NOVEL ONLINE FREE Chapter 3: Bonds of Time
### Chapter 3: Bonds of Time
The aftermath of the battle at the Temporal Nexus left Kaito Tachibana both physically and mentally drained. Though he had managed to thwart Finis's plans, the Time Jacker's ominous warning lingered in his mind. Kaito knew this was far from over, and the weight of his responsibilities as a guardian of time pressed heavily on his shoulders. Still, he couldn't afford to dwell on it for long—life had a way of moving forward, whether he was ready or not.
Back in New York, Kaito returned to his routine, though with a heightened sense of vigilance. He spent more time with his family, cherishing the moments of normalcy that felt increasingly rare. His sister Emi, ever perceptive, noticed the change in him. "You've been quieter lately," she said one evening as they sat in the bookstore, the soft hum of the city outside. "Is everything okay?"
Kaito smiled, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Yeah, just a lot on my mind with school and everything," he lied. Emi didn't press further, but her concerned expression told him she wasn't entirely convinced. He made a mental note to be more present, to shield her from the darker aspects of his life.
Meanwhile, Kaito's alliance with Doctor Strange began to bear fruit. The Sorcerer Supreme had been researching the Time Jackers, uncovering fragments of their history and motives. "They're not just manipulating time," Strange explained during one of their meetings at the Sanctum Sanctorum. "They're trying to rewrite it, to create a timeline where they reign supreme."
Kaito frowned, his fingers tracing the edge of the ZI-O Driver. "And if they succeed?"
Strange's expression was grim. "Entire realities could be erased. Billions of lives lost. We can't let that happen."
Kaito nodded, his resolve hardening. "Then we'll stop them. No matter what it takes."
Their collaboration wasn't limited to strategy sessions. Strange began teaching Kaito about the mystical aspects of time, helping him refine his control over his powers. Kaito found the lessons invaluable, his understanding of time deepening with each session. Yet, despite their growing partnership, Kaito remained cautious. He wasn't ready to reveal the full extent of his abilities—or his past.
One evening, as Kaito practiced his newfound skills in a secluded park, he sensed a familiar presence. He turned to find **Woz**, his loyal retainer from his past life, standing before him. Woz's appearance was as enigmatic as ever, his long coat billowing in the wind. "My overlord," Woz said, bowing slightly. "It seems you've been busy."
Kaito's eyes widened in surprise. "Woz? How are you here?"
Woz smiled faintly. "Time is a curious thing, my lord. I've always been with you, in one form or another."
Kaito sighed, a mix of relief and frustration. "I could've used your help earlier."
"And yet, you've done well on your own," Woz replied. "But the challenges ahead will require more than strength. They will require trust."
Kaito understood the implication. Woz was urging him to open up, to let others into his world. It was a difficult prospect, but Kaito knew he couldn't continue to shoulder the burden alone. He decided to take a small step, confiding in someone he trusted implicitly—his childhood friend, **Aya Nakamura**.
Aya had been a constant in Kaito's life since they were kids. She was smart, kind, and fiercely loyal, with a knack for seeing through his carefully constructed walls. When Kaito invited her to the bookstore after hours, she knew something was up. "Okay, spill," she said, crossing her arms. "What's going on with you?"
Kaito hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "Aya, there's something I need to tell you. Something… unbelievable."
She raised an eyebrow. "More unbelievable than you acing every exam without studying?"
He chuckled despite himself. "Yeah, more unbelievable than that."
He told her everything—well, almost everything. He explained his powers, his role as a guardian of time, and the threats he faced. Aya listened in stunned silence, her expression shifting from disbelief to concern. When he finished, she took a deep breath. "Okay, let me get this straight. You're basically a time-traveling superhero, and there are evil time manipulators trying to destroy reality?"
Kaito nodded. "Pretty much."
Aya stared at him for a long moment before breaking into a grin. "That's the coolest thing I've ever heard."
He blinked, caught off guard. "You're not… freaked out?"
"Of course I am," she admitted. "But if anyone can handle this, it's you. Just promise me one thing."
"What's that?"
"Don't shut me out. I want to help, in whatever way I can."
Kaito felt a surge of gratitude. Aya's unwavering support was a reminder of why he fought—to protect the people he cared about. "Thank you," he said softly. "I'll do my best."
As the days turned into weeks, Kaito's world continued to expand. He grew closer to Doctor Strange, their partnership evolving into a genuine friendship. He also began to open up to Aya, sharing more about his struggles and fears. For the first time in a long while, he didn't feel so alone.
But the peace was short-lived. Strange detected a new disturbance in the timeline, one that threatened to unravel the delicate balance of reality. "It's another Time Jacker," he told Kaito during a late-night meeting. "This one's different—more powerful, more dangerous."
Kaito's heart sank. "Do we know who it is?"
Strange shook his head. "Not yet. But we need to be ready."
Kaito nodded, his mind racing. He knew the stakes were higher than ever, and the battles ahead would test him in ways he couldn't yet imagine.
The new threat made itself known in a dramatic fashion. A massive temporal rift opened above New York, its swirling vortex drawing in energy from across the city. Kaito and Strange arrived on the scene to find a figure standing at the center of the chaos—a Time Jacker named **Tid**, his presence radiating an aura of raw power.
Tid's voice boomed across the skyline. "Kamen Rider ZI-O! You cannot stop what is to come. The future belongs to us!"
Kaito activated the ZI-O Driver, his armor materializing in a flash of light. "We'll see about that," he said, his voice steady despite the fear gnawing at him.
The battle was unlike anything Kaito had faced before. Tid's control over time was unparalleled, his attacks warping reality itself. Kaito and Strange fought valiantly, their combined efforts barely keeping the Time Jacker at bay. But it wasn't enough. Tid's power was too great, his mastery of time too complete.
As the fight dragged on, Kaito realized they needed a new strategy. He reached into his arsenal, activating the **Grand Zi-O Ridewatch**. The transformation was awe-inspiring, his armor shifting into a majestic form adorned with the symbols of past Kamen Riders.
***"Grand Zi-O! Ohma Zi-O! All Twenty Riders!"***
With his newfound power, Kaito launched a relentless assault, each strike resonating with the strength of the legendary Riders. Tid faltered, his confidence wavering as Kaito pressed the attack. Strange seized the opportunity, casting a powerful spell that sealed the temporal rift, cutting off Tid's source of power.
Defeated but not destroyed, Tid glared at Kaito, his form flickering like a dying flame. "This isn't over," he hissed before vanishing into the void. Kaito deactivated his transformation, his body trembling from the strain. Strange approached, placing a hand on his shoulder. "You did well," he said. "But this is only the beginning."
Kaito nodded, his mind already racing with thoughts of the battles to come. He knew the road ahead would be difficult, but he was ready. For his family, for his friends, and for the future, he would continue to fight—no matter the cost.
As the city began to recover from the latest crisis, Kaito stood atop a rooftop, gazing at the stars. He felt a sense of peace, knowing he wasn't alone in this fight. With allies like Strange and Aya by his side, and the unwavering support of his family, he knew he could face whatever challenges lay ahead. The bonds of time were strong, and so was his resolve.
---
This chapter delves deeper into Kaito's relationships, exploring his growing bonds with allies like Doctor Strange and Aya. The introduction of a new, more powerful Time Jacker raises the stakes, setting the stage for future conflicts. The slow pace allows for character development and emotional depth, while the action keeps the story engaging and dynamic.