Season 2 Episode 4: The Place I Call Home

あたしの帰る場所

Both Tsubasa and Slipstream fell into the ocean with the latter having fallen unconscious. The surface tension rippled as a spear floated above the water, remaining fixed in place with Maria landing on top of it, catching the cage in her grasp. In front of her, a talisman landed on the water, freezing the surface to create a platform that Majikku landed on, spinning her shotriser in hand before pointing it at Slipstream's floating body. That's when the sun began to rise, illuminating their joint silhouettes. "Right on time, Finé," Ver said, pushing up his glasses. "What?" Chris muttered. "The name which signifies the end is the symbol of our organization, and also her second name," Ver stated, almost making Zero wanna scoff, but he remained silent. "No way... Then she's..." Hibiki muttered.

"The newly awakened second coming of Finé!"

(Play Vitalization Tv-Size by Nana Mizuki)

Several relic crystals hovered by the screen, stopping for a few seconds longer on one that held a prominent crack in it. Around them fell various progrise keys, but one hung by the screen, a black key dangling by black ooze.

Onegai kikasete...

(Please, let me hear you...)

Boku wa koko ni iru kara

(Because I'm right here beside you)

The camera zoomed out, showing the silhouette of two figures with their hands clasped, floating in a room of white. They were the silhouette of Hibiki and Takiyama, looking into each other's eyes.

Umareta mama no kanjō wo kakusanai de

(Don't hide your feelings, only through them are you alive)

Hikareau neiro ni riyū nante iranai

(We need no reason for the notes that draw us to each other)

The blackness began to erode away, leaving them both floating in separate spheres of energy. Bodysuits formed around the two, Gungnir's inner wear on Hibiki and Zero-One's base suit on Takiyama. It then changed to Chris and Takuya back to back, nano machine capsules surrounding them as they slowly looked over each other's shoulders to look at each other. In a flash, it changed to Inei and Tsubasa reaching for each other, their fingertips brushing against each other.

Atsuki omoi ten wo tsuranuke true song

(Pierce the heavens with passionate hopes in a true song)

Both Hibiki and Zero-One - Shining Assault Hopper appeared on screen, getting into pose as their silhouettes, orange and blue respectively, became the images behind the title.

Senki Zesshou Symphogear G X Kamen Rider Zero-One

In The Distance, That Day, When The Star Became Music...

Images of Hibiki, Tsubasa, and Chris appeared alongside each other before flashing to images of Neo-Metsuboujinrai (Horobi, Jin, Naki, and Ikazuchi) all together, Zero-One - Shining Assault Hopper and Slipstream - Soaring Eagle, and lastly Vulcan - Shooting Wolf and Valkyrie - Rushing Cheetah.

Itsu kara darō? Kokyūsuru yō ni

(When, I wonder, did seeking you out?)

The users and rider began appearing in pairs, first starting out with Tsubasa and Horobi, both of their blades down and crossing each other.

天羽々斬 - Ame no Habakiri

仮面ライダー滅 - Kamen Rider Horobi

Dōshite darō? Kimi wo motomeru

(Become as natural as breathing?)

Next was Chris and Vulcan, who stood back to back with their weapons drawn.

Ichaival

仮面ライダーバルカン - Kamen Rider Vulcan

Kowareta kokoro uzukidasu sakebidasu start it up!

(My broken heart begins to ache, begins to shout, to start it up!)

Lastly was Hibiki and Zero-One, both launching towards the screen.

Gungnir

仮面ライダーゼロワン - Kamen Rider Zero-One

It then flashed between various different groups of people. First was Section Two with the rest of Neo-Metsuboujinrai, and then Miku.

Afuresugita noizu wa itsumo

(The overwhelming deluge of Noise is always)

Riaru wo tōzake azawarau

(Distancing itself from the reality it mocks)

Nozomu hodo ni surinukeru hikari mabushisugite...

(The more I reach for it, the more the light filtering through dazzles me too much...)

The screen filled with Noise of different kinds, before it showed Chris, covered in vines. In a flash of blue light, it changed to Chris cowering behind a large mechanical blue wolf.

Yasuragi mamoru tame ni kodoku erabu yori

(Rather than choose solitude to protect the peace)

It changed to show Kirika, Shirabe, and Maria donning their Symphogears, staring at the screen as if they were ready to attack.

Hitori de wa shiru koto no nai

(I want to feel the warmth of my hands)

Te no nukumori kanjitai kara

(That I could never know on my own)

The screen flashed to black before a crimson glow came from the center, the ARK Riders now standing on screen. They were connected to strings held up by a large satellite, ARK. It changed to a stark white Progrise Key with a gold face, shattering to reveal Slipstream with his arms around Serena, his wings closing around them and then the heart of the Nephilim.

Kimi dake ni sasagu inochi no senritsu

(The melody of life that I dedicate to you alone)

Utsukushī niji wo egaku towa e no joshō

(Is the prelude to an eternity where we paint a beautiful rainbow)

It then showed the Symphogears and riders fighting at the concert hall. Shirabe launched saw blades at Hibiki, which deflected them with a variety of hits, Zero-One dashing past her to clash against Zero, sparks flying as the Authorize Buster clashed against the Attache Calibur. It then showed Kirika deflecting multiple bullets from Chris. Shifting, it showed both Vulcan and Valkyrie clashing with Scatter and Majikku. The wolf and coyote clashing against each other, with the latter proving faster on his feet. Cheetah on and fox on the other hand were having a more one sided fight with Majikku used various illusions to disorient Valkyrie.

