Fictions Mentioned:

Episode 25

OP Song:

Aoi Kaze No HOPE [HISTORY OF TRUNKS ENDING]

Insert Song: Start

Dies irae - Animation OST: disce libens

PART 1

In the past...

It was quiet. And it wasn't the good kind.

General Amadeus, General of the Army in charge of the 14th Legion, an old man with years of experience on his belt, was in his private quarters as he reviewed the official reports that he had recently been given. The official reports read that there were no survivors. All superheroes were killed, often in gruesome and vile ways. All humans and other biological life ceased to be. There were no survivors just like all the other times Ultron's handiwork is concerned.

This wasn't new to him. He expected this type of genocide and learned throughout his years of experience when dealing with the artificial intelligence that had caused much unnecessary suffering. Many of his brothers fell to this monster. And he had been one of the lucky or fortunate ones.

But what was most surprising to the old war veteran was that in the official reports there is the mention of one survivor. Medical professionals have diagnosed him as having suffered withdrawal symptoms based on the traumatic experiences he had been brushed with. But what concerned him more were four specific things about this survivor.

He was only a child of about ten years old. He is confirmed to be a Kamen Rider, found to be wearing a Ziku-Driver with the Zi-O Ridewatch inserted into the right slot. It is confirmed that he is from another Earth, another multiverse entirely that was several light years clicks away. He alone survived when all others perished at the onslaught. Although whether or not this was a good thing depends on how much one considers the recorded images that were found when analyzing the memory databanks of the Ultron Sentinels.

This last point concerned him the most. When looking at the images, one would see the boy transformed, with not a hint of fear or emotion. All one was to see was the systematic extermination of every Ultron Sentinel in sight. Until nothing remained. But him.

A knock was heard on the front door.

"Come in," he said.

The door opens to reveal three men whom he was familiar with over the years.

"Gentlemen," he stood up from his seat in order to shake their hands. He smiled. "It's good to see that you three are here."

These individuals were great heroes of renown, men of inspiration that took up the good fight and fought for the sake of true freedom. Steve Rogers - Captain America, Takeshi Hongo - Kamen Rider Ichigo, and Tsuyoshi Kaijo - Akarenger.

"Good to see you as well, General," Captain America spoke with respect and a genuine familiar smile between fellow war veterans. But then, his expression was one of concern. "I would have to assume that there is something that you need for all three of us to be called here so suddenly."

"More than you know, Captain," General Amadeus spoke grimly.

General Amadeus, Captain America, Ichigo, and Akarenger were looking behind a glass window showing a young ten-year-old George Kurai sitting on a white mattress, staring in front. Or at least, it seems that way. In reality, his eyes were worn out and cold, staring somewhere into the distance. His experiences on the alternate Earth were still fresh in his mind.

Captain America was holding a folder, reviewing the files that General Amadeus had given him. He wasn't happy. And the same can be said for Ichigo and Akarenger who were all looking at the young man from the other side of the window.

The three heroes were still thinking about the grave discussions and complicated circumstances that General Amadeus had told them. Their hearts burn with a wave of common anger to see justice through as they heard about the systematic genocide on an alternate Earth that was once full of heroes just like them. Now, there was nobody left. Except for George Kurai. The strangest part was that George wasn't even native to that world, having been sent there by some kind of anomaly as much as the scientists can verify.

A young boy. Scared and alone. He was barely in his teens and he already witnessed such destruction and travesty of life that it will continue to stay with him for the rest of his days.

But what concerned them the most was that he had apparently been given a Ziku-Driver that allowed him to transform into Kamen Rider Zi-O.

Ichigo breathes in and out, closing his eyes for a moment. Then he nodded. "Yosh. It's decided then." He looks toward General Amadeus. "You would not mind if I enter the room, General?"

"By all means, Ichigo," General Amadeus nodded, his mouth grim and concerned, showing his age. "The kid needs you a lot more than the rest of us at this point, especially since he's one of your own."

Ichigo opens the door and finds the young George Kurai still sitting on the bed, staring in front. Ichigo lightly closes the door and takes a good look at the young man who had seen far too much than he should have. His eyes are what concerned Ichigo the most. It shows a haunted expression common to all those who survived a battle or a war. Ichigo's footsteps were light as a feather but solemn as a rock. He slowly moves toward the young man and simply addresses him by name in a paternal tone.

