I don't own Ben 10 or Senki Zesshou Symphogear. All are owned by their respected creators and publishers.

(Bloxx)

Chapter 9: The Fated Encounter, Secret revealed, The Ichaival Relic!

2nd Division hospital ward:

"Ok Ben-kun, say Ahh." Hibiki said while holding a spoon full of soup to our bed-ridden hero.

Currently Ben was lying on a hospital bed after two days unconscious since the Durandal incident. He was currently giving a troubled and embarrassed look at Hibiki's action.

"Come on Hibiki I'm not hurt at all and I can feed myself." He tried to plead again to the cream haired girl. Moreover, what Ben said was true. The doctors found nothing wrong with Ben. What was the most likely cause of his loss of conciseness was due to the force of the attack and the mental strain on taking such an attack. The doctor said that he would be released the day after tomorrow.

Yet even with the explanation of the doctor, Hibiki and Tsubasa were still worried and kept taking care of him, much to Ben's embarrassment.

"Tachibana is right Ben-kun, you shouldn't strain yourself." Tsubasa berated Ben while preparing him some tea and dutifully serve him the drink.

"But…" He tried to protest again, but found himself silent when he saw that the two were about to cry if he protested again. "…ok fine, I give up."

Their faces lit up, a smile and a blush adorned their faces. Hibiki happily continued feeding Ben and Tsubasa's smile brightened every time he asked for a drink.

Ben, seeing their smiles, he could not help but smile as well. Even though he was embarrassed by the girl's treatment. He would not admit it aloud, but Ben was… happy.

"We will always be together right?"

His smile slightly dropped, remembering his conversation with Hibiki the other night. He knows that one day… he would have to leave.

(Bloxx)

In front of a like on Finé's manor, Chris, wearing a maroon, skin-tight one-piece with a black choker, short puffy sleeves and shorts, a translucent red-violet cutout exposing some of her chest and upper back, detached long sleeves with black accents that go past her wrist, black lace trim on the end of the shorts, black stockings with maroon ribbon garters attached to the dress, and maroon pumps. She was standing on its bank staring at the sunrise, the staff of Solomon was being held on her hand.

Since she arrived since the Durandal, incident she expected Fine to be furious and she would have to go through another of their 'bonding' time. Yet when she did face her all she received was look of disappointment. It actually hurt her more than any of their previews 'bonding'.

All Fine told Chris was that a huge amount of phonic gain could activate a complete relic. That she needed half a year to use the staff of Solomon and that Hibiki could use the Durandal instantly.

It was bad enough that Fine belittled her; it was bad enough that Hibiki outdid her. It was already bad enough with all of these problems. Now she could not stop thinking on what Ben had done.

She could still clearly remember it. Him, pushing her out of the way and take the full force of the attack. She could tell he did not hesitate on his action and that bothered her to no end.

She gnawed at her teeth. That image played repeatedly. "Why did you do that? Why did you save an enemy? Why did someone so powerful save another." She asked herself. She remembered all her pain, her past trauma. No one came to save her or the other children. There was no hero to swoop down from the sky and save her. Yet she saw it. Someone did save her.

She then stopped her thoughts when she heard footsteps from behind. She turned and saw Finé all dressed in black.

"I know." Chris began. "I know what you're expecting of me! I can do it without this thing!" She threw the cane towards Finé, which she easily catches. "I'll prove to you I'm better than her. I will crush everyone with my own hands." Again, the image of Ben saving her came in a flash. She clenched her hands before saying her last sentence. "Even him!"

(Bloxx)

Now Ben exited the hospital doors and took his first breath of fresh air in a while. He looked up at the sky seeing it was high noon. Unfortunately, Tsubasa and Hibiki were not there to greet him due to the two were at school now.

In truth, Ben was supposed to be discharged earlier, but was held back by Ryoko. She needed his point of view of the Durandal incident to deliver to the top brass.

(Flash back)

"That what pretty much what happened Ryoko." Ben finished his summarized explanation on his part with the Durandal incident.

"Thanks for your input Ben-kun. I hope with this the heads would keep quiet for now." She sighed while fixing the written reports on her folder.

"No problem. I'm glad that I could take some of the pressure of you for once." She giggled at Ben's answer causing him to blush a bit.

"You know…" Ryoko began to speak. When Ben turned to face her, his eyes widened when he saw the sullen look on her. It was a rare for him to see with the ever-cheerful professor. "You really scared us back then. We actually thought you died Ben-kun. Hibiki-chan never stopped crying until the doctor said you were fine and Tsubasa-chan didn't get a wink of sleep until you woke up."