Kono mune no chikai wa dare ni mo ubaenai

(Nobody can take that vow in my heart away from me)

Tobitatō koe wo kasanete

(Let's take flight, combining our voices)

Sora ga matteiru kara

(Because the sky is waiting for us)

It then changed to Maria and Tsubasa clashing weapons, spear against sword. When they backed off, Rinjuu dashed in, attempting to swing at Tsubasa only for Horobi to dash in, slashing at her upwards. Slipstream then dashed in, kicking her back towards the stage. It then showed the Symphogears and riders floating in the sky, clasping hands while looking at each other. Lastly, it ended with all the good guys standing together, ready.

(Op End)

"In other words, the name 'Finé' doesn't come from the fact that they use heretical technology," Aoi summarized, Section 2 having heard Ver through the wielder's communicators. "Finé has revived, and is leading their organization," Sakuya noted. "Once again, a ghost of the precursor civilization stands against those of us who live today? We must fight once more, Ryouko-Kun?" Genjurrou spoke, mostly to himself as he was distraught on the returnal of Finé. "What's happening out there?" Takiyama questioned, rushing into the command center from one of the research labs. Outside, everyone was staring at Maria and Majikku save for Slipstream. The monster in the cage didn't seem disturbed from the situation, mindlessly grumbling to itself. "No way... Because Ryouko-san was..." Hibiki muttered, remembering the moment when Finé/Ryouko had said goodbye to them before crumbling into ash.

"Reincarnation. A scientific discovery only realized and done through her will, allowing her to rebirth within any who retains even the bare minimal of her genes. Forever more shall she exist," Zero said before letting a small laugh escape. Truly, Finé was like the only one that could challenge him, but even that was hardly passable, such as this lie his associates had created. "Then Maria-san, the artist..." Hibiki muttered. "That is something I would like to know for myself," Ver said. 'I was lucky to be able to defend the Nephilim... But I am unsure of the appropriate next move for this board,' Maria thought to herself. Majikku glanced slightly over her shoulder, looking for a signal of some kind from the Gungnir wielder. The water where Tsubasa was suddenly exploded, releasing the bluenette into the air before she landed and began skiing across the water towards them. "Mari, look out!" Majikku said, leaping in front of her partner, throwing her arms up in defense as she took the blow from Tsubasa. When the two backed away, Majikku reached for a slim, rectangular container on her hip and with a tap, it opened, allowing her to take out two slips of paper. For a moment they were blank, but quickly became covered with ink markings which she then threw at her boots. The new talismans vanished upon contact and when she landed on water, the surface quickly froze over, creating a platform that she stood on.

Tsubasa almost fell back into the water, but the jet blades on her ankles kept her from falling in, turning slightly to hover her slightly over the surface. "Don't underestimate me!" Tsubasa shouted, changing her sword's mode and sending an Azure Flash towards them. "We're doing no such thing!" Maria shouted as the fox rider threw another one of her Talismans, this one forming a star-shaped shield in front of them that tanked the attack before shattering. Maria's cape then came to life and attacked Tsubasa, knocking her onto the top of Section 2's submarine. The singer landed without issue, scraping slightly against the metal exterior before coming to a stop, panting lightly. She was still injured and feeling the side effects of the fallen compatibility levels. Seeing this brought a smirk to Maria's face, tossing the cage in Majikku's direction. The rider acknowledged this and threw a talisman at it, causing it to vanish in a puff of smoke. Maria then leaped towards the sub, landing across from Tsubasa, while Majikku skated across the water, leaving a trail of ice before jumping onto the sub next to Maria, lightly coating the metal under her boots in ice.

This was when a small hatch on the top opened up with Takiyama climbing out of it. Getting to his feet, he looked at the people on the sub, watching momentarily. Maria raised her hand, recalling her spear to her.

(Play Ressō Gungnir by Yōko Hikasa)

(Kort el fes Gungnir! Kort el fes Gungnir!)

"And that's why we shall fight you with our full power!" Maria declared before leaping at Tsubasa. The bluenette raised her sword in defense, glancing to look at Takiyama and shared a nod with him. Takiyama turned to the other, equipping his driver. "Ark!" Zero looked in Takiyama's direction, already knowing what was happening. He removed his key and took out another, his Marching Ant armor dispersing into small bits of purple energy. Takiyama took out a key of his own, both activating it before authorizing it.

Fang! Force! Authorize!

The Rising Hopper landed behind Takiyama, letting out a screech. Then, the surface water rippled before bursting, two mechanical creatures clashing against each other. The first was Biting Shark, glowing light blue, and the other was similar to the Shark, but sported a more rectangular head, glowing dark blue. The two riders then ran towards the water as the rider models backed off to their respective sides. "Henshin!" Takiyama shouted as both inserted their keys, Takiyama transforming into Rising Hopper first before changing to accept the new armor.

Progrise! KiriKiriBai! KiriKiriBai! Biting Shark! Fangs That Can Chomp Through Concrete.

Neorise! Chomp! Chomp! Chasing Hammerhead! Enough Strength To Shatter Obsidian.

Kono mune ni yadotta shinnen no hi wa

(The flame of faith that has taken residence inside my heart)

Dare mo kesu koto wa dekiyashinai eigō no bureizu

(Is an eternal blaze that nobody will be able to extinguish)

Both sides wore their new armor, now ready for the water as they clashed, backing away from each other as soon as they were submerged. Maria and Tsubasa clashed, spear to sword with the latter being forced to back off before charging back at her. Seeing this, Maria brought her cape to life, stretching it out in an attempt to hit Tsubasa with it while cutting through the submarine's exterior. Tsubasa flipped past the attacks, but only to put herself within range of Majikku who threw out several batches of talismans towards Tsubasa, the slips of paper stopping momentarily as the sigils painted on them glowed, either wooden javelins or metal arrows being created and launching at Tsubasa or the entire talisman combusting into a ball of fire that homed in on her.

