Reviews:
lordri25may2001: Meh, don't worry about it. I hated that too. It happens in Naruto too and I disliked it. But don't worry, my villains won't be getting that kind of treatment. Sure, I am trying to not make them basic villains like "Oh yes I'm evil because I'm evil." I'm giving them motivations, reasons, and character traits. Stuff like that. But they'll stay evil. They will have their moments when they grow as characters, but none of them are going to be like "Cool, I am a good guy now." Except for Hazuki. Hazuki is the only one who thinks what he's doing is right. The others have their reasons but don't care about a perfect world without evil.
Tenzalucard123: Yes. Tsubasa's dad is not very...friendly. Chao-Xing pointed out how Hajime and Hibiki are inseparable and he just denies it. Is it good? I will leave that up to the readers to decide.
Chapter 66
The Idol and the Detective
The next day, Jades, Ogawa, Maria, Tsubasa, and Yosuke get off the car, parking in front of the Kazanari mansion.
"Home sweet home," Yosuke muttered to Tsubasa, who took a deep breath in return.
"It's been ten years." Tsubasa nodded."But alas, I finally returned. Never thought it would be in this fashion, though."
"Seems like they're not in a good mood," Jades whispered to the pinkette.
"I noticed that too." Maria whispered back."I wonder why that is..."
"It's a long story." Ogawa said, surprising the two."I can hear you. I am a ninja after all. Plus, you're not standing far enough for me not to hear you."
"Oh...so it's a complicated story?" Jades tilted his head.
"Something like that." Ogawa glanced up to stare at Yosuke."Yosuke-san's dad was good friends with Tsubasa's. But...their relationship is rather shaky, to say the least."
"Hopefully he doesn't lash out at her dad or anything like that." Maria folded her arms."Takeru told me what happened at the restaurant where Hibiki's dad was. And it wasn't pretty."
"I doubt Yosuke would lash out like that." Jades shrugged."But...I'm here, just in case."
Yosuke grabbed Tsubasa's hand gently."Ready?"
"Ready. But remember, you can't be grabbing my hand like this."
"Right..." Yosuke slowly nodded, releasing her. Tsubasa already missed the feeling but decided to press forward.
The group entered the mansion, eventually coming face to face with their gracious host and two of his guards. Yosuke slowed down, allowing himself a good distance from Tsubasa to avoid suspicions.
"Shinji. It's been a long time." The bespectacled man acknowledged the ninja."Good work."
"Thank you, sir."
"As for you two. I've heard you have accomplished much ever since joining S.O.N.G." He acknowledged the older couple."Regardless of your past allegiance, I trust you will continue to do a good job."
"Thank you." Maria and Jades gave a quick bow.
"However, I also heard that one of these rogue Kamen Riders is your brother. Terunosuke Kuwana" He hid his arms behind his back."If it comes down to it, will you be able to stop him?"
"Terunosuke...did a lot of bad stuff." Jades grimaced, but calmed down when Maria grabbed his hand."But we will stop him."
"Good." He then eyed the purpled-haired young man."Yosuke."
"Kazanari-san." Yosuke gave a curd nod."I trust you have been well?"
"I have. Thank you for asking. And you have been doing a fairly good job in maintaining the Rider unit in good shape." He said."Not what I was expecting. Just one casualty. But Jo's son served well and will be missed and avenged. I trust you will put a stop to the man who took Goro's life."
"Of course." Yosuke clenched his fists."Even if you didn't tell me, I was planning on that."
"I see you have the same look in your eyes as your father." Yatsuhiro commented."But you have much to learn if you want to be anywhere near his level. While you have surprised me, I have yet to notice anything remarkable about your performance."
The man turned on his heels, heading back to the mansion.
"Father!"
He stopped, waiting for Tsubasa to carry on."I'm sorry for not keeping in touch..."
Yatsuhiro glanced over his shoulder with a critical eye."Even without you, the house of Kazanari stands firm. You shall return to the battlefield once your duty here is done."
With those words said, Yatsuhiro continued to his home, but Maria stopped him with her words.
"Hold it right there! You're supposed to be-"
Yosuke covered her mouth, cutting her off."We'll do our jobs. All you have to do is sit back and relax."
"Very well."
'Yosuke?' Maria stared at the side of his face, noticing the frown directed toward the man.'You...you're upset, aren't you, Yosuke?'
"Man, everyone is having trouble with their dads." Jades placed a hand on his hips."Guess I'm lucky I didn't have to go through that..."
Out of nowhere, they heard bullets being shot, and all shifted their gaze over to Ogawa, who had drawn his gun. The bullets hit a small hurricane, and once the wind died, Phara was revealed with a smile.
"How barbaric." She mused."I had no intention of interrupting that touching family reunion."
"Phara." Yosuke narrowed his eyes at her."I suppose you won't be convinced if we tell you that you don't have to do this."
"If you're going to give me this speech about how I was a human and I'm just being used, save it." Phara shook her head."Damian is spouting nonsense. I know what I am. Do you?"
"And just what does that mean?" Tsubasa clicked her tongue."You'll be just like your brother then? Happy being a puppet?"
"I am merely following my Master's commands. That is all."
"Those commands being to target the keystone," Maria stated, receiving a nod in return.
"Guilty as charged." She took out a handful of gems, throwing them at the ground."Danse Macabre!"
A battalion of Alca Noise spawned in, forcing the group to get ready for battle. The Riders heard a loud screech in their heads, and turned their heads to the pond nearby, noticing Mirror Monsters waiting for them.
"We'll split up." Yosuke took out his Deck, rushing toward the pond along with Jades."You guys take care of Phara! We'll be back ASAP!"
"Right! Be careful!" Tsubasa gave him a firm nod. The males inserted their Decks into their V Buckles, jumping inside the pond and entering the Mirror World.
"Maria!"
"Tsubasa!"
The girls nodded at each other, taking out their Pendants.
"Imyeteus Ame no Habakiri Tron..."
"Seilen Coffin Airgetlam Tron..."
