Reviews:
Guest DCDGojira: Glad you liked it, friend
HanzoHasashi98: Yeah I'm continuing to set up their rivalry into their fight in the future. I forgot to specify but yeah Loki was in control of Hazuki's body at the time. I was planning on giving a few Riders Survive and new forms in the future. But Survive won't appear in this season since I feel like it would be too forced, especially since I didn't create any build-up for it. But I did start building up on a new form for future seasons back in earlier chapters.
lordri25may2001: Sorry I couldn't get you that fight, but that doesn't mean there won't be more Hazuki vs Miku fights in the future (wink wink). I just felt like in character, Hazuki wouldn't have it in him to fight Miku head-on like Loki was and was probably going to lose. I like Kirika but I get where you're coming from. I always saw her as an annoying sister type so it goes perfectly into that whole sibling thing with the other FIS children. Fun fact: This story was originally going to be Kirika x OC.
Chapter 39
Unite Vent
He had lost count of how long he had been locked up in this cell. But he knew it had only been a couple of days. Andreas was not a very patient person. He never felt the need to be. He was still a kid. But given the circumstances, he had no choice but to reflect on everything that had happened in silence. All he had to do here was think. That or read some of the magazines they had lent him. Unfortunately, he wasn't particularly interested in combat or karate manuals given to him by the red-haired man.
Then the news hit him. That purple-haired boy. He couldn't remember his name but he told him everything about Terunosuke. How he had been the one who killed Atticus all those years ago and stolen the Gai Deck. He didn't understand why he would do something like that. His head was killing him from trying to answer all his questions. He rationalized he didn't need to worry about his sisters since Jades was with them and would protect them at all costs. But Raiden...He didn't know the truth about Terunosuke. Was he in danger?
His thoughts were interrupted when the door to his cell opened up."Is it lunchtime already?"
"I brought someone I thought you'd want to see." Ogawa guided Shirabe inside, handcuffed as he was."Your sister, I believe."
"Shirabe..." Andreas' eyes sparkle upon seeing the twin-tailed girl."It's you...!"
"Andreas..." Shirabe smiled at him, giggling as the boy rushed to her and leaned on her."My sweet Andreas...You must have been so scared."
"I'm so sorry for everything!" Andreas sobbed on her shoulder, cursing the fact that they couldn't hug each other since they were handcuffed."I shouldn't have left you guys! I'm sorry for abandoning you!"
"I'll let you guys have some time." Ogawa excused himself, closing the door behind him.
"I forgive you." Shirabe rubbed his cheek with hers in an attempt to comfort him."You aren't to blame. You were scared too. I'm sorry. I...should have noticed something was bothering you. I heard about what Raiden did to you. And also...I have to tell you something about Teru-nii..."
"I know everything...well, mostly. They told me that he was the culprit behind Atticus-nii-chan's murder. Raiden is in danger!"
"A lot has happened recently. Teru-nii appeared with Raiden and those people cornered him. He confessed everything. Raiden is okay, I think. He left. As for Teru-nii...I don't know. He was caught in an explosion." Shirabe proceeded to tell him everything regarding FIS and what Maria and Jades had decided to do.
"But that's horrible! They can't do that!" Andreas gasped."To oppress the weak with force...it's just not what we stand for! We'd be no different from bullies!"
"I agree. But for some reason, Maria and Jades-nii-chan believe it's the only way." Shirabe expressed her displeasure."And Kiri-chan's been acting strange lately. It feels like our family is falling apart...I just wish everything could go back to normal..."
"I...I don't know if everything will be the same after this." Andreas muttered as they both pulled back."The others are on a dangerous mission for our sake...and I'm worried about Raiden..."
"About Raiden?" Shirabe frowned."But he tried to kill you."
He smiled, slumping on his bed."After thinking for all this time by myself...I started to realize some things. Raiden is just the kind of person who doesn't fully understand his feelings. Sometimes he's confused and doesn't know what to do, but he keeps up appearances because he's too prideful to admit he's wrong. When he tried to kill me...I didn't get it at the time. But now that I look back on it, I can only imagine how scared he must have been too."
"Scared?"
"We both know Raiden well enough to say that he wouldn't do something like that. He was desperate. Because he genuinely thought that there was no other way to save our family. And Teru-nii tricked him. It must have stressed him out and he finally just...snap. But I know he wouldn't go through with it, even if Knight didn't intervene."
"Andreas..." Shirabe muttered, a hint of sadness in her voice."Even after that, do you think you can still see him the same way?"
"Ever since I was a little kid, we were stuck to the hip. He never pushed me away, even though I know I can be annoying sometimes." Andreas chuckled sheepishly."But I love him. And I know he loves me. I wish I hadn't panicked back then. Maybe I could have talked things out with him. Maybe...we could have talked things out with everyone."
"All we can do now is hope they're okay." Shirabe said, closing her eyes."I hope they can save them..."
"All better?" Tsubasa asked her junior after she finished wrapping some bandages around his arm in the infirmary.
"Sure." Hajime flexed his arm."I'm good. Just need to rest for a bit and we can go back to fighting."
"You sure love your fighting, huh?" Tsubasa giggled."But at least you're more level-headed now than you were before."
"I guess. Not as much as before. I guess it sort of burns me out fighting so much. But it's still exciting." Hajime grumbled."Anyway, what's the word on the Captain and Yanagi-san? And wait, where's Chris-san?"
"Yukine went ahead to the Frontier." Tsubasa frowned."She said that's where they must likely went."
"Alone?! Is she stupid?!" Hajime immediately jumped off the stool he was sitting on."It's dangerous! Why would she take such a risk?!"
"Adachi..." The idol sighed."Sakamoto is...all Yukine has left that she can call family. She almost lost him once and it terrifies her to lose him again. So she's desperate to make sure he's okay. I would be against this but I understand her. I feel the same way about Yosuke."