Ima tatoe kono mi wo yakitsukusō to

(And now, Though it may seem to burn my body to ashes)

Shinzu waga michi no tame nara ten ni natte mo ii

(If it's for the path I believe in, I'm fine with going to heaven)

Tsubasa hopped between the projectiles, using her blade to slice through several attacks as well. A few made it past her defenses however, singeing several parts of her armor and protective layer. Before Tsubasa could recuperate, Majikku rushed towards Tsubasa followed by several copies created from Talismans. The idol's eyes widened at this, raising her blade to knock aside one that had came leaping at her, attempting to take her head off with a kick. Another came at her from behind, almost landing a punch to her face if it wasn't for the entire submarine rocking from a massive force from down below. Tsubasa used this to slice the illusion in half, making it fade. When the rest came at her attempting to attack, they all faded to reveal Maria closing in on her, having wrapped herself in her cape to create something similar to a tornado.

Yami ni madō yoru ni wa uta wo tomosō ka

(Shall I ignite a song in this night captivated by the Dark?)

Seikō no serenāde chikara yo yadore

(O serenade of sacred light, Let your power dwell within)

Tsubasa sheathed her sword in her hip armor, flipping out of the way before spiraling back onto her feet in time to look up. Maria had canceled her attack and attempted to send her cape once more at her from above, putting Tsubasa on edge. The bluenette began rolling out of the way, dodging several slashes that cut into Section 2's temporary base. Out in the water, Slipstream's floating body began to twitch with the rider looking up slowly. "Wha..." He was slightly lost as he covered his visor, blocking out the sun as his eyes readjusted. He was suddenly grabbed then and tossed onto the melting icy platform still out at sea. "Woah!" He exclaimed before quickly trying to get to his feet. Zero-One popped out of the water, looking at Slipstream. "Quick! Get to Tsubasa before she gets overwhelmed!" The president told him before being pulled back under by Zero.

Zettai ni yuzurenai yume ga hoe sakebu yo

(Never will I yield it- My dream howls and cries out)

Seigi no tame ni aku wo tsuranuke

(That for the sake of justice, Evil must be run through)

"Ah! Right!" Looking at the emerged sub, Slipstream stretched out his wings, pulling out the Attache Longbow before jetting towards the enemy Symphogear-Wielder and rider. Maria went in for the next strike, but her spear suddenly bounced off Slipstream's metal feathers that suddenly cut her and Majikku slightly off from Tsubasa. "Back off her Kuro-yaro! Kitsune-yaro!" Slipstream shouted, trying to stay in the air with what feathers he had left as he took aim at the two, firing at them. Majikku took her place between Maria and Slipstream, throwing a talisman at her feet that created a protective barrier before her, shattering the arrows upon impact. Seeing this, Slipstream flew in for close combat, ready to swing the Longbow's blades. Majikku took out another talisman from her hip, but also from a compartment on her forearm. Layering the two, she muttered a short chant before she threw them at him.

Namida nado iranai musō no hitofuri yo

(I have no need for tears; My spear is unparalleled)

Kakugo wo ima kamaetara hokori to chigire

(Now that I have readied my resolve, I vow that with pride)

The talismans evaporated as soon as they passed through the barrier, turning to a bolt of lighting that shot towards Slipstream and impacted him, exploding into a ball of static, charged electricity.

-Augment: Merciful ~ Curse: Thunder-

From the same explosion, several bronze colored pieces of armor went flying around the point of impact, straps reaching out from the fog and wrapping around the armor plates, pulling them in. When the smoke cleared, Slipstream was donning new armor and new visor. There was fur-like fluff around the collar and several exposed mechanisms only hidden by the black straps over the bronze-yellow underbody.

Forcerise! Salvo Wasp! Multiple Piercing Stingers Unleashed From The Sky. Break Down.

Slipstream snickered a little under his helmet, being proud of himself for having thought of the idea that saved him from significant damage. With a flick of his wrist, two small barrels swung out on either side of his bracers, slotting into place right above the back of his hands, before plates on his back opened up, emitting thrust that propelled him towards the duo. Raising his arms, he fired multiple sets of miniature stingers aht cleaved through the air with little resistance, cracking the barrier's protective layer upon impact before he shattered it with a punch.

Ta ga tame ni kono koe nariwataru no ka?

(But for whom does this voice of mine resound far and wide?)

Soshite ta ga tame ni kono uta wa areba ī ka?

(And then, For whom should these lyrics of mine exist?)

When Slipstream shattered the shield, Tsubasa closed in along with him, though both of their targets disappeared before their attacks could land. While Tsubasa had gone to slash Maria, she ended up cutting through a wooden dummy that sapped her energy, making her legs buckle before she was kicked aside by Maria. Slipstream on the other hand ended up with a kick to the face from the left that already cracked his new visor before putting his arms up to block, before being pushed back by a somersault kick. When moving his arms, he didn't see Majikku as was behind him. She shot him in the back, making him stumble. That dealt with his thrusters, limiting his mobility now, but it wasn't enough to put him down as he got back up, shifting back.

Mō nani mo ushinau mono ka to kimeta...

(I decided that I had nothing left to lose...)

Omoi wo kasaneta kiseki yo sadame wo kechirase

(O miracle built with my hopes, kick my destiny about)

While Maria and Tsubasa clashed their weapons together with the latter's attacks getting less and less with her weakening gear, Slipstream and Majikku stared at each other, both activating their finishers with their drivers. Several panels opened up on Slipstream's body, revealing multiple mini silos that emitted various levels of angry buzzing. Majikku tossed several talismans that began to float around her, flashing various colors as she began to chant. "Now scatter; Flower of Heaven's Grudge; Bloom eternal and tear apart." Both pulled the firing trigger and Force executor, finishing their attacks with Majikku shouted, "Land of Eternal bane!"

Magical! Blast!

Salvo! Dystopia!

