Cards Introduced the last chapter:

Illusion Vent: Idea from lordri25may2001's suggestion on a Bat Vent.

Hydro Flow: Suggest by Slimereader11

Tsunami Vent: Suggested by FlameFireZero X

Bio-Snatcher: Author

Bio-Arms: Slimereader11

Reviews:

Digi-Gojira: Yeah, Odin stole every scene he was in back in Ryuki. It's to back he got power-crept so he gets disrespected nowadays.

Guest DCDGojira: Glad you liked it, friend

Tigracho: I'm happy you're liking the story so far. Always happy to see new readers enjoying it. Yup, I try to foreshadow stuff so it doesn't appear out of the blue. Plus, it's fun to tease what's coming in the future and get people theorizing. Some theories are pretty interesting. Actually, Bragard is the boss. At least, the boss of Damian and Zeke. He works with Carol. Carol controls the Autoscorers and Bragard the Royal Guards. So yes, Bragard is an Alchemist. Though there is something else to that. There is a connection between him and the Liangs. But that is something that will come up as the story progresses. So for now, I can't say much to avoid spoiling.

lordri25may2001: Oh, you watched Bakugan too? Yeah, I designed Chao-Xing Chan Lee and Mei Mei from Beyblade since I wanted to go for that kind of design for her. Also, yes, don't worry, I understand your concern. And you'll see what happens in this chapter. But for reference, they are meant to be the same age. As far as I know, Carol is European. They don't state exactly where, but somewhere in Europe.

stardrago: I haven't heard of that series but I can check it out. The form looks cool so I can consider it.

HanzoHasashi98: True, I think giving Zolda guns and stuff is more appropriate than anything else. I like the mecha idea. Another reader suggested having Magnugiga be big enough to have a vent in which Zolda can enter and pilot it.I'll see how I can implement it. I was thinking of giving him sci-fi weapons in Survive. Like rayguns, laser beams, and things like that. But I haven't completely decided it.

Chapter 46
Inherited Task

Chao-Xing hissed, hyperventilating as she tried her hardest to remove the hands choking her and holding her in the air.

"Chao!" Huan cried for his daughter and tried to reach out to her, only for him to stumble over his one leg and fell on his face.

"Father!" Wei rushed to his dad's side.

"You guys stay put!" Ryuki hollered at them, worried for their wellbeing despite having conflicted feelings toward them.

"Eyes on me, Boy Wonder." Bragard whispered in his ear, holding a black sphere of magic in his hand that blasted Ryuki away."Like it, huh? This is my Broken Alchemy."

"Broken...Alchemy?" Hajime rubbed his aching belly, sitting up.

"Yes. Unfortunately. If you think my attacks are strong, then you'd be in for a surprise if I was able to properly use my Alchemy." Bragard twirled his sword around."Quite a pity too. I love Alchemy so much yet I'm forced to use this weakened version of it."

"You know, telling me your weakness doesn't do you any favors." Ryuki pointed out, receiving a chuckle in return.

"Please. I feel no need to withhold that kind of information from an ant." Bragard chuckled in a ridiculing manner."You could know all about my powers and yet you still could not defeat me. But you are welcome to try your best. I did hear plenty of good things about you, Boy Wonder."

"You don't have the right to call me that!" Ryuki activated an ability, leaping in the air as boosters attached themselves to his elbows, behind his knees, and back.

Booster Vent

Using his boosters, Ryuki went full speed toward Bragard, swinging his sword and him, only to have the prince sidestepped to avoid it."Then, does the man who abandoned you and your family have that right?"

"Shut up!" Ryuki circled back, his blade blocked by Bragard's dark blade. He sunk his feet on the ground, letting Ryuki push him back with a sardonic grin.

"Interesting. I didn't realize the Ryuki armor had these abilities." Bragard muttered in fascination as he manifested two black wings on his back, flapping them to take off into the air.

Strike Vent: Dragclaw

Ryuki punched the air, unleashing flames that took the shape of Dragreder as they were fired at Bragard

"A nice attempt." A total of 4 magic circles formed around Bragard, creating a condensed sphere of dark magic that engulfed the flames, swallowing them entirely."Look at you, trying so hard to hit me. You small, small child. How insignificant-"

Something inside of Bragard screamed at him to block, so he did. He used his left wrist to block the incoming kick from Ryuki. With a growl, he used one of his wings to grab his body and tossed him back to the ground.

The prince's wings disappeared as he rubbed his wrist, genuinely not having expected that kind of attack so suddenly. A condescending smile formed on his face."Not bad. For a putrid human, that is. I didn't expect you to be quicker than back on the Frontier. It seems that you continue to evolve."

"Yeah, well don't underestimate our potential." Ryuki coughed up saliva, sitting up."Damn, that hurt...And he's just playing around with me. I don't think I can win...But I have to get Chao-Xing and the others away from here somehow..."

"I was expecting more of a fight out of you, Boy Wonder. You're supposed to be a savior, no? Or so I was told."

"What are you talking about now?!"

"No matter." Bragard snapped his fingers, creating dark blades around him."Why don't we pick up where we-UGH!"

Suddenly, the albino grabbed at his head and his body began to glow intensely. His figure began to shrink down considerably until he had the size of a child."No! No! Not now!"

Ryuki was perplexed as he heard the once mature and elegant voice increase in pitch, becoming whinier and childlike.

Once the glow died down, Bragard was left in the position he was in. Only this time, he had shrunk considerably. Instead of his young adult appearance, he now looked like a child around 5'2 feet tall and his clothes were a little oversized for his figure.

