The Crossroads of Elysium were reconfigured and twisted into great gothic walls of rod-iron, steel, and reinforced blocks of miasmic substance that threatened to devour any foreign object that dared to touch. From the phantasmal surface of its construct emerged spawns of Tacet in varying shapes and sizes ready for the inevitable return of the would-be heroes destined to arrive from the depths of Cocytus. The digitized blocks of Outer Darkness were consistently birthing newly enhanced children of twisted darkness; leading them were two distinctive figures, reborn and stronger than before–Erebus and Nyx.
The would-be prince of darkness was reforged in a new light. His iconic armor having splintered away as his true visage was unveiled for the first time. His skin tone was a pale cream color that lacked the melanin due to the constant enshrouding of armor layer over his body for eons. His eyes were a burning shade of vermillion with dusk colored hair that seemed to transition between deep black and violet as the light hit it. His torso was largely exposed except with the bone-like plating of armor that patterned a skull across his abdomen with a giant red eye firmly ingrained below his pectoral region. Sharp spinal gauntlets covered his forearms with similar eyes ingrained on the backs of the handplates. Spiked pauldrons dug into his flesh as metallic limbs protruded out to the sides. A yellow sash was bound around his waist as a tattered purple robe fell towards the ground, his legs obscured by the flames of Outer Darkness.
His companion, the Goddess of Night, Nyx had also received her own overhaul in appearance as well. Unlike her husband who was partially dressed-down in his new look, she was dressed-up having ditched her scantily clad body for black armor that was perfectly cut to the contours of her body. The scale armor that was plated outer darkness was the perfect likeness of a dark paladin with patterns of silver lining between the plates. Her iconic red and black cape hung from her shoulders as she wielded a black steel great sword with a phantasmal aqua aura spinning around it; its hilt having a skull engraved in the curved crossguard, a black handle with a golden skull on the pommel. Her perfect, white hair flowed endlessly in the wind as her pale bluish white skin and silver blue eyes communicated a seething fury like no other.
"Being a general for these mindless beasts…how truly demeaning; as if the foolish offspring of Mercer would deign to charge headlong into an inevitable end," Erebus completed with a despondent sigh.
"Don't underestimate the Son of Mercer. We paid the price of underestimating his father and died for it. We have a second chance to redeem ourselves, though it irritates me that Lucian is nowhere to be found," Nyx chitted her teeth in mutual disgust.
"That child is a coward. He spoke of a good game, but lacks the spine to back up his words. All we can do now is just prepare for this battle. At least we have the numbers to reinforce the frontlines as needed. These numbers alone should tell them that they have no hope."
The occupational force commanded by the Primordial power couple more than tripled the united factions that stood against Sakinah's resurrection in what seemed so long ago. This force of numbers was greater than any army ever faced by any one individual at any given point in time throughout the narrative of the great heroes. The odds were truly stacked against the light of the world at large. Nevertheless, through the darkness of nights, that same light has a tendency to shine its brightest. In one audible explosion that reverberated throughout the corrupted Crossroads, the great vessel that carried hope and destiny–The Last Word–made its triumphant debut on the scene.
BEFORE THE ARRIVAL…
Location: Depths of Inferno
The whirlpool that awaited the Stormbringer radically changed in an instant. The aqua-colored haze that occupied itself shifted into a deep crimson glow that alluded to a dark shift; however, that glow then transformed into a golden radiance that sparked with wild arcs of electricity. Raizo emerged from the pit that beckoned him. In an instant, the domain around him began to shift in response.
"He's done it…" Altair spoke with amazement which drew the collective gaze of BB, Adena, Vesta, Reina–who had made her way here after imprisoning the members of the Abyss Order who had been taken hostage in her palace–Akame and Sivanah as well.
The pit that was like an endless abyss was absorbed into the body of the youth as he became clad in golden armor that was warranted for a newly crowned king. The complex grooves and intricate molding shifted to that of a cuirass that was in the shape of a skull with crimson eyes, horns protruding from the pauldrons and complex metalworks of overly sleek, yet gratuitously dark edges that signified regality, but something of an overlord instead. As Raizo walked their way, they collectively noted his appearance.
"Damn babe…you uh…you good?" Adena asked with a wry expression upon her face.
"That armor is really…something, Raizo-kun," Vesta observed.
"Well, I have seen worse over my years. At least it is more aesthetically pleasing than Tartarus' armor," Reina remarked.
"So…Golden Edgelord…how…unfortunate yet fitting for the new King of Hell," Sivanah chuckled.
"Senpai, ya look like an evil Gil-kun, not gonna lie," BB expressed.
"Armor doesn't mean much if you haven't built up the body enough to wear it," Akame shrugged.
Raizo waved his hand through the air which projected a mirror to which he could see himself.
"Yeah no, this is not a thing. Nope…fuck that…not today. Not doing this ostentatious, pretentious bullshit. Give me some real armor…Janus, do the thing," Raizo snapped his fingers.
In an instant, the necklace that was given back to him at one point by the Tengu Queen responded to its master's summons. His body was then engulfed in light as he was draped in a black bodysuit that had on a snug cuirass that was perfectly cut to his much more developed, muscular frame. His legs were covered in black trousers to match with shiny, black steel greaves that had small patterns of gold woven in intricate helix patterns among them. Even the sash and cut hem of his innershirt was much the same. He wore a high-collared, elaborate black coat that also had golden stitching along various points with a ruby embedded on the back of the left glove and a sapphire on the back of the right. The coat tails draped past his knees and seemingly dragged on the ground but defied gravity as if it danced in its own wind. Completing this outfit was the hood that was flipped over his face, allowing his deep crimson almost garnet eyes that shimmered with a slight glint of gold and blue sparks of energy to glow in the shadow of the hood. His patch of white hair bangs came across his face as his long hair seemingly flowed down in front of his chest. He flipped his hood back as that lengthy trail stretched, showcasing that it grew exponentially in length.
"Much better," he said.
"Try not to make a mess out of yourselves ladies, you all knew that my disciple was a lady killer before," Sivanah dismissed having read the room.
"How do you feel, Raizo?" Altair asked curiously.
"Honestly…I feel like a great weight has been lifted off my shoulders; like I've gifted true peace in knowledge alone. Beneath that, slight anxiety over what this new position comes with. I can feel all of Inferno at my beck and call…every single bit of it. In fact…right now…those doors are opening themselves up to me as we speak."
"Huh? What doors?" asked the great Benihime. In one sudden shift, Raizo managed to take them to the great plains where they initially began this journey as the sky was riddled with the countless doors he described before. As if in tune with his declaration before, all of the thresholds were opening themselves up at once as clouds of endless streams of energy wafted down to meet the newly crowned King.
"Oi Senpai…you uh…devouring souls or something?" BB asked with a head tilt. Reina and Sivanah made expressions of empathy having felt something strike between the two of them.
"I can feel the looms of fate turning throughout the narrative. This war is forcefully pulling all possible outcomes to one fated conclusion; and every sentient thing is crying out against it," Reina stated as the Primordial Goddess of Fate.
"Karma is in flux as well. The cycles of its flow are being altered and confused thanks to the Outer Darkness poisoning the countless realities," Sivanah observed.
"Well…no one said anything we do is ever easy," Akame sighed.
"Then basically what creation is feeling at large is…" Vesta drew a conclusion when Altair merely extended her hand outward to silence everyone's epiphanies while watching Raizo's position.
"I understand…just trust me…I will make everything right," Raizo nodded in silent affirmation. Then a subtle radiance came over him as he felt the weight of the world falling upon his shoulders.
