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A Rider Kick in Marvel Rewrite Ch 79
🕑 Added 2025-04-28 14:58:58 +0000 UTCA few blocks away from the heart of the battle in Harlem, in a dingy alley, Nico and Berto huddled together, their faces etched with concern. The distant sounds of destruction—roars, crashes, and explosions—reverberated through the narrow space.
"This is insane," Nico said, her voice trembling slightly. She nervously chewed on her fingernails, her eyes darting around the alley as if expecting a monster to leap out at any moment. "What kind of monster can cause that much damage?"
Berto, despite his own unease, attempted to project an air of confidence. "Relax, Nico. Whatever it is, I'm sure Ace can handle it." He clapped a hand on her shoulder, trying to offer some reassurance. "He's Kamen Rider, remember? He's got this."
Nico wasn't convinced. She knew Ace was strong, but the sheer scale of the destruction they were hearing was terrifying. "But what if it's too much, Berto? What if he gets hurt?"
Berto shrugged, trying to downplay her fears. "Ace is tough, Nico. And remember, he always disappears when some monster is wreaking havoc. He is probably out there fighting it right now."
As if summoned by their conversation, a figure suddenly dropped down behind them, landing with a thud that echoed in the confined space.
"AHHHHHH!" Nico screamed, jumping nearly a foot in the air. She whirled around, her eyes wide with terror.
Berto, equally startled, yelped and stumbled backward, tripping over a discarded trash can. He landed on his butt with a surprised "Oof!"
Standing before them was Ace, transformed into Kuuga's Mighty Form, his red armor gleaming in the dim light of the alley. He stood tall, ready for battle.
Nico glared at Ace, her initial fear quickly morphing into anger. "Are you crazy?! You can't just drop in like that, Ace! You scared us half to death!" She crossed her arms, her expression a mixture of annoyance and relief.
Berto, on the other hand, was practically buzzing with excitement. He scrambled to his feet, brushing off his pants, his eyes wide with wonder. "Dude, that was so cool! You're Kamen Rider?!" He stared at Ace's armored form with unreserved admiration. "Your suit looks epic!"
Ace chuckled nervously, scratching the back of his helmeted head. "Uh, hey guys. Sorry for the surprise." He shifted uncomfortably, the weight of their gazes making him feel strangely self-conscious.
An awkward silence descended upon the alley. Nico continued to glare, Berto stared in awe, and Ace stood there, unsure of what to say or do. The sounds of distant explosions and roaring monsters seemed to fade into the background as the three friends grappled with the sudden shift in their dynamic.
The silence stretched, thick and heavy with unspoken questions and conflicting emotions. Berto, always the one to break the tension, opened his mouth to say something, but Nico cut him off with a sharp glare.
Finally, Nico spoke, her voice tight with controlled anger. "So," she began, her eyes narrowed. "All those times you disappeared... All those excuses... You're Kamen Rider, aren't you?"
Ace's shoulders slumped slightly. He knew this moment was inevitable, but that didn't make it any easier. He met Nico's gaze, his expression hidden behind the helmet, but his voice filled with sincerity. "Yeah," he admitted quietly. "I am."
He paused, taking a deep breath before continuing. "I didn't want to tell you guys. I didn't want to put you in danger. This stuff... it's dangerous, and I couldn't bear the thought of something happening to you because of me." He looked at them both, his voice laced with regret. "I'm sorry I kept it a secret. I really am."
Nico's pent-up emotions finally erupted. She balled her fist and swung it at Ace's stomach, aiming for what she thought was a vulnerable spot. Instead, her knuckles connected with the unyielding metal of his armor.
"Ow!" she yelped, clutching her hand and wincing in pain. The force of the impact had sent a jolt up her arm, and she now cradled it gingerly, her face contorted in discomfort.
Ace immediately leaned forward, his armored form looming over her with concern. "Nico, are you okay? Did I hurt you?" His voice, muffled by the helmet, still conveyed genuine worry.
Nico glared at him, though her expression was softened by the lingering pain in her hand. "I'm fine," she snapped, though she massaged her throbbing knuckles. "It's your stupid armor that's not okay." She huffed, trying to regain her composure.
"You should have trusted us more, Ace," Nico said, her voice regaining its strength. "We're your friends. We care about you." She looked at him, her eyes conveying a mix of hurt and frustration. "Keeping secrets like this... it makes it feel like you don't trust us."
Berto nodded in agreement, stepping forward to stand beside Nico. "Yeah, man. We've been worried sick about you. You keep disappearing, and we have no idea where you go or what you're doing." He shook his head, his expression serious. "We get that you have to keep secrets, but you should at least consider our feelings, too. We're your friends, Ace."