(Play BEYOND the Blade)
Tsubasa made a beeline toward the Noise, mowing them down with her katana with elegant strikes."We'll handle this!"
"Fulfill your role." Her father said before rushing to safety.
Maria summoned her daggers, throwing them around to the Noise before she switched to using her bladed whip, lashing it around.
"Not a bad show. It seems the Symphogear aren't pushovers either." Phara summoned a tornado under her feet, using it to fly around."Catch me if you can!"
"Tch. She's just as hard to catch as her brother, it seems." Tsubasa remarked, enlarging her sword before swinging it, releasing a slash of blue energy.
Blue Flash
"You'll find it that I am just as capable as Zeke," Phara stated, unsheathing her sword and infusing it with her wind Alchemy, sending her own slash toward the blue strike and canceling it out. Tsubasa jumped in the air, flipping after releasing her sword and setting her feet on the hilt. The sword grew to the size of a truck, and she used her boosters to kick it forward.
Heaven's Wrath
"What's this?" Phara gave a cocky smile, raising her tiny sword in comparison to the giant one, meeting at the tip. However, to their surprise, Phara's sword glowed with runes, causing Tsubasa's sword to quickly rust, shattering into pieces before the energy hit Tsubasa head-on.
She screamed in pain as the shockwave launched her toward the ground, crashing hard on the grass.
"No! Tsubasa!" Maria shifted her attention away from the Noise.
"See? I told you I was capable." Phara adopted a pose."My sword breaker is a Philosophical Armament that breaks anything defined as a sword, regardless of its qualities or power. Now...what will you do?"
A wave of daggers caught the Autoscorer's attention, and she simply swung her sword, releasing a wave of energy that disintegrated them."I just told you. Swords won't work. Not even daggers."
Maria gasped, ducking out of the way which was what Phara was counting on. The energy crash struck the keystone, destroying it with ease.
"So this is the power of a Philosophical Armament..." Maria gaped upon seeing the broken keystone."A weapon that cuts away at concepts themselves..."
"Pardon me, but I have no interest in your song." Phara chuckled."Garie already had you and I'd like to hear a new song." Phara waved her dress, forming a veil of wind around her."Tell Little Miss Sword that when she wakes up I will return to hear her sing again."
Once the wind died down, Phara disappeared, leaving the Symphogears and Ogawa alone in the rain.
Meanwhile, Knight and Tiger landed on the grass of the mirrored version of the Kazanari mansion, facing off against a group of GuldStorms, each of them wielding tomahawks.
"Let's make this quick." Knight brandished his Darkvisor, drawing a card from his Deck.
"Agreed." Tiger rushed toward one of the turkey monsters, swinging his axe. The monster rose his tomahawk, blocking the axe, and allowing another monster to kick Tiger.
Sword Vent: Winglancer
Knight slashed at the monster who kicked Tiger before he focused his attention on one trying to flank him, kicking him away. He twirled his lance around before he struck another GuldStorm in its feet, causing it to fall to the ground.
One GuldStorm threw its tomahawk at Knight, hitting him in the back and knocking him down.
Another one threw its weapon, but Jades intercepted it with his axe."Man, these are annoying, huh?"
"You got that right." Both Riders drew upon their cards, opening their respective visors and activating their abilities.
Trick Vent: Shadow Illusion
Strike Vent: Destclaws
A total of 8 clones appeared around Knight, and he wasted no time in commanding them forward. Tiger lunged at a group of GuldStorms around them, slashing them with his claws and countering their tomahawks. The clones began beating on the monsters, overpowering them with their numbers and forcing them into a circle."Jades!"
"You got it!" Jades drew a new card and activated it.
Frost Vent
Tiger stomped his foot on the ground, creating a wave of ice that washed over the monsters, freezing their legs and preventing them from moving.
Knight, meanwhile, activated his Final Vent, summoning Darkwing as he jumped in the air.
Final Vent: Flyinglancer
Darkwing equipped itself to Knight's back, serving as a cape. Once he was high enough, he performed a dropkick, holding his Winglancer downward and his caped formed a drill around him, shooting down at great speeds toward the monsters, causing them to explode upon impact. Darkwing and Destwilder devoured the energy orbs the monsters left behind.
Knight landed on the ground, exhaling."Phew. That went well."
"Except for this place." Tiger chuckled, pointing at the destroyed garden around them."Good thing we did this in the mirror world. Otherwise, your father-in-law would kill us."
"Don't remind me." Knight sighed, tapping him on the shoulder."Let's go back. The girls might need our help."
With a nod, Tiger followed Knight and jumped inside the pond, traveling back to the real world. Once they came back, they were bewildered upon seeing Tsubasa on the ground, unconscious."TSUBASA!"
Knight ran toward the fallen girl, his armor disappearing as he knelt next to her."What happened?!"
"Phara overpowered us with this...sword she calls a Philosophical Armament. It destroys anything defined as a sword." Maria grimaced."It caught us off guard and we weren't able to react in time."
"A Philosophical Armament?" Jades scratched his head."What's that?"
"Something that cuts away at concepts themselves." Maria briefly explained."I'm not sure, but that's what I gathered from our fight."
"Hey, maybe we can try fighting her." Jades offered."I mean, Yosuke uses a lance and I use claws. They don't count as blades, do they?"
"Still, I feel Phara will bring more Mirror Monsters with her." Yosuke carried Tsubasa in bridal style.
"And you two are the only ones who can enter that world." Ogawa nodded."Phara wouldn't come here alone with the four of you together. She has a plan to separate you. She'll be back soon."
"We'll have to be ready for next time." Yosuke sighed, glancing at the sky.
The sound of fists colliding and heaving breathing was all that could be heard in the Liang sanctuary, as Hajime and Chao-Xing were engaging in intense combat. Hajime was on the defensive, blocking Chao's quick strikes before he saw an opportunity, switching on the offensive by delivering a swift right hook.
