On the outskirts of Hanta City, under the cloak of darkness, stood the imposing silhouette of a mansion, thought by the children to be haunted. Its looming presence cast a chilling aura over the surrounding area, and the mere mention of it sent shivers down the spines of those who dared to approach. Three kids, Jimmy, Eric, and Aiden, huddled together on the overgrown lawn in front of the mansion. They whispered among themselves, their voices barely audible over the rustling of leaves in the night breeze. It was "The Haunted Hour," the time when strange occurrences were said to happen within the mansion's walls. Eric and Aiden exchanged mischievous glances before turning their attention to Jimmy, the youngest of the trio. 

Eric: Hey Jimmy, I dare you to go knock on the door.

Jimmy's eyes widened in fear, but he tried to hide his unease with a forced bravado. 

Jimmy: N-no way. You know what they say about this place.

But Eric and Aiden persisted, taunting him with jeers and challenges until finally, with a deep breath, Jimmy mustered up the courage to approach the door. His heart pounded in his chest as he slowly opened the loud and rusty iron gate. He tensed up and waited for the sound to die down, before he continued tiptoeing towards the door. Sweat was pouring by the time he reached the porch and carefully stepped to avoid the creaking floorboards. Finally at the door, Jimmy raised his hand to knock, the sound echoing through the stillness of the night. He took a deep breath, a sigh of relief, and turned back towards his friends. 

Jimmy: Piece of cake! 

Suddenly, a figure appeared in the doorway, causing Jimmy to jump back in surprise. The man was tall and imposing, dressed in a sleek suit with a strange mask covering his head. The mask was black with white circles surrounded the narrow eye holes, and a cryptic symbol overlying the left eye.

Jimmy: Ah! H-h-h-hello there. I didn't know anyone lived here! I'm really sorry for-

Jimmy's friends watched in horror as the man beckoned him forward, his outstretched hand a sinister invitation. Fear gripped Jimmy's heart as he hesitated, torn between curiosity and the overwhelming sense of danger emanating from the mysterious figure before him. But before he could make a decision, a voice rang out from behind him, breaking the spell of the moment. 

Eric: Jimmy, don't do it!

With a surge of panic, Jimmy turned and tried to flee, his friends also racing away from the haunted mansion and back into the safety of the night. As Eric and Aiden disappeared into the darkness, they turned around to check the situation. 

Aiden: I think we lost him! Man, that was scary! The house really is haunted! The Haunted Hour is real! 

Eric: Wait! Aiden! Where is Jimmy?
 
Aiden: Didn't he run away with us?!

Eric: We didn't wait for him. WE DIDN'T WAIT! WE JUST RAN!

They both turned back to see the door slamming shut at the mansion. 

Eric and Aiden: OH NO! 




The next day, the sun was shining high over Hanta City, a rarity in recent months, and Cafe Noir's famous mascot was hard at work trying to get customers inside to try the "Cauldron Special". 

Blake: It's me! Java Coffington! If you love a dark, dark blend, you're going to want to step into Cafe Noir for the Cauldron Special! You like coffee, kid? 

Kid: I liked you better when you didn't talk! 

Blake: Oh! M-message received.

Lizbeth watched him curiously from the window and shot around angrily as Johnathan Angel came down the steps and grabbed his hat. 

Lizbeth: You! 

Johnathan Angel: Me? 

Lizbeth: You have some explaining to do! That guy out there! That's not a silent ghost! He's talking! 

Johnathan Angel: Is he? 

Lizbeth: Yes! 

Johnathan Angel: And he couldn't before, and we forgot to take that into account. 

Lizbeth: What? 

Johnathan Angel: Nothing! Nothing at all. So uh…the ghost…he uh…he IS that guy. 

Lizbeth: What do you mean?

Johnathan Angel: He um…wasn't actually dead, and was actually just in a coma, and we found his body and reunited him. See, he's actually the long thought dead son of Geist Corporation CEO Maggie Faust, and in an experiment gone wrong he was launched from his body and trapped in the Death Realm. Upon reuniting with his body, he immediately ran off before seeing his mother and fiance and asked if he could keep hiding here. 

Lizbeth: …

Johnathan Angel: …

Lizbeth: You want to stop making things up and tell me the truth! 

Johnathan Angel: The truth? The ghost passed on and I hired a new guy, whose name just also happens to be Blake as my partner in the Detective Agency. 

Lizbeth: Alright now that's better. That I can buy! Isn't it easier to tell the truth?

Johnathan Angel: …The truth…yes. 

Lizbeth: The whole point of the mascot draw was that he was a ghost! 

Johnathan Angel: He's willing to play the mascot for free! 

Lizbeth: …Well that changes everything! Just tell him to keep quiet and we can keep the rumor going that he's a ghost! 

Johnathan Angel: I'll make sure to let him know. 

Lizbeth: Thank you! I needed some good news. I was almost arrested the other night, with whatever happened at the Geist building! By the way, you never told me what you were doing in the area! 

Johnathan Angel: I was working on a case nearby. 

Lizbeth: I'm just glad you kept your distance! Your motorcycle got trashed by that Kamen Rider guy. He's quite the hero, and I know he's saved my life before, but I really feel like you should send him an invoice. 

Johnathan Angel: I uh…wouldn't know where to send it? 

Lizbeth: Right. Maybe hang onto one when you see him next? He always appears nearby. 

Johnathan Angel: You know for a goth, you're awfully concerned about money. 

Lizbeth: The lifestyle ain't cheap Johnathan, plus I have to keep the business going, and take into account that I'm not ALWAYS getting rent from my tenant when it's due! 

Johnathan Angel: Point taken! Point taken! 

Lizbeth: Good. I'm going to get back to my special work now.

Lizbeth ran over to her computer behind the desk and began typing away. 

Lizbeth: *typing* The gorgeous, and heroic coffee shop owner, escaped from the clutches of Geist Security and made her way to a safe distance as the top of the building lit up in a massive light show. The press claim it was either a publicity stunt or a massive power failure. The old CEO Maggie Faust resumed her position the next day while Victor Faust went on a 'sabbatical'. The inquisitive coffee shop owner, in her genius, renown, beauty, and gothic fashion sense, knew something was suspicious about the whole thing.

Johnathan stepped outside, but stopped short of talking to Blake, when he noticed someone across the street watching Java Coffington from behind a light pole. 

Johnathan Angel: Huh? Is that…Agent West?

As Java Coffington continued dancing around for the children, a stealthy force quickly moved in on him. He turned to greet the new onlooker only to find…



Agent West: Blake? Blake, is that you in there? 

Blake: …

Agent West: Blake, answer me! I know you can talk! 

Blake: I..uh…

Java Coffington started looking in every direction, before pointing behind Agent West, making her turn just enough for him to take off running away. 

Agent West: Hey wait! Blake! *sigh* What is going on with him? Wait…YOU! 

Johnathan Angel: Me? Didn't this happen already today? 

Agent West: Why won't Blake talk to me? 

Johnathan Angel: I uh…I have no idea! He hasn't been especially talkative after coming down from that tower. 

Agent West: He wouldn't talk to me or his own Mother. He waited to see that Victor was getting the medical treatment he needed before running off into the night! 

Johnathan Angel: And since then, he comes back here to play the mascot, but to be honest, I'm not sure where he goes after that. 

Agent West: You're a Detective right? Why don't you figure it out? Why don't you follow him?

Johnathan Angel: I'm a Spirit Detective actually, but-

Agent West: Is it really that different? 

Johnathan Angel: Well, now that you mention it, he still-

Agent West: Still what? 

Johnathan Angel: He still gives off an energy, as if he were a ghost. I can still see it. 

Agent West: All the more reason for you to follow him! 

Johnathan Angel: Am I really the one who should be doing that?

Agent West: Geist Corporation has let you keep its property and kept its distance following your assault on the building. 

Johnathan Angel: MY assault? How did this get lumped onto me? 

Agent West: …

Johnathan Angel: Fine! Alright! I'll do it! Not because of any of that though. It's because…well he's my friend. 

Agent West: …And he's lucky to have you.

Johnathan Angel: …Honestly? The only friend I've ever had.

Later that day, Johnathan found Blake at the park, with the helmet off his costume, as he was staring out at the pond. The sun was setting, and the light hitting off the lake made for a beautiful sunset. 

Johnathan Angel: Quite a view. 

Blake: Eh? Oh yeah, it sure is, isn't it. I never thought I'd get to see anything like this with my own eyes ever again. It's really something. 

Johnathan Angel: You alright man? You've been acting funny since the fight with Balaam. 

Blake: Have I? I was a ghost before. I'd say that was acting funny. 

Johnathan Angel: …Good point. This is unusual as far as I know. 

Blake: I didn't expect any of this. I'm alive, and I remember who I am, but I can't forget where I've been. It feels fuzzy now, like the opposite of how I was before, but I have nightmares about it. I remember enough. I remember that it felt like I was trapped in hell. I was beginning to fade away when I met you, and it's only because we worked together that I managed to retain my form. I was lucky…and I kept getting lucky, when so many other people didn't. 

Johnathan Angel: I think they call this survivor's guilt. You don't want to feel too happy about being alive, because you'd feel-

Blake: Guilty, and I think I should feel that way. I was gung-ho about the project. It wasn't my idea, but when the opportunity arose, I jumped at it, and I was excited, and I pushed forward through all the obstacles that should have told me it was a bad idea. People died, and yet I'm still here. I get to see this beautiful sunset, and they don't. 

Johnathan Angel: It was Balaam that caused the problems. You were looking for solutions. Your intentions were to help people. 

Blake: My intentions were to be a hero. I had it in my head that people would love me and remember me as some sort of hero. Sure, I wanted to help people. but I was so sure it was heroic what I was doing that I never stopped to think what could happen if it all went wrong. I mean you lost your parents! 

Johnathan Angel: I don't blame you for that. I blamed Balaam. It was his idea!

Blake: Actually, it was my father's idea, Richard Faust. 

Johnathan Angel: The Founder of Geist himself? Didn't he go missing before the day of the gate activation?

Blake: Yeah. I don't know the story behind that, but he left the company he founded and his family. My mother was head of the board by that point, so it's not like the company ever slowed down, and the tabloids had their fun with it, but time waits for no one, and his name slipped out of the headlines, and the project moved on without him. My family got pretty messed up huh? I don't know if it was Balaam controlling him, or if he was with my brother at the time. I don't know any of that. 

Johnathan Angel: Confused Blake, that's normal to me. Look, I think you're just catching up on ten years of grief you had inside, and I think it's fine to feel that way…for now. Just don't forget that you have a second chance to live, and be that hero that you wanted to be. 

Blake: You're absolutely right Johnny boy. You're absolutely right. I'll do it for anyone that put their faith in my family and got burned by it. I'll do it for anyone who lost their life that day. For them, I'll try and reclaim my own. I gotta make it right. 

Johnathan Angel: Great. I think that means you should talk to Agent West then! 

Blake: Wow, would you look at that sunset! 

Johnathan Angel: Blake. 

Blake: Hm?

Johnathan Angel: You need to talk to her. 

Blake: What am I supposed to say? Ten years ago, she was this sweet young woman that I promised to marry. Now? She's physically older than me, and she's the best agent that Geist has. I'm the same person, but she's changed, and I don't know who she is anymore! What do I say?! 

Johnathan Angel: …Hi?

Blake: …

Johnathan Angel: Hey, it's a start! 

Blake: Yeah, the VERY start. 

Johnathan Angel: Begin at the beginning as I always say. 

Blake: I've never heard you say that before. 

Johnathan Angel: I've said it on occasion. 

Blake: Uh-huh.

Johnathan and Blake made their way back to Cafe Noir, as night fell over the city. On the way back they saw two children running towards them. 

Eric: YOU! 

Johnathan Angel: That's three times today. I'm in high demand! 