"You're right...he's the last of your old friends, right?" The hazel-eyed teen lowered his gaze."I'm sorry...I shouldn't have brought this up."
"It's okay. You're my friend now too." Tsubasa said, earning a blush from him."But I would lie if I said I wasn't concerned. Ouja is a formidable opponent. And he already took a dear friend away from us..."
"That's why we'll go to the Frontier together." Hajime reassured her."Honestly, I'm looking forward to working together with you, Kazanari-san. Chris-san went ahead and Hibiki-san can't fight. So it's up to us to find the others."
"I'm looking forward to working with you." Tsubasa nodded."It's too bad you're not my fan. This could have been more special."
"It's too bad I'm not my sister then. I still prefer Maria."
"You guys." Aoi came into the small room, holding a notepad."Hibiki-chan and Miku-chan are waiting for you."
"Thank you." Tsubasa grabbed Hajime's arm, pulling him along."Let's go. We're going to settle this little dispute you had with Kohinata, Adachi. And don't mention anything Ryuga said. We don't want her to worry about that."
"I can fix my problems, thank you very much," Hajime grumbled, embarrassed but Tsubasa was having none of it. She practically dragged him over to the room Miku was staying in. Once they reached the place, Tsubasa opened the door, excusing herself with a bow. She smacked Hajime's head, prompting him to do the same.
Hibiki and Miku halted their conversation, turning to the only Rider and Symphogear on standby."Hajime-kun! Tsubasa-san! You're both okay!"
"That's our line. You both took that blast head-on." Tsubasa reminded them, shifting her gaze to Aoi."How is Kohinata?"
"Her body is clear of LINKER." Aoi read the report."And there doesn't seem to be any lasting impact from the forced Gear activation."
"What about Hibiki-san?" Hajime asked, a little too loud for his liking."I mean...she got hit by that blast too. And her Relic..."
"You were worried about me?" Hibiki perked up at that, her smile widening.
"O-of course I was. You're my friend." Hajime flushed, hands behind his back. He was too distracted to notice Hibiki engulfing him in a reassuring hug.
"I was worried too. It felt horrible watching you get hurt and I wasn't able to do anything for you." She whispered to him, her head resting on his shoulder."But you're okay."
"I should be saying that to you." Hajime chuckled, wrapping his arms around her waist."You got me pretty spooked with that stunt. Good thing Ryuga helped. In his own way."
"Where is he?" Miku inquired, finally finding her voice after being quiet."Is he here?"
"No. He left after securing you." Tsubasa informed her."He's...well, this isn't his fight, so we couldn't force him to stay."
"He sends his regards." Hajime delivered the message he had promised."The guy is pretty weird though. But..." He gently pushed Hibiki aside, walking over to Miku's side."I'm sorry...For the way I treated you. I disregarded your concern for Hibiki-san and told you it was easier to not fight. But it must be horrible...And I just realized that. And I'm also sorry for not apologizing sooner. I was...well, I was being a brat."
"No. I was wrong too." Miku shook her head, meeting his gaze."I know you fight hard to protect Hibiki. And I'm grateful. I can't imagine how exhausting it must be to do that. Especially since she can be a handful."
"Amen to that."
"Hey! You're bonding over making fun of me!" Hibiki pouted, causing them to chuckle at her expense.
"Thankfully, Hibiki-chan is also okay." Aoi told them."The light from Miku-chan's Gear had the power to negate and disassemble anything originating from relics. Due to that, Hibiki-chan managed to get rid of the Gungnir fragments."
"So it worked?" Hajime blinked."That whole gamble paid off! Miku-san! You're amazing! You saved Hibiki-san's life!"
"I knew you would come through and save me." Hibiki grinned at her, giving her a thumbs up."That's my Miku!"
"I did...?" Miku was dumbfounded by the proclamation before a smile graced her features.
"All we have to do left is stop FIS and put an end to this." Tsubasa said sternly."I'll be taking Adachi with me and we'll regroup with Yukine.
"We still haven't received any word from either Yosuke or Takeru." Aoi pointed out."But it is possible their communicators were damaged by the explosion of the ship. They could be heading for the Frontier too as we speak."
"Which means we got no time to lose." Hajime cracked his knuckles."Alright! This is it! The final battle!"
"Let's go get ready," Tsubasa said, earning a nod in response.
"Wait!" Hibiki grabbed Hajime's hand."You...said you had something to tell me, remember?"
"Oh...well..." Hajime looked past her, watching as Miku stared intently, before a smile formed on her lips."When we get back. I don't want to spoil it. But..." He leaned forward, kissing Hibiki on the cheek before rushing out the door."See you, girls, later!"
"Did he just..." Hibiki turned red as a tomato, caressing the spot where he had kissed her.
"I think he did." Miku giggled, enjoying seeing Hibiki freak out at the gesture.'Hajime-kun...maybe Hibiki would be happy with you after all..."
Meanwhile, FIS gathered around the entrance to the Frontier.
"You sure you don't want to come along?" Dr. Ver asked Jades."You'll miss out on quite a treat."
"The Frontier will take some time, right? I'm sure they'll be here soon." Jades said, staring off at the horizon."I'll keep them busy. I won't let them get through me."
"You don't have to." Nastassja addressed him, moving her wheelchair in front of him."Jades, you don't have to punish yourself. I was the one who kept it a secret from you. I didn't...want to see you like this."
"I started everything, Mom. If Terunosuke was chosen over me, none of this would have happened. I'm a failure."
"Can you say that with certainty?" The one-eyed woman stared into his eyes, but he merely avoided her gaze."Terunosuke always came before you when it came to the rankings. He was good, but never as good as you. Do you really believe he would have done a better job than you did?"
"I...At least he wouldn't have gotten anyone killed. I wouldn't have ruined his life nor turned him into a murderer." Jades closed his eyes, kneeling in front of her."That's my cross to carry. But I don't blame that on you. Take care of the girls for me."
"Jades-nii, please-" Maria was silenced by Jades slowly approaching her.