The raven-haired female grinded her teeth, blocking Hajime's punch with her forearm but this left her open for a kick to the side, which she was forced to take. She backflipped away, ignoring the pain and dashing at Hajime with a kick. He ducked, supporting his weight on his arms as he prepared for a double kick. The oriental girl merely sidestepped, raising her left arm to backhand her cousin, who simply rose his arm to block.
"Nice defense!" She complimented before grabbing his arm, kicking his feet, and dropping him to the ground. She went for a punch, but he rolled over while kicking her arm away. He quickly picked himself up, charging toward her and tackling her to the ground. Before he could punch her, she quickly delivered a jab to his stomach, prompting the air to be knocked out of him. She wrapped her legs around his neck, forcing him down while grabbing his legs.
"W-what the fuck is this?!" Hajime gasped as she applied pressure around his neck."T-this is no martial arts!"
"Like I told you, you have to be resourceful in a fight." She responded, holding his legs tight so he wouldn't kick her."I just picked this up from one of those MMA fights that my Father watches in his spare time. Now, what will you-FUCK!"
Hajime, with no shame or hesitation, bit down on her thigh hard, which caused her to release him as she crawled away from him. She paled upon seeing the bite mark on her thigh, infuriating her."You asshole! You bit me!"
"Hey! You said to be resourceful!" He countered."And I did just that."
"Tch. You're lucky this is only training." She kicked the ground, dashing at her cousin. Before he could punch her, she vanished, using her speed to attack him from the side. A punch to the face, send him staggering backward and instinctively threw a back kick behind him.
"Oh!" Chao blocked the kick with her knee."You sensed me."
"I'm getting better at sensing Chi. But I still have a long way to go." Hajime responded with a smirk."Don't rely on your eyes during battle. Use all of your senses to be steps ahead of your opponent."
"Very good. But you're still pale in comparison." Chao-Xing proceeded to deliver two punches toward Hajime, which he deflected with ease before sending a punch to her chest. The girl winced, but before she could retaliate, a fist aimed toward her face caused her eyes to shoot wide open. However, the fist stopped inches away from her face, as Hajime had no intention of hurting her.
"You...got me." She sighed as Hajime stepped back.
"Not bad. Seems you finally got the hang of image training." She smiled with pride."Seems like you're almost there yet. You won."
"What? No, that's not true." Hajime frowned."I'm sure you almost had me."
"Oh, don't be so antagonistic, Lingyun. Your adaptability is superior to mine. You're stronger than me in the long run. I can only catch up but never surpass you. It shows in our many matches today. I would catch up, but you always adapted faster." She chuckled, shaking her head."Still, I am not upset. It just means I did a good job as a master. Normally, it takes years to master the secrets of the Liang style, but I managed to summarize all of that in just a few lessons. Still, you're an amateur when it comes to Chi. So we'll have to work on that later on."
"I did have a good teacher." Hajime offered a gentle smile."Thanks, Chao. For training me."
"Don't thank me for that. I just wanted you to be ready for when the real fight starts." She brushed off his gratitude."However, while the results of training are better when sparring, you'll get much stronger on the battlefield. You won't get much of an increase from mental training like this, since you've already unleashed your potential."
"I do feel stronger..." Hajime glanced down at his arms.
"That's because, with this training, you're able to properly draw out your strength whereas before you would be limited due to various reasons. And now you're able to more properly control your emotions and not let them control you. Now, you're on your way to becoming stronger."
"Are we really...done training?" Hajime muttered with a hint of disappointment.
Chao placed a hand on his shoulder."Just because this training session is done, it doesn't mean we can't keep on training together. Training is never done. One must always strive to be better. Stronger. And honestly, you make for a good sparring partner too. Anyway, I should get going. I have to get some rest since this might be an overnight thing."
"Right. Good luck with your mission. And call me if anything happens." Hajime then yelped, holding his stomach."Oh, man! I have to use the bathroom! Uh! See you later, Chao! Say hi to the others for me!"
Chao watched him walk past him, but when he reached the door, she called out to him."Lingyun."
"Y-yes...?" Hajime jumped from foot to foot, holding his stomach.
"Remember to reach within you." She said in a solemn tone."You must attain and learn true Liang pride. For those who fell before us. For those who are still with us."
"Chao-Xing..." Hajime forgot his full bladder for a second, flexing his arm and giving her a determined smile."You got it! I won't disappoint you!"
"I know you won't." She returned the gesture by smiling back. With that, the hazel-eyed boy rushed to the restroom. Chao-Xing's smile dropped, and she eyed the canned iced tea he left behind. Picking it up, she reached for her pocket, taking out a vial containing white powder. With a flicking of her thumb, the cap fell off, and she emptied the contents of the vial inside the can.
"Sorry, Lingyun. But if your energy is the only one missing for Bragard's plan to be completed, then you're his only target." She muttered, shaking the can to mix its contents with the drug."So you must not get involved. Don't worry. I'll watch over there others while you sleep soundly. You won't even notice. And when this is all said and done...we will finally be at peace. That I swear to you."
Once she was sure the drink was spiked, she set the can back then, heading for the door."The honor of the Liangs shall be restored. This is a battle that shouldn't concern you. Paying for our sins...is not your job."
Yosuke leaned against the door to the room Tsubasa was placed in, arms crossed as he tapped his forearms.
"You alright, man?" Jades ask, leaning against the wall in front of him."You've been a little...well, not happy, lately."
"Sorry. Being here just...well, I am not too fond of Tsubasa's dad, as you can probably guess."
"Yeah...I can imagine." Jades chuckled."Doesn't seem to treat Tsubasa that well."
"Well, that's different." Yosuke sighed."He doesn't like me because...well, Tsubasa and I were very close, ever since we were little kids. So he thinks I'm trying to steal her heart and just doesn't approve of me."
"Really? He doesn't strike me as the overprotective father, though." Jades frowned."And Ogawa-san said he and your dad were best buddies. So how come he doesn't like his son?"
Before they could continue their conversation, they heard a groan from inside the room."Tsubasa?"
"Yosuke...?" Her groggy voice could be heard from inside."Sorry...I let my guard down..."