"George Kurai," he said.

The young man slowly looks at Ichigo. His expression slowly became one of surprise as he saw the appearance of an iconic grasshopper-like figure from his native reality There was no mistaking him. He felt something. This was not a fake stunt actor. This was the real deal. He can feel it deep within his heart somehow. His senses were sensing the power of this individual that was now allowing himself to be seen from within.

Takeshi Hongo - Kamen Rider Ichigo.

Years: 1971 - 1973.

He was born on August 15, 1948, and lost both of his parents at a young age. To help recover from his loss, he was taken under the tutelage of his mentor Tōbei Tachibana, whom Hongo came to see as a father figure. Growing up, Hongo had an abnormal IQ of 600, which allowed him to study at Johnan University as a biochemistry major. Around this time, he worked alongside Hiroshi Midorikawa.

Hongo also enjoyed riding motorcycles and was training to become a professional motorcycle racer. During practice with Tachibana, he is attacked and captured by the evil organization Shocker, who were attracted to Hongo's high IQ and amazing physical prowess. At the time Shocker planned to bring about a new order to the world, in which artificially enhanced beings, both cybernetically and organically, stood at the top of the world. Hongo is then turned into one of those cybernetically enhanced beings, but is luckily not brainwashed due to the intervention of Dr. Midorikawa who assisted in his escape. As a result, Shocker sends the Man Spider monster after them.

While hiding, Doctor Midorikawa explains that he had been forced to work for Shocker, and was also the one who unwillingly recommended Hongo to them. Horrified at what had happened to his body, Hongo asks Midorikawa if he will remain like this forever, which Midorikawa sadly confirms. Deciding to use his newfound powers for good, Hongo's spirit as a Kamen Rider is born. Immediately afterward, Man Spider catches up with them and kills Doctor Midorikawa, leading Ruriko Midorikawa, the doctor's daughter who had just arrived there, to believe that it was Hongo who killed him. Amongst the confusion, Man Spider knocks out Ruriko and takes her to use as bait for Hongo. Hongo transforms, calling himself "Kamen Rider" while riding a customized bike made by the Tachibana Racing Club, the Cyclone. He catches up with Man Spider, defeating him and his minions. With Man Spider defeated and Ruriko saved, Hongo feels a moment of relief. Knowing that Shocker will not be easily defeated though, he braces himself for the long battle to come.

And that was the beginning of a historical legacy of heroism, valor, and courage that endures for all time.

The true beginning of Kamen Rider.

"Would you mind if I sit down?" Ichigo simply asked. He would not ask whether the young man is alright as that was a stupid and insensitive question. Rather, he simply asked to be in his company.

George slowly nodded. "...Y-Yes."

Ichigo smiled underneath his armored mask. "Yosh. Then, if you excuse me."

He begins to sit down alongside George and stayed there by his side until he was ready to speak. Ichigo thought that the boy needed a silent type of encouragement and support. Words are not enough in this situation.

The boy needed to feel that he wasn't alone.

And he shall never have to be.

PART 2

George Kurai manages to calm down. At least, as much as he was able to.

He was taking a shower in one of the private bathing rooms of the base, somewhere near the quarters that were specifically reserved for him, letting the sprinkling of water fall down on his face and head from above. He breathes in and out. His breath was synchronized with every flow of water that cool him down. He was grateful at least to bathe for a few moments. He needed it after everything. He was worn out and tired from all of the memories of the past that he couldn't shake. Of course from the outside, he tried to suppress it. He tried to turn the pain off. But it was likened to phantom pain.

Why can't he just forget that time?

He can't. Not completely. He has been haunted by the memories of the past since he first became Kamen Rider Zi-O. His eyes closed. His thoughts wander as the water drips down upon his face. He could still hear the screams of the victims. He could still feel the cold terror that spread throughout the atmosphere of that time.

He touches the wall with his right hand, making him lean on it as he closes his eyes, focusing all of his mental energies to concentrate on the here and now.

"No..."