"Maria. The stage is yours." Jades placed a supporting hand on her shoulder with a confident smile."I'm sure you'll do great."
"Big brother..." Kirika grabbed his hand, only to have her hair ruffled playfully.
"I'll get Shirabe and the others back too. Don't you worry. This isn't a goodbye." He chuckled in good humor."Don't go writing me off just yet. I'll catch up before you know it."
With his goodbyes said he bid them farewell, transforming into Tiger before leaping away. Kirika and Maria cried with each other but decided the only way to end all of this was to keep going to the end. After a silent walk, they reached the generator room.
"This is the...engine?" Kirika looked around in the darkness.
"Correct." Dr. Ver began walking to it, holding a briefcase."This the power core of the Frontier." The doctor opened up the briefcase, took out the Nephilim's heart, and brought it closer to the core. Once he did, the heart attached itself to it, lighting the core up and starting the engine.
"Even reduced to its heart alone, it still attempts to consume and assimilate other relics. How greedy." Dr. Ver remarked, trembling with excitement."Now then, I shall make my way to the bridge. Professor Nastassja, you should watch over the Frontier from the control room."
Once he said those words, the mad scientist continued giggling to himself, taking his Alternative Zero Deck.
Outside the Frontier, Tsubasa and Hajime were riding on the idol's bike on the now-revealed Frontier after Dr. Ver had pulled it up with the Moon.
"I don't know how you do it, Kazanari-san."
"Do what?"
"Ride this." Hajime had his arms wrapped around her torso in fear of falling off."A bike. You're going way too fast too. What if you bump into something and go flying in the air to your death?"
"Only amateur drivers think of something like that." Tsubasa quipped."You're...16, right? You'll eventually need to learn how to drive. If you want, I can teach you."
"Yeah but not a freaking bike!" Hajime yelled, tightening his grip on her."Plus I've seen how you drive! You go way over the speed limit!"
"What possible speed limit could there be in this place, I wonder?" Tsubasa mused, earning a growl from him. Her expression turned serious when she noticed an army of Noise up ahead."Stay sharp. The welcoming committee is here. Hang on tight and don't let go. Also, you might want to close your eyes. Imyuteus Ame-no-Habakiri Tron..."
"Huh?" Hajime blinked."Close my eyes for-"
Tsubasa unfolded the blades on her ankles and attached them to the front of her motorcycle, creating a large blade that she used to mow down the Noise while also cutting them with her katana all while maneuvering her bike recklessly. All the while Hajime screamed in horror, closing his eyes and hanging onto her for dear life.
Flash of the Rider's Blade
After a few agonizing seconds, Tsubasa successfully eliminated the Noise, taking a deep breath."Hey, you can let me go now. I can hardly breathe with you clinging to me so tightly.
"S-sorry..." Hajime blushed, embarrassed by his demeanor."Next time can we just drive a car or something?"
"Bikes are easier to ride for combat. Who knows. Maybe you'll ride your own one day." She patted him on the back.
"There won't be another day for him."
Raiden strolled over to them, hands in the pockets of his sweater, glaring daggers at Hajime.
"You're...Raiden Amaterasu. Kamen Rider Raia." Tsubasa hardened her gaze."What is it you want? Don't you see fighting us will accomplish nothing for you?"
"No...I want to defeat him." Raiden pointed at Hajime."I only care about that at this point. Once I do, I'll get the power I need and I'll be one step closer to saving my family with that wish! I have to defeat him!"
"Kazanari-san. Let me handle this." Hajime removed his helmet and got off the bike."Chris-san needs you more than I do. Plus, I know how much you want to see Yanagi-san again. So leave this to me. I'll catch up with you soon."
"Very well." Tsubasa nodded."Be careful and don't do anything reckless, Adachi."
"You got it, boss." Hajime shot her a thumbs up as she rode away, leaving the two Riders alone."So, we're having a fifth match this soon? I like to fight and all, but even I'm getting sick of it."
"No. Make no mistake, this will be our final match." Raiden took out his Deck."Henshin!"
"So settle it in one last match, huh? I can dig that." Hajime repeated the action."Henshin!"
As soon as their armors were on, both Riders charged at each other. Ryuki and Raia already knew each other's moves from their many previous fights. And since they both had fought relentlessly until now, they got stronger. Ryuki still held the advantage, however, landing more punches on Raia that were slowly destabilizing him. One good kick send Raia flying away, but he planted his feet firmly on the ground, drawing a card from his Deck.
Shoot Vent: Evillauncher
Raia began ejecting his bombs from his grenade launcher, forcing Hajime to keep his distance.
'If I let him take off into the air with his monster, I'll have no choice but to use Ignite Vent.' Ryuki thought, opening up his visor.'And I can't use that too many times or I'll run out of juice again.'
Strike Vent: Dragclaw
Ryuki charged up his gauntlet, before unleashing a huge fireball that exploded into countless smaller ones. Just as Raia was about to summon Evildiver, he was interrupted by the volley of fireballs, choosing to dump his weapon and run out of the way.
Advent: Evildiver
Raia quickly jumped on top of Evildiver, but flames shaped like a dragon engulfed him, launching him off his monster and back to the ground.
"Had enough yet?" Ryuki asked, watching as his opponent began sitting up."Look, man, you don't have to fight me to prove you're better than me or whatever. That's not important right now. Your siblings. They need you."
"Shut up..." Raia spat with all the venom he could muster."I don't care anymore...Everyone is a dirty liar and they're no exception!"
"So why did you save Tiger?"
Raia's eyes widened in shock.
"The real monster who caused you guys to fall apart...he was going to kill him." Ryuki reminded him."And your sisters were fighting nonstop for him, even if they were hurt. But you came through for them."
"He brushed off my attack...Ouja is the one who actually saved him."