Blake: Maybe they recognize the costume, and they mean ol' Java here? 

Aiden: Are you the Spirit Detective? 

Blake: Or not.

Johnathan Angel: Uh yeah, that's me. Can I help you? 

Eric: He's been taken! 

Aiden: The house took our friend! The house took him! 

Blake: What? 

Johnathan Angel: Calm down kids. Why don't you come inside with me and begin…at the beginning. 

Blake: You're going to start saying it now aren't you?

Johnathan Angel: I said it before!

Inside the Cafe Noir, the two children told their story to Johnathan through tears and heavy breathing. 

Eric: It's our fault! We dared him to go up to the door! 

Aiden: We didn't actually believe in the Haunted Hour! We thought it was just made up! Jimmy got taken because of us! 

Johnathan Angel: Calm down kids. So you say there was a legend of a haunted house and something about a 'Haunted Hour'? I've not heard about this before.

Lizbeth suddenly perked up from behind her computer screen and peered over it. 

Lizbeth: The Haunted Hour you say? You mean you've never heard the stories? 

Johnathan Angel: I haven't. 

Lizbeth: Finally! Something you don't know! I know all about it! As you know, I'm all over Geistbook, and I have a friend group that talks about urban legends and myths of course! 

Johnathan Angel: Of course. 

Lizbeth: The legend goes that an abandoned mansion, once owned by an occultist named Amadeus Crowley still held his damned soul, and people would hear him shriek and moan in agony at midnight, the 'Haunted Hour' they'd call it. 

Blake: Amadeus Crowley. That sounds familiar. I've heard that name before. 

Lizbeth: He was independently wealthy, and a member of a secret society that dealt with the dead. They say he died of old age, but the rumors are that it was actually a ritual gone wrong. You kids actually know where the house is? 

Eric: It's just outside of town! We were riding our bikes one night when we found it. 

Lizbeth: Right, but how did you know it was his mansion? Plenty of old houses in the outskirts of Hanta. 

Eric: I just knew…and I felt like going in, but I was too scared. To be honest, I wanted Jimmy to go first so I could see for myself. Jimmy is braver than I am. 

Aiden: Me too. I wish we could tell him. They probably don't believe us. 

Eric: The police didn't either. They went to the house and said it was empty and got mad at us for pranking them! 

Blake: We believe you kids. The police might have been there, but it wasn't during the Haunted Hour. 

Johnathan Angel: Why don't you take us to the house? We'll do our very best to find Jimmy, and that's a promise. 

Blake: That's right. We'll both go! 

Lizbeth: Yep! All three of us! 

Johnathan and Blake: Huh?!

In the dead of night, under the veil of darkness, Johnathan Angel and Blake approached the foreboding Crowley Mansion, led by the two boys, with Lizbeth in tow. 

Blake: I'm still not sure you should be coming with us. This is dangerous. 

Lizbeth: Hey, new guy, I didn't ask your opinion on this! 

Blake: New guy? 

Johnathan Angel: She didn't buy it. 

Blake: Oh. 

Lizbeth: If the kids can come, then so can I? I'm not going to miss a chance to see the famous Crowley Mansion! 

Blake: So famous, no one knew it was here. 

Lizbeth: Yeah, well legend says that the house moves, so that's why no one could ever pin it down! I've seen photos of it, being in different places! 

Johnathan Angel: You sure that wasn't photoshop? 

Lizbeth: Why would people lie on the internet? 

Blake: The internet is still what I remember it being right? 

Johnathan Angel: It is. 

Blake: Right.

Eric: It's right over here! 

Aiden: Down the street!  

The air was thick with anticipation as they neared the imposing structure, its shadowy silhouette looming ominously against the backdrop of the moonlit sky. As they stepped onto the overgrown path leading to the mansion's front entrance, a sense of foreboding settled over them like a heavy cloak. The whispers of the night seemed to echo their apprehension, amplifying the eerie atmosphere that surrounded them.

Lizbeth: Uh, are you sure we should be here Johnathan? 

Johnathan Angel: Oh now you're changing your mind? 

Lizbeth: I'm just…a little nervous is all! 

Blake: Why don't you wait outside? 

Lizbeth: Oh no you don't! If the new guy is going in, then so am I! 

Blake: *sigh* Let's keep an eye on her. 

Johnathan Angel: Right. I think the kids should stay outside though. 

Eric: But we have to find Jimmy! 

Blake: WE will find Jimmy. We can't have you two getting into harm's way. You said you saw someone in there right? 

Aiden: R-right. It was a guy in a mask and suit. 

Lizbeth: Sounds like a mascot, like you new guy. 

Blake: A mask and suit huh?

Johnathan Angel: What kind of mask? What did it look like?  

Eric: Like that.

Eric pointed and everyone turned to see the man standing in the doorway. He stared at them before closing the door. 

Lizbeth: I've seen that symbol before! 

Blake: That's our guy? Let's go!

Johnathan Angel: Yeah!

They ran inside of the house only to find the man missing, and instead a dark room full of dusty old furniture and cobwebs. As the three of them entered the house, the door slammed shut behind them. 

Lizbeth: Whoa! What happened!? I can't get the door to open! 

Blake: Looks like we fell into a trap. 

Johnathan Angel: I'd say so. This place though, I'm not seeing any spirit energy whatsoever. It's barren of i- wait, what time is it?

Blake: It's 11:59. 

Johnathan Angel: We're a little early. Wait for it, I have a feeling-

As Blake's Geist Watch hit 12:00, the room suddenly shuddered. Books flew off the shelves, and an old grandfather clock came to life. Lizbeth screamed as a chair appeared behind her and knocked her into it, carrying her across the room. 

Lizbeth: It's really haunted! It's really haunted! HELP! 

Johnathan Angel: Hang on!

Johnathan and Blake grabbed Lizbeth out of the chair, and ducked as several books flew at them. Blake kicked a table away as it flew towards Lizbeth. 

Lizbeth: Whoa! You're alright new guy! 

Johnathan Angel: This place just lit up! I'm seeing spirit energy everywhere! 

Blake: You're not the only one. 

Johnathan Angel: What? 

Blake: I can see it too. 

Johnathan Angel: Really? 

Blake: It's all over the place. This feels familiar. 

Johnathan Angel: We need to find Jimmy, and find that guy at the door. I want answers. 

Lizbeth: Me too! 

Johnathan Angel: Stick close Liz. Let's look around. 

Blake: I'll watch your back. 

Lizbeth: What am I paying you?

Blake: Nothing. 

Lizbeth: Great. Double it! 

Blake: …Thanks.

As Johnathan, Blake, and Lizbeth ventured further into the depths of the haunted mansion, they found themselves immersed in a world frozen in time. The air was thick with dust and decay, the scent of age and neglect permeating every corner of the ancient structure. They traversed the dimly lit corridors, their footsteps muffled by the worn carpet beneath their feet. Cobwebs hung from the ceiling like eerie tapestries, casting ghostly shadows across the walls. The mansion's interior was a labyrinth of forgotten rooms and hidden passages, each one shrouded in mystery and intrigue. As they explored, they couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. Paintings adorned the walls, their eyes seeming to follow their every move with an unsettling intensity. In one particularly eerie moment, a portrait of a stern-faced patriarch shifted ever so slightly, the gaze of the man seeming to bore into their souls as they passed.

Lizbeth: Did you see that?! He moved! 

Johnathan Angel: Who did? 

Lizbeth: The guy in the portrait! He moved! 

Blake: I don't see him moving, but-

Johnathan Angel: It's glowing with spirit energy. 

Lizbeth: Wait…this is Amadeus Crowley! 

Blake: Great.



Blake: This Vincent Prince lookalike was in a cult eh? Wow, who'da thunk it? 

Lizbeth: Yeah, he and this group apparently believed that they could use special lenses to see and reach into another world. 

Blake: Excuse me? 

Johnathan Angel: R-really? 

Lizbeth: Yeah, it was really psycho stuff, but still kind of cool right? 

Blake: Y-yeah…absolute nonsense.

As they continued their search, they encountered more eerie phenomena. Doors creaked open of their own accord, revealing darkened rooms. Cold drafts whispered through the corridors, sending shivers down their spines. But still, they pressed on, their curiosity unyielding in the face of the unknown. Whatever secrets lay hidden within the mansion's dusty halls, they were determined to uncover them, no matter the cost. They found themselves in a hallway that suddenly began to shake, twist, and distort. As they tried to hang on, Lizbeth tripped into another room, and the door slammed shut behind her. 

Johnathan Angel: Liz! 

Blake: Johnny boy look!

The two looked across the hallway, and saw the man in the mask bow before them. 

Masked man: Welcome…to your doom. 

Johnathan Angel: What? Our doom? 

Blake: Enough with the threats! Where is the kid? 

Masked man: He's here….with me, to be consumed by me, so that I may return to the world of the living. 

Johnathan Angel: So I can assume that you're Amadeus Crowley? 

Amadeus Crowley: More or less. 

Johnathan Angel: You're covered in spirit energy, meaning you're not exactly human. 

Amadeus Crowley: Also correct. You're very perceptive, and I feel that will make you quite tasty when I consume you. 

Blake: We're not on the menu pal, and neither are Jimmy and Lizbeth. You let them go, and we'll be happy to square up with you. 

Amadeus Crowley: You seem convinced you have a say in the matter, but you forget yourself. You're in my realm now. You exist in the Haunted Hour, my hour. 

Blake: Yeah, you're weird alright, but we're not exactly normal ourselves.

Belt: THROUGH THE LENS OF LIFE, I FACE DEATH. 

Blake: HENSHIN!




Belt: THIS IS KAMEN RIDER SOUL. 

Amadeus Crowley: A Kamen Rider, in my home, and the other, shifts into the Death Realm. Interesting power. 

Kamen Rider Soul: You see him? 

Johnathan Angel: Blake look!

Soul turned to see that Johnathan was semi-transparent. 

Kamen Rider Soul: What's going on with that? 

Amadeus Crowley: My reality, my realm, my rules. 

Kamen Rider Soul: Not for long! 

With a flourish, Crowley stepped forward, his presence commanding the room as he stared down his adversary with icy determination. His mask, adorned with intricate symbols and patterns, concealed his true intentions, leaving Soul to wonder what dark secrets lay behind its enigmatic facade. Soul tensed, his instincts warning him of the danger that lurked within the mansion's walls. Without a word, Crowley lunged, his movements swift and precise as he unleashed a flurry of attacks against Soul. The mansion seemed to bend and twist around them, the very fabric of reality warping to Crowley's will as he sought to gain the upper hand. But Soul was not so easily overwhelmed. With lightning-fast reflexes, he dodged Crowley's strikes, countering with his own powerful blows. Each clash sent shockwaves rippling through the mansion, the echoes of their battle reverberating through its dusty halls. As they fought, the mansion itself seemed to come alive, its rooms shifting and changing in response to Crowley's dark powers. Walls morphed into twisted corridors, floors turned to quicksand beneath their feet, and ceilings threatened to collapse upon them at any moment.

Kamen Rider Soul: I'm stuck! 

Johnathan Angel: Swap me! 

Kamen Rider Soul: Right!

Belt: THROUGH THE LENS OF DEATH, I FACE LIFE

Johnathan Angel: HENSHIN!




Johnathan turned into Soul, and being further into the Death Realm, he was able to see that something was off about Crowley. The suit and mask were containing something far more sinister. Blake crawled out of the sinking floor and rolled to the side, avoiding the pitfalls as Soul and Crowley continued to fight. He tried following them down the hallway, but it began to twist, and he found himself on the ceiling before gravity reasserted itself and he came crashing to the floor. 

Blake: Ugh. I'm going to be sick.

In another room, Lizbeth was screaming as she ran from room to room. Every time she opened a door, Crowley was standing there, blocking her path. 

Lizbeth: This can't be happening! This can't be happening! It's a bad dream! Help meeeee! 

