Sky Striker Ace, but Symphogear

Soon, Fine gave Akatsuki Kirika the simplest explanation she could of how the weapon she was developing worked.

"I get it, more or less. So we need to become fusion subjects like Miss Hibiki to get the power to transform again, and your modifications have made the Gears even stronger, Death."

Akatsuki Kirika nodded and smiled, indicating that she understood completely.

[Hey... do you really understand? Kirika, haven't you realized that this system could cost you your life? Fusion syndrome is no longer incurable now that I've studied the Divine Beast Mirror's Demon-Breaking light, but if the fighting gets too intense, you could die in battle.]

Seeing little change in Akatsuki Kirika's expression, Fine wondered whether she had failed to understand and stressed just how dangerous the weapon she was researching was.

"Oh, that. I know. Even an optimist like me understands that great power often comes at a price. But if paying that price gives us a better chance against Raye, I'll accept it, Death."

Akatsuki Kirika's smile faded as she earnestly explained that she understood everything Fine had described. Even knowing all that, she had no reservations about using a weapon that came at such a cost.

[Is that so...]

Fine was a little surprised that Akatsuki Kirika possessed such resolve.

"Hahaha, Raye's done a lot for me, after all. Besides, if I were really scared, I wouldn't have agreed to Shirabe's request, Death."

Akatsuki Kirika laughed and continued explaining her determination to Fine.

Although she had acted somewhat on impulse at first, Akatsuki Kirika had since given it serious thought. Knowing Raye's personality, she understood that surrendering immediately would earn her little, if any, reproach, yet she had still chosen to resist.

[She's as likable as ever. She was the same in the past, too. She got