"Maybe, but you still tried. And unlike Ouja, you didn't have an ulterior motive or anything like that." Ryuki began approaching him."Like I told you before, family is not that simple. All families have their troubles. No one is perfect. But when it matters the most, you have to be there for him. Just as they will be there for you too. Do you feel lied to? Well, how do you think they feel now? When that bastard confessed to his crimes, they all looked genuinely shocked to me. And if Jades did lie about certain things, he did it because he didn't want to hurt you."
Raia remained silent, his breathing slowly starting to calm down.
"I get how you feel. When others treat you like a kid and they don't give you the credit you deserve." Ryuki reminisced on his first couple of weeks working with Section Two."But I worked my way up and earned their respect by working hard. Of course, I had to tune down my attitude as well. I was...very explosive, I guess. But those who saw me as a liability see me as a great ally and friend. That girl that was here, Kazanari-san. She hated my guts before. But now she mentors me and treats me like a friend. So stop looking down at the dirt and look up at the path in front of you. Laugh in the face of challenges because you can't run from your problems. Especially if it involves the people you love."
"Sounds...like you had quite the experience with that," Raia muttered, discretely reaching for his deck.
Ryuki, non-the-wiser, chuckled."Yeah. My dad walked out on me and my family. Never came back, not even when we needed him when my mom was...sick. So I swore never to run from my problems and always face them. That's why I never give up. And you say you're better than me, right? You should understand this far faster than I did."
"Oh, I understand, alright." Raia suddenly activated a new card, immediately blasting Ryuki in the chest with a fireball after copying his Dragclaw
Copy Vent
"I understand that you're just full of crap!" Raia hissed, aiming his new gauntlet at Ryuki."I won't be fooled ever again!"
"Do you think we lost him?" Takeru asked Yosuke as they both headed for the entrance of the Frontier. After they landed, they lost sight of whatever was chasing after them, and to preserve energy, reverted to their human forms.
"He's up to something, no doubt about it." Yosuke clicked his tongue."He may not be chasing us now, but he'll come around eventually. Keep your eyes peeled."
"What about Kuwana?" He tilted his head."Do you think we have to worry about him too?"
"I'll be honest. Kuwana is probably dead." Yosuke said, his expression cold."While our suits can filter the air for when we're underwater, Kuwana's suit is the heaviest next to yours because of his armor. He must have sunken to the bottom of the ocean and since he was already wounded and injured from those attacks he had received, his transformation most likely came undone and drowned."
"How do we know Ouja didn't get to him?" Takeru wasn't as confident with that theory as his immediate superior was."You know that bastard. Once he sets his sights on a target, he'll pursue them."
"Because Ouja chased after us from the get-go. But Kuwana did buy us some time to rethink our strategy." Yosuke hated how sour his tongue felt upon saying that."Cypher was about to do something. I...felt incredible power from that card he had. It was too much, especially with Kohinata running around. At least this way if he does come after us, we should be able to handle him."
"You're being awfully optimistic." Takeru narrowed his eyes in suspicion."Usually, you're such a pessimist."
"More like a realist." Yosuke rolled his eyes."I'm sure every the other are okay."
"I'm sure they're fine." Takeru placed his hand on his shoulder."Kazanari and Chrissy are tough girls. And the Luitenant? He never gives up. They're all fine. Besides, you saw FIS' VTOL cruising by. They pulled back to the Frontier. The others should be here soon."
"Which means we've failed the original objective." The purple-haired teen rubbed the edge of his nose."But as long as they're okay, that's all that matters to me."
"There you are!"
The boys halted in their tracks, taking battle positions. Yosuke was perplexed when a red blur flew by and crashed against Takeru, crashing onto the ground with him. Once he snapped out of his stupor, he realized that it was Chris who had tackled him to the ground into a hug.
"Holy fuck..." Takeru coughed, instinctively rubbing her head.
"You're okay...I was so worried when I saw your ship blowing up." Chris sighed in relief, snuggling against him."You damn idiot! Why do you always have to get yourself in this kind of position? I thought you died!"
"That seems to be all I'm good for." He snickered, wincing."You nearly killed me right now, dummy. I'm not as durable without my suit."
"Oh. Sorry." Chris sat up, helping him back on his feet before turning her gaze to Yosuke."Oh. You're here too."
"I'm honored for your concern." Yosuke deadpanned."Why are you here? What happened?"
"You saw this fucking thing emerge from the water." Chris planted her hands on her hips."Plus, you idiots stopped responding! We genuinely thought something had happened to you! They're all worried!"
"Relax, babe. It wasn't our fault." Takeru tried to calm her down, wrapping his arm around her and pulling her closer. She huffed, pushing him away, much to his dismay."Look, I used my Final Vent and blew up half the ship. We knew it was going to either sink or blow up, but I didn't expect fucking Kuwana to go haywire and used those metal spikes of his to accelerate the process."
"Yukine, status report." Yosuke folded his arms, earning a sigh from the girl.
"Ryuga showed up and helped in subduing Miku. Everyone's fine but I went ahead to look for you. And we also captured the girl with the Shul Shagana."
"You could use some work in improving your reports." Yosuke grumbled to himself at the lack of detail."I read your reports, you know? I could help you get better if you so choose."
"Who cares about dumb reports now?!" Chris threw her arms up in exasperation."We have to go after FIS and get Solomon's Cane back!"
"Right." Yosuke nodded."We're ahead of the rest. Let's do what we can and-"
"I'm sorry. But this is as far as you go."
Jades Demetrios made his presence known, approaching the group, removing his jacket, and remaining in his sleeveless black shirt, displaying his bulging muscles."If you want to advance, you'll have to go through me."
"Seriously?" Chris hissed at their new obstacle.
"You don't need any more of this, Jades." Yosuke scowled."Tsukuyomi and Kagatsuchi have been apprehended. Amaterasu is still on the loose but clearly is not working with you. In other words, that's two Riders and a Symphogear less for you."
"I guess you won't give them back if I ask nicely?" Jades gave out a dry chuckle, not expecting a serious answer."Then I have to force you to give them up. You saw how our fight last time went. You don't stand a chance against me."