"Behold, the voices crying out in the wilderness. The lost, the broken, the used, the victims, the damned and the defeated…all of whom cast down in Hell for sins of their own making or by circumstance. Hell throughout various realities spread across infinite timelines are speaking to me. They cry for help, for their chance at redemption, for those who seek atonement and wish to cleanse themselves anew. Every single one of them brought here to Infernum Paradisio; they all wish to have lives born anew…to be cleansed by the Vaitarani, but Perdition has corrupted everything and now all is off-balance.
Even the souls destined to rest in Sanctuary have been stricken from their home in Elysium and forced down here. I can feel everything…and as someone who once lived a life that was hellbound but found redemption, I know that I have the power now to make things right. So that all of these lost souls in endless time can have their chance to live again on their last journey home."
"Looks like someone is finally understanding his role. Alright Mr. Poetry, now that you've seized the mantle, what is the next step?" Sivanah smirked, having walked over towards her disciple and giving him a small slap on the back.
"First thing's first…we need to get the band back together. Then, we are heading to Elysium to put an end to this once and for all," Raizo said with a glint of determination flashing upon his features.
"Guess I shall make the travel arrangements to Elysium. Great One, would you mind helping me map out a course through the noise?" Reina suggested as she would try to use her senses to navigate a path to Cocytus with Sivanah aiding her to ensure a seamless transition.
"Don't worry about that, Reina. Everyone just needs to huddle together behind me, I'll get us there," Raizo noted with Altair smiling in the background knowing that the young wolf was truly set on his path forward.
"Well, you heard the man. Form together, ladies," the Outsider instructed.
A little playful shoving occurred between Vesta, Adena and BB as they silently argued over who was going to be closest to Raizo; however, Reina merely glared at them silently which caused the trio to straighten up. As if providing a neutral standpoint, the taller figure of Sivanah elected to stand behind Raizo's right side with Altair on the left. Reina, Adena, BB and Vesta filed in behind them with Akame bringing up the rear. Sensing that everyone was in position, Raizo gazed up towards the sea of doors that blanketed the sky above.
"Hang on tight, everyone."
Raizo's eyes flashed with sparks of golden light; he inhaled deeply for a moment and calmed his mind. Within that moment, he felt himself connected through the Tao; his inner self surfing through the great river that connected the realms. In an instant, he was able to hone in on a crimson thread. That crimson thread was the link that connected to the Lifeblood and by recognizing it, he could see the figure of the man that was its King. In one instantaneous shift of motion, Raizo–with the group of women in tow-took a giant leap that crossed through Infernum Paradisio all the way to Cocytus. In that tiniest fragment of a moment where time stood still, they arrived outside of the main palace of the Ryu-jin Kingdom; just as the Last Word had effectively landed.
~Moments Earlier…
With the Abyss Order effectively repelled, the time for rest was all but upon the nations of Cocytus. This was but a small reprieve for the forces of the rebellion to regroup, assess the extent of the damage to the realm, restock supplies, tend to the wounded and get ready for a counterattack.
Akaro recovered from his battle relatively quickly. As much as he would have liked to enjoy his new kingly duties for the sake of his people, he knew that he was the only one currently qualified to direct traffic and regulate intel coming in.
"Akaro-san, this is Alexis. Do you read me?" a telepathic message was sent to the God King from the Primordial Blacksmith.
"Loud and clear. What's going on out there?" he responded.
"It seems like we've weathered the storm for now, but not without significant loss. The West managed to skate by and held their own thanks to Adena and Vesta. Yaten-douji is regrouping his troops and re-establishing the Oni Fortifications as fast as he can. Garuda is sending medical supplies from the south as her region was effectively untouched. Tragically, the North is completely lost. Zion and the Kappa were annihilated in a genocidal assault."
"I see…so that is what made Shugo-chan tense. She and a few others felt it. Even I felt something was off."
"Indeed. Cthulhu-san is slowly regenerating in the Great Abyss as well; the mass incursion overwhelmed him to a point where he found himself degrading existentially."
"Heh…Old Squidward made it, eh? Well that's good."
"How are things in your household?"
"As well as they can be. The Ryu-jin are tough, that goes without saying. Vili and her horde tried their shit, but they got slapped down. The people are coming out of their shelters and surveying the extent of the damages, tending to our wounded as needed as well. The Gear users I got with me are helping out too. And you know Akame, forever directing traffic as she goes."
"By the sounds of it then, outside of Garuda's domain, it seems the East suffered the least damage."
"Yeah…you uh…got any updates regarding Raizo and company?"
"Unfortunately no. We picked up Musashi and Arcueid and are about to come into your airspace now. We have food and other supplies that can be dispensed among the Ryu-jin. It seems that we will need to start planning our next move without them, Akaro. Besides...something is wrong at home. I…"
"Yeah Alexis…I felt it too. Something dark has consumed Elysium. I can't feel my connection to it anymore. I see you guys coming over the horizon. We'll talk more about it as soon as everyone is on the ground."
Within the next few minutes, the Last Word lingered over the central palace that the God-King called home, setting itself up as the perfect security measure against any outside forces. As Akaro, Akame and Ashura Gozen waited outside, a small beam of light was cast onto the ground as members aboard the vessel emerged.
Everyone amongst the S.O.N.G. personnel were reunited after a tough battle as Alexis, Semiramis, Musashi, Arcueid, Ryuko, and Satsuki joined as well. As the group gathered together, a magical portal opened up before the group which heralded the arrival of the sorceress, Garuda.
"Rudy-chan, wasn't expectin' ya to make it all the way up here. Everything fine down south?" Shugo called out whilst holding onto her daughter with Akaro, Akira.
"Indeed, but I sensed something else coming and thought it prudent to arrive here…yes," the Sorceress expressed with a worried tone.
"Hm…I mean…I don't think anything is…" Akaro was about to say when his eyes narrowed as he felt something approaching.
"Everyone…be on guard," he forewarned.
The ground shook, the sky grew darker than before; thunderous booms rattled everyone's ears and flashes of golden light streaked through the air. Then an immense pressure washed over the scene, changing the landscape of the air that everyone breathed. Instead of fear, dread, and danger, a comforting peace alleviated the anxieties of those gathered here. A strong sense of serenity, assurance, and hope swelled the hearts of everyone in the area; but it did not stop there.
This feeling that could have easily been mistaken as malevolence turned into a sweeping wave of joy and determination that spread through the Ryu-jin Kingdom; but that same sensation was carried by the harsh winds of the arctic tundras that consumed Cocytus and spread like wildfire throughout the realm. Across the seas of Charybdis, the mountains, valleys, plains, plateaus and every region spread far and wide, this overwhelming radiance permeated the air. It reached the hearts and minds of all the inhabitants of Cocytus spread far and wide like salvation.
An eruption of golden lightning emerged from the ground and pierced through the skies as a presence unlike any felt before was revealed to Akaro and the heroes in his midst. Out from that golden light was a party of seven individuals; some faces were familiar, others were new. As they came onto the scene and were recognized by those in the area, smiles crossed many different faces.
"Well, well, well, look what the storm brought in," Akaro smirked having seen their faces.
"Yo Big Bro," Adena waved with a smile.
"Been awhile, hasn't it, Akaro-san, and everyone?" Vesta expressed.
"The look of a king suits you, brother," Reina remarked.
"Your Majesty!" Shugo smiled, recognized her old friend.
The parties met together simultaneously. Introductions were made between those foreign to the soiree, namely Altair, Shelby–whom had to reintroduce herself to some–and last but not least, the great Kiichi Hogen. Akame ignored just about everyone as soon as she laid her eyes on Akaro. She blatantly and unabashedly ran over to him and kissed him with so much intensity that it made most of the girls blush in response.
"Well…my younger self tends to be the most eager variant after all," Akame the elder chuckled in response to that action.
"Hard to believe you would actually show yourself to us here in Cocytus," Ashura Gozen remarked towards the Great Tengu.