"… Sorry for making you guys worry." Ben began. He couldn't help but feel responsible on making them worry.

"No need to apologize Ben-kun. You did nothing wrong. In truth, I would be surprised if you didn't save the Nehushtan girl. You really are a super hero. Always saving the girl in the nick of time." She said jokingly making the alien hero laugh in return.

"Well it comes with the job description. Besides, I wanted to save her. If I ever didn't, I think I could never forgive myself."

Ryoko was silent at first, but suddenly gave Ben a solemn look. "Tell me something Ben-kun. Have you ever been in a situation that you have a goal that you were so obsessed with that you would do anything to achieve it?"

Ben looked at her, unsure with her sudden question. He folded his arms and thought hard if he ever did have such an obsession.

"Does smoothes count?" He jokingly said trying to play the question off. He flinched when he got a deadpan stare from her. "Well if not then I got nothing."

"I see." she said in disappointment. She was about to leave when Ben began to speak again.

"No, I'll be lying if I say I never did. Do you remember the time when I told you on how Kevin went berserk and I planned to… end him." She nodded, remembering the dark grim of regret she saw in Ben's eyes.

"I couldn't stop thinking that it's my fault, that because of my incompetence that he had to become a monster again to defeat Aggregor." Ben began his tail while Ryoko sat quietly.

"I wanted to right the wrong I did that I was hell bent on… killing Kevin. Even when my cousin Gwen tried and begged to stop me, I wouldn't listen to her. I even ended up hurting her. I know the feeling so well that I wish I could forget it."

He smiled remembering how his friends were able to convince him to save Kevin, even if that other person was a golden haired, playboy prick.

"I'm just glad that they were able to stop me and thanks to that I was able to save Kevin." He ended his story and Ryoko could only stare at him with uncertainty.

"But it was not too late for you. What if it was too late, that they couldn't be saved." She said. Her eyes only shown that she couldn't believe on Ben's tale.

Ben gave her a determined and unwavering smile. "It's never too late. There is always another way."

"How can you be so sure?"

"… I cannot give you a definite answer right now. But give me time and I'll find one."

Ryoko stared stoically at Ben before going to a laughing fit. "That was so corny Ben-kun! You really are a super hero!"

"Well I'm glad I made you happy." Ben said dryly. He was abit amused and a bit offended at her reaction.

"Well then I should be going." She stood up and was about to leave the room. She stopped for a moment and spoke. "Thanks for that Ben-kun. You will make a girl very happy someday."

She left without another word, leaving the confused hero pondering her sudden change of personality.

(Flash Back End)

Ben sighed once again, still confused with his earlier conversation. "What was that all about?" He wondered while still walking aimlessly. He arrived at the park and saw mostly children playing on the playground with their parents watching them in delight.

He smiled at the sight, seeing such a peaceful scene, knowing that he was fighting to protect this moments.

He moved further ahead and stopped when he saw Chris, in front of what appearance to be siblings, a boy and a girl and a boy.

At first glance, it seems the brother was bullying his crying , a part of him say's that they might be just lost and the brother was just acting tough for his sister.

…also, the fact saw no adult near them.

He saw that Chris was about weakly hit the boy on the head, so he decided now was the best time to intervene.

"Hey, need any help?!" He said while walking towards the three. They turned their sights at him. The two kids looked at him in wonder while Chris just gave him an irritated look.

"Who the hell are you supposed to be buddy?" Chris said, narrowing her eyes at Ben. The teen hero raised his hands showing her that he means no harm.

"Hey now I'm not some creep. I just wanted to help you guy's." Ben said to Chris, trying to defuse the misunderstanding.

"Yah I'll take your word for it." She sarcastically replied. "How can I trust you huh? For all I know you would take these kids and sell them off!" She continued to accuse Ben.

The accusation had made Ben eye twitch. "Oh come on that was uncalled for. Do I really look like someone who would do that?"

Before things would get any worst. The small girl eyes widened and spoke out when she recognized Ben.

"Hey onii-chan he's the nice nii-chan from the Flower Shop!"

"Huh?" Her brother said, making gaze at Ben, trying to remember if he was the same person. His eyes shot up when he finally recognized him. "Ah you're right, it's Ben-nii."

"Wait did you just say Ben?" Chris asked the two children, her eyes widened at the name. She turned back to stare at Ben. "American, green and…" Her eyes slowly went to his wrist and to her horror she saw the omnitrix. "Shit it's him!"