"I think we all were caught off guard." Maria made her way to the group."Tsubasa's dad sent for us."
"Of course..." Yosuke muttered, not too happy."Give us some time, okay? We'll catch up."
"Right. Let's go, Maria."
With that, Yosuke and Tsubasa were left alone. Tsubasa picked herself up from the bed, gathering her clothes.
"Sorry." Yosuke said after a few minutes of silence."I wish I could comfort you. A hug. Or a kiss? Sorry. I'm not very good at this yet."
"Neither am I." Tsubasa giggled."But that's okay. Just the thought is enough for me."
"Being here is rough for you. But don't worry. We'll make this quick."
"If even if we finish here soon...it won't be the last I see of my father." Tsubasa took a deep breath."I wish I could face him as Tachibana did hers."
"If you can't, then I'm here for you. And unlike Adachi, I won't lash out in anger." He chuckled at the unintentional jab at his friend.
"That has yet to be seen." Tsubasa slid the door open, fully dressed up."Shall we, my lord?"
"My lady."
A few minutes later, both Riders and Symphogear gathered in Yatsuhiro's office, reading the reports that Ogawa had given them.
"We asked Ahnenerbe to analyze the red particles generated when the Alca Noise strike. What you're reading is the report of their results."
"Ahnenerbe is a German government research organization that was closely involved in the development of Symphogear," Tsubasa informed the others.
"According to this report, the red particles are prima materia, the elementary material created when matter is decomposed by alcahest, the universal solvent," Yatsuhiro explained.
"The heck does that mean?" Jades scratched his head, puzzled."This technical writing is beyond me..."
"Essentially, Alchemy is a branch of heretical technology that studies the theory of decomposition, analysis, and reconstruction," Ogawa explained, hoping that Jades would catch on.
"Oh, I get it now. So...they plan to destroy the world...and reconstruct it?" Jades hummed.
"Damian did say that Bragard wants to bring about a new species." Yosuke supplied."Can't have a new species if there is no world."
"Tsubasa...how are your injuries?" Yatsuhiro asked the bluenette, causing them both to exchange glances.
"I can...deal with the pain, Father," Tsubasa said without hesitation.
"Then leave this place and analyze the date at a more suitable facility." Yatsuhiro said dismissively."The keystone you came to protect is no more."
Maria clenched her fist, but Yosuke stepped up.
"We will do just that. But before we leave, I know you are aware that we discovered Kamen Rider Ouja's identity."
"I do." Yatsuhiro nodded."Allister Albedo. Code name: Code Cypher. A worldwide assassin that's served in the assassination of countless politicians and government officials across the globe."
"Including Japan." He added cooly.
"If you're suggesting that I may have done deals with him, I'm sorry to disappoint you. But I have no. And I do not know of anyone who has." Yatsuhiro calmly stated."There is no way of knowing unless he or the people he worked with come forward. But that is unlikely to happen. If the connection is made public, the government would collapse. That's why your orders are to kill him. Not apprehend him."
"Surely you don't think that he's behind this."
"Y-Yosuke!" Tsubasa exclaimed, grabbing his hand.
Yatsuhiro stared down at their intertwined hands, and both teens pulled away hastily."There is no proof of anything. I understand why you dislike him. And me. But without solid proof, it's too early to throw any accusations."
"Right..." Yosuke trailed off."I apologize. Forgive my rudeness."
"Not at all. You are a detective in training, after all." Yatsuhiro sighed."It is your job to doubt to ascertain the truth. Just like your father, Kagami, would. At any rate, rest up. You have more battles ahead, do you not?'
"Yes, sir." They all replied reluctantly, excusing themselves.
"Sheez, no wonder you guys don't get along." Jades whistled as they exited the office."The dude is intense."
"He may be an expert when it comes to national security, but he has no idea of how to interact with his family!" Maria was fuming, stomping her feet loudly.
"Yosuke, you didn't have to call him out like that." Tsubasa muttered to the young man next to her."My Father would never hire Cyper. You know that."
"I know. I apologize. I was just...upset, I suppose." He sighed."I was out of line."
"It's okay. I don't expect to always keep your cool."
"But I should..."
"Let's forget about that and head to my room, okay?" Tsubasa suggested."We can talk more in there."
Following the bluenette, they finally reached her old room, allowing her to slide the door open."Alright, we should-"
"Woah!" Jades and Maria got on guard."What happened?! Was Phara here looking for something?"
"Pfft..." Yosuke stifled his laughter, covering his mouth."Yeah, Tsubasa. Go ahead and tell them what happened to your room."
"Damn it..." Tsubasa blushed in shame."Well...I happened..."
"Huh?"
Tsubasa's room was a mess. Clothes everywhere, stuffed animals laying on every corner, an unkept bed, baskets turned upside down with their contents spilling.
"Jesus Chris..." Jades couldn't hold in his laughter."No way! You?! No way! Hibiki-chan mentioned something like this happening a while ago, but I thought she was just lying!"
"I didn't expect him to leave it like this..." Tsubasa deflated as they entered the room. She noticed a bow in the middle of the room. Curious, she opened the door and immediately paled.
Yosuke knelt next to her, taking out a piece of paper from within."Wait...these are the copies of your traffic infractions. Why are they here?"
"I...I didn't know my Father was keeping records of them!"
"Why the hell are there so many?!" Maria cried out in shock, unable to count just how many tickets there were."I thought the whole thing with you being a reckless driver was an exaggeration."
"Maria, you've lived with her for a while now. Surely you saw this coming." Yosuke rolled his eyes."As for me, I knew all along. But being an idol has its perks, so it's not like this is denting the bank for her. I presume her dad keeps a copy of them to remind her how she's a menace on the road."
"Shut up. You still drive like an old lady." Tsubasa crumbled, closing the box.
"Well, aside from the big mess, this room is pretty cozy." Jades examined a microphone he found."Did you sing here? Huh...This microphone is pretty well-maintained..."
"I did. I used to sing my Father old pop songs when I was little." She adopted a small smile.
"Still, have you always been like this?" Maria paced around, examining the room.