"Circumstances have changed which has caused me to reveal myself once more. Motherhood suits you, little Shu-chan," Sivanah expressed.
"Lady Hogen, it is an honor to see you once more," Garuda bowed in respect.
"I see you have grown as well, Garuda. And I sense you have someone you've set your heart upon too. I wonder how Rei-chan feels about that one," Sivanah teased a little.
"Oh please, I was there when it happened," Reina dismissed.
"Good grief, everyone is looking so happy around here. Am I getting left out of the reunions as well?" spoke the voice of the man that caused the great disturbance as he flipped back his hood to reveal his face, his full train of hair dancing behind him in the wind.
"Yo everyone, feels like it's been a bit, hasn't it?" Raizo remarked with a grin unlike any before.
"Raizo!" a great calamitous echo of his name ensued which caused the Crusader to be rushed by an influx of people. They surrounded him almost instantly which likely would have overwhelmed him in a different series of circumstances, but here, humoring it was the least he could do.
"Hibiki, Tsubasa, Shirabe, Elfnein…I sense life emanating from you. Each of you will be great mothers," Raizo observed, having greeted half of his former students.
"Nothing escapes your senses as usual," Hibiki blushed deeply.
"A keen eye, yes the Kazanari blood will thrive under Akaro's lineage. But…Raizo-san, you seem to have quite an air of calm around you," Tsubasa passively remarked, having noticed a change within the man.
"Jii…Sensei seems more mature now," Shirabe inserted.
"And your phonic gain is off the charts," Elfnein, ever the scientist, said as a device around her wrist started going haywire.
"Oi Baka, where the hell have you been?" Chris expressed with hands on her hips in a defiant fashion.
"Hell…literally…it's a long story," Raizo abruptly answered as he reached out and patted her head.
"Good to see you, Yukine-chan," he said, the warmth of his tone caused Chris to blush and shut down almost instantly.
"Raizo desu!" Kirika leapt for joy as she wrapped around him for a hug, barely coming up to his hip down.
"Hey Kirika-chan, it's been a while. I see you've been keeping up with your training. How was the battle?"
"Heh, Kirika kicked so much ass, desu!"
"Damn right, just like I taught ya," he said as he gently ruffled her hair causing her to laugh and blush simultaneously.
"Ahem…"
"Hey Maria…how are y–"
"I don't need pleasantries," the eldest of the gear users said as she stole a march on all of the women and elected to take Raizo's lips for her own moment. This caused a surge of jealousy to spike from many of the maidens gathering around. As she pulled away, a small smile was on her face as she used that kiss as a means to say all that she needed to say in that moment.
"Raizo-kun, you look robust and in good health," Genjuro approached, reaching out to shake the wolf's hand. As he did so, Raizo's grip was a lot firmer than he expected which made the Commander of SONG raise an eyebrow.
"And stronger I see…that is quite a vice grip. If it wasn't for a few gym sessions with Akaro-kun, my arm might fall off at the moment."
"Heh, what are you talking about, Genjuro-san? I'm barely even grabbing your hand right now," Raizo grinned with a glint of mischief.
"Hmph, I see the confidence is starting to show through. However, regardless of how tall you've grown, I will still seize what I want as God intended," another voice echoed from the side. Just as Raizo went to turn around, Satsuki came out of nowhere and stole a lengthy kiss of her own. She went further by running her fingers through his hair as if using it as a means to maintain her grip.
"I don't care who is present, I've missed you as well. That look in your eyes…it suits you. I'm eager to see how well your absence will translate to your skill on the battlefield," the confident heiress remarked.
"Ever the disciplinarian, Satsuki-san…at least I can count on that dominant air for added reinforcement," Raizo chuckled before he saw Ryuko standing there.
"There's the little sis. Hey champ, I see you've calmed down a little. How's the little one coming along?"
"Thriving and developing. Good grief, I know it wasn't that long since we last saw ya; however, why do you feel so different now?" Ryuko inquired.
"It's a long story…probably one that would be best told on a road trip or a feast. Not right now though."
"Raizo…"
"Really now?"
"Oh boy…" Raizo stammered for a second as he found himself drawing the ire of two other females: Semiramis and Arcueid.
"Now, now you two…calm it down and remember, there are children present…somewhere."
That did not stop the Poison Queen or the White Princess of the Moon as they both elected to race one another to get ahold of him. Raizo took a deep breath embracing his would-be fate as he was pounced on by the women who latched onto him, each one attempting to take his lips simultaneously but had to settle for his cheeks in unison.
"Good grief…" Raizo sighed.
"As your legal wife, we need to discuss the hierarchy going on around here. What's up with all these women, my beloved?" Arcueid asked.
"Hmph, I knew that I would have to share the wealth, but my word…now you bring even more faces around?" Semiramis puffed her cheeks out in a small pout.
"Ara, ara…look at this kid over here; even more handsome than the last time I saw him," teased the familiar voice of a certain Samurai Maiden.
"Musashi, nice to see you're in good health," Raizo smiled as he managed to slip away from Semiramis and Arcueid.
"Looks like Reina's idea worked. I can see the enlightenment in your eyes. I trust the Tengu weren't too harsh on you?"
"Heh…well…I can't exactly answer that question with the chieftain standing not too far away," Raizo smiled wryly.
"Oho," Musashi scoffed whilst slapping him on his shoulder, "Well for what it's worth, I can definitely see the growth in yer eyes kiddo. You have that glow of understanding; an enlightenment that very few can achieve to call themselves a true warrior. Whatever you found, don't lose sight of it. Keep a hold of it with you, always."
The Crusader was taken aback by the wisdom that Musashi shared with him. It was rare for her to demonstrate a serious attitude towards something. The fact that she was breaking her usual demeanor of antics to pass this wisdom to him was unexpected, but not unwanted. He nodded back in acknowledgment, burying those words in the deep recesses of his mind.
In the background during the time Raizo was getting reacquainted with everyone, Akaro was standing by with Akame at his side as he was formally introduced to Altair and Kiichi Hogen by Reina.
"So…a lady who has been watching over us like some great narrator reading a book and a tall, muscular cheek with a slight attitude and a lot of sass? Seriously, Raizo definitely does not hide his types…like at all. That boy," the Envoy shook his head which caused Reina to elbow her little brother in the side.
"Akaro…"
"Seriously, regardless of his responsibilities…his humor is forever in the poorest of timing," spoke Akame, the elder variant with an elongated sigh.
"Ouch…jeez…sorry…just had to have a moment. Anyway, nice to meet you both. Seriously though…the Tengu lady is tall, kinda random looking up to someone from time to time," he joked.
"The Great Hero and True God-King of the Ryu-jin…just as humorous as I expected. Nevertheless, I can see why the pup over there places such high adoration within you. Your Karma bears exceedingly high favor and fortune. Your bloodline will reap its rewards," Sivanah nodded approvingly.
"Right…and you're also Sakinah's sister? Never would have guessed that."
"Don't read too much into it, I damn sure don't. Not like I ever knew the crazy bitch in depth, but let's just say I had a spiritual encounter with her recently," she shrugged before turning to Ashura Gozen.
"Motherhood suits you, little salamander."
"Lady Kurama…how the eons have passed, but your sunny disposition sure has not dulled at all," the Queen of the Ryu-jin chuckled.
"Yes, well, not everyone changes despite time passing in a great deal. Consistency is a virtue."
"I thought it was patience that was a virtue."
"Oh it is, but consistency is MY virtue."
"How truly magnificent that comrades can reunite and come together to forge such spirited bonds through simple dialogue. Though as much as I believe in the fruition of such ties being strengthened, is it not rude of us to withhold one brother from reuniting with the other? After all, despite this one's great deal of patience and maturity, his aura exudes anticipation in seeing Raizo's growth with his own eyes, do you not?" Altair spoke with a slight smile, having sensed Akaro's restless spirit.
