Ten Years Ago…

Blake Faust stood in the dimly lit chamber, the Soul Driver clutched tightly in his trembling hands. The room hummed with the energy of the portal to the Death Realm, its eerie blue glow casting long shadows on the walls. He was about to step into the unknown, to become Kamen Rider Soul for the first time. The weight of the moment pressed heavily on him, a mixture of anxiety, anticipation, and a sense of duty swirling in his mind. His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the door creaking open. Blake turned, his eyes widening in surprise as his father, Richard Faust, walked into the room. It had been years since Blake had seen his father, and the unexpected appearance left him momentarily speechless.

Blake: Dad? What are you doing here?

Richard smiled, though there was something unsettling in his eyes. 

Richard Faust: Blake, my boy, I couldn't miss this moment. This is your destiny, after all.

Blake: Destiny? You started this whole project, and then you disappeared! You really think this is my destiny?

Richard approached, placing a firm hand on Blake's shoulder. 

Richard Faust: Absolutely. You were born for this. To step into the Death Realm, to become Kamen Rider Soul. It's what must be done.

Blake nodded slowly, trying to draw strength from his father's words. 

Blake: But where did you go? Mom carried on after, but she never told us where-

Richard Faust: I had to leave son. Important business, that will change the world. I thought this project alone would do just that, but I dove deeper into the understand of what we're about to do, and I have a revelation. I wish I had time to explain it to you, but what you're about to do, will open not just this gate, but a whole new world of understand. 

Blake: I just... I just want to make you proud.

Richard's smile widened, though his eyes remained cold. 

Richard Faust: You already have, Blake. More than you know.

Unbeknownst to Blake, Richard had rigged the gate with explosives, a plan set in motion to ensure his son's permanent entrapment in the Death Realm. It was a cruel and calculated move, one that would also set off a chain of events leading to the tragic crash of Johnathan Angel's parents. But Richard's demeanor remained composed, hiding the darkness of his intentions.

Richard Faust: You have the strength, Blake.




Episode 30: No Going Back!

Blake, Agent West, and Asher stood looking up at Richard Faust, as he used some unknown ability to nullify the effects of the Soul Drivers and the Ashen Driver, yet it left Johnathan trapped in the Death Realm. Johnathan tried to hide, but the Cerberus Wraith in its untethered form was sniffing him out. 

Johnathan Angel: Talk about bad timing. That's Blake's dad? How could he see me? I guess the same way Asher could? What other tricks do the Magnus Foundation have up their sleeves?

Suddenly, the Cerberus Wraith found Johnathan, and forced him out from behind the pillar and into another room in the twisting corridors of the Death Realm. As he ran, Richard Faust's eyes followed him. 

Richard Faust: Your friend is soon to become food for the Wraith. It won't be pleasant, and will make drowning seem like a sweet dream in comparison. You really should have let the son of the traitors die, son. 

Blake: What are you talking about? Have you lost your mind? Dad, you're the Overseer of the Magnus Foundation?! 

Richard Faust: Indeed I am. Our family are descendants of Magnus afterall. How do you think I have the knowhow to establish the Death Realm project? Its original goal was to create a collapsible door, in which the Magnus Foundation could travel to the other side and eliminate the negative energies of the world. The idealism of Magnus and his descendants, who never lived very long lives you know. They fought until they died each time. That massive strain of the power that came from the Magnus Lens. Each one of them wanted a world where their children wouldn't be cursed to die in that suit, so they set about making their own gate, a vision that I finally realized. The side effect of course would also be a source of limitless energy, so it was very easy to get it funded. However, I realized as time went along that I was on the wrong path. I was pursuing a fool's errand. The negativity of humanity is unceasing. It will never end. We can never put a stop to it. In fact, it gets worse. Year after year. War, bloodshed, hatred. The Wraith grow in number by the millions. However, even they have a master, and that's when I realized the revelation that will save us all. We will merge the realms, and become one with Legion, and we shall all become as gods, embracing that dark power for ourselves. 

Blake: You have lost your mind! You're talking about the end of life as we know it! 

Richard Faust: I'm talking about the end of death as we know it! No life or death, simply being Legion. I will complete the handshake with the Wraith, and so he is a Master Wraith among Master Wraith, so too will I be a Master over the new reality. That is what happens when you adhere to the will of god.

Blake: The will of god?! God wouldn't want this! He wouldn't want the pain you've caused! He wouldn't want the destruction of this world! He wouldn't want you to kill your own son! 