The two launched their attacks with Slipstream firing out several batches of small mechanical wasps that shot towards Majikku as if they were rockets and Majikku pointing her shotriser at Slipstream, her talismans now rotating around the barrel of her driver. A large blast of energy shot forth from her Shotriser followed by several smaller balls of the same energy from the talismans. The orbs spiraled together, creating a large projectile that propelled towards the opposing rider. The approaching wasps swerved around the blast, though several ones didn't and ended up evaporating upon contact, and headed towards Majikku, causing the rider to perform various flips to avoid them. The wasps pierced through the hull of the sub and exploded milliseconds later, rocking the submarine. Once she avoided Slipstream's attack, she looked to watch Slipstream take the blunt of her's, which had knocked the rider aside and almost back into the water.

Magical! Blast! マジカルブラスト

This lined up perfectly with Tsubasa being hit aside by Maria, crashing against the ground. "What's going on with her!?" Chris questioned as she watched with the others, having surrounded Dr. Ver incase he attempted to escape. "The wound on her stomach. Being untreated, it's affecting her fighting," Horobi pointed out. "Tsubasa!" Zero-One shouted, leaping out of the water and towards Maria, readying to swing the fin on his arm. Behind him, the water exploded into a geyser with Zero emerging from the water.

Chasing! Starfall!

Before Zero-One could even reach the pinkette, Zero slammed his fist into Zero-One's back, forcing the air out of him and sending him crashing into the submarine, breaking through the hull and into the commander center. Zero-One attempted to climb up to his feet with Sakuya and Aoi rushing to his side to try and help him up, but he ended up falling back down, coughing up blood in his helmet. Seeing his failed attempt to save Tsubasa, Chris held up her crossbow, trying to quickly get a steady aim on Maria and Zero, only to catch a glimpse of the rogue rider's eye flashing red. She and the others then had to dodge several saw blades that had flown at them.

(Play Gokuren Igalima by Ai Kayano)

Keikoku merodī shinigami wo yobu zetsubō no yume Death13

(Death XIII's a dream of despair, Calling the Grim Reaper with a warning melody)

Rekuiemu yori eiri na erejī kyōfu e yōkoso

(An elegy sharper than a requiem welcomes you to terror)

Kirika was on the road next to them, rushing towards Chris and attempting to swing her scythe downward at her, missing and shattering the ground. She then ducked down and picked her scythe up, locking it around Horobi's dominant arm as he came at her, using it to launch Horobi away from her before throwing several energy slashes towards the two.

Fujōri na mirai sakendemita kedo honto wa jibun ga yurusenai

(I tried shouting out an absurb future, But the truth is I can't forgive myself)

Subete karitori tsumiageta nara ashita e to kawaru no?

(If I harvest everything and pile it up, Will it change into tomorrow?)

Shirabe rushed toward Hibiki, launching several more batches of saw blades towards her from her pigtails. Hibiki deflected each one to the wall behind her, avoiding the attack. Seeing this, Shirabe jumped slightly and flipped, forming a large saw blade from her twin tail gear and skates.

-Extreme Sigma Style: Forbidden Full Moon-

Ima sugu ni just saw now itamu mamonaku

(Right away, I'll just saw you down now, before you have time to even feel pain)

Kirikizandeagemashō

(I'm going to chop it to pieces)

With Shirabe dashing towards Hibiki, Vulcan jumped between the two, catching Shirabe's attack and using his might to bring it to a stop, even as it cut through the armor on his hands. WIth a roar, he threw Shirabe aside, but not injuring her as she dismissed her attack to land on her feet safely. Vulcan nearly buckled as he looked at his hands, gripping them into fists as he ignored the pain and the bleeding cuts in his palms.

Shinjiatte tsunagaru shin no tsuyosa wo

(The true strength to believe in each other and connect,)

"Yūki" to shinjiteku sō tsumugu te

(Is believing that 'Courage', I lace my hands with you)

Kirika slammed the end of her scythe into Chris' side, knocking the air out of her before knocking her back, using the blade to block a swing from Horobi from behind her. SHe hooked the blade around his katana, flicking it out of his hand and slicing upward, slicing diagonally through his chest armor and shattering the left side of his helmet. "Chris-Chan! Inei-San!" Hibiki shouted as she and Vulcan rushed over to their sides.

Kitto kitto mada daijōbu, mada toberu

(Surely, Surely, I'm still fine, I can still fly)

Kagayaita kizuna da yo sā sora ni shirabe utaō

(Our bond is shining; Now, I'll sing its melody to the sky)

Vulcan was stopped however and both he and Horobi were suddenly wrapped in chains, thrown to either side of the street walls, collapsing to the ground with their armor disappearing. The attacker, Rinjuu, landed in front of Hibiki and with a menacing snicker, somersault kicked Hibiki back before landing next to Shirabe and Ver. "I thank you, for arriving in time," Ver spoke, not daring looking either in the eye, not that either of them wanted to look at him either. "You're a key to the plan, so it's essential to protect you according to the Ark's will," Rinjuu said, standing up from her crouched position to roll her shoulders.

The heroes slowly got up, wishing they had time to recuperate. "Stupid compatibility drop... I can barely move..." Chris muttered, holding her side as she could barely stand. "Just where did they come from...?" Takuya questioned, struggling to pick himself up, wincing everytime he placed his hands anywhere. "Yo ho, up here idiots!" Up above, Scatter was seemingly floating in the air, partially. From an angle, it was like he was flying or something, but on closer look, he was standing on some sort of platform, cargo positioned behind him. He aimed his Attache Sniper at the masses, pulling the trigger to fire several bullets, but didn't hit anyone. Around the ones on the road, Tsubasa and Slipstream on the ship's exterior, and in the opening where Section 2 could see out, several puffs of smoke went up, clouding everyone's vision.

