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Reviews:
Guest DCDGojira: Glad you liked it
lordri25may2001: Thank you. That's what I was going for. I wanted to make the characters different from their series versions and make them unique to make the story more engaging. The Riders can't enter the Mirror World yet but they will eventually. This is because the Mirror World is still in its initial stages, created by the person behind the Alternative Zero deck and the ones who is helping Dr. Ver. As for Terunosuke, it's still up in the air. But I doubt he'll have a happy ending considering the things he's done and will continue doing. Can't say more than that to avoid spoiling.
HanzoHasashi98: That's a good idea, and one I was thinking of implementing. But I'm a little reluctant because Calamity Gate has a plot reason to exist that hasn't been explained yet so I'm still thinking about what to give Ryuki in the future.
Nexus240: Thanks for the kind words friend. I do love some drama in a story too. Keeps things interesting and spicy. And my story is no exception, especially with all the family drama going on.
Slimereader11: I'm happy you liked it.
Chapter 36
Truths Come Out
"So that's pretty much it." Hajime concluded his long explanation, pocketing his Ryuki Deck after showing it to the blonde in front of him."Any questions?"
"Yeah...A lot." Hazuki stared back, dumbfounded."So you're saying that you can transform into one of those masked warriors that help those girls in leotards, who are our friends, and you're currently preparing to go rescue Miku-chan."
"In a nutshell, yeah." Hajime shrugged.
"Wow. What a twist." Loki cackled inside Hazuki's mind."He's Ryuki. Who saw that one coming?
'Shut up, Loki.' Hazuki bit the inside of his cheek."Still...why tell me?"
"Because..." Hajime scratched his cheek, flustered."Two reasons. One, because you got hurt in the middle of our fight yesterday and Miku-san means a lot to you. And also...because I trust you enough to tell you. I want you to know that Miku-san is in good hands."
"You...trust me that much?" Hazuki was perplexed."Why? I'm nothing special. Never gave you a reason to put that much faith in me."
"Come on, man. Seriously?" Hajime punched his arm."I consider you, the Captain, and Yanagi like older brothers. You're always looking after me. Sorry. I'm not good with mushy stuff. I hope I didn't make you uncomfortable."
"No..." A small smile formed on Hazuki's lips."I get it. I feel that way about all of you. I never had friends like you guys. Being an orphan is...tough. Kids look at you differently. And the orphans themselves can be pretty mean. I never... had genuine friends like you guys. It's all new to me."
"Really? None at all?"
"No." He shook his head."Acquaintances, sure. But not people that would ask me to hang out with them. Or spend time with me. So you saying this to me...makes me happy."
"Aw, now it feels weird!" Hajime grabbed his pillow, hiding his face. Hazuki chuckled at how flustered he seemed.
"But...please, bring Miku-chan back." Hazuki pleaded, causing Hajime to get serious and toss his pillow aside.
"That's the plan." He nodded."And when we do, you'll ask her out."
"W-what?!" Hazuki yelped, immediately springing back to his feet."What do you mean?!"
"Dude, you're dragging this on way too long." Hajime crossed his arms."Just ask her out already. Like, confess you like her. She won't say no."
"I don't want to hear that from you." The blonde rebutted."You never confessed to Hibiki-chan."
"I-it's a work in progress, okay?!"
The boys laughed in unison, unaware as the door opened, revealing Hajime's grandmother, carrying a tray with drinks."Hajime. You should have told me you had a visitor. Are you and Kuroiwa talking again? I prepared some iced tea for you."
"Sorry about that, Ma." Hajime rubbed his nape."We didn't plan this...Also, no. I haven't talked to Kuroiwa yet."
"I needed to talk to Hajime-kun about something and he let me come over. I apologize for the intrusion." Hazuki stood up, bowing."My name is Hazuki Kaburagi. But you can call me Haz. I'm his seni-"
Kyoko dropped the tray, spilling the drinks and causing the glass to break on impact. The old woman covered her mouth, her eyes fixated on Hazuki's confused expression.
"Ma! What happened?!" Hajime and Hazuki rushed over.
"Nothing it's just..." Kyoko blinked slowly."He reminded me of an old friend, that's all...I apologize for startling you boys."
"You sure took us for a ride there, Adachi-san." Hazuki chuckled."Let us help you clean this mess. May I know where you keep the paper towels?"
"I'll show you." Hajime gave him a thumbs up."Ma, can you bring out the broom and dustpan? I left them in my bathroom."
"Sure." Kyoko nodded, smiling."And Haz-kun? Very lovely to meet you. I trust my grandson hasn't given you too much trouble."
"And what's that supposed to mean?!"
"Not at all." Hazuki quickly corrected her."He's pretty nice. But a bit overwhelming sometimes. Other than that, he's a good kid."
"Quit treating me like a kid!" Hajime grabbed Hazuki's hand."Now come! You get a trash bag so we can throw away the glass."
"You got it."
With that, the boys were quick to get to work, leaving Kyoko alone in the room. The old woman sniffed, wiping a single tear that streamed down her cheek."Oh, Hazama..."
"Does your grandmother know?" Hazuki asked as they reached the kitchen."About that."
"Hell no." Hajime shook his head rapidly."She would get all hysterical when I got into normal fights at school. How do you think she would react if she found out I'm literally risking my life in a battle royal to the death and fighting Noise?"
"True..."