Richard Faust: Wouldn't he? Abraham was tasked with killing Isaac. I simply had the stomach to do what he wouldn't. I don't believe in leaving a task unfinished. This is the only way to save humanity! 

Blake: By destroying it!?

Richard Faust: We're destroying ourselves! The hatred of mankind creates the Wraith, and the more hatred rises, the more they threaten to consume us all, unless we join with them once and for all! We embrace that darkness, and we transcend. You never could see the big picture son. You always planned a life of mediocrity. I saved you from that. I put you into stasis until I needed you, but really I could go either way at this point. I could use you or I could use victor. The choice is yours. 

Blake: Well I think that you can't perform the ritual without the Soul Driver, and if you try to sacrifice Victor, you'll have to kill me, and then you'll be left without one half of your insane plan! 

Richard Faust: I will rip that Soul Driver from your dead hands if I have to son. 

Blake: I'm not feeling so bad about missing Father's Day the last ten years. 

Richard Faust: You can't transform…but they can.

Richard pulled out a lens and placed it on the head of an acolyte, transforming him into a Crab Wraith that immediately tried reaching out for the Soul Driver. Blake shot around the claw and tried running up the stairs to get to his father, only for Richard to hold up his hand and attack Blake with an energy attack that seemed to hit him directly in the face, and sent him flying back down the stairs. 




Agent West: Blake! 

Asher: Help him up! We have to get out of here, and find the source that's blocking our powers! 

Asher: We've got you, Blake. Hang in there

Blake blinked rapidly, but his vision remained dark. Panic set in as he realized the full extent of the damage. 

Blake: I... I can't see. I've been blinded by the flash.

Ashley squeezed his hand, her touch reassuring. 

Agent West: We'll get you out of here. Just stay close and follow our lead.

The three of them began moving through the ornate halls of the mansion, their footsteps echoing in the vast, empty space. Shadows danced on the walls, cast by flickering candlelight, adding to the eerie atmosphere. The mansion seemed to come alive with the threat of approaching acolytes, members of the Magnus Foundation ready to stop their escape.

Agent West: Asher, take point. I'll cover our rear.

Asher nodded, gripping the stun baton he grabbed off of Blake tightly. He led the way, his senses on high alert. They turned a corner, only to be met by a group of acolytes blocking their path. Asher didn't hesitate; he charged forward, swinging his baton with precision and force. The acolytes fell back under his assault, their robes fluttering like dark wings.

Agent West: Stay close, Blake!

Agent West quickly turned her Anti-Wraith gun at the ready. She fired off a few rounds, each shot finding its mark and stunning the acolytes that tried to close in from behind. Blake stumbled, his hand clutching Asher's shoulder for guidance. He felt vulnerable and helpless, the darkness overwhelming him. 

Blake: I'm sorry. I should have seen this coming.

Agent West: Seen this coming? 

Blake: Sorry, is it too soon to make a vision joke?

Agent West: Your dad just tried to kill you!

Blake: Yeah, I don't really have time to process that right now, so I make a joke. Heh.

Asher: Don't blame yourself my friend. Right now, we need to get to the source that's blocking our power. We'll deal with everything else later.

They moved quickly through the mansion, Asher leading the charge and Ashley providing cover fire. The acolytes were relentless, but the trio fought with determination and skill. Each encounter was a chaotic blur of movement and sound for Blake, who relied entirely on his allies to navigate the treacherous halls. Another wave of acolytes surged toward them, and Asher met them head-on. His baton crackled with electricity as he struck down the attackers, his movements a dance of controlled violence. Ashley fired her Anti-Wraith gun with precision, each shot buying them precious seconds. Asher finally saw something up ahead that appeared to pulse a light, the same color as that which was blocking his Aperture. 

Asher: Almost there! Just a little further.

As Asher reached the crystaline object that nullified their powers, he was suddenly attacked by the imposing Crab Wraith. Things went from bad to worse, as the impact caused the floor before Blake and Ashley to crumble beneath their feet. 