Lizbeth suddenly slipped on a rug that wrapped around her feet and dragged her into the basement. It was there that she saw him. Jimmy was cocooned, encased in a fleshy pouch along what appeared to be a pulsating wall. 

Lizbeth: Hey! It's the kid! Hey guys! Can you hear me?! I found the kid! Hang on, I'm going to try and get you out of here!

Outside of the house, the kids were terrified to see a strange aura emanating from the house. As it reached out around the house, strange apparitions appeared. A ghastly specter attempted to reach out towards the kids, until Agent West stepped up beside the kids and opened fire on it, sending it back towards the house. 

Agent West: *speaking to her Geist Watch* Spectral incursion confirmed! Home in on my location! 

Eric: Wow! Geist Security? 

Aiden: This is getting serious! 

Agent West: Step back kids. Hang on Blake, I'm coming.

Agent West ran towards the house, rolling out of the way of the Wraith and firing on them to create an opening towards the door. 

Back inside of the house, Blake stumbled down a flight of stairs as he made his way towards Lizbeth. 

Blake: Liz, are you down here? 

Lizbeth: I'm right here new guy! Where is Johnathan! 

Blake: He's…handling himself! 

Lizbeth: Help me out over here! I found the kid! 

Blake: Jimmy!

Blake leaned in and tried to wake him, while Lizbeth looked for something to free him. 

Blake: Hang in there kid. 

Jimmy: It's all my fault. Don't let him get Eric and Aiden. Please…I don't want him to hurt my friends. 

Blake: It's not…it's not your fault. Alright kid? It's not your fault! 

Jimmy: It's always been this way. I screw up all the time. I just wanted my friends to think I was cool. 

Blake: That's a lot for you to deal with at your age kiddo. You can't think like that. Every single day is a second chance. Life is a gift. That air you're breathing, it's a miracle. Sometimes it's easier to give up, but the right thing to do, the heroic thing to do, is forgive yourself and keep on living. So you hang in there. Fight that negativity. I'm going to get you out of there. 

Lizbeth: How are we going to do that?! 

Blake: …

Blake thought back to the semi-transparent Johnathan, and remembered the last time that had happened was because of the Death Realm bleeding into the living realm. He also remembered what that allowed them to do. 

Blake: *sigh* Lizbeth, stand back, this is going to blow your mind. 

Lizbeth: Huh? 

Belt: THROUGH THE LENS OF FIRE, I FACE BLAZE. 

Blake: HENSHIN!  

Blake hit the Aperture and turned into Blazing Soul, hoping that he was right as Johnathan had remained as Soul. 

Lizbeth: Y-y-y-y-y-y-you're the KAMEN RIDER?! 

Kamen Rider Blazing Soul: Since we're admitting things, I'm also Blake Faust, the heir to the Geist Corporation…and I was your ghost. 

Lizbeth: …I'm going to p-p-pass out. 

Kamen Rider Blazing Soul: Try not to, cause I need you to stand back.

Blazing Soul hit the Aperture and his arm erupted into flames. He punched at the fleshy pouch in a way that sliced it open to pull out Jimmy. The wall seemed to recoil in pain when it happened. 

Kamen Rider Blazing Soul: What was…wait…I have to find Johnny boy! 

Lizbeth: I'll get the kid out of here…IF I CAN!

Kamen Rider Soul rolled down the stairs into the main room of the house. His power fluctuated for a moment, but came back quickly enough. He deduced what it meant, and laughed to himself. 

Amadeus Crowley: Why are you laughing? You are in my realm, and you're about to be consumed by me. Have you gone mad in the face of oblivion? 

Kamen Rider Soul: Not quite. I think I've got this all figured out too, but I know something that you don't. 

Amadeus Crowley: And what might that be? 

Kamen Rider Soul: We're in flux, and that means- 

Kamen Rider Blazing Soul: Double the pleasure, double the fun! 

Amadues Crowley: What?!

Blazing Soul hit a Blazing Soul Knee to the back of Amadeus Crowley, and sent him flying towards Soul, who pulled out his Geist Blade and hit the Soul Slash which erupted Crowley into ashes. 

Kamen Rider Blazing Soul: You're alright! I was worried I switched you out at a bad time, but it looks like the conditions were just right. 

Kamen Rider Soul: My detective skills rubbing off on you? Very perceptive Blake. We got a much bigger problem though. You notice he didn't give us any spirit energy? 

Kamen Rider Blazing Soul: Because he wasn't the real problem.

The two powered down, and looked around. 

Johnathan Angel: It's something about this house. Where's Lizbeth? 

Lizbeth: I'm here, and I have Jimmy! 

Blake: And she knows that I'm Kamen Rider Soul. 

Johnathan Angel: WHAT?! 

Blake: And the ghost. 

Johnathan Angel: HUH?! 

Blake: And I may have just spilled the beans on everything in general. 

Johnathan Angel: EH?! 

Lizbeth: You are in SO MUCH TROUBLE JOHNATHAN! 

Johnathan Angel: Why me?! Nevermind that now. Listen, tell me more about Crowley. What kind of ritual did he supposedly do? 

Lizbeth: They said he wanted to go to the otherside, and performed a ritual with this secret group in his house, this house. He wanted to use a lens to peer into another realm, and it apparently killed him.

Johnathan Angel: Or he did it all on purpose, so he could become something more. 

Blake: A Master Wraith? 

Johnathan Angel: But why is he only able to lure in prey during the Haunted Hour?

That's when Johnathan noticed the room was illuminated with moonlight, and the light was pouring through an ornate rounded glass ceiling. 

Johnathan Angel: That's it! 

Blake: He's got it. 

Lizbeth: What? 

Johnathan Angel: The moon is in the perfect place at midnight! It shines through THAT….A LENS! It brings about the Death Realm into this house! 

Blake: Then we need to break that lens and trap him on the other side! 

Amadeus Crowley: Not so fast! 

Amadeus Crowley manifested atop the stairs, as if growing out of them. 

Amadeus Crowley: You're quite astute. The Magnus Foundation opened the door, and I stepped through it. They knew I wished to witness the power and majesty of the infernal for myself. What I found was beyond all my imagination, but it came with a price. 

Lizbeth: What, are you stuck in this house?! 

Amadeus Crowley: That is not my curse. That is not the curse of the Haunted Hour. The curse is-

Johnathan and Blake: He IS the house! 

Amadeus Crowley: So you see, you were never going to escape me, for you are already trapped inside of what I have become!

At that very moment, Agent West blasted the door open with her gun. 

Agent West: I'm not too late! 

Johnathan Angel: You're just in time! 

Blake: Uh….hi! 

Agent West: ….Hi. 

Johnathan Angel: No no Blake, it's a bad time, we have to run! 

Amadeus Crowley: YOU CAN NOT ESCAPE!

Johnathan, Blake, Lizbeth, Agent West, and Jimmy ran out to rejoin Eric and Aiden. 

Eric: You found him! 

Aiden: Alright! 

Lizbeth: The Haunted Hour is almost over! He should be trapped until tomorrow right?!

Johnathan Angel: I don't think so. Did you feel it while we were in there? 

Blake: I did. He was feeding off of us. I noticed it after I freed Jimmy.

The house began to change and mutate, and the Death Realm extended from it. 

Amadeus Crowley: I no longer have to feed on naive children to regain my strength. Thanks to you two, I have the power I needed to finally be free of my curse! 

Johnathan Angel: The big problem is getting bigger. 

Blake: We need to stop this now! 

Johnathan Angel: Life and Death mixed together. That's the perfect combination for our combination! 

Lizbeth: Huh? 

Johnathan Angel: This is a big day for you, isn't it Liz? 

Agent West: Guys wait! I have a gift from a friend! He thought you might find it useful.

Agent West pulled out the Ashen Lens and handed it to Blake. 

Agent West: Be careful…please.
 
Blake: …I'm going to try. The Ashen Lens eh? I wonder how this is going to turn out.

Belt: THROUGH THE LENS OF ASH, SOUL FUSES.

Blake: HENSHIN!




Blake: Whoa! That's not bad!

Belt: THROUGH THE LENS OF FIRE, I BLAZE

Johnathan Angel: HENSHIN!

Lizbeth: WHAAAAAT?!

Kamen Rider Blazing Soul: I'll explain later! Blake, I'll go low! 

Blake: And with wings, I'll apparently go high!

Ashen Soul shot up into the air as the wings burst into flames. He felt a surge of power, but knew they like Ash, his time with the explosive power would be limited. 

With a fierce roar, Blazing Soul charged forward, his fiery aura blazing bright as he clashed with the malevolent entity on the ground. Every strike sent shockwaves rippling through the air, the very ground trembling beneath their feet as they battled for supremacy. He fought off tendrils that appeared to be the same figure they saw inside, proving Johnathan's earlier deduction that something far more sinister was hiding behind them. Even the bushes and trees in the yard were a part of Crowley and tried to pull down Ashen Soul. From his vantage point, he launched a barrage of shadowy projectiles at Crowley, each one striking true with deadly accuracy. But Crowley was not so easily defeated. With a sinister laugh, he unleashed a wave of dark energy that rippled through the air, threatening to engulf both Blazing Soul and Ashen Soul in its malevolent embrace. Blazing Soul gritted his teeth as he weathered the onslaught, his fiery aura flickering with each impact. He held up the Geist Sword to deflect some of the aura, but the sword shattered into pieces. With a burst of determination, he unleashed a powerful Blazing Soul Kick, the fiery energy of his attack engulfing Crowley in a torrent of flames. Meanwhile, Ashen Soul soared through the air, his wings trailing fire and ash as he unleashed a barrage of scorching blasts at Crowley from above. Each strike landed with precision, chipping away at Crowley's defenses. But Crowley was not so easily vanquished. With a roar of rage, he unleashed a final, desperate attack, channeling the dark energy of the haunted house itself into a devastating blast that threatened to engulf both Blazing Soul and Ashen Soul in its malevolent embrace. With a surge of determination, Blazing Soul and Ashen Soul joined forces, their powers combining to create a barrier of light and fire that repelled Crowley's attack. With a deafening roar, they unleashed a final, combined assault, their powers converging to strike Crowley down once and for all. A Blazing Soul Kick and an Ashen Soul Knee targeted at the lens atop the twisted creature, and both Riders smashed through it and into the house itself, which exploded on impact. 

Agent West: BLAKE! 

Lizbeth: JOHNATHAN! 

Jimmy, Eric, and AIden: KAMEN RIDERS!

The swirling Death Realm dissipated just as the Geist Security jeeps arrived. As the smoke cleared, their figures could be seen. As the echoes of battle faded away, Kamen Rider Blazing Soul and Kamen Rider Ashen Soul stood victorious amidst the wreckage of the haunted house. Though battered and bruised, their spirits remained unbroken, as they fist bumped before being forcibly powered down by the closing of the gate to the Death Realm. They fell to the ground in a huff. 

Blake: I think we wrecked the property value. 

Johnathan Angel: I'll say!

The kids ran over to hug the two Riders and celebrate with them, promising to keep their identities a secret. They were loaded in a Geist jeep together. 

Aiden: We're sorry Jimmy! We didn't mean for anything bad to happen to you. 

Eric: Yeah, we're really sorry. 

Jimmy: Don't worry guys. I'm fine, and it's because you didn't give up. You found help. You saved me. Thank you!

The three friends hugged as they were driven away from the scene. 

Johnathan Angel: Sorry Liz, I don't think we're going to be able to charge those kids. He-

Lizbeth: Don't you even laugh for a second mister! You're the Kamen Rider! I had a hero living under my roof, and I wasn't getting anything out of it! And THAT GUY is a billionaire! 

Johnathan Angel: I tried to tell you who he was! 

Lizbeth: I don't want to hear it! Wait, yes I do! I want all of the details! 

Agent West: Wow, they bicker like an old married couple. Right Blake? Blake?

