Cards introduced in the last chapter:
Zone Vent (Flood Vent/Green Zone): Slimereader11
Exo Arrows(All types): Slimereader11
Trick Vent (Light Vanishing): Author
Sword Vent(Exo Blade): Slimereader11
Psychic Vent: Slimereader11
Final Vent(Psycho Dive): Slimereader11
Reviews:
Guest DCDGojira: Glad you liked it
Tigracho: Yeah, Chris is going to be stopping Takeru on his perverted rants. They did talk about Takeru kissing Verde while disguised as her and forgave him since she knows he would never cheat on her. But she will have her time to tear Verde apart. The thing with Chao-Xing is that she's not a nationalist or a patriot. To her, the only thing that matters the most is her family. Not things like her nations or whatever but she will have her problems with Tsubasa nonetheless. Yes, only one Rider can win the Rider War and get their wish. I'm probably going to do a different ending but nothing concrete yet.
lordri25may2001: I wouldn't put it past Loki to try and manipulate her, but Hazuki wouldn't allow it. At least, not yet. And you'll see why soon. I'm also excited to get to the beach episode as so many of my readers are. And it will be awesome. I can see why you are making that theory. Bragard said "memories of the First" when he had that flashback, after all, and in the first few chapters, he was accusing Carol of not loving him because he "wasn't actually him". I will show you guys more flashbacks regarding Bragard and Carol and the people around them. Most Liangs are great fighters but others are not so much. And remember, Hajime and Setsuna are half Liang. Hajime got the dark hair all Liangs have but Setsuna inherited everything from her mother.
Tenzalucard123: Andreas and Raiden tried their best but not they lost and their energies were sent to Bragard to continue his plan. The only one who hasn't lost is Ryuki. But now Tsubasa, Chris, Takeru, and Jades are back to take a stand and protect their friends. What kind of hint will Odin give Hajime? Will it be enough to find out where his father is?
Daemon of Wrath: Holy crap. I haven't seen you in a long time, friend. Glad to see you back. Yup, now more than ever, we're getting close to finding out who Odin is behind the mask. Could it be Hajime's dad? Or is he trying to mislead us?
Caballero lector rojo: Si, vamos casi por la mitad. Una vez que llegemos al episodio de la playa estaremos oficialmente a mitad de la temporada. Me encanto las nuevas transformaciones de los Rider en esa pelicula que tuve que incluirlos. Sobre Bragard, prefiero que aun no rompa el mazo de Ryuki, dado que si lo hace, su plan se hara realidad y todos estarian jodidos, por decirlo de algun modo. Hajime aprendera mas secretos sobre su padre, los Riders, y demas a medida que avanze la temporada. Prefiero que lo oiga de gente como Bragard u Odin, que son los que tienen mas conocimiento sobre esas cosas y asi darle un odio mas personal a ambos.
Chapter 56
A Cursed Love
Carol stirred awake from her slumber, accidentally touching something laying on the bed next to her. She cracked her eyes open, adjusting to the darkness and noticing a sleeping Bragard beside her, hugging the book he was reading before falling asleep. She smiled, making sure he was properly tugged in. Now she remembered. They were both studying until late at night, and Leonardo had asked her father if they could spend the night over, which he gladly accepted.
'I'm thirsty...' She yawned, deciding to head downstairs for a glass of water. She slowly made her way to the door and turned the knob, dragging her sleepy figure to the stairs. She began descending, but she heard voices down below that prompted her to stop.
"I can't believe we still haven't found anything yet!" Leonardo hissed, nearly slamming the table.
"Calm yourself, Leo." Izak tried to comfort him."We'll find a cure. There is still hope."
"The Royal family is extremely worried, Izak." The bearded man scowled."Their only son, heir to the throne, with a terminal disease."
"Are they worried he won't be able to become the king?" Izak furrowed his brow.
"It's not about that. If it were a simple matter of politics, Princess Lucine could become the queen, despite her wanting to become a knight. And she could also marry that Chinese prince that came during the festival a year ago. But...he's their child. And so young too. People refer to the young Prince as the Messiah who will lead our kingdom to prosperous times...To think he could meet his end by a disease..."
"It's not the plague."
"Otherwise we'd be infected too." Leonardo nodded."It's not contagious...as far as we know. But we haven't shown any symptoms. We don't have purple spots in our bodies, we're not coughing blood. And our hair..."
"That white strand of hair..." Izak muttered."It started as a lonely strand, but now half of his hair is turning white. Is that a symptom?"
"That's right. It's as if...his life force itself is leaving him." Leonardo clenched his fist."We called in the best doctors...even went as far as to call in a priest, thinking he was being possed by a demon and was eating away at his soul. But nothing...If we don't hurry up and come up with something..."
"Be honest with me..." Izak's face darkened."How long does he have?"
"We don't know for certain..." Leonardo closed his eyes, a small sniff escaping his lips."But...probably less than a year."
"No!"
Both adults stood up, immediately realizing Carol had been listening in.
"Carol..."
"No, Papa! He can't die!" Carol quickly broke down, tears streaming down her face."He's my precious friend! We have to save him!"
"And we will. That's why we're continuously studying and trying to find new secrets of alchemy every day." Her dad scooped her up in his arms, soothingly rubbing her back."We'll find a way to use alchemy to save him. You'll see. We have yet to fully explore this vast world. There may be something that can help us save the Prince."
