Ace sits alone in his room at Pole Pole, staring at the backpack he's packed. A few clothes, his wallet, his phone, Ryuki's Advent Deck. It feels inadequate for the mission ahead, venturing into another world. The weight of leaving settles heavily on his shoulders. The weight of everything settles heavily on his shoulders.
He thinks about the Grongi, the Mirror Monsters, Scissors, Volcancer, and wonders what this new world will hold. Dai-Shocker is on the move and the city is not safe. He knows he must assist Narutaki.
He takes a deep breath, stands up, and heads out of his room. He must say his goodbyes.
The café is quiet, the lunch rush over. Pops is wiping down the counter, humming softly to himself. The scent of coffee hangs in the air, comforting and familiar. Ace lingers for a moment, soaking it in.
"Hey, Pops, got a minute?" Ace asks, approaching the counter.
Pops stops wiping, turns to Ace with a warm smile. "Always, Ace. What's on your mind?"
Ace hesitates, unsure how to put it. "I'm going to be traveling for a while. I don't know when I'll be back."
Pops pauses, his smile fading slightly. He looks at Ace with concern, his eyes searching. "Traveling, huh? Sounds serious. Anything I can do to help?"
Ace shakes his head. "Not really. Just… keep the café running. And maybe leave my room the way it is? I'll come back, I promise."
Pops' smile returns, softer now, tinged with understanding. "You don't even have to ask. I'll keep the light on for you, Ace. Just be safe out there, alright?"
Ace nods, a lump forming in his throat. "Thanks, Pops. For everything."
He turns to leave, but Pops stops him. "Hey, Ace?"
Ace turns back.
Pops leans against the counter, his expression serious. "You know, when you first came here, you were a mess. Didn't know where you were going, what you were doing. But you've found your place here, Ace. You're already like a grandson to me."
Ace smiles, touched by Pops' words.
"Just remember that," Pops continues. "No matter where you go, no matter what you do, you'll always have a home here. And we'll always be here for you."
Ace's eyes sting with emotion. He nods, unable to speak. He turns and walks away, his heart full. He now knows what to do. He must keep protecting everyone.
The bell above the door 🔔 CHIMES softly as he exits, heading out into the city.
Ace's next stop is Nico and Berto.
Ace finds Nico and Berto at their usual spot—a bench overlooking the East River, graffiti art sprawling across the nearby walls. Nico is sketching in her notebook, her dark hair falling across her face. Berto is hunched over his phone, probably lost in some obscure dinosaur documentary. The setting sun casts long shadows, painting the sky in shades of orange and purple.
He walks towards them, a nervous energy bubbling inside. This is harder than facing down a Grongi.
"Hey," Ace says, his voice a little strained.
Nico looks up, her expression softening when she sees him. Berto glances up from his phone, offering a friendly nod.
"Hey, Ace," Nico replies, closing her notebook. "What's up?"
Ace hesitates, unsure where to start. "I need to tell you guys something. Something… important."
Berto lowers his phone, sensing the shift in Ace's tone. "What is it? You okay?"
Ace takes a deep breath. "I'm going away. For a while."
Nico's brow furrows. "Going away? Where? And for how long?"
"It's… complicated," Ace says, choosing his words carefully. "I'm going to another world. A different dimension."
Nico stares at him, her eyes wide with disbelief. "Another world? What are you talking about?"
Ace explains about Dai-Shocker, about the multiverse, and about the other world that needs help. He tells them everything he can without revealing too much, carefully omitting the magic of it all.
Berto is speechless. Nico, though, is a whirlwind of questions. "Is it dangerous? Are you going to be safe? What if you can't come back?"
Ace smiles reassuringly. "I'll be fine. I promise. I've fought against a monster that can stand up to the Hulk. I'll come back. I always do."
He reaches out and takes Nico's hand, squeezing it gently. "I know it sounds crazy, but I need to do this. People need help, and I can't just stand by."
Nico's expression softens, her worry still evident. "Just… be careful, okay? And don't forget about us."
Ace nods, his voice thick with emotion. "Never. You guys are my best friends. I'll miss you like crazy."