"We may have been overwhelmed at the concert..." Takeru started.
"But we've gotten considerably stronger since then." Yosuke continued."If you think you'll beat us this time, you're mistaken."
"Then let's see if you have what it takes to kill me." Jades showed them his Tiger Deck, his V Buckle materializing around his waist."Henshin!"
"I guess we're doing this after all." Yosuke sighed as he and Takeru did the same."Henshin!"
In a second, all three Riders were clad in their armor. Three against one. But Jades wasn't afraid of the advantage in numbers in the slightest.
Chris wasted no time, deploying her crossbows and firing them at Tiger, who simply ran through them using his Destvisor to deflect them. Knight met him halfway through his sprint, blocking his axe with his rapier. The last FIS Raider rose his arm to punch Knight in the face, but Zolda shot his arm with his own visor, preventing him from doing so. With a battle cry, Knight began pushing Tiger back, much to his bewilderment. He jumped over him, kicking Tiger in the back of the head where he was received by a swift kick from Chris, sending him staggering to the side, where Zolda received him with various bullets to the chest.
Tiger landed on his back, taken back by what was happening."I didn't expect them to get so strong..."
"You should be aware already." Knight positioned his rapier against his neck."But a Rider gets stronger the more they fight. And we've been doing nothing but fighting. You and your siblings may indeed have been trained for this, but the experience is by far a better teacher than mere training. You can't defeat us. And if you're FIS' strongest warrior, then taking Maria and Akatsuki won't be much of a problem."
"Like I'd let you touch my sisters!" Tiger barked, swiftly smacking Knight's rapier away and jumping to his feet. Chris shot more arrows, but realizing they weren't as effective, switched to her missiles.
Freeze Vent
Her missiles froze in solid ice, preventing her from shooting them."Fucking hell!"
Advent: Magnugiga
Magnugiga aimed its guns at Tiger, but he retaliated by summoning his own monster.
Advent: Destwilder
Destwilder lunged at Magnugiga, knocking the giant robot to the floor as it began to pounce on it. Chris switched to her Gatling guns.
Strike Vent: Destclaws
Tiger lunged at Chris, who responded by unleashing her artillery at him. Tiger used the claws to protect himself and slashed her Gatling guns to pieces. Finding herself in a compromising position, Chris braced herself for the impact that never came.
Tsubasa had appeared, blocking the claws with her katana. However, Tiger's strength proved too much for her, and send her crashing into Chris, landing several meters away.
"Tsubasa!" Knight screamed in concern, glaring at Tiger and rushing at him."You'll pay for that!"
Strike Vent: Winglancer
Knight and Tiger began engaging in close-quarters combat with their respective weapons. He was growing more frustrated with each attack Knight parried. He opted to increase the ferocity of his attacks, this time, forcing Knight back before he shoulder-tackled him to the ground with his superior physical strength.
Shoot Vent: Gigacannons
Mega Deth Party
Chris and Takeru surrounded him from both sides, each other them unloading a barrage of missiles he had no choice but to take. He jumped out of the smoke, visibly damaged from the explosions, but was intercepted by Tsubasa, conjuring a giant sword above her.
Heaven's Wrath
'I don't know how many Freeze Vents he can use, but this strategy worked against Kuwana.' Knight watched on to see what Tiger's move would be.'He'll have to use another Freeze Vent, and then-"
With a loud battle cry, Tiger lunged in the air, slashing the giant sword to pieces. He then followed by thrusting his claws forward, but Chris shot his arms, changing the trajectory of his attack and only managing to grace Tsubasa's sides.
"You okay?!" Chris cried out after the bluenette.
"Just a scratch. Good aim." Tsubasa praised, looking at the relatively small cut on her left side.
"Kirika...Shirabe..." Tiger landed, kneeling with his head hanging."Andreas...Raiden. Maria and Mom...And Terunosuke..." He muttered the last part to himself before glaring at his opponents savagely."I'm not letting them down! Ever again!"
"This is madness!" Maria exclaimed at the doctor, who was too busy admiring his handiwork."You hastened the fall of the Moon! At this rate, mankind will surely go extinct!"
"I had to in order to pull us up." Dr. Ver shrugged nonchalantly. Maria pushed him aside, trying to access the controls for the Frontier."It's useless..." He waved his monstrous arm around."As long as the LINKER remains in effect, I have absolute control. By the way, I wouldn't say "extinct". I'll still be alive, after all. There is no greater way to ensure the survival of mankind!"
"Are you mad?! Think about the person who gave you that power!" Maria pointed at the Alternative Zero Deck in his grasp."Do you think they'll let you do this?! They're probably on their way as we speak!"
"Do you seriously think I'm threatened by them? They agreed to help us because they were toying with us." Dr. Ver sneered."They thought we wouldn't accomplish our goal, so to entertain themselves, they agreed to help. But the joke's on them!"
"No! I did not agree to set foot on the path of evil for this!" Maria lunged at the man, but he quickly swatted her away with his Nephilim arm.
"You can try to stand in my way all you want, but it won't change the fact that the Earth's days are numbered!" Dr. Ver cackled, enjoying talking down on the poor girl."You worthless bitch! You and all your annoying siblings! Cry all you want though, because they'll die too. I'm sure Cypher will make quick work of them."
The doctor began walking away, a sinister grin on his face."Oh, and when I get back, let's think about how we'll contribute to the repopulation of the Earth."
"Jades..." Maria cried for her elder brother."I'm so sorry...Serena..."
Genjuro stared intently at the screen portraying the many fights going on."As expected, Jades-kun will be a tough wall to climb over. And Raiden-kun is still an enemy."
"All of our Symphogears and Kamen Riders have their hands full." Ogawa added, grimacing."I wonder if we can pull this off."
"Actually, we still have an ace up our sleeve." Hibiki smiled at her master. Upon her request, Ogawa brought out Shirabe and Andreas, removing their handcuffs, much to their confusion.