"Papa..." The girl continued sobbing, worried for her best friend.
"Izak...worst comes to past, there is something that we can do to ensure the Prince lives...Even if he were to die."
Izak's face was drained of all color, staring at his friend with a bewildered expression."Leonardo, you can't mean that. It's extremely forbidden to do that!"
"But it's the only solution. Our ace in the hole." Leonardo got up from the chair, hands behind his back as he paced around."If we are not able to cure his disease, we can at least ensure that he will continue to live, albeit not entirely."
"What...do you mean...?" Carol asked slowly as if she was afraid of the answer.
Leonardo faced both father and daughter with a grim expression on his face."Creating a homunculus using his memories."
Carol shook her head, bringing herself back to the present. She noticed all her Autoscorers were back except for Micha and Leiur, who were both still battling. The two podiums that belonged to Zeke and Damian were also empty, but she knew that Damian had been defeated.
"Master..." Garie spoke, still maintaining her ballerina position.
"Yes?" Carol arched a brow.
"Was...Damian defeated?"
"He was." Carol said, folding her arms."I suspect he's not dead. He should be able to regenerate all that damage. But it depends on how much life force he'll have to use. He used most of his strength on creating that water monster in his fight with Raia. It may take him a while to get here."
"If that's the case, should I go retrieve him?" Garie carefully spoke, afraid she was speaking out of line."I mean, I am also a water Autoscorer. If anyone can quickly get him from there, it's me."
"Why the sudden need to save him?" Phara inquired with a sly smile."Ara, could it be you're...interested in him?"
"Don't be absurd. Besides, your little brother is out there fighting. If anyone is worried here is you."
"I am not worried." Phara easily responded."Zeke can handle himself. Besides, he has his mission as well. If he dies accomplishing it, then there is no harm. Our only purpose is to complete our mission. Nothing more."
"Garie...don't you ever feel like we can aspire to be something else?"
"Something else?"
"I mean, more than this. Be more than tools. Be something that we want to be. Not what's given to us. Not following a set of instructions and commands. But follow our own will."
She grimaced, recalling back Damian's words.'Why am I thinking about him now...? Why am I so worried about him?'
"Let her go."
The group turned to see Bragard, leisurely making his way down the red carpet leading to Carol's throne."Damian isn't dead. I'd like to upgrade him and Zeke as soon as possible. I cannot do that if he were to take his time getting here."
"Fine." Carol sighed."I was planning on going myself, actually."
"Marvelous. I had the same idea."
"Because of Odin."
"I am no fool, my dear Carol." He finally reached her, gently cupping her chin."I know that currently we'd get decimated by him. I just want to see something with my own eyes. That is all."
"So going out to the field to further study your target?" Carol mused."That is so like you. Very well. Let us go together to the battlefield."
"So cold, as always, my dear princess." Bragard chuckled."I only wish you would one day reciprocate my affection for you."
"It's not that." Carol sighed, setting her arms on his shoulders."It's just..."
"I'm not him."
"It's more than that..." Carol trailed off, adverting her gaze. She wrapped her arms around his frame, and due to their similar size, their faces were close to each other."I can't look at you without thinking that...I couldn't do anything to save you..."
"Him. But that does not matter, Carol. For all intense and purposes, I have memories of the First. Sure, I grant you that my personality may be...different. But I do have memories of your time spent together with him. And also our time together all these years." He gently kissed her on the forehead before pulling back, turning away from her."Though I do suppose good things take time. Let us focus on our goals first. Shall we?"
"Yes...We shall..."
Verde scanned his foes, going from the Riders over to the Symphogear."Hey, Micha. What do you say we change the terrain a bit? I'm feeling a little exposed here."
"Okis!" Micha beamed."I want to see that trick!"
"Change the terrain?" Tsubasa repeated."What do you mean?"
Verde drew a card from his deck, wagging it around."You're about to see a power bestowed to us Alchemic Riders by the great Lord Bragard! Count yourselves lucky, fuckers!"
Zone Vent: Green Zone
From the ground below them, trees began sprouting and quickly growing several meters tall in the air.
"What the fuck?!" Chris yelled when she nearly lost balance after a branch caught her legs.
"What's happening?!" Tsubasa jumped from branch to branch as the whole area turned into a dense forest in seconds.
"What kind of power is this...?" Tiger couldn't help but stare down at the ground in shock.
"God damn it!" Zolda, who had somehow remained on the ground, grunted."Why am I the only one down here?!"
"Just stay there!" Chris ordered him."We don't know what-"
Verde suddenly jumped from a branch above them, heading for Chris with his Bio-Arms.
Zolda quickly aimed with his visor, shooting several bullets of energy at Verde. The chameleon-themed Rider blocked them with his arms, jumping off a trunk and using his agility to swing away before Chris could even prepare her Gatling guns.
"Shit! He's so fast!" Chris cursed.
"Watch out!" Tsubasa quickly drew her katana, jumping into the air, enlarging her sword, and sending a blue slash of energy toward the fire spears coming at them.
Blue Flash
Micha laughed, as she was also able to jump around with relative ease, firing more fire spears at the group.
Strike Vent: Destclaws
Tiger lunged into the air, slapping away the spears but not before slashing the trunk Micha was on, causing her to lose balance as the tree began to fall.