"How can this happen? I ran out of time for my adult form?! I can only do it for 10 minutes! How humiliating!" Bragard sneered, stomping on the ground."Humiliating, I say!"

"What the hell is going on? Why did Bragard suddenly turn into a kid?" Ryuki blinked, bewildered at the turn of events.

"Hahaha..." Chao-Xing's raspy laughs were heard from high in the air. She cracked one eye open, clearly in pain, but a mocking smile adorning her face."Look at you...you're nothing but a child, hiding in the body of an adult. Is the mighty prince...insecure...what a joke...You have no honor, no principles, no no-"

"Silence, you pest." Bragard's cold voice cut her off, flexing his hand. The hands grabbing Chao-Xing turned into beastly jaws and gnawed off her left arm in one swift motion. The girl was in shock, not properly registering the pain as all she could do was stare at the jaws munching on her arm.

"CHAO!" Huan screamed in horror, feeling drops of her blood landing on his face.

"YOU MONSTER! Ryuki's eyes gleamed in red briefly, setting his sights on Bragard.

"I let her run her mouth long enough. Rebellious dogs need to be put down. But for now, she can stay alive. The pain will be a good teacher." Bragard grumbled, extending both of his arms outward."Child or adult, it does not matter what form I take. I am the Ultimate Lifeform. Never forget that, vermin."

Abyss hummed, impressed at what he laid eyes on. Somehow, Tiger had used his Freeze Vent in time to freeze part of the wave, shielding them somewhat from it and the sharks. Though, of course, it seemed that carrying Knight and barely reacting in time made it impossible to freeze the whole thing, since he noticed wounds around their bodies, courtesy of the mini sharks. The pool of blood underneath them gave that fact away. But Damian suspected that he could only freeze things up to a certain extent. Nonetheless, the Royal Guard approached them on the ground after the wave washed them to the street, noticing their armor had vanished. He slashed the Decks with his blades, breaking them in half.

"Crap..." Yosuke stirred awake, feeling Jades' unconscious body on top of his."J-Jades...get up..."

"Mission accomplished." Abyss touched the side of his head, glancing down at his left wrist at a small screen showing all sorts of information."Damian reporting in. I gathered my enemies' Battle Essence and destroyed their Decks. As requested."

"Good job."

"Mother?" Damian was surprised by Carol's voice."How come..."

"Bragard is occupied. I have no doubt he's too "busy" to answer your call." Carol said, eyeing Hibiki with a frown once she noticed the girl hadn't suffered major damage from her attack."I have matters to tend to as well. Do what you must but remember not to kill them."

"Whatever." Damian snorted, ending the call. He understood the whole thing about destroying their Decks since it got rid of a powerful resource they possessed. But why not just outright kill them and obtain their powers? The result was the same, except their enemies were left alive for some reason. They needed all the power they could get their hands on, after all. Even with the upgrades they received, something inside Damian told him they were still no match for Odin. 'The old man is planning something. I'm sure of it. He doesn't leave people alive unless he's got some sort of scheme.'

Abyss's train of thought was interrupted when he felt his body was sent propelled into the air after a car ran into him at full speed.

Maria and Tsubasa quickly got out of the car, picked the boys up, and slumped them in the back seat.

"Maria! They're-"

"I know! I know!" Maria responded, glancing down at the backseat. She stepped on the accelerator, running over Abyss for good measure before they sped away.

Phara landed a few meters away from him, her eyes fixated on the speeding car."You look like you've seen better days."

"Try getting run over by a car when you don't expect it." Abyss hissed, black dust swirling around his body."Caught me completely off guard..."

"So you're vulnerable when you're off guard." Phara mused with a sly smile."Interesting. I'll keep that in mind."

"Yeah, you make sure you remember that so if you try anything stupid you'll at least not go down easily." Abyss quipped."Not like before. Don't forget, I am the strongest out of us "tools"."

"You take everything so seriously." Phara opted to chuckle, her lips curving upward."Never heard of jokes, I take it?"

"You're not very funny, as it happens."

"I do try to take a page out of your book when possible."

"You never were a good actor, despite your attitude. So don't try now."

"Well, then I suppose that makes two of us. Trying to be someone we're not and all."

"You shut-" Abyss stopped himself, taking a deep breath to calm down."I'm a human...I'm not like you or the others. I'm not an Autoscorer or a homunculus. I'm a human! I was not created! I was conceived by Mother and Father!"

"If you say so." Phara's smile never left her face."You're so touchy about the subject. Is that because you're going through your rebellious phase?"

"Fuck off." Abyss undid his transformation, going back to his purple tuxedo and eccentric outfit. He reached for the pocket inside of his jacket, pulling out a red flask. He broke it in his grasp, drawing blood from his palm before being teleported away.

"Stop moving around, damn it!" Zolda continued to shoot missiles from his remaining cannon and his Magnuvisor at the swift chameleon jumping around from mirror to mirror. He continued running down the street, covering all his sides in case Verde would try to blindside him again. Verde had destroyed all the lights around the area, making it harder for Takeru to properly pinpoint his location in the darkness of the night.

"Then just give up!" Verde slashed the side of his helmet, crawling on all fours as Zolda unleashed a barrage of bullets. The Autoscorer jumped inside the window of a shop before the bullets destroyed it. Snarling, Takeru scanned his surroundings, bracing himself.

"I wish I could just destroy all these damn mirrors. But I can't. Or any other buildings around." He bit the inside of his cheek, finding himself in a predicament."Innocent people live here and walk these streets every day. They're not at fault for this. I can't destroy their property more than it already is."