Johnathan Angel found himself deep within the twisted, eerie corridors of the Death Realm version of the Faust Mansion. The air was thick with dread, and the walls seemed to pulse with a dark energy. Johnathan’s breathing was controlled, his steps light and silent. He knew he had to stay hidden and evade the monstrous Cerberus Wraith that prowled these haunted halls. The beast’s three heads moved independently, each one sniffing and searching for its prey. Its growls echoed through the mansion, a constant reminder of the deadly threat it posed. Johnathan pressed himself against a wall, his eyes scanning for any sign of the Wraith. The Death Realm had twisted the mansion into a nightmarish version of itself, with walls that seemed to shift and doors that led to nowhere. Every creak of the floorboards, every distant howl, set his nerves on edge. His senses were heightened, every sound amplified in the oppressive silence. He could hear the Cerberus Wraith’s heavy breathing and the scratching of its claws against the wooden floor. It was close, too close. Johnathan ducked into a nearby room, the door creaking softly as he pushed it open. The room was a twisted mockery of an opulent parlor, with decaying furniture and cobwebs hanging like shrouds. He moved quickly to the far corner, crouching behind a dilapidated couch. He needed to buy some time, to think of a plan to outmaneuver the beast. The Wraith’s footsteps grew louder, its growls more pronounced. Johnathan held his breath, willing himself to remain silent. The door to the room creaked open slowly, and the Cerberus Wraith entered, its three heads moving in different directions, each one scanning the room with feral intensity. Johnathan’s heart pounded in his chest. He knew that any movement, any sound, could give away his position. He watched as the Wraith’s middle head sniffed the air, its glowing eyes narrowing. It stepped further into the room, its massive form casting a long, menacing shadow. The Wraith moved closer to Johnathan’s hiding spot, its heads sniffing and snapping at the air. Johnathan’s mind raced. He needed a distraction. His eyes darted to a dusty, old vase on a nearby table. Slowly, carefully, he reached out and knocked it over with a soft push. The vase fell to the floor with a crash, shattering into pieces. The Cerberus Wraith’s heads snapped toward the sound, growling ferociously. It lunged at the broken vase, its claws digging into the floor as it investigated the noise. Johnathan took the opportunity to slip out of his hiding spot and move silently toward the door. He kept low, his movements fluid and deliberate. He needed to stay ahead of the Wraith, to find a way out of this twisted maze. As he exited the room, he glanced back to see the Wraith still fixated on the broken vase. He continued down the corridor, his senses on high alert. The mansion seemed to shift and change around him, the very walls pulsating with dark energy. He needed to find a way to outsmart the beast and escape this nightmare.

Blake, disoriented and blinded by his father's attack, crawled on the cold, hard floor of the dimly lit room he and Agent Ashley West had landed in. The room smelled of dust and decay, and the echo of distant footsteps signaled the approach of their enemies. His hands searched frantically, trying to make sense of his surroundings.

Agent West: Blake.

Agent West's voice called out weakly, filled with pain and urgency. 

Agent West: I'm over here.

Blake's heart raced as he followed the sound of her voice, feeling around until his hand brushed against her arm. 

Blake: Ashley, are you okay?

She coughed, trying to shift under the weight of the rubble pinning her down. 

Agent West: I'm trapped. Can't move. My Anti-Wraith gun... it's just out of reach. You have to find it.

Blake's fingers continued their search, finally brushing against the cold metal of the Anti-Wraith gun. He picked it up, feeling its familiar shape in his hands. 

Blake: I've got it, but Ashley I can't see! I want to help you! What do I do?

Ashley took a deep breath, pushing through the pain. 

Agent West: Listen to my voice. I'll guide you. Just trust me.

The sound of acolytes barging through the door echoed through the room, their footsteps growing louder. Blake tightened his grip on the gun, his senses heightened in the darkness.

Agent West: Blake, aim to your right. A little higher... now fire!

Blake squeezed the trigger, the gun recoiling in his hands as the round discharged. He heard the distinct sound of the Anti-Wraith round hitting its target, followed by a pained grunt from one of the acolytes.

Agent West: Good shot. Now, to your left. Higher. Fire!

Blake adjusted his aim and fired again, trusting Ashley's guidance. Another hit, another acolyte down. The sound of their enemies' confusion and pain filled the room, but Blake knew they couldn't let up.

Agent West: Blake, straight ahead. Just above your shoulder height. Fire!

Blake did as she said, firing another round. The acolytes' footsteps faltered, and he could hear them retreating, regrouping. But he knew more would come.

Agent West: Blake, we need to move. Help me out of here. 