"We're leaving. No exceptions," Zero said, turning to Maria and Majikku before looking up at Scatter. The coyote themed rider tossed down three ropes for them. "This is all we can do within the time limit?" Maria questioned, watching Zero grab one of the ropes. Hearing this, Tsubasa's eyes widened, realizing what she meant by that. 'Is she using the same LiNKER as Kanade?' Tsubasa wondered, trying to find the energy to stand to escape the smoke. "Now," Zero declared before he was pulled up. Maria tsked before she and Majikku both grabbed one as well, being pulled up. For a moment the smoke began to clear, revealing a large cargo plane above them. How did they get that positioned above them? Highway, the other regrouped, clearing through the smoke in time to see them getting on ropes of their own to enter the plane.

"Why!? Why are you doing this!?" Hibiki questioned, hoping her voice would carry over the propellers. "Protect the things that justice cannot protect," Shirabe answered, almost glaring along with Kirika at them. As they ascended into the plane and got farther from them, leaving Hibiki in a daze from their words, Chris pushed her gear, transforming her crossbow into a sniper rifle, aiming in hopes of getting a shot off.

-Red Hot Blaze-

"Return the Staff of Solomon, damn it!" Chris said, but even as her headgear and rifle took their time closing in and locking on for a split second, all she could catch was Scatter catching her sight and flipping her off before the hangar door closed and the plane went invisible. "W-What?" The others rushed over, just as shocked. "Signal... lost?" Sakuya questioned, looking at his console while Aoi was trying to clear the smoke and help Takiyama stand. "Supernatural cloaking technology... How much heretical technology do they have?" Genjurrou questioned, stumped on just how bad of an enemy they were facing.

On the plane, Zero was in the hangar with the others, gathering his thoughts. 'Shenshoujin... The stealth technology created through its research... It won't be much longer until the joint operation has run its paces,' Zero thought before he heard a bang. He turned to see Kirika approaching a downed Ver, grabbing him by his collar. "You screwed up! If they find our hideout, where are we supposed to hide ourselves until the plan starts?" Kirika questioned. Ver was about to answer, but didn't have time as Kirika met a wall herself, having been kicked by Zero. "The plan went as calculated. Do not forget, your key item is accounted for," Zero said, picking Kirika up by her hair, "Do not doubt the moves we make to achieve the end goal." "Oh, man... Where's the real Zero when you need him?" Leaning against Maria was Fujibayashi, who's hair was styled into two short pigtails over her shoulders with white scrunchies, a open duo-tone white and black jacket with a purple, sleeveless turtleneck, black shorts with several rectangular containers on her hip, and black, steel-toed boots. Hearing the taunt in her voice, Zero's left eye flashed momentarily, a red spark coming from the scar at the base of her neck.

For the moment, it seemed to make her finger and the corners of her mouth twitch, which only make her sigh. "See? This is what I'm talking about. The real Zero is way more badass, he even had a laser sword, while you are a generic villainous boss who uses pain to inflict obedience on their subordinates. The fact that you use an emotionless tone only serves as proof of you trying to look awesome when you are failing," Fujibayashi taunted, even sticking her tongue out to add on to. They couldn't see his face, not that they even knew if he did have one as they never actually saw him outside his transformation, only ever his silhouette. His eye flashed again, this time making her collapse to her knees. "You continue to talk and taunt, but that can't erase the sin your kind has created, destroying each other with no remorse."

She looked up at him, and chose to continue, saying, "Says the pot calling the kettle black." Zero dropped Kirika, stepping towards Fujibayashi, getting cut off by Maria stepping in front of him. "Leave Setsuna alone," Maria asked, keeping her stern gaze at Zero. The rider only ended up back handing Maria, idling still with his hand in the air as Maria fell to the floor. Nobody dared say a word, not as his hand continued to shake. It was silent before the only Noise was the door opening as Zero left. For seconds more, it was silent, waiting to see if he would return. "Is... is he gone?" Setsuna finally asked, breaking the silence. "Yes... he is..." Maria said, getting back up to her feet while only her cheek.

That's when Setsuna folded over in tears, letting out muffled, minor screams of pain as she bit her own arm in an attempt to silence herself. "It hurts! Goddamn it, it hurts!" She cried. Maria crouched down at her side, wrapping her arms around her and cradling her. "Amature," someone scoffed. Looking over, there was a black haired male seated on top of a crate. He wore a pair of black jeans with orange converse, a dark gray hoodie overtop a white shirt with a camera hanging around his neck, and a fingerless glove on his left hand. It was Soshi, the one behind the sniper specialist rider Scatter. He's been with Zero the longest, before any of them, but none of them knew their history, just that Soshi seemed to have undying loyalty to him.

"At least I'll admit it instead of tough it out," Setsuna poked, sticking her nose up at Soshi. "Uh, hello? I have the least offenses here unlike you troublemaker," Soshi said, "Serea here is the only one who out ranks us there." He shoved a thumb at his right where a humangear woman stood, positively beaming despite what she watched. She was a 5 foot 2 tall woman with dark purple eyes framed by white, almost silver, colored hair. It fell down to her chest on the front with the rest being held up in a bushy ponytail on the side of her head, held with a silver leaf-shaped clip with a purple gem. She wore a silver-gray shirt with a matching skirt, black yoga pants, and white heels.