"The messy room part...?" Tsubasa flushed."W-well.."
"No. I mean your relationship with your dad."
"Oh, that." Tsubasa sighed in relief."My grandfather, Fudo Kazanari, the current head of the family, started thinking about an heir once he felt the burden of his years."
"So kind of like the whole Liang thing? How Chao-Xing was supposed to be the next heir of her family?" Jades inquired.
"Yes. Though for us, the choice wasn't as straightforward. The candidates were his first son, Yatsuhiro, who is my Father, and my uncle Genjuro, his younger brother. But as it happens, my grandfather named neither of them his heir. I was chosen right after birth."
"Y-you?!" Maria blinked.
"He never told me why, but I was able to piece it together over the years." Tsubasa's gaze fell on the floor."I...am not my father's daughter."
"Tsubasa-" Yosuke tried to stop her, but she rose her hand.
"It's okay, Yosuke. They can know." Tsubasa shook her head."Much like the Liangs, our family strives to keep the blood pure. However, our methods are...different. You see, to keep the Kazanari blood as pure as possible, my grandfather made my mother bear his child. Me."
"W-what?"! Maria criged in digust."But that's horrible! It's sick! Wait, so that's what Chao-Xing meant that time? She knew?!"
"Our families have a history together." Tsubasa briefly explained."My grandfather used to play shogi with hers."
"So that's why Yatsuhiro-san doesn't like you." Jades gasped in realization, facing Yosuke."Does he think you'd taint their blood?"
"More than him, it's her grandfather too." Yosuke bit his lower lip."You don't want to meet that guy, trust me. I despise him with all of my might. Tsubasa is not at fault in all of this mess."
"And yet, I've strived to earn my father's approval." Tsubasa stared at her palm."I forged myself into a sword. A tool. Putting aside being a human being. But with this recent pathetic display, I suppose he'll just hate me even more."
"I've always wanted to face Fudo for this." Yosuke confessed, clenching his eyes shut."But I am no fool. I know that it would cause more harm than good. But I wish...sometimes I wish I would be reckless. Maybe then I would have the backbone I need to face him..."
"No..." Tsubasa shook her head, grabbing his hand."I don't want you to do that...I am...no good for you, Yosuke. You should have looked for another girl instead of me-"
"I don't want another girl." Yosuke grabbed her shoulders, silencing her."I love you. And you only. I know we have to keep our relationship a secret. But one day, I want the world to know. I don't care if you're an illegitimate child or whatever. You are Tsubasa Kazanari. The girl I fell in love with. And nothing will ever change that. I love you as you are."
"Yosuke..." Tsubasa began to tear up, burying her face in his chest.
"One day...One day we'll be able to hold hands together without being afraid of what might happen..."
"I understand now." Maria nodded."At first, I thought that you kept your relationship a secret because of her fans. But it's because of her father and grandfather."
"My father is one thing, but if my grandfather finds out I am in love with Yosuke..."
"Don't worry. We can keep a secret." Jades flashed a toothy grin."You guys deserve the best of the best. So it's fine. You can cuddle and kiss when we're around you. We won't tell a soul."
"That's right. Your secret is safe with us."
"Thank you..." Tsubasa smiled at the older couple."Both of you. I-"
Before she could continue, an explosion was heard from outside.
"Guys." Maria thinned her lips.
"You got it."
The group arrived at the courtyard and noticed Phara waiting for them on top of the mansion.
"Phara! You already destroyed the keystone! Why have your returned?!" Tsubasa demanded.
"I merely wish to hear your song." Phara responded."Final preparations are beginning. My brother is about to engage in combat. I can't let my little brother get the upper hand. Divine Power or not."
'So that battle is finally about to start.' Yosuke furrowed his brow upon hearing a loud screeching Noise."Mirror Monsters..."
"Don't count on them being as weak as before." Phara chuckled."Lord Bragard has given me a fresh batch of the new Mirror Monsters. Should be...interesting."
"Leave her to us, boys." Maria addressed the males."We'll take care of her. If those monsters start pouring out, then everyone will be in trouble."
"Yeah, you're right." Jades nodded, shifting his gaze to Yosuke."Ready, partner?"
The Riders once more ran to the pond, entering the Mirror World by jumping inside of it and appearing on the other side. As soon as they entered, Knight was tackled by a white monster, crashing against a tree.
"Yosuke!" Tiger was about to aid him, but two monsters, known as Sheerghosts, stopped him in his tracks."Get out of my way!"
Tiger swung his axe, only for the monster to effortlessly stop it with its forearm.
"What the fuck...?" Tiger gasped, receiving a punch to the face from another Sheerghost. More of them began surrounding the area, eventually forming a battalion of them that filled up the whole Kazanari compound.
"Why are there so many?!" Knight cried, slashing a few monsters with his Winglancer, only to be attacked from the back. He sneered, drawing a new card and activating it.
Trick Vent: Shadow Illusion
8 more knights appeared, rushing to fight the Sheerghosts. But unlike before, they were outnumbered by several times. Eventually, all clones were defeated, leaving Knight as the survivor.
Meanwhile, Tiger kept giving wide slashes, trying to cover as much ground as possible with his claws. His attacks were fast and strong, knowing full well that he couldn't let up for a second or he'd be overrun. So he requested some help.
Advent: Destwilder
The tiger monster lunged at a Sheerghost, pouncing on it with its claws. It then switched to another target, keeping them away from Tiger. However, even the tiger was starting to get struck by all angles, just like its master.
"There's too many!" Knight kicked another one way, but a Sheerghost leaped in the air and threw a kick, which he ducked at the last second."Let's go all out!"
"Yeah, I was thinking the same thing." Tiger pulled out his Survive Card. Gusts of icy wind surrounded the area, keeping the monsters at bay. Both of their visors changed as they inserted their respective cards.
Survive: Fubuki
Survive: Shippu
The gust of wind became a small tornado, releasing a wave of ice that froze parts of the monsters. Once the wind died down, Knight and Tiger stood in their respective Survive forms.
