Ahead of him, the air suddenly began to turn into a reflective surface, and a familiar face stepped out.

Night Blade stepped back in surprise. “You!”

The skull-faced figure raised his hands. “Peace,” he said. “As I said before, I’m not your enemy. But I am here to help you.” Gesturing towards a nearby bench, he settled down on it. After a moment’s hesitation, Night Blade joined him.

For a moment, the newcomer said nothing. Then he looked at Night Blade. “You,” he said quietly, “Are a young man with a problem. You don’t feel appreciated by your companions, or anyone other than your lady love. Am I right?”

Night Blade almost reared back in surprise. “Yes,” he said hesitantly.

“Well, the truth is… you are a vital part of this group. You all are. Without the bonds that the six of you share, your enemy would win in a heartbeat.” He sighed. “You may have your differences, but so did the original Bearers. And yet their bonds were the key to saving Equestria on more than one occasion.”

“Really,” Night Blade asked doubtfully. “As I recall, they were only brought together in times of need.”

“That is an utter falsehood,” the figure said sharply. “They were very close. Both emotionally and physically - they actually all lived in the same town for a time, some longer than others. But we’re getting away from the main point.” He almost jabbed a finger at Night Blade. “You are a good pony, and your personal talent has already proven very helpful in this mission. Despite what Xvital thinks, I have no doubt that your abilities will be of great aid again in the future. Maybe not in direct relation to the Element you represent, but still, very useful.”

Rising, he gave Night Blade a look. “One more thing - do not allow yourself to be fooled by outer appearances. Your enemy has a talent for illusions, using them to fool their enemies in the past. But even when they aren’t the one responsible… well, trust me on this: not everything is as it seems.”

Night Blade nodded. “I will keep that in mind.”

The figure smiled. “Good.” Waving a hand, he watched as the air turned reflective again.

“One more thing,” Night Blade called. “I know what you called yourself before, but do you have an actual name I could use?”

The figure smiled under his helmet. “Call me Reel. Heir to the powers of Sokichi Narumi, the original Kamen Rider Skull.”

With that, he stepped through the reflective surface and was gone.

Author's Notes:

And my non-canon self-insert returns, being a little sneaky in the helpful information he gives without giving away the full extent of the truth. Night Blade needed to hear this, and now at least one alternate version has.