Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

June 2036

Iris hammers knuckle and shin into a punching bag, just as she has been for the past hour. Once again she had tried to and failed to interface with Igalima, frustrating her to no end. With every attempt to use the Symphogears, she feels more and more useless. “Damn it!” She punches hard but misses hitting the solid steel frame holding up the bag with full force. She kisses her teeth and grabs her hand. Now noticing that it's covered in scarlet blood. “Ow–!” She shakes her hand as if that would get rid of the pain.

“Big sis?” A timid voice asks. Her head snaps to the right with a furious expression on her face. Eyes settling on two small girls standing in the doorway. One has short, sandy blonde hair and emerald green eyes clouded by worried tears. The other girl stands slightly taller and wears her raven hair in a pair of pigtails tied up by bows, rosé coloured eyes staring at Iris in curiosity and horror.

Iris sighs in relief, glad that it's just them rather than Doctor Ver or, God forbid Mom. “Kirika, Shirabe, what are you doing here?” She asks

“Are you okay, dess?” Kirika's voice is but a worried whimper. The sight of her elder sister's blood flowing from her knuckles, down her fingers, dripping onto the floor scares her.

Crouching down to their level Iris shifts her expression from one of anger to a soft, kind smile. Wiping the blood from her hands onto her shirt, she uses her thumb to rub away the tears welled in the corners of Kirika's eyes. "I'm fine, it doesn't hurt. Now tell me, why are the two of you here?” Her voice is calm and collected. It carefully hides the fury she felt moments before this.

Shirabe speaks up with their reasoning, her normal deadpan voice holding a tinge of concern for Iris. “Doctor Ryouko wanted you. But you weren't at lunch so she asked us to come find you.”

Iris nods, taking note of what she's being told. She's definitely suspicious, as when any of them are called specifically it's for something painful. “Doc Sakurai wants me? Okay, did she say where to bring me?” 

Shirabe gives a nod of confirmation “She said testing room one, but not why.” She wonders what the doctor could want Iris for, although she has her suspicions. Right now though? her sister's injuries are the focus of her attention. “You should bandage your hands first though.”

“I'll be fine, thanks for the concern though. Go on back to the others, I bet they're waiting for you” leaving the room, Iris makes her way through the halls of the facility towards the first of the facility's many rooms used for testing relics. A twinge of fear fires through her as she stands at the door to the room she's left broken and bloody many times before. No. I can't be afraid, gotta stay strong. Opening the door and stepping into the room she's met with the metal walls she's all too familiar with leading her to subconsciously rub her left forearm. On a higher platform gated off behind multiple glass panels, several people, including Doctors Ryouko and Ver, observe something in the center of the testing area. A red pendant sitting on a metal pedestal. “You wanted to see me doctor Sakurai?” Iris asks

The room's P.A system crackles to life “Yes, thank you for coming Iris” Ryouko's voice comes over the P.A with the same upbeat tone it always has. “In front of you is a newly created symphogear. So far none of the other testees within the facility have shown a compatibility with it, therefore you're the last on our list of those to try it.”

Iris sighs. She assumed that it would be something like this, yet another test to see if she can use something they all know she's incapable of using. When will this stop? I just want it to be over. “The usual then? Alright hurry up and give me the LiNKER.”

A person garbed in a lab coat the colour of freshly fallen snow, a cyan mask that completely hides everything below their nose and clear goggles that ensure nothing gets in their eyes. Despite this, Iris can tell the person in question is a woman. In her hand, which is covered by a latex glove the same colour as her mask, is a gun shaped object with a glass chamber, holding a lime coloured liquid. Seeing the liquid makes Iris cringe inside and want to throw up just from looking at it. The scientist holding the gun goes to say something, but before she can Iris already has the right sleeve of her shirt rolled up. They act as if I haven't done this hundreds of times. “Hurry up and do it.” Iris says impatiently. The scientist nods and presses the gun against Iris’ arm then pulls the trigger injecting the lime coloured drug into the redhead's bloodstream before leaving.

“You know this isn't going to work right? I'm just not compatible with Symphogears.” Looking up to the platform above, she expects to see the researchers watching her, but there's no one there. They're not watching me? What's going on? Not seeing the group of scientists fills Iris with dread. Did I do something wrong? Is something happening?

Up in the observation platform the group of scientists gather around a computer with Iris’ statistics on it, completely baffled by what they're seeing. Iris’ compatibility has risen above 0% for the first time in seven years. “Surely this has to be wrong. We've tested the other relics on her for the past seven years and she had no compatibility at all, not to mention Pandora showing almost no compatibility with the other subjects yet the useless one shows this much of a reaction?!” Dr Ver says. angry at the fact Iris is the one to be compatible with the Symphogear, especially because her compatibility is the highest they've seen at 20%.”It has to be a fluke, especially with a number this low!”

The scientist next to him, sporting short blond hair and skinny like a light pole, is the kind to only wear his non-prescription glasses because he thinks he looks smart. He places a hand on Ver's shoulder and speaks sternly. “Pipe down Vercingetorix, it's most definitely a coincidence. After all, the girl is nothing but a dud. And if it isn't a fluke, then maybe she can be a sturdy enough punching bag for SG-x00 and SG-r03.”

Letting out a deep breath and looking back at the computer with the statistics Ver gets an idea. “Thank you Leonard, I shall return once I have calmed down.” Leaving via one of the two doors to the viewing area, Ver goes down into the testing room below. Upon entering the room, Doctor Ver walks over to Iris, a sadistic grin plastered on his face. That grin alone strikes fear into every part of her, she takes a step away from him, attempting to distance herself “D-Doctor Ver?” She stutters, her brave face shattering under the weight of her fear. Ignoring her fearful stutter, Ver walks over and whips a LiNKER gun out of his pocket then grabs hold of Iris firmly. “Ver don't do it!“ Ryouko shouts over the P.A but it's too late. He jamms the gun into the side of Iris’ neck and pulls the trigger, forcing the drug into her all the while the 13 year old struggles against his grip. 

