NARRATION (Mira):
The Sabers didn't stop coming. And each one had a different trick up their sleeve to threaten and annoy humanity.
Montage plays as Mira narrates.
NARRATION:
Saber-13 caused a tsunami in Sydney, which I had to stop by creating four black holes. You know where I learned that trick? Mighty Raju. Wait—you're not Indian. You probably don't get that reference.
Saber-14 attacked Shanghai. Instead of fighting, it challenged me to a…rap battle. I lasted two verses before I lost my patience and ripped its voice box out. That's when I realized: even if I don't kill a Saber, their bodies self-destruct anyway.
The Masked Rider became a global phenomenon. I was a hit—especially among girls. Japan even composed a theme song for me:
"Rider Jump! Rider Kick! Masked Rider, Masked Rider—Rider, Rider!"
Everything was going well.
---
At the Bakshi residence, Mira celebrates her 28th birthday. Tyler, Amelia, and Amelia's boyfriend, Will, are at the table.
Everyone: Happy Birthday, Mira!
She blows out the candles. Dinner begins.
Ma: So, Amelia—when are you marrying Will?
Amelia: This November.
Will: And I really hope the Masked Rider blesses us. She's incredible.
Mira coughs into her food. Tyler and Amelia exchange looks.
Amelia (smirking): I can arrange that.
Will: Wait—you know the Masked Rider?
Amelia: Not directly. But I know someone who does. (pointed glance at Mira)
Pa: I wish Mira would get married one day too.
Ma: It is the wish of every Indian parent to see their grandchildren before they die.
Mira freezes. The words land like a punch. Her fork clatters against the plate. Almost panicked, she excuses herself and bolts upstairs.
Ma: What happened?
Amelia: I'll check.
---
Amelia opens Mira's door just as a flash blinds her—Mira has transformed into the Masked Rider.
Amelia: Mira. What are you doing?
Mira: Flying to the Moon. Maybe carve a hole in it.
Amelia: You can't Rider-Kick your way out of every problem.
Mira (snapping): Says the privileged white girl who never had to carry the hopes of a conservative Indian family on her back!
Amelia (cold): Privileged? That's what you're going with?
Mira: If you hadn't dragged your boyfriend here tonight, none of this would've happened!
Amelia: Why don't you just tell them?
Mira: Tell them?! Tell them I'm aromantic and asexual?! That if I marry someone it would be a loveless cage? They don't even understand what bisexual means!
Mira rips off her helmet, tears streaming.
Amelia (soft): Take the suit off.
Mira: No.
Amelia: What are you going to do? "Rider Kick" me? Go ahead.
Mira (voice breaking): Get out.
She heads for the window—but before she can leap, the entire city goes dark.
---
Phones, TVs, and lights flicker dead. Amelia pulls out her phone—dead battery.
Amelia: That's not right.
She runs downstairs.
Pa: None of our phones are working.
Tyler: Sabers?
Then, every screen in the house ignites. An eerie orchestral piece, blending into EDM, blasts through the speakers.
On-screen text: "Shambhala."
The letters dissolve into the image of a tall armored figure. Black and white plating, long cape, and a chest emblem shaped like a black hole.
The voice is deep, resonant, and unnervingly calm.
Emperor: Citizens of Earth. Forgive the intrusion. I am the Emperor of Shambhala.
Mira descends the stairs, armor glowing faintly. She stands beside Tyler and Amelia, transfixed.
Amelia (whispering): You know him?
Mira: No.
Emperor: Shambhala lies in the sixth dimension. To us, your world is like ink on a page. Our technology… so advanced, it is indistinguishable from magic. But I bring grave news. A rogue among us has stolen our power—our weapons—and now toys with you by manufacturing false threats.
He pauses. The camera zooms closer.
Emperor: This rogue calls themselves the Masked Rider.
The words slam into the room. Tyler stares at Mira. Amelia swallows hard.
Emperor: If you doubt me, I shall appear before the United Nations tomorrow. Test me as you will. You will see the truth. Resume your programs.
The broadcast cuts. Lights across the city blink back on.
Mira (to Juno, low): What the hell just happened?
Juno: I… I don't know.
Tyler (shaking): He just—he just framed you.
The TV flips to the news channel, anchors scrambling.
Reporter: An unknown global broadcast has accused the Masked Rider of plotting world domination. The U.S. President has announced a bounty of one million dollars for anyone who discloses the Rider's identity.
Pa (suspicious, eyes narrowing): None of you know the Rider… do you?
NARRATION (Mira):
I'm screwed.