"Uh..." Andreas blinked at his free wrists."Is it bathroom break time?"
"No, but if you want to go to the bathroom, you can go ahead." Genjuro said."But really, we need your cooperation."
"Right. We want to ask you guys for your help." Hibiki requested, bowing with sincerity."We need all the help we can get if we want to save the world! So please, lend us your help!"
"You want us to help?" Shirabe quirked a brow in suspicion."Are you serious? You're asking your prisoners to help fight?"
"I realize how weird it sounds, but yes. Not just for us, but for your siblings too." Hibiki continued."You guys aren't totally on board with what they're doing. But they won't listen to us. Surely they'll listen to your voice."
"I...we are worried." Andreas nodded, clasping his hands."It's horrible not being able to help them...We were all so close and united not too long ago and now..." His eyes darted to the screen, staring intently at Raia fighting Ryuki."We've drifted apart. I want to help."
"Andreas?"
"Please, Shirabe." Andreas grabbed Shirabe's hand."I'm so tired of this. Pretending to be evil and taking on the part of a terrorist. I'm tired of running around not knowing what side to choose. I just want us to go back together. All of us."
"You really love them, huh?" Hibiki smiled warmly at his honesty.
"I do. My parents...were abusive back in Greece. Jades-nii-chan and Atticus-nii-chan pulled me out of that place and told me that family was where my heart was. I knew that for certain as I grew up alongside the others. That's why I want to talk to Raiden and convince him to stop. I know he must be very confused right now, given his family history. And Shirabe wants to protect Kirika. So I'm in."
"Are you positive?" Shirabe asked him."Raiden tried to kill you. I'm not saying to hate him, but maybe facing him right now isn't the best idea..."
"Because Teru-nii tricked us." He responded easily."I know he wouldn't have done that otherwise. Please, help me bring our family back, Shirabe."
"But...do you get anything from this?" Shirabe addressed Hibiki."We were enemies."
"Maybe so." Hibiki grabbed her hand and Andreas'."But we want to help you too. I know you aren't terrible people. And since our interests align, why not help each other?"
"Besides there are things more important than being allies or enemies." Genjuro offered his piece."Adults who don't support kids in what they want to do are just uncool."
"You said, Master!" Hibiki beamed.
"That sounded kind of cool," Miku confessed.
Genjuro walked over to the pair, pulling out Shul Shagana and the Imperer Deck."And this belongs to you."
"It feels like forever since I had my Deck." Andreas offered a toothy grin as he accepted his Deck."Thanks a bunch!"
"You never change, do you?" Shirabe muttered, and for the briefest of seconds, Genjuro seemed to react to that. But upon realizing that no one else had caught on, he dismissed it as his mind playing tricks on him.
"I'll lead you guys to the hatch!" Hibiki guided the siblings down to the hatch, lowering her tone."Say, can you do me a favor?"
"A favor?" Shirabe and Andreas glanced at each other."What kind of favor?"
"What?! Tachibana and the Gear User and Kamen Rider and on their way?!" Tsubasa was flabbergasted at the sudden news.
"What?" Tiger, who had Zolda on the floor and was about to be shot in the face by Chris, gasped."Do you mean...Shirabe and Andreas...? What is this?! What are you plotting?! Trying to use them to weaken my determination?"
"Honestly, we're just as lost as you are." Knight admitted before chuckling."But leave it to Tachibana to turn the enemy into an ally. Look, just stop this, Jades. It's over. We don't want to fight you."
"Get off him." Chris sneered, threatening to pull the trigger of her crossbow.
Tiger glanced down at Zolda, who just chuckled nervously at him. Suddenly, he turned around and slapped Chris' arm, causing her to fire her crossbow and nearly missing the left side of his head. He struck her in the stomach, knocking the wind out of her and sending her away. Tsubasa jumped to catch her in her arms, preventing him from taking further damage. He lunged at Tsubasa, ready to cut them down with his claws.
Knight blocked one claw with his Winglancer and the second one with his arm, cutting part of his suit and his skin, drawing blood from his arm."They're important to me just as your siblings are important to you! I will never let them be harmed, even if it costs me my life!"
Jades was astonished by the proclamation. He looked past his shoulder, staring at Tsubasa and Chris. Then behind him at Zolda, who was beginning to get up. Now that he thought about it, they weren't that different from their group. Knight was willing to get wounded if it meant protecting his loved ones as he would. He gasped upon feeling his body being pushed back by Knight. With a scream, Knight planted his foot on Tiger's stomach, causing him to recoil back before he began delivering a powerful combo with his lance.
"Zolda!"
"I got it!"
Shoot Vent: Gigalauncher
Zolda immediately fired his rocket at Tiger, who was barely able to block it with his left claw.
"Yukine!"
"On it!" Chris switched to her missiles, unleashing her arsenal. Tiger began leaping around from rock to rock, avoiding the missiles. He leaped into the air as high as he could, trying to get some distance between them.
"Tsubasa!"
"Roger!" Tsubasa was now wielding two identical swords in each hand as flames covered both blades as well as her feet. She took off into the air, using the flames to fly toward Tiger. The flames turned blue, engulfing Tsubasa and giving her the appearance of a phoenix coursing through the air. Tiger yelled, blocking the attack with his left claw. He gritted his teeth, reminiscing about the time he had to take Ryuki's fireball and the intensity of it. To his dismay, his claw was unable to contain the attack and broke into pieces as Tsubasa flew by him.
Soaring Phoenix's Slash
"We got one!" Chris cheered, already moving on to the next attack. She focused her energy on her crossbows, enlarging them. She formed four arrows, but before she could proceed further, Tiger made his move.
Freeze Vent
Chris's crossbows were frozen in ice, forcing her to drop them to the ground. Tiger landed on the ground, panting as his eyes darted between them.
Knight stood in front of him, showing him his Final Vent. Tiger did the same, as they both had a stare-off for a few seconds that seemed like minutes. The others stood on the side per Knight's instructions, waiting.