"Let's get this over with."
"Right on."
Sword Vent: Frostsaber
Sword Vent: Darklancer
A dark blue lance with golden stripes was equipped to Knight while a double-edged greatsword appeared in Tiger's hand. Both Riders gave a battle cry, charging into battle. Knight thrust his lance forward, striking a great number of Sheerghosts before swinging his weapon around, making some room. He then planted the tip of his lance on the ground, using it as support to swing his body, kicking all the monsters away.
Tiger slashed through the Sneerghosts with the ferocity of a tiger. His speed allowed him to move fast and precise, not allowing the monsters to react for even a second.
"Let's up the ante a little bit!" Tiger declared, drawing upon a new card.
Strike Vent: Froststripes
The blue patterns of his armor became armor, protruding from his suit and becoming as sharp as blades. He began spinning in circles, cutting through the monsters as if he was a living turbine.
"Jades! Let's end this!" Knight activated a new card, summoning Darkraider.
Blust Vent: Dark Tornado
A pair of tornados fired from the turbines in the bat's wings, forcing the monsters to be sent flying into a pile."Now!"
"You got it." Tiger nodded, using his ability.
Shoot Vent: Frost Blaster
Using the blaster equipped in his right hand, the silver-haired man pulled the trigger, releasing an ice beam that froze the Sheerghosts into a big pile of ice. He then tossed his weapon away, reaching for his Deck and using yet another card.
Shoot Vent: Frost Bazooka
A gauntlet equipped to his left arm, covering his entire arm. He opened the compartment on top, revealing a series of missiles, which he immediately fired at the frozen monsters, breaking them into pieces. The energy orbs belonging to the monsters floated where they once stood, and both Riders released their monsters.
Frostwilder was now a bipedal monster, bigger than before and with the appearance of a sabertooth from ancient times. It leaped at the hole left by the explosion, and Darkraider flew around, devouring the orbs.
"We should head back. The girls might need our help." Knight suggested.
"Right. We need to finish our fight with the dolls before it gets out of hand."
"Imyeteus Ame no Habakiri Tron..."
"Seilen Coffin Airgetlam Tron..."
(Play Ginwan Airgetlam)
In a flash of light, the Symphogears were clad in their armors, facing the wind Autoscorer.
"I'll make sure not to underestimate you." Phara addressed Maria, unsheathing her blade."You did defeat Garie in combat, after all."
Both girls rushed at her, so she opted to try and separate them by swinging her blade, releasing a tornado with her alchemy. Maria jumped to the side, using her bladed whip to attack.
Empress Rebellion
"You just don't get it, do you?" Phara taunted, slashing the whip into pieces and hitting Maria with a gust of wind, sending her flying against a tree. "It may be a whip, but you can't deny it is also a sword."
"You talk as much garbage as your brother." Tsubasa sneered, brandishing her katana.
"Will you attack me with that?" Phara chuckled, releasing a hurricane with a swing of her sword, engulfing Tsubasa. Her armor began breaking apart, and before she knew it, she was sent rolling on the ground."It's meaningless."
"How utterly powerless can I possibly be...?" Tsubasa winced in pain as she struggled to get on her feet."I gave up my dream, placing my pride in my combat skills, but...Is this as far as I can go...?"
"Tsubasa!"
Tsubasa gasped, recognizing the voice that called her name."Father...?"
"You must sing!" He regarded her sternly.
"But if I can be neither tool nor sword of thee Kazanari, then I-"
"You needn't be either!"
"F-Father?" Her eyes widened.
"Don't ever be afraid to hold on to your dreams!" Yatsuhiro cried out.
"That's right! He didn't just abandon your room for ten years!" Maria chimed in."It was messy, but there wasn't a single speck of dust! And those infractions? That just proves that he's keeping track for you! He held on to your room to hold onto his memories of you! I don't know much about fathers, but that's not something a father who hates his daughter would do! So open your eyes!"
"Did he..." Tears began to glisten in her eyes."Did he distance the Kazanari family from me so that I could better follow my dreams? Father...may I dream once again?"
"Yes. You may." He gave a firm nod.
"Then listen!" Tsubasa turned on her heels, facing Phara once more."Ignite Module, Bakken!"
"Dainsleif."
The girl gave her pendant a firm squeeze, prompting it to pop off her chest before it stabbed into her. And in a flash of darkness, Tsubasa was clad in her Ignite Symphogear mode.
(Play BEYOND the Blade Ignite Version.)
"So, it's finally time." Phara pointed her blade at Tsubasa, who was dashing toward her."I'd be delighted to have a taste."
However, Phara hadn't anticipated her sudden increase in speed. And before she knew it, Tsubasa struck her in the side, shooting her off the rooftop. The bluenette jumped in the air, her sword increasing in size before she swung down, firing a slash of blue energy.
Blue Flash
"L-like I said, it's meaningless!" Phara slashed at the attack, cutting it to pieces."It's still a sword!"
"Then how about a thousand of them?!"
One Thousand Tears
Conjuring her power, Tsubasa fired a thousand energy blades from the sky, but Phara simply input more power, slashing away at the swords.
"As long as it manifests as a sword, you cannot so much as scratch me." Phara landed on top of a rock."So, increase your power all you want. I'm a perfect counter for you."
Phara lunged at Tsubasa, ready to cut her down once and for all. The idol unfolded the blades on her ankles, doing a hand spin to counter Phara's attack. And to the utter shock of the Autoscorer, her blade broke into pieces.
"I-impossible!" Phara gasped, staring down at her broken sword."You shouldn't have been able to destroy my Philosophical Armament. Lord Bragard said this was impossible!"
"Can you really call these swords?"
Phara glanced over and Tsubasa, and she gasped upon seeing the blades at her feet and the katanas in her arms covered in fire."Wrong! These are the wings that carry me toward my dreams! Your Philosophical Armament, Sword Breaker, can never clip my wings!"
Leaping into the air, closing her legs together and allowing the blades at her feet to join up, as she flapped her ignited swords, giving her the appearance of a phoenix. Tsubasa began to flip backward, forming a wheel of fire and heading for Phara.