"L.M.A.O! Is the mercenary having a difficult choice in deciding whether to blow up these streets to get rid of my advantage?! Fam, you're so damn lame!" Verde squatted on top of a pole."Like, bruh. For real?!"

"Wait...how do you-"

"We have plenty of information about y'all, homeboy." Verde taunted, hanging upside down from the pole by wrapping his Bio-Winder around it."To think a mercenary, who is supposed to be all about comradeship and teamwork, ended up killing his whole group in cold blood. Including his adoptive father. And for what? So you can get laid! Haha! You're funny as fuck!"

Takeru's eyes twitched under his helmet, raising his head to stare into the darkness where he could hear the voice coming from."What the fuck...did you just say...?"

"I mean, really. I don't blame you." Verde snickered cruelly."I've seen that bitch of yours. Not bad. Not bad at all. Human girls are fine as hell. I would also have killed my friends if I can get a piece of ass like that. But honestly...I don't think she's worth that much. I mean, seriously. She's just...used product. Used by other men but you. So don't expect any purity out of her."

Something inside Zolda snapped, his eyes glowing intensely as well as his Deck. Before he knew it, Magnugiga was already in front of him, displaying its arsenal.

Final Vent: End of the World

"What?! No shit?" Verde gasped, panicking."He's actually going to attack me?! With all these buildings around?! What about collateral damage?!"

"I'M GOING TO CRUSH YOU!"

Pulling the trigger, Zolda commanded Magnugiga to rain hell on Verde. The green Rider desperately attempted to outrun the bullets, crawling up the wall with the sound of bullets, explosions, and missiles behind. The building he was on began to crumble, and Verde screamed as the wall he was trying to climb crumbled. Zolda released his hold on the trigger, hoping to avoid destroying the building further. He carefully step aside from Magnugiga, grimacing when he noticed the damage. The upper part of the building was gone and some of the stray bullets had landed on the lower floors, destroying windows and leaving holes in walls.

"Fuck...fuck!" Zolda fell on his knees, clasping his head."What the fuck did I do?!"

The ex-mercenary felt tears glistening in his eyes, memories of his time on the battlefield filling his mind. The sound of people screaming as he and his group completed their missions. Just for money. All the people they had killed and all the homes they had destroyed. Was he not different than him, after all? Was Cypher right when he said they were alike?

He shook his head, remembering Chris' words of encouragement. He let his temper get the better of him, but how could he not? After all, to him, Chris was the most important person in his life.

'It's just been the two of us, ever since we ran away together. Only to end up stuck with Fine.' He began slowly making his way down the street, flinching in pain at the various cuts around his body. Since his adrenaline was dying down, he started to feel the pain from his injuries.'But we're not alone anymore. Now we got a place to call home. People to call a family. And hopefully, I can tell her the secret I've been planning for a while now.'

"I mean, seriously. She's just...used product. Used by other men but you. So don't expect any purity out of her."

The orange-haired boy felt sick to his stomach. He was aware of the things that Chris was forced to do while in captivity. It was one of the main reasons why he did what he did. Verde was right about him being a shameless murderer who killed his own comrades in arms. But insulting Chris was going far beyond what he was willing to accept. He didn't care about the details. He loved her, no matter what. Just the way she was.

'Maybe that's why she's so hesitant to further our relationship.' He deduced, leaning against a wall and letting his tired body sit on the ground. Verde's attacks weren't particularly strong, but he had taken too many of them without being able to block.

"Takeru!'

The bull-theme Rider perked up at the voice, watching as Chris jogged her way over to him.

"Chrissy!" Zolda beamed, feeling his energy being restored after seeing his lovely girlfriend safe."You're okay! I knew I could count on Raiden."

Chris threw herself at him, wrapping her arms around his neck and burying her face in his chest plate."I'm so happy you're okay."

"A little touchy, aren't you, Shortcake? Not that I mind." Takeru playfully said before his tone and face turned serious."It's still dangerous here, Chrissy. I don't know if I got him, but Kamen Rider Verde might still be-"

"Oh, Takeru..." Chris mewled, pulling back and giving him a seductive smile."I've been thinking about you all night long. It's been driving me crazy."

"Chrissy?" Takeru arched a brow at that, gasping when he felt Chris' arms guiding his hands to her chest."Chris! What are you doing-"

"You can't tell me you haven't been thinking about it either." Chris purred in his ear."Because I have. Every single night. Would you please fulfill my wish? I think you've earned it. A little gift...from me..."

"B-but Chrissy...what's gotten into you...?" Takeru was taken aback, but he hated to admit how she was able to easily control his every move. Chris rested her right hand on his chest, slowly moving it lower as if teasing him."Chrissy, this is hardly the-"

"Then let's go and finish this up." Chris stood on her tippy toes, removing his helmet and locking lips in a hot kiss. Takeru tried to stop her, but she held his arms above his head, not letting him move an inch."Then we can have some...fun."

"Ah...I-I-I...well..." Takeru was completely flustered, his face beet red. He gave her his hack, embarrassed to look at her in the face."S-sorry...I'm just a little surprised, is all. I never thought you'd be so...direct about it."

"Everyone has a few quirks unique to them." A wicked grin slowly made its way on Chris' face, her eyes turning green as her appearance began to shift."Do you like me? Despite being used merchandise?"

"Huh? What are you-"

As soon as Zolda turned on his heels, Verde slashed his torso with all his spikes, breaking through the armor and piercing into his flesh. He gasped, too in shock to scream. He fell on his knees, slowly raising his head, only to receive a kick square in the face, breaking his nose. He fell on his back, knocked out cold.