"I got her!" Chris readied her Gatling guns, firing a dozen bullets from both guns. However, a tongue wrapped itself around her waist, pulling hard on her."What the-"
Biogreeza was dragging Chris to where Verde was, using the tree to jump over at her, ready to slash her apart.
Shoot Vent: Gigalauncher
A rocket collided with Verde, launching him against a tree and knocking the wind out of him. Chris quickly shot at the Advent Monster, causing it to release her and disappear. She safely landed on another branch, catching her breath.
"You okay, Chrissy?!"
"Yeah." Chris responded, cringing as she noticed saliva around her waist."But that fucking chameleon got saliva all over me! I'm definitely going to tear him apart! Don't think I forgot how you kissed my man, you fucker! Get your own!"
"I told you it was part of my plan! Don't take it personally! And it's not what you think!" Verde quickly recuperated, jumping around like a monkey and standing a few trees away from them.'The hell, yo? They weren't this good when we fought them before. So what gives?'
It was Micha's turn, and she used the boosters in her hair to increase her speed toward the group, wielding a big spear of fire.
Freeze Vent
Much to her shock, her hair froze, causing her boosters to die out. Tiger lunged at her, readying his claws, only for Micha to act quickly and shoot two spears at him to block. Tsubasa quickly joined in, creating another slash of blue lightning.
Blue Sword Lightning Punishment
Micha kicked a tree, propelling herself out of the attack, and grabbed onto a branch, giggling."Almost got me there!"
"Guys! Let's blow away this whole fucking forest!" Zolda screamed from below, drawing a new card and inserting it into his visor.
Advent: Magnugiga
"My thoughts exactly." Chris focused her Phonic Gain to create 2 large missiles.
Mega Deth Fuga
"We should probably get away," Tiger suggested, receiving a nod from Tsubasa
"Fuck! I didn't want to use this yet." Verde drew upon a new card, seething."This is my ultimate weapon but these guys are fucking pissing me off!"
A bolt of lightning suddenly struck him in the back, causing him to fall off the tree branch he was on."What hit me?!"
"Don't forget about me, you overgrown calculator." Chao-Xing, who had remained hidden down on the ground, held her arm out.
Both Zolda and Chris began firing their missiles with Magnugiga unleashing its arsenal at the trees around them.
"Oops!" Micha quickly fired a spear at Verde, knocking him out of the way of the blast. The rockets and missiles quickly destroyed the upper parts of the forest while Magnugiga managed to destroy the ones around them, quickly trimming the whole area down. Tiger and Tsubasa jumped down to where Zolda was, watching as he continued using his Gigalauncher repeatedly.
Verde landed on a branch, but Chris bombarded him with bullets and rockets, breaking parts of his body.
"I WILL KILL YOU FOR KISSING MY MAN, YOU MOTHERFUCKER!"
"Fucking bitch! Stop!" Verde's right leg was blown away, forcing him to jump back to regenerate.
Once they were satisfied with their work, both gunslingers stopped their attacks. The giant forest was no more, instead, it could barely be called a forest now. All that remained were the lower trunks of the trees, which immensely hindered Verde and Micha's ability to sneak up on them.
"That was so satisfying. I missed doing that." Chris jumped to the ground below, patting the arm of the mechanical monster."Nice work, gentle giant. Glad to see you're back in one piece too."
Magnugiga huffed in response as if he were communicating.
"He says thank you. He missed you too." Zolda translated for him.
"Wait...you can understand him?"
"We can understand our monsters to a certain degree," Tiger answered.
"Oh, really?" Chris smiled at the robotic bull."Well, I'm glad you understand me. It would be bad if Takeru took all the credit when you're saving his ass half the time."
Magnugiga snorted, much to Zolda's chagrin.
"You traitor! What do you mean "more like all the time"?!" Zolda growled in embarrassment."Whose side are you on?!"
"Clearly he prefers me." Chris winked playfully at him, leaning against Magnugiga."Sorry. Guess you're not as popular as you thought you were, babe."
"Heads up." Tsubasa narrowed her eyes at Micha and Verde, who had gathered around and stood behind..."Wait...is that?"
"L-Lady Carol!" Verde yelped when he noticed the small figure in front of him."W-why are you here? We had this under control."
"You play too much, Zeke. Had you used your bow and snipped them away, this would have been child's play for you." Carol stated."But they destroyed your tactical advantage. But that is fine. I suspect that their combined power might prove too much for either of you."
"Great. You saved us some time and showed up." Chris smirked."I don't mind getting down to business."
"So, is Bragard here with you as well?" Tsubasa asked.
"Do not worry about him. It's just me." Carol responded, a small smirk gracing her features."I doubt I'll need more than myself to defeat all of you."
"Well, someone's confident." Zolda noted."But you better be a hell of a lot stronger than your little minions if you think you can defeat all of us at once."
"But Lady Carol I can still fight!" Zeke pleaded, walking in front of Carol."Let me be of service! I'm sure I can crush the Riders without much difficulty! Damian got two of them! I can do the same!"
"Hmmm." Carol hummed to herself."I suppose you can. Fine. I'll let you fight alongside me. Feel free to take them down. We already got their energy, so they don't matter. And if you kill them, make sure you steal their power."
"Thank you so much!" Verde beamed, turning on his heels to face the Riders."Y'all hear that?! Lady Carol just told me I can kill you as I please!"