"Yah, a month ago when we were shopping with dad in the shopping district we got lost. That's were Ben-nii found us and he took us to the flower shop. He made us Okonomiyaki and left to find our dad!" The boy finished explained.

"Yah Ben-nii is our hero!" The sister parroted with a big smile.

She half-heartedly listened to the two. Her eyes never left Ben making the teen hero look at her in confusion. She wanted to run but her legs were locked in place.

"Have I met them already?" He said to himself,, turning his attention from Chris to the two, trying to remember the event that they had said. "Ah that's right, now I remember. I did help you guys out. I think it was months ago. Your names are Mio and Basara." He said finally remembering the event.

"Yay Ben-nii remembers!" The Mio said joyfully.

"Let me guess you're lost again huh?"

"Yup!" The two said in unison while Ben and Chris were perplexed on their happy mood on being lost.

"How can you both say that with a smile!?" The two scream internally in unison. Ben just sighed and letting it off as a kid thing. He rubbed the back of his head before speaking.

"So we should better get go-." He stopped midway when he heard a sudden grumble. He looked at the source and found the small girl blushing while holding her stomach.

"Or we get a bait to eat first?" he said with a bemused voice. Making the girl to look at Ben with a joyful smile.

"Really!?"

"Yah my treat."

"Yay!" The two cheered.

"Alright then." He turned too Chris and gave the same offer. "Come on snow white, you must be hungry as well.

"Like hell-!" She was about to retort until her stomach grumbled as well. She blushed and made Ben smile awkwardly.

She was about to two yell again until the two kids grabbed both her hands. "Please eat with us Onee-chan." Mio pleaded while Basara gave a pleading look.

Chris blush deepen. She stared at the kids then to Ben, who was just smiling at the scene. She sighed, relenting to the kid's request.

"Fine…"

(Bloxx)

Chris, along with the two kids were sitting on a bench while waiting for Ben to return from buying their lunch. She glanced to the far right; the alien hero was not too far and was buying from a Takoyaki stall.

She sighed again, still wondering why she even agreed to the kid's request. She looked at the kids and saw them happily waited for their treat.

She felt envious with the two, yet happy for them at the same time. She envied them for the happy life they are experiencing. She was happy for them that they would not experience the suffering she faced when her parents died and then was captured by rebel forces.

"Onee-chan? Is something wrong?" Mio called out to Chris, breaking her of from her thoughts.

"What?" She asked startled by the girl's sudden call.

"Well… you were staring quietly for a while. I got worried."

The question caused her eyes to widen. Was she really in deep thought that she forgot her surroundings? "It's nothing." She replied solemnly while her sights turned to the alien hero.

Seeing so, the small girl had made her assumption. "Oh did Onee-chan miss Ben-nii already? Moh Onee-chan is really in love with him!" She said happily and she swore she saw sparkles in the small girl's eyes.

At her declaration, Chris did a spit take and violently coughed after wards. "WHERE IN THE HELL DID YOU GET THAT IDEA FROM!? I ONLY JUST MET THAT IDIOT!" she said her faced red in embarrassment.

"But you were staring at him." Basra added making the silver haired girl flinch.

"Like I said we are-!" She wasn't able to finish when Ben arrived with the food.

"Alright got the Takoyaki!" He then gave one to each of them. The kids excitedly thanked Ben and Chris just gave him an irritated look before she accepted the food.

Ben then proceeded to sit next to Chris making her moved a bit from him. "What's wrong?" Ben inquired.

"Don't sit to close to me you perv. I still don't trust you." She said while chomping down on one takoyaki.

Ben eye twitched at the pervert comment, but shrugged it off. Before he would have returned that with a jab but over the years, he spent in this world he had learned to be patient, thanks to all the antics he had gone through with Hibiki.

"Ok, ok whatever you say Tsundere-chan~" Ok, maybe he could not let it go without a jab.

"DON'T CALL ME A TSUNDERE!" she yelled at the teen hero, her face red with embarrassment and anger.

The three just laughed at the poor blushing girl. Chris just hissed and tried to concentrate at the food.

A few minutes past and the group fell to a pleasant silence. The two kids then said their tanks for the meal and hopped off from the bench.

"Ben-nii can we play for a while." Mio said while she and her brother pointed at the playground not too far away.

Ben just chuckled at the balls of energy. "Yah it's no problem, just don't go too far and we will be leaving in 30 minutes."

"Yes Ben-nii!" The two said in unison and proceeded to their destination. Leaving Chris alone with Ben.