"L.O.L! I can't believe how easy it is easy to do this shit with my Copy Vent." Verde cackled in triumph, stepping over Takeru's body and stomping on his Deck, breaking it after a handful of attempts while also injuring him further."You're so trash! How can you fall for that?! Do you not know your own girlfriend?! I knew it! You were probably in just for sex! You're fucking pathetic! This is what you get for underestimating the power of his excellency, the noblest, Lord Bragard!"

After throwing a few more insults to Takeru's unconscious form, Verde checked the reading levels on the scanner on his arm."I got a good amount of energy. But I ain't see how this little energy can help us power up the Overall. Well, guess I can't question Lord Bragard's orders. Now...I should probably go assist Leiur. I bet she's having tons of fun with the little bitch. And besides..." Verde grabbed Takeru by the shirt, pulling him up."We can use you as bait. Let's see if your girl is more dedicated than you are."

Hajime was launched away by a dark pillar striking him in the chest, and sending him skidding against the asphalt. The boy shot more fireballs at Bragard, only to have them evaded with relative ease.

"Try doing something else, Boy Wonder." Bragard yawned, easily evading the attacks with his footwork."You are starting to put me to sleep here. This is sad."

"Sad for you!" Ryuki sent another Dragreder-shape ball of fire, making Bragard encase it in a black sphere, nullifying it. Not wasting time, he jumped over the sphere, landing in front of Bragard and thrusting his sword.

Bragard evaded the attacks with a smug smile, hands crossed. Ryuki growled, adding his Dragclaw into the mix and shooting fireballs after taking a swing with his Dragclaw. Bragard kicked his arm away, accidentally shooting a building. He then elbowed him in the chest, breaking part of his armor before sidestepping, allowing another dark pillar to strike him in his torso, launching him away."Why don't you stop playing around and get serious? Are you taking me lightly, mongrel?"

Ryuki felt his body shake at those words.'He's been toying with me this whole time...I haven't landed a single blow and he hasn't even transformed yet...!'

"Well then, should I start fighting back? Or should I let you keep trying your best?" Bragard crossed his arms."Maybe you need an incentive. Oh, yes. I think killing one of your relatives would suit you nicely. Unless, of course, you don't care about them."

Hajime glanced back at his uncle and cousin, who were preoccupied with worrying about an unconscious Chao-Xing, who was in danger of bleeding out.'I have no choice. This is going to be a risky move but I have to save them.'

Advent: Dragreder

Dragreder roared, unleashing a total of five fireballs around Bragard's position.

"What? Your little pet lizard can't aim?" Bragard scoffed, not moving an inch to evade them.'No. This is a diversion. Which means, his next attack..."

Ignite Vent

Two arms of fire came out of the smoke, attempting to crush Bragard. The prince jumped in the air, using one of the arms of fire to slide down as if he were surfing. The second arm of fire curved back, aiming to strike him in the back. The albino backflipped, avoiding the attack with grace. From the smoke, Ryuki propelled himself with his arms of fire and attempted to kick Bragard.

"Naive, Boy Wonder. Naive."

Bragard bicycle-kicked him, striking him on top of his helmet and launching him to the ground. Much to his surprise, Ryuki was resilient enough to land in a squatting position, running ahead to gain some distance. Ryuki jumped against a building, using it as a footing to shoot himself at Bragard, morphing his arms of fire and transforming them into two giant blades. He quickly activated an ability, inserting it into his Dragvisor.

Booster Vent

Using his boosters, Ryuki went full speed toward Bragard, gritting his teeth."You may be fast, but even you won't be able to dodge this!"

"It'd be best for you to not underestimate a higher being than you, you disgusting human." Bragard ducked his head at the last second. And in that brief second, both fighters stared into each other's eyes."Told you. Huh?"

Even though he missed, Ryuki did not stop his pace. His real target was the dark arms holding Chao. He slashed the arms into pieces, freeing his cousin and carrying her in bridal style, proceeding to go in the opposite direction, his arms of fire turning into wings.

Bragard blinked, perplexed. He glanced over to where Huan and Wei were, realizing they were gone.'Now I get it. Here I thought summoning Dragreder for mere distraction was foolish. He summoned it, using the smoke to obscure my vision, and attacked me to make sure I wouldn't notice the dragon saving them. Crafty little thing. Perhaps the legend was not wrong after all.' He manifested a total of 5 dark magic circles in front of him, extending his arms in front of him.'So that means...if I kill the Boy Wonder, I'll be the true Messiah. And with it, I'd have annihilated this cursed family. I apologize, Lucine. I hope you understand.'

"Chao-Xing!" Ryuki yelled, trying to stir her awake.'She must have lost a lot of blood. I have to take her to a doctor and fast!'

Darkest Light Spectrum

Bragard created a sphere of dark energy, powering it up with his magic circles.'I may not be able to do Alchemy as I once did before. However, even Broken Alchemy such as mine can be quite capable of destruction. Allow me to demonstrate!"

Ryuki looked back, a cold sweat dripping down his forehead when he saw the beam of darkness approaching them, disintegrating everything in its path."I can't stop that..."

Instinctively, Ryuki formed two small arms of fire from his wings, attempting to grab the attack, but to his utter shock, it was unaffected by his fire as it vanished upon impact. Realizing he wasn't going to be able to outrun it, he attempted to fly upwards. He closed his eyes and prayed for the best as the attack came closer and closer.

Proud of his work, Bragard watched as an explosion went off in the distance, indicating that his attack had connected with something.