Red lights begin flashing within the observation deck, the numbers on the monitor displaying Iris’ statistics show her compatibility rate rising rapidly to 30%, 50%  80%, 120%. The additional LiNKER puts her into a state of overdose that sends her compatibility through the roof, but in turn puts her body into overdrive, every part of her attempting to compensate for the effects the drug is causing. “Get her some anti LINKER right now!” Ryouko commands frantically, unwilling to lose the only person who Pandora's shown a reaction to.

Grasping her throat, her body assaulted by constant, unending pain worse than anything she's ever felt, Iris cries out in agony. Feeling something coming up her throat, she tries to keep whatever it is down but her efforts are fruitless; dropping to her knees, a bucket's worth of blood spews forth from her mouth onto the floor, as tears of blood roll down her cheeks. The pain is so much, she just wants to curl up and wait for it to end. Maybe if I die from this it'll be a good thing— no I can't be thinking like that. Seven years of hell only to get killed by something like this? “No way. I won't die, not yet, not to something this small.” Struggling to her feet, almost falling several times just to get up, Iris lets out a triumphant roar “I'M NOT DYING!” she declares, snatching the red crystal from the pedestal it’s sitting on. “I hear it. I finally hear them, the holy words!” 

“Bascal solum Pandora Zizzl!” 

Singing the words of power results in Iris’ bloodied form being enveloped by a golden light, her clothes completely: they take on the form of a silver, body tight jumpsuit that covers her entire body leaving no skin uncovered. The undersuit is covered in various segments of stark grey armour such as slim gauntlets that stretch from her wrist to her forearms, calf armour that protects her and shoulder armour that spike outwards usable as both offence and defence. On her feet are a pair of armoured boots that reach all the way up to her knees, around her ears are a pair of metal headphones accompanied by an armoured mask that extends from them, covering her face from the nose down to the chin. Standing victorious, her gaze shifts to the viewing platform above her, and she laughs like a madwoman at those watching her. “Hahahaha! Do you see me? I fucking did it! I'm using Symphogear! You said I could never do it but I did!” Her hands tighten into fists then with an almighty swing she twists around and punches the off- guard Ver, sending him flying into one of the testing room's walls. “This power, it's incredible!” Iris says, spending a few seconds punching and kicking the air to get a feel for the armour now covering her body.

Back up on the viewing platform most of the scientists scramble out of the room upon seeing Iris punch Ver through a wall, afraid that she'd do the same to them. All except Ryouko and Leonard that is. The two of them remain behind, watching Iris with silent curiosity. “It is quite fascinating is it not? The girl showed no reaction at all to Airgetlám, Gungnir, Igalima and Shul Shagna now suddenly not only reacts to Pandora, but manages to manifest it, even if it took an overdose to do so.” Ryouko nods but doesn't speak, far too enthralled by Iris. She not only forced herself to push through her body tearing itself apart, but also called upon a Symphogear while doing it. With that tenacity and Pandora's power combined she may well be the perfect pawn I need.

A cat-like grin makes its way onto Ryouko's face, she presses the button to activate the P.A system in the testing room and speaks once again. “You're doing amazing Iris. Now we need to test your phonic gain and combat ability, so please sing whatever comes to mind.”

Stopping what she's doing Iris gives the viewing deck a thumbs up “Sure thing Doc, ready when you are.” She cracks her knuckles ready for whatever Ryouko throws at her. With a grin of pure glee, her Symphogear starts playing a metal track and she begins to sing.

The hologram projectors in the corners of the room come to life creating hard light holograms of several humanoid, tadpole and flying Noise that immediately attack her. Reacting quickly by performing a backflip to avoid the incoming noise Iris delivers a wide bicycle kick upon landing to take out two tadpole types leaping towards her, following this she sends out a series of jabs that destroy the four humanoid types closing in on her “Too easy, I've done this hundreds of times in simulations!” Tearing a piece of warped metal away from the hole in the wall,  created when she punched Ver into earlier, Iris wields it as a makeshift sword, cutting down the human and tadpole types before tossing it at the flying class like a spear, impaling it into the ceiling. “Man. This takes more effort than I thought.” Iris leans on her knees taking heavy breaths. One last Noise is projected for her to face, the large prowler type. Staring up at it she pushes herself back up. “I'll make this fast.” Leaping into the air as high as she can, she punches the ceiling sending her flying forward straight at the monster. “Final Vent!” her foot collides with the noise for a second before the sheer force of the kick pushes her straight through it.

Chaos Buster

Looking over at a monitor displaying Iris’ phonic gain, and her efficiency in combat compared to all of F.I.S’ other Symphogear- compatible subjects, Ryouko and Leonard are both amazed by what they're seeing. Leonard raises an eyebrow She's more efficient than any of the other subjects in combat efficiency and her phonic gain levels are on par with the SG-r03 and SG-x00, however her compatibility dropping fast is an issue. “Well well, how fascinating. I expected this level of combat due to her simulator scores but such a high level of phonic gain is beyond remarkable.” Leonard comments eyes scanning the numbers on screen. “Yes but her compatibility numbers are concerning, especially the fact that they only reached those numbers during an overdose and dropped as fast as they did.” Ryouko's words hold concern but behind those words are the thoughts and machinations of the millenia old princess, who sees this as an opportunity to create the perfect pawn who will do anything she asks.