Agent West turned around to see that Blake had jumped into the jeep with the kids and made a strategic exit. 

Agent West: Oh come on! Yeesh, this is not how I ever imagined this playing out! Heh…but at least…he's alive. 




Meanwhile, in the sub-basement of the Geist Corporation building. 

Asher was putting his cloak back on, when Maggie Faust stepped into the room. 

Maggie Faust: Oh good, you seem to be back on your feet. 

Asher: Thanks to all of you, I found a suitable replacement for my previous means of restoration. My gratitude to you m'lady. 

Maggie Faust: My thanks to you for letting us use your lens. It appears to have done the trick in a tight situation. From what I'm told you're a member of The Magnus Foundation? 

Asher: …Indeed…or I was. 

Maggie Faust: The name came up during this spectral incursion. I think it's time I hear more about this Foundation. If it is what I think it is….our fears and fights are far from over. 

Asher: … 

Last edited by Machismo (5/11/2024 4:46 pm)

Episode 22: Truth and Perspective

As Kamen Rider Soul confronted the Hachi Wraith, his heart weighed heavily with hesitation. The Wraith had taken possession of his beloved dog, Hachi, twisting his loyal companion into a formidable adversary. Despite the danger, Soul could not bring himself to strike at his faithful friend. Hachi, now under the control of the Wraith, lunged forward with ferocious speed, his movements fluid and unpredictable. Soul dodged the attack with a nimble sidestep, his heart aching with each evasive maneuver. With a mournful whine, Hachi unleashed a barrage of dark energy, the sheer force of his attacks sending shockwaves rippling through the air. Soul gritted his teeth as he deflected the onslaught, his determination faltering in the face of his beloved pet's newfound strength. He knew he had to fight, and tried to unleash his Geist Sword, but it had been shattered against Amadeus Crowley, and Soul found himself launched against one of the dead trees the Hachi Wraith left in its wake. 

Kamen Rider Soul: I really don't want this Hachi! 

Hachi Wraith: You'll be with us again soon Blake. You think we didn't see you suffering all those years? We remember what you don't! Ahahaha! 

Kamen Rider Soul: *gasp*

Kamen Rider Ash found himself surrounded by a group of heavily armored enforcers. Each one stood tall and imposing, their gleaming armor a testament to their formidable strength. With a determined expression, Ash braced himself for the impending confrontation. He knew that his opponents were not to be underestimated, but he also knew that he could not afford to back down. As the enforcers advanced, their weapons drawn and ready, Ash moved with lightning speed, his movements fluid and precise as he deftly dodged their attacks, leaving a trail of ash. With each strike, he carefully aimed his blows to incapacitate rather than harm, his goal to create an opening for escape rather than engage in a full-blown confrontation. He pulled out his ancient revolver that burned into flames as he spun it. 

Kamen Rider Ash: ASHEN BURST!

Ash fired a shot that the armored Foundation members jumped out of the way to avoid. Ash quickly climbed back on the motorcycle.

Kamen Rider Ash: I think I saw how this thing works! I'm on my way Blake!

Ash had a shaky start, but began to get the hang of it, as the Foundation members failed to pursue. He de-powered to conserve his life energy and just hoped he wouldn't crash without a helmet. 

Johnathan found himself floating towards the fight. He finally caught up to Blake, who was being thrown into a warehouse on the outskirts of the park. 

Johnathan Angel: Hang on Blake, help is on the way. I hope he's on the way at least.

Kamen Rider Soul stood at the entrance of the dimly lit warehouse, his heart pounding as he faced the twisted form of Hachi Wraith. The air was thick with tension, and the only sounds were the distant hum of machinery and the occasional creak of the old building. Hachi, once his loyal companion, now bore the dark, menacing aura of the Wraith that had possessed him.

Kamen Rider Soul: Hachi... I’m sorry. I have to do this.

The Hachi Wraith, a grotesque amalgamation of his beloved dog and the sinister energy of the Wraith, growled low and charged. Its eyes, once filled with loyalty and love, now glowed with malevolent intent. Soul hesitated, his hands trembling as he struggled to summon the will to fight his friend. The Wraith was far stronger than any he had faced before, and its relentless attacks forced him into a defensive stance. Hachi Wraith lunged, claws slashing through the air with incredible speed. Soul dodged, but the claws grazed his armor, sending sparks flying. He retaliated with a swift punch, but held back, not wanting to hurt Hachi.

Kamen Rider Soul: Grr! Gah! I can't hurt you, Hachi... please, fight it!

The Wraith roared and swung again, this time landing a heavy blow that sent Soul crashing into a stack of crates. He groaned as he got back to his feet, the impact having dented his armor.

Kamen Rider Soul: I have to end this... for both of us.

Soul dashed forward, ducking under a swipe from Hachi Wraith and countering with a powerful uppercut to the creature's jaw. The Wraith staggered but quickly regained its footing, lunging once more with a savage ferocity that left Soul no choice but to fight back. Soul delivered a series of rapid punches and kicks, each one precisely aimed to subdue the Wraith without causing fatal harm to Hachi. Despite his hesitation, his instincts guided his movements. The Wraith's claws flashed again, and this time, they caught Soul off guard, tearing into his side. He cried out in pain but quickly retaliated with a spinning kick, sending the Wraith stumbling back. Suddenly, Asher appeared on the motorcycle, almost crashing it in the process. 

Kamen Rider Soul: Asher?!

Asher: I think I got the hang of that thing! Blake, that's a Lens Wraith! The Magnus Foundation crafted lenses that could peer into the Death Realm, but they were sealed away because the Wraith could come through amplified with even more energy! Here, this is a gift from Geist!

Asher tossed him a case. Soul opened it up to reveal a new sword, designed specifically to sync with the SD-101 Soul Driver. 

Kamen Rider Soul: Forgive me, Hachi.

Gathering his strength, Soul activated his Rider Soul Blade, its edge crackling with energy. He charged forward, aiming to disarm and incapacitate the Wraith. With a swift slash, he cut through the dark energy that bound the Wraith to Hachi, causing the creature to howl in pain and fury. But the Hachi Wraith wasn't done yet. It unleashed a powerful burst of dark energy, knocking Soul off his feet and slamming him into the warehouse wall. Soul struggled to stand, his vision blurred and his body aching. In a desperate move, the Wraith leapt at Soul, its claws ready to deliver a final, devastating blow. Soul, summoning all his remaining strength, rolled to the side at the last moment and drove his Rider Soul Blade into the ground, channeling a burst of energy that erupted in a wave of light.

Kamen Rider Soul: Soul Ripper Wave!

The wave struck Hachi Wraith, enveloping it in a radiant glow. The dark energy began to dissipate, and Soul saw a glimpse of Hachi’s true form beneath the Wraith’s influence.

Kamen Rider Soul: Hachi, come back to me!

With one final, powerful surge, Soul unleashed his ultimate attack. The Rider Soul Knee. He ignited with fiery energy as he launched himself at the Wraith, delivering a blow that shattered the dark aura surrounding Hachi. The Wraith's hold broke, and Hachi collapsed to the ground, free at last from the sinister grip of the Wraith. Soul fell to his knees beside his friend, tears streaming down his face as he gently cradled Hachi's head.

Kamen Rider Soul: It’s over, Hachi. You’re safe now.

Soul looked over to Johnathan, who made his presence known. 

Kamen Rider Soul: Glad you were able to find me. Sorry I kept to myself. 

Johnathan Angel: You needed to figure things out. I understand that. Right now though, we need to make a tag. 

Kamen Rider Soul: Right. Be careful Johnny boy.

Belt: THROUGH THE LENS OF DEATH, I FACE LIFE.

Johnathan Angel: HENSHIN!

The eerie silence of the abandoned warehouse shattered as Kamen Rider Soul found himself pulled into the twisted, nightmarish landscape of the Death Realm. The air was thick with a chilling fog, and the once familiar surroundings now appeared distorted and grotesque. Shadows danced unnaturally, and the air crackled with dark energy. Before him, the true form of the Wraith that had inhabited Hachi emerged. A monstrous, dog-like entity with glowing red eyes and dark, sinewy fur.

Kamen Rider Soul: Possessing Blake's dog? You truly know no bounds do you? It's time to end this.

The dog-like Wraith snarled, its form shifting and rippling with malevolent power. It lunged at Soul with terrifying speed, its claws extended and teeth bared. Soul barely managed to dodge, rolling to the side and coming up in a defensive stance. The Wraith was relentless, attacking with a ferocity that matched its terrifying appearance. Soul countered each strike, his movements precise and controlled. He aimed to weaken the Wraith, each punch and kick imbued with fiery energy that momentarily repelled the creature.

Kamen Rider Soul: You won't hurt anyone else!

The Wraith growled in response, its eyes glowing brighter with fury. It pounced, but Soul met it head-on with a powerful Rider Soul Blade strike, the blade glowing with intense energy. The clash sent shockwaves through the twisted landscape, causing the ground to tremble. Soul pressed the attack, delivering a series of rapid strikes with his blade, each one landing with explosive force. The Wraith howled in pain but refused to back down, its dark energy seething and swirling around it. In a burst of dark energy, the Wraith leaped into the air, attempting to come down on Soul with crushing force. Soul anticipated the move, somersaulting backward and launching a fiery projectile from his blade. The energy blast struck the Wraith mid-air, sending it crashing to the ground. As the Wraith struggled to rise, Soul saw his opportunity. He charged forward, his body enveloped in fiery energy. With a mighty leap, he brought his Rider Soul Blade down in a devastating overhead strike, the blade cutting through the Wraith's dark aura. The Wraith howled, its form flickering and weakening. But it wasn’t done yet. In a final, desperate move, it summoned all its remaining dark energy, creating a vortex of shadows that pulled at Soul, threatening to consume him.

Kamen Rider Soul: I won't let you win!

Soul activated the full power of his suit, flames erupting around him as he fought against the pull of the vortex. With a determined cry, he charged through the dark energy, the flames of his suit burning brighter and hotter with each step. He placed the red lens into belt and hit the Aperture. 

Belt: THROUGH THE LENS OF FIRE, I BLAZE.

Reaching the core of the vortex, Blazing Soul unleashed his ultimate attack. The Blazing Rider Soul Kick. His foot ignited with a blaze of pure energy as he launched himself at the Wraith. The kick connected with the creature's core, the force of the impact creating an explosion of light that pierced through the darkness. The Wraith let out a final, agonized howl as the light consumed it, the shadows dissipating and the vortex collapsing in on itself. Soul landed gracefully, breathing heavily but victorious.

Kamen Rider Blazing Soul: That was difficult. If we hadn't beaten Balaam, we might not have been strong enough! I-

Suddenly, the voice of the young boy Timothy that he spoke to the previous night entered his head. 

Timothy: Remembering can be hard. Please don't let it trouble you too much. 

Kamen Rider Blazing Soul: Huh? Kid? Where did- what was he talking abou-

The spirit energy from the Lens Wraith poured into the Aperture of Johnathan's belt, and suddenly his eyes lit as his memory began to awaken. 

A car was driving along the hillside outside of the city, as rain poured down.Johnathan Angel was playing with a toy in the backseat as his parents Wayne and Elizabeth conversed and laughed in the front seats. However, even then Johnathan had an intuition about these things. The laughter felt forced. The whole trip felt rushed. Wayne was telling Elizabeth that something had gone wrong, and a rogue element was making their move. Suddenly, a large bolt of lighting streaked across the sky, but it wasn't normal. It was a powerful green surge that seemed to come from a building in the city. The bolt went into the sky and lit it up with an array of colors. The sight distracted Wayne, but he tried to keep his eyes on the road. The same couldn't be said for the large, military style truck that was driving on the other side of the road. It strayed across the line, and forced Wayne to move closer to the cliff side of the hill. It was this time that Johnathan noticed a faint image flying towards the windshield of the car. The sight was distracting enough to take the car into the slickest part of the road. The slick spots quickly took them off the road and down the hill straight into a deep and treacherous lake. The car went down quickly as the car began to fill up with water. The parents both panicked, quickly trying to save their confused son. They managed to get his seat belt off, and opened a door, quickly filling the car even faster. Johnathan escaped, but watched in horror as his parents struggled in vain. As he thought about swimming down after them, he suddenly saw a bright light in front of him, and a hand reaching to pull him out of the water. It was a familiar face. It was someone he had seen before. It was Blake. 