The two spent the passing time in silence. Just contently watching the kids have a good time.

Chris was sneaking worried glances on Ben. Her mind was in a panic and wonder because he did not recognized her. She did wore the helmet of the Symphogear, but she expected him to recognize her hair and voice at least. Since he did not say a word, she safely assumed that he didn't know it was her.

"So…" Ben began, causing Chris to flinch at the sudden conversation. "How about we talk." He awkwardly continued, not knowing how to talk you Chris since he only met her. "Since, you know, to pass the time?"

She was startled, but she regained her composure and returned to her previews suspicious glare. "What would I ever talk about with a pervert like you?"

Ben eye twitched again his patient was waning. "Okay, I really don't get why you got that impression of me, but I'M NOT A PERVERT." He almost growled at the silver haired Tsundere.

"Hmph!" Chris began. "Why else would a complete stranger ever come near two unsupervised kids?"

Well I don't know, how about a guy who just wanted to help some lost kids could be a good reason?" Ben countered making Chris glare intensify. "Look I don't get why you would get that idea from? But many people aren't like that."

At that statement image of the time, Chris spent in that hell. They were forced into labor, barely feed and were sold off to slavery. She watched in horror, seeing the children one by one being taken until she was next. "How could you possibly know that?"

She did not know why she suddenly asked such a question. Her eyes looked at the alien hero, hoping for an answer that eluded her all these years.

Ben stared off into the distance before his sights fell on Basara and Mio. They were happily playing with the other kids on the playground. He heard their laughter and a small smile formed.

He can't just give a yes or no answer. He knew there were many different kinds of people out there in the multiverse. He can't absolutely know but… "I can't be sure, but I just hope really."

"Huh?" she said. Unsure what his answer meant.

"That's what we can do really. Keep moving ahead and keep hope alive."

"What the hell are you talking about?" Chris asked again now completely confused then before.

"There are a lot of good and bad people out there. No one in existence, no matter how powerful they are can be absolute good or absolute evil. There will always be that middle lining." His gaze fell to the omnitrix and at the same time, Chris followed his gaze.

"It's always about love, always about hate… always about desire. It's the gift and the curse of sentient beings." He finished on a sad note.

Chris gritted her teeth, her eyes narrowed at the ground, showing a pained look. "So there's no justice at all?" she dejected bitterly.

"In a way, there isn't." He began again, once again gaining Chris's attention. "Justice is based on how some perceives it. I learned it a long time ago. It is different with each person. Like many, they see it is as someone who is selfless, someone that gives everything he has to help someone… anyone.

Others would see justice as vengeance on a wrong that others dealt to them or to avenge a wrong to others.

Is all-different there is no base line in the end it's what you believe what it is.

Chris couldn't responded. In all honesty she expected something cliché, but no, what she got was something someone who had met, experience the truth of saving others, of justice.

"What is your justice?" she asked unconsciously.

Ben did not move his gaze from the children playing. He smiled and left Chris stunned on how sincere it was. "That." He nudged over to the kids playing making Chris look at the scene.

"I'm protecting this moment."

Chris was perplexed at Ben's answer. "Something that simple?"

"Yah." He nodded without saying another word.

"Really?"

"Yup."

"You're an idiot."

"I get that a lot."

"I mean a real idiot."

"Hey…"

"But… It's beautify simple." She said with a smile.

"I know."

There exchange went on, but neither of the two where bothered by it.

"Onii-chan, Onee-chan!" The stopped when they heard Mio calling out to them. It would have seemed that the siblings were finish playing.

"Well I guess it's time to look for their dad." Ben stood while dusting his lap. "You know you don't have to come with us. If you have other business to do I can take over from here." Ben suggested but Chris shook her head.

"No, I want to see those kids reunite with their family and besides… I can't leave them to you creep." She said but this time it was a playful gesture.

"You still on with that?" Ben said with an amused smile. He reached out his hand to her. "Come one we can't keep them waiting."

He reached out his hand to Chris making the girl's eyes widen slightly at the gesture. She stared at his hand, but slowly and hesitantly, she held his hand. He helped her up and lead her towards the two waiting siblings.

She didn't understand why. Deep down she hated being touched, especially men. After the torture she had endured in her childhood, it had left a psychological mark. Sometimes she would have a panic attack with even the slightest touch with a man., but right now it wasn't.

The feeling wasn't like what she feels when she and Fine had their bonding. This feeling was something she hadn't felt in years. "It's like there's… like Mothers and Fathers."