Blake set the gun down and moved to her side, his hands working to free her from the rubble. He could feel the weight pressing down on her, the rough edges of broken wood and stone. With a determined effort, he managed to lift enough debris for her to slide out. Ashley groaned in pain but managed to stand with Blake's help. She picked up the Anti-Wraith gun, ensuring it was ready for the next encounter. As she dusted herself off, an acolyte emerged behind her, and Blake quickly grabbed the gun and fired it over her shoulder and knocked him to the ground. 

Blake: Close one! 

Agent West: I'll say! Wait, I didn't tell you about that one! 

Blake: My vision is starting to come back. It's still a little hazy, but it's getting better. 

Agent West: So it was like a flash bang. You did great without your sight regardless. 

Blake: Only because of you. You've always made me better. You've always kept me going. You were my little muse, now my not so little muse. 

Agent West: You're making me blush, but I guess you can see that. What else do you see? 

Blake: The most beautiful thing in the world.

Agent West: Time and place Blake! 

Blake: I see something else, behind you. It's...incredible. 

Agent West: Huh?

Only now, in the midst of the chaos did Agent West notice the ornate display behind them. Lit up in a faint light, a lens rested atop it, brimming with a noticeable power, a power that seemed to be drawing Blake in as he approached it. 

Agent West: Is that?

Blake: It's the Magnus Lens. It's got to be. It's incredible. I've never seen anything like it. I can feel the power coming off of it. 

Agent West: Your father said it was too powerful. It would kill the person who used it. 

Blake: Maybe it was meant for the original Magnus, and down the line the bloodline got weaker, and the strain became too much? I just know that this needs to be out of their hands now.

Blake grabbed the Magnus Lens, and in that moment, he became overwhelmed with flashing images of the past, battles fought and won by Magnus through the centuries. The memories alone were almost too much for him. 

Agent West: Blake! Are you okay?

Blake: Wow, what a rush. This thing is more dangerous than anything we've dealt with so far, but it's a tool of the enemy right now, and I think a Kamen Rider is meant to be a hero of justice that fights with the tools of the enemy.  

Agent West: We need to get back up there and help Asher. 

Blake: Right.

Blake and Agent West made it back up in time to see the Crab Wrath having a bloody Asher cornered in the room. It turned as they got up, giving him time to roll out of the way. As this was happening Johnathan managed to enter the same room from the Death Realm, and thanks to the glow from the crystalline object, it allowed everyone to see him. 

Agent West: It's Johnathan! 

Johnathan Angel: I got company behind me! 

Blake: We have company here! 

Johnathan Angel: What do we do?

Blake: I have found this lens Johnny boy! It's the Magnus Lens! 

Johnathan Angel: Whoa! 

Blake: Problem is, it's too powerful for one Magnus heir!

Johnathan Angel suddenly had a flash of thought, the day he allowed the ghost to possess him, and then thought about his own currently ghostly predicament, in regards to Blake's comments about one heir and the Soul Drivers. 

Johnathan Angel: What if the Soul Drivers weren't meant for the end of the world? What if they weren't designed to bridge the gap between life and death for evil? 

Blake: What? 

Johnathan Angel: Agent West! Shoot the crystal! Blake, I'm going to possess you! 

Blake: What?! 

Johnathan Angel: I won't take over! We'll work together! Life and death working together at the same time with the Soul Drivers! Prepare to use the lens! 

Blake: This is insane! 

Johnathan Angel: You got a better idea? 

Blake: I didn't say I didn't like it! I just said it was insane! I can do insane! This whole thing is insane! I'm ready!

Agent West fired her Anti-Wraith gun at the crystalline object and shattered it, removing the nullifying effect from the mansion. Asher returned to his Kamen Rider Ash form in time to block the shot from the Crab Wraith. The Cerberus Wraith approached Johnathan in the Death Realm, but at the last second he possessed Blake, and the two of them put the Magnus Lens into the Aperture. 

Belt: THROUGH THE LENS OF MAGNUS, THE WRAITH SHALL TREMBLE.

Blake and Johnathan: HENSHIN!




Belt: THIS IS KAMEN RIDER MAGNUS SOUL! 

To Be Continued…

Last edited by Machismo (6/24/2024 3:03 am)

Episode 32: Live for Tomorrow!