Johnathan Angel: Blake?! It was Blake that pulled me out of the water?! He reached through the Death Realm and pulled me to safety! Blake! Haha! You saved me! BLAAAAKE!

Johnathan laughed at the revelation that his friend was there for him even ten years prior. 

In the realm of the living, Blake was clutching Hachi as Agent West finally arrived. She ran over in a panic.

Agent West: Blake! Are you alright? 

Blake: I'm fine. 

Agent West: And the dog? 

Blake: His name is Hachi, and I think he's alright too. I had to hurt my friend to save him. That part, I'm not alright about. 

Agent West: You always loved animals. 

Blake: Yeah. You always had to talk me out of taking in strays. Right now, I feel like a stray. 

Agent West: I felt bad for getting in the way of your heart. You're a stray I want to take in. It doesn't matter that you were gone for ten years Blake. I didn't stop loving you. I could never stop. 

Blake: I-

The spirit energy reached Blake's Aperture and his eyes too lit up as memories reawakened within him.

Blake: Wait. I didn't leave you alone. 

Agent West: What? 

Blake: I was there! I was with you! When I was in the Death Realm, before I forgot everything, I was watching over you! Haha…I never left you. 

Agent West: I knew I wasn't crazy, because for some reason I didn't feel alone. Now I know why.

Agent West ran over to Blake and embraced him, both of them holding back tears. 

Agent West: You didn't miss out on ten years after all. You were there. 

Blake: But you missed out. 

Agent West: I've got our whole lives to catch up. 

Blake: I-

Blake suddenly jerked back as another memory flooded his mind. 

Blake: No….oh no…OH NO! 

Agent West: What?! What is it? Blake, what's wrong?! 

Blake: I-I-I-

Blake flashed back to the day of the accident. He put on the SD-101 and transformed as he prepared to enter the gate. He remembered a split second feeling that something was wrong. Then he saw the bomb planted on the gate. With no time to warn anyone, he remembered seeing the bomb explode, sending Blake's body backwards and his ghost forward into the Death Realm. As his physical appearance faded out of the living realm, he was launched a great distance from the point of the explosion and flew through the windshield of a car that veered off the road, into a lake. He managed to finally get his bearings and landed, running down the hill towards the lake. With all the strength and control he had left in the realm of the living, he pulled out the young boy reaching up for him. 

Blake: I killed them! 

Agent West: What? 

Blake: I….killed Johnathan's parents. 

Episode 24: Emergence!

The elevator to the sub-basement opened up in the Geist building, as Blake stepped out, and looked around, watching as the select few chosen to oversee the new project remodeled a room he had spent the better part of ten years in, he just hadn't realized it. Maggie Faust rushed over and held back her overwhelming emotions, as she saw her son alive and well. Seeing him arrive with Agent West also put a smile on her face. 

Maggie Faust: My son, I can't tell you how long I've waited for this day. I used to sit by your chamber, and beg you to come back to me. 

Blake: You'd tell me it was time to come home. I heard you Mom. I heard you. I'm sorry it took so long. 

Maggie Faust: I'm sorry you were ever put in that horrible situation. The ambitions of our family have caused so much damage. 

Blake: It wasn't us. It wasn't us either time. Balaam was behind the second incursion, and a saboteur caused the first explosion. 

Maggie Faust: A saboteur? Are you sure? 

Blake: I'm certain. I remember it now. The spirit energy had a way of restoring me when I was split, and it's still working with every defeated Wraith. My memories are restored and they are so sharp. The last thing I saw when I stepped into the portal was an explosive device. That is what set off the explosion. It wasn't us. 

Maggie Faust: You have no idea what a relief that brings, but at the same time, it doesn't change the fates of those affected. That will remain with me. 

Blake: You and I were always alike that way. So, this is where you're monitoring the city?

Agent West: They already had the tech set up thanks to Vic- Balaam, so they're putting it to good use. 

Blake: Where is my brother? 

Dr. Hegel: He's being well taken care of, I assure you. Ten years of possession by a Master Wraith took its toll, but he's on the mend. 

Blake: I remember you. You were a bat. 

Dr. Hegel: Heh…yes, not one of my proudest moments. Your brother was dead set on opening the gate, and I put my reputation at stake. I paid the price. 

Blake: I'm not so sure it's your fault. 

Dr. Hegel: Eh?

Blake: The design was fine. It was steady, I remember that. It should work totally fine, much in the way my Soul Driver works. I think it was set up to fail twice. Balaam wanted that gate open, so he's not behind it. So who would be? 

Agent West: You're quite the detective Blake. I think Johnathan is rubbing off on you. 

Blake: What? You think so? I'm just trying to make it all make sense. Haha. 

Maggie Faust: It's good to see you two laughing again. I've missed it. Although, Blake was the older one the last time you were together. 

Agent West: Hey! *blush* I'm only a LITTLE older. Yeesh! 

Blake: I think I'm technically still older? 

Dr. Hegel: By the way, I finished the project Johnathan asked me to complete. 

Blake: What? Johnathan asked you to work on something? 

Dr. Hegel: He didn't tell you? 

Blake: Nope. I haven't seen him. He was doing his day job…which he technically does at night mostly. Apparently ghosts are visible to him again?

Dr. Hegel: We dropped the Geist-G reception that was filtering him. 

Blake: He assumed it was because of that. His landlady would have a field day with that information. She's not Geist's biggest fan. 

Agent West: She's "interesting".

Blake: She lets me have fun as Java Coffington, so she's alright in my book. Wait, I got off track here. What project? 

Dr. Hegel: The SD-101 units should now be able to function inversely. 

Blake: Meaning? 

Dr. Hegel: Meaning before it worked in a way that he would have to travel to the Death Realm to give you life energy, and even when he transformed, he'd remain in the Death Realm. Now, it can work either way. Because of your new biological makeup, where you've seemingly brought back some of that realm with you, he can transform in the living world now. Basically, whoever transforms the first time, will send the other to the Death Realm, allowing them to transform in the Death Realm.

Agent West: Well that sounds helpful! 

Blake: Johnathan asked you to do that? 

Dr. Hegel: Yep. He said it would be a tactical advantage if you could travel back to the Death Realm as well. 

Blake: H-h-h-he said that huh? Great. I have to go…I have to go get some air. I'll be back.

Maggie Faust: Blake? 

Agent West: I'll go with him.

Blake ran out of the building and into the night sky, where he started breathing heavily. He looked up at the sky as Agent West followed him. 

Agent West: Blake? Blake, are you alright? 

Blake: Look at that sky Ashley. I think people take that view for granted. It's expansive. It's vast. It's bigger than anything we can conceive. It's so beautiful. The Death Realm looked nothing like that. A thick layer of twisted aura. It felt like a prison. 

Agent West: I'm not at all surprised that you feel the way you're feeling right now. PTSD comes in all different forms, for a multitude of reasons. No one has experienced the trauma you've been through before. It's alright to feel troubled by it. 

Blake: Why would Johnny boy want to set this up without talking to me? 

Agent West: I don't know. I haven't seen him since yesterday. 

Blake: …

Agent West: Just breathe, and relax. 

Blake: You forget that breathing can help with that, when you don't have to breathe.

Blake clutched his chest and began to shake momentarily, before he regained his composure. 

Blake: PTSD huh? Just one more thing I have to overcome. I need to focus on the positive, like getting to see this beautiful night sky, and you…getting to see you. 

Agent West: I can’t pretend to understand what you went through, but I’m here. You don’t have to go through this alone. Trauma doesn't just disappear. It’s part of you now, but it doesn’t have to define you. You’re stronger than you think, Blake. You've already survived it once. You can overcome it.

Blake: There are nights I wake up, and I’m right back there. The darkness, the fear... it feels like it's swallowing me whole. How do I move past that?

Agent West: One step at a time. And you don’t have to do it alone. I’m here, and I’m not going anywhere. We've faced so much together already. We can face this too.

Blake: You always know what to say. I’ve missed this, us. I’ve missed you.

Agent West: I’ve missed you too. We’ve both changed, but that doesn’t mean we can’t find our way back to each other. If you’re willing to try, so am I.

Blake: I want to try, Ashley. I want to move forward, with you. I don’t want the past to hold me back anymore. There IS one important detail you're going to have to live with though. 

Agent West: What's that? 

Blake: I found out I LOVE being a mascot, and intend to continue being Java Coffington. 

Agent West: What?! That ridiculous costume?! You like that?

Blake: I love it Ashley. I love it. Hehe. 

Agent West: Hehe, if I had had ANY idea that was you in that costume. 

Blake: Remember when we ended up in Fiji and-

Agent West: That wasn't a concussion dream?!  

In another part of the city, Dimitri stood by, watching the people walking by as he spoke on his Geist Watch. 

Dimitri: Don't worry, this is a secure channel. I spent enough time in that company to ensure it. You know all too well about how invasive they can be, but I've handled it. I'm on route to the target now. 

Dimitri pushed by the people, and slipped past a Geist Security detail, down into a seedy parking lot, drenched in darkness .There he saw a figure writhing on the ground that appeared to be Johnathan Angel. 

Dimitri: Alastor I presume? 

Johnathan Angel: Ha-ha-hahaha! You assume correctly. You must be the mortal tricked into serving Balaam! Hahahaha! 

Dimitri: Tricked? Not at all. I was aware the whole time. My true goals were only possible with the opening of the Death Realm, and I used Balaam and Geist to that end. 

Johnathan Angel: Did you? I see the inside of your soul, you know. I know what you truly are. Full of rage, jealousy, and envy. You wish to be like us! 

Dimitri: I don't think in such small terms. I know what it is a Master Wraith such as yourself is after, and I know how we can get it for you. 

Johnathan Angel: Do you now? 

Dimitri: I don't need your trust, but I do need your cooperation. I can spring a trap, that will get us both what we want. 

Johnathan Angel: I'm still amused that you assume to know what I want. 

Dimitri: HE wants the one that got away. The one he could see, but couldn't reap….until now. 

Johnathan Angel: …What do you need from me? 

Back at the Cafe Noir, Blake walked in with a purpose as Hachi ran up to him to be pet. 

Blake: Hey buddy, I'm glad to see you're doing better. I'm so sorry for what I had to do. You're such a good boy! 

Lizbeth: Good boy!? All he does is whine about going out! 

Blake: He's a go-getter! 

Lizbeth: I suppose it's alright considering his owner is a billionaire. 

Blake: I'm no billionaire. I'm just your loveable mascot! 

Lizbeth: Your family is loaded, and as for the mascot thing, it was cooler when you were a ghost! 

Blake: I'm sorry? 

Lizbeth: You're not looking to suit up now are you? I was just about to close up, and-

Blake: No no, I was actually looking for Johnathan. I needed to ask him about something. 

Lizbeth: I have not seen that free loading super hero since yesterday! 

Blake: Really? 

Lizbeth: He even turned off his Geist Watch so I can't track him! 

Blake: …You were tracking him with his watch?

Lizbeth: I was gonna start! I learned how online! I wanted to see the action! 

Blake: The Amadeus Crowley house not enough for you? 

Lizbeth: Not even close! 

Blake: But you were scared! 

Lizbeth: I was NOT scared! 

Blake: You were scared. 

Lizbeth: …Alright I was scared a little! So what!? 

Blake: They might revoke your goth license. 