Nodoka Hanadera muttered in shock. Her mouth was covered by both of her hands. Her eyes were leaking tears. Her expression was one of horror as the revelation slowly dawned on her. In fact, it wasn't just her. Every Precure and mascot from Heartcatch Precure, Star Twinkle Precure, and Healin Good Precure were horrified as the grim tale behind the young man was related by Kaoruko Hanasaki herself who had intimate knowledge of what had taken place during the events of when George Kurai first became Kamen Rider Zi-O. The HUGtto! Precure who were already aware of this tale was still horrified anew when talked about from another perspective. Doctor Traum, Commander Ares Mars, Private Coda, and the Clone Paratroopers from the background were sporting grim expressions, understanding the topic intimately as many of them were presently involved in those events.

Genocide.

That was a word that they never thought to encounter in a personal way. Just the thought of it sends shudders down the spines of every Precure and mascot there. George Kurai had witnessed and experienced one of the most atrocious events that have ever been recorded in the Multiverse. He had to run and hide non-stop during that time. He tried his best to help a girl who was the same age as him. But it didn't stick. They both got shot by Ultron Sentinels without any hint of mercy or remorse.

All around the young George Kurai, there was death and decimation. Nothing was left unturned. Nothing survived the onslaught. All that remained was George. One would think that may be a good thing. But that really depends on a certain point of view.

"That's right," Kaoruko Hanasaki closed her eyes while her expression turned solemn. She opened her eyes once more after a few moments. "George has been through so very much as a young boy, more than any other person his age shouldn't have had to experience. When he was nine years old, he had already lost his parents due to a mysterious disease that is still unknown to many of the medical doctors of his day. The only family that he truly had at that time was Doctor Traum, an old friend of the family. As George grew up, he never really had friends during the times between the age of nine and ten. He always wanted solitude and silence. Nevertheless, that didn't mean that he's made himself an outcast and is more than willing to help others if they need him for anything. He was studious and very intelligent, capable of solving even the most difficult equations on the collegial level that could land him in the most prestigious universities but decided not to make himself to obvious and perform acceptable grades in accordance with the educational level that his fellow students were in. Overall, he was such a good child. But unfortunately...he was never to be left alone. Not completely."

There was something about the tone of Kaoruko that was noticed by everyone, in particular, it was Hana Nono and Tsubomi Hanasaki that noticed it. It was one of sadness. It was a maternal heart that ached for the young boy that she had known for a very long time.

"Due to an unverifiable anomaly that remains a mystery that has yet to be solved, George was dragged from our world to another Earth, one that had its own protectors just like us Precure. He was just misfortunate enough to see and experience all of the havoc that Ultron had made. When I heard that Ultron had been involved in the recent events of yesterday, I was admittedly terrified, not for my sake but for George as Ultron would no doubt target him within his range. It was also because of you four: Tsubomi-chan, Erika-chan, Itsuki-chan, and Yuri-chan, and every single one of you Precure that I also worry for if you have encountered that monster."

"Obaa-chan, just...just what exactly are we dealing with here...?" Tsubomi Hanasaki asked, horrified by every passing second.

"Th-Th-That's right, just what the heck are we dealing with, de purunsu?" Prunce asked, concerned about this kind of threat that was capable of annihilating the population of one planet.

"(Sigh). I could explain everything that I know if I could but I would prefer that the rest of your fellow Precure would need to know of this as well. And I would also defer to those who have more experience and close encounters with Ultron," Kaoruko was looking at Doctor Traum, Commander Ares Mars, and Private Coda who were showing grim expressions on their faces and bodily postures. The Precure and the mascots also noticed them as well.

"(Sigh). She's right about Ultron, everyone," Doctor Traum spoke sadly. It was followed by an expression of concern. "Based on the recent meeting that I, Tendou, and some others have had while some of you and the rest of the Precure were taking care of George, we could all agree on one thing. That this attack that Ultron had undertaken was something of a test so to speak."

"A test?" Hana muttered in worry. "What do you mean by "test"?"

"Ultron has a specific number of main targets, deeming them a threat to his overall plans, depending on the degree of course. My nephew happens to be one of them," Doctor Traum explained. "As a matter of fact, that incident that happened on that Earth was not the last time George encountered Ultron. There were other times, other battles that were fought. And in those battles, death is just as common as breathing."