Normally she would just yank her hand away and maybe punch Ben for it, but right now, she unconsciously smiled and gently squeezed the hand back.

(Bloxx)

Unbeknownst to Ben and Chris, Paradox was watching them from a distance. He just smiled at the two, happy that Ben had change the future of someone yet again.

"Well done young master Tennyson, well done." He vanished in a flash of blue light to another time-period that needs his attention.

(Bloxx)

Inside Hibiki's dorm room, Miku was eagerly waiting for Hibiki to return. Hibiki had skipped class today to look after Ben at the hospital. She admitted she was worried about Ben and asked what had happened to him, but again Hibiki had dodged the question.

Miku was growing more worried by the day. For a long time Hibiki and Miku never kept secrets from each other ever since she could remember, but recently she find thing changing.

Hibiki constantly skipping class and coming home late, sometimes she would be gone for a few days. She tried to ask her and Ben but they kept a tight lip.

"I'm back!"

She was brought out from her thoughts when she heard Hibiki enter the room.

"Welcome back." She greeted her with her usual smile.

"Yah sorry I skipped class, but I just wanted to see Ben be discharged from the hospital." She said while clasping her hands in an apologetic manner.

"It's okay, so Ben-kuns completely fine?"

"Yah, the doctor said he was completely fine and was discharged without a problem." Hibiki cheerfully answered.

"That's good. So Hibiki I just wondered if you wanted to go to the sunflower?" She asked hoping this time she could spend time with her best friend.

Hibiki still had a smile on her face, but anyone can noticed it had been for of an apologetic smile.

"So-sorry Miku, but I have something important to do."

Her smiled faltered, something painful pulsed inside her heart.

"Uh Miku, are you alright?" Hibiki spoke, wondering why her friend went silent all of a sudden.

"…et it…" Miku murmured low enough for Hibiki to miss what she said.

"Uh Miku what did you say." She asked this time her voice mirrored her worried expression.

"Forget it!" She shouted, making Hibiki stumble with her sudden outburst. Miku burst out of the room and Hibiki remained stunned for a moment.

She spun around and called out to her again, but she was too late. She was hurt. They never fought before and this was the first time she felt about this concerning Miku.

"Miku…" she wishpered her body trembled before tears started to form and she began sobbing quietly. She did not know what to do. All she did was cry and let her feelings out.

(Bloxx)

Now we see Ben, the kids and Chris walking along the shopping district. Earlier Ben had contacted the kids dad to meet up in front of the of the liquor store, since it was the most noticeable landmark.

While walking, Chris began humming a tone, which the three couldn't help but find beautiful to hear.

"Onee-chan you have a beautiful voice!" Mio spoke out her thoughts while Basara nodded in agreement.

"I got to admit, it was a nice tune." Ben added with both admiration and a bit of teasing.

Chris suddenly blushed at their praise. In truth, she did not even notice she started humming. Her mind just found the atmosphere to be relaxing, charming even. It was so peaceful that she couldn't help it.

"Sh-shut it! It's not that great." She said fuming, making the other three laughed at her embarrassment.

"Mio, Basara!"

The four turned their sights at the source of the voice and found Mio and Basara's father in front of the entrance of the liquor store.

"Papa!" Mio said happily while Basara just silently run beside his sister, but a wide smile on his face.

Ben and Chris stood silently watching the scene. Ben smiled in satisfaction while Chris felt the same way as Ben.

The father said his thanks to the two and went their way. Basara and Mio waved goodbye to them while they faded into the crowed.

"Feels good right?" Ben began making the silver haired girl look up to him in wonder.

"Helping others, I mean."

She did not say anything. She stared at the spot where the family was earlier. The images of her own father and mother came to mind. She couldn't help but compare them.

"Yah its feel good." She said while a peaceful smile formed.

Ben sighed in satisfaction with her answer. "Well I better going. By the way need help on getting home?"

"No… I'll be fine." She replied, wanting to leave noticing she was alone with her supposed enemy.

"You sure?" He pushed on and in response; Chris gave him a dry glare.

"Ok, ok I get it. Just be careful." He warned. He stretched out his hand to Chris making her raise a brow in confusion. "By the way, Ben Tennyson's the name."

Her eyes widened at his sudden words. She just remembered this was technically their first meeting. "It's… Chris, Chris Yukine." She answered rather hesitantly, but shook his hand nonetheless. "His hand… it's so warm."

"Nice to meet you Chris. I guess I'll see you around sometime Chris." He said his good bye.