Ace remained silent for a moment, absorbing their words. He understood their hurt and frustration, and he felt a pang of guilt for putting them through this. "You're right," he said finally, his voice contrite. "I messed up. I should have told you, or at least given you some kind of explanation."
He paused, then continued, his voice laced with sincerity. "I'm sorry, guys. I really am. You're my best friends, and I value your friendship more than anything." He looked at them, his expression pleading. "Will you forgive me?" The question hung in the air, heavy with anticipation.
A moment of silence followed, thick and heavy with unspoken emotions. Nico hesitated, her expression unreadable. Berto, sensing her uncertainty, gave her a gentle nudge with his elbow, a silent encouragement to speak.
Nico averted her gaze, her cheeks flushing an even deeper shade of red. She mumbled something under her breath, her voice barely audible.
"What was that, Nico?" Berto asked, leaning closer, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
Nico sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly. "Fine," she said, her voice grudging. "I forgive you, Ace. Happy now?" She refused to meet his gaze, her embarrassment palpable.
A wave of relief washed over Ace. A genuine smile stretched across his face, though it was hidden by the helmet. "Thanks, Nico. That means a lot."
Berto, unable to contain his joy, let out a whoop of excitement. He threw his arms around both Nico and Ace, squeezing them tightly in a bear hug. "Yes! We're all friends again! I knew you guys would work it out."
Nico groaned, trying to wriggle free from Berto's embrace. "Okay, okay, Berto, you can let go now. I can't breathe."
Berto released them, beaming from ear to ear. He clapped Ace on the back. "I'm just glad we're all good, man. It wasn't the same without you around."
Ace's heart swelled with warmth. He was incredibly grateful for his friends' understanding and forgiveness. "Me too, Berto. Me too." He glanced at Nico, noticing the faint blush still lingering on her cheeks. He could tell that she was happy too, even if she was trying to hide it.
A comfortable silence settled between them, the tension that had been hanging in the air dissipating like a dissipating. The sounds of the battle raging elsewhere in the city seemed to fade into the background as the three friends basked in the renewed strength of their bond.
A genuine smile curved Ace's lips beneath his helmet. He felt a sense of lightness he hadn't experienced since the attack. The weight of his secret had been lifted, and now he knew he could confide in his friends.
He knew that they would be there to support him, no matter what challenges lay ahead. He understood now, the three of them will always be together.
Berto grinned widely, his eyes sparkling with happiness. He gave Ace a friendly nudge. The three of them shared a heartfelt moment, their bond stronger than ever.
In the distorted reflection of a shattered mirror, the trio stood unaware of the looming threat. In the Mirror World, a twisted image of reality, Scissors observed Ace, Nico, and Berto from afar. The alleyway, a familiar yet unsettlingly different version of the one they occupied in the real world, was eerily deserted, with long shadows stretching across the grimy pavement.
Scissors, clad in his orange and silver armor, stood perched atop a dilapidated building, his form blending seamlessly with the decaying architecture of the Mirror World. The green gem on his forehead, the "S Signal," pulsed softly, scanning the area for any signs of danger or opportunity. His crab-like antennae twitched, picking up the faint sounds of their laughter and chatter.
He watched Ace's every move, scrutinizing the way he interacted with his friends. He noted the genuine affection in Ace's eyes as he spoke with Nico, the easy camaraderie he shared with Berto. He observed their body language, their facial expressions, searching for any weakness or vulnerability he could exploit.
Scissors watched as Ace laughed with Nico and Berto and felt anger, his eyes narrowing with resentment. Such close relationships. Friends are such liabilities. He pondered, then clenched his fist. His expression hardened. These two could be used against him.
Scissors observed as the three turned and began to walk away, their figures shrinking into the distance. The sound of their voices faded, replaced by the eerie silence of the Mirror World. He continued to watch them, his gaze unwavering, until they disappeared from view entirely.
A slow, sinister smirk spread across Scissors's face. His eyes gleamed with dark amusement as he leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees.
"Be prepared, Kamen Rider," he muttered to himself, his voice a low, gravelly growl that echoed in the empty Mirror World. "The fun has only just begun."
He straightened up, his posture shifting from one of casual observation to one of predatory anticipation. He raised his left arm, the Scissors Visor glinting in the dim light. His mind raced, piecing together the fragments of information he had gathered, formulating a plan to defeat Ace.
His plan was set, Scissors knew what he had to do to come out on top.
