The Final Hour of Time-Stealer's Betrayal

The neon lights flickered in the shadowy alley, casting an eerie glow on the figure that moved with silent purpose. Wataru stood there, his Mashin Hero form a testament to the power and grace he had honed over the years. His eyes, however, held a weight that belied his sleek exterior.

It had been years since he had last seen her, but the memory of her betrayal still burned like acid in his veins. The Time-Stealer, once a comrade in arms, had turned against him, stealing moments from his life with the promise of power. Now, Wataru was left to grapple with the consequences of her actions and the impact it had on his world.

The alleyway led to a small, dimly lit bar that had seen better days. The wooden floor creaked under the weight of each step, and the air was thick with the scent of stale beer and the smoke of forgotten cigarettes. Wataru pushed open the door and stepped inside, the sound of his boots echoing against the worn walls.

The bar was empty except for a solitary figure, a man with a long beard and piercing blue eyes. He looked up as Wataru entered, his gaze sharp and knowing.

"Welcome back, Wataru," the man said, his voice a low rumble. "I've been expecting you."

Wataru nodded, taking a seat at the bar. "I suppose I should be grateful for that. You knew about her plans?"

The man, who introduced himself as Kurogane, leaned forward, his voice dropping to a whisper. "I've always known the truth, Wataru. I've watched you, watched her. I knew the day would come when you would seek answers."

Wataru's fingers tightened around the edge of the bar. "Why didn't you tell me? Why did you let her hurt me?"

Kurogane sighed, his gaze softening. "Because I believed in you, Wataru. I believed you could overcome her betrayal and find the strength to face it head-on."

The bartender, a woman with a knowing smile, approached and set down two glasses of whiskey. "On the house," she said, her voice tinged with a hint of respect.

Wataru nodded his thanks and took a sip, the burn of the alcohol a stark contrast to the chill that had settled in his bones. "So, what now? How do I stop her?"

Kurogane leaned back, crossing his arms. "It's not about stopping her, Wataru. It's about understanding her. She's been changed by the power she's taken, but she's still human at her core. You need to reach her there."

Wataru's eyes narrowed. "And how do I do that when she's become my enemy?"

Kurogane's gaze was steady. "By facing the truth about yourself. You've spent years running from your past, from the pain of her betrayal. But the truth is, you can't escape it forever."

The words hung in the air, a heavy weight that Wataru felt pressing down on his chest. He knew Kurogane was right, but the thought of confronting the pain head-on was daunting.

As he sat there, lost in thought, the door to the bar swung open once more. A figure stepped inside, and Wataru's breath caught in his throat. It was her, the Time-Stealer, her eyes now hollow and devoid of life.

Wataru's heart raced as he stood, his Mashin Hero form ready to protect himself. "You're here," he said, his voice steady but laced with a mix of fear and determination.

The Time-Stealer turned to him, her eyes meeting his. "Yes, I'm here," she replied, her voice a hollow echo. "To say goodbye."

Wataru's mind raced, trying to comprehend the words that left her lips. "Goodbye?" he repeated, his voice trembling.

She nodded, her expression softening for a moment before it hardened once more. "I've taken too much, Wataru. I've taken your life, your future. I'm sorry."

Before Wataru could respond, she reached out, her fingers brushing against his cheek. The touch sent a shiver down his spine, a reminder of the bond they once shared.

"I'm leaving," she continued, her voice breaking. "I'm going back to the past, to the time before I met you. I need to fix what I've done."

Wataru watched as she vanished, her form dissolving into the shadows. The bar was silent once more, save for the soft hum of the neon lights.

Kurogane stood beside him, his eyes filled with a mix of sadness and respect. "She's finally found her way back, Wataru. But you still have to face your own demons."

Wataru nodded, his heart heavy. "I know. I just... I don't know where to start."

Kurogane smiled, a rare sight. "Start with the truth. Start with yourself."

As Wataru left the bar, the weight of the past still lingered, but he carried with him a new resolve. He would confront the truth, face the pain, and find the strength to move forward. The Time-Stealer's betrayal had left its mark, but so had the bond they once shared. And in the end, that bond was what would guide him through the darkness and into the light.