"We're standing right here, asswipe." Zolda scoffed."We can hear."
"Welp, guess I'll be leaving now. But I should take her with me. She's funny." Micha jumped over to the unconscious Chiaki and grabbed her with one arm. She took out a red vial, broke it, and disappeared.
"Letting her go is going to cost you dearly." Tsubasa said, tightening the grip of her katana."It's 4 against two."
"Indeed. But I count for more than two. And you're about to find out..." A magic circle formed beside her, and a huge harp emerged from it. She flicked her wrist, her fingers running across the harp, triggering a transformation.
"I get to see Lady Carol's power...this is truly a great honor..." Verde jumped back to give his mistress some space. She suddenly grew from a young child into a woman, clad in a purple set of armor.
"This should be sufficient, I take it?" Carol coped her chest without care, examining her body."Too bad Bragard isn't here. He's missing the show."
"Holy mommy milkers. You guys see that?!" Zolda couldn't help but stare at the imposing young woman, particularly her chest."She's...a milf!"
"Seriously?!" Chris growled, smacking him on the head."Not the time to ogle her! She's trying to kill us!"
"Plus I wouldn't say she's a milf." Tiger found himself talking aloud."She seems to be around my age. But...I see what you mean."
"Men..." Tsubasa rubbed the bridge of her nose, exasperated."Stay alert! Here she comes!"
Carol flicked her wrist, conjuring wires and lashing them out at her foes. The group quickly dodged, avoiding the seemingly sharp wires that were able to easily cut the remaining trees.
One of the wires cut through Zolda's left leg, causing him to hiss in pain."Hija de la gran puta(son of a fucking bitch), that hurt!"
Tiger quickly tried rushing at her, but Carol dished out more fire, forcing him to block. To his surprise, his claws had been cut cleanly off, leaving him vulnerable to a blast of flames hitting him head-on, launching him across the area.
Chao-Xing sneered, trying to force her body to move but her transformation quickly disappeared, leaving her coughing up blood."Fucking overdose..."
Carol rose her arms, shooting both water and fire simultaneously in all directions, forcing the group to evade. Chris switched to her Gatling guns, but Carol concentrated both water and fire spells and aimed them at her.
Guard Vent: Gigaamor
Zolda stood in front of Chris, blocking the attack. He felt his body suddenly being pushed back, but Chris stood behind him and tried to steady him."I don't think I can hold on for much longer!"
"I'll get you out of here!" Chris wrapped her arms around his waist to jump away with him.
Trap Vent: Biohazard
The ground beneath them turned into slime, becoming stickier the longer they stood on it. Chris tried jumping with Takeru, but their feet were stuck.
"Lady Carol has you now!" Verde cheered.
Frost Vent
Tiger stomped the ground, creating a wave of ice that began freezing Carol's attacks, quickly going up to her. She jumped out of the way, narrowly avoiding having her body frozen in ice and allowing Chris and Zolda to break free from the slime.
Tsubasa rushed Verde while he was too awestruck to react, flipping upside down and doing a handstand, unfolding the long blades on her ankles.
Reverse Rakshasa
Verde yelped, raising his Bio-Arms to block the attack with great difficulty. Some of the slashes cut around his armor, infuriating him. He kicked Tsubasa's hands, causing her to lose balance."You bitch!"
Advent: Destwilder
Destwilder lunged at Verde, grabbing him by the face and dragging him across the floor.
Verde kicked the monster's stomach, causing him to release him, and rolled on the ground.
"You guys alright?!" Tiger hollered.
"Just peachy." Chris responded with a huff."How the hell is she so damn strong?"
"And then we have Verde to worry about as well." Tsubasa swallowed the lump in her throat."This might be more difficult than we thought."
"What, you thought this was going to be easy? Do not make me laugh, " Carol scoffed, casting silver magic circles and firing several beams at the group."This is just the beginning!"
Zolda acted quickly, closing the compartment of his visor.
Advent: Magnugiga
Magnugiga stood tall in front of the group, blocking the attack but tipping him over as a result after taking such a powerful blow.
"So he can use that monster as a shield? Interesting." Carol smiled at Zolda."You're not so bad. Quick thinker too. So despite your flirty and foolish personality, there is a tactical genius in there."
"I'm honored you think so." Zolda couldn't help but crack a smile, wagging his eyebrows under his helmet."But you haven't seen the best part of me yet."
"My fucking God." Chris groaned, marching up to him and repeatedly smacking him on the head."Seriously! You're a fucking pervert! Stop it!"
"I'm sorry, Shortcake!" Zolda yelped, trying to block her slaps."I always wanted to say that line!"
"What?" Tsubasa quirked a brow."Why is that bad? I don't get it."
"I...don't know either..." Tiger muttered, equally as confused."I'm as lost as you are..."
"Don't get so arrogant now." Carol formed various magic circles of all colors."As I said, we're just getting started."
Ryuki cried as he received rapid slashes from twin blades, unable to contend at all. He tried jumping back, but Odin was already behind him and kicked him in the back, sending him face-first onto the floor. He activated his boosters, flying around and attempting to kick Odin, only for him to vanish. Odin appeared above him, swinging his hand and firing gold feathers at him. He rose his blades, attempting to block. While he blocked some of them the rest quickly overwhelmed him. He was sent again to the ground, creating a small crater.