"Well…he is my reckless little bro after all. Besides, I can see from here the changes he's undergone. Has he…?"
"Under my tutelage, he's begun to understand…and per my advice, as well as the guidance of the Military Princess over there, he's attained an authority that may have given him a few unique changes. Nevertheless at his core, he is still the Raizo that you hold dear in your heart as a brother," Sivanah assured the man.
"Go to him, Akaro-san. He's grown," Reina reinforced.
"Indeed, the boy we knew has finally grown into the man we've always hoped him to be," Akame spoke wisely.
"Yeah babe, I can smell his aura from here. That kid's done some serious maturin'. Honestly…as the God-King, you can feel it on a deeper level, right?" Shugo inquired.
"I do…even the Lifeblood is rejoicing, like a prodigal son coming home to his family."
Akaro excused himself from the group before making his way towards the Crusader. As he saw Raizo's face in the distance with a smile upon his features, the God-King couldn't help but relinquish a smile of his own in response.
"Look at how far you've come, kid…."
From an assassin with no hope fixated on vengeance over his fallen clan, he recalled that day they first met on what has felt like decades ago. To see him develop along the way from being a renegade, to a rebel, to a revolutionary and now becoming his own definition of a hero, Akaro could not help but to feel so much pride over the youth's development. He wasn't a confused child burdened by his past, or a lost soul hesitant of the present; no, Akaro could see that Raizo was finally ready to be the light needed to trailblaze the future. That look on the Stormbringer's face said it all.
"You've finally found your answer."
Akaro felt the mark of the Crimson Dragon beginning to burn as if resonating with the presence of something familiar; the source of that was emanating from Raizo. It continued to grow within him as the Red-Eyed Hero drew ever closer to his brother.
In the meantime, Raizo sensed something drawing within him as well. The mark of the Obsidian Wolf seemed to emanate a strong pulling sensation on his mind as he turned his gaze to see Akaro approaching him. As much as he enjoyed the little bit of catching up he was doing with the girls, he knew that he needed to have a moment with the man he owed more to than he ever said aloud. As a result, Raizo excused himself from the girls thus allowing him to go ahead and meet him face to face.
A few lengthy steps later, the brothers came face to face.
"Yo, lil' bro…well, guess you're not that little anymore. Heh, look at you. Almost as tall as me now, and you've bulked a bit. The hell kinda training did ya do?" Akaro observed with a raised eyebrow.
"Ah well…nothing too complex. Technically killed myself for it…then took a field trip down into the depths of True Hell; it's a long story. I'll have to catch you up on the details when we can actually spare decent time. But…I did it…I did what I needed to do," Raizo chuckled whilst rustling his fingers through his hair for a moment. This led Akaro to flashing his mystic eyes for a moment to scan the young man.
"You really are different. There's a foreign property about you as well…not human or divine, but…something else."
"Ah yeah…kinda became a Tengu now."
"Well that just made the ethnicity box even more complicated on your driver's ed paperwork."
"Wait what? Dude…that shit took me an hour the first time to fill out when you and Akame were showing me in Fuyuki."
"Heh, it's okay. Imagine the crap I have to write out. You know my complicated complications."
"Fair enough."
The brothers share a mutual chuckle for a moment before Akaro focuses on Raizo's eyes for a second.
"You became an Envoy…"
"I did. I know…I'm a little late to the party, but, here I am."
"I'm proud of you, brother. We all are."
Akaro extended his left arm outward at a right angle turn as if he was trying to meet Raizo in the middle for a handshake; but not just your average business greeting between two professionals–one meant for two true brothers. Raizo swooped in from above with his left hand as the two went for a powerful handshake that locked each other's hands with the two brothers smiling with mutual determination and pride in one another. As they did, their auras born from the Crimson Dragon and the Obsidian Wolf resonated.
Hinted at one point about the unique relationship shared by Dragon and the Wolf, this one action, albeit harmless, created a chain reaction from the two Envoys coming together. Their energies clashed in that moment in such a way that a bubble shockwave traversed over the land of the Ryu-jin and extended in every conceivable direction within the domain of Cocytus. In short order, the entire realm was being healed by the damage dealt to the landscape by the Abyss Order; though the lives lost could not be restored, the land was healed over as well as any residual structural damage to any given settlement that could have easily taken quite a few months to rebuild. The wounded warriors in the battle in the theater of Cocytus found their injuries healed over post-haste. This effect left the brothers speechless.
"Ah…the story of the Dragon and the Wolf has begun to manifest itself once more through the reunion of two brothers, yes," Garuda observed with a small smile on her face.
"Do you feel anything as a fellow Envoy yourself, Little Ajari?" Sivanah asked towards Reina.
"The mark of the Royal Butterfly is definitely reacting to this meeting; however, nothing that I would suspect to match that which just transpired," Reina responded in kind.
"Damn…those boys really know how to steal a show," Adena expressed whilst feeling her chest for a second which drew Reina's eye for a moment.
"Adena…did you…"
"Everyone, remember, we are in a time crunch," Altair advised, having known that there was business to attend to.
Catching the ears of the two boys, they nodded towards one another as everyone began to fall in-line.
"Everyone who is able-bodied and ready to go, let's get on the Last Word. Next stop…Elysium," Raizo expressed knowing that the next step in his destiny was calling him.
PRESENT TIME…
Interrupting Erebus' previous train of thought regarding how the heroes would make their entrance, the Last Word triumphantly and boldly crashed into the corrupted heavenly realm hosting the strongest assembly of heroes the future could ask for. Akaro and Raizo stood together on the bow of the ship overlooking the coming battlefield with the Envoy of the Crimson Dragon standing at the head of this formation with the Envoy of the Obsidian Wolf to his right. The younger variant of Akame stood to Akaro's left with her older version standing beside her. Whereas Reina and Adena stood near Raizo's position. As this great reunion of Team AKARA came to fruition, the 'K' of the group this time was represented by Kiichi Hogen.
"So…if we are playing along with your naming convention, does this team not become team AAKARRA?" the Tengu observed.
"We just count ourselves as one in this formation," the Akames responded together in unison without batting an eye.
"I am moreso an honorary affiliate much like Vesta…and now Altair by proxy," added the Sovereign of Cocytus.
"Oi…wait…who the heck made the decision for Altair and Kiichi-chan to join in the group?" Akaro paused for a second.
"To be fair…we'd have to also consider Hikari and Inari if we run it way back; however, this is purely speculation if we go all-out here with the technical details," Raizo shrugged.
"All right…my head hurts already. Let's just table this matter for right now, shit's about to go down," Akaro shook his head as the group collectively focused on the hordes awaiting them. By Erebus' command in the distance, the first wave of the horde was issued the order to charge.
"Overwhelmed by insurmountable numbers, boy oh boy," Akaro shook his head.
"Business as usual for us," Adena cracked a confident grin as she rolled her head to crack her neck.
"It amazes me how repetitive the enemy tactics seem to get," Reina relinquished a soft sigh of disappointment.
"Hang on a second…why don't we try something a little different for once?" Raizo inquired as he seemed to step up to take center stage.
"Got something in mind lil bro?" Akaro pondered with a raised brow.
"Oho, are you going to try out some new tricks courtesy of your new authority?" Sivanah gasped with a hint of excitement in her voice.
"I mean…I went through all that to get the title, might as well make use of the perks that comes with it," Raizo responded.
Taking in a deep breath, the Crusader quieted his mind as he dove deep into the corners of his consciousness. He reached within and pulled at a source of light that mimicked the radiance from the depths of the Infernum Paradisio, the Eminence in Shadow that was the authority of the Ruler of Hell. As he seized it, a waft of dark crimson energy bubbled out of his body like a cloud of radioactive smoke; his hands becoming dyed in this neon shade of red within that moment. He spread his arms out to the side before reaching forward as black clouds shrouded by the dark crimson strikes radiated forth. This energy seeped into the Crossroads which slowed the advancing horde by proxy.