Down below in the testing room members of the facility's medical staff enter just in time to catch Iris as Pandora dissipates back into its pendant form and she begins to collapse, a smile remaining on her face even now. “Ensure she doesn't die, Iris is now our most important test subject” Ryouko orders, to which they nod and take Iris’ unconscious body along with Ver's broken form to the infirmary to heal.

Chapter Text

Waking up with a sharp jolt Iris looks around in a panic. Where am I? What happened? Memories of the day before flood back. Oh right, I used a Symphogear… I used a Symphogear! Remembering that she finally accomplished her lifelong goal brings on feelings of pure joy, that feeling is cut short when overwhelming pain surges through her body like electricity. Doubling over in pain, she lets out a shriek. Why does it hurt so much..? “Hah. Ow.” While doubled over, Iris spots what seems to be the cause of her pain. Her sisters, asleep on either side of her. Both of them holding onto her for dear life.

“How long was I out?” Iris wonders, her voice is a hoarse whisper, both as to not disturb the two slumbering girls at her sides, and because of the sudden shooting pain throughout her entire body. “Two weeks, you've been unconscious for two weeks after the fiasco you pulled, I'm surprised it wasn't longer.” Looking left, Iris is surprised to see a girl, with golden brown hair, red ribbons holding part of it back, and a strange golden growth around her left eye that changed its colour from brown to purple giving her heterochromia. Is walking over with a plate holding a slice of cake on it in her hand “You missed your birthday but i saved you some cake”

Despite the pain, Iris cracks a grateful smile. “Thanks Jeanne.” She and Jeanne never really interacted outside of training or the combat simulator, but she likes Jeanne way more than Mom's favourites, Maria and Serena.

Placing the plate in her hand on the table next to the bed, Jeanne nods in acknowledgement. “No problem. By the way, mom said that because you can use a Symphogear now you'll be joining Maria, Serena and I for training as soon as you can move again.”

Iris rolls her eyes sarcastically “She really knows how to work us to the bone, I almost die and she makes me join the hardcore training you three do? Well I guess it's better than her making me train with these two” she nods towards the sleeping duo, careful not to disturb them by moving too much.

“You really care for them huh? I suppose it makes sense,  given the state they were in when they arrived." Letting out a short chuckle of amusement, Jeanne looks down at the pair. “They even call you their big sis, must be nice.” her voice turns sour upon mentioning that.

Knowing why, Iris isn't offended by it. She's jealous, guess I can't fault her given what happened. Iris was there when Jeanne's younger sister, Catherine, died from a seizure while in one of the combat simulations. She watched as the girl who would be her age collapsed mid battle, then disappeared. Maybe if I'd been stronger, if i could've something she might still be alive.

“Oh yeah Doctor Sakurai wanted to talk to you after you woke up so you should probably go see her” Jeanne exits the room, flashing a thumbs up as she turns the corner outside the door.

Iris goes back to resting to alleviate some of her pain, her gaze never once leaves the two at her side though. I swear, I'll protect you both. You won't end up like Catherine on my watch. Once her pain somewhat goes away, she gently nudges her arms to stir the girls on each side of her “Kirika, Shirabe it's time to wake up.”

The two girls crack open an eye, Shirabe lets out a cute yawn. While Kirika stretches, shaking involuntarily. “Morning big sis.” Kirika says this, not yet awake enough to comprehend who spoke, or what she said. Taking a moment, she realises what's going on and perks up. “Big sis you're awake!”

Shirabe lets out a groan of tiredness pushing the blonde in the cheek, shoving her off of the bed. “Too noisy. ” she mumbles.

Kirika gives a pained grunt, quickly jumping to her feet. Leaning across the bed, she pokes Shirabe in the cheek. “But Shirabe, big sis finally woke up! Aren't you excited? dess.”

“Jiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii.” Shirabe stares at Kirika before going back to cuddling Iris, as if she's a plush toy. “I am but I want to stay like this.”

Sitting up Iris gives the pink girl a fond smile, petting her head gently “Sorry Shirabe but I need to get up and go see Doc Sakurai. Once I'm done with that, and anything else that needs doing, I'll make it up to you. How does that sound?”

Shirabe looks up at Iris and narrows her eyes. “Jiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii.” She seems to stare into Iris’ soul. “Fine but I want your piece of cake.”

Chuckling, Iris passes her the plate with cake on it. “Make sure Kiri at least gets a bite, you know how she is.”

“Hey! What do you mean by that. dess?!” The loud blonde exclaims in protest, not liking what they're implying. In return, she receives two deadpan looks from Shirabe and Iris.

“Anyway, I better get up.” Shirabe gets off of Iris, and stands off to the side. Shuffling down the bed, Iris removes the covers and gets to her feet.

Upon standing it hits her immediately, the room starts spinning and she feels like someone dumped acid on her. Stumbling forward, she almost falls over, thankfully Kirika grabs hold of her, keeping her upright. “Are you okay, dess?”

Shaking her head to stabilise her vision, Iris grits her teeth, forcing herself to ignore the pain blanketing every inch of her body. I guess I'm less okay than I thought, can't let them see that I'm in pain though. “I'm fine, don't worry, just a small slip up.” Both of the younger girls give Iris a knowing glance, this isn't exactly uncommon for the teen after all

Sakurai Ryouko stares at a piece of metal, no bigger than the nail of her pinkie, that glows a subtle, ethereal purple. She created Pandora with the intent of using its power to store other relics within itself, but not one of the hundreds of other subjects was able to awaken it. Yet somehow, the supposedly useless girl, who had no compatibility at all with any of the Symphogears she provided, awakened it. She did the impossible, and was smiling through the pain while she did it. Ryouko grins, taking hold of Pandora's converter pendant, a rare feeling of glee appearing within her. At last, the final pieces are falling into place.