She stared at his retreating form for a bit before speaking again. "Hey!" Ben turned and looked startled at the sudden call. "Is it worth it, protecting what you believe in?"

"Yah!" He said with a smile, that shows absolute certainty. "If you're strong enough!"

Chris kept her eyes on him until he faded into the crowed of bystanders. Her eyes fell to the ground. The words that Ben offered echoed in her mind. She was unsure now if what she was in the right. I don't know anymore…"

She stood there with her own thoughts, completely ignoring the crowed of people bustling away.

(Bloxx)

On top of a roof on one of the buildings, a figure wearing grey pants and a black hoodie that obscured his face was staring at Chris.

"Hmph a bit soft, but a feisty one and a beauty." He laughed with a menacing tone. "The Prime knows how to pick them." He then licked his lips in anticipation. "I can't wait to get my hands on this one and the other two. Oh what kind of face will Ben prime make when I'm done with them?"

(Bloxx)

Around about an hour later, we see Ben walking silently on the quit street nearing the sunflower shop. Nearly all of the surrounding shops were already closed with the few that catered to the midnight patrons are still opened.

He sighed with the rather busy day he had and wanted to get some sleep for the sunflowers opening tomorrow. He was about to pull out his keys, but stopped when he saw a familiar face in front of the store.

"Hibiki?" he called to his friend, his faced grew worried when he saw her face was downcast, slightly covered by her bangs.

Hearing his voice Hibiki lifted her face and Ben saw her eyes were red from crying and her expression showed fatigue.

"What's the matter Hibiki?" His voice laced with a gentle tone. He wasn't able to ask any further due to Hibiki suddenly started to run towards him and enveloped him into a hug and buried her face on his chest.

He was about to ask again, but shut his mouth when he heard the muffled cries of Hibiki. Ben once again today found himself in a situation he didn't expected.

"Hibiki..." he spoke while soothingly caressed her head.

He wanted to know what the problem was. He wanted to ask, but for now, he let the girl he cares for cry her heart out and let himself take it all for her.

(Bloxx)

The next morning came and Ben was trying to occupy his mind with the customers he was attending to, but to no avail. His mind kept on wondering back to yesterday's talk with Hibiki.

In all honesty, he did not expect this would escalate to the point that Miku would have a fight with Hibiki. Deep inside him, he thought he should have expected this. Now he had to think of a way to help Hibiki patch things up with Miku.

"When did things get so complicated? Back then was much simpler. Just punch the bad guy, save the day and go home." He thought and gave a deep sigh.

"Hibiki…" He needed to think of a way fix their relationship. However, all of the planes he could think of leads to Miku knowing of Hibiki and her Symphogear.

He can't let that happen, not now at least. She would be caught between dangerous situations, not only the Noise, but with the other various third parties involved and he wasn't so arrogant that he could protect the girls all the time.

He learned that he cant be everywhere every time. He saw that recently with all the victims that the Muta-Noise had left.

"Damn it all…" He wishpered quietly, but his face betrayed his emotion.

Seeing this, Boss Lady, who was at the kitchen, grew worried at the rare sight of Ben's troubled look. All she could do was quietly pray for him.

(Bloxx)

It was after school and Miku was walking alone in the park, taking the longest rout back to her dorm. The outburst she had with Hibiki still plagued her mind and she felt only regret with her action. Her hearts tightens up every time she remembers it.

She wanted to apologies to Hibiki, but couldn't put it to words. "No I have to make up with Hibiki! I can't let this go any longer!"

She resolved herself and hastens her pace to return home quicker, but stopped suddenly when she saw Hibiki in front of her path, who was running in the opposite direction from her. "Hibiki!" she called out to her gaining the girls attention.

"Miku?!" she said, surprised on their sudden encounter.

A few moments ago, Genjuro contacted Hibiki and told her that Chris was heading towards her location and said that Ben and Tsubasa was on their way.

This caused a problem since Miku was now endanger. She began to run towards Miku and take her somewhere safe and hopefully she would be able to lose Chris.

However, the universe was not on her side when the bladed chain of the Nehushtan armor came between them. The ground shattered as the bricked ground exploded from the attack causing a shock wave of debris to fly out.

Unfortunately Miku was closes to the attack and she was sent flying a few feet back along with multiple bruises on her.

"Shit someone else was there!?" Chris cursed, not expecting a bystander nearby.

Miku groaned and slowly got her bearing. She opened her eyes after rubbing of the dirt and saw a car falling towards her. Her eyes widened thinking that it was the end.