"I can attest to what Doctor Traum had said, ma'ams," Commander Ares Mars spoke in turn. His tone was respectful as it was directed towards the protectors of this world and the entire universe itself. "The 14th Legion has had its major brushes against Ultron several times throughout the years. I lost a lot of my brothers at the hands of that platinum clanker and saw civilians getting gunned down with my own eyes. The general of course did all that he could. We did all that we could."

"Except Ultron is quite an experienced planner in military strategies," Private Coda spoke in turn. "He was after all one of the most dangerous war criminals that had ever graced the Time War."

"The Time War?" Hagumi noted the term, concerned because of the implications. She wasn't blind to it. And she was glancing at Hariham Harry who was just as concerned as she was, if not spooked to the core. She was silent for a moment before continuing further. "When you said, "Time War", just what do you mean by that?"

Private Coda became silent for a moment as he looks at his commander and Doctor Traum. The atmosphere suddenly turns grim as the conversation decided to take a more thick and serious topic that needed to be delicately delivered precisely and respectfully. Kaoruko Hanasaki appeared to know what the clone was referring to, if what her solemn expression was anything to go by.

"Obaa-chan? Do you know what Coda-san means?" Tsubomi asked. The rest of the Heartcatch Precure also turn to the wise old woman for advice.

"Unfortunately...I do, Tsubomi-chan. But it's not something that can be explained so simply," Kaoruko smiled sadly. Her expression was solemn.

"Hold on, Time War?" Hikaru Hoshina made a thinking expression, putting her hand to her chin and her eyebrows were scrunched, concerned as her science fiction knowledge kicked in. "Strange. I've heard of the name before or at least what it meant. If I recall right from all of the sci-fi that I've watched and read, it was a type of conflict that expands throughout space and time, and maybe perhaps the universe itself."

"Eh? That's...quite confusing and scary to think about..." Erika Kurumi tilted her head, concerned.

"Nevertheless, that topic is too delicate and complex to discuss at the moment. What you all need to know is that Ultron was one of the participants in this conflict and even in spite of its end, his presence and influence continue to haunt the Multiverse," Doctor Traum explained while carefully diverting the topic about the Time War from being discussed further as he felt that they were not ready to hear it just yet. "The important thing that needs to be emphasized however is this. All of you Precure have had your own fair share of villains to fight for quite some time. But make no comparisons between Ultron himself. Ultron has the record of killing dozens of heroes and has a body count of billions upon billions. Every single time my nephew and his friends come across this monster after all these years, I honestly feel my heart stopping."

Doctor Traum's face was grave and full of worry. He recalls the times when George and his allies encounter Ultron in various circumstances, some of those events which were when he was there. And

Hana Nono glances at Hagumi Kurai, noticing her subtle horrified expression. Now, Hana was curious while still carrying her horrified feelings close to her chest, her worries for George doubling. She noticed Hagumi, the one that she knew for so long as Hugtan, was quite strangely close to George. And the way she looked at him, it was almost like she knew him. And then Hana recalled back the hints that her alternate self, the leader of the Another HUGtto! Precure Team, had hinted.

She needed to find out.

"Umm, everyone," Hana smiled softly as she heads towards Hagumi's position. Most of the Precure and the mascots were looking at her with either surprise or confusion. "Can I and Hagumi-chan be excused for one moment?" She said this as she placed her right hand near the latter's shoulder, much to her surprise. "Is that alright with you, Hagumi-chan?"

"Eh? Um...I suppose so," Hagumi was both surprised and confused. Just what was her younger alternate mother thinking at this point.

"Well then, everyone, please excuse us," Hana bowed respectfully before lightly dragging Hagumi away as they went to another part of the corridor.

"What was that all about?" Emiru Aisaki asked, curious and concerned as she looked around for any explanation.

Hariham Harry and Ruru Amour were both looking at each other with a knowing expression. Since they came from the same timeline as Hagumi, they would know the one secret that had yet to be told. That Hagumi was the daughter of George Kurai and Hana Nono. And for some reason, the moment when Hana gently dragged Hagumi out of the hallway where they were all staying.

"Oh, I see," Kaoruko smiled knowingly, her expression was solemn and her eyes closed.