In a last-ditch effort, Phara used all her power to summon a gust of wind, but Tsubasa easily tore through it. And just as easily, tore through Phara, slicing her in half.
Rakshasa Stance Zero
Tsubasa landed on the grass before her transformation became undone. The girl threatened to fall to the ground, but Knight grabbed her just in time."Yosuke..."
"Sorry for the delay." Yosuke said, his armor becoming undone."But the Mirror Monsters have grown stronger. It seems they are stepping up his game too."
"Everyone okay?" Jades asked the others.
"We're alive." Maria sighed in relief.
"You did it." Yatsuhiro approached the not-so-secret couple.
"Yes...thanks to your support, Father." Tsubasa smiled weakly.
"Yatsuhiro-san..." Yosuke sighed."I apologize for earlier. I was out of line. I...suppose you're not as bad of a dad as I had thought."
"I wasn't worried about your opinion of me. But since you apologize, I accept it." Yatsuhiro closed his eyes."Also, since when are the two of you...dating?"
"W-what?" Yosuke and Tsubasa blushed."Y-you got it wrong, sir! We're not dating! I am just...helping her stand, that's all."
"He's right, Father! Please don't misunderstand!"
"Save it. I am no fool. The way you stare into each other's eyes reminds me of two people deeply in love." He pushed up his glasses, returning to the mansion."Just don't let you know who find out. I have no issue with both of you being in love. As long as you don't do anything foolish."
"R-right..."
"And Yosuke." Yatsuhiro stopped, glancing over his shoulder."Your father would be proud of the man you are today. I am sure of it."
"Yatsuhiro-san..." Yosuke permitted himself a smile."Thank you. That means a lot..."
Meanwhile, Hajime exited the bathroom, towel over his head and wearing his shorts."Man, that felt nice. A good shower. It's still pretty early. Only 7."
The young man headed back to the sanctuary, making his way over to the small bridge, when he lost his footing.
"What the..." He grabbed his head, seeing double. He was suddenly extremely tired and his eyelids were heavy."Why am I...so sleepy...?"
The young man couldn't finish his train of thought before he passed out, laying down on the grass. Unknowingly, he had consumed the sleeping drug Chao-Xing had put in his drink. And after a while, it had finally taken effect.
At the same time, Huan and Wei waited patiently in a park, sitting on a beach lit by a light post. The young man was busy playing on his Nintendo Switch but Huan had a concerned look on his face.
'I wonder why we're meeting in this secluded place?' Huan pondered.'I had imagined Kyoko to want to talk in a more...proper area. Maybe she thinks Bragard is after us...?'
"Oh. There you are."
The man looked up to see Kyoko and Setsuna approaching them from the small path, with the teenager using her phone as a flashlight.
"Kyoko. A pleasure to see you again." Huan stood up, kicking Wei's feet to make him do the same.
"Ow...I was going to do it, you know...?"
"Kids and their technology. I swear." Huan shook his head in exasperation.
"You're telling me?" Kyoko glared at Setsuna, who was too busy texting Andreas."This one is always on her phone, talking to her phones and whatnot. And now that she has a boyfriend, it's even worse. In my days, phones were a commodity."
"But it's fine that they're having fun." Huan brightened up upon seeing his niece. "I wish Chao and Lingyun could have joined us. But they are busy with the world being in danger and all. I don't know how you do it, Kyoko. I'm worried sick about my daughter. But you've been feeling like this for almost a year now while I'm experiencing this for the first time."
"Hajime never told me until I pieced it together." Kyoko sighed, rubbing the edge of her nose."That kid...worried about his grandma and not telling me a single thing. But he seems to be in capable hands right now. But with this... monster that's hunting him and you down..."
"Like you said, he's not alone. Chao and their friends are with them." Huan took a step forward, placing a gentle hand on the old woman's shoulder."Chao has told me how her relationship with her cousin is progressing."
"Yeah, Chao-nee-san is so cool!" Setsuna perked up at that."So nice too!"
"Chao? Nice?" Wei scoffed."I have to see that for myself."
"Yes...Hajime and Setsuna have mentioned that." Kyoko trailed off, glancing at the dark sky."It seems that they are willing to put their differences aside...For the greater good. Honestly, I was reluctant to let that happen, but these two convinced me. Your daughter...is a kind girl that has saved my children many times. I can't be the grumpy old woman that would be mad with that in mind."
"I was thinking the same thing. We let our family's traditions get in the way of what's important. And now, our whole family is gone. I implore you, Kyoko Adachi. Let us put an end to this eternal cycle of hatred that's plagued the Liangs for so long. For our children, we must be better."
"I don't need you to tell me that." Kyoko rolled her eyes, but smiled."Though...I suppose I can't blame all the Liangs for what happened to us. My daughter died of a disease and her husband wasn't there with her. The Liangs turned us down when we asked for help, but that doesn't mean the whole clan was on board with it. You, your daughter, and your son have shown me that the Liangs are capable of producing good people. My grandchildren are proof of that as well. So I accept your apology. For them."
Huan beamed, grabbing her hand with his."Thank you."
"Still..." Kyoko adopted a sour expression."You could have asked us to meet in a restaurant or something. Meeting up in this dark park this late at night is not my idea for a reconciliation."
"Huh?" Huan frowned at her words."What do you mean? Your letter said that we were going to meet up here. I was a little taken aback by such a remote place, but I wanted things to go smoothly."
"Letter?" Kyoko rose a brow."I didn't write a letter. I'm old but not that old. I got a letter from you."
Wei put down his switch, slightly concerned when he heard the conversation going on around him."Wait...so you guys didn't write any letters?"
"Then...who wrote the letters?" Setsuna paled, noticing a black silhouette approaching them. Before she could scream, they were surrounded by black orbs, courtesy of Bragard's Broken Alchemy. The orbs were soundproof, so their screams weren't heard.
"And with that, the bait has been captured." The child smiled sinisterly."Now...Who will take the bait, I wonder...?"