"This turned out to be rather underwhelming." Bragard sighed, checking out his smaller body with a displeased frown."Damn. So I can't maintain my adult for long without my Alchemy. But it is fine. Once we power up the Overall, I shall be able to restore my powers as well as be able to turn into an adult at will along with my powers. And I will crush S.O.N.G, Adam, and whoever stands in my way to destroy humanity. But for now...Boy Wonder. Get stronger. Because I want a proper fight with you. I want to destroy you and everything you hold dear, slowly. As punishment for what your father did to me. And once I win, I'll prove to the world that I am the true Messiah."

Odin, who was observing from up in the sky, snorted."Still full of yourself, aren't you, Bragard? But you seem confident. Can you achieve your dreams this time? Or will they be ruined once more?"

"I don't get it." Carol quirked a brow at the wielder of Gungnir, who had somehow come out of her attack pretty much unharmed."Why don't you fight back?"

"Because..." Hibiki rose from her kneeling position after withstanding Carol's attack."I want to hear your reason why you want to do such a thing. Can't we try to talk things out first?"

"Talk...things out?" Carol looked genuinely perplexed, but she didn't allow her expression to show it. She jumped off from her position, conjuring a green magic circle to break her fall."If I tell you the reason, will you step aside?"

"I...I just don't want to fight!"

"Tch." Carol snorted at her words."Unlike you, I have a cause worth fighting for!"

"A cause...worth fighting for?"

"Indeed." Carol nodded."You had one yourself, did you not? That's why you prevented the destruction of the Moon with your words." Her gaze hardened, adopting a harsher tone."You fought! Using your songs! With your Symphogear!"

"No! You're wrong!" Hibiki shook her head."I didn't want to fight, I had no choice! I just wanted to protect people!"

"Even so, you must fight!" Carol conjured two big magic circles, one above her and one under her."Do you, too, mean to die by helping people?!'

"But you were crying just now!" Hibiki stood her ground, still hoping to talk things out."You were crying for a reason, right? I want to know why!"

"You..." Carol's left eye twitched in irritation."You spied on me...you invaded my privacy! You-"

"Woah, woah. Calm down there, Carol dearest."

Carol's eyes shot wide open when she felt a small hand on her shoulder, prompting her magic circles to disappear. She slowly turned her head to meet gaze with the young prince."Bragard..."

"You are looking a little stressed out, darling." He spoke softly, grabbing her hand."Did this girl truly offend you to set you off like this? What a rare sight."

"No...I-"

"I know what you're going to say." He cut her off, shifting his attention to Hibiki."So, Hibiki Tachibana, is it? Kudos to you for upsetting my princess like this."

"Princess...? Who are you-"

"I am positive you'll find out later." He chuckled."I just came here to collect my princess so I can escort her home."

"So does that mean you're done?" Carol inquired, not at all amused by his praises.

"I am. Well, not in its entirety." Bragard groaned in disappointment."I expected a great battle, befitting of a prince of my caliber. What about the others?"

"They should be about done soon. Damian called and said he was done. He's the only one that ever reports in."

"Such a dutiful..."son". Is he not?" Bragard snickered at that word."You must be a very proud mother."

"Be quiet." She snapped, but all that made him do was laugh louder."I take it you couldn't maintain your transformation, seeing as how you look like a little brat."

"Hey, I look exactly like you." He frowned, offended."And besides, this way, I can get as close as I like to you. It's only proper, after all. We are the same age."

"I am a year older, actually."

"Details, details."

"Carol!" Hibiki interrupted their conversation."Just tell me! Why do you want to destroy the world?!"

"It's a task left by my father." Carol replied, her hat covering her eyes."Do you not have one of your own?"

"My...father...?"

"What a pain in the neck. I can't tell what's worse. Seeing you two flirt or listening to this drama."

Bragard looked over his shoulder, noticing a girl in blue clothes, sitting on the edge of the bridge."Well, well. Here I was thinking when you were coming out to play."

"Were you watching us?" Carol huffed."You're rotten to the core, Garie."

Garie jumped down to the ground below, landing and doing a little ballerina twirl."Please don't say that. You are the one who made me this way, after all, Master. Isn't that right, Bragi?"

At the sound of the nickname, Bragard's smile turned into a frown."That's not my name, Garie. Stop it."

"Right, sorry, sorry," Garie said, not sounding apologetic in the slightest.

"Enough. How goes the collection of memories?" Carol asked.

"According to plan." Garie responded."Though Micha's never satisfied. She's so greedy."

"Then we withdraw for the night and reconsider our approach," Carol commanded.

"Roger that!"

"Are you sure?" Bragard folded his arms."Things were just getting-"

"That's an order." Carol narrowed her gaze at him."Besides, you need maintenance, correct? You've been neglecting it for a while but your body won't be able to last longer if you don't get it done."

"Of course." Bragard scoffed."I suppose I have no say in this matter."

"And you." Carol pointed at Hibiki."The next time we meet, we'll fight. How else will I destroy everything you hold dear?"

"Deja vu. Oh, by the way. I highly suggest you go look for your brave knight. I assume...he's not doing so well." Bragard chuckled as they both pulled out two red vials, dropping them on the ground and vanishing in a flash of red.

"Brave knight...Wait, Hajime-kun!"

Raia's eyes nearly bulge out of their sockets when he noticed the humongous figure in the distance, easily carrying a pair of yachts in its grasp. And down below, was Chris.

"Watch out!" Someone cried.

Raia gritted his teeth as Evildiver dived down at top speed, scooping up Chris and taking her away from danger just in time before the yachts exploded.

"A Rider?" Leiur looked unimpressed."Zeke let one get away? Well, I guess it wasn't too bad for me to go to this extent if a Rider is involved."

