enemies too at one point." Hajime jabbed a finger behind him, much to their chagrin."Enemies can become friends once they reach an understanding. I'm sure we can squash whatever beef we have and hear your reasons later on. You're not a bad guy. Like Hibiki-san says, we're people. We can understand each other with words. So..." He extended his hand out for Ryuga."Let's work together. At least for now."
Ryuga stared at his hand, dumbfounded. They were all so welcoming, it was confusing. Why were they so accepting of him? Did they not grasp the gravity of his plans? Or was this some sort of trap? No. They were all too damn sincere for that to be the case. He couldn't detect a hint of malice in their voices. No one had ever been so...accepting of him. Only them. Hazuki slowly moved his hand to shake Hajime's, but a firm hand grabbed the raven-haired's hand.
"Yanagi?" Hajime blinked at his senior.
"You're still a criminal. A vigilante. Or did you forget, Ryuga?" Yosuke furrowed his brow as he spat."And no, we're not so stupid as to forget your stance against humanity. So before we accept any alliance, we need to verify your credibility."
"What the hell is he doing?" Takeru scratched his head.
"Hold on." Tsubasa rose her hand, signaling them to wait.'What do you have in mind, Yosuke?'
"Fair enough." Ryuga nodded."And how do I verify my credibility, exactly? Surely you won't suggest revealing my human form right here and giving myself away."
"No. While knowing who you are would make things much easier, I realize that's unfair for me to ask." Yosuke adopted a small smirk."Besides, I don't want to spoil the challenge of figuring out your identity. Instead, I want you to confirm something with me."
"Confirm something?"
"3 months ago, there was an attack in a private hangar that belonged to the Matsugane Family. I know you go around killing criminals as well as Yakuza. So I know for a fact that you were behind that."
"That is correct..." Ryuga slowly nodded, not sure where this was going.
"However, a few days later Gai attacked our school, confusing Adachi with you because you told him you were Ryuki. It can't be a coincidence that that happened after you killed those Yakuza. So I theorized that Gai either has a connection with the Yakuza or with the people they stole those shipments from. A real estate company. Their attack was well too coordinated and planned out. So I ask you this: Did you encounter Gai that day?"
"So that's what he's after." Genjuro muttered to himself."He wants to get all the information on Gai before he confronts him."
"That...is correct." Ryuga confirmed."I did encounter him and fought him that day. But he seemed to have been in cahoots with those Yakuza. Or at least, made some sort of deal based on what he said. He gave them the information in exchange for some of the profits. And yes...I would imagine someone with inside knowledge would be able to get that kind of intel."
"So it's true. That settles it." Yosuke closed his eyes, releasing Hajime's hand."With all this evidence, I now see the full scope of my investigation."
"You...figured out who Gai is?"
"I did." Yosuke began walking away, walking past his friends as they followed him with their gaze.
Tsubasa followed him, worried about what might be going through his head.
Hajime grabbed Ryuga's hand and shook it."With that out of the way, then this settles it. We're allies now."
"Temporary allies." Ryuga clarified."Anyway, I should probably get going. The debris got me pretty good."
"Ryuga, catch!"
Ryuga easily caught a communicator Genjuro had tossed him."This is..."
"I'll contact you in a few hours when we reach our HQ. It's a submarine." Genjuro explained."You can only teleport to places you've been and I know you want to be informed when we find Miku-kun the moment we do. So come by and get inside so when the time comes, you'll be able to be there."
"Is that a good idea, sir?" Takeru asked, skeptical."I mean, we're allies and all, but..."
"He won't try anything." Genjuro reassured."I can tell he's not that kind of person. Besides, we could switch submarines after the mission if it makes you guys feel better. It's either that or have him come with us."
"No thanks." Ryuga replied."I'd rather not be in a confined space with you guys for that long. I'll gladly accept this opportunity and meet you at the location you tell me, Genjuro Kazanari. Until then, goodbye."
Black Vent: Calamity Gate
Ryuga jumped inside his portal, closing it soon after.
On the other side, Ryuga appeared in his room, undoing his transformation. Before he could collapse on his bed, he felt a hand on his shoulder and before he knew it, he was inside a black void.
"What's the big idea, Superstar?" Loki's ethereal form appeared in front of him. He never saw Loki's true form, only the black shadow in front of him with golden eyes and two horns protruding from his head."You almost died just now. Had I not taken control at the last second, we would have died. And even then, we got hit by a chunk of the building. Now you're making deals with the enemy?"
"It's all part of the plan," Hazuki responded, his face stone cold.
"Bullshit." Loki narrowed his eyes."You're doing it for Miku and because you really think you can be friends with them."
"What do you-"
"Don't forget. We did make a contract. A contract of equals. And I know you like the back of my hand, as you know me. I literally felt your heart flutter when they invited you to their side. You are doubting."
"I am not-"
"But don't let those feelings fool you, Hazuki." Loki began floating around him."Remember that they still consider you a threat. You heard Knight. There is no place for you with them. Not at this point. The things you've done, the people we've killed, and our plans to save humanity...will no doubt not sit well with them. They're only acting friendly to you because they don't know who's behind the mask."
Hazuki froze up, earning a grin from Loki that he could not see."But if they were to find out, they will go after you. And Miku would not love you. Because to them, you're a bad guy. Just as they are evil to us. We can't coexist. But we can save them. We're the only ones who can be the saviors and cleanse this world from evil and the enslavement of God. Remember what you saw during our years together. The pain, the misery, the agony. All of that is inflicted by humans themselves. This world has no salvation. The best thing to do is end it ourselves."
Loki finally landed in front of him, grabbing his hands."You're my power. My Godslayer. The only person who understands how I feel. You and I need each other. To save the world from the chains of God's control. Remember your parents. Sister Himiko. The children who died in that fire. Their hopes and dreams are in our hands."
"I know!" Hazuki shouted, all of a sudden back into reality."I know...I know full well that this world...is hell."
A new card for Ryuki will make its debut next chapter. Ignite Vent. Not to be confused with Ignite Module. It won't be a power-up like that but it will help Ryuki in combat.