Five silhouettes appeared in that moment; hollowed echoes of familiar faces that Raizo battled against what felt like so long ago when he was thrust into the greater multiverse in search of the Arcana Crystal. The projections took the shape of none other than the Demon Gods he conquered in the past: Baal, Asmodeus, Lucifer, Tiamat and Goetia were given life again; devoid of their original personalities, but reflective of their strongest incarnations when they possessed life.
In response to the silent command of their master, the Demon Gods met against the first wave of attackers. Baal and Asmodeus blazed their way through the hordes using brutish attacks involving their fists; Lucifer cut through scores of Tacet utilizing singular strokes from his hellish blade. Tiamat unleashed miasmic recreations of the Distortion as well as beasts of the end that she birthed throughout the annals of Human History to consume the monstrosities of the Outer Darkness. Then, the great Demon King unleashed his authority to finish off the first wave by recreating the bands of light that decimated Human History by scorching the countless ranks of abominations before his very eyes.
Comparable to his family lineage of projection, Raizo was essentially gifted with a form of necromancy as the new King of Hell. Therefore, this allowed him the courtesy of recreating the ideas of demons into the real world via shadows. Of course, this had its limitations. Just as the fodder was effectively being dealt with, the shadows of his fallen foes undid themselves and dissipated almost as quickly as they emerged, having exhausted their energy. Of course, being able to deal as much damage as they did for the first time was enough to at least give Raizo a small sense of relief; however, he knew that he would need to be capable of doing more.
"Interesting," Akaro analyzed in that moment as his eyes flashed gold in response to his Eyes of Truth ability.
"I think I get the basics of what you just did. It's not too different from my Infinite Teigu Codes. You're still getting used to complete visualization, hence why the phantoms dissipated after performing their actions. Try to project only their abilities as opposed to their entire existence. This way, you can compensate for the hollow gaps in the fullness of their abilities with your own. Who knows? You may be able to expand upon it with your own understanding," the Envoy of the Crimson Dragon surmised.
"Hmm…" Raizo pondered over his brother's words, digesting them into the recesses of his mind as he felt his imagination take a dive into his recent experience. He recalled the image of the infamous ancient devil down in the depths of Inferno and the authority that he commanded. Then with a deep breath, he reciprocated something from the clouds of his aura.
A loud buzzing tinged by the high-gain frequency that emulated a series of chirps permeated the air. In that instant, countless flies imbued with crimson lightning populated the space between the Last Word and the rush of Tacet trying to gain ground in their charge. The flies were born from the image of Beelzebub's authority, but Raizo blessed the beasts with the crimson thunder property thus transforming them into digitized clouds of antimatter. As a result, the pestilence spread like wildfire and consumed the spawns of Tacet thus absorbing them in the underworld authority as the first wave was effectively erased in its entirety.
"Good grief…is this really the same Raizo-san?" Tsubasa observed from a few feet away as she and the other gear users alongside Elfnein, Ryuko and Satsuki gathered together.
"This damn guy just goes off on his own and comes back as a mysterious powerhouse all over again. The hell?" Chris commented with a slight pout.
"It's like that training arc that happens to the protagonist in every anime I've watched, desu!" Kirika compared.
"Er…Kirika-chan, that's a little bit of a stretch you know?" Miku smiled wryly.
"To be fair, it's not that far off for a comparison. I've seen some insane shit, done some myself. That ain't normal," Ryuko emphasized.
"Regardless, we need to get ready to do our parts as well," Maria encouraged.
"Yeah girls, let's be sure to do our part to protect everything and everyone we love," Hibiki said with a fighting spirit.
"Indeed, we shall not fall behind in this war," Satsuki urged with a small smile. It was then that the young alchemist stepped forward taking a more proactive role in leadership.
"Alright everyone, we have been planning this since the battle against Cain that left us on the defensive. This time, we will show them the fruits of our labor!" Elfnein proudly declared as she then touched her stomach.
"Isn't that right, Carol?" the true alchemist thought with a slight scheming air about her.
A golden glow overtook Elfnein's position. In a brilliant twist of radiance, her vessel was now cast in an alchemical battlesuit akin to the inner suit of the gear users. It was a simple cut of a sleeveless top that exposed her midriff. Patterned black at the collar and just above the navel, the bra-like area was dyed in an olive green with gold bands patterned around it. This was matched by long sleeved gloves of black, olive and gold with golden arrowhead armor that was attached to her wrists on her left and right hand. Her pelvic attire was white with golden trim that transitioned into the same tri-color patterned, thigh-high boots that held white and gold shoes at the base. Her headband held golden and green attachments that protruded like jeweled-spikes from the side of her hair. The elaborate armor manifested a massive golem that seemed to be an extension of her attire that she was able to puppeteer effortlessly.
"This power of mine is more than enough, but more must be done for a decisive victory over these monsters," Elfnein decided.
A golden gate appears over her stomach as cracks of lime green formed in the air. The very fabric of reality seemed to break apart in that moment as another alchemist appeared. The group of Symphogears collectively gasped when they recognized the familiar visage of someone emerging on the scene.
A striking identical resemblance to Elfnein was the first, most flagrant characteristic that could be seen. She was adorned with a round, summer-style hat that was patterned black and gold with four large, amethyst crystals protruding from the top with a smaller crystal adorned at the central column. Around her neck was a gold choker that also had a few amethyst crystals embedded within them, a red ribbon tied neatly into a bow behind her neck.
Her dress was in a butterfly printed lace with an elaborate black and gold dress tied overtop of it; the combat skirt having featherlike gold spikes dancing along the fringe. The golden medallion in the middle that bound the dress just under her bust held four jewels of red, blue, green and yellow colors; her matching gloves were layered with more amethyst crystals. As her black stilettos completed her outfit, they too radiated golden trim whilst another set of amethyst jewels were tied around the lower portion of her calves just above the heels. This female was none other than the alterego of Elfnein and once an adversary of the gear users that later became an ally: Carol Malus Dienheim.
A silence was cast from the gear users and even some of the others of Team AKARA in the background. Sensing the confusion, Elfnein knew that she had some explaining to do.
"In alchemy, birth is not merely the arrival of a new life. No, it is something far more profound–a process of transformation, of emergence from the shadow of ignorance into the light of understanding. Alchemical birth is the final step in a grand journey.
We begin with the nigredo, the blackening, where all is broken down; where matter–and the soul itself–faces death and dissolution. However, from that, we enter the albedo. This is the whitening, where purification begins and the base elements are cleansed of their impurities. Still, the process continues for we must then reach the rubedo, the reddening, or the moment of perfect unity. It is here that the true birth occurs.
What is born? Is it the philosopher's stone? Indeed, yes, in the material sense. In truth, what is born is enlightenment, the spirit perfected–free from the base desires and corruptions of the mortal realm. Just as gold is the purest of metals, so too must the soul be purified. The birth in alchemy is the soul's emergence from the darkened chrysalis into the radiant, eternal form. It is the opus magnum manifested.
While we waited in Cocytus for this moment, for this battle, I used my own memories of Carol and everything that could be restored. I melded all of this with the seed of Ryu-jin life that Akaro-sama bestowed on my womb to create the alchemical birth of Carol Malus Dieheim Tenbatsu–child of the reigning God-King. From there it was merely a matter of quickly raising her to being two years old when Ryu-jin matured by placing her in suspended animation inside a chamber that distorts the passage of time and bends through reality. This is similar to the pods we used to rayshift Akaro-sama and Raizo-san while the Last Word was under repairs."