"What the fuck is that?!" Raiden stared in awe as the large shadow in the distance vanished into thin air."It just disappeared?!"

"I don't know, but this chick is not human!" Chris hissed."I can't land a single attack on her! Where is Takeru?"

"He's fighting Kamen Rider Verde." Raia responded."Said you requested help so he sent me over."

"I never said I needed help." Chris groaned."Idiot. Worrying about me, even in the middle of a fight..."

"He'll be fine. He doesn't strike me as the kind of guy who'll get into a fight if he doesn't know he can win."

"I want to believe that, but...He doesn't know his limits." Chris trailed off, biting her lower lip.

Evildiver circled the area, getting closer to the ground.

"What are we doing? She's over there!"

"I heard a voice. Didn't you?" Raia asked, scanning the area while keeping an eye on Leiur, who hadn't moved from her spot."There's someone here. Possibly a bystander. We have to get them out of here."

"If that's the case, you do it. You're better suited for evacuations and things like that since you can fly." Chris said, jumping off Evildiver."I'll keep her off your back!"

"Chris-san! Wai-Gah! Damn, it!" Raiden groaned in exasperation."Seriously, why is everyone so damn reckless?!"

The stingray-theme Rider continued searching around for any signs of people that may be hiding. He spotted a figure up ahead, hiding near the bushes. He jumped off his Advent Monster, approaching them."Hey! Are you okay?! It's not safe here! We need to get you to-"

The bespectacled boy froze in place upon noticing the young girl in front of him, almost completely naked except for her underwear and a cloak. On the ground next to her was a child covered in stitches and rags.

"Who are you?" The girl tilted her head, seemingly unaware of her lack of clothing.

Raia shook his head, breaking out of his trance and undoing his transformation to remove his sweater."Oh, my gosh. You must be freezing! Here, put this on!"

Elfnein did not attempt to stop Raiden from forcing his sweater on her body to cover her up as best as he could. Instead, all she could do was stare into the young man's concerned eyes. Once she realized she was staring too long, she stammered a reply."T-thank you. It is very chilling tonight. I appreciate that."

"Don't mention it." Raiden offered a gentle smile."Girls shouldn't be walking around so exposed. Especially with all this stuff going on."

"We did it, Master." Tobias stirred from his position on the ground."We finally reached them."

"Reach us?" Raiden arched a brow at the comment."What do you mean? Who are you?"

"You're Raiden Amaterasu, Kamen Rider Raia. And your friend over there." The pale boy pointed at Chris in the distance, who was leaping around to avoid the gold coins being fired at her."That's Yukine Chris, the wielder of Ichaival."

"Wait...how do you know that?" Raiden touched the boy's shoulder, realizing just how light he was after he shock him a bit. Too light. Assuming he had 10 to 12 years, he shouldn't be this light.

"Master, I think it's best if you explain..."

"Right. My name is Elfnein." The blonde girl introduced herself."And this one here is my friend, Tobias. We've been looking for you guys to ask for your help to protect the world from Carol's alchemy and Bragard's plans."

"First, who is Carol and Bragard? Second, Alchemy? And third, what plan-Look...we can talk about that later." Raiden shook his head, transforming back into Raia and calling Evildiver over."Get on. He'll keep you safe. I'm going to help Chris-san and then we can chat more about you."

"Oh. That's fine." Elfnein meekly nodded.

"I meant what you were talking about. Not you specifically."

"I know what you meant.'

'I don't understand what's going on.' Tobias sweatdropped at the awkward interaction.

"I do not know what's going on either, Lad."

"Okay..." Raia rubbed his nape, fixing his gaze on Leiur from afar."Time to go."

Swing Vent: Evilwhip

Raiden rushed into the fight, catching the woman's attention and being bombarded by a barrage of gold coins. The Rider lashed out his whip, blocking the coins in a swift motion.

"So I have to fight him as well?" Leiur frowned."Or not."

Something wrapped around Raia's foot, causing him to fall face-first onto the ground.

"Raiden!" Chris yelled, rushing over to him. She noticed something slimy wrapped around his ankle, and without thinking twice, shot it off with her Gatling guns."The hell is that?!"

"Aye, so this is where the after-party is, huh?" Verde stood on top of a tree branch, holding an unconscious Takeru by the back of his neck."Hell yeah. I even brought a gift. Hope this makes for a good entrance."

"TAKERU!" Chris screamed in horror at her bloody boyfriend.

"Don't worry, sugar tits. He's okay." Verde released his grip on him, causing Takeru to free-fall to the ground.

"Takeru!" The lavender-haired girl leaped in the air, catching him in her arms."Takeru! Talk to me! Please!"

"Did you kill him?" Leiur rested a hand on her hip."How unlike you to disobey orders."

"Hell no. I know better than to disobey direct orders. I did, however, cut him up a bit too much." Verde chuckled sheepishly."He'll live. Probably."

"You...YOU! I'M GOING TO MAKE YOU PAY FOR WHAT YOU DID TO HIM!" Chris snarled, but before she could do anything, Raiden was on the move.

"As much of a show as that would be, I'm afraid we have to move on to the next step." Leiur pulled out a handful of crystals, throwing them around and manifesting Noise.

"Really? We're doing this now?"

"You completed your task." Leiur said in an accusing tone."I won't fall behind just because you want to make a show out of this. You've had your fun."

"Fine." Verde reluctantly nodded."I guess it is what it is. But I am going to fight the Rider and get his energy!"

Chris growled, holding Takeru in one of her arms and aiming her crossbows at the Noise."Why?! Why are there Noise here?! What the fuck is going on?!"

"They're not from Solomon's Cane!" Elfnein shouted.