Lizbeth: That's not even a real thing! 

Blake: *sigh* I wonder what he's up to out there. 

Lizbeth: Uh-oh….uh-oh! Uh-oh! You better find out fast! 

Blake: What? Why?

Lizbeth: A Wraith sighting downtown! It's attacking people in the city! 

Blake: No more subterfuge eh? If you see him or hear from him, tell him to meet me there! 

Blake ran outside and towards the scene of the attack. 

Lizbeth: Oh sure, like he's going to tell me anything. *sigh* *typing* The beautiful, intelligent, and very understanding landlady was beginning to worry about her tenant. He wasn't just her tenant…he was important to her.

The streets of downtown Hanta City were in chaos. Screams echoed through the air as people fled in panic from a monstrous scorpion-like Wraith. The creature, with its grotesque, segmented body and venomous stinger, swiped at anything in its path, sending cars crashing and storefronts shattering. The once-bustling area was now eerily empty, save for the few brave souls who hadn't yet managed to escape. Blake rushed onto the scene, panting heavily. He looked around, his eyes widening in horror at the devastation. Spotting a metal pipe lying on the ground, he picked it up, his knuckles turning white as he gripped it tightly. 

Blake: Hey! Over here! 

The scorpion Wraith turned its menacing gaze towards Blake, its multiple eyes glinting with malice. With a terrifying screech, it charged at him. Blake braced himself, swinging the pipe with all his might. The impact barely fazed the Wraith, but it did slow it down momentarily.

Blake: Come on, just a little longer. Where ya at Johnny boy?

Blake continued to dodge and weave, using the pipe to deflect the Wraith’s attacks as best as he could. Each swipe of the creature’s claws and tail sent sparks flying as they clashed with the metal. Sweat dripped down Blake’s face, but he refused to back down. Suddenly, a familiar figure appeared at the end of the street. He strode forward, but something about him seemed off. His movements were rigid, his expression colder than usual.

Johnathan Angel: Blake, step aside.

Blake hesitated, looking at Johnathan with a mix of relief and confusion.

Blake: Johnathan! What's going on? You don't seem—

Johnathan hit his Aperture first, which was meant for the first user of the suit. As Blake looked on curiously, Johnathan flashed an evil grin. At that moment the Scorpion Wraith used its stinger tail to hit Blake's Aperture. 

Johnathan Angel: Our friends have missed you Blake. 

Blake: Wha? Nooo!

Blake was suddenly transported to the Death Realm, as the energy collected fed into Johnathan's Aperture, turning the Master Wraith possessed Johnathan into Kamen Rider Soul. 

Kamen Rider Soul: Hahaha! Hahahaha! Hahahaha! 

Belt: CHEATING LIFE, STEALING DEATH. 

Kamen Rider Soul: Eh?

Asher: HENSHIN!




Kamen Rider Ash: Vile Wraith, stealing the body of the living to serve your evil whims! 

Kamen Rider Soul: Hahahaha! The traitor of his own people, trying to talk down to me? Your words mean nothing! 

Kamen Rider Ash: Then let me try something with a little more impact! 

The wind howled through the crumbling city street, an eerie silence settling over the area. Suddenly, the ground shook as the monstrous Scorpion Wraith charged at Ash, its pincers snapping menacingly, tail poised to strike. Opposite it stood Kamen Rider Ash, his scarf fluttering with burning embers as he faced the threat with determination. Ash prepared to charge, tightening his grip on ancient Ashen Revolver. With a battle cry, Ash lunged at the Scorpion Wraith, swinging his gun and firing in a wide arc. The Wraith blocked with its pincers, but Ash was quick, darting around it and landing a series of rapid strikes. Sparks flew as his fist connected with the Wraith's armored exoskeleton. The Scorpion Wraith retaliated, its tail whipping forward. Ash dodged narrowly, rolling to the side and coming up with a fiery uppercut that sent the Wraith staggering back. Soul charged at Ash, his fists crackling with dark energy. Ash barely had time to react as Soul's punch connected, sending him skidding across the ground. The force of the blow left a trail of fire in its wake.

Kamen Rider Ash: Whoa! The Soul armor is packing more of a punch than before. 

Kamen Rider Soul: I've been waiting hundreds of years to crush you! Hahahaha! 

In the Death Realm Blake looked around. The sights were hauntingly familiar, like a nightmare come to life. Where once he had some dominion over the place, he was now a stranger in a strange land, and the laughter that was closing in reminded him of that. 

Blake: Oh boy. It's just the worst possible scenario. No big deal. JOHNATHAAAAAN!

Johnathan Angel shot up out of bed. He looked around in a panic, and wiped away the cold sweat on his brow. 

Johnathan Angel: What? What was that? Did someone say my name? Hello? Wait, where am I?

Johnathan shot out of bed and looked around. 

Johnathan Angel: This isn't my bed. This isn't my room! 

?: It WAS your room.

Johnathan Angel: Huh?

To Be Continued…

Episode 26: Let me save you!

Johnathan stood looking at the lake as he saw a figure bubbling up out of the water. A young Johnathan was being pulled to the shore by another figure quickly fading from the living realm. 

Johnathan Angel: Blake. He pulled me out, but he didn't mention you Timothy. He didn't mention my brother. My brother…how could I forget? 

Timothy: Like I said, the Death Realm can cloud memories. You've stared into it many times. 

Johnathan Angel: How could I forget my own brother? How did I not notice before that you were a-

Timothy: What? A ghost?

Johnathan Angel: Yeah. I can see spirit energy. 

Timothy: I'm not a ghost. 

Johnathan Angel: Then what are you? 

Timothy: What do you think I am? 

Johnathan Angel: What?

Timothy: You're the detective right? That's what you became, because that's what you always wanted to be. Not a spirit detective specifically, but still a detective. Was that not your dream?

Johnathan Angel: Yes…wait….no…it was your dream. Wasn't it?

Timothy: *nods*

Johnathan heard a sound behind him, and whipped around to see Johnathan and Timothy walking around the woods with a flashlight and magnifying glass. Timothy was hard at work looking for something. 

Johnathan Angel: What are we doing out here Timmy? 

Timothy Angel: Mrs. Rogers said she dropped her necklace near the shore, but her shoes didn't have any sand on them. They had dirt on them. That would indicate her walk was actually further out than she recalled. 

Johnathan Angel: I mean she could have wiped her shoes off. 

Timothy Angel: Not with how panicked she was. She was in a hurry. She wanted to find that necklace badly. 

Johnathan Angel: And we're out here because?

Timothy Angel: That's what I do! I'm Timothy Angel, Hanta City's Top Detective! 

Johnathan Angel: The ONLY detective. 

Timothy Angel: Which is why I'm the TOP one, and look! There it is!

Timothy pointed out the necklace, shimmering in the glow of the flashlight. They ran over to grab it up. 

Timothy Angel: What did I tell you! 

Johnathan Angel: Wow! Not bad brother! Not bad at all. I'm impressed. 

TImothy Angel: You doubted me before! 

Johnathan Angel: No no, I don't doubt you. I never doubt you. I'm sorry, I guess I just wish I was more like you sometimes. 

Timothy Angel: More like me? Well then you wouldn't be more like you! Every detective needs an assistant. 

Johnathan Angel: Assistant? Slow down on that one. I don't think so. 

Timothy and Johnathan: Hahahaha! 

Johnathan watched as he and his brother faded away. 

Johnathan Angel: You wanted to be what I am. I took your dream? 

Timothy: It's a little more complicated than that. After the crash you were in shock, and the brief exposure to the Death Realm left you traumatized. With holes in your memory, you rebuilt yourself, weaving in what you knew about me. In a sense, two brothers became one person. 

Johnathan Angel: Why did this happen? Why did it happen to us? To think all of that happened because of a freak accident. Blake just happened to appear on the road that night. 

Timothy: That was no accident. That was intentional. 

Johnathan Angel: What!? 

Back in the living realm, Agent West finally reached the site of the fight, as she witnessed Kamen Rider Geist and Soul battling it out. She pulled out her energy weapon and fired shots at Soul to distract him, long enough for Geist to get the upper hand. 

Kamen Rider Geist: Ashley! You can't be here right now! 

Agent West: Listen, you have to hear this! The belt is unstable. You're not meant to be pulling in energy from two separate realms at once. 

Kamen Rider Geist: Don't I know it, but this is the only way to get Johnny boy to snap out of it! 

Agent West: Not exactly. 

Kamen Rider Geist: What? 

Agent West: Give me the belt. 

Kamen Rider Geist: Give you the belt? 

Agent West: I'll fight in your place. It'll be stable on me, and I won't have to worry about Soul wanting to shift into the Death Realm. 

Kamen Rider Geist: But that would put you in danger! 

Agent West: You're always the one in danger. It never stops! This one time, just this once, let me protect you please. I can't lose you again! 

Kamen Rider Geist: …..

Blake powered down, as the belt fell to the ground and he returned to the Death Realm. He watched through the fog of realm divide as she smiled at him and grabbed the belt. 

Agent West: Thank you, for trusting me. You don't ever have to do this alone. You won't be alone ever again. 

Belt: THROUGH THE LENS OF GEIST, I RISE. 

Agent West: HENSHIN! 

Agent West transformed, the metal plating conformed to her more feminine figure, but the result was all the same, as Kamen Rider Geist stood poised to fight. 

Kamen Rider Soul: Very clever Agent, but if I'm willing to rend flesh from bone, and feast on the life force of the living, what's going to stop me from hitting a girly? Hahaha! 

Kamen Rider Geist: I was hoping you wouldn't go easy, because neither will I! 

Agent West took a deep breath, her hands shaking slightly as she tightened her grip inside the Geist suit.  Soul responded with a sinister laugh and then he launched himself at Geist, his corrupted blade aimed straight for her chest. Geist tried to sidestep the attack, but her movements were clumsy. The blade grazed her armor, sparks flying from the impact. She stumbled back, barely managing to raise her arms to block a follow-up strike. The force of Soul's blow sent her reeling, her suit struggling to keep up with her frantic commands. Soul pressed his advantage, his strikes relentless and precise. Geist tried to parry, but her lack of experience showed. She managed to block some blows, but others found their mark, each hit sapping her strength and confidence. Desperate, she swung wildly, her fist connecting with Soul's side in a lucky strike.

Kamen Rider Soul: Not bad girly. You have a lot of spirit, and that's exactly what I'll relish draining from you. You're struggling to keep up, I can tell. You've forgotten that the others spent months collecting the spirit energy of the lesser Wraith to be able to keep up, and I'm tapping into that now!

Soul retaliated with a swift kick to her midsection. The blow sent her crashing into a stack of old barrels, the impact echoing through the night. She groaned, the Geist suit absorbing some of the damage but not enough to keep her from feeling the pain. Determined not to give up, Geist forced herself to stand, her movements sluggish.

Kamen Rider Geist: I won't let you win. I'm going to do what I have to do to save Blake! 

Soul charged at her again, his corrupted blade slashing through the air. Geist managed to block the first few strikes, but her defenses quickly faltered. Soul's attacks were too fast, too powerful. She barely dodged a horizontal slash, the blade cutting through a metal beam behind her with ease. She tried to counter with a punch, but Soul caught her arm and twisted it, forcing her to her knees. He kicked her in the chest, sending her sprawling across the floor. Gasping for breath, she struggled to get back up, her vision swimming.

Johnathan stood with Timothy at the edge of the lake, as Johnathan began to remember more and more.

Timothy: Your memories were always in here, but you locked them away. You locked away more and more about yourself, as you began to become more like what you imagined I would. 

Johnathan Angel: But what are you now? 

Timothy: That inquisitive nature of yours coming out again. I wanted to be the detective, but that didn't mean you didn't have a natural talent for it. You actually had the better memory, and if you truly focus, I think you can remember more of what happened that night. 