Knock, knock, knock. Three raps come at the metal door to the office, followed quickly by a voice from behind it “Doctor, it's Iris. Can I come in?”

Quick to maintain her guise, Ryouko puts on a neutral expression and looks down at a piece of paper in front of her, to make it look like she's doing something. “Come in Iris.”

The door handle clicks down, the door is pushed open, and Iris walks into the room, closing the door behind her. “You wanted to see me Doctor Sakurai?”

Ryouko nods, motioning to a brown leather couch residing against one of the room's walls. “Yes, please have a seat.”

Walking over to the couch, Iris sits down on one side. Woah, this thing is really comfortable, and it's warm. She looks at Ryouko, her cheeks flushing red, realising why the couch is warm. Did she sleep on this?

Getting up from her desk, Ryouko saunters over to the couch, taking the spot beside Iris. “I already know you're going to ask why I wanted to speak with you, so let me tell you.” Ryouko holds up the crystal that makes up Pandora. “During the two weeks you were unconscious we studied Pandora and determined that its ability allows for it to store other relic fragments and utilise their abilities.” Lies slip from her lips like second nature as she demonstrates Pandora's power. touching the purple fragment to the pendant, the fragment disappears, absorbed into the depths of the gear. “This can be done in either pendant or symphogear form. You can also release them from Pandora at will. Although you'll have to figure out how to call on them by yourself.” She pauses for a moment, thinking of what to say next to weave Iris even deeper into her web of deceit. “Because you're the only person who Pandora showed a reaction to, Finé made contact with us. She informed us that she would like to take you on as her personal protege. But only, if within the next six months, you can learn to truly wield Pandora and its power.” 

Iris is floored at the combination of words spoken by the doctor, her heart speeds up feeling like it's beating out of her chest. Finé wants her. Not mom's favourite, Maria, and her black spear, not the prodigy Serena with her silver sword, not Jeanne and her golden eye, but her. The one called useless for most of her life. She doesn't know what to feel about this, several emotions come at once before settling on a combination of shock and glee “She wants me?”

Ryouko nods her head, violet eyes solely focused upon the blood haired girl sitting beside her. The girl who will become her perfect pawn, the ultimate vessel for the climax of her plan. Just the thought of the girl in her grip, feeling every bit of pain she can possibly inflict, not complaining at all makes her bite her lip. Dozens of different ideas filling her mind. “Yes, so you better get stronger. Otherwise she might just take that symphogear and pick someone else to use it.”

Iris’ eyes go wide. No she can't let that happen, she refuses to let anyone take this from her. She finally has exactly what she's wanted for so many years and doesn't want to let it go, not now that the lady considers her useful. Just the mere idea of being forced back to a useless child makes an inferno of anger rage inside her. Scrunching her hands into fists so tight that it draws blood, she looks Ryouko in the eyes, pure determination held in her gaze. “I'll do it. No, I'll be better. I'll beat Maria, and show Lady Finé that I'm the best choice!” 

Ryouko's neutral expression morphs into a gleeful grin, this girl had just willingly inflicted pain on herself. From such a small reaction she can tell this girl is going to be ever so fun to break wide open, and hear the symphony of her screams. “Go on then, Nastassja will most likely be waiting for you in training room three.” Ryouko holds out Pandora's converter to Iris as well as an injection gun filled with an extended tube holding more of the usual lime drug than normal.

Standing up, Iris takes the symphogear converter from Ryouko and clips the converter's necklace chain around her neck. Taking the injection gun as well, she places it in her pocket then leaves “Thanks Doctor, see you later!” she calls back, her voice holds a newfound determination that it didn't have even moments before. With a single movement she takes off down the hallway leading away from the office, a purpose in mind. become the strongest adapter in the facility.

F.I.S’ Facility has several rooms used for training the receptor children in various ways: Rooms 1 and 2 are gyms for physical training. Rooms 3 and 4 hold virtual reality simulator, used to run simulations of possible missions the children might face. Rooms 5 and 6 are firing ranges  outfitted with a variety of different firearms. From pistols, to machine guns, and more. Rooms 7 and 8 have nothing specific in them, so they can be modified at any time, to fit whatever purpose they need to serve. Rooms 9 and 10 are the most significant however, as they are almost triple the size of the other 8, have several hard light projectors allowing them to create any environment or enemy needed for training. The surfaces inside these rooms, such as the walls and floor, are strong enough to receive a direct hit from a large explosive and come out unscathed. Right now one of F.I.S’ top two symphogear adapters, Maria Cadenzavna Eve, stands around inside room 9  waiting for the person she's supposedly going to be sparring against. No one has shown up yet, and she's becoming increasingly more frustrated with each passing minute. She's already been standing around waiting for fifteen minutes now, fifteen minutes too long in her opinion.

This is a waste of time. I could be doing so many other things. “Mom, is the person even coming?” Maria asks, the tone of her voice not hiding her annoyance whatsoever.

Nastassja sighs and rubs the bridge of her nose, Maria has no patience at all and is normally impulsive and reckless when fighting, something she is attempting to correct. “Patience is a virtue, Maria. She will arrive after doctor Ryouko has finished speaking with her. ” 

It's at that moment the room's mechanical door opens with a whoosh and the red haired form of Iris walks inside stretching her arm across her body as she does. “Yo sorry if I'm late, doctor Sakurai held me up for a bit.” She hops from one foot to another and punches the air a couple of times, excited to show off her newfound power. “Ready to go when you are.”

