Chapter 109: Chapter 19
The dust settles on the street. The sounds of sirens and murmuring crowds fill the air. Kamui Woods, Tidal, and Siren approach Mirko, their expressions a mixture of concern and curiosity.
"Mirko, are you alright?" Kamui Woods asks, his voice laced with worry. "What happened here?"
Mirko glares at the shattered remains of the storefront, her chest heaving. "That damn Kamen Rider," she growls. "He slipped away. Vanished into thin air."
Siren raises an eyebrow. "He got past you? That's hard to believe."
Mirko recounts the events of the battle, detailing the Rider's surprising strength, agility, and evasive maneuvers. She describes how he summoned the dragon and crab-like monsters to distract them, only to face her head-on.
"He was holding back," she admits, her tone grudging. "But even then, he was tough. Then he just… disappeared. Into that mirror."
Tidal steps forward, his expression thoughtful. "We encountered those creatures too," he says, gesturing in the direction from which they came. "A dragon and some sort of humanoid crab. Nasty business."
"What were you guys doing over there anyway?" Mirko asks.
Kamui Woods sighs. "We were chasing Kamen Rider. He appeared at the scene of a villain's attack. After he beat the villain, he ran. He summoned those monsters to slow us down. We almost had him trapped when you showed up."
Suddenly, a fleet of police cars arrives, their sirens blaring. Naomasa Tsukauchi steps out, his face etched with concern. He approaches the group of Pro Heroes, his eyes scanning the scene.
"What's the situation here?" Naomasa asks, his voice calm but firm.
The heroes recount the events, explaining the chaos unleashed by Inferno, Kamen Rider's intervention, and the appearance of the strange monsters. Naomasa listens intently, his expression growing more troubled with each detail.
"Kamen Rider again," he mutters, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "And now he's summoning monsters? This is getting more complicated."
He turns to Mirko, his eyes filled with concern. "Mirko, did you see what sort of powers Kamen Rider has?"
Mirko replies, "All I know is he has great strength, agility, and reflexes. He showed so many abilities. What kind of Quirk can do all of that?"
So many abilities, it is as if Kamen Rider has multiple Quirks. Is that even possible? It is like All For One's Quirk. But that's impossible, right? It's just speculation. There isn't any evidence, not at all, just the gut feeling.
Naomasa shakes off his dark musings and refocuses on the present. "Thank you all for your hard work," he says, addressing the Pro Heroes with a weary smile. "I appreciate you all handling this situation. Especially capturing the fire villain who started the arson."
Mirko cracks her knuckles, a determined glint in her eyes. "Don't worry, Tsukauchi," she says, her voice full of confidence. "Next time I see that Kamen Rider, he won't be so lucky. He won't get away. I'll make sure of it."
Naomasa nods, his expression a mixture of gratitude and apprehension. "I'm counting on it, Mirko. The public needs to know that vigilantism won't be tolerated
…
Ace sits on a shattered piece of reflective debris in the Mirror World. The air is thick with the scent of ozone and distorted reflections dance around him. He rubs his chest, still feeling the sting of Mirko's kick. Damn, that rabbit packs a punch.
You okay, Ace? Momotaros asks.
Yeah, I'm fine, Momo. Just needed a breather. Ace replies, That lady is strong.
Strong? That was a warm-up! Momotaros scoffs. I could take her!
In your dreams, Momo, Urataros chimes in. You'd be tripping over those big feet of yours.
What did you say, Turtle?! Momotaros yells.
Guys, cool it, Kintaros interjects. We have more important things to worry about.
That bunny nee-chan is cute~. murmured Ryutaros.
Ace sighs. Focus, everyone. That Pro Hero is going to be a problem. She's fast, strong, and doesn't back down.
But did you see those LEGS?! Momotaros exclaims.
She is skilled, I will give you that, Ace thinks, but that fight was unnecessary. Now I have to deal with the Pro Heroes, and the police.
They were after you anyway, Ace, Kintaros points out.
Yeah, but now they REALLY want me, Ace retorts. The media is painting me as a villain. Which means they'll be looking for me even harder.
Maybe you should just give up, Ryutaros suggests. We can go get some ice cream!
No! Ace shouts, I can't give up. Dai-Shocker is here. I need to stop them.
And we will help you, Ace, Kintaros replies. But you need to be careful.
Ace takes a deep breath, focusing his energy. You're right. I need to be more careful.