Kamen Rider Magnus Soul, Kamen Rider Ash, and Agent Ashley West stood at the edge of the massive, cavernous room deep beneath the Faust Mansion. The air was charged with a foreboding energy, and the walls seemed to pulse with an eerie, otherworldly light. In the center of the room, the gate to the Death Realm had opened wide, as Richard Faust's body fell to the ground. A swirling vortex of dark energy that emitted a cacophony of tortured screams and desperate wails. From the gate emerged Legion, a monstrous entity composed of countless hands and faces, each one contorted in expressions of anger and agony. The sight was too disturbing for words, a nightmarish vision of horror that sent chills down their spines. Dimitri stood before Legion, his arms raised in supplication. His eyes gleamed with a twisted ambition as he addressed the monstrous entity. 




Dimitri: Legion, I offer myself to you. Make me your avatar, so that I may ascend to godhood!

Kamen Rider Magnus Soul, felt a surge of rage and disgust at Dimitri's words. 

Kamen Rider Magnus Soul: Dimitri, you don't know what you're doing! This isn't power—it's madness!

Dimitri turned, a maniacal smile spreading across his face. 

Dimitri: You're too late, Blake. This is the ultimate power, and I will be the one to wield it.

Kamen Rider Ash, standing beside Magnus Soul, clenched his fists. 

Kamen Rider Ash: We won't let you do this, Dimitri. You're risking everything for your delusions of grandeur.

Ashley West, her Anti-Wraith gun at the ready, stepped forward. 

Agent West: Dimitri, step away from that gate! You have no idea what you're unleashing!

Legion's many faces screamed and wailed, its countless hands reaching out, clawing at the air as if desperate to grasp anything within reach. The sheer malevolence of the entity was overwhelming, its presence a blight on reality.

Dimitri laughed, his voice echoing through the chamber. 

Dimitri: Fools! You cannot stop what is already in motion. Legion will grant me power beyond your comprehension!

Magnus Soul's eyes narrowed behind his helmet. 

Kamen Rider Magnus Soul: Then we'll stop you ourselves.

With that, Kamen Rider Magnus Soul and Kamen Rider Ash charged forward, their movements synchronized and determined. Ashley stayed back, providing cover fire with her Anti-Wraith gun, each shot aimed at the writhing hands of Legion that reached too close. Dimitri raised his arms, summoning dark energy from the gate. The energy coalesced around him, forming a protective barrier that repelled the Riders' initial attacks. 

Dimitri: You can't stop me, Blake! This is my destiny! This is where we've always been heading you and I! I am better than you! I've always been better than you, and I shall be the one to usher in our evolution! It's destiny! Hahaha!

Kamen Rider Magnus Soul: Destiny or not, we won't let you bring this horror into our world!

Ash fired his Ashen Revolver, the explosive rounds striking Dimitri's barrier and causing it to flicker. 

Kamen Rider Ash: You're not becoming a god, Dimitri. You're just a pawn to this monstrosity!

Legion's hands lashed out, attempting to grab the Riders. Magnus Soul and Ash dodged and weaved, their movements a blur as they avoided the monstrous appendages. Ashley's precise shots kept the hands at bay, giving the Riders a chance to close the distance. Dimitri's barrier began to waver under the combined assault. With a final, desperate effort, Magnus Soul delivered a powerful punch infused with his energy, shattering the dark shield around Dimitri. Ash followed up with a series of rapid shots from his revolver, forcing Dimitri to stumble back.

Dimitri: No! This can't be happening!

Magnus Soul and Ash pressed their advantage. Magnus Soul grabbed Dimitri by the collar, lifting him off the ground. 

Kamen Rider Magnus Soul: It's over, Dimitri. Step away from the gate, now!

Dimitri: I won't let you take this from me! Legion, grant me your power!

But Legion's response was not what Dimitri expected. The monstrous entity's hands reached for him, pulling him closer to the gate. The faces within Legion screamed in unison, their voices a terrifying chorus.

Agent West: Dimitri no!

Dimitri's screams echoed through the chamber as Legion pulled him into the Death Realm, his body and soul absorbed by the monstrous entity. The gate began to destabilize, the vortex of energy growing more chaotic. 

Kamen Rider Ash: We need to close that gate, now!

Kamen Rider Magnus Soul: We must get Johnathan's brother out of the Sarcophagus! It's drawing energy from him!

Kamen Rider Magnus Soul and Kamen Rider Ash stood side by side, their postures tense as they faced the terrifying Legion Wraith. Its form was a shifting, writhing mass of hands and faces, each screaming in endless torment. The air around it seemed to pulse with dark energy, a testament to its overwhelming power. Across the room, Agent Ashley West hurried to the massive stone sarcophagus where Timothy Angel was imprisoned. She knew her task was critical, freeing Timothy while Magnus Soul and Ash engaged the Legion Wraith. Magnus Soul tightened their grip, their fists glowing with intense red and blue energy. 