Odin landed a few yards away from him, noticing someone out of the corner of his eye. He rose his arm, rapid-firing more feathers, forcing Leiur to jump back.
"Is it impossible to sneak up on him?" Leiur narrowed her eyes, feeling what she could only describe as intimidated. She didn't have time to ponder on her thoughts as Odin appeared in front of her, backhanding her away again.
"I thought I told you to stay down, Autoscorer." Odin huffed."I am doing Bragard a favor by not destroying you where you stand."
"Why...? Because he was part of the reason why you're here today...?!" Ryuki seethed, picking himself off the floor.
"Indeed. I am grateful for his help, but even more grateful for his arrogance." Odin stated, turning back to face Ryuki."Who knows? Maybe you will find a way to take him down by taking advantage of that pride of his. It was his downfall before. It will be again."
"Yeah? Well, before that happens, I'll defeat you!" Ryuki threw his Dragsaber Zwei at him, which only easily parried with his blades. Ryuki ignited his boosters, turning his visor back to gun mode and shooting a barrage of energy beams at him. The Allfather blocked them all with one sword, blocking the incoming kick with his forearm. Before Ryuki could move, he struck him in the chest with his elbow, launching him into a tower.
"Had enough?"
"Like hell...!" Ryuki growled, drawing a new card from his Deck and quickly opening up his visor."I'm not stopping until you tell me what I want to know!"
Ignite Vent
Ryuki formed two arms made of fire, extending them to Odin, who took flight into the air to avoid them. He leaped into the air, using his boosters to chase after him. The arms of fire clad one of his legs, making it bigger and surrounded with flames which he used to try and kick Odin. The strongest Rider vanished, appearing higher into the air for Ryuki to follow. Fed up, he combined all his flames into a giant blade of fire, extending it to try and pierce Odin. He rose his Goldsabers, cutting the flames in half and diving down to Ryuki, kneeing him in the gut and breaking part of his chest-plate. His Ignite Vent ran out, leaving him heaving for air.
"Fuck...I can't beat him..." He watched Odin descending down to him.
"I must say, I did not expect this much of a fight from you, Ryuki. You have without a doubt surpassed the previous Ryuki. However, as you can see, you're still a far cry from ever reaching the territory of God. Did you think that by achieving your Survive Form you'd stand a better chance?"
Ryuki grinded his teeth, gawking as Odin manifested his staff, opening up the compartment and revealing three cards. One head and two wings."What...?"
"I am always in Survive Form. It's a permanent form for me, as you can see." Odin said, showcasing the three Survive Cards."Survive Taiyo, which represents the right wing. It represents the sun. On the left, I have Survive Tsuki, which represents the moon. And finally, Survive Mugen. The strongest Survive card in existence. Not only am I always in Survive, but I also possess stronger and more evolved versions of that power you just attained."
Ryuki took several steps back, shaking on his boots and even losing his Survive form out of pure shock."Y-y-you're kidding...me..."
"You never stood a chance." Odin vanished into thin air, appearing behind him and slashing his back, sending him flying. Odin quickly teleport and kicked him to the sky, repeating the motion and slashing him with his blades. He made a game out of striking Ryuki, not giving him a chance to retaliate as he kept teleporting around. He then slammed his fist into his helmet, nearly breaking it and launching him back to the ground."And now, to finish it-"
Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed a black tornado emerging from the mirror of a control tower for the power plant, taking him by surprise and narrowly avoiding it by vanishing out of sight.
"Hmmm?" Odin hovered above the ground, staring with curious eyes at the newcomer.
Knight landed in front of Ryuki, quickly kneeling beside him and helping him up.
"Yanagi-san...you made it..."
"Of course I did." Knight chuckled before his eyes narrowed in pure hate at the Godly being in front of them."I told you before. If anyone is going to kill this bastard, it's me. He killed Akira. I'm not letting that go."
"What a surprise. I didn't see you coming in at all, Knight." Odin hummed in thought."I wonder...how did you nearly blindside me without me sensing you? It's like you appeared out of thin air. Did you...travel through a mirror, perhaps?"
"A mirror?" Hajime blinked in confusion.
"That's right. I can enter the Mirror World at will now." Knight informed him."Long story short, I am here and I'm ready to fight. That's that. So let's cut to the chase. How about we both teach this puny God what two Kamen Riders can do together?"
"But he's strong...and he has stronger versions of Survive cards..." Ryuki lowered his head dejectedly."I don't think he can be beaten."
"How unlike you to throw the towel like that." Knight said, folding his arms under his chest."I thought you never ran from your problems. Are you going to start now? Tachibana is counting on you. She's watching this fight right now."
"H-Hibiki is...?"
"Don't let her see you get hurt. It tears her apart." Knight focused his attention back on the God, touching his Deck."I once cowered in fear in front of him. And because of my mistakes, Goro died. I am not letting anyone else die on my watch. I've seen enough people die. My father, Kanade, Akira, and Goro."
"Yanagi-san..." Ryuki smiled with determination, nodding."Right! Together, we'll stand a better chance!"
Both Riders took out their respective Survive cards: Shippu and Rekka. Flames began surrounding the two, and a powerful gust of wind morphed the fire into a tornado. Both Dragreder and Darkwing flew around their masters as if sensing their call. Knight's Darksivor shapeshifted from a rapier into an arm-mounted scabbard, which he took out a blade from. His visor now called Darkvisorzwei.