"By the way...your audition is tomorrow, right?"
"Yes. I'm thinking of not going." Hazuki sighed."I'd be worrying the whole day..."
"Nah, you gotta go. Keep your mind off of things." Hajime slapped him on the back encouragingly."Besides, if you make it, you can tell Miku-san all about it. She'll be happy for you."
"You're right." Hazuki nodded in realization."We'll both do our best tomorrow."
Raiden paced around rapidly, hugging himself. His weight caused the wooden floor to creak with every step. It was the middle of the night, and he had found shelter at the docks, hiding under the stairs leading to them. He hadn't slept properly since the day before. Barely ate anything. All he could do was just stare at his hands and drown if self-loathing, his vision blurry due to the tears endlessly flowing down.
"RAIDEN! PLEASE!"
"I'm sorry, Andreas...I'm so so sorry..." The green-eyed boy grabbed his head, still hearing the cries of his brother as he tried to kill him. He lost everything. His brother, his sisters. Everything. He had nowhere to turn to. Except for one person.
"There you are." Terunosuke began descending the stairs, his face concealed by the darkness of the night. Despite that, Raiden could tell his brother's breathing was ragged. And he could practically feel the radiating anger he had."Why did you not answer my calls?"
"B-brother, I tried to kill Andreas-"
Terunosuke grabbed him by the collar of his shirt, pulling him up and slamming him against the wall."Tried is alright! What the fuck did you do?! You little shits! You failed to kill any of those brats?! And on top of that, Andreas got himself captured and now they tried to arrest me!"
"W-what?" Raiden eyes shot wide open."He...he was what-"
"Yeah, they fucking captured him, and no doubt they forced him to spill his guts. Because they figured out I was the one sheltering you guys!" Terunosuke barked, throwing Raiden onto the floor before he began to kick his back."And now I'm being persecuted for being an accomplice! They think I have something to do with whatever the other idiots are doing! And for what?! Because you couldn't finish the job, could you?"
"I couldn't do it!" Raiden shook his head, wailing."I can't kill my own brother! I just can't!"
"Guess what, shitstain?" Terunosuke pulled on his sweater, nearly ripping it."Someone else will kill him now and take his power. What, do you think Section Two will keep Andreas around like a tourist? Of course not. They got that information somehow. I don't doubt they're torturing him as we speak and will eventually kill him once he's not of any use. Because you failed to kill him yourself and put him out of his misery."
"N-no...I-"
"You failed to save a sibling. Just like Jades. But this isn't over just yet. You can still save him. But for that to happen, you have to kill Jades." Terunosuke pulled him to his feet, their foreheads connecting."But this time, you can't hesitate. No more weakness. Because if you miss this opportunity, you won't be able to save anyone. We will all die without you being able to protect us."
"B-but..."
"I know it's asking a lot. But you're the only one who can do this." Terunosuke continued."It's not too late to remedy this. We still have a shot to turn this around. Not all hope is lost."
"What do you mean...?" Raiden stared in awe as Terunosuke spread his arms with a sardonic grin.
"Summon Evildiver and prepare the coordinates. We're heading to the Frontier."
"Dr. Ver. what is the meaning of this?" Nastassja glared at the bespectacled man standing next to a tall young man wearing a vendetta mask.
"Is he another one of your so-called guests?" Jades inquired, feeling uneasy in the presence of the masked man.
"He's but a helping hand willing to cooperate with us." Dr. Ver explained, his eyes fixated on Nastassja."He should be able to give us the advantage after Nastassja's little stunt."
"What is he talking about?" Kirika asked Jades, but the burly man had no idea what was going on either.
"Before that, allow me to introduce myself." Cypher bowed dramatically."My name is Code Cypher. And I'm an assassin formerly hired by Fine to aid her in her Kadingir project."
"Wait...did you say Code Cypher...?" Nastassja's eyes shot wide open.
"Do you know him?" Shirabe inquired, tilting her head.
"I only heard rumors. But supposedly there was a facility to train youths into becoming the perfect killing machines. And among all of them, one stood at the top, making a name for himself under the guidance of a former assassin, Red Knife. So you're his apprentice..."
"Ah, you heard of my mentor and the House? That saves me some time." Cypher clasped his hands."Like you guys, I was also forced into a place where I only served one purpose. To train and become an assassin. In a way, we're similar. Anyhow, I was hired by Fine. She was the second-best employer I had the pleasure of working for. So kind and caring. I lived under very good conditions."
"So you're...a Kamen Rider...Wait, you're Ouja!" Jades gasped at the realization.
"You got it." Cypher jabbed his thumb at himself."Since Fine died before I could complete my contract with her, I decided to help you guys. And don't worry about payment. She already paid upfront. I mean, you are the closest thing to Fine, right?" He pointed at Maria."You, in particular. Or not. Right, doctor?"
"That's right. But you're going a little too fast, Cypher-kun."
"Ah, my bad." Cypher shrugged, the voice modulator in his mask making him sound robotic but they could tell he was smiling."I got a little carried away."
"What the hell is going on, exactly?" Jades clenched his fists."Get to the point."
"If you insist, I'll be blunt. Nastassja here tried to sell us out to the Americans." Dr. Ver smirked."But her plan backfired and almost died because of it. Thankfully, I was around and managed to help them."
"No way..." Kirika covered her mouth.
"Is that true, Mom?" Shirabe knelt down next to the wheelchair.
