The Command Center was quiet except for the faint hum of Gosei's systems. Yuriko sat on the steps, the box of keychains resting on her lap. Morning light streamed in through the high windows, glinting across the tiny trinkets.
She had spent hours looking at them. Some were foreign, alien to her. But others stirred memories—faces, voices, battles long past.
Her hand trembled as she lifted one keychain. It was marked with a bold lightning bolt, its helmet design unmistakable.
"…Stronger," she whispered.
Her heart clenched.
---
"Everyone," Yuriko called, her voice steady but softer than usual. The Rangers and Gosei gathered around, curiosity lighting their expressions.
"Did something happen?" Troy asked.
Yuriko looked down at the box, then back at them. "Yes. I… I know some of these Riders."
The Rangers leaned closer as she pulled several keychains free, setting them gently on the console one by one.
"This one…" She held up the lightning-marked charm. "This is Kamen Rider Stronger. He was… my partner. My friend. The one I fought beside before I came here."
Her lips curved into a bittersweet smile. "He was reckless, loud, sometimes a little too bold—but he had a heart of pure courage. He always believed in justice. Always."
The Rangers stayed silent, listening.
---
Yuriko lifted another pair of keychains—two nearly identical helmets, their compound eyes sharp, their design simpler yet iconic.
"These are the very first. Kamen Rider 1 and Kamen Rider 2. The origin of everything. They were human men, turned into cyborgs against their will by an evil organization. But instead of serving evil, they rebelled. They chose to fight for humanity. They lit the path for all Riders after them."
Emma's eyes softened. "They sound… incredible."
Yuriko nodded. "They were legends where I came from. I never fought with them directly… but I met them. Their presence was enough to inspire anyone."
---
She carefully picked up a green and red helmet charm, its design more complex.
"This is Kamen Rider V3. A warrior who fought with the same spirit as 1 and 2. Brave, determined, unyielding. I remember his confidence—it could shake fear from even the darkest battle."
Next, Yuriko held up a charm shaped with a single exposed eye and mechanical plating.
"This is Riderman. Unlike the others, his path was tragic. He wasn't fully transformed, only partially—half man, half machine. But he carried his pain with dignity, and he fought to prove his worth among Riders."
Jake tilted his head. "Sounds kinda like a half-Ranger, huh? Not complete, but still fighting anyway."
Yuriko gave him a faint smile. "Exactly."
She moved on, lifting a charm marked with a bold cross.
"Kamen Rider X. He wielded strange technology, mixing strength and intellect. His style was unlike any other."
Finally, she took out a keychain with a design resembling fangs, wild and primal.
"And this one… Kamen Rider Amazon. Different from the others. More savage, more instinct-driven. But he fought for justice in his own way. I fought beside him once. His strength was overwhelming… almost frightening."
---
When she finished, the room was quiet. The Rangers stared at the tiny keychains with newfound respect.
"So… you actually knew all of them?" Noah asked quietly.
Yuriko nodded. "I met them. Fought beside some, shared words with others. They weren't just Riders. They were… pioneers. Each one carried the weight of humanity on their shoulders."
Her fingers brushed over Stronger's charm again, her eyes distant.
Gia tilted her head. "But you don't know the golden Rider?"
"No." Yuriko's voice dropped. "I've never seen him before. His power… his aura… it feels different from any Rider I've known."
Gosei spoke at last, his tone firm. "Then perhaps these keychains will guide you. They were not left here by chance. There is purpose in this discovery."
---
Yuriko gathered the keychains back into the box, her hands steady now. She looked at the Rangers, her gaze full of quiet resolve.
"These Riders fought for their worlds, their people. I was lucky enough to stand in their shadows. Now… here, in this world, I'll do the same. With you."
Emma stepped forward and placed a hand on Yuriko's shoulder. "You're not standing in anyone's shadow anymore, Yuriko. You're one of us."
Jake grinned. "Yeah. Besides, you've got more keychains than a collector at a convention. Pretty sure that makes you officially awesome."
The Rangers chuckled lightly, breaking the heavy silence.
But deep inside, Yuriko felt something stir. The Rider keychains hummed faintly, like they recognized her words. As if the spirits of the Riders themselves were listening.
And though she smiled, her heart whispered silently:
Stronger… I wish you were here to see this.