Maria exchanges glances with the two, more than annoyed by the cyclical nature of their agreement than anything, this isn't the first time she and Iris have been pitted against each other. In fact she's lost count of how many times she's beaten the violet eyed girl down, yet every time she does Iris gets back up- Just like I was forced to after every failure to interface with Gungnir.

Maria is snapped out of her thoughts by Nastassja speaking to Iris. “You two will be testing your limits so do not hold back.”

A cat-like grin crawls onto Iris’ face and she nods “No problem with that here, I've got plenty of things to pay pinkie back for. Speaking of actually” Iris lunges forward, dropping low, sweeping Maria's legs out from under her, resulting in the older girl falling flat on her ass. This time I won't be your punching bag.

“What was that?! How was that fair!” Maria yells at Iris, anger rising in her chest at the fact she'd been attacked without any warning. Her reaction however seemingly only makes Iris happier, as if this is exactly what she wants

“Attack him where he is unprepared, appear where you are not expected.” Iris quotes.

Iris springs forward once again, her fist reeled back, ready to fly towards Maria. Jumping to her feet Maria locks her arms in an x shape, blocking the incoming punch she then brings her left leg up  striking Iris in the waist with her shin. After the short exchange the two back off from one another, the environment around them changes from the cold, white walls of the training room to a cityscape spanning miles, dozens of buildings dotting the landscape. Even with the landscape around them changing, the two never take their eyes off of one another

“Enough holding back. I can finally kick your ass and I'm going to” Iris takes the LiNKER injection gun she received from Ryouko out of her pocket and presses it to her neck, pulling the trigger she once again sends the drug into into her bloodstream.

The next words spoken, or rather sung, by iris come completely out of left field, baffling Maria. A holy chant? How? 

“Bascal solum Pandora Zizzl.”

Those four words spark Iris’ transformation and in an instant, Maria is met by the greys and silvers of Pandora.

Maria's gaze darts across the surface of the symphogear, its appearance is similar, yet far different to her Gungnir or Serena's Airgetlám. The thought behind it is obvious though. There's no exposed skin at all, armour covers almost all of the places where a strike would be lethal, the pieces of armour are segmented to make for easier mobility, and have striking edges that provide offence. Even she has to admit. It's the perfect defense. “You. You can use a Symphogear?”

Beneath her mask Iris’ smirk doesn't drop for a second, in fact it morphs into a gleeful grin. “You bet I can, and it's going to help me kick the shit out of you.” With superhuman speed, Iris dashes forward, delivering a devastating double hammer fist that Maria dodges by a hair.

A competitive spark ignites behind Maria's eyes, there's no way she's going to lose this. “Fine, let's go.” Taking out her own LINKER gun Maria injects herself through the arm then speaks the Holy chant, awakening her Symphogear.

“Granzizel bilfen Gungnir zizzl.”

In a flash of gold her clothes change into the Gungnir Symphogear. Its appearance is a stark contrast to the greys and silvers of Pandora. It has black, thigh length boots that connect to the main undersuit of the gear via two pieces of material. The undersuit itself is a half petticoat, half bodysuit sporting a combination of black and carmine as its primary colours. Attached to the back of the torso is a cape, the same black as the bodysuit and boots, but with a red underside. Lastly is a set of bulky, black, carmine and grey bracers that cover all of her forearms, from wrist to elbow. They don't remain there for long though. Maria puts her arms together combining the gauntlets, which then slide off her arms and change into her Armed Gear, a long black, pink and yellow sword spear, standing at a similar height to her thanks to its two long blades.

Once transformed, Maria immediately lunges towards Iris, her spear aimed at the center of Iris’ chest ready to impale her upon its tip. Iris’ reaction is immediate, her gauntleted left arm comes up at superhuman speed, hitting the blade of the spear, knocking it off course. Undeterred by this, Maria brings the sharp edge of the spear around, slashing at Iris’ stomach. The redhead meets this attack with her boot, which she then brings forward, slamming her foot into Maria, or rather her cape. It coils around Iris’ leg like a snake, holding it in place. Unable to move her left leg, Iris launches off of the ground using her right. utilising the inertia from her jump, she pivots her body into delivering a roundhouse kick mid-air, the sharp edge of her knee spike coming dangerously close to Maria's face. Swiftly bringing her armed gear up, Maria intercepts the kick before it can reach her. Following this up, the pinkette lancer grips her cape with her left hand, pulling it away from her, releasing Iris’ leg at the last second, sending her opponent careening into a nearby building.

She's stronger than I first thought. Although not near her level just yet, Maria has to admit that Iris is a strong opponent, and in a long fought battle with slightly more experience, she might actually gain an edge over her.

“I'm not out yet!” Climbing from the rubble of the building she was tossed into, Iris starts rolling her shoulder. She looks over at the ruined wall next to her then kicks it, sending concrete, rebar and glass flying at Maria. Pulling her cape over her to block the incoming rubble, Maria makes the mistake of covering her vision, leaving her wide open, something Iris takes full advantage of. The Pandora wielder, with a makeshift weapon constructed from rebar and a chunk of concrete in hand, sprints at Maria and brings the weapon down onto her head at full force. Reacting swiftly, Maria drops her armed gear blocking the incoming hit with her arms and cape mitigating most of the damage she would have taken, however the sheer force behind the attack cracks the ground underneath her, and shatters the concrete on the weapon. Letting out a grunt of frustration Iris shoulder barges Maria, ramming her bladed shoulder pad into Maria, cutting into the gungnir wielder's bicep, earning a hiss of pain from Maria. “Take this!” Iris grabs Maria's shoulders, slams her mask into the Pinkette's forehead then brings her knee up cutting through Maria's side with her knee spike.