"It is. I was there." Cypher nodded."Well, not really there, but I saw the whole thing happen. I can also tell you this: Your brothers are alive."
"What...?" Now it was Jades' turn to look surprised.
"They're okay?" Kirika carefully asked.
"I suppose. One of them got himself captured, though. The one with green hair?" Cypher folded his arms, a thoughtful expression under his mask."The other one ran like hell. He should be okay, I guess."
"And if that's not enough surprise for you, here's another one. Like Cypher-kun just hinted before, Maria isn't Fine's reincarnation. It was all just a scheme to get guarantee my cooperation. Don't you think this act of betrayal is going a little too far?"
"I'm sorry..." Maria muttered, lowering her gaze."I am not Fine's new host. And we've been having second thoughts about our plan to save mankind. Mom tried to get the Americans' help by sharing what we knew about the Frontier."
"Naturally, the Americans only want to save themselves." Cypher planted a hand to his hip."Trust me on this. I've worked with Americans before. Not the best people, I'll tell you that. But then again, I suppose no one in the world is."
"However, it was our only viable option." Nastassja glared at the pair."If those negotiations succeeded, our current plan would have lost its upper hand. That's why the doctor summoned the Noise there. Not to save us, but to-"
"Hey, that's a little too much." Dr. Ver cut her off, waving Solomon's Cane around."I did save you. There is no reason to doubt that. So...it's time to start picking sides. Will you all look the other way at Nastassja's actions and continue to walk on a fruitless endeavor? Or will you rise and save humanity the proper way?"
"Keep in mind Section Two is already onto you guys." Cypher chimed in."One of your brothers has been captured and the other one is on the run. You have 1 Rider, 3 Symphogears and they have 3 Symphogears and 3 Riders. However, if you decide to help the doctor, I'd gladly offer my assistance. You see, I want to see where his emotion will take him. And yours. I can tell you want to do the right thing, right? Then you already know what to do."
"Okay..." Jades drawled, glancing back at his sisters."This is the only way to set everything straight. I was already decided into doing what must be done. For Atticus and Serena. For Raiden and Andreas. And for you girls. As the older brother, I will do whatever I must for your sake."
"I'm also on board with that." Maria took a step forward, standing next to Jades."We can't protect the world with half-assed devotion. Only through brute force can we maintain justice and fulfill our fallen siblings' wishes."
"This is the only way." Jades addressed the younger girls."Please understand, you two."
"But it's wrong, onii-chan." Shirabe shook her head."Oppressing the weak with force...is just wrong."
"I understand...but desperate times require desperate solutions." Jades grabbed her hand, clasping it with his."I'm strong. But I don't think I can handle Section Two's forces alone. And if I don't do this, then..."
"Very well. I trust in both of your decisions." Nastassja nodded"We'll do this the doctor's way."
"Marvelous. I'll go finish the preparations." Dr. Ver laughed loudly."But first, I have to tend to our guest. By the way, Nastassja, when are you going to tell them about you know what?"
"Doctor, please." Maria sternly addressed him."Not know."
Kirika and Shirabe exchanged confused stares, unaware of Nastassja's narrowed eyes glaring daggers at the doctor.
"Fine, fine." Dr. Ver shrugged."I guess it's not the best time for it." The man exited the room with Maria and Jades following behind. Cypher stood by the door, eyeing Maria carefully.
Maria's gaze fell on the masked man next to the doctor."Why are you staring at me...?"
"Oh, forgive me." Cypher waved his hand."It's just...your hair. It reminds me of someone from my childhood. A long time ago."
"Someone?" Jades quirked a brow.
"Yeah. It was so long ago, I can barely remember., Back in my home country. One of my only friends. She had a lighter shade of pink hair. Though she also had white highlights." Cypher hummed in thought."Wonder what happened to her? Probably dead. Oh, well. See you guys later. I'm going to go explore for a bit."
"Wait." Jades grabbed his shoulder, prompting him to stop."What exactly do you know about my brothers?"
"They're fine. Like I said." Cypher glanced over his shoulder."Dont worry. Section Two won't do anything to Imperer. They're too soft for their own good, after all."
As Cypher walked away, he noticed Kirika and Shirabe staring at him apprehensively."No need to look so scared in front of me. I have no interest in harming anyone here."
"I find that hard to believe from an assassin." Shirabe stood protectively in front of Kirika."You expect us to believe that you're doing this because of Fine?"
"I am." Cypher cracked his neck."I am indebted to her, after all. It's too bad she didn't reincarnate in any of you. Or maybe she will. Who knows? If that happens, I want to make sure I let her know that I am still trying to complete her orders."
"And what would those orders be?" Nastassja eyed him critically.
"To kill Takeru Sakamoto and Chris Yukine."
"Hibiki..." Miku hugged her knees, trapped inside a small cage as if she were an animal. Except that instead of metal rods preventing her from escaping, it was lasers. She didn't want to test out what exactly they could do to her, so all she could do was curl up and wait, trying to avoid the gaze of the silver-haired man in front of her, kneeling down.
"So this is the girl that you saved, huh?" Jades examined Miku."Can't be older than Kirika from what it looks like."
"Probably around 16 or 17." Maria deduced."Not like it matters."
"I guess not." Jades trailed off, offering Miku a gentle smile."Are you feeling hungry? Thirsty?"