Johnathan Angel: You said it wasn't an accident though. How could something like that be planned? 

Timothy: How indeed? You didn't know what it was at the time, but you'll know now if you really think about it.

Johnathan closed his eyes and suddenly found himself in the waters of the lake. The car had just crashed into it, and began to sink. His vision of that night was fuzzy, as the dark water obscured most of the events going on around him. However, he remembered something new now, if the darkness of the lake, he saw lights, and not the lights of the car. Something was coming for the car, or more accurately, those inside of the car. He didn't just escape that night. He struggled. He fought them off, and began to swim to the surface. He had turned back to look one time, and saw the trunk of the car opened up, and something inside of it shined. He then felt the lack of oxygen and panicked as he swam towards the surface, and he saw Blake reaching out to him. He took a deep breath as he opened his eyes and realized he was on the shore again. 

Johnathan Angel: They were attacked down there! Someone came after them! Were we being followed that night? It was all intentional? Who would do that to our parents? Who would do that to you? 

Timothy: That's the question. I think you have an idea, but you want to confirm it yes? 

Johnathan Angel: I do. 

Timothy: Well then you have to escape! 

Johnathan Angel: Escape…

Back in the living realm, Soul stood over the struggling Geist. 

Kamen Rider Soul: Such courage…is useless in the grand scheme of things. In the end, you'll be dead, and consumed by me, and I'll feast on this world as a god. 

Kamen Rider Geist: NO!

Geist jumped up and landed an uppercut that sent Soul flying back. As the two prepared to fight once again, Kamen Rider Ash returned from the Death Realm. 

Kamen Rider Ash: The Scorpion Wraith is dealt with, and wh-what did I miss? 

Kamen Rider Geist: No time to explain! 

Kamen Rider Ash: Agent West?

Kamen Rider Geist: Actually that covers it. Perfect timing though. Now it's two on one! 

Kamen Rider Soul: The Scorpion Wraith is dead!? Good! Hahaha! 

Kamen Rider Geist: What? 

Kamen Rider Ash: Oh no. 

Kamen Rider Geist: What? 

Kamen Rider Ash: The spirit energy. It's-

Kamen Rider Geist: Oh no.

Sure enough, the Aperture began to take in the spirit energy from the defeated Wraith, and it powered up Soul enough as he pulled out another lens. 

Belt: THROUGH THE LENS OF FIRE, I BLAZE.

Kamen Rider Soul: Hehehe. Henshin.

Alastor now wielded the power of Kamen Rider Blazing Soul, and in an instant, he was quick enough to rush to his two opponents and elbow them both in the back. 

Blake: Ashley! No!

Blake watched on through the haze of the Death Realm. Surrounded by laughing and mocking Wraith, he stood and watched as Blazing Soul worked over Geist and Ash, and he was powerless to do anything about it. 

Kamen Rider Blazing Soul: What power! Hahaha! We're getting closer and closer to the ultimate goal of this wonderful key. 

Kamen Rider Ash: What? What key are you talking about? 

Kamen Rider Blazing Soul: You never stopped to wonder where these belts came from? They weren't built by modern man, but they were finished by them. All we had to do was wait for humanity to reach this level for the flood gates to be blown wide open. The betrayal of Magnus's principles goes back further than you think. It's not a recent development! A bloodline of Overseers has awaited the moment when a prophecy could finally be fulfilled. Not just a gate between the two realms, but a merger that will elevate and evolve those worthy into gods of a new creation! Hahaha! 

Kamen Rider Ash: The vision, hopes, and dreams of Magnus were twisted by you horrid monsters, and I will rip it all back from you! Even if I have to burn through every last ounce of my strength!

Ash's scarf burned bright and hot as he pulled out his Ashen Revolver, and fired away, trying to hit Blazing Soul, but he shot around with incredible speed. Geist tried to predict where he would end up, and picked her spot. 

Kamen Rider Geist: Rider Axe Kick!

Geist landed the blow precisely, and forced Blazing Soul into a crater in the ground. 

Kamen Rider Geist: Yeah!

As she prepared to land another attack, Blazing Soul quickly shot up and grabbed her by the throat, lifting her into the air. 

Kamen Rider Blazing Soul: That which is eternal, can not die sweet Ashley, but if it's any consolation….that hurt like hell. 

Blazing Soul's fist began to glow. Blake knew what that meant, but didn't know what he could do to stop it. 

Blake: No no no! No! Stop it! Stop it! STOP IT!

Blake rushed at Blazing Soul, and surprising, was able to push him hard enough to free Geist from his grip. 

Blake: What? 

Kamen Rider Blazing Soul: Blake you pathetic worm! 

Blake: I interacted with Alastor! If I can do that, maybe I can-

Blake quickly rushed back over and jumped onto Blazing Soul's back in the Death Realm. Geist and Ash couldn't see him, but they could see the struggle. 

Kamen Rider Ash: What's happening here? 

Kamen Rider Geist: It's Blake, but how?

Kamen Rider Ash: He's latched onto Alastor! Since Alastor doesn't want to leave Johnathan's body, that means he's holding it in place. If we hit Blazing Soul hard enough, it might just separate them! Aim for the belt! 

Kamen Rider Geist: Right!

Ash and Geist both jumped into the air, ready to deliver a devastating kick to Blazing Soul, but he erupted in rage, exposing the Wraith within momentarily, to force them back with a shockwave. 

Johnathan clutched his chest and fell to the ground, as Timothy approached him. 

Johnathan Angel: What's happening? 

Timothy: They're fighting to free you. It won't work, not unless you try and free yourself. 

Johnathan Angel: I want to break out. I want to stop what's happening, so how do I do it? 

Timothy: You have to free yourself. 

Johnathan Angel: That's what I'm saying. I'm trying! 

Timothy: No, you're trying to free the man you think you are. You've locked away the man you could've been for a long time. You're trying to free me. You're trying to carry on my life, and live my legacy. Brother, I love you, but I need you to be yourself, and to let me go. 

Johnathan Angel: I don't understand. What are you?

Timothy: I'm the piece of Timothy you won't let go of. You have to stand without me, but you don't have to stand alone. Remember that. You're not alone. 

Johnathan Angel: …..I love you Timothy. I'm so sorry. 

Timothy: You have nothing to be sorry about. Please, free yourself and embrace your life. 

Johnathan Angel: I will…I'm ready. I'M READY!

In the living realm, Blazing Soul stopped dead in his tracks once again. 

Kamen Rider Blazing Soul: What's happening? No. No you're not strong enough to fight me off! No! NO! 

Kamen Rider Geist: Blake again?

Kamen Rider Ash: No…I think that's Johnathan. 

Kamen Rider Blazing Soul: Hit me! Do it now! 

Kamen Rider Ash: It's Johnathan! 

Kamen Rider Geist: What if it's a trick! 

Kamen Rider Ash: Let's remove the guesswork!

Kamen Rider Ash charged up his Ashen Revolver and pointed it directly at Blazing Soul's belt. 

Kamen Rider Ash: ASHEN BURST!

All the barrels fired at once, homing in on the Aperture and making a direct hit. The blast knocked the belt off of Blazing Soul and forced the Master Wraith out of Johnathan's body. He tumbled to the ground, as did Blake, who returned from the Death Realm. 

Kamen Rider Geist: Blake! 

Johnathan Angel: Ow my head. 

Blake: I was about to be ripped to shreds in there, so it's really good that you came back. 

Johnathan Angel: A female Geist? What have I missed? 

Kamen Rider Geist: It's Agent West. 

Blake: She makes it look good right? 

Johnathan Angel: Am I allowed to answer that? 

Blake: Seriously though, are you alright? 

Johnathan Angel: I think so, but we don't have time to find out. We have work to do. 

Blake: Right.

Blake helped Johnathan up, and they joined the other two in a line as they stared at the Master Wraith Alastor, looking every bit as powerful and chaotic as Balaam before him spreading out the evil energy of the Death Realm into the world of the living. 

Alastor: You insignificant pests will be consumed! Your life force will be feasted upon, and this world will be my domain forever! 

Blake: I don't think so. 

Johnathan Angel: Because you made the same mistake that Balaam did. 

Blake: You brought the Death Realm right to us. Which means-

Blake and Johnathan: Double the Soul,  double the fun!

Blake: Henshin! 

Johnathan Angel: Henshin.

Blake transformed into Kamen Rider Soul, while Johnathan became Blazing Soul. All four Riders touched the Apertures on their belts and charged up, jumping into the air for a four Rider Kick. Alastor charged forth, with all his hellacious and malevolent intent, and the two forces collided. 

End of Part Two…

Last edited by Machismo (6/08/2024 1:27 am)

Episode 28: Heir to Magnus!

Johnathan Angel, Blake, Asher, and Agent West all sat in the former containment center for Blake in the bowels of the Geist Corporation tower, as Maggie Faust paced back and forth going over recent reports and new revelations. 

Maggie Faust: These accursed problems that have plagued us all these years, are not just from this Magnus Foundation, but also Dimitri? Our trusted family friend has done all of this? 

Blake: I never trusted him if that matters. 

Agent West: You two were best friends! 

Johnathan Angel: You were? 

Blake: Once upon a time, but by the time we were competing to be the candidate to step through the gate, I realized he was someone I didn't trust. 

Maggie Faust: Trust your instincts I suppose. Your father Richard was insistent on his inclusion in the business and the pursuit of turning the Death Realm into an energy source. That dream seems so distant now. It's fading more everyday. I wanted Geist to be responsible for solving the world's energy needs. We'll have to do it some other way. 

Asher: Messing with malevolent forces such as the Death Realm, was never a good idea, but I appreciate the sentiment going into it. It seems the world has become very dependent on sources of energy since my slumber. In my youth, a little coal went a long way. 

Maggie Faust: We didn't know what it truly was. We couldn't have known that this realm was a schism that held all the negative thoughts, feelings, and emotions of humanity. This "Legion" Wraith I'm reading about here, it quite frankly frightens me. I've seen what one Master Wrath can do on its own, but an ancient Wraith consisting of many evil forces converged into one? You believe they may be behind all of this? 

Asher: I am not the Detective around here, but I see a pattern. 

Johnathan Angel: I'm not a Detective anymore either, but yes, I see the same thing. The night of the accident ten years ago. It was sabotaged. I'm thinking Dimitri set that up. He wanted Blake out of the way. I also believe around that time Balaam made his move. Dimitri, working for Magnus, played his part to facilitate another gate, but it was for his true masters, who wished to bridge the gap between the living and the Wraith. The Soul Drivers were constructed to that end. A man and Master Wraith bridging the gap. That plan couldn't come to fruition without the Drivers through, and Blake had one with him. I don't think that was anticipated. Dimitri couldn't have taken the other belt, or he would have attempted to use it, so we still don't know who sent me the belt in the first place. I have new information though that strengthens my theory. The Magnus Foundation wanted my parents to get into that accident that night. They came for them in the depths of the water. It was premeditated. 

Blake: …You think they planned that? How could they have possibly anticipated I'd fly at them like that?  

Agent West: I actually have an answer to that question. 

Blake: Ashley?

Agent West: While I was waiting to find out if the Geist Driver could be repaired, I thought back on the story you related to us. The visions you saw of that night. You said you saw something shining in the popped open trunk so I-

A couple days earlier, Agent West in scuba gear dove into the lake in which Johnathan's parents crashed their car. The water was murky, and she could barely see in front of her, but she finally caught sight of the rusted husk at the very bottom of the deep lake. She thought about how lucky it was for Johnathan, that Blake had the strength to pull him out when she peeked into the car. No trace of remains, but she did find something else when she reached the popped open trunk. She grabbed the item, and swam up quickly holding it up out of the water. 

Back in the present, she placed that item on the table, as everyone gathered around. 

Agent West: This looks like one of those lenses to me. 

Asher: Let me see that if you please. 

Agent West: Certainly. You'd know more about it than anyone else here. 