Maria lets out a cry of anger and pain. Her cape, in reaction to her pain, coils up, then it flies forward like a spear, cutting straight through Iris’ side. Despite attempting to evade she's still caught by the attack, which pierces her unarmoured abdomen. The bloodsoaked cape returns to Maria, winding around her arm, keeping its same spear-like form. I'll admit she's stronger than when we started but there's no way I'll lose.

Holding a hand to the sizable gash now present on the right hand side of her stomach in an attempt to stem the bleeding, Iris scowls. looking around frantically for something that could give her the smallest drop of an advantage, she spots just what she's looking for, the sword spear Maria had dropped moments earlier, lying on the ground nearby. Seeing it as her only chance, she makes a run for it. Noticing what she's doing, Maria once again launches her cape spear, in an attempt to stop Iris from grabbing the armed gear. 

Acting as fast as her body will let her, Iris dives to avoid the attack, it clips her right shoulder shattering the armour there as well as cutting clean through both jumpsuit and skin. Even with receiving yet another injury, Iris successfully grabs hold of the armed gear, sending a brief jolt of power through her “This. Is the climax!” Pushing through the pain to her feet, Iris brandishes the sword spear's deadly edge towards Maria, ready to strike at a moment's notice. Behind the spear her gauntleted arm changes, taking on a colour almost identical to Maria's bracers that had formed the weapon in the first place. Iris brings the weapon in her right hand up to her left cheek. Letting out a calming breath, her symphogear starts playing a metal track and she begins to sing. 

Crack! The ground underneath Iris' foot shatters as she rockets forward towards her opponent. Maria lunges forward, matching her speed with equal fervour, the two combatants stop just before they would collide, their weapons coming towards each other, with all the velocity of speeding bullets. I won't let you win, I can't let you win. In the space of milliseconds Maria’s spear arm strikes six times, the hits were so rapid they leave afterimages, and yet each is met with the clang of Iris using her armed gear against her to intercept the blows. Not letting up the pressure, Iris thrusts the blade forward while simultaneously stepping forward and twisting to the left. This movement puts significant force behind the attack.

Forced to dodge the incoming attack or risk being skewered, Maria pivots to the side barely evading the lethal blow from the tip of the spear; that doesn't stop the larger end of the blade from catching her chest, cutting into it. Hissing in pain, Maria lashes out launching her cape upward sending it tip first into Iris’ face, shattering the mask covering the Pandora wielder's face, leaving a nasty gash on her cheek. Glaring at Maria like a predator would its prey, Iris tosses her weapon down, grabs Maria by her cape covered arm, heaves her up, twists her body, and slams the Gungnir user into the pavement with all the force she can muster. Then for good measure she slams her boot into the Gungnir wielder's ribs, all the while a sadistic grin is painted on her face. It looks like she's won the battle, but Maria delivers a full force kick to Iris, knocking her away a few feet, she snags the sword spear impaled into the ground next to her, and uses it to help her to her feet. Shakily standing on two feet she brings the spear up, pointed directly at Iris, the blade splits down the middle and a large beam of pink energy fires from it straight at her.

HORIZON†SPEAR

Given no time to react, the beam hits Iris centre mass, sending her flying into a building, leaving her unconscious with a nasty burn on her chest. The cityscape around them then falls apart back to the white panels of the training room and Nastassja enters the room. “Hm. The girl is nothing if not tenacious. I'll give her that. I wonder what Ryouko said to her that gave her that kind of drive.” Looking over to the ragged Maria, who's covered in cuts as well as blood both her own and Iris’, she gives a disapproving shake of her head. “Go and get cleaned up, it's apparent I will have to double your training. You almost lost to someone with less than an hour's worth of experience in a Symphogear.” Maria nods and hobbles out of the room, having to use her weapon as a crutch to stay standing.

Chapter Text

For four months, Iris spent every day training her body. Any time she wasn't, she was training her mind instead, reading about the myths behind her relic or looking to her favourite books for inspiration on new techniques. The red-headed girl was looking for power from any source she could, anything she could do to get stronger. Right now she, and a brunette haired girl around her age, stand across from one another in training room 7, Each of them holds a sword made of wood. Serena wields a standard longsword, leaning on it for support while huffing heavily. Meanwhile Iris holds a Bokken, a Japanese training sword shaped like a katana. Her blade is held in front of her, tip pointed upwards in the traditional starting stance. Both girls are covered head to toe in bruises and sweat, yet both are smiling.

“You know you're nothing like your sister. You're actually nice.” Iris hadn't spoken with the brunette much before they started training together a month ago. She'd always assumed the brunette would have the same superiority complex as her sister. But now she knows differently Serena is kind, funny, and joyful, although Iris can tell it's just a mask to hide her true self… not unlike the one she herself wears.

Serena lets out an amused chuckle in reaction to that statement. “You're definitely different to how I expected, too. Maria described you as a battle crazed maniac who only cared about winning. Apparently you hit her over the head with a block of concrete and judo flipped her.”

Iris laughs awkwardly and rubs the back of her neck nervously. “Uh, yeah, I did do that. Anyway let's go for real this time, I think I'm finally ready to try this in my symphogear.” 

Giving a nod, Serena reaches to her neck and pulls on the chain hanging around it, bringing out her symphogear converter from under the turtle neck of her dress.

“Seilien Coffin Airgetlám Tron” 

Serena's symphogear appears in the blink of an eye. Observing each detail in depth; Iris is quite surprised at its construction. A pale yellow bodysuit, flared at the neck, that covers her torso. White cloth segments sit over the top of the bodysuit, providing extra protection. The same material also covers her arms down to the elbows, where it connects to a turquoise segment that extends from the elbow to the wrist, ending in a pair of periwinkle gloves. Five, pale pink, petal-like constructs flower out from the back of the gear; two much larger petals also extend out from a pair of armoured crescents on each hip. That same armour is also present, not only on the gear's chest with two turquoise petals extending out on each side of it, but also on its boots; which have the appearance of armoured high heels that have accents of that same pale yellow and periwinkle. Finally, sitting atop her head, is a pair of headphones with more turquoise petals and a silver tiara possessing three points, each with a red gem embedded in the middle of it. 