"I...I'm okay." Miku responded meekly."Thank you..."
"If you want something, let me know. Though if you want to go to the bathroom, you'll have to ask Maria."
"Why are you being so nice to me?" Miku asked, her gaze shifting to Maria."On top of that, why did you save me?"
"That is a good question." Maria folded her arms, a wistful expression gracing her features."I guess...it's because you reminded me of Serena, surrounded by those flames."
"Serena?"
"Her late younger sister." Dr. Ver emerged from the shadows with a smug smile."I trust they've been keeping you accompanied?"
"She's not much of a talker." Jades shrugged, his eyes darting over to the doctor."So why is she here again?"
"To further our plans, of course." Dr. Ver approached the cage."Don't look so afraid. I just want to have a chat with you. I'm sure I can help you."
Outside of the VTOL, Kirika, and Shirabe were hanging around, hanging out their clothes to dry them up.
'If Maria is not Fine...then it has to be me.' Kirika closed her eyes, recalling back to when she manifested the purple barrier that saved her life.'If so...then Jades-nii-chan...will be sad again...'
"I'm so scared..." Shirabe's voice snapped her from her train of thought."Andreas was captured, Raiden is on the run, and now Maria and Jades-nii-chan are going on board with this horrible plan...That's not like them at all."
"You're right. Jades-nii-chan always protected everyone. And Maria always comforted us, despite being crybabies." Kirika frowned."I guess what Jades-nii-chan said is true...desperate times call for desperate measures. I can't imagine the burden they carry as the oldest siblings..."
"But still, that's the wrong way to go about it. Everyone is doing things wrong." Shirabe sighed."It's so frustrating..."
"Say...Shirabe, aren't you scared? I mean, if Maria is not Fine's host, then that means it has to be one of us."
"I'm not sure..." Shirabe admitted."I don't know what to think about that. Frankly, I don't want to think about it at all."
"You don't know...?" Kirika dropped the clothes in her arms, suddenly running away from Shirabe.
"Trouble in paradise?" Cypher appeared out of nowhere, causing Shirabe to yelp."Sorry. Couldn't help it."
"What do you want?" Shirabe tensed up as the assassin walked closer to her.
"Oh, nothing. Just hanging around." Cypher shrugged, noticing her tense posture."No need to be on guard, Shirabe-chan, I'm not going to harm you. I promise. I'm really here to help you."
"You're an assassin and a Kamen Rider at that," Shirabe said.
"What, you think I'm going to kill your little siblings and take their power?" Cypher mused, leaning closer to her face."You're the smart one in the group, aren't you? But no, I'm not going to do that. I don't kill needlessly, believe it or not. I'm a killer for hire. Give me the right amount of money, and I'll kill whoever you point me to. Simple."
"You're still a killer." Shirabe began stepping back until she hit a tree, Cypher closing the distance between them.
"Oh, that's the problem?" Cypher cooed."No need to be afraid, little one. Fine already paid, as I told you. I'm here to finish my job. I always finish a job and leaving this dragging on for so long is rather... embarrassing. Won't look good on my resume. And yes, I will protect you and Kirika-chan as well, since one of you could potentially become Fine."
"And you want to see Fine again? You said she was your second favorite employer?"
"Correct."
"Who is the first?"
"Ah...now that's a long story. He's a very influential figure, I'll tell you that." Cypher cryptically said."But no need to concern yourself with that."
"Stop it."
"Hmmm? Stop what?"
"I know what you're trying to do." Shirabe furrowed her brow, pushing Cypher away."You're trying to seduce me so I can drop my guard around you and trust you."
"Huh? Seduce you? Is that what you think?" Cypher folded his arms under his chest."That's weird. I learned on TV that some girls are into bad guys, like serial killers and such. I guess I should check my sources next time."
Shirabe was unimpressed by his remark."The mask doesn't help. Not to mention you're a killer and you're old."
"I was just kidding. I'm not trying to get in your good graces like that. And old? I just turned 18 a month ago, thank you very much. The mask is for security reasons." Cypher waved her off."I'm just practicing new social interactions and body language. That came off a bit strong and gave you the wrong message. I'll have to do more research."
"Social interactions?"
"Like you guys, I was raised in an institution that trained me to be something else. For you guys, it was to be Fine's vessel and Kamen Riders. For me, it was becoming an assassin. Ready to kill. Ever since I was a little kid. The difference is that you guys were all either kidnapped or taken against your will. For us, we were all more than willing to be part of that project."
"You...wanted to be part of it...?" Shirabe asked, curious.
Cypher smirked under his mask."Yes. I come from Lozère, France. Things were rough for some of us, to say the least. Poverty was common and someone killing for a loaf of bread wasn't thought of as out of the ordinary. I used to steal just to survive. Back home was when I started seeing the ugly side of humanity. A friend of mine, the one I mentioned. Her name was Elsa. Forgot her last name. From what I remember, she was abused by her relatives. I saw people fighting over leftover food at the back of groceries stores and the owner attacking them as if they were animals. So for me, it was an obvious choice. Either die there or die somewhere else down the line, in my own terms. I guess...I grew so numb that I stopped feeling things. It helped. Because you need a different mindset when you're tasked with killing someone. And doing things for them for money."
Cypher sighed."I was admitted into the Paragon House of Grey when I was 7. I met two other kids that...became my friends. The rest is history."
"Why are you...telling me all of this?"
