Ace sat patiently as the SHIELD agents conducted their tests, his expression calm and composed. They had been thorough, running every scan and examination they could think of, but in the end, the results were the same – his health had not only returned to normal, but in some ways, it was even better than before.
During the x-ray, the agents had noticed something peculiar – a belt-like device that seemed to be embedded in Ace's waist. They exchanged puzzled glances, unsure of what to make of this discovery. Director Fury watched the proceedings with a keen eye, his interest piqued by this strange phenomenon.
When the tests were finally complete, Ace stood and began to redress himself. The agents and Fury observed him closely, still uncertain about the nature of the device they had found. Fury cleared his throat, drawing Ace's attention.
"That belt of yours," he said, his voice level. "Mind telling us what it is?"
Ace paused, his fingers stilling on the buttons of his shirt. "It's called the Arcle," he replied simply, his tone casual. "It's how I transform into Kamen Rider."
Fury and the agents exchanged a glance, their expressions one of curiosity and, perhaps, a hint of skepticism. Ace merely smiled and continued dressing, unfazed by their scrutiny.
Ace met Fury's gaze evenly. "I'd appreciate it if you could destroy the blood samples you took," he said, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "I don't think the world needs multiple Kamen Riders running around, do you?"
Fury raised an eyebrow, unsure if Ace was joking or not. "I'll have the samples disposed of," he conceded, his tone indicating he was still processing the implications of Ace's words.
Clearing his throat, Fury continued, "Speaking of Kamen Rider, we'd like to extend an invitation for you to join SHIELD." He paused, gauging Ace's reaction. "We believe your abilities could be a valuable asset in our efforts to protect the world."
Ace considered the offer, but shook his head. "I'm afraid I'll have to decline," he said. "My responsibilities lie elsewhere." He looked down at the Arcle, his expression thoughtful.
Fury sighed, a hint of disappointment in his voice. "Well, the offer stands. And if you ever need anything, you can reach me at this number." He handed Ace a card with a cell phone number written on it.
Ace nodded, pocketing the card. "Thank you, Director Fury. I appreciate the gesture." With that, he turned and made his way out of the hospital room, leaving Fury and his agents to ponder the enigmatic young man and his mysterious powers.
Ace stepped out of the private hospital, relieved to see that he was still in New York City. He knew Pops and his friends must be worried sick about his disappearance, and he already had a few excuses prepared to explain his absence.
As he walked down the street, Ace couldn't help but feel a little uneasy. The SHIELD agents had been thorough in their examination, and he couldn't shake the feeling that they were still keeping a close eye on him. Still, he was glad to be out of there and back in familiar territory.
Ace quickened his pace, eager to get back to the café and reassure Pops that he was alright. He could already imagine the concerned look on the older man's face, and the barrage of questions he would have to answer. With a small sigh, Ace steeled himself for the inevitable reunion, determined to put his friends' minds at ease.
Ace pushed open the door to Pole Pole, the familiar chime signaling his return. Pops, the café owner, looked up from the counter, his expression shifting from distraction to sheer relief.
"Ace!" Pops exclaimed, hurrying around the counter to embrace the young man. "Where have you been? I was so worried!"
Ace offered a sheepish smile. "I'm sorry, Pops. I, uh, got caught up in an accident and was bedridden for a while. But I'm all better now, I promise."
Pops pulled back, his brow furrowed with concern. "An accident? What happened? Are you sure you're alright?"
"I'm fine, really," Ace assured him, placing a hand on Pops' shoulder. "Just a little banged up, but the doctors took good care of me."
Pops studied Ace's face, searching for any sign of deception. After a moment, he let out a heavy sigh and pulled Ace into another hug.
"Don't you ever do that to me again, you hear?" Pops scolded, his voice thick with emotion. "I was worried sick, wondering where you'd gone."
Ace nodded, guilt weighing heavily on his heart. "I'm sorry, Pops. It won't happen again, I promise."
Pops was relieved to see Ace back safe and sound. "Well, at least you're safe. Go to your room to rest," he said, ushering the young man towards the stairs.
Ace opened his mouth to protest, but the look of worry on Pops' face made him reconsider. "Alright, Pops. I could use a little rest," he conceded, heading up to his room.
Once inside, Ace sat down on the edge of his bed, his mind racing. The doctors had told him that his heart had stopped when he arrived at the hospital, but then it had started beating again on its own.
Ace recalled the stories of Yusuke Godai, the previous Kamen Rider Kuuga. In the show, the Arcle had the power to revive its user, even from the brink of death. And with that power, Godai had unlocked the incredible Rising Forms of Kuuga, forms that amplified his abilities beyond what anyone had seen before.
Ace glanced down at the Arcle resting against his waist, wondering if it possessed the same restorative capabilities. Perhaps that's how he had survived the battle with the Grongi, when his heart had stopped beating. A small spark of hope flickered within him, that he too might one day access those legendary Rising Forms.
Ace stared at the Arcle, hope flickering in his chest. If the legends were true, then perhaps he could unlock the Rising Forms and gain the power to defeat the formidable Grongi like La·Balva·De. But for now, he wasn't sure if he possessed that ability.
Ace's phone buzzed with a flurry of unread messages from Nico, Berto, and even Detective Watanabe. They were all worried about his whereabouts, and he felt a pang of guilt for worrying them. With a sigh, he began typing out a response, assuring them that he was alright and would explain everything soon.
***
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Advance chapters are in my P@|r3on - Najicablitz