Kamen Rider Magnus Soul: Ash, we need to hit it with everything we have. We can't let it overpower us.

Ash nodded, his Ashen Revolver primed and ready. 

Kamen Rider Ash: The nightmare from my childhood. Stories told of an unspeakable horror. A sight you never wanted to see in one lifetime, let alone the many lifetimes that passed through my slumber. Yet, here I am staring down the terror or terrors. Right. Let's do this.

With a synchronized roar, the Riders charged at the Legion Wraith. Magnus Soul leaped into the air, delivering a powerful, energy-infused punch to the creature's amorphous body. Ash fired a volley of explosive rounds, each bullet striking the Wraith and creating bursts of fire and light. But the Legion Wraith barely flinched, its many hands lashing out with terrifying speed and force. The Wraith's claws slashed at Magnus Soul, the impact sending him crashing into a nearby pillar. The structure shattered, debris raining down as Magnus Soul struggled to rise. Ash fired again, aiming for the Wraith's screaming faces, but the bullets seemed to dissolve in the creature's dark energy.

Meanwhile, Ashley reached the sarcophagus, her hands trembling as she worked to unlock the ancient mechanism. 

Agent West: Hang on, Timothy. I'm getting you out of here.

The Legion Wraith roared, its multitude of faces contorting in rage. It turned its attention to Ashley, sensing her efforts to free Timothy. Its claws extended, reaching out with deadly intent.

Magnus Soul saw the danger and pushed himself to his feet. 

Kamen Rider Magnus Soul: No! Ashley, watch out!

He charged at the Wraith, tackling one of its massive arms and diverting its attack. The force of the impact sent shockwaves through the chamber, but Magnus Soul held on, his armor sparking under the strain, and shattering open the helmet. Agent West looked on and saw the faces of Blake and Johnathan contorting and switching places repeatedly. 

Ash fired again, aiming for the Wraith's core. 

Kamen Rider Ash: We've got to keep it away from her!

The Wraith's other arms lashed out, striking Ash with brutal force. He was thrown across the room, crashing into the wall and leaving a dent. Groaning, he pushed himself up, firing more rounds to keep the creature's attention divided. When that didn't work, he got desperate. 

Kamen Rider Ash: I will face the demon that has haunted me for so long. I will exterminate this evil Wraith and save the human race, even if I have to burn!

Ash's scarf erupted into flames, ticking away his lifeforce, as he put everything he had into one attack. 

Kamen Rider Ash: ASHEN COMET DROPKICK!

Kamen Rider Ash dropped down on Legion exactly like a comet, and with an all out force he'd never used before, the type of attack that would mean his end. Legion staggered back, but only briefly, as it then reached out to grab Kamen Rider Ash, and consumed him, adding to its mass and power.

Kamen Rider Magnus: No!

Legion then wrapped back around and grabbed up Agent West. 

Agent West: Blake! 

Kamen Rider Magnus Soul: Ashley!

Before Legion could absorb her, Magnus Soul went all out with a massive Magnus Soul Kick. Locked in a stalemate with the massive creature, it began to reach out all around Magnus Soul, ready to consume them from all sides. The room began to grow darker and darker…

Blake found himself standing in darkness. All around him was blank emptiness, but he could hear faint voices all around him. He heard one closer than the others. He turned to see his father standing behind him.

Blake: Dad? Where is this? 

Richard Faust: We are Legion. We are many. 

Blake: Dad?

Richard Faust: He's consumed me, my son. He had me trapped for many years. I missed out on so much, and I caused so much misery, all because I dared to challenge powers beyond my control. This is a curse I set upon not just our family, and not just Johnathan's, but all of humanity. Even now, Legion is reaching out. The merging is beginning. 

Blake: No!

Maggie Faust got up from her desk and looked outside. She couldn't believe her eyes. Large, black tendrils were beginning to burst forth from the mansion. It was miles away, but the sheer growing size of Legion, meant she could see it clear as day. 

Lizbeth dropped her coffee as she ran outside, she joined others in looking up to see the sky darkening, with a canopy of screaming faces. 

Lizbeth: Oh no. Johnathan…Johnathan you have to be out there trying to stop this. You have to be. You have to save me. You're my tenant, my Detective, …and my hero. You can do it!