"Hm? I read somewhere that talking about yourself can help you understand your feelings a little better." Cypher shrugged."I noticed some people talk about their lives which makes them feel a certain way. I'm hoping I can come to understand human emotions this way. Besides, you're the only one who bothered to give me the time of day here. Your brother and sister glare at me, the blonde girl is too busy having an existential crisis, Dr. Ver is in his own little world, and your mom is too old. So you were my only option."
Shirabe was taken aback by his words."Did it help? Talking to me, that is."
"No. But it's certainly fun to lead you around." He laughed, causing her to pout at him."But I do enjoy a good chuckle every now and then. So if you ever feel like, I don't know, tell me something yourself, feel free to let me know."
"I doubt that will ever happen." Shirabe went back to her tasks, focusing her attention on the laundry."But...I'm sorry that your life went the way it did. No one deserves to be forced onto something like that. Even if you think you had no chance."
"Huh. Strange. You're the second person who's ever shown me pity like this. Weird." Cypher gawked at her, but his mask prevented her from showing his face. His mind went back to the Commander of Section Two. And even further back, his former friends. One he killed, and the other one went to die on his own.
"Your sense of loyalty is remarkable, even for you. I'm glad to see you hold me in high regard."
Cypher spun on his heels, his eyes wide in disbelief.
"What is it...?" Shirabe frowned, not liking the way Cypher had suddenly turned back.
"Nothing. Just..." Cypher trailed off, his gaze falling on the ground."I could have sworn I heard Fine just now..."
The next day, the boys had gathered around in the break room of Section Two's temporary base, enjoying some breakfast after the girls had left to get ready.
"What's up with the long face, Yanagi? Still thinking about you know what?" Takeru asked, chowing on some toast and eggs.
"How can I not? I failed you guys as a leader and let my emotions get the better of me." Yosuke played around with his oatmeal, not feeling hungry."I..."
"Don't overthink it." Hajime continued pouring syrup on his stack of pancakes."We all make mistakes. We don't expect you to be perfect."
"Then what am I supposed to do?" Yosuke threw his arms up."I'm supposed to look after you. I'm in charge of you. If I can't be perfect, I'm putting your lives at risk!"
"But we're a team." Takeru pointed out."Who's going to watch your back?"
"We are." Hajime nodded."We're all human. Super-powered humans, but humans nonetheless. It's not fair for you to carry that responsibility. We can look after each other too."
"No one is blaming you for anything." Takeru's expression suddenly darkened."Yanagi, level with me here. Do you think no one here carries some sort of regret? Something that we wish we could have changed but didn't? We've all regretted our choices. Chrissy, Kazanari, and I are prime examples. Hell. Even Hibiki and the Luitenant. Life is not that simple, man. There is no such thing as a painless lesson. Sooner or later, people have to suffer to grow."
"I know, but..." Yosuke clenched his eyes shut."Goro and those kids...I don't want to lose anyone else. I failed him. I won't fail you."
Hajime and Takeru frowned upon seeing Yosuke shed a few tears, remembering their deceased friend.
"Okay...how about we change topics to a little more...insightful." A cheeky grin appeared on the orange-haired teen."I got a question for you guys. You ready?"
"Question?" Hajime cocked his head to the side.
Wordlessly, Yosuke lifted his head to meet Takeru's gaze.
"What kind of women are you guys into?"
"Huh?" Hajime glanced at Yosuke for guidance."Yanagi-san?"
"So we're talking about girls now?"
"Yeah, dude. It's what guys do, right?" Takeru leaned forward."Some classmates and I talk about girls from time to time. Of course, I can't say much since I'm taken and all, but it's fun to see what your friends are into. So, what do you guys say?"
"W-well...I like sweet and kind girls." Hajime began, playing around with a strand of hair."And also-"
"No, no, no!" Takeru slammed his hands on the table."That's boring shit! Nah, but for real, I'm talking about..." He leaned closer to them, scanning his surroundings in case anyone was eavesdropping."Physical wise. Like, what are your guys' preferences."
"WHAT?!"
"So dense..." Takeru groaned, rubbing his temples."Fine. I'll give it a go. The Luitenant is an assman and Yanagi is a thigh-lover."
"Wait, what?!" Hajime stood up from his seat.
"A...what now...?" Yosuke was left speechless, dumbfounded.
"I'm going based on your obvious crushes. Lieutenant, you're into Hibiki and all, but you can't deny she has a big ass. That makes you an assman. A guy that's into assess."
"H-h-hold on a second!" Hajime stammered, blushing furiously."T-that's not true! I like Hibiki for...more reasons than that...but..."
"But...?" Takeru grinned, wagging his eyebrows."Admit she has a dump truck. Don't think I don't see you staring at her when you're behind her and she's in her Symphogear."
"Okay, fine! I like her ass!" Hajime admitted, hiding under the table."Don't tell her I said that...Is it obvious that I stare sometimes?"
"Hey man, what happens in a guys' reunion stays there. Our lips are sealed." Takeru made a gesture as if he was zipping his lips."Either way, I don't think it's a problem. Girls like it when guys compliment their physique. Also, no. She doesn't know. She's too dense."
"What about Yanagi-san, then?"
"You kidding me, right?" Takeru glanced at the purple-haired young man."The dude loves Tsubasa. Everyone can tell."
"What do you mean...?" Yosuke asked.