"Eh?" Tsubomi and the rest of the Heartcatch Precure looked at Kaourko with curiosity, wondering if she knew something that they don't.

"Ah, I see," Doctor Traum smiled knowingly as he puts his hands in his pockets. He too knew as much as Kaoruko regarding the special type of relationship between the three individuals. His nephew, Hana, and their alternate future daughter. "It was about time I should think so."

"Eh?" Ruru noticed the expression from Doctor Traum. Her eyes widened.

The rest of the Precure and the mascots who have no context for what is happening were curious about this whole topic that is being brought up.

"Um, Doctor Traum, do you know something about this?" Saaya Yakushiji looks at Doctor Traum.

"Oh, I do, my dear, but it's not my place to tell," Doctor Traum spoke with a sad smile.

Insert Song: End

ED Insert Song:

[G-Senjou no Maou] Close your Eyes

Start:

Hagumi Kurai was feeling a sense of awkwardness and a little bit of fear.

She was now being led by the hand of none other than her mother, her younger alternate and alive mother to be exact. They were simply walking on the hallway, one that was filled with white neon-colored lights from the silver chrome walls. They pass by some clone troopers and other personnel, but they were few in number which lead to an appropriate level of privacy between the two of them. It helps that the corridors are quite large and have enough space for distance so that they could talk to each other without anyone necessarily hearing what they say.

"Ne, Hagumi, how are you doing so far?" Hana smiled cheerfully.

"Eh? Um, I'm fine, um, Hana," Hagumi spoke softly with a smile, although she was still not used to calling her mother by her first name.

"How's your life back in the future?" Hana asked.

"Eh?" Hagumi became surprised. That was a very strange question. Nevertheless, she explains. "It's...It's doing alright so far. Time is back to normal and moving forward once again and people are able to walk and get along, for the most part, building things back slowly to how they were. But there is still a lot of work that needs to be done."

"Is that so? Then that's very reassuring," Hana spoke with a smile, truly relieved to hear the news of the future recovering bit by bit. The many times she was given a glimpse of the future, it was one that was dark and devoid of any light, even the natural light of the sun. From what she felt and saw, it was something that she wouldn't wish upon anyone.

What Hana Nono saw in the future was something that continued to haunt her somewhat; even carried on into her dreams that sometimes turned into a nightmare. Sometimes, she sees the effects of time stopping, sees the ground rising up above and forming into hovering rocks, and saw the ruins of the once vibrant civilization of mankind now reduced into a mere shadow of its former self which was made apparent through all of the damaged buildings floating and broken. She didn't see any bodies, but she didn't think she wanted to see them. An adverse reaction already came up when she saw the distorted future, dark and devoid of natural light. How much more so were the inhabitants?

Was it because she was afraid of finding out the truth?

Maybe. But now, what little Hagumi told her reassured her at least that people back in the latter's time were doing well and carrying on with their lives.

However...

Both Hana and Hagumi stop nearby a balcony overlooking the vast hangar bay. Many of the clone troopers and other personnel were present from all sides. The KIRAKIRA Patisserie was seen from somewhere nearby and the KiraKira Precure A La Mode were serving the finest sweets and cake that were being enjoyed by the clones and the other military personnel of Sakura Base. From what they can also see, there were various aliens and other species that made themselves known. Some were like sharks, some were ants, and some were just floating specters. Different types of individuals come together and have a good time.

Also can be seen from the ground were the Smile Precure are being a little overexcited, some more than others such as Akane Hino, as they were listening to Tatsuya Kaname and Brian Taylor as the latter two were sharing stories. Brian was in fact showing an embarrassed expression, his right hand was seen scratching the back of his head, explaining everything that he can. A long story doesn't even begin to define such a conversation. It was one grand adventure wherein he and a few others were chosen to carry the legacy of the Super Sentai, a heavy responsibility in his opinion, although he was happy on the inside as he had secretly been a Super Sentai/Power Rangers fan for quite some time even before meeting Akane and the other Smile Precure.

"There's...There's something that I need to ask..." Hana's left hand gently squeezes Hagumi's right hand, the latter notices the former as she became trepid.