"That's because I don't want to lose my master's faith if I seek to have my dream come true," Serea said, her smile unfaltering. "Sheesh. And I still wonder how you fight in heels. Then again, humagears can practically do almost anything," Soshi said, rolling his eyes. "'Faith', huh? I guess that's one way to look at it," Setsuna muttered, slowly separating from Maria once she got the energy to stand, walking over to Kirika who leaned slightly on Shirabe. "Are you alright Kirika-Chan?" "Y-Yeah, I'm fine dess," Kirika said, completely lying as she held her stomach. "Here, let me," Setsuna said, slowly reaching out. Kirika trusted her, letting her roll up her shirt slightly, exposing a nasty bruise that had already begun to form, turning from a nasty yellow to a sickening purple. Zero was still in his Chasing Hammerhead form, which explained why the bruise had gotten so bad so fast. She reached into one of the containers on her leg and took out a talisman. It was a minor one with hardly any patterns on it. She pressed it lightly to the bruise, watching it disappear before she took out bandages, wrapping it around her torso.

"There," Setsuna said, letting her shirt fall back into place as she put the bandages away. "Thanks dess," Kirika said, letting out a sigh of relief now that the terrifying atmosphere was diminishing. Setsuna let a small smile grace her face as she nodded and stood up, looking at everyone else. "Well... today was a bust. Not only did the thing the mad doctor keep almost get killed," Setsuna said, giving a side glance to Ver who meekly put up his hands in defense, "But we fought a boring battle with the enemy and got bullied by our supposedly boss. Did I miss anything?" "That about sums it all up," Soshi yawned, leaning on his hand as he shut his eyes. Away from the others, Zero arrived in his own room, locking the door with a series of locks that wouldn't open under anyone else's jurisdiction, and stared at the mirror, looking back at himself in the dimly lit room. For a moment it was silent, no words and movement, just the subtle buzzing of the single light in the room.

Quietly, a silent breath could be heard. Only then did Zero punch the mirror, shattering it, letting the glass shards fall into the sink below it. "You still resist, even today." Zero reached for his belt, slowly pulling it off. When he did, the armor disappeared into particles with someone collapsing to their knees, arm over the sink as they breathed heavily. It was a male with messy black hair, his face shadowed by his hair. He was dressed in a dark colored outfit, jeans with black running shoes, a black shirt, and gray jacket. "Do you still hesitate? Do you doubt all that I've shown you?" Ark's voice rang in his head as he slowly tried to climb back up to his feet, just barely getting up enough to look over the sink. He starred in the mirror, his dark chocolate brown eyes staring at the little reflection that was left in the broken mirror. "Do not fear, all will become extinct by my will," Ark's voice spoke once more, his left eye flashing red for each word.

With Section 2, everyone was getting the necessary attention, sitting in the infirmary. Both Tsubasa and Takiyama had bandages around their stomach and back respectively, Takuya's hands were stitched and bandaged, and Inei was currently getting himself checked over for injuries. Genjurrou came to check on them, making sure they weren't worse for wear. "I thought, even if Ryouko-San and I didn't totally understand each other, we'd connect on some level, at least," Hibiki spoke, looking down as she played with her fingers. "If you haven't connected, keep slamming into her until you do!" Genjurrou told her, "You, of all people, should know there are things stronger than words!" This made the others laugh a little, Tsubasa holding her stomach in response due to her injury. "I don't understand what you're saying! But I'll try!" Hibiki said, clasping her hands into fists.

"Well, regardless of what we do, there's something I can't shake," Takiyama said, holding his chin in thought. "What's that Tak-Kun?" Seth asked as the others looked at him. "It's just a gut feeling or a hypothetical, but i don't think Maria is Finé, or that she's on their side," Takiyama addressed, confusing them. "Look, if they did have Finé and she was awakened, do you think they would really need someone like Ver? Finé seemed to understand the cane the most from what he know and saw, along with any other relics, so whatever is that thing you guys saw, she should be able to figure it out just as well as Ver would, if not more," Takiyama pointed out., getting the few that understood him to think on it. "Basically, if they had Finé, then why Ver?" Inei summarized, walking out of the operating room.

"Of course, this could be wrong and they really do have Finé, awakened or not. Add this with the Ark still being alive... Sigh, then everything gets so much more difficult," Takiyama said, crossing his arms. This only seemed to prove a point, whatever they were up against would have them always on high alert. Later, Genjurrou was speaking with the Vice Minister as repairs were being worked on to get the temporary base up and running to as close as 100% as possible, which left the majority of the power out save to the most basic of systems and emergency lights. "Then the terrorist group calling themselves Finé is composed of former American government researchers?" Genjurrou summarized, walking through the halls of the base while heading to the commander center while talking on his risephone. "Its formal name is the FIS, Federal Institutes of Sacrist," The minister said after swallowing a mouthful of his noodles.

Just as Genjurrou arrived in the commander center, the base's lights came on as the essential repairs would complete save for hull repairs, allowing for Genjurrou to take his seat and place his risephone on his console, transferring the call from it to the display. "Supposedly, some of its staff left to form a paramilitary organization," Shibata finished. "Dr. Ver, who vanished along with the Staff of Solomon, only to reappear, was also an FIS researcher?" Genjurrou questioned. Shibata swallowed another batch of noodles before pointing his chopsticks at the screen, "This is just a rumor, but I'm told the FIS existed before the Japanese government went public with the relics." "Then in other words, the one responsible for its creation was Finé, the woman who was working with the Americans?" Shinji asked, walking over after finishing talking with a humagear working on repairs.

"That might be why they named themselves 'Finé', perhaps," Shibata said, ignoring proper manners again as he ate, "But the way they've acted doesn't feel right for a terrorist group, no doubt thanks to the notorious mess of hardware they seem to have on their side covering their weak points most likely. Their plans could cover more than we think."

At Lydian, the festival was in full bloom as both people and students were coming for the events. Hibiki was leaning on some railing, overlooking various booths, thinking to herself. Suddenly, her eyes were covered with someone saying, "Guess who." Hibiki could only giggle as she moved the hands covering her face and turned around. "I know it's you Toki-Kun," she said, pecking her boyfriend's lips. "If you know it's me then I can't do it anymore, it's not a surprise anymore," Takiyama chuckled, holding her hands in his. "Hibiki, Takiyama." Grabbing their attention was Miku, who walked up to them with Sen at her side.