After a moment, Ace stands up and stretches. The Taros quiet down, sensing his resolve. Alright, I'm good to go. Let's get those groceries and head back to Starry. He glances around the desolate landscape. And try to avoid any more run-ins with rabbit-themed heroes.
Ace remembers the alleyway where he entered the Mirror World. He finds a mirror and steps through, finding himself back in the familiar alley. The bag of groceries sits untouched where he left it. He picks it up, the weight grounding him.
He exits the alley and heads towards Starry. The setting sun casts long shadows, mirroring his somber mood.
So, what's the plan, Ace? Momotaros asks.
I need to lay low for a bit, Ace responds, Let the heat die down. He adjusts the grocery bag, the plastic crinkling in the quiet evening. But I can't just sit around and do nothing. The Imagins won't suddenly take a holiday.
But what about the heroes? Ryutaros asks, concern lacing his voice. They're scary!
I know, Ryuta, Ace says, trying to reassure the youngest Imagin.
If we just beat them fast enough, they won't have time to do anything! Momotaros says.
Ace stares at the setting sun, coloring the sky with orange hues. Easier said than done, Momo.
Won't the Pro Heroes help with the Imagin, though? Kintaros asks.
Ace sighs. They will, he admits, but it's complicated. He pauses. They have a no-killing rule. Which is noble, sure, but these Imagin… they don't stop unless you destroy them. Plus, Ace adds, the average Pro Hero isn't strong enough. Most of them will get dusted before they can even land a punch.
He quickens his pace, Starry coming into view. He pushes open the door, the familiar scent of coffee and pastries filling his senses. Ami smiles at him from behind the counter. He offers a small smile in return, dropping the groceries. Yeah, a bit more caution is in order, indeed
Ami beams. "Welcome back! Thanks a bunch for grabbing these. Anything happen out there?"
Ace shrugs, trying to appear nonchalant. He avoids eye contact, suddenly very interested in the floor. "Nope, just your average grocery run. No trouble here. Did those shipments arrive?"
"Yep! Just got here a little while ago. Stacked 'em out back, but they're gonna need moving inside before closing," she replies, glancing towards the clock. "Think you can handle that? Ozaki's supposed to help, but he's running late as usual."
"Yeah, no problem. I'll take care of it." He heads towards the back door, pushing through the kitchen.
…
Across town, in a cramped apartment overlooking the neon sprawl of Musutafu, despair clung to Hiroki like a second skin. Sweat slicked his forehead as he paced his small living room. Furniture went untouched, a layer of dust forming over every surface. The air hung heavy with the scent of stale cigarettes and desperation.
"Damn it!" he muttered, running a hand through his thinning hair. "Damn it all!" He clawed at his scalp, the need clawing at his chest. Money. He needed money. And he needed it now. But how? He was fresh out of ideas and avenues to find the money.
He stumbled towards the window, gazing out at the city lights blurring in his vision. Hope felt like a distant memory, a flickering candle in a hurricane.
Suddenly, a shimmering orb of light pierced through the grimy windowpane, zeroing in on Hiroki. He barely registered its approach before it slammed into him, knocking the wind out of his lungs. He stumbled back, clutching his chest, a strange tingling sensation spreading through his veins.
A wave of dizziness washed over him, and he blinked, trying to clear his vision. Sand began to pour from his pores, a gritty, unsettling sensation. It cascaded onto the floor, swirling and coalescing into a towering form.
Before him stood an Imagin, its body a shifting mass of sand. It was humanoid, yet undeniably monstrous, with thick limbs and a strangely blank face. The eyes glowed with a soft, internal light.
Its voice rumbled, each word drawn out and deliberate, echoing in the small apartment. "What…is…your…wish…"
Hiroki stared, his mind struggling to comprehend the impossible. A monster? A wish? What was going on? But one thing did register, and it was something he desperately wanted. He spoke in a hoarse voice. "Money… I need money… Lots and lots of money."
The sand pulsed and hardened, meticulously reshaping the Imagin's sandy physique. The shifting form expanded, growing into something far more robust and imposing. Now it resembled a humanoid Hippo, but with an unnatural twist. It towered menacingly over Hiroki, the face still unnervingly featureless, yet the soft light continued to glow from within the blank surface. Its skin looked tough, like armor plating, but you could see the muscular frame hidden within the bulk. The whole thing looked fat but it was clearly strong.
The Imagin's slow, deliberate voice rumbled again, "Contract…formed…"
***
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Advance chapters are in my P@|r3on - Najicablitz