Hana was determined. She needed to know something. This was bothering her since the moment she met Hagumi and from what her other self had told her in simple hints. She thought about it over and over ever since last night. She noticed the subtle interactions that Hagumi has with George and how the latter has his interactions with the former. This was no mere coincidence. These two know each other from somewhere. That loving and caring look was quite haunting for her to miss.

"Um...Just...I noticed that you've been awfully close to George lately," Hana spoke her suspicions in an honest tone, her eyes carrying a sense of worry.

"Oh..." Hagumi muttered softly, her eyes carrying a hesitance and sadness. "That's..."

How can she say it? How can she say the real truth behind such a question? It wasn't just the mere complication of time travel. It was because she was more concerned about what type of reaction would Hana Nono have to her.

"And...there's that thing that my...other self had told me yesterday, back when we were fighting her. She said..." Hana showed an unsure and concerned look.

"Mother and daughter..." Hagumi muttered softly, her eyes now becoming a bit teary. She looked downwards, looking towards the hangar bay while her distraught and depressing thoughts continued to occupy her.

Hana looks closely at Hagumi's reaction. Slowly but surely, she begins to put two and two together. The conversation with her other self. The hesitant expression from Hagumi. George and Hagumi recognize each other.

Hana gently squeezes Hagumi's right hand as the former's eyes widened. "Wait...Could it be...?"

"..." Hagumi remained silent, neither confirming nor denying an answer.

Now that Hana thought back on all of the times that she had spent with Hagumi as Hugtan. She could be overthinking this one, but she recalls Hugtan clearly calling her mama. Of course, this wasn't the only thing. There were other instances, the fact that Hagumi felt so very familiar to her in the same way that she felt with George, the mysterious reactions that Hagumi has in her presence, the closeness between Hagumi and George, it all seems to fit.

Hagumi had tears in her eyes. And they were flowing down her cheeks indicating that she couldn't simply hold it in any longer. Her lips were trembling. Her voice was making some kind of effort to come out but could not find the words.

Hana couldn't help but cry as well. She did not hesitate to embrace Hagumi very tightly, the latter reciprocating the hug. All of the memories from both of them were being recalled from within their own minds. From two different times. From two different eras. From two different worlds. The tears signified a very special bond between these two individuals who were embracing each other.

The happy and sad times. The times when Hana was taking care of Hugtan. The times when Hagumi fights alongside three other Precure in honor of her late mother's sacrifice and tries to bring hope to their dark future. The common suffering that they both endured at the hands of the George Kurai of the Future. The time when the future became a new road to follow the moment Criasu's defeat was imminent.

They also recalled the instance when Hana and Hagumi were about to be separated at that time.

"Mama? Mama!"

"Hugtan, it's okay! We'll see each other again! So get plenty to eat, play lots, and grow up big and strong!"

They cried as they remember that specific time.

"...Sorry, ma...mama," Hagumi muttered in a contrite tone.

But Hana shakes her head. "Don't be sorry. You don't need to feel sorry."

"Sorry...Sorry...Sorry..." Hagumi kept muttering.

And then, they cried for George, both his younger self that they know now and the future self where he simply gave up. Two different men and yet the same man. The present-day George had to bear these sins of the future all on his own.

Unbeknownst to both of them, George Kurai, already wearing a new set of clothes consisting of a black leather jacket, white dress shirt, blue jeans, and black shoes, was watching both mother and daughter letting their feelings and emotions out from somewhere nearby.

"("Ah...so she figured it out...")" George's eyes were looking downcast with guilt.

As he thought of this, he recalled something from long ago. It was a memory of when he was eleven.

The sun rises on the nearby sea.

There were two eleven-year-olds accompanied by an old man. George Kurai and Tatsuya Kaname were the eleven-year-olds while Takeshi Hongo was the old man. They were simply watching the sunrise from the sea. It was a beautiful sight that reminded one of the various paintings depicting the beauty of the sun and of nature in general. The winds that blow from somewhere in the west were gracing the faces of the three individuals that were present.

"Pretty Cure Protector?" George asked.

"That's right," Takeshi nodded. "As of now, I believe that you are ready to undertake this task that I and my fellow Showa Riders have been thinking of for quite some time. These women represent hope for the future. It is for this reason that we fear for their safety as I have no doubt that there may come a time when Kamen Riders and other fellow heroes are needed to step in when they can't handle something that they aren't used to dealing with. They would need someone to be there to shadow their movements and make sure that what they have done is not to be trampled by evil men and organizations that desire nefarious endeavors."