Sorrow and regret filled her mind. "No I don't want to die! I still haven't made up with Hibiki!"

"Balwisyall Nescell Gungnir Tron"

Hibiki activated her gear and in a flash and she was now wearing the Gungnir gear. In a flash, she was now in front of Miku and she effortlessly caught the incoming car.

While tossing the car to the side Miku could only stare at the sudden change of Hibiki. "Hibiki…"

Hibiki didn't turn to look at Miku. She was to ashamed now to even look at her. With regretful eyes, all she could think to apologize. "I'm sorry…"

She dashed off into the forest leaving the still stunned Miku. "Hibiki… why?"

(Bloxx)

Now within the parks forest, Hibiki was now running towards Chris. Now seeing her, Hibiki increased her speed and once she passed her, she began to leap further ahead.

Chris grinned, understanding what Hibiki was doing. "You really think a slow kid like you can provoke me?" she said with an amused tone and began to follow Hibiki.

(Bloxx)

2nd Division control room:

Within the control room, every staff member where in high alert, monitoring Hibiki and Chris.

"Hibiki-chan has entered combat!" Aoi began. "She is currently moving away from the city!"

"Keep following her!" Genjuro ordered. "Record everything second of this!"

(Bloxx)

Back with the two combatants, Hibiki and Chris now landed to a clear opening with no bystander's nearby.

Not wasting any time Chris began her assault by launching her bladed chains towards Hibiki.

Seeing this she raised both her hands and had effortlessly blocked her attack.

"Not bad slow kid!" Chris exclaimed, trying to provoke Hibiki.

"My name isn't 'slow kid'!" She countered. "My name is Hibiki Tachibana! I am fifteen years old! My birthday is on September 13th and my blood type is O! I just got my height measured and it was 157 cm! My weight is…" She stammered. "I'll tell you if we're better friends! My hobby is saving people and my favorite things are food and food! And I…" Once again, she stammered but this time it was as if she was conflicted with it. "I… NEVER HAD A BOYFRIEND!"

"Why are you telling me that!?" Chris said, not sure why Hibiki started to tell her about herself.

"We aren't Noise. We can understand each other, so I want to talk!"

"You serious!?" Chris replied with an amused grin. "After all this?!" She launched her chain again and Hibiki leaped out of its way. "She's?" Chris thought while seeing Hibiki's determined look while she kept dodging her attacks. "Something changed… resolve?"

"Let's talk. We can't fight each other!" Hibiki continued to reach out to Chris. This aggravated the silver haired girl. "Because if we can talk to each other, people can-!"

"Shut up!" Chris shouted with a voice with seething rage. "People can't understand each other! That is not how we are made! I hate you! I hate you! I hate you! I HATE YOU!

You keep talking, but you don't understand a thing!" she finished, panting with rage.

Her outburst had left Hibiki speechless.

"I was told to drag you back, but I don't care about that anymore." She raised her armored clawed hands towards Hibiki. "I'll destroy you here!" she then clenched her fists while continuing. "I'll ruin everything you have!"

Hibiki gasp for a moment before resolving herself again. "I can't lose either."

Chris yelled out in rage and leaped up, preparing her attack. "Explode! Nirvana Gedon!" The black and while ball of energy was launched and headed straight for Hibiki.

Hibiki once again raised both her hands again and blocked the attack. She greeted her teeth from the force but her form stayed true.

"Take another one!" Chris launched another Nirvana Gedon attack. This caused an explosion and a plum of dust engulfed the area were Hibiki was.

She landed on the ground and stared at her work. "It's because of you that I'm going to…"

She then gasped when the dust cleared and saw Hibiki was all right. What shocked her most was Hibiki's hands struggling what seems to be a ball of compressed energy.

The ball of energy expanded and exploded, sending Hibiki a few feet back.

Chris was flabbergasted at what Hibiki had done. Not expecting her to achieve such a feet with so little experience.

Hibiki groaned while getting back on her feet. "This isn't working… I can't stabilize my gears energy like Tsubasa-san."

"She was trying to get her Armed Gear in this short of a time?" Chris deducted.

Hibiki stared at the ball of energy on her right hand. "I have the energy. If I can't stabilize it with my Armed Gear…" She clenched her fist. "I'll just Hit with it!" she said while the chamber on her gauntlet opened and steam gushed out.

"No you don't!" Seeing this, Chris attacked with her weapon to stop Hibiki, but to her shock, Hibiki caught her chains effortlessly. "What!?"