"Miku, who's this?" Hibiki questioned. "This is Sen-Kun, he helps out at the library," Miku introduced, motioning to him. Sen was dressed in a white and blue striped t-shirt with joggers, black running shoes, and a black plaid button-up tied around his waist. "It's just my side job so I'm not here all that often, but I do what I can to help. I had a free day today so Miku here decided to invite me. I hope I'm not a bother at all," Sen said, giving a nervous smile. "Not at all, any friend of Miku's is one of ours," Takiyama said with Hibiki nodding, agreeing. He held out his hand, to which Sen obliged, shaking his. That's when they noticed the bandages around Sen's right hand.

"Are you alright Sen-Kun?" Hibiki asked, bringing it up. "It's nothing. I was doing some cooking last night and the knife slipped a little," Sen waved it off, pulling his hand back, "I'm just glad it wasn't too bad. I'm not a big fan of hospitals." "Well, as long as you're okay," Takiyama said. "Anyway, we're gonna be late. Itaba-San and everyone's performance is about to start!" Miku brought up. "Wha? It's already that time?" Hibiki gasped, surprised that time had flew by so fast. "We gotta go then before we miss the opening," Takiyama exclaimed, grasping Hibiki's hand before the four of them headed off. Sen glanced behind them, seeing something for a split second before looking back. From where they were, Shirabe and Kirika emerged from the stairs, having been watching them.

In the school auditorium the seats were practically filled as the lights were all on the stage. There, Yumi, Shiori, and Kuriyo arrived in rather unique costumes. Yumi was dressed in some type of cop, general, super hero get up, Shiori as masked butler, cat, sheriff costume, and Kuriyo... She seemed to get stuck with some kind of biker mantis costume. "Now, up next, we have a trio from the first-year students!" The announcer said, her voice carrying thanks to her mic as she motioned to the trio, "If they win, they'll get one wish that the student council has the power to grant. What will they wish for?"

Yumi took up her mic, ready to voice her wish already, "Naturally, the establishment of an anime song club! My ambitions and legends will all begin there!" "That's great. She's completely in character," Shiori muttered while Kuriyo just nervously waved her proper kamas, feeling the most out of place between the three of them, "At this point, I don't even care..." The four arrived in their seats as the announcer continued, "Alright, let's let them sing! The theme song of the TV anime Lightning Detective Van, 'The Lightning Detective Arrives'." "Thank goodness, we arrived just in time," Takiyama sighed in relief.

In the various booths outside, Seth was walking out carrying someone on his shoulders, enjoying the various stands as he tried to find just what kind of food he wanted on the map. "Are you having a fun time Erina-Chan?" Seth asked, picking up from the school map to the person on his shoulders. It was a young girl, roughly about the same height as Kirika and Shirabe, having warm brown hair tied into a braid with pink butterfly clips and light blue colored eyes. She wore a light blue plaid skirt with black shorts underneath, a white ruffle shirt with a cream colored jacket hanging on her arms, and sandals decorated with the same pink butterflies. "Yep!" The girl named Erina said, smiling brightly. They were cousins, or foster cousins rather, his aunt having adopted Erina due to her having amnesia.

Seth smiled at that, happy that he could bring her to something enjoyable before he stopped walking, catching the whiff of something nice. Sniffing the air, he turned left and right before approaching the stand where the smell was coming from. Opening his eyes, he began to drool a little as he realized he had found the teriyaki meatball stands. Coincidentally, he wasn't the only one. "Two orders please!" Both Seth and someone else said, holding up two fingers each. The two customers blinked for a moment before turning to each other. Standing next to Seth was none other than Kirika with Shirabe next to her. Both were in their normal attire with the addition of glasses of their respective colors. At first, Kirika jumped a little, surprised, but Seth didn't seem to recognize either of them.

"Oh, are you a fan of them too? Let me then. Four orders please," Seth said, folding up the map before taking his wallet out. "T-Thanks dess," Kirika said, still nervous that their cover was blown. Shirabe just stared blankly, almost menacingly. After a moment of awkward silence, their food was done, Seth taking and handing the corresponding containers to Kirika and Shirabe before handing Erina hers and taking his own. Seth wasted no time picking up one of the meatballs and devoured it, a grin quickly crossing his face as he seemed in bliss. "Oshiii~!" Seeing just how much Seth enjoyed it, Kirika didn't hesitate eating her own, becoming similarly in bliss. Erina could only laugh as she looked at the two whereas Shirabe's gaze didn't change much.

Erina finally ate hers and gleamed similarly, "Umai~!" "I know right!" Seth said, continuing to eat with a grin. Kirika was about to do the same when she finally realized Shirabe was staring. "What is it, Shirabe?" she asked, resulting in the other girl shifting closer. "Our mission isn't to enjoy the school fair, Kiri-Chan," she whispered. "I-I know that dess!" Kirika whispered back, "But our investigation is already working." "Investigation?" Shirabe questioned. "What are you guys investigating?" Seth suddenly intervened, making Kirika jump and Shirabe turn her stare at him, but he just seemed to blink, confused as he ate another meatball.

"I-It's for a school project dess! A study on different delicious foods!" Kirika suddenly came up with on the spot. Shirabe didn't seem to help the matter, keeping her gaze, but it seemed to Seth that she was just a strong silent type. "Really? Well we passed by some stands that smelt good earlier and we always have room for more, so why don't you join us? My treat?" Seth offered. "Really? Thank you dess!" Kirika just seemed to forget about her worries the moment she was offered free food. Deep down, this made Shirabe wanna facepalm before she finally started to eat her food.

