Sky Striker Ace, but Symphogear

Having just defeated Ryo-ri, Hibiki Tachibana had rushed over to Kaina without even stopping to rest. She stayed on guard as she asked Maria what she knew about their opponent.

"Powerful close-quarters combat, the ability to pull herself back together even after her body is smashed apart, and greater strength and defense after she starts glowing. That's all I've been able to tell so far."

Maria struggled to her feet and gave Hibiki a brief account of what had happened.

"Yeah, Raye-chan really is strong in every suit of armor... Maria, let's use Ignite Mode. This isn't an enemy we can beat without going all out."

Between Maria's account and what she had just seen, Hibiki realized how absurdly tough the armor before them was. She pressed a hand to the red crystal at her neck.

"I know. Phew. Let's go together."

"Draw Sword, Dainsleif!" they shouted together.

Dark energy surged up with painful memories. Hibiki had long since overcome hers, while Maria fought to save the one who had driven the darkness from her life.

Savage black Ignite armor spread across their bodies. The moment they finished transforming, Maria and Hibiki charged the Kaina Armor from opposite sides.

The earth-yellow Kaina Armor did not shy away from their assault. The four mechanical arms behind it extended. One stopped Hibiki's charge from the right, while another snatched up a heavy rock and scattered the flying blades Maria had launched.

"Tachibana!"

Her first attack blocked, Maria did not lose heart. She flicked her sword into a whip blade and lashed it straight at Raye.

Crack!

The whip struck a joint in the armature but failed to hinder it. An earth-yellow glow repelled the blade. At the same time, another mechanical hand sent Hibiki flying just as she gathered her strength for