"I don't care!" Chris began unloading a volley of missiles with all the rage she could muster."I'm going to tear them all apart!"

"Chris-san! Calm down!" Raia hollered, feeling Verde's spikes gracing his shoulder. He pulled his fist back, going for a punch that was dodged effortlessly. Verde backflipped away, jumping around as Raia lashed out his whip to try and hit him."Tch! He's fast! Chris-san! I'm borrowing something!"

Copy Vent

Raia manifested a copy of Chris' crossbows, aiming at Verde."I don't know how you did it, but don't think that defeating Zolda means you can defeat me too!"

"You don't know how I did it?" Verde snickered mischievously, drawing a card of his own."Then let me show you, yo!"

Copy Vent

Verde's body began to morph, taking the appearance of Chris between cackles.

"No way..." Raia gaped in awe."He has a Copy Vent too?!"

"What the fuck?!" Chris was distracted for a mere second, yet that was enough time for a Noise to blindside her. She rose her guns instinctively to block, but the Noise easily destroyed her Gatling guns as well as her armor. She yelped, taking a step back, but the Noise continued on its assault and slashed at her pendant."No way!"

"Impossible!" Raia's eyes shot wide open, only to receive a round of missiles, courtesy of Verde disguised as Chris."Symphogears are supposed to be Noise-proof!"

"L.O.L! Why is it so easy to get away with this shit with you people?" Verde chuckled, holding his stomach."You straight-up suck! And now, to get your-"

"Actually, time is up." Leiur jumped from her spot. Raia stood in front of Chris protectively.

"Evildiver!"

Evildiver descended from the skies with Elfnein and Tobias."Elfnein-chan, take care of Chris-san. I'll buy you guys some time to get away."

"But what about you?" Tobias asked.

"Something tells me..." Raia swallowed the lump in his throat."These guys aren't letting you two leave that easily."

"Hell yeah, we're not!" Verde stomped on the ground, reverting to his regular form."Hand over the cards you jacked and maybe I'll let you live!"

"These cards can't fall to the ground hands!" Tobias argued.'Should I give it to Raiden? Maybe it can-'

"Hold on to that thought, Lad." The voice in his head gruffly said."We don't know if those cards can be safely used by non-Autoscorers."

"Whatever." Raia aimed his guns at both of his foes."I'm more than enough to stop you!"

"So you think."

Advent: Biogreeza

A humanoid chameleon appeared out of thin air, lashing out its tongue and tangling it around Raia's legs, causing him to lose his footing.

"Raiden-san!" Elfnein cried.

Leiur glared at Tobias, sending chills down his spine."Make that move you did last time and you'll regret it."

Verde approached Raia, running in zigzags to avoid being shot by his copied crossbows. Once he was close enough, he kicked the weapons out of his hands, kneeling on his chest and preventing from breathing properly."Now...say goodbye to your Deck!"

Hop Vent

Verde looked up in time to receive a kick to the face, sending him flying in the opposite direction.

(Play Overkill Scythe Hell)

Kill Juliet

Kirika hurled two blades from her scythe, slashing at the Noise. The blonde girl grimaced in pain due to transforming without her LINKER.

"Kirika!" Imperer cried out in concern. The girl just shot him a peace sign with a grin, prompting him to sigh in relief. He drew a card from his Deck, inserting it in his Gazellevisor in his knee

Spin Vent: Gazellestab

Imperer jumped toward Verde, only for him to seemingly vanish into thin air. Before he could react, Verde kicked Imperer in the stomach in mid-jumping, causing him to cough up blood.

"You're way too slow! And vulnerable when you jump!"

"Bastard!" Raia rushed in to help.

"I've had enough of you. I won't kill you but I can leave you paralyzed." Verde grinned, quickly inserting his new card in his visor

Final Vent: Death Punish

Verde shifted on his heels, leaping into the air and leaping upside down as Biogreeza grabbed his legs with its tongue, swinging him into Raia, launching them in the air.

"W-what the hell! I can't break free!" Raia's arms were held together by Verde's legs, preventing him from moving, and could only stare as they headed to the ground in a piledriver.

Alpha Style: 100 Saṃsāra

Shirabe fired several buzzsaws from the compartments of her armored twin tails, slashing at Verde and causing him to release his hold on Raia. The girl grabbed the boy in her arms, bringing him to safety."You okay?"

"As okay as I'll get." Raia nodded."Why the hell are you here? Look, doesn't matter. We have to get out of here and take Chris-san and the others to safety."

"Agreed. Kiri-chan!"

"Desu!" Kirika scooped Chris up, wrapping her naked frame in a blanket she had brought.

"Fuck! That hurt!" Verde winced in pain, black dust swirling around his back.

"They're putting on quite the show." Leiur complimented with one of her eccentric poses."But diversions won't be enough to stop us."

"Then stop JoJo posing and actually do something, damn it!"

But it was too late. Their targets had left and were well on their way to escape.

"No! They're letting away with our cards!" Verde was about to chase after them before a voice spoke through their communicators.

"No need to pursue them." Carol said, sitting on her throne."Retreat at once. We're done for the night."

"B-but Lady Carol...!" Verde stumbled over his words."T-they took the cards that his excellency made for us!"

"Worry not about such trivial matters." Carol stated, glaring into Bragard's eyes as he stood in front of her."Plus, he doesn't seem worried in the slightest about it. Neither should you. Damian already returned and Phara just got done with her assignment."

"Very well.." Verde deflated, deactivating his transformation."If those are your orders."