"Really? It's so obvious that it's painful to look at sometimes." Takere quipped."Whatever happened between you and her old man shouldn't matter."
"Why is he a thigh man then?" Hajime demanded, hoping to embarrass Yosuke."Tell us!"
"Tsubasa isn't exactly...gifted in the asset department if you catch my drift." Takeru began, taking a bite out of his toast."Except for one thing. Her legs."
"Her legs?"
"Goddamnit..." Yosuke facepalmed, hiding his blush.
"She has what they call thunder thighs. She could squish a watermelon with her thighs like in those videos on youtube." Takeru guffawed, further embarrassing their squad leader.
"Sakamoto, stop watching too many videos. You're becoming dumber." Yosuke groaned."More than you are."
"Then does that make you a boob man?" Hajime pointed at him with his fork."I mean, Chris-san is stacked."
"Oh, yeah." Takeru rose his hands, flexing his fingers as if he was grabbing something."Caught red-handed. I like to grab onto something when we're doing it, you know. Make it a little more...intimate."
Hajime's jaw dropped to the floor, his brain ceasing to work.
"You...you're telling me that..." Yosuke was equally as stupified."You guys did it...?"
"No way!" Hajime exclaimed in utter shock.
"Hahahaha! Gotcha!" Takeru laughed uncontrollably, tears building in the corner of his eyes."Man, you guys are so gullible, it's hilarious! No, we haven't done it, idiot. We decided we'll wait until we were older. Not to mention the Commander is constantly on our ass about it and drops in to visit constantly and ask me questions. I can't imagine it would be any different if I had to deal with Chris' actual dad."
"You're an asshole, you know that?" Hajime frowned in disdain, prompting more laughter.
"But hey, didn't that lighten up the mood, at least a little?" Takeru asked them, receiving reluctant nods in return."I'd say this was a success."
"If you weren't a Kamen Rider or a soldier, Sakamoto, you'd make for a pretty good clown." Yosuke resumed eating his oatmeal.
"I second that." Hajime rose his hand.
"Yeah, yeah. Fuck you guys too." Takeru rolled his eyes playfully.
At the same time, FIS was piloting their VTOL over the ocean, heading for the Frontier once more. The group had gathered at the cabin, except for Nastassja, who was resting after her sickness grew worse.
"This is it." Dr. Ver cleared his throat."We made it this far. Now's not the time to hesitate, even for a second. We must unite mankind before the Moon descends to Earth."
"Yeah...No time to hesitate," Jades muttered to himself.
Cypher, who was at the back, leaning against the wall, spoke."Why the long faces? Isn't this what you guys wanted? Are you worried about those kids? Why? Leaving them alone is much easier for the plan."
"Shut up." Jades glared at him."You don't understand."
"Maybe I don't." Cypher conceited."Never had a sibling so perhaps I don't understand. But you can't deny it's the most logical way to look at it."
Before things escalated, Maria noticed something on the radar that caught her attention."An American carrier?"
"This is perfect." Dr. Ver clapped."We require an audience anyway. What a perfect opportunity."
"I agree." Maria nodded."We need to demonstrate our power to get the world's attention."
"So what are we sending?" Jades turned to the doctor."Noise? Mirror Monsters? Or ourselves?"
"The Mirror Monsters are at a disadvantage here." Dr. Ver explained."We still haven't figured out how to expand their numbers and make them so they can appear from any surface. Not just specific mirrors. And as for us, I believe it's too early to make a move. We still have battles ahead. So the Noise will do for now."
"Commander! We've detected the presence of Noise!" Aoi called out.
"And an American carrier is requesting assistance!" Sakuya hollered."They are being attacked by the enemy!"
"It's close! Full speed ahead!" Genjuro commanded.
"Why attack a carrier?" Yosuke bit his lower lip."It's not like they gain anything out of it. Except..."
"They are trying to get attention by practically screaming they're a threat." Tsubasa gritted her teeth."No time to waste. We have to go!"
The two leaders of the group ran to get prepared. Hibiki was about to follow them but Chris and Hajime held her back.
"No, you're staying here." Hajime shook his head.
"But I-"
"Do you have a death wish or something?!" Chris grabbed her by the tie, her frown soon dissipating."Just...stay here, okay? Let us handle this."
"We'll bring back Miku." Takeru reassured her."So just sit back and enjoy the show. This is a battle we can't lose."
"Guys..." Hibiki slowly nodded."Okay...I'll leave it to you."
Chris and Takeru nodded in satisfaction before rushing away.
"Hibiki-san." Hajime gingerly grabbed her hand."When this is all said and done...I have to tell you something."
"Something?"
"Just wait for me, alright?" Hajime beamed at her."I won't be long."
"Alright." Hibiki smiled warmly at him, causing him to feel butterflies in his stomach.."I'll wait for you, Hajime-kun. As long as it takes."
"Well, this is quite a show." Cypher watched in amusement as the Noise were carbonizing the soldiers down below."I haven't seen Noise in quite some time. The doctor doesn't mess around, does he?"
Shirabe scowled at him, but he seemed to ignore it. She made her way to Maria to get her opinion."Maria, is this really what you want?"
Maria said nothing, biting her lower lip and keeping her attention on piloting the plane.
"This...this is wrong." Shirabe shook her head, her eyes landing on her older brother."I'm sorry. But I can't let this happen. You guys are suffering because of this plan. I will set you free."