It's an okay design I suppose, but there's way too many exposed segments. With exposed legs like that one good shot would be enough to cripple or kill her. That'll make this easy. Taking out a LINKER gun and injecting it into her arm, Iris speaks the holy chant.

“Bascal Solum Pandora Zizzl.”

Taking on her symphogear, she closes her eyes, focusing on the image of the lone relic fragment contained within her gear. Doctor Sakurai said Pandora's power would let me use the relics contained inside it, even if I couldn't use that relic myself. That seems like a power release technique, so maybe it's something like that? Concentrating hard on that idea, Iris begins to glow. Her symphogear shifts its appearance, the undersuit remains the same stormy grey as before but the armour changes drastically. Each piece of armour takes on an eerie purple colour, and held firmly in her grip, is a Japanese katana. The blade appears to be the origin of the armour's purple colour, itself holding a haunting violet colouration and an aura that screams anger as if It has a will of its own.

Iris takes a moment to look over her new garb before throwing her hands up in celebration. “I did it! I used Pandora's power! It only took four freaking months!”

Walking over to Iris, Serena takes time to inspect the new form of the Pandora with amazement. She takes mental notes of every detail on the symphogear, from the smallest spec of detail, to the largest pattern. “Great job, Iris. You should be proud, you did this and made an Armed Gear on your first try. That's nothing to sneeze at, although I'm curious how you managed to crack it?” Iris assumed the brunette's curiosity got the better of her, otherwise why would she be asking a question like that?

Iris gives the blade in her hands a few practice swings, testing the weight and finding it surprisingly light for a sword. “Thanks. And honestly, I was just over thinking it. I was reading one of the books in the library. In it, the main character unleashes his sealed power, so I just thought about doing that but with Pandora and the other relic.” 

Serena pokes the flat of the sword with her index finger, and taps the shortsword in her hand against the blade itself. “I do wonder what the other relic that makes up this form is? It's definitely Japanese, but I can't tell what it's supposed to be.”

Mask retracting and eyes lighting up, Iris’ grins like a mad woman. “I know a lot about this one because Doctor Sakurai told me some stuff about it! She also gave me a book about Japanese blades with cultural significance to study. It's the cursed sword: Muramasa. According to the book, it was created in the 13th century, making it the oldest known sword created by the blacksmith Muramasa. Doctor Sakurai also said that this one specifically became a relic because it was forged using part of another relic, called Ame no Habakiri. As a Muramasa blade it's said that the sword itself is cursed, supposedly it won't let itself be sheathed until it's drawn blood, be that blood an enemy's or its owner's.” 

“That's really cool actually. Does it have any specific powers or is it just a sword?” Serena asks curiously

Iris taps her cheek with a finger. “I'm not exactly sure but there is something I want to try. Would you battle with me one more time?”

“Sure, I don't see why not.” Stepping away, Serena summons six daggers in mid-air, each one a smaller copy of the shortsword in her hand. “First hit?” 

Iris nods. Willing her mask back on, she points the tip of her blade at Serena's chest from the standard katana position. “Let's dance.”

Serena moves first, waving her hand, willing the floating daggers to attack Iris from multiple angles at high speed. Iris doesn't seem fearful at all. In fact, she's exactly the opposite, calm and collected, simply listening to the blades close in. In the blink of an eye she performs a spin, sending them all flying in different directions away from her. Still not fast enough, one of those almost hit me. Taking the moment while she has it, Iris moves at high speed, closing the gap between her and Serena. She follows up this move by performing a series of very specific high speed cuts with her katana. Serena is forced to call a dagger into her left hand, and a third into the air just to block the incoming attacks. 

Backing off, Serena calls back the daggers knocked away earlier, letting them float around her. “What was that? I could barely keep up.” 

Bringing her armed gear back into the base stance Iris eye smiles. “That was a style of Kenjutsu I found in a book. I've been practicing it for a couple of months now, just so that when I was finally able to use Muramasa's power, I could take on Maria again and have at least a small edge.” 

Serena's facial expression shifts into one of surprise, shocked that Iris would go this far just to beat her sister. “Are you telling me you learnt an entire sword style just to beat my sister?” 

Once again Iris responds with a nod. “Well more of learning a sword style, but yeah. I don't wanna lose again, beating her is my ticket out of this hellhole facility.” For a brief second Iris’ metaphorical mask slips, revealing her true thoughts on F.I.S that she usually keeps hidden.

Upon the mention of a ticket out Serena flinches, lowering her blade. Iris takes note of this action, observing curiously. She reacted to that? Why? I know she wouldn't even think about stepping somewhere mom told her not to, let alone thinking of leaving.

“You're leaving?” A small hint of interest slips into Serena's tone, yet another thing Iris makes a mental note about.

“Er. Yeah.” bringing her sword down, Iris parries an incoming dagger sent flying towards her  by Serena. “Doctor Sakurai told me that if i could learn to use Pandora properly within six months that Finé herself would take me on as her protegé.” Wait, does she want to leave? Is that why she's asking?

Serena lashes out, swinging her shortsword. It segments, extending out into a bladed whip that's heading straight for Iris from the side. 