"Hold on…Carol is my what now?" Akaro asked whilst caught off-guard by the proclamation of the arrival of his new daughter.
"Carol-chan! It's really Carol-chan!" Hibiki squealed in excitement.
"Pregnancy is really scary, desu!!" Kirika gasped from the result of that explanation.
"It's a miracle!" Tsubasa commented in awe.
"A miracle, you say? Not at all. I am the murderer of miracles!" Carol finally opened her mouth as she stepped ahead of everyone igniting the war against the next wave of Tacet that threatened to approach the ship.
Using the power of her Golden Transmutation in combination with what appeared to be the Akaro special that was Crimson Thunder, she transformed the approaching monsters into golden statues. The luster of their sculpture only lasted for a small instance of time before they were atomized and broken down by bolts of crimson electricity. Seeing the fruits of her power, she cast a gaze at her hands and smiled–at long last, she was a new, perfect being born through the enlightenment of alchemy with the added bonus of Ryu-jin genetics.
"Behold, I have become the ultimate lifeform!" she chuckled, but that feeling was then interrupted by the abrupt nature of Akaro patting her on her hat and Elfnein coming up alongside her and hugging her.
"I'm so happy to have you back, Carol-chan," Elfnein mused.
"Hmph…though I normally would be against such sentiments, I am also relieved to be back with you…Mother," the infamous alchemist responded in kind. Then she turned her head up towards her father.
"So…should I call you Papa…or….Daddy~" a slight hint of teasing was relented as her cheeks reddened in kind. The Ryu-jin nature was indeed part of the packaged rebirth as the genetics called for something else as well. However, Carol was disciplined enough to channel her thoughts on the task at hand. She gripped the medallion on her chest and ran her fingers across it; this caused it to bloom into a circular form thus showcasing its existence as a True Symphogear.
"Go forth, Carol-chan…show them the power of Lapis Philosophorum–the Symphogear born from a Philosopher's Stone that Lady Alexis gave us!" Elfnein expressed.
Reminiscent of her old Faust robe, a multicolored array of lights washed over Carol's body. In a brilliant flash, her outfit transitioned into a new set of gear indicative of this relic's power. Her outfit now consisted of robes patterned in red, white, gold and blue. Her conical witch-like hat was white with frills of blue around the trim of the hat; these frills were lined in gold with red fabric underneath. Her battlesuit was patterned in white and blue with traces of gold accents gripping her ribs, her midriff completely exposed. This torso attire was actually a leotard on the grand scale of design as a miniskirt of white and gold wrapped around her waist with long white tassels hanging off from behind her which held large golden endcaps of armor adorned by giant ruby stones. From her midthigh to her boots were covered in white with blue trim at the midthigh bedazzled by rubies while her boots were navy blue steel with gold. Dancing behind her were four stones of red, green, blue and yellow: fire, wind, water and earth that awaited the influence of her command.
As the newborn Carol was ready to take the reins of combat, one of the massive Tacet that was comparable to the Eldritch Horrors made its way to face the Last Word, threatening to consume the vessel and all of her inhabitants; however, Carol was not going to let that happen on her watch.
"Begone to the darkness from whence you came!"
Carol thrust her arms forward as the four stones glowed brilliantly in their respective colors. Giant hexagonal projections of runes and reflective mirrors appear as beams of light imbued with the might of each element were unleashed simultaneously. The horrific threat was consumed by light as its abyssal body was forcefully devoured by the might of gold. The creature and countless Tacet were atomized and destroyed by a myriad of colorful displays of elemental prowess. Whatever beasts managed to slip through the cracks were soon captured in the web of crimson lightning and disintegrated on sight.
As the girls watched in awe, Carol was only in a base state with her gear. Yet in this simple form, she managed to channel power far greater than all of the gear users in their Burning X-Drive states. Yet even with so much power, like moths to flame, more Tacet emerged.
"We fight together!" Elfnein boldly expressed as the girl's mighty Golem rushed forward discharging countless projectiles of crystal at the lesser beasts. Some beasts more adept at combat and close quarters elected to take flanking maneuvers trying to attack the mother-daughter combo on either side.
"Kamui Senketsu!"
"Kamui Junketsu!"
The voices of Ryuko and Satsuki followed suit as they cut in on their enemy's plans by hacking the monsters to ribbons before leaping into the heat of battle. Around the same time, Akaro convened with the rest of the roster of this stacked team to determine who would have what role in this battle.
"So…looks like the girls are about to take care of the mobs; however, the numbers are a little crazy at the moment," Akaro observed.
"It's to be expected. Perdition is trying to wear our forces down as much as possible hence why this overwhelming force. This is nothing more than a distraction to keep us at bay and exhaust our resources. We could play along to an extent, but we should take out the command structure quickly so we can break through the gates," Sivanah advised whilst folding her arms under her bosom.
"This is true. It is nothing more than an attempted war of attrition to keep us deadlocked. Once we break through the Crossroads, we will likely be against either more mobs, or much more advanced creatures that may rival some of us in one-on-one scenarios," Reina concurred whilst adding her own hypothesis over the situation.
"So like…I guess we just need to find a way to rush past 'em right? Oi Senpai, your thing is speed…do the thing," BB urged with a subtle poke at Raizo's side.
"No, Raizo-kun should not have to expend his energy unnecessarily. I'm a speedster as well, so if we want to do a blitzkrieg, then allow me to take point," Vesta proposed.
"I recommend we just keep the hordes at bay for now and take down Nyx and Erebus. Once they are dispatched, then we can punch a hole straight through the gates to get to our destination," Altair advised.
"Very good points made, but I do agree with Miss Altair the most," Akame the Elder expressed, "We can't waste time on grunts. Killing Erebus and Nyx should be a top priority."
"Yeah, that's the safest bet. The girls are handling things from what I can tell and we have more than enough back-up for them otherwise. Alright then…how about this? Adena, you got a date with Nyx and Raizo, you go deal with Erebus. It's a good chance for you both to see how well your Primordial gifts stack against the Primordials of yore imbued by Abyssal authorities," Akaro decided.
"Heh…alright, sounds good to me. My fists could use a good workout," Adena smiled with determination.
"The Prince of the Old Guard eh? Well…why not? I'm sure I can make it a little entertaining," Raizo shrugged.
"Oi, you…with the sexy edge and shit," Adena remarked as she lightly nudged Raizo's shoulder.
"Hm? What's up?" Raizo raised an eyebrow.
"When all this shit calms down, we uh…need to have a discussion about all these women pullin' up."
"Whoa…hey now, there's a perfectly reasonable explanation. Just…developments and…"
"Oh no, I'm not complaining or anything. I just have spicy ideas, that's all. We'll talk about it…thoroughly."
"Good grief, Addy…" Raizo pulled his hood back over his face with a small blush on his face before turning towards her fully.
"You always know how to bring light into my world; it's never a dull moment when you're around," he expressed with a smile that made the woman's heart seemingly pause for a moment.
"Damn…since when did you learn how to lay on the charm so thick? You asshole…come on, before you get me hotter than I need to be," she lightly punched him again in the arm before leaning over and giving him a prompt kiss on the cheek."
"All right lovebirds, get ready to do the thing," Akaro teased them both before nudging them. As the plan was decided, another tier of creatures were commanded forward at the behest of the Dark Primordials.
From the dark throes of clouds ahead came giant serpentine beasts that snaked through the space between the forces of the Last Word and the Gates of Elysium. Each one were World Serpent class beasts, dragons born of abyssal darkness that circled the Crossroads thus stalking their prey. In that moment, the other gear users were leaping into fray as a singular transmission from Genjuro came across the loud speaker of the deck.
"All restrictions have been lifted!"