Final Vent: Flyinglancer
Final Vent: Crystal Break
Knight dodged Destwielder by leaping into the air, Darkwing equipping itself onto his back and giving him a cape. Once he was high enough, he performed a dropkick, holding his Winglancer downward and his cape formed a drill around him, shooting down at great speeds.
Tiger growled, rushing to meet Knight in the air with his last claw. Tiger snarled, trying to push Knight back but found himself overwhelmed. Not only was he fighting against gravity by having jumped upward, only one arm was not enough. He could only stare helplessly as his last claw broke, receiving the attack head-on and launching him back to the ground, parts of his armor breaking.
Knight landed back on the ground, feeling lightheaded and nearly falling on his back had Zolda not caught him."I gotcha."
"Nice work, you guys." Knight praised his team.
"Of course." Chris puffed her chest out with pride.
"It's not over!" They were all alarmed by Jades' scream, who was on his knees."IT'S. NOT. OVER!"
Tsubasa couldn't help but pity the man on his knees. He was just a person who suffered because of circumstances out of his control, who was only trying to look out for what he called family, afraid of losing them. She walked over to him, squatting down in front of him and giving him a sympathetic smile."You're wrong. It's over."
"What...?" Tiger rose his head, panting heavily and glancing around the group. He let out a chuckle, lowering his gaze to the floor."Shit...Guess...this is as far as I go, huh..."
His armor disappeared just as he fell on the floor back in his human.
"Jades!" Tsubasa flipped him over on his back, checking for any grave injuries.
"Go ahead..." Jades mumbled, his voice completely monotone and his eyes staring at the clouds."Finish me off. I failed them again..I...I don't want to live on as a failure for my siblings...You came to kill me anyway, right?"
"Why are you giving up just like that?" Chris asked him."You sound like you want to die."
"I'm the one at fault...I ruined everything. I wasn't able to save Serena...and because of me, Terunosuke became a criminal. Because I let him down too. Atticus died because of that." He closed his eyes, crying silently."I can never make things better for them. The only way I can atone for my failures...is death."
"Do you seriously believe that you can fix anything by dying?" Chris frowned."You can't atone for anything by doing that."
"Not only that, how do you think your siblings will feel if you die?" Takeru offered his sympathy."I don't have any siblings, but I know what it feels like to let someone down."
"As do I." Yosuke said, folding his arms."Like you, I'm the leader of my group. I'm in charge of their safety. But it wasn't always just us. We lost comrades and friends. One of which died to save my life. I'm here because of him. I'm far from being a perfect leader and I've let my friends down too many times too. So I understand how you feel."
The purple-haired young man removed his helmet to show his face to Jades."But despite my errors, they still believe in me. I'm sure your siblings think the same thing about you. Kagatsuchi never stops talking about you, you know? He was always talking about how you'll eventually find him and save him."
"So much for that..." Jades muttered.
"The point is, they still believe in you." Tsubasa chimed in."Even Tsukuyomi. And if you're here, it's because the others also believe in you. They believe in their elder brother."
"If you truly want to die..." Chris clenched her fists."Then you're a selfish coward that never loved them. Your life isn't just your own. It's theirs too. Think about the people you'll leave behind if that happens to you. What is it that you want for them? To see their brother die for things that were out of his control?"
"I just wanted them to be happy!" Jades sobbed, his voice breaking entirely, unable to hold his tears."There wasn't a single moment where I didn't want those kids to be happy. I wanted Shirabe, Kirika, Andreas, and Raiden to go to school and graduate. Go to college and maybe someone that would love them. I wanted Maria to be the idol she always wanted to be...I just wanted was that best for them...But all of that went out the window when Serena and Atticus died. Because I was so weak...if Terunosuke was chosen instead, maybe-"
"I hate agreeing with Ouja, but he had a point." Yosuke cut him off."Kuwana...is a scumbag. He killed countless people because he felt like it. He tried to kill you and put your brothers against each other. Do you think a person like that would have been better for them? Of course not. Focus on the people who truly love you. They need you, Jades."
"Need me...?"
Yosuke nodded, shifting his gaze to the sky."We're going to stop FIS' plans. You can wait right here. And you have my word, we'll save your family."
"Hell yeah, we will." Zolda grinned."I owe you one from before. Back when we fought Fine, you saved Chrissy. You kept your word to me and now it's my turn to do the same?"
"Wait, what?!" Chris gaped, her eyes landing on Jades."You...is that why you saved me from the Kadingir's attack? and when I used my Superb Song? If that's the case, then I have more of a reason to protect your siblings and return the favor. It's not right to not settle your debts."
"You all..." Jades stared at them, flabbergasted at their kindness."You're truly incomprehensible. But...thank you."
Tsubasa opened her mouth, but the sound of clapping cut her off. The sound of footsteps grew louder along with the claps, as well as a familiar chuckle. Knight was the first to spot him."Ouja..."
Ouja stopped a few meters away from them, hands behind his back after he finished clapping."I must say, I am impressed with your development. I didn't think you'd be able to defeat Tiger. You sure have gotten stronger. The girls too. Compared to back then, I can hardly recognize any of you."
"Keep talking all that shit while you can." Chris snarled."You can't beat all of us together. We'll kick your sorry ass!"
"Oh, don't worry. I have no intention of fighting all of you." Ouja mused, folding his arms."The girls can go if they want. After all, I am a participant in this battle royal. My main focus is the Kamen Riders. The Symphogears aren't that important to me. It's not fulfilling to kill you all here. I'd rather kill the two Riders and then see the girls' reaction. The purest emotion upon seeing their beloved friends killed."
"If you think we'll let you do that, think again!" Tsubasa unsheathed her blade, pointing at Ouja with it.
"Tsubasa Kazanari. Don't worry. I can't kill you. So there's no need for you to be concerned."
"Huh?" Tsubasa quirked a brow."What do you mean?"