Survive: Rekka
Survive: Shippu
The fire and wind began mixing in, forming a huge fire tornado that could be seen from miles away, reaching all the way to the clouds and parting them.
'I can't believe their energy output...' Leur was stunned by what she was witnessing.'It's unreal...More flashy than anything I could offer.'
Darkwing screeched as his body began to change as well. He became a darker shade of blue, grew slightly larger, and under his wings, wind turbines were equipped to him, evolving into Darkraider.
Both Riders rose their arms, dispersing the tornado of fire and revealing themselves in their Surive forms.
Knight's bodysuit was now black, and his armor went from a dull grey to dark blue with golden highlights along with a cape.
"Sorry to keep you waiting." Knight spoke with newfound confidence."I hope the wait was worth it."
"That has yet to be seen." Odin splayed his arms to the side."Now. Come at me."
"Let's kick his ass, Yanagi-san." Ryuki drew a card from his Deck as did Knight.
"Let's."
Sword Vent: Dragsaber Zwei
Sword Vent: Darklancer
A dark blue lance appeared in Knight's right arm, decorated with golden stripes to the tip
"Bring it."
(Play Reason Living by SCREEN mode)
Without wasting time, both Riders rushed at Odin, immediately attacking him in unison with their respective weapons. The attack was so sudden that Odin was forced back, blocking each strike with his blades. He kicked Ryuki's legs, causing him to stumble forward and elbowing him in the back of the head before slashing Knight's arm and kicking him away. Odin took off into the air, but both Riders chased after him. Ryuki was the first to lunge at him, though Odin merely dodged and elbowed him in the back before blocking Knight's lance and kicking him down with Ryuki as they crashed into the ground. Odin fired more golden feathers and them, creating a small explosion that sent them flying in opposite directions.
"Both Hajime-kun and Yosuke-kun are fighting together!" Aoi smiled as both Riders were beginning to get up."And both of them are in their Survive forms!"
"But Odin is still superior to them..." Sakuya deflated slightly."Even with two Riders using Survive form, are they enough to take down a being like him?"
"It's hard to say..." Thor scowled."The Allfather is crafty and cunning. But...I'd say he's merely playing with them."
"Are you serious?!" Genjuro gasped at the God of thunder's words."So they stand no chance?"
"We can't lose our hope in them!" Hibiki beamed, her eyes fixated on Ryuki."I know they can do it. They won't give up, no matter what!"
"Hibiki is right." Miku nodded."Hajime-kun is a fighter. And with Yosuke-san by his side, they'll surely bring that God down."
"Even so, we mustn't get too confident." Elfnein took something out of the pocket of her dress, handing it to Hibiki.
"Is that...?"
"The enhanced Gungnir." She nodded."The others will need all the help they can get. If you can manage to defeat Carol, there is a chance all of you together can go assist Hajime-san and Yosuke-san."
"Thank you, Elfnein-chan." Hibiki smiled gratefully."I will use this new opportunity to fight for what's right."
'Seems they've sharpened their powers. They're growing stronger. I hadn't anticipated this...' Odin landed back to the ground, splaying his hands and firing more golden feathers at the duo. Both of them quickly drew new cards, activating them instantly
Guard Vent: Darkcape
Guard Vent: Dragbarrier
Knight's cape grew in size, forming a dome around him with it to protect himself. For Ryuki, a dome of fire surrounded him, incinerating the feathers before they could reach him. Using his cape to attack, Knight tried slashing at Odin by enlarging it, much to how Maria used her cape in the past. The Allfather teleported away, appearing behind Knight, ready to strike. Before he could, two giant coins squashed him, much to the Rider's surprise.
"Leiur!" Ryuki cried out in disbelief at the Autoscorer who had assisted them.
"Why is the Autoscorer still here?" Knight pondered.
"Don't misunderstand, Herrscher of Chaos." Leiur scoffed."I didn't do this to help you. I tried to get back at him. But...clearly, it wasn't enough!"
Clicking his tongue, Knight activated a new ability in his visor.
Tempest Vent
The wind began surrounding Knight and his weapon, covering his entire body. He thrust his lance forward, launching a tornado where the coins were. However, much to no one's surprise, Odin wasn't there. Instead, he was flying above them. He fired a volley of feathers at them, but Knight stood in front of Ryuki, dispersing the feathers using the wind around his body. The wind formed two small tornados behind him, serving as turbines to shoot him at great speeds toward Odin.
Ignite Vent
Ryuki used his boosters to launch into the air, forming two blades of fire.
"Like I said before, no flame will ever reach the rays of the sun. Even if assisted by the wind." Odin rose his arms, forming bigger feathers around him, essentially turning into swords. Swinging his arms down, he launched the blades. The Riders used their abilities to try and block, but quickly found themselves overpowered and were shot back to the ground, their powers dissipating.
"Okay...this isn't working." Ryuki groaned, sitting up.
"We'll have to put our maximum power next." Knight glanced at his arm, noticing his Survive form beginning to flicker.
"I'm running on fumes too...So let's make our next attack count."
Odin floated down, crossing his arms in anticipation.
Both Riders drew their strongest cards, their Final Vents.