Berto claps Ace on the shoulder, a rare display of physical affection. "Kick some Dai-Shocker ass for us, Ace. And bring back souvenirs."
Ace laughs, the tension easing slightly. "Will do. And I'll make it up to you for all the missed movie nights. We'll have a marathon when I get back."
They stand there for a moment, the three of them, a silent understanding passing between them. They are friends and no amount of traveling to other worlds is going to change that.
"Good luck, Ace," Nico says softly, squeezing his hand. "We'll be here waiting."
Ace smiles, his heart full. "Thanks, guys. I'll see you soon."
He turns and walks away, the setting sun casting his silhouette against the horizon. He is ready.
Ace walks down the bustling streets of New York, his backpack slung over his shoulder, heading toward his meeting point with Narutaki. He tries to ignore the pang of guilt he feels for leaving his friends, but it gnaws at him. He needs to be there for them. But he also needs to help people in this other world.
As he rounds a corner, he spots a familiar figure standing near a music store, her blonde hair pulled back in a messy ponytail, a guitar case slung across her back. Gwen Stacy.
He smiles, a genuine smile this time, and walks toward her. "Hey, Gwen," he says.
Gwen looks up, her face lighting up when she sees him. "Ace! Hey, yourself. What are you up to?"
"Just… heading out," he says, gesturing vaguely with his hand. "You?"
"Band practice," she replies, patting her guitar case. "We're trying to get ready for our next gig. It's going to be epic."
Ace chuckles. "I'm sure it will be. You guys are awesome."
Gwen grins. "Thanks. So, I saw you, Nico, and Berto hanging out the other day. Glad to see you guys patched things up."
Ace nods, a wave of relief washing over him. "Yeah, me too. It's good to be back to normal." He remembers her advice about being honest. "Thanks for the advice, by the way. It helped."
Gwen shrugs, a playful glint in her eyes. "What are friends for? So, where are you headed?"
Ace hesitates. "It's… a personal matter. I'll be back when it's done."
Gwen raises an eyebrow, sensing his reluctance, but doesn't press. "Alright, alright. Keep your secrets. Just promise me you'll be careful, okay?"
Ace smiles. "Always."
Gwen playfully punches his arm. "Have a safe trip, Ace. And try not to miss us too much. You'll miss our upcoming field trip."
"Field trip?" Ace asks, confused.
"Yeah," Gwen says with a smirk. "To Oscorp. Should be… interesting."
"Right," he says, trying to sound nonchalant. "Well, have fun. I'm sure it'll be… educational."
Gwen laughs, shaking her head. "See you around, Ace."
"Later, Gwen," Ace replies.
Ace continues his walk, the weight of his impending departure pressing down on him. But Gwen's mention of the Oscorp field trip flickers in his mind, a nagging sense of unease settling in. He is sure Oscorp is involved with Dai-Shocker.
He reaches a decision. If he's going to leave New York, even for a short time, he needs to make sure someone can protect it. Someone powerful.
He changes course, heading uptown towards Stark Tower. He needs to talk to Iron Man.
He arrives at the towering skyscraper, its sleek design piercing the sky. He needs to find Tony Stark.
Finding the front entrance is a no-go. S.H.I.E.L.D. might be okay with him, but that doesn't mean Stark Tower security knows him. He'll have to be more direct.
Finding a deserted alley, Ace summons the Arcle and a familiar surge of energy coursing through him. "Henshin!"
The Arcle's Adam turns blue, and armor begins to materialize over his body, a blue sheen reflecting the setting sun. He is now in his Dragon Form.
With a burst of speed, he leaps towards the building, using his enhanced agility to scale the side, dodging window washers and security cameras. Reaching the top floor, he sees Tony drinking a smoothie and knocks on the window.
Knock Knock
Inside, Tony Stark nearly chokes on his smoothie, jumping back in surprise. "What the—?!"
He glances out the window and his eyes widen. Standing on the narrow ledge is a blue-armored figure, a familiar glint in his compound eyes.
"Kamen Rider?" Tony says, relief flooding his expression. "What the hell are you doing up here?"
With a flick of his wrist, the window slides open, and Ace gracefully steps inside.
"Sorry for the dramatic entrance," Ace says, his voice modulated by the Dragon Form. "I need your help."
Tony lowers his defenses, a smirk playing on his lips. "Alright, Rider. What's so important that you needed to break into my tower?"
Ace lays out his plans to Tony, explaining he'd be absent for a time and had worries about the city. He then asks for his aid.
Tony listens intently, his expression growing serious. "So, you want me to babysit the city while you go off and take a break?"
Ace nods, his gaze unwavering. "I'm not taking a break. It is just that some place needs my help elsewhere. I know it's a lot to ask, but you're the only one I trust to protect New York while I'm gone. The monsters are getting bolder."
Tony sighs, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "I suppose I could use a break from rebuilding my image. But I'm not making any promises. I've been busy."
"That's all I ask," Ace replies, relief washing over him. "Just keep an eye out. For Grongi. For Mirror Monsters. And for anything else… strange."
Tony smirks. "Strange? That's my middle name. But here's the deal, you're going to let me scan your armor and your belt."
Ace hesitates, but nods. "It's a deal."
Tony grins. "Alright, Rider. Let's head down to the lab. Time for some show and tell."
The elevator descends rapidly, carrying Ace and Tony down to the lower levels of Stark Tower. The doors slide open to reveal a sprawling laboratory, filled with gleaming equipment and holographic displays. Ace stares in amazement, taking in the sheer scale of Tony's operation.
"Welcome to my humble abode," Tony says with a grin, gesturing around the lab. "Now, let's see what makes you tick, Rider."
Tony gets to work immediately, activating a series of scanners and probes. Ace stands patiently as the machines whir and beep, analyzing every inch of his Dragon Form armor. Tony studies the readouts with fascination, muttering to himself about energy signatures and material composition. After an hour, the scans were completed and the details had been collected.
"Alright," Tony says, turning to Ace with a satisfied grin. "I've got everything I need. I promise to monitor New York for Grongi and Mirror Monsters while you're gone. I'll call you if anything pops up."
Ace nods, relieved to have found someone capable. "Thanks, Stark. I owe you one."
"Don't mention it," Tony replies with a wave of his hand. "Just try not to get yourself killed wherever you are going, alright?"
Ace exits Stark Tower and heads towards his meeting point with Narutaki. He reflects on his conversation with Tony. He's hopeful about New York's future, though also a little worried. Stark can be unpredictable.
Hours later, Ace's image flickers on a holographic display in Tony's lab. Data streams scroll across the screen. Tony reviews the scans of Kuuga's Dragon Form armor, a glint of scientific curiosity in his eyes.
"Impressive," he muses, tapping a finger on the screen. "Bio-mechanical energy matrix. I wonder…"
He zooms in on the Arcle, studying its unique energy signature. "The potential applications..."
Tony thinks of his own arc reactor, his Iron Man suit, the endless possibilities of merging alien and human technology. A sly grin spreads across his face. This could be his most brilliant innovation yet. He would combine this and his Iron Man suit.
…
Ace arrives at the pre-arranged meeting spot, a secluded alleyway far from the bustling city streets. Narutaki stands waiting, shrouded in shadow, his wide-brimmed hat concealing his face. The air crackles with an unnatural energy.
"You are ready, Kamen Rider?" Narutaki asks, his voice a low, gravelly murmur.
Ace nods, his expression resolute. "As I'll ever be."
Narutaki's hand rises, and the air shimmers. A swirling vortex of iridescent light appears, a tear in the fabric of reality. The Aurora Curtain. Vibrant hues of purple, blue, and green dance and writhe, pulling at Ace, promising adventure and danger in equal measure.
"Step through, Kamen Rider," Narutaki says, his eyes gleaming with an unreadable light. "A new world awaits."
Ace hesitates only for a moment, a brief flash of doubt flickering across his face. Then, he steels his resolve, takes a deep breath, and steps forward. He moves into the swirling vortex, ready to help.
The Aurora Curtain engulfs him, a rush of disorientation and a kaleidoscope of colors assaulting his senses. It is both disturbing and exciting. It's like he is flying with no ground in sight. He closes his eyes, surrendering to the pull.
Then, darkness.
***
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