Johnathan looked around his own darkness, and heard the whispers, screams, and moans all around him. He looked and saw a young boy and a woman on the ground in front of him. He realized it was Agent West and Timothy. His brother was the same as he was the day of the crash, preserved, just like Asher had been. 

Johnathan Angel: Is it over? Did we lose? 

Asher: Not yet. 

Johnathan Angel: Huh?

Johnathan turned around to see Asher, but he wasn't alone. Two other figures were walking towards him. 

Asher: We're on the precipice Johnathan. What happens next is up to you. 

Johnathan Angel: What do I do? 

Wayne Angel: Son, this is a dark prison we're in, a prison of trapped souls. Legion gives you despair, and makes you want to surrender to the darkness. You are a split second away, but don't give up. 

Johnathan Angel: Dad! 

Elizabeth Angel: Oh my sweet boy, how I wish we could have been there with you as you grew, but you have become a fine young man, and a true hero. Please, do what we couldn't do. Stop this madness once and for all. 

Johnathan Angel: ….

In Blake's darkness he stood in silence mesmerized by the swirling darkness and the voices. 

Blake: They're calling out to me. They want me to come back. They want me to come home. 

Richard Faust: You know this isn't your home. This isn't any place you want to be. 

Blake: I spent so much time with death, the trauma is subsiding, and it almost feels comfortable. Heh, of course I'm not going to succumb to it. Even if all hope is lost, I'll never stop fighting. The alternative is so much worse. I'll go down swinging. 

Richard Faust: Please, you have to end this curse, if not for me, for everyone else. 

Blake: I'll fight for you too Dad. I'll get you out of here. You deserve to rest in peace. 

Dimitri: What about me? Do I deserve it? I don't want it! 

Blake: Dimitri. 

Dimitri: This is where we belong. You can't feel it? Your father was under influence, but me, this whole time I knew what I was doing. I wanted to become one with a god, and I succeeded, not how I planned, but it doesn't matter now. I am here, and this is where we all belong. This solves the problems of life. 

Blake: Life is not a problem to be solved Dimitri! Life has meaning! Life has value! Life can be so beautiful, and it is always worth fighting for, even to the bitter end. Win or lose, I'm going to fight. I'm going to put the past behind me, and I'm going to live for tomorrow! A brighter tomorrow!

Both Blake and Johnathan snapped out of the dark visions of Legion and as Magnus Soul began to shine brighter and brighter. The shine of their armor enveloped them, and the light began to fight back and pierce the darkness. It receded enough to free Agent West, as she finally found the strength to pry open the sarcophagus, and pulled Timothy Angel out of the device that was one of half of the ritual keeping the gate open. The power from the gate began to die, and the merging slowly began to come undone, but that just enraged Legion further, as thousands of hands seemed to burst forth with massive arms and tried to punch, claw, scratch, and do anything they could to fight off Magnus Soul's powerful kick. Suddenly, they were held back by something within, and Magnus Soul could see Kamen Rider Ash reaching out from within. 

Kamen Rider Ash: Do it! Send this monster to Hell and shut the gate between life and death once and for all! 

Kamen Rider Magnus Soul: Legion, you may be an assortment of hate, malice, anger, sorrow, greed, lust, envy, and evil, but you lack the thing that is going to defeat you today and always. You lack…..Soul. 




The kick finally struck true, a beam of light piercing the dark mass of the entity. But Legion fought back fiercely, its many hands, faces, and tendrils pushing against the force of the Rider Kick. Magnus Soul could feel the pressure mounting, the darkness of Legion's will pressing against his own. They grit their teeth, channeling every ounce of their strength into the attack. "

Kamen Rider Magnus Soul: We will never let evil win!

Legion's tendrils wrapped around Magnus Soul's leg, trying to pull him into the abyss. Its faces contorted with fury, their screams growing louder, a cacophony of rage and desperation. The hands clawed at the light, seeking to extinguish it and consume Magnus Soul. But Magnus Soul's light only grew brighter, fueled by his unyielding will. 

Kamen Rider Magnus Soul: For everyone... for the world... we will not falter!

The chamber was bathed in a radiant glow, the light of Magnus Soul's Rider Kick pushing back against the dark energy of Legion. The struggle was intense, the clash of wills creating shockwaves that shook the very foundations of the chamber. Magnus Soul's vision blurred with the effort, but they refused to back down. They thought of their friends, of Agent West and Timothy. They thought of Lizbeth, Maggie Faust, and Victor. They thought of all the lives that depended on them. With a final, determined roar, they poured every bit of their energy into the Rider Kick.