"Tsubasa." Knight grabbed her shoulder."Take Yukine and get out of here."
"What?!" Tsubasa whipped her head sharply."What do you mean?! You're not expecting us to just leave you here!"
"Yeah, it's better if we fight him together!" Chris chimed in, grabbing Takeru's shoulder."Right?!"
"He has a point, Chrissy." Zolda grabbed her hands."He's after us. Not you."
"Which is exactly why you-"
"Which is exactly why you need to go!" Zolda snapped, causing her to flinch."Look, we'll be fine. And besides, Hibiki-chan is heading this way, right? She has no Gear, so she's going to need you girls by her side. Plus, you still need to get Solomon's Cane. Can you do that for me? So we can finally bury that in the past?"
"Takeru..." Chris muttered, tears threatening to form in her eyes."Promise me you won't die. Please, promise!"
"I won't die, sweetie." Takeru chuckled, rubbing her cheek."I swore to you I'd always be here. Now go. Kazanari."
Tsubasa's lips thinned, sighing."Okay. But don't play heroes. We'll come to help you as soon as we stop FIS. Understand?"
"If my second in command says so, then it shall be done." Knight nodded. Tsubasa nodded at Chris, both girls dashing away deeper into the Frontier.
"I'm surprised you gave us the time to talk them out of this fight," Knight commented.
"It's more emotional. That way, the emotion they'll show me will be even better when I kill you." Ouja responded sinisterly."I suppose Jades will be our spectator for now, since he's tired after his fight with you. Anyway, why don't we get a move on? We both got no time to waste. Why don't we pick up..." Drawing a card from his deck, everyone immediately felt the same pressure as back on the carrier."...where we left off?"
Jades stared in awe as Venosnaker and Volcancer appeared behind Ouja, screeching in unison.
"Volcancer!" Knight cried out at his friend's monster.
"What is he doing?" Zolda blinked, feeling a cold sweat dripping down the back of his neck.
"I told you I'd show you something worse than hell, didn't I? I've kept you waiting long enough, so here it is at least!" Ouja inserted his card into his visor, and that's when everything went into chaos.
Unite Vent
(Play Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth Royal Knights' Battle Theme)
Ouja's body began to shine, releasing an incredible amount of power. A pillar of light erupted from him, illuminating the whole Frontier.
"What's going on?!" Genjuro looked alarmed at the screen.
"We're detecting a huge amount of energy from Ouja!" Sakuya hollered as he typed at his console.
"It's going off the scales!" Aoi reported.
Chris and Tsubasa stopped in their tracks, only to be pushed away by the gust of wind generated from the energy release.
"What's going on over there?" Hibiki pointed at the column of light from afar.
"Oh, yeah! Something's going on over there!" Imperer nodded.
Shirabe grimaced, deciding to focus on the task at hand.
Ryuki and Raia halted their fight, feeling the immense power even from their position.
Knight and Zolda, who were at the center of it all, gathered around Jades to shield him. Yosuke watched in horror as Volcancer and Venosnaker began merging. But what shocked his very core was an image of Scissors that appeared momentarily before it was absorbed into Ouja. As soon as it started, the current of energy dispersed and the wind resumed its normal state.
"What the fuck happened?" Zolda groaned, having been thrown to the ground by the wind."You okay, Jades?"
Jades did not respond. He was too busy, along with Knight, staring at the person in front of them. They first noticed Volcancer. Or what appeared to be a weird chimera version of it with Venosnaker. Only it was bigger and more robust, with a long metallic tail, Venosnaker's head.
"Sorry, it took so long. I still haven't gotten the hang of this just yet. But I'm done now." Ouja's figure was revealed once the smoke was cleared."And judging from your expression, so are you. I present to you...Kamen Rider Ouja - Dual Mode."
Kamen Rider Ouja - Dual Mode
Ouja's appearance had also changed. His chest plate remained mostly the same but now had orange highlights around the shoulder pads. His helmet remained the same except for two antennas protruding from his forehead and spikes around his arms. On his left hand, he had pincers serving as his new visor, which he dubbed the ToxicPincer. To top off his appearance, his Deck was now mixed in orange and purple. His symbol was his regular Ouja symbol but with the claws and legs of Scissors' crab.
"Dual Mode..." Jades parroted.
"Now...let's move on to the second round. Genocider is hungry" Ouja splayed his arms."Well...shall I go first?"
Shoot Vent: Venom Bites
Two twin guns appeared in Ouja's grasp, reminiscing Uzis in the form of snakeheads. He suddenly vanished and before Knight knew it, Ouja had planted his kneed deep into his chest, releasing a silent scream before he slammed his forearm to his face, knocking him to the ground.
"You bast-"
Ouja shot a few energy bullets in the shape of small snakes at Zolda, causing him to hiss in pain. Ouja smirked confidently, unleashing his magazines on Zolda, pushing him back with every bullet. Every shot felt as if needles were piercing his flesh followed by a burning sensation in his wounds. But he wasn't able to scream. Ouja finished him off by lunging at him, kicking his stomach, and sending him flying several meters away until he crashed into a rock, knocked out cold.
Turning on his heel, he sets his eyes on Knight."Next?"
The wait is over. Finally, Unite Vent and Ouja's new form are introduced. Genocider showed up to, only it's not done just yet. Like you guys might have figured out, this version of Genocider will be different from its cannon counterpart since it has a different Monster already. I'm planning Genocider to consist of at least 3 Monsters, so you guys feel free to get your bets on who will be the next Rider absorbed by Ouja.
I got the idea of changing Ouja's appearance from a fanart I saw on Twitter where it showed Ouja mixed with Gai and Raia and it looked too cool to pass on so I gave Unite Vent a change of appearance too as well as new cards. Though since this is a completely made-up form for this story, I'm open to some card ideas that you guys suggest. Shoot Vents, Sword Vent, etc. Feel free to leave a suggestion as it is greatly appreciated.