“Woah!” Eyes widening in shock at the unusually aggressive attack, Iris drops to the floor; watching closely as the whip's several blades fly past, centimeters away from her face. “That was way too close., I guess we're actually getting serious now, huh? Fine by me, I'll put everything I have into one strike.” Leaping into the air, as high as she can, Serena reaches across her body and tosses her armed gear with all the force she can produce, launching her armed gear down at Iris. The blade grows as it flies through the air until it's the size of one of those comically large anime swords. Simultaneously Iris brings her blade down beside her hip where it ignites with bright orange flames, then slashes upwards diagonally, releasing an arc of flames. She then follows up with a diagonal slash in the other direction creating yet another arc, followed by a central downward slash creating a third arc of flame. Finally she thrusts her blade into the center of the three slashes, combining them into one attack that meets the incoming blade head on.

GNOME†TRIAL

PANDEMONIUM BLAZER

The two attacks collide, clashing against each other. Both sides vie for dominance with neither side giving any ground, but eventually something has to give. And give it does. Crack! A sickening, metallic crack rings through the air originating from Iris’ armed gear, which shatters, sending shards of metal flying in random directions. “Shit.” Serena's blade rockets towards Iris, slicing past her shoulder armour, and embedding itself in the wall behind the redhead. Iris falls backwards onto her butt,  completely shocked and slightly enamored, along with some other feelings that will remain unsaid, by Serena's strength. So this is the power of a natural adapter? It's incredible. Iris then starts laughing out of nowhere “Holy hell that was intense, I guess I'm still too weak to take you on. That just means I'll have to train even more!”

Serena walks over, offering a hand to Iris, who takes it. “You're not weak, you almost got me a few times there.” Pulling Iris to her feet, Serena gives a tight smile “You know, maybe I'll train more and be the one to go with Lady Finé.”

One of Iris’ hands goes to her chest, and she gasps, feigning offence. “You wouldn't dare!”

Serena leans forwards into Iris’ face, hands firmly on her hips. “I absolutely would.” The two teens break into laughter, then leave the room together.

As the final two months of training time elapsed, Iris spent every second of that she could, training in her fused state. When she wasn't fused, she still trained with unrelenting purpose, just using different methods. I kinda wish I could train today. I'm running out of time, but I just have to check in on my siblings. Can't leave them alone during the holidays.

Iris steps into training room 9 where Kirika and Shirabe are wearing their symphogears, Igalima and Shul Shagna, battling a large wave of noise inside of a simulated city while singing their hearts out. Might as well have some fun. Iris runs into the fray and delivers multiple kicks to several of the hard light noise that were about to attack the duo from behind “Well look what we have here, an adorable reaper and a bunny with buzz saws.” 

“Eh? Big sis? What are you doing here? dess” Kirika looks at Iris with a surprised expression while simultaneously swinging the scythe in her hands at some approaching noise. 

Iris lets out an amused giggle and flicks Kirika's forehead. “Did you two dummies forget? It's Christmas.”

Shirabe gives a curt shake of her head. “We know that. Mom still has us training though” The buzzsaw wielding girl sounds almost upset, it seems she doesn't like having to spend her Christmas training.

“Well we can't have that. Come on, we're leaving!” Iris declares firmly, taking the hands of the two girls and pulling them towards the place she entered from. 

Kirika hesitates to follow as she's afraid of what their mom will say. “But what about mom? Dess. Won't she be mad?”

“Probably but if she is then I'll take the fall. Now come on!” Iris drags the two out of the room, hell bent on celebrating with them. 

“Are we going to the orphanage?” Shirabe asks. When they first arrived and were stuck in the orphanage for most of the year, the duo would always look forward to Iris’ frequent visits on their birthdays and Christmas. In fact, she was the first non-adult to even take notice of them.

For a lone break in the monotony of their routine lives, Christmas was fun. The trio celebrate with the children at the orphanage, they sing carols, play games and have a jolly time. Until it's ruined by Nastassja walking into the room; grabbing hold of Kirika and Shirabe's wrists, gripping them tight to the point of the two letting out yelps of pain, she pulls them to their feet “I do believe i told you two to train, not fool around like children” her voice is harsh, filled with a subdued anger threatening to burst to the surface. 

“You're going to let go of my sisters.” Iris jumped in front of her siblings shielding them from her mother. Her face contorted into a look of barely withheld fury, her words not a request but rather a matter of fact statement. “If you want to be mad at someone then be mad at me, I'm the one who pulled them away from the training room to celebrate. But don't you dare even think of laying a hand on them ever again, or so help me god.”

No more words are spoken from Nastassja or Iris, not a sound comes from any in the room. Then, suddenly. Slap! Nastassja releases the two girls from her grip and brings her hand around, hitting her palm against Iris’ cheek with a significant amount of force. Iris though? She doesn't flinch. Her head is moved by the force put behind the slap, but her glare never leaves Nastassja's face. She's giving a defiant look that says; Is that all you've got? Nastassja huffs heavily and turns around. “I want both them and you back to training at oh six hundred tomorrow. Understood?” 

No one says anything in response, just a silent understanding and dozens of eyes watching as Nastassja leaves and the door closes behind her.

Iris turns to the twin blades of Zababa, placing her hands on their heads “Are you two okay? You don't have to worry, she won't touch you anymore.” The duo of girls look at her completely baffled. She just got slapped by mom so hard it left a visible red mark on her cheek.

“Are we okay? Are you okay?! That was a hard hit. dess.” Panicked, Kirika looks over Iris’ cheek that their big sis might be in pain.

Shirabe on the other hand just places her hand on Iris’ cheek. “Dummy.” is all the raven haired girl says, tears pricking at the corners of her eyes. “Thank you.”

Iris flashes a soft smile, ruffling both of the girls' hairs. “No problem, little sisters. I'll always be there to protect you.”