Elsewhere, Tsubasa was walking the outside halls, glancing to the side at the fair. She was hoping everything was enjoyable for everyone. They all put in a lot of effort to make it the best. However, Tsubasa was knocked onto her rear as she bumped into Chris just like the day before, the girl having came out of the classroom to her left. "Again, Yukine?" Tsubasa questioned once she saw who it was, "What's the hurry?" Chris rubbed her head, saying, "They're chasing me! They're narrowing their cordon, little by little." "You're that adamant on avoiding them? You can't avoid it forever Yukine," Tsubasa said as both girls stood up. Before Chris could say anything in retort, the same three girls from yesterday ran up to them. "We found you, Yukine-San!" "Please... There's no time before it starts!"

Back in the auditorium, one performance finished up as the announcer revealed the next performer. "Now, here's our next challenger!" Behind the curtains, someone was pushed onto stage, almost stumbling before she caught herself, walking up to the mic. "Hibiki, is that..." Miku gasped. "I have to let Takuya know and see where Seth is. They can't miss it!" Takiyama said, slipping out his risephone. "Is she your friend?" Sen asked, looking at them. "It's Yukine. Yukine Chris, second year at Lydian," Tsubasa confirmed, taking her seat next to Miku.

(Play Kyōshitsu Monochrome by Ayahi Takagaki)

Chris stood on the stage, nervous, shyly looking at her feet. To be put on stage in front of so many people, even this many, made her wonder how Tsubasa did it. She glanced off to the side, where she saw the students from before encourage her.

Mada minu hontō no jibun no koto ga

(Even I myself don't really know about)

Jibun jishin demo wakaranakute

(The real me I've yet to see)

Dareka ni te wo sashinobetemoratte

(Getting someone to extend their hand to me)

Itami to wa chigatta itami wo shiru

(I learn of a pain that's not really 'pain')

Chris sang into the mic, letting the crowd hear her as it brought smiles to many, especially Hibiki and the others.

Monokurōmu no mirai yosōzu

(The future I've drawn is as monochrome as I imagined)

Enogu wo sagashite... demo ima wa

(So I'm searching for paints... and yet, right now)

Naze darō, naze darō

(For some reason, For some reason)

Irodzuku yo yukkuri to hana ga niji ni

(It's slowly changing color, like a flower)

Hokotte saku mitai ni

(Blooming proudly in rainbow)

Chris began bouncing on her heels, the ribbons on her thigh-highs bouncing with her as she thought back to when she arrived at the school. She was nervous, avoided them due to her insecurity of being around people, not trusting people. In the crowd, Seth arrived and Erina holding his hand, managing to find seats. Behind him were Kirika and Shirabe who he invited to join, the two girls standing behind his seat due to the lack of space.

Hōkago no chaimu ni majitta kaze ga fukinukeru

(A wind mixed with the chime of the after-school bell blows through)

Kanjita koto nai igokochi no yosa ni mada tomadotteru yo

(It still bewilders me how comfortable I feel, Like I never have before)

Nē konna sora ga takai to

(Hey, Y'know, The sky is so high)

Egao ga ne...kakusenai

(And I just can't... Hide my smile)

She began to smile as she sung, enjoying herself. She thought back to how nervous she was to even sing with them during class. Outside the school, Takuya pulled up to the fair, struggling to find a parking spot for his bike. He was already on his way to the fair, being one of the AIMS agents on duty for protection during the fair. Other agents were mixed in the crowds, undercover. This was to ensure people's safety in case anything happened. Once he found a spot, he quickly turned the engine off and got off, shoving his helmet into his bag. He wasn't determined to see Chris' performance, he was just late to the fair.

Waratte mo ī kana

(Is it okay for me to smile?)

Yurushitemoraeru no kana

(Will you forgive me if I do?)

Atashi wa atashi no

(Can you tell me if)

Seīppai, seīppai...

(With all my effort, With all my best)

Kokoro kara, kokoro kara...

(From my heart, From my soul)

Aru ga mama ni

(I'm allowed to sing)

Utatte mo ī no kana...!

(In just my own kinda way...?!)

Chris thought of her friends, Hibiki, Tsubasa, Miku, Takiyama, and then her classmate. Just as her thoughts drifted to someone else, the person walked in, taking his place behind the others as he lacked a spare seat. Chris' tone began to become upbeat, her cheeks even gaining a bit more red then before.

Taiyō ga kyōshitsu e to sasu hikari ga mabushikatta

(I was dazzled by the light that the sun shines into the classroom)

Yukidoke no yō ni nazeka namida ga afurete tomaranai yo

(For some reason, My tears just won't stop overflowing, Like melting snow)

Konna konna attakai nda...

(It's so warm like this, So very warm...)

Atashi no kaeru basho

(Here where I can belong)

Her song resonated in her own heart where she placed her hand over, recalling the time she spent with everyone as she grinned, looking into the crowd. Her gaze crossed with someone else's, her face heating up.

Atashi no kaeru basho

(Here where I can belong)

The crowd clapped, pleased with her performance, filling the room with cheers and clapping, even Kirika and Shirabe had to stop themselves from doing so. Takuya could only grip, pleased with how far Chris had come. He flashed her a thumbs up, which only seemed to make her grin. However, it was quickly interrupted by the announcer shouting into the mic, shining the spotlight down on Chris, "We have a new singing competition champion! Who'll be our next challenger! No need to register!" The room was silent for a moment before someone finally shouted. "We'll do it!"

The spotlight lifted and landed on Kirika and Shirabe, making the others gasp. Takiyama, Hibiki, and the others hadn't realized they were there and Seth was shocked to realize who they were when they took off their glasses. Sen just gave a blank stare, seeming to know full well who they were. "We will challenge... the champion dess!" Shirabe and Kirika both said as the screen darkened.

Season 2 - Episode 4 - End