Asher: I know what this is! 

Agent West: See. 

Asher: This lens draws spirit energy from great distances! We used them to craft the belts we used to fight the Wraith. It brings it partially through the rift between realms, meaning anything drawn towards it could be partially seen by the living. Meaning-

Blake: I was pulled towards that car? 

Johnathan Angel: Why would the Magnus Foundation specifically want to do that to my parents? Why? 

Blake: What did your parents do for a living? 

Johnathan Angel: Huh? My mom was a teacher and my dad was an architect. Why?

Blake: Well-

Johnathan Angel: You think they were working for Magnus? 

Blake: I wasn't going to say it out loud, but it seems likely. They figured something out, and they didn't like it. Maybe they were good like Asher, and realized something horrible was going to happen. Maybe they knew too much to be allowed to get away? It's a lot of maybe I know, but I'm playing Detective myself I guess. 

Agent West: You're doing great Blake. *blush* 

Blake: Huh? Oh! Thank you. Sorry though Johnny boy. I know you might not want to hear that. 

Johnathan Angel: It's alright Blake, we can't leave any stone unturned. Plus I can't help but smile when I see the two of you together. I wish I had someone that loved me that much. 

Agent West: Wait, doesn't he-

Blake: He doesn't realize yet. 

Agent West: What?! 

Johnathan Angel: What don't I realize? 

Blake: Nothing Johnny boy. Don't worry about it. 

Johnathan Angel: I feel like I should worry about it. 

Blake: More important things to worry about. 

Johnathan Angel: I get the feeling I'm missing something. 

Blake: Oh hey, you're figuring it out! 

Johnathan Angel: Figuring what out? 

Asher: I would look into the names of Magnus Foundation members, but I dare not return to the library now that they are on to our efforts to dig up answers.

Agent West: Why aren't we attacking their base of operations? Asher, you know where they are right? Why haven't you told us? Why haven't you given us coordinates? 

Asher: This order, the Magnus Foundation, they were more than family to me. They were everything. Kamen Rider Magnus was my hero. 

Agent West: We won't hurt anyone that stands down. 

Asher: Actually, I was more concerned about what might happen to all of you, my new friends. This order is ancient. They have been integrated into society, with the purpose of having the power and resources to do whatever must be done to keep the world safe from the Wraith. I just wish Magnus were here to set the order straight. At the very least, the heir to Magnus would do. Someone from his bloodline. Apparently the heir went missing. 

Maggie Faust: We understand your apprehension, but this must be done. To stop the damage, and keep the world safe from this threat, we must stop the Magnus Foundation from bringing the Legion Wraith into our world to combine the realms. 

Asher: You're right. Of course you are. I will tell you exactly where it is. Does anyone have a map?

Agent West pressed a button on the table console that brought up a holographic projection of Hanta City. 

Asher: Whoa! Incredible sorcery! 

Johnathan Angel: Actually, it's just lights and mi-

Blake: Let the man have some sense of imagination. 

Johnathan Angel: Yeah? 

Asher: Well according to this incredible thing, I ended up here when I ran from the building, so if I backtrack, I'd say the base is right around here. 

Blake: What?

Agent West: No way. 

Maggie Faust: Asher, are you absolutely certain of this? 

Asher: I truly believe so, yes. 

Blake: …

Victor Faust's eyes slowly opened, as he found himself in an unfamiliar bed. He quickly shot up and noticed that he was attached to a number of machines monitoring his vitals. He pulled tubes out of his nose and looked around. His vision was fuzzy, but as it came into focus, he suddenly realized it wasn't that unfamiliar after all. 

Victor Faust: H-how did I get here? Hello? Is anyone there? Ow, my head. Wait, Blake was- Blake? Blake!

Victory flashed back to the battle atop the Geist Corporation building. 

Victor Faust: My brother, he came back! He came back to free me from Balaam! Blake! Bla-

?: He's not here, but that doesn't mean you're alone…son.

Victor Faust: Father?



Richard Faust: It's good to see you are alive and well my son. We have much to discuss.

Back at the Geist Corporation building, a pale faced and shocked Blake ran out of the building, and leaned a wall. He began to breathe heavily, and sweat profusely. Agent West was quick to follow him out. 

Agent West: Blake? Blake, please calm down. I know it looks bad, but-

Blake: Looks bad? It is bad. It's terrible Ashley. If they're where he says they are, then this changes everything. Never a dull moment eh? It was almost more peaceful to be a ghost. 

Agent West: We're going to get to the bottom of this. We'll go there right now, all of us. 

Blake: The Geist Driver is broken. I don't think you should g-

Agent West: You're not leaving without me. I got my vest, I've got my gun, and I've got you. That's all I need. If it's true then I want to be there first hand to help deal with it. This has gone on long enough.

Johnathan and Asher followed the couple outside, but before they could speak on the issue to Blake. 

Johnathan Angel: Uh Blake? I know we've got a big revelation to process, but we've got company. 

Blake: Huh?

Three figures were seen walking up casually to the Geist Corporation building, in broad daylight, without a care in the world. 



Dimitri: You look like you've just seen a ghost Blake. 

Blake: Dimitri, you son of-

Dimitri: You're certainly as pale as a ghost right now, but you've got experience in that sort of thing huh? I look forward to sending you back to your own personal Hell, my old friend. 

Johnathan Angel: Friend?! You tried to kill him with an explosion! What kind of friend would do that? 

Dimitri: You have the wrong man. I'm not the one that set that bomb. I know who did though. The same person that tried to have you and your family killed Mr. Angel. Afterall, they were traitors to the cause. 

Johnathan Angel: What?! 

Dimitri: They tried to get in the way of the perfect opportunity to kill two birds with one stone. They tried to stop us from preventing prophecy, namely killing the heir to Magnus. 

Asher: What? You believe that Johnathan is the heir to Magnus? 

Dimitri: Maybe him, maybe his brother, maybe Blake, or maybe Victor. The Magnus you knew Asher, before you decided to rot in a box for two hundred years, sired many children who begat children of their own, so on and so forth, and the Fausts and Angels are both forks on that family tree. The Overseer of the Magnus Foundation believes that the heirs to Magnus posed a threat to his vision. They were meant to keep the realms apart, but the power of a god lies in bringing them together. With the power of a god, you can have anything you want. For example, when all is said and done, you will be mine Ashley. 

Agent West: I really just want to shoot him right now. 

Blake: Enough of this Dimitri! You know where we're heading! You can take us there on your feet, or I'll knock you out and drag you there myself! 

Dimitri: I'm afraid not. You see, the observations and readings of the Soul Drivers, and the information I stole from Geist have led to the Foundation finding a way to perfect the ancient gate that Asher collapsed. The realms will converge, and we will transcend humanity, all I need are the Soul Drivers. If you'd be so kind. 

Johnathan Angel: Not happening! 

Blake: Come over here and try to take them! 

Dimitri: I'm not getting my hands dirty over this. Not here, and not now, but my good friends here, who are dedicated to our cause, have decided they will be the ones to usher in our new era.

Dimitri pulled out two lenses, and put them on the foreheads of the two Magnus Foundation acolytes. They immediately began to twist and mutate into dog-like Wraith. 

Blake: Ready Johnny boy? 

Johnathan Angel: Let's do this. 

Asher: Agreed.

The three men touched the Aperture on their belts, as Johnathan shifted into the Death Realm and Asher was engulfed in flames. 

Blake: Henshin. 

Asher: Henshin!

The Dog Wraiths galloped forward, first on their feet, before moving to all fours for extra speed. Their claws were extended and teeth bared. Ash raised his Ashen Revolver, firing off a series of rapid shots that struck the ground around the Wraiths, creating a barrier of smoke and debris. Soul took advantage of the distraction, charging forward with his fists glowing red.

Kamen Rider Soul: I'll take the one on the left! 

Kamen Rider Ash: Got it! 

Soul engaged the first Dog Wraith with a series of swift, powerful punches. Each blow landed with a burst of energy, forcing the Wraith back. The creature snarled, swiping its claws at Soul, but he deftly dodged, countering with a roundhouse kick and a jumping knee that sent the Wraith sprawling. Meanwhile, Ash faced off against the second Dog Wraith. He fired a precise shot from his Ashen Revolver, the bullet exploding on impact and staggering the Wraith. As the creature recovered, Ash dashed forward, delivering a dropkick to its jaw followed by a powerful elbow to its chest. The Dog Wraiths regrouped, their eyes burning with fury. They charged in unison, their movements eerily synchronized. Soul and Ash stood back-to-back, their breaths steady and their stances firm.

Kamen Rider Ash: Here they come! 

Kamen Rider Soul: Stay sharp! 

The Wraiths attacked with renewed ferocity. The first Wraith lunged at Soul, its claws slicing through the air. Soul blocked with his forearm, the impact sending a shockwave through his body. He retaliated with a glowing punch that sent the Wraith crashing into a nearby car, the vehicle's alarm blaring in response. The second Wraith tackled Ash, its jaws snapping dangerously close to his face. Ash shoved it back, firing point-blank into its chest. The Wraith howled in pain, but quickly recovered, lunging again with unrelenting aggression. Ash sidestepped, grabbing the Wraith by its scruff and hurling it into the side of the building.

Kamen Rider Soul: Let's end this! 

Kamen Rider Ash: Right there with you!

Ash spun the barrel of his Ashen Revolver, while Blake hit the Aperture on his belt and slapped his knee. As the two beasts lunged forward, Ash fired away. 

Kamen Rider Ash: Ashen Burst!

The force stunned them as Soul lined them up for his big attack. 

Kamen Rider Soul: Rider Soul Knee!

The force of the knee reverberated in the air around the first Wraith as it collided with the second, and sent both of them flying into a building wall, exploding on impact, as the two Magnus Foundation acolytes fell to the ground. Blake quickly powered down, as Ash shifted into the Death Realm. 

Blake: It's on you now Johnathan!

Kamen Rider Ash: He won't be alone. 

Blake: Good luck!

As Blake stood by, Dimitri returned to the scene, stepping through the fiery chaos. 

Dimitri: You always have to get in my way don't you? 

Blake: A Kamen Rider fights for justice Dimitri. You were never qualified for the role.

Dimitri: The moment someone wants to be a hero, they are disqualified from the roles as far as I'm concerned. Better to be a god, so you can make your own rules, and your own morality. I tried to do this the easy way, but we'll have to make it more difficult won't we? 

Blake: You said it, not me. 

Dimitri: I'm not talking about a fight. Not here, and not now like I said. Wouldn't you rather reach your destination? We're both heading to the same place after all. 

Blake: That's what we were trying to do in the first place. You say I get in the way? 

Dimitri: I wanted to separate from the would be Detective and the fossil. I wanted you to know that he's there waiting for you, he is the one you're after, and he has no problem killing someone very close to you if you don't give him what he wants. 

Blake: What? Wait…you don't mean-

Victor Faust opened the balcony window, and looked out from the mansion in the mountains, overlooking Hanta City. 

Victor Faust: I can't believe I've been out that long. I need to get back to the company. I need to set things right. Balaam was controlling me. 

Richard Faust: I know son, I know. It was unfortunate, truly it was. Unfortunate that you had to find out.

Victor Faust: What?

Richard Faust: Unfortunate that I had no choice, but to send the Soul Driver to Johnathan Angel. Unfortunate that Blake decided not to stay dead. A lot of unfortunate things are happening Victor, but soon, very soon, none of it will matter. All I need are the right components. Dimitri is bringing me what I need right now. 

Victor Faust: What are you talking about? What is all of this?

The room was suddenly filled with acolytes of the Magnus Foundation. 

Richard Faust: It's an ascension my son, and you, having been touched by a Master Wraith, will light the spark, that will mean the evolution of humanity, and my ascension into a god!

To Be Continued…

Last edited by Machismo (6/22/2024 2:13 am)