Final Vent: Dragon Fire Storm
Final Vent: Shippudan
Dragranzer and Darkraider appeared into view, allowing their masters to jump on their backs.
Odin began floating in the air, entering the city as both monsters chased after him, bombarding him with fireballs and gusts of wind.
The Allfather chuckled, showing a card he had just drawn and inserting it into his visor.
Advent: Goldphoenix
A shining phoenix broke through reality itself, appearing in front of the two monsters opposing it. It screeched, creating a barrier of energy that launched them a few miles away. However, they were just getting started. Both monsters began shifting into their motorcycle modes as they headed straight for Odin. Dragranzer shot fire to the front of the wheels, igniting the whole bike like a comet.
"O-oh shit!" Ryuki freaked out, afraid of falling off the bike like last time. A gust of wind surrounded his body, stabilizing him and preventing him from squirming too much."Yanagi-san!"
"I got you! Just accelerate as much as you can!" Knight's body and bike were surrounded by a powerful tornado. Both Riders faced off against Goldphoenix, who let out a powerful screech and surrounded itself with a dome of energy before ramming into them.
The duo revved their bikes as much as they could, finding themselves on even terms with the Goldphoenix.
"So this is Odin's Advent Monster..." Knight remarked."It's so powerful...we can't push it back, even when using our strongest attacks!"
'Impressive. They are handling Goldphenix in his suppressive state quite well.' Odin mused, drawing a card from his Deck.'But I believe it's lights out for them.'
Time Vent
With his hands in front of him with the palms facing upward, Odin spread his arms and manifested two spheres around the targets. The spheres had rings around their orbit with Roman numerals on them. Both Riders were moving, yes, but several times slower than before. Odin flew closer to them and could see their heads slowly turning to see him. He rose his arms, creating more enlarged feathers before firing at them, canceling out his Time Vent and forcing them to take the full force of his attack.
Both of them were sent skidding on the ground, wounded after taking such a direct blow.
"What...was that?" Knight coughed, unable to get up."He defeated our coordinated attack like it was nothing..."
"Did he freeze time...or something?" Ryuki wheezed, holding his stomach.
"Ah, finally you understand." Odin nodded, pleased for their ability to reach such a conclusion."I told you long ago that I was not teleporting. Care to guess what I am doing?"
"I had a feeling...A sneaky suspicion." Knight grunted, cold sweat dripping down his forehead."You're stopping time, aren't you? You're not teleporting. You're stopping time and resuming it when you're in a favorable position..."
"Correct. Unfortunately, I am unable to attack in time stop." Odin explained, bewildering both Riders on how he just revealed such an important detail to them.
"You sure it's wise, oh, mighty Allfather, to tell us your weakness?!" Ryuki spat with disdain.
"Oh, please. Like I am nervous of revealing any sort of weakness to mere mortals." Odin let out a boisterous laugh, which unnerved them to no end."I could tell you exactly how to counter my attacks and you would never come close to me. Suffice to say, I am not even using a quarter of my power."
"Yeah...? Well, I'm also holding back." Ryuki used his visor to pick himself off the floor with great difficulty."I got one more trick up my sleeve."
"What are you planning, Adachi...?" Knight watched as his friend made his way closer to Odin.
"Bluffing at a time like this, Hajime Adachi?" Odin folded his arms under his chest."Still trying to get answers from me, I take it?"
"Bluffing? Yeah...maybe just a little bit." Hajime reached for his Deck, slowly taking out a brand new card he hadn't used."I didn't want to use this so suddenly. I wanted to use it against Bragard but oh well. And I don't know if it's a good idea to use it with my low energy levels. But fuck it. If this doesn't surprise you, I don't know what will."
Odin watched, intrigued.'What could he possibly have in mind?'
"What's wrong, mighty Allfather? I thought you were supposed to be all-knowing." Ryuki cracked a condescending smirk."Do you not know if I'm bluffing or not?"
"...It matters not whether you're bluffing or not." Odin stated, but Knight could tell that had struck a nerve."You're barely standing up."
"I never run from my problems, Odin." Ryuki opened the compartment of his visor, inserting the card."And I'm not starting now."
Blaze Vent
Ryuki was clad in intense flames, but they were hotter and redder than before, making them look crimson red. Knight had to crawl away, stunned at what he was seeing at the intensity of the heat.
'His power is multiplying exponentially...' Odin slowly unfolded his arms, baffled for the first time in ages.'Where is he drawing that strength from...?'
"Set my heart ablaze!" Ryuki dashed at great speeds at Odin, nearly catching him off guard with a kick that forced him to teleport away. However, he was already on him, easily taking off with his enhanced power and speed. He thrust his fist forward, shooting a scorching ball of fire that forced Odin to dodge. He drew a card and wasted no time in activating it.
Strike Vent: Dragknuckle
Ryuki winded his fists back, burning more than ever as a spiral of fire surrounded him. Odin rose his Goldsabers, splaying his arms to the side. Once he was a mere inch away from him, he teleported, however, he had fallen prey to Ryuki's trick. Before he went for a punch, he did a fakeout, and pulled his fist back, taking Odin by surprise when he appeared behind him. He spun on his heels and punched Odin in the chest, the percussion hammer at his elbow nailed down, creating a devastating force that even went past Odin and into a building, creating a massive hole in it.
"He got him?!" Knight gaped, awestruck."He actually hit him! But how?!"