Meanwhile, the remaining members of S.O.N.G were about to get on board their HQ, saying their goodbyes to the team that was staying behind.
"You better not do anything stupid, got it?" Chris jabbed her finger into Takeru's chest."No playing hero or any of that shit. You get into trouble, you get the hell out of there."
"Relaaaax." Takeru chuckled, raising his arms in defense."What's the worse that can happen? Come on."
Chris grimaced, but he could tell her eyes were about to water.
"Look...I'm just kidding." He sighed, bringing her in for a hug and combing her hair."I'm not going down. Not when I have you waiting for me. But you should be careful too, alright? You can be pretty reckless too."
"I'll have the girls to hold me back." She joked, causing the orange-haired boy to chuckle.
"Shirabe, watch over Kirika, okay?" Raiden folded his arms, addressing the youngest of them.
"Roger."
"H-hey! Why are you telling her that?! I can take care of myself-desu!"
"No, you can't." Raiden closed his eyes, ignoring her pout."But...when you're working together, I suppose you can hold your own. Worst case scenario, you contact us and we'll fly there on Evildiver."
"We'll stick around in case any of the groups need our help." Andreas nodded."But we might need to help Takeru-san since he's facing such a powerful opponent. But then we won't be able to help you..."
"Leave them to me." Chao-Xing approached the siblings."I'll watch over your sisters. You have my word."
"Chao-Xing-san..." Raiden breathed.
"What's that face for?" Chao blew at her bangs."They saved me before. The least I can do is return the favor. So relax. I'll bring them back safe and sound."
The four siblings glanced at each other before they all pounced on her, engulfing her in a group hug.
"W-what the-?! Oh, fine..." She sighed in resignation."Have your fill...What's with all these hugs lately...?"
Damian stood in front of a tearful Elfnein, and a silent Tobias, watching them with a gentle smile.
"D-do you really...have to do this?" Elfnein sobbed, distraught upon saying goodbye to one of her friends.
"It's the only way." Damian nodded, bending his knees slightly to be at her height."If this works out, I can disable the Overall and put a huge dent in Bragard's plan. Carol should fall soon after."
"But...you'll..." Tobias trailed off. The last remaining water Autoscorer ruffled his hair lovingly.
"It's okay. I made peace with that." Damian grabbed his shoulders, examining him from head to toe."God, Garie would have loved to see you grow up like this had we lived. She...wanted to tell you so much, I'm sure. So did I. I was so happy back then. During the short time we spent together, I dreamt every day of spending my life with you two."
Tobias blinked, feeling something wet in his eyes.
"Lad..." Thor muttered inside his mind.
"I wanted to tell you how much you mean to us. How much we love you. How we wanted you to grow happy and strong. I couldn't save you back then. I couldn't save Garie now or my friends. But...I can at least save you. So you can live on. The only solace in all of this is...that you get to live."
"B-but...you're both..."
"We'll be gone." He smiled, his tears streaming down his face."And it tears me apart, leaving you again...It hurts so much. But I have to be strong. For you and your mother. I swore to Garie I would protect you. I let a lot of people down when I was a human. I let them die. But like hell I'm letting that happen to you. You won't be alone. You're a smart kid. You got a God inside of you, for crying aloud. And a ton of new friends that will accompany you in your journey."
Damian grabbed Elfnein's hand and connected it with Tobias."From now on, you're both family. The ones who weren't untainted by our past darkness. The pure ones. Watch over each other. Protect each other. And most importantly, love each other."
"Oh, Damian!" Elfnein sobbed as she and Tobias hugged him in tears.
"Papa!"
"Oh, jeez." Damian sniffed."You don't make it easy for me, do you?"
Genjuro offered him a sympathetic look, but Damian chuckled.
"Watch over them for me. They're...good kids. They deserve better than what we offered them."
"Of course." Genjuro pulled out the Abyss Deck from his pocket."You sure you don't want this?"
"Nah. Store it. Or give it to someone more worthy than me." Damian refused."I was never worthy of being a Kamen Rider. I was just a placeholder. Give that power to someone who embodies what it means to be a Kamen Rider."
"You got it."
"And you." Damian addressed the bespectacled brunette."I know you and Elfnein have...something brewing. I trust you'll take good care of her."
"W-what?! There is nothing-!" Raiden stopped himself, deciding to just go with it."Fine...I'll do it."
"Thor." Damian tapped Tobias on the head."I know you're listening. Please, watch over my boy. I'm trusting you'll do good by him."
"Of course, Lad." Thor said inside of Tobias, not wanting to take over his body at the moment."I'll protect him with my life."
"Well..." Damian gently pushed the two away from him."Time to go. Takeru, ready?"
"Right." Takeru nodded. Both males began walking away, and the others began boarding the submarine, except for Andreas and Raiden, who would stay stationed at the port.
"Tobias!"
Tobias turned around, watching as a small stream of water was shot toward him. He grabbed the objects floating inside, realizing that it was Garie's bow and Damian's fur scarf he wore around his neck."This is..."
"Our gifts to you." Damian waved at him."For the birthday that never came. We love you, Tobias. Please...survive. For our sake."
"Papa...Mama..." The young Autoscorer couldn't help it and started crying. Even though it was a foreign sensation, he wept, only consoled by Elfnein, who dragged him inside as they cried silently.
"You sure you want to do this?" Takeru asked the Autoscorer."I mean...I'm sure we can think of another way to stop the Overall...You don't have to leave your son behind."
"There is no other way. This...is the only way." He cracked a smile."Besides, I'm not leaving him behind. I'm leaving him with you guys."
"I see...Man, you're so cool." Takeru chuckled in disbelief."I can hardly believe it. Anyway, what's the plan?"
"We'll move around before entering the Mirror World. Once we're there, Zeke will be able to detect me." Damian furrowed his brow."And we'll move on to the next step of the plan. No matter what, Bragard's plan will end tomorrow."
Another chapter is done. I'm trying to write these fights fast so that we can get to the final battle soon. Though we still have a few battles ahead before that happens.