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"Tch! This will end just like last time. Neither of you has the power to defeat me!" The Other declares, launching high into the air. In a mesmerizing display of acrobatics, he tucks into a front flip, stretching himself out horizontally as he hurtles towards you. In perfect synchrony, you and Number 2 fold into dual somersaults. Number 2 extends his left leg while you unleash your right.
"""Rider Kick!"""
The three of you shout in unison, pouring every ounce of determination into your voices. In that decisive moment, a powerful shockwave erupts, unleashing a burst of energy that engulfs the battlefield. A sense of déjà vu washes over you as you witness a clash of pure force, titanic waves colliding and intertwining. But this time, something different occurs. The combined attack forms a mighty blast that surges forward, swallowing the Other Rider whole and hurtling him into the ground; while you and your partner descend like normal.
Number 2 collapses onto his knees and forearms, drained and weary. You, too, land on one knee, using your arm to steady yourself. As you glance ahead, a smoking crater marks the spot where the Other Rider's body crashed.
"Is he..?"
"I see something..." You both struggle to rise, bodies battered and drained from the grueling battle. Neither of you is in any condition to continue fighting. Though bruised and beaten, your resolve remains unyielding. Taking deep breaths, you send a glance towards Number 2, and he gives you a nod. Steadying yourselves, you approach the smoldering crater, with Number 2 a few steps behind.
There lies the Other Rider, sprawled on the ground, attempting to roll over. But this time, his injuries are not a ruse. Sparks crackle from his damaged belt, and as the smoke dissipates, the severity of his damage is clear now. Energy seeps out from countless fractures, and charred marks mar his boots. The crack you inflicted upon his helmet has widened, now rupturing from the strain, shattering into pieces.
"What!?"
"No!" You and Number 2 cry out in surprise. While you had sworn to treat Number 2 as a brother upon his arrival, he was not your true kin. However, it all becomes clear now. When you had discovered that the Ark had abducted your brother after you left 26XX behind, you never uncovered his fate. There simply was no way to follow up, right? Well, now you know what happened. He became Kamen Rider too.
The Other Rider, struggling to support himself on one arm, succumbs to a fit of coughing. In a brief moment, his eyes meet yours, conveying a profound sorrow. Suddenly, he clutches his head, teeth grinding together as he battles against an unknown torment, some invisible attack.
"What's wrong? Why are you a Rider?" You cry out. The Other has some sort of spasm, before looking at you once more. The gaze from earlier is gone now.