Odin lowered his arms back down, leveling his gaze with a worn-out Ryuki.
"Not...enough, huh...?" Ryuki chuckled as he glared back at Odin."How would have thought...? A kid like me would be the first person ever to lay their hands on you. And I promise you, it won't be the last time...You're getting too predictable...All I had to do was guess where you would appear next..."
Odin said nothing. He offered no words but his silence said everything. Just then, Hajime felt an electric shock that brought back memories from his past.
"I'll always love you, my Boy Wonder." He remembered his dad's words, even after all these years.
Odin quickly dispatched Ryuki by striking him across the face, launching him to where Knight was.
"I must admit, you have surprised me, Hajime Adachi. That little stunt you just did... took me by surprise. Had I not adjusted my power in time to match yours, I would have suffered a great deal of damage. As promised, I'll tell you."
"Tell him what?"
Just then, Odin felt an incredible amount of pressure in his body, nearly forcing him onto his knees due to catching him off guard. He was able to brush it off, glancing over to the source of the increase in gravity.
"Oh? I nearly got you on your knees." Alternative cooed, holding out his left arm."Too bad. It would have been poetic if a prince got a God on his knees so easily."
"Is that...Bragard?" Ryuki blinked."But that looks like-"
"The Alternative Zero. Donned by Dr. Ver." Alternative floated down below using his gravity manipulation, landing a few yards away from Ryuki and Knight."But this is the final product, befitting of a higher being like me. Whatever you saw that putrid human use before doesn't even come close to what I am today. But that aside...I see you have shown yourself. Don't think I didn't know you knew I was watching. You did go out of your way to destroy my spy robot."
"Bragard." Odin acknowledged him with a curt nod."It has been quite a while. 10 years, if I'm not mistaken."
"Ever since that day." Alternative snorted, looking over to the Autoscorer on the side."Go back, Leiur. Carol would have my head if you were to die before you completed your duty."
"As you wish, Lord Bragard." Leiur nodded, taking out a red vial and breaking it, disappearing.
"Why are you here?" Knight asked, scowling at the pseudo-Rider.
"I think it's quite obvious. I came to see Odin in all his glory." Alternative chuckled."What a coincidence. For two Messiahs to be reunited against the Allfather."
"Again with this Messiah crap..." Ryuki grumbled.
"Oh, Bragard. Do you still believe you're a Messiah?" Odin guffawed, much to the prince's irritation."You are a False Messiah, if anything. I can tell you that without a shadow of a doubt. You are merely deluding yourself with delusions of grandeur. But you will never be anything more than what you are. Do you remember back then? 10 years ago when your ambitions were first crushed? Have you even beaten Adam yet?"
Bragard growled, reminiscing about the day his hard work and Alchemy were stolen from him.
"No! Stop! Get away from me!"
"IT'S OVER, BRAGARD!" The figure held out a stone, pressing it against his chest.
The albino swallowed the lump in his throat, trying to control his breathing. He forced a smirk, hiding his insecurity."I already got rid of all Liangs except a few. As for Adam. He will get what's coming to him for being a pompous clown thinking he's better than me. Don't worry about him. After him, you are next. And trust me, unlike the Divine Beast, you won't get the chance to weaken me. You will return where you belong, dwarf in the flask. Back to my lab."
"I don't think I can weaken you any more than he did already." Odin shot back."You are looking...younger than I remember. Your appearance finally matches your personality."
"The fuck is going on?!" Ryuki exploded, having enough of being ignored.
"Right. I was about to tell you the hint about your father."
"A hint?" Alternative arched a brow."Oh, so you won't actually tell him?"
"I have no reason to. Besides, I would hate to spoil your game." Odin shifted his gaze to Ryuki."After all, you are trying too hard. I'd hate to break your spirits, Bragi."
"Don't call me that. That's not my name." He seethed.
"Hajime Adachi...Your father...Hazama Liang." Odin folded his arms."He's closer than you think. Probably right under your nose."
"Huh...?" Ryuki gaped."What the fuck kind of hint is that? Do you mean he's here in Japan? In Tokyo?"
"That hint is a bit too vague..." Knight remarked, but their words were ignored.
"Hah! What, not going to tell him about his half-brother running around?"
"Wait, what?" Knight glanced over to Ryuki."Brother? You have a brother?"
"...Apparently, my dad had an affair. Or something like that. It seems that the other woman and my mom agreed to share my dad as long as he provided for us and...this other kid. I don't know who he is, but my grandma does. She doesn't want to tell me. Tell me, Bragard! Did you kill him?!"
"Kill him?" Alternative feigned being hurt, placing a hand over his chest."Such crude words, Boy Wonder. No, I did not kill him. He's alive. I'm surprised that your grandmother hasn't told you, though. Maybe she believes I'll kill him too. But...I have other uses for him."
"And what does that mean?!"
"At any rate, I must get going. You have passed the test." Odin began floating, shining brightly.
"You're not going anywhere." Alternative created a black magic circle, pulling out a dark blade.
Odin rose his sword, concentrating a great deal of energy before releasing it at once, creating a huge explosion that sent all three Riders flying away and decimating the whole area.
And that's the end of the Odin fight. Pretty fast-paced, if I say so myself. I didn't want to be switching from fight to fight so I decided to give this one a conclusion so we can concentrate on the Carol fight next chapter.