Kamen Rider Magnus Soul: Legion, this is the end!

The light from Magnus Soul's attack intensified, a brilliant burst that pierced through Legion's defenses. The many hands, faces, and tendrils began to disintegrate, the dark energy unraveling under the onslaught of light. Legion's screams grew more frantic, a desperate, dying wail. The dark mass shuddered, its form breaking apart as the light consumed it. With one last, defiant roar, Legion was enveloped in a blinding explosion of light. As the light faded, Magnus Soul landed on the ground, breathing heavily but victorious. The chamber was silent, the oppressive darkness gone. The remains of Legion had dissipated, leaving only a lingering echo of its defeat.

Blake and Johnathan, stood amidst the wreckage of the chamber. As they dust cleared they found a couple of bodies laying on the altar, and they saw Agent West clinging to a scared young boy. Johnathan's eyes welled up with tears as he looked over. 

Johnathan Angel: Timothy?

The scared young boy looked up, and saw the familiar, yet unfamiliar man. 

Timothy Angel: Y-Yes, I'm Timothy. W-Who are you?

Johnathan Angel: You don't recognize me? 

Timothy Angel: N-No. 

Johnathan Angel: Heh, I can imagine, but surely you couldn't forget this face. You're the world famous Detective of Hanta City, and I'm your assistant. Remember? 

Timothy Angel: Johnny?

Johnathan Angel: It's been a long time brother.

Timothy ran over and hugged his brother, in an instant, all the lost years of buried trauma seemed to melt away. Johnathan leaned down and embraced his brother. 

Johnathan Angel: I thought I was alone. 

Blake: You were never alone, partner.

Blake smiled at Johnathan, the same smile he flashed when they first met. He quickly ran over to the altar and helped up Victor.

Blake: I've got you Victor. 

Victor Faust: Blake? So you are alive! What is this? Where are we? 

Blake: You've been put through the wringer for a long time, haven't you? 

Victor Faust: Apparently. 

Blake: Don't worry, that's over now. Can you stand? 

Victor Faust: Yeah, I think so. 

Blake: Good. Help me pick up the old man. 

Victor Faust: Eh? Who is this?

Blake and Victor picked up a now ancient looking Asher. 

Asher: Someone who needs to take a long nap at the Geist building. 

Blake: Yeah, you're not looking so great, but at least you got your health right? 

Asher: Heh…more or less. 

Johnathan Angel: So it's over? It's all over? 

Blake: Yeah buddy, it looks like. 

Johnathan Angel: Heh…hehehe.

Blake: Hahahahaha!

Blake and Johnathan Angel ran at each other and hugged in celebration. The two heroes finally put an end to the heinous plot, but not all was settled just yet. 

Agent West: You think it's all over Blake?  

Blake: Huh? 

Agent West: You think you're finished? 

Blake: Uh. 

Agent West: You have one last thing you need to do!

Blake: Eh?




Weeks later, a large crowd gathered to see the wedding of the "prodigal son" as the media called him, Blake Faust, to Ashley West, now Ashley Faust. A large gathering of friends, family and press were on hand for the event. 

Reporter: Mr. Faust, isn't this a shockingly quick marriage after you just returned from years abroad? 

Blake: You're telling me! Hahaha!

Johnathan and Timothy Angel were there as well, as best man and ring bearer, while Victor ushered the duo to their limo. Maggie Faust walked up beside Johnathan and placed her hand on his shoulder. 

Maggie Faust: Nothing I can do can erase the pain of the past, but through both of our losses, and our triumphs, we will heal. If there is anything you ever need from us, you let me know. After all, we're family. 

Johnathan Angel: Heh, thank you.

Maggie Faust: Now, when is it going to be your turn to get married?

Johnathan Angel: Huh?

Maggie Faust: You need the help of a woman to raise your now much younger brother. 

Johnathan Angel: Maybe someday I'll find someone!

Before getting into the limo, Ashley tossed her bouquet into the air. Lizbeth rushed and elbowed her way to the front, and fought off all the other women to claim it. 

Lizbeth: Yes! It's mine! Yes! It's going to happen! Hahahaha! 

Johnathan Angel: Yeah…someday I'll find love.

Johnathan watched as Blake helped Ashley into the limo. He stopped for a moment to share a look and a smile with Johnathan. He nodded, and thanked him for everything, before leