Naomi leads Ace through the DenLiner, the interior far more spacious than it appears from the outside. The train car opens into a dining area, where three figures sit around a table littered with playing cards. "Everyone, this is Ace!" Naomi announces, her voice echoing slightly.
Ace scans the group. A blue Imagin that looks like a turtle sits with a rod laid across the table. He has a suave air about him, a mischievous glint in his blue eyes. To the left, a large, burly Imagin with brown fur and bear-like features flexes his massive arms, a stoic expression on his face. The last one, a purple Imagin with dragon-like features and headphones around his neck, doodles furiously on a piece of paper.
"Welcome, welcome! Mind if I reel you in?" the turtle Imagin asks, pushing up his glasses. "I'm Urataros. I'd love to hear your story."
The bear Imagin nods slowly, his voice deep and rumbling. "Kintaros. Makes you wanna cry, huh? I'm always looking for someone strong. Are you strong?"
"Hi, hi!" the dragon Imagin says, waving his hand enthusiastically, the pen flying from his hand. "I'm Ryutaros! Mind if I draw you? I won't hear your answer!"
Ace is overwhelmed by their questions. They are staring at him, awaiting his answer. "Uh… hi. I'm Ace," he stammers, taken aback by their intensity. They are so different from each other, it's quite startling. How do I even begin to answer that?
Momotaros erupts in a flash of red light, landing in one of the vacant seats with a resounding THUD. "Yaa~ Finally, a good fight! Stress was building up, y'know?" He stretches his arms, a grin plastered across his face.
Ace stares at the DenLiner Imagin, barely containing his excitement. Whoa, they're all here! Ace has watched Kamen Rider Den-O multiple times, always enjoying the comedic timing of the DenLiner Imagin when they were all together. It's a childhood fantasy come to life. He steels himself, masking his inner fanboy with a neutral expression. Gotta play it cool.
The Imagin bombard Ace with questions, their voices overlapping in a chaotic symphony. "So, Ace, got any experience with the ladies? Care to share?" Urataros asks, leaning forward with a sly smile.
Kintaros narrows his eyes, studying Ace intently. "I can smell the battlefield on you, Ace. Fought many battles, huh? Tell me, who was your strongest opponent?"
"Do you like animals? What's your favorite? I can draw it for you!" Ryutaros exclaims, grabbing his pen and a fresh piece of paper.
Ace raises his hands, attempting to stem the tide. "Whoa, hold on! One at a time, please. I..."
Before he can form a coherent response, a voice cuts through the noise. "Now, now, gentlemen. Let's not overwhelm our guest."
Ace turns to see the Owner standing at the entrance to the dining car. The man is dressed impeccably in a light brown suit, a pristine white bow tie gracing his collar. A silver pocket watch is tucked into his breast pocket, and he carries a polished cane with an ornate handle. His gaze is sharp, his expression unreadable.
The Owner strides into the room, his cane clicking rhythmically on the floor. "Welcome aboard the DenLiner, Ace. I am the Owner."
Ace straightens up, offering a polite nod. "It's a pleasure to meet you, sir."
The Owner smiles faintly, a glint of amusement in his eyes. "Indeed. Perhaps you'd prefer a cup of coffee? Naomi makes a blend that's... unique."
"Actually, I'm good. Thanks," Ace replies, glancing nervously at Naomi.
Ace breathes a sigh of relief at dodging the coffee offer. Later, maybe, if I'm feeling adventurous.
The Owner gestures towards a seat opposite him at the table. "Please, sit. We have much to discuss."
Ace sits, the worn leather creaking beneath him. Naomi arrives with a plate piled high with fried rice, a small flag planted jauntily in the middle. She sets it before the Owner with a flourish. "Here you go, Owner! Enjoy!"
The Owner smiles, picking up his spoon. "Thank you, Naomi." He glances at Ace. "You see, Ace, I've been expecting you. Narutaki speaks highly of your… dedication."
Ace raises an eyebrow. "You know Narutaki?"
The Owner chuckles, carefully maneuvering the fried rice around the flag. "Let's just say we have… mutual interests. He sent me to assist you."
Ace considers this, the pieces falling into place. Narutaki sending the DenLiner… It makes a weird kind of sense. Both the Owner and Narutaki seem to know more than they let on, moving through the multiverse with a purpose Ace is only beginning to grasp.
Ace leans forward, his eyes narrowing. "How did Imagin end up in this world, anyway?"
The Owner takes another bite of rice, his gaze never leaving Ace. "Dai-Shocker, of course. They are meddling with time itself, seeking to unravel the fabric of reality. The Imagin are merely their pawns."
"So, you're here to stop them," Ace states, already knowing the answer.
"Precisely," the Owner confirms. "We are here to ensure the timeline remains intact. I am here to offer you a proposition: work with the Taros."
Ace considers the offer, mulling it over. "I'm willing to work with you, but I doubt I need the Taros," he says, his gaze drifting towards the four Imagin. "I can handle myself."
Momotaros explodes, leaping to his feet. "WHAT'D YOU SAY, PUNK?!" Sparks fly from his Oni horns, his red eyes blazing with fury. "You think you're too good for us?! We'll kick your butt!"
Ace stands his ground, meeting Momotaros's fiery glare with unwavering resolve. "It's not that you guys don't have your uses, but I can already fight on my own. What I need is the DenLiner. If an Imagin goes back in time, I need a way to follow it. You guys are strong, sure, but I've got Kuuga and Ryuki. Let me show you."
Ace pulls the Arcle belt from his waist and presses the center button. Red energy erupts from the buckle, solidifying around him, morphing into Kuuga's Mighty Form. The red armor gleams, beetle-like eyes glowing with ancient power. He clenches his fists, the power of the Linto flowing through him. "See? I can handle myself."
Momotaros scoffs, unimpressed. "Big deal. So you can henshin. Doesn't mean you can fight! I'm not going to lose! I bet I can beat you any day of the week!"
Before the situation escalates further, Urataros extends his arm, stopping Momotaros. "Now, now, Sempai, calm down. Let's not resort to fisticuffs just yet." He turns to Ace, a sly smile playing on his lips. "I can understand your perspective, Ace. You are a powerful Rider in your own right. But perhaps you underestimate the unique skills we each bring to the table."
Kintaros grunts, remaining seated. "Strength isn't everything, kid. Sometimes, you need more than just a punch."
Ryutaros nods enthusiastically. "Yeah! And I can draw pictures! That's useful, right? I mean, sometimes…" He trails off, lost in his own thoughts.
Ace crosses his arms, skepticism written on his face. He appreciates their willingness to help, but he knows his own strengths. Kuuga's versatility and Ryuki's mirror world powers have gotten him this far. Why rely on others when he can handle it himself? But what Ura and Kintaros said did make sense.
Ace weighs his options, the image of Den-O Climax Form flashing in his mind. "Maybe… maybe if I can use the Climax Form, I'll consider it."
The Owner's smile fades, replaced by a serious expression. "I'm afraid that's not possible, Ace. The Climax Form requires a unique bond, a symphony of minds and souls working in perfect unison. You need to earn the trust of each Taros, learn to fight as one, and you're too new to them."
As he speaks, the tiny flag atop the Owner's fried rice teeters precariously, then tumbles to the side. The Owner's eyes widen slightly, a fleeting flicker of surprise crossing his face before he regains his composure. Ace barely registers it, his attention fixed on the gravity of the situation.
The Owner rises from his seat, his cane clicking against the floor. "But that doesn't mean you're incapable of wielding Den-O's power. While Den-O may not be the strongest Kamen Rider, you can become Den-O. You, Ace, can access a different kind of strength."
Ace's mind races. The Taros are a package deal. Was it worth it? A chance to wield Den-O's unique power, the ability to change forms on the fly, to tap into the Imagin's strength… He glances at the Owner, then at the waiting Imagin. This could be his chance to gain a new perspective, to grow as a Rider.
And, if I'm being honest with myself… it's also my chance to work with characters I loved watching as a kid. The thought, both silly and exhilarating, tips the scales.
"Alright," Ace says, his voice firm. "I'll do it. I'll work with you guys."
The Owner nods approvingly, a subtle smile gracing his lips once more. He reaches into his coat pocket and produces a sleek, black card. "Then you will need this." The Owner hands Ace a Rider Pass, the surface cool to the touch. "With this, you can transform into Den-O and board the DenLiner freely. Use it wisely, Ace. The fate of many worlds may depend on it."
Ace examines the Rider Pass, a sense of responsibility settling over him. "Thank you, Owner. I won't let you down."
The Owner offers a curt nod. "I have faith in you, Ace. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a train to run." He turns and strides out of the dining car, leaving Ace alone with the Taros.
Ace looks at the Imagin, a mix of anticipation and apprehension swirling within him. He is a stranger to them, an outsider stepping into their well-established dynamic. But if they were going to succeed against Dai-Shocker, they needed to find a way to work together. "So… I guess we're a team now," Ace says, offering a hesitant smile. "I know I'm new here, but I'm willing to learn. If we're going to fight together, we need to trust each other."
Urataros nods, his ever-present smile in place. "Of course, Ace-san. We are more than willing to teach you the ways of Den-O."
Kintaros grunts in agreement. "Strong Imagin will come to this world. We will make them cry with our strength. Together."
Ryutaros pumps his fist in the air. "Yeah! We'll protect everyone! And maybe I can find a cool pet! I won't hear any complaints!"
Momotaros remains seated, his arms crossed and a scowl etched on his face. "Tch. Don't think this means I like you, Ace. But the old geezer thinks you're worth something, so I'll play along. Just don't get in my way when I'm trying to have a good fight!"
Naomi approaches, beaming brightly as she carries a steaming mug. "To celebrate our new partnership, I made you a special coffee, Ace!" The mug is overflowing with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and colorful sprinkles. It's less coffee and more a sugary confection.
Ace takes the mug, a polite smile plastered on his face. Oh boy. "Thank you, Naomi." Not wanting to appear rude, he takes a tentative sip. The sweetness explodes on his tongue, an overwhelming rush of sugar that makes his teeth ache. It's too much. Way too much. But he forces himself to swallow, his smile unwavering. "That's… quite a blend."
***
Leave a comment and review of your thoughts
Give some power stones to support this novel.
Advance chapters are in my P@|r3on - Najicablitz