Due to the strength Hibiki was letting out the crystal chain where crushed under its pressure. She yanked the chain and caused Chris to be pulled towards her.

The thruster on Hibiki's back ignited and she accelerated to the incoming Chris. "Straight for her, as fast as possible, as soon as possible."

The right gauntlets chamber opened again, seeing this left Chris stunned. " I'll tell her what I'm feeling… The song of my heart!"

Her fist made contact to Chris's chest, cracking the Nehushtan armor on that are. The attack had so much power to it that a burst of air passed through Chris's back.

"Impossible… The Nehushtan Armor is…" Chris said while cracks started to form all over her armor.

Then an explosion of dust engulfing the two, while from on top of the hill, Miku watched as tears began to form.

Back with the two fighters, Hibiki was panting, but kept singing her song. Her attack had caused an explosion, sent Chris flying back, and crashed to a brick wall.

"Damn it that hurt." She groaned while lifting her head and glared at Hibiki. "Why is using her powers so easy for her!? That attack was as strong as a Swan Song!" while with her thoughts the Nehushtan armor began to regenerate and she hissed from the pain it came with.

"Hibiki!"

The two heard an unfamiliar slurred voice. They looked up and their eyes widened.

What they saw was a creature with a bug/insect body and four insect-like flat legs with two arms, whose hands are human-style ones with a black coloration, similar to fingerless gloves, and has three clawed fingers.

He has four pedunculated eyes that are pretty small and yellowish-orange in color. These eyes are linked directly to the sides of his huge black head.

His wings looked very fragile with lines on them. His limbs are a brown-greenish color and his wings are light green.

This was Ben's Lepidopterra form called Stinkfly.

"You alright?" Ben inquired while landing next to the orange armored girl.

"Ah...yah I'm fine." She said with winded breath, but kept up a smile seeing him arrive.

With her answer, Ben nodded and then looked towards Chris. "Nice job on handling her Hibiki."

At his complement, Hibiki couldn't help but smile and blush a fuzzy feeling swelled in her heat.

"All right." He continued returning his attention back to Chris. "I won't say this twice, give up." He warned while pressing the omnitrix and turning into Diamondhead.

"Please, were both humans! We don't have to fight one another!" Hibiki continued to plead, but it fell into deaf ears.

"You're really pissing me off!" Chris said while glaring daggers on Hibiki. "Your lies and naïveté! It pisses me off so much!" She leaped and was going attack Hibiki with a kick dive.

Wasting no time Ben got in between the toe and his diamond tough skin was able to withstand her attack.

"Get the hell out of my way!" Chris said in irritation.

"Not a chance!" Ben said as he pushed her back and began to fire his crystal projectiles like bullets. She dodged it effectively and dashed towards Ben delivering series of kicks and punches.

He could feel the pressure of the attack but it did little to no damaged on his diamond skin.

Ben materializes crystal from the ground and had caught Chris's foot, halting her attack. Taking the indicative Ben punched Chris and caused her to launch back, crushing into a tree.

"Give it up! You're outnumber and out classed. Do not make it harder for yourself." Ben warned again. While Hibiki readied herself if Chris still refuses to back down.

Chris began to stand again, while the armor continued its regeneration process. She looked at the two and saw hear odds of victory dwindling.

"You bastards…you think you've won! I'll show you!" Suddenly her armor glowed then broken off into piece while launching in all direction.

"Dodge Hibiki!" Ben alerted her and the two had dodged the incoming projectiles.

"Killiter Ichaival Tron."

The two heard something they never expected to hear from Chris.

The dust cleared and the two saw Chris, surrounded by light and made hard for the two to see what was going on.

"I'll show you the strength of Ichii-Bal!"

(Bloxx)

2nd Division control room:

"Ichii-Bal!" Genjuro cried out, not expecting to see that relic. Not only him, but also everyone present had the same reaction.

"We caught an Aufwachen signal!"

"Collation with records confirms! It's Ichii-Bal!"

"So they also got their hands on the second lost relic…" Genjuro said grimly.

(Bloxx)

"She's also like us?" Hibiki couldn't believe what she was seeing.

Chris was wearing similar armor with her and Tsubasa. It was Symphogear armor.

Ben too would be surprised by it, but it was overshadowed by the fact it was Chris he was facing. "Chris?!" he mattered in shock.

"You two made me sing…" She said with boiling rage. "You made me sing! I'll show you guys why I hate singing!"

Chapter End

(Bloxx)

Hope you guys like the chapter. R&R and a have a Happy New Year!