His real body was of average height, standing around 5'7 feet tall and with a lean build. His skin had a greenish, almost sickly tint and his curly moss-colored hair girl reached up to his eyebrows. He had dark circles around his brown eyes and a red sclera instead of a regular white one. He was clad in a short-sleeved white wrinkled shirt with a black tie, black shorts with a green tail serving as a belt along with brown boots, and two socks, one red and one blue.

"Ready when you are, Zeke."

"Fucking hell." The chameleon-like boy groaned."Fine. Let's skedaddle.

Once she finished her call with Leiur, Carol focused her attention on Bragard as he sat on the edge of her throne."Why are you here? I told you you needed maintenance. Shouldn't you be in your lab?"

"Can't a prince have some quality time with his princess?" Bragard pushed her to the side, sitting on the throne with her due to their small stature. He snuggled against her neck, planting gentle kisses, much to her irritation."Have I not been fair to you?"

"You have, but that's not the problem." Carol pushed his face away.

"Do you not love me?"

"That's not it..." Carol sighed, darting her eyes elsewhere."It's different. It's just..."

"I get it." Bragard abruptly stood up from the throne."It's because I'm not actually him, right?"

"Bragard, that's not-"

"But your father didn't seem to think so." Bragard cut her off."Remember? I owe him my life. I am an improved version of the person you once knew. I am him, but better. I am so close to becoming the perfect being. We'll dissect the world and end humanity together. Make way for a new, perfect species. I may not be the same person, but I do love you all the same. My memories were retained, after all."

"You...you are not him." Carol coldly stated."All hail Bragard, prince of no one."

"You insolent courtesan!" Bragard barked, losing his temper."I give you my love and affection and this is how you treat me?! Don't misunderstand, Carol. I am helping you because we're childhood friends. But I am the one in control here. Not you. Besides..." His eyes gleam in red, a maniacal grin gracing his features."You wanted them dead too, didn't you? I did you a favor."

"You did it for your gain." Carol didn't deter, refusing to lose the staring contest they had going."You sacrificed all of those people for your own ambitions and lust for knowledge. Not because you wanted to avenge my father."

"Just like you. So don't go pretending you're less of a monster than me!" He marched up to her, screaming."I am Prince Bragard Second Hyperion! I am the one who will stand at the top of the world with overwhelming power and cleanse it of the pest called humans!"

"Second. You got that right. You speak as though you're such a hotshot, but you're very insecure. Otherwise, you wouldn't be so insistent on trying to look like an adult, Bragi." Carol quipped, causing Bragard to flinch.

"Very well..." He took a step back."We are both under a lot of pressure. I suggest we stay away from each other for a bit to calm down."

"Do as you please." Carol waved him off.

"I plan to." Bragard shot back, turning on his heels and heading toward the door."And don't call me Bragi. I hate that name so much."

He spotted his Royal Guards waiting outside the room, patiently sitting by.

"It's not a family without both parents arguing all the time." Damian scoffed, receiving a glare from Zeke."What? They literally do this all the time. Argue, get back together, then argue some more."

"How dare you to disrespect Lord Bragard and Lady Carol like that!" Zeke hissed, his tail unwrapping from his waist.

"Whatever, man. Little ass kisser." Damian rolled his eyes, his lips curving upward."And speaking of kissers. I heard you got close and personal with Zolda."

"Whatchu talking about now?"

"I didn't know you swing that way." The shark-theme Autoscorer grinned."You were all up on each other."

"I-I don't swing that way! I-"

"Not that there's anything wrong with it." Damian quickly added, stifling a chuckle."You do you, buddy. I'm happy if you're happy."

"I only did it to get him to lower his guard!" Zeke barked, blushing in embarrassment."I had to get into character! And it worked!"

"Whatever you say, man." The blue-haired boy waved him off."Hopefully, you don't miss him too much. He has a girl, so you'll have to fight hard for him."

"Listen here you fucking asshole, talk to me when you're not looking like a discount pimp!"

"You want to talk about my outfit? You look like a kid who went to the nearest Walmart and bought whatever he thought was cool with the pocket change his parents gave him."

"Enough bickering like children." Bragard grumbled."Status report. Now."

"We got energy from Knight, Tiger, and Zolda." Zeke surmised, clearing his voice."That leaves Ryuki, Imperer, and Raia. Should be piece of cake."

"How come you didn't get Ryuki's?" Damian folded his arms, addressing the albino."I doubt he gave you much trouble."

"I was just testing him. No need to worry. Let us not focus on attention on them for now." Bragard closing his eyes."They'll come around. And I'm not too concerned. Our goal is to collect energy from all the Riders. Not just them. I think it's about time we meet the second piece of the puzzle. The Anomaly."

"So we're going after the others, huh?" Damian hummed in thought."Zeke, have you pinpointed their location?"

"Not their location, but I am aware of the route they take to get food." Zeke explained."I know where some of them will be."

"Perfect. But we won't come in and start fighting everyone." Bragard placed his hands behind his back."I have something in mind for them, after all. I'm sure we can come to an understanding. Once we get all the energy we need, we'll power up the Overall..." The crimson-eyed boy pulled a grey stone from his pocket, admiring it."And I'll be able to get my powers back. Soon, we'll be able to start our plan and wipe away these vermin from existence. Then...Odin will be next."

And that concludes the first confrontation between the Alchemic Cult and S.O.N.G. It took 3 chapters but I didn't want to rush anything and give everyone a fair chance to display their arsenal. Also because everyone was fighting and team fights take a little longer to write rather than a few. I'll take a week off since I have finals coming up so the next chapter will take a while.

So until then, feel free to review and leave any card suggestions or anything you want to say! I'll be reading!