"Shirabe...?"
Shirabe walked up to the hatch, forcing it open. She took a look back at her family before jumping off.
"Shirabe!" Kirika and Jades called out after her, but Cypher stood in their way.
"Hold on a second. Let her sort her feelings out." He rose his hands."You should trust her. You are family, after all."
"But if you want to help her." Dr. Ver grinned."I might have just the thing."
"Various Shul Shagana Tron..."
(Play Oukyu Shul Shagana)
Once she finish her chant, Shirabe was clad in her Symphogear, descending to the carrier. She unfolded her armor's twin tails, unleashing a barrage of saws.
Alpha Style: 100 Samsaras
The saws killed off a group of Noise just in time for her landing. This time, she now revealed two giant saws as she began to spin around, extending her twin tails to increase her range and cut through the Noise.
Suddenly, a beam of lightning struck her in the back, causing her to crash on the floor.
"What was that?!" Jades cried in concern. Dr. Ver simply smiled knowingly.
"They're here."
"Who?" Maria called out from the front."Who's here?!"
Shirabe slowly got to her feet again, rubbing her back."What was...?"
"Long time no see, Shirabe." Kamen Raider Raia descended from the sky on top of Evildiver. With him, was a very familiar man to them all.
"Yo." He gave a simple wave."Not looking too well, little sis."
"Raiden...Teru-nii!" Shirabe was stunned at the unexpected arrival.
Terunosuke rose his head at the VTOL, sporting a maniacal grin."NASTASSJA! YOUR PRODIGAL SON HAS RETURNED! AND I BRING THE DESTRUCTION OF FIS!"
"Stay here, brother." Raia jumped off Evildiver, standing in front of Shirabe."I'll handle this."
"Raiden? What are you guys doing?" Shirabe asked, trying to reach out to him."Where have you been this whole time? We've been worried sick. And Andreas...where-"
"Just shut up and fight!" Raia lunged at her, taking her by surprise.
Shirabe jumped back, avoiding Raia's kick. The Rider quickly drew a card and inserted it into his Evilvisor.
Swing Vent: Evilwhip
"Stop it! I don't want to fight you!" Shirabe pleaded, jumping around to avoid the whip chasing her.
"It has to be done! I have to get that wish!" Raia screamed, lashing his whip."I swear I'll save all of you! We'll live a happy life together! So just let me do this!"
The whip wrapped itself around Shirabe's ankle and he pulled hard, slamming her against the hard floor. He leaped in the air, ready to continue his attack, but a green blur appeared out of nowhere, kicking him in the stomach and flinging him back to where he originally was.
"Kiri-chan!" Shirabe sighed in relief.
"Shirabe!" Kirika jogged over to her, discretely hiding something behind her.
"Why are you here, little Kirika?" Terunosuke rested his hands on his hips with a derisive tone."Here to save her?"
Kirika chose to ignore him, and taking advantage of Shirabe still dazed due to the impact against the ground, she injected her with the Anti-LINKER the doctor had given her.
Shirabe stumbled back, holding her neck."I-I can't maintain my Gear...Kiri-chan...?"
Raia watched on, perplexed at what was going on.
"Kirika! What are you doing?!" Tiger landed beside his sister before he eyed Raia."Raiden!"
"I'm sorry. I might cease to be myself at any time!" Kirika avoided Shirabe's gaze."I have to leave something behind before that happens, or even you'll forget me one day. And for that, I'll save them." Kirika turned to face Raia."I don't know what happened to you before you got here today. But I swear I'll do what I can to get you back! For Maria and Jades-nii-chan! I'll help protect the world the doctor's way."
"You're so full of it." Raia grimaced under his mask."Just...like him..."
"You know what to do!" Terunosuke yelled, growing increasingly worried at how long this was taking."Hurry up!"
"Terunosuke...?" Tiger stared in disbelief at his once-presumed-dead brother."Why are you...?"
As if life was playing a nasty joke on him, a missile shot up in the air, releasing its armor platings and revealing all Kamen Riders and the two Symphogear.
"KIRIKA!" Ryuki screamed at his childhood friend.
"Blacky-kun?!" Kirika yelled back."Why are you here?!"
"YOU!" Raia seethed, running past Kirika and jumping in the air, intercepting Ryuki."Damn you!"
"Goddamit, not again! Round 4 so soon?!" Ryuki blocked his punch with his hand before giving him a punch of his own, knocking him back. Unfortunately, the whip had coiled around his leg, bringing him down too."
Tsubasa was quick to get to work, forcing Kirika on the offensive. Sword against scythe."Don't butt in desu!"
"Tsubasa! Hold on a second!" Knight ordered, prompting the fight to come to a halt. His eyes were fixated on Terunosuke above on Evildiver, who had grown extremely pale at his presence."They have to know the truth."
"The truth...?" Shirabe parroted as she was being held by Chris.
"Terunosuke Kuwana is the person you guys have been looking for." Knight began, pointing at the black-haired man."He's the one responsible for your brother's death!"
Raia suddenly stopped, his fist inches away from Ryuki's face. He whipped his head toward Knight's direction."Just what are you saying?"
"He's Kamen Rider Gai." Knigth dropped the bomb, earning several gasps."And we have proof. We confronted him at his workplace yesterday. He's been lying to all of you. He killed Atticus, Jades' biological brother, and stole his armor. He's been killing in silence for several years now. But thanks to Ryuga's assistance as well as our investigation, we finally were able to come to a solid conclusion. He's Gai."