Pretty Cure.

A group of young women known throughout history as role models of inspiration that protected life and freedom; protected dreams and hopes of various individuals. George's thoughts rest in all of them, but Hana Nono - Cure Yell was the center of his thought, the young woman that he would end up hurting. To be more accurate, it was his other self from a different timeline. It remained to be a sore spot for the young George.

And George remained downcast, carrying sins that were never his own.

Takeshi, knowing instantly what the young George was thinking based on the expression alone, simply crouched down and see him eye to eye, placing his right hand on his left shoulder.

"George," he said with a gentle paternal smile. "I know what you are feeling right now. But you should also know that you are not alone in this duty that you are about to undertake."

"That's right," Tatsuya smiled reassuringly at his best friend, putting his left hand on his right shoulder. "I'm here with you every step of the way."

"I..." George remained hesitant. "I just don't think that I'm ready, sensei."

"It's for that very reason that I know you are, George," Takeshi spoke with a reassuring smile.

"But...I'm more afraid to hurt them..." George said, his eyes showing a justified sense of worry and concern.

"Then I'll be there to knock some sense into you if you do," Tatsuya spoke with resolve, his smile never wavering. "You're my best friend, George. You always helped me when I needed it. Now, I'll do the same thing for you. After all, I am the Future Guardian, right? A Future Guardian's job is to keep the Monarch of Time in line after all."

George simply smiled at the response.

Another memory.

This time, it was one of hope and sadness.

The eleven-year-old George would see a train track that would now take Hugtan, Hariham Harry, and other alternate future inhabitants by train back towards the future that they left behind. And he would see Hana and the rest of the HUGtto! Precure sprinting towards the train. He would see the tears from both Hana and Hugtan at this very moment of separation. He sees both Hana and Hugtan crying out to the other.

For one single moment, Hana and Hugtan have their hands joined. It was one single moment that was sacred to the two of them alone. And then, they let go. There were tears. But there was also hope.

George sees the train departing towards the alternate future timeline, leaving Hana and the rest of the HUGtto! Precure to see them off, seeing the train track disappear. And then, George can only hear the sound of Hana crying. Her voice was one of sorrow but also of hope.

This was the ending of the story. This was the beginning of a new future. A future that was unknown.

The winds run fair as the afternoon sun shines.

George breathes in and out in a deep manner.

He shouldn't avoid this. He should face this. He was as much involved in this just as anyone. And so, he decided to walk a few steps toward Hana and Hagumi who were embracing each other. He's not running away this time.

Both Hana and Hagumi slowly noticed George coming toward them. Their eyes widened and their hearts stopped. Their tears were still flowing down their cheeks. There was nothing except silence. But this silence felt empty for the two young women who were looking at George. It was likened to a void in their hearts waiting to be filled.

George's eyes were staring at their teary eyes. They were contrite and full of resolve to face this dilemma that they all now find themselves in.

"...George," Hana muttered, her tears still flowing down her cheeks.

"...Papa," Hagumi muttered, her tears still flowing down her cheeks.

George's heart aches. His eyes closed for a moment as his head bowed a little lower. Then he opened his eyes, nodding at both of them without saying a word.

And then, without any hesitation, they begin to run towards George and embraced him. Their tears were still flowing down as they embraced George who reciprocated by placing both of his hands on the both of them.

These two young women. Hana Nono and Hagumi Kurai. They were his family. They were his home. They were what he desired to protect more than anything. Even from himself. And his embrace was gentle and accommodating.

He cannot run away this time. These women needed him at this hour. And he would be damned if he abandoned them now.

Just for now. Just for this one moment. A family is back together again even if it were from across time.

End:

Legend Main Showa Riders:

Takeshi Hongo/Kamen Rider Ichigo - A: Hiroshi Fujioka

Sentai Red Characters:

Tsuyoshi Kaijo/Akarenger - A: Naoya Makoto

New Characters:

General Amadeus (STARS) - A: Temuera Morrison

Prunce - VA: Hiroyuki Yoshino