"Amadeus Nehushtan y Ichaival tron…"
Chris was the first to transform as a mixture of red and lavender light emanated from her person. She transformed into her battle armor which was a mixture of the Ichaival relic and her old relic of Nehushtan. Her battlesuit of a red and white top with sharp angled black edges was matched by pelvic attire of white and black with an area of pink and blue right around the groin region. A belt of white armor adorned by rosemary and cerulean jewels floated around her waist. Her forearms were covered in metallic silver armor with blue fingered gloves. Her shins were guarded by pinkish red, white and silver greaves. Giant cannons of a complex harness fixed like the guns of a battleship floated around her in red, pink, white and blue shading. Her headdress was a complex mixture of matching covers as the light blue visor obscured her eyes.
Beams of purple energy were discharged from her gauntlets that stretched out to grab two of the serpents by their necks as her guns were autonomously controlled by the visor of her headdress. She flashed a confident grin unique to her bold personality as the cannons relinquished strong beams of light that eviscerated the captured beasts thus blasting them into echoes of their former selves that dissolved into nothingness.
"Amadeus durendel lizzel Ame no Habakiri tron…"
The retired idol turned wife and trusted blade of the God-King was next to don her armor. Her familiar attire known for the Ame no Habakiri was accented by plates of gold armor. A solid blue and white combat suit adhered to her torso that covered her chest down to her abs. Golden plates layered over her breasts and just above the abdominal area with further hoops of gold and white at her hips. Her arms were sleeved out in white gloves with blue and gold trim at the hem of her sleeves layered by white and gold gauntlets. Luminescent blue flames radiated from her hands as well trickled in various parts embedded within her armor. Her white, armored boots were enhanced by sharp angled grooves of white and blue armor as her feet were adorned in gold. Even her hair was protected by golden armor that matched her headband. She wielded a one-handed greatsword that was gold and blue in nature which was enhanced by a burning aqua aura. This was the new Ame-no-Habakiri armor that was fused with Durandal.
A wild twist of flame and electricity enveloped the girl as she raced towards her foes in a blazing blue stream of glory. She carved through swathes of enemies with ease; projectiles of aqua-colored light launching like an explosion of glass shards as it impaled various enemies trying to surround her. When she came to a halt and flicked her golden blade to the side, hundreds of Tacet were left in a strident blaze before exploding into sparks of light.
"Amadeus Ermes Airgetlam tron…"
Maria was imbued by white and lavender light before she unveiled her new set of armor. Her headdress was more elaborate, almost like a ground as hse had giant claw-like pincers that were locked around the rolled buns in her hair. Her headband had the rosemary jewel almost with silver and white that was the signature design of her armor going behind her bangs with the silver bangles covering her ears. Her cuirass layered over a one-piece bathing suit-like spandex was white with a black helix pattern going down the middle. A silver strap of armor hung off to her left side like a sash with rosemary and white plating which was asymmetrical to the other side that had a hooked plate of armor protecting her thigh. Matching print and colors were communicated onto her knee-high combat boots. Her arms were protected by white and blue gloves with silver plating over them, six-petal like wings extended from her back that glowed behind her. A veil of prismatic colors hung behind her thus dancing in the imaginary breeze.
In her hand, she held onto a mysterious blade crafted by Alexis. It was a uniquely exaggerated armament. It had a matte silver handle that spiraled into a unique rosemary and white arrowhead crossguard that came to a black helix skeletal structure that led into a silver and lavender double layered steel point. This was the Sword of Hermes that harmonized with her relic to give her dominion over the concept of light untouchable by the void.
As she jumped into the battle, a blinding radiance surrounding her erased many creatures just by touch alone. As she happened upon the coming horde of dragons upon her position, she swung her sword thus cutting a valley of light in space. In that moment, countless blades of light erupted at random points along the creatures' blindspots. She stepped back into a portal of light before reappearing at these vector points, teleporting instantaneously around as she struck her foes continuously. Then, she seemingly stepped through a door of light and once she emerged on the other side, a swath of dragons were absorbed into a pocket dimension of light before being crushed into cosmic dust.
"Amadeus Igalima raizen tron…"
Kirika transformed in a brilliant chasm of green light. Her body was obscured within the Igalima gear which was mostly consistent with every other iteration of it. Her body was embraced by a twist of lime green, hunter green and black that covered her delicate body leaving only the sides of her flesh exposed and by the side of her developing bust. Green shoulder pauldrons protected her shoulders while green and silver plated gloves covered her arms. Her waist was protected by silver and green metallic plating that held a tattered battle dress of green and black dancing in the wind. Her legs were obscured by black and gray striped combat boots with dark green garters bejeweled by emeralds; a pair of black and green pointed boots to match. Her uniquely shaped hat that pointed upwards like a witch was shined with a glow of power, the sound of chains rattling behind her echoed out. Armed with her giant silver handled scythe that radiated the presence of the luminescent aqua green blade, the girl was ready to battle.
"That's not all to this new me, desu!" Kirika cheered as she swiped her hand through the sky and pulled out a simple revolver that was all too familiar. In that moment, one of the coffin nails that draped from her chain was loaded into the chamber as she took aim and fired.
"God Breaker, Death Throes!"
The nails were discharged in rapid succession in spite of her only loading one. At that moment, a few of the dragons were penetrated by the nails which were linked together by one long chain. Then, her energy scythe that she spun around in the air proudly was used by the girl in a unique way. She utilized the momentum built in her weapon to hurl a crescent disk of emerald like that traversed the chain link thus severing the existence of the Tacet beasts from the narrative.
"Amadeus Shulrog Shagana tron…"
Shirabe's song rang out as she was bathed by the light of her color: pink. In that moment, the young woman was embraced by the blessing of becoming a consort of the God-King as her relic was merged with a projection of Svarog. Her body was revealed to be embraced by a relic that was much more revealing than any variation of her relic before. Most notably was how her pink and black bra was secured by black suspenders to her waist armor leaving all skin areas in between exposed. Her armor plates were essentially the scales of a dragon. Her headdress held pink horns produced from the sides as her hair was wrapped in the armor of a pink and black tail. Her shoulders were protected by teeth while her forearms were obscured within large barrel-like tubes that appeared like the neck of a dragon. Her skirt was essentially draconian wings wrapped around while her boots were metallic scales that she could dance freely like the ballerina she was.
The girl wasted little time in what she had to do. As she twirled onto the scene, the courtesy of Svarog becoming a part of her armor generated a great power just by her phonic gain allowed in concert with her song and dance. Thus, she whipped her head in a 360-degree motion as the armored tail of her hair whipped a wave of energy that was none other than her own rendition of the Crimson Dragon Flash. A pink projection of the mighty dragon that was trademarked to Akaro was released as it combated against the foes thus devouring them whole and erasing their existence to their cores.
"Amadeus Aegis Shenshoujin rei zizzl…"
Miku came next as she donned a blast from the past with her original Shenshoujin Faust Robe. The ironic purple armor that covered her body exposed her abdomen, shoulders and thighs. Her brassiere of light and dark purple with silver plating coupled with purple, black and white fabric around her waist was further complimented by the black sleeves of a shrine maiden and spiked, purple armored boots. Her headdress was adorned like a hooked crown with a rose crystal. A spiral of four giant mirrors floated behind her linked together by luminescent violet energy. Casting her might with a translucent war fan, the maiden was ready; her gear merged with Aegis–a shield that was made by the lesser God of the Forge, Hephaestus, that utilized the severed head of Medusa.
The surface of the mirrors bore the reflections of countless dragons. In a blink, countless scores of them were engulfed in stone before beams of light were discharged by the surface of the reflective glass thus decimating them with little resistance. Miku's warrior spirit provided fuel for her relic to work in such an effective way that allotted her to manipulate the battlefield to her allies' advantage.
As the other gear users were making their impact on the battlefield, the last to change into her attire was none other than the fearless wonder–Hibiki Tachibana. Twirling her relic around in her hand, her mind was sucked to the brief moment where she was conversing with Alexis and Elfnein.