"No. You're lying." Kirika immediately denied the idea."Stop lying about something so serious!"
"It's not a lie." Chris furrowed her brow."That bastard has been hiding in plain sight, hoping for our sides to kill each other so he can come in and take everything."
"But...Andreas and Raiden have been living with him this whole time, right...?" Shirabe asked, her eyes set on the Raia.
"Is that why...you were so insistent on me killing them?" Raia finally muster the courage to face his brother."But...if that's the case...were you planning to just kill us too...? So you can get your wish...?"
Terunosuke remained silent, his expression one of panic as he pulled on his hair.
"SAY SOMETHING!" Jades pleaded, his voice full of emotion."Please! Just tell us they're wrong, Terunosuke! You can't be the one who killed Atticus! We're family!"
"It's true..." Maria's voice came from their communicators.
The pinkette was silently crying with Dr. Ver listening from behind, a blank look on his face as he decided to let them have their moment. He was aware of the truth, after all. So this wasn't so much of a surprise.
"Mom...told me everything. How Teru-nii called her after he escaped, threatening to reveal the truth about FIS if they were to come after him in Japan...And how he had killed Atticus in cold blood..." Maria sobbed, her tears endlessly streaming down her cheeks."She kept it from us...b-b-because she didn't want us to face this...horrible truth..."
"No way..." Kirika fell on her knees, much to Tsubasa's surprise.
'Did they hear something over their communicators?' The bluenette pondered.
"You're not going to say anything?" Knight forged on."The last you can do is be a man and confess. This is the end, Terunosuke Kuwana."
"Pfft..." Terunosuke stifled a laugh before breaking into a burst of full laughter, covering his face with one hand."HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! HAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"
The sound of his cruel laugh echoed throughout the deck of the carrier, making the Section Two members uneasy.
"I guess there's no need to keep up the charade at this point. If you want something done right, do it yourself." Terunosuke spread his arms to his sides."Congratulations, my dear siblings. You finally hunted down your culprit."
"You piece of shit!" Zolda aimed his visor at him, ready to shoot.
"No...no, no, no no..." Tiger shook his head frantically in desperation."I-it has to be some kind of m-m-mistake. Right, Terunosuke...? You're a good person. I know you are."
"A good person?" Terunosuke took out his Gai deck from his back pocket."Tell me who the "good person" is because I don't think it's me."
As his V Buckle appeared around his waist, he inserted his Deck into it, his body slowly cladding in the Gai armor."I prefer to use that term on someone who's dumb and naive enough to fall for a stupid trick like this."
Once his transformation was done, Kamen Rider Gai jumped off Evildiver, cooly glancing over his siblings and their expressions of betrayal."HA! You should see your face! God, you're not going to believe this, but that's the same face Atticus had when I stabbed him! The utter shock, the dumb confusion! The pain of betrayal as his own brother stabbed him to death!" He cackled in delight before taking a deep breath."It was GREAT!"
"You killed him!" Raia shot him a look of confusion and disgust."H-how could you?! We believed in you! We loved you! We trusted you!"
"Believe in me?" Gai scoffed."And what was it about me that made you want to believe in me so badly? You created an idea in your idea of me being this perfect role model of a brother, and when that expectation failed you, you felt betrayed. Why complain about it to me?"
"YOU MURDERED ATTICUS-NII-CHAN!" Kirika screeched, furious."WHY?! WHY WOULD YOU DO SOMETHING LIKE THAT?!"
"Kiri-chan..." Shirabe muttered.
"So the fuck what?!" Gai snapped back at her."Am I supposed to care?! Am I supposed to feel sad?! Fuck him! And fuck you! None of you ever gave a shit about me! No one ever realized how special I was except Serena! I saw an opportunity and took it, just like the old hag said! What the fuck is the problem?! I did what any human being would have done! I'm a survivor! A winner! And right now, I'm going to end things. Starting with you, Jades!"
Tiger was petrified, frozen in place. He couldn't comprehend what was going on, so he didn't react when Gai was rushing toward him.
Knight stood in his way along with Zolda, blocking their path.
"Now, now. This is a surprise. So many familiar faces here." The sound of a haughty voice alerted them."But you should not intervene in family matters."
"You're shitting me..." Ryuki was the first to spot him.
"Why is he here?!" Zolda growled in disdain."That bastard! After all this time!"
Knight narrowed his eyes, acknowledging the newcomer."So you show yourself...Ouja."
On the highest point of the carrier, Kamen Rider Ouja stood tall, waving at them."I'm back."
"That snake asshole!" Chris sneered.
"Can this get any worse?" Tsubasa grimaced, realizing just how big of a mess this was turning out to be.
"Rei Shen Shou Jing Rei Zizzl..."
Suddenly, a loud crash caught everyone's attention, making the ship shake. As the dust began to clear out, they could make out a feminine figure standing in the smoke. The girl in question was someone they knew all too well, and who happened to be the reason they were there in the first place, clad in purple armor. Her eyes were cold and soulless.
"You're fucking with me..." Zolda groaned in exasperation."You just had to say something, didn't you, Kazanari?"
"No way..." Ryuki felt his heart skip a beat upon seeing the face of his crush's best friend."Miku!"
"We're so fucked."