"Hibiki-san, I've been fine-tuning everyone's gears with Alexis-san's help. Yours was the last one since it was rather complex to work with; however, I managed to do everything that needed to be done and then some," Elfnein said at the time as she cradled the Gungnir relic in her hands like it was a small, delicate pet.
"As the Gears for all of you ladies have been upgraded and reforged, it should be noted that yours may be the most powerful combination of them all. After listening to the stories that Elf-chan had to say about you all while we were working on the gears together, I was able to truly understand what each of you represent and how each of the relics convey your personalities, your struggles and your characteristics as individuals.
Your Gungnir is indeed the God-Slaying Fist. Through the passage of time, it has become the embodiment of humanity's will to resist and forge ahead. Therefore, there was only one relic that I could think of that would be perfect for the fabled piercing spear of invincibility and that is this," Alexis expressed as she tapped the pinkish orange jewel.
During that moment, a sapphire glow sparked over the Gungnir relic as wings of gold embossed in that aural blue sprouted from it.
"Meet the new Gungnir blessed by the accompanying power of Mjolnir–the Hammer that is the embodiment of roaring thunder and a symbol of the strongest Norse God, Thor, a man who lived for battle and glory."
"Heh, roaring thunder huh? I wonder if I'll be able to become a storm like Akaro and Raizo," Hibiki chuckled.
"Akaro…well…you've bonded with that man on more levels than one so that is without question. As for Uncle Raizo, well…Elf-chan told me about your little Resonance Fist moment when you both first met. Who knows what wicked combos you can come up with now. Hmm, I wonder what term we should use with that one…Stormsister? Thunderade? Lightning-born? I'll figure out something," Alexis chuckled.
Back to the present, Hibiki was tapping into her gear, "Amadeus nescell Gungnir tron…"
Hibiki sang her song which, like the other Gear users, shared the single line 'Amadeus'. This was the nickname of the protocol that Elfnein used to enhance the relics with Alexis' help to give them all their new abilities. As the melody played out and the Invincible Fist transformed, the battle lust lying dormant within the device overwhelmed her senses. In that moment, she was engulfed by black shadows that turned her body into the mindless berserk form that she had not been seen since her early days of being a gear user most notably during their battle against Fine.
That phantasmal form now engulfed with shades of blue courtesy of the thundering power of Mjolnir coursed through her body giving this blood-lusted form the might of the storm. Her glowing red eyes and sharp fangs sent metaphorical chills down the spines of the bestial Tacet which reacted to her presence as they changed course to attack her position. In a flash, she dashed through the air and rendered their abyssal flesh to shreds having cleaved each and every one of them with single strikes. Her allies, impressed by this feat, were left unable to relish in her strength for long.
"RAAAAA!" she screamed out as she began to pounce on her allies.
"Hey you idiot! Snap out of it!" Chris yelled out.
"Tachibana-kun, cease this madness at once!" Tsubasa shouted, hoping her blade of reason would strike true to the heart of her friend's madness.
"Hibiki, wake up!" Maria pleaded.
"Hibiki!" Miku, Shirabe, and Kirika called out in unison.
Her flurry of attacks caused the girls to fall back towards the Last Word lest they get caught up in her mayhem. Carol was finishing off another swathe of draconian monstrosities by transforming them into gold and burning away their essences when she saw what was going on above her.
"This damned fool…" the Alchemist sighed heavily; she knew that if left unchecked, Hibiki would become a problem for everyone on the battlefield. After clearing out her fair share of enemies, the girl closed her eyes and began to sing out loud as the phonic gain of her genetics accelerated into overdrive.
In a brilliant burst of flame, her gold, white and blue outfit transformed into red, gold and black as the elemental crystals were imbued by the vermillion shade of fire. The wave of power released by her was the literal definition of the Burning X-Drive. Carol went after Hibiki immediately as she intercepted the berserker's rampage before she had a chance to attack the Last Word.
"Hibiki!" she cried out, stopping her claws in its tracks by blocking them with one of the alchemic crystals.
From there, fire clashed against thunder as red and blue orbs of light struck against one another thus creating a light show that both dazzled and terrified some of those watching. Countless spawns of Tacet were consumed in the wake of their bout as the clash of Phonic Gain shattered the cores of the fragile beasts almost instantly. Although they appeared to be equal in strength, the nigh-boundless potential that Hibiki possessed even in this corrupted state would eventually outlast Carol's Burning X-Drive. Even with the genetics of the Ryu-jin in her veins, she still had much to learn and that paled against the experienced gear user.
"Hibiki…please, you have to remember who you are and why you truly fight. Remember why we call you the Invincible, God-Slaying Fist…"
Hibiki's claw was inches away from piercing through Carol's body when she stopped in her tracks. Receiving her words, Hibiki's face seemingly calmed as a sense of reason started to resuscitate. Fractures in the blackened surface of her aura appeared along her face as a singular tear ran down her cheek. The voices of the other gear users in the distance called out to her, begging her to come back to them so that they can all fight together. That was when another song played out.
"Balwisyall nescell Mjolnir zizzl…" the chant of the Norse God of Thunder echoed out before the corrupted darkness shattered giving birth to a new form.
Hibiki's body became clad in gold, midnight blue and white as she was embraced by new armor. Her headgear consisted of golden spiks sticking backwards with pale blue jewels while the earphones protecting both sides of her face mimicked a similar design. Her leotard battlesuit consisted of dark blue accented fabric with an elaborately designed gold and white cuirass. Her battle skirt was gold and white as well with bright yellow and red plating girding her waist. Winged gauntlets appeared on her forearms of gold and white with blue zig-zagging patterns, a dark and light blue pillar spiraling with thunder generated energy in her pile-bunkers. White and gold boots with drill-like devices floating behind her was then complimented lastly by a white and blue scarf dancing behind her. The electrical current of Mjolnir now danced around her as she soared through the skies and hammered away the draconian Tacet that impeded her team. The Strongest Symphogear and Goddess of Thunder was born.
The chaos of the gears tearing through the battlefield drew the eyes of the Crimson Brothers who stood at the bow of the ship waiting for an opening in the ranks of the enemies. They saw Chris and Hibiki standing out amidst the other gear users as they blasted through the horde.
Hibiki captured various draconian Tacet in webs of thunder as Chris' gear transformed into two gigantic canons that unleashed concentrated beams of light that eclipsed the darkness of the Abyss. Immediately following, Chris' light beams transformed into whips that ensnared and foiled a flanking formation by the monsters. Taking advantage of the helplessness of the beasts, Hibiki clasped her hands together to create a massive drill imbued with lightning as she zig-zagged her way through their ranks.
"Heh…I raised those girls," Raizo chuckled, joking about his influence over their progress.
"Well, you're not exactly wrong there," Akaro acknowledged which made Raizo pause.
"I may have given them advice here and there, maybe tweaked their gears a bit to give them an extra edge. But…a large part of their growth as warriors was a result of your impact in their lives. You took the knowledge that myself, Akame, Kimiko, Reina and others instilled you and passed it along to another generation. Take pride in the fruits of their labor. You helped set them up to be who they are today. I'm proud of where they're at. So should you," Akaro explained before patting his brother on the back.
"I am…truly. They are more than what I could have ever anticipated. I'm happy for each and every one of them. Now they have to pass it forward…especially the four that have become mothers of your children," Raizo smirked whilst nudging him in the side.
"Hey…don't be teasing me too much. Your turn isn't too far away. And uh…last I checked…there's a lot of names on that list waiting for the opportunity to arise. Have you given any thought to how you'll handle that?"
"Dude…please don't…I'm already nervous about the thought as it is…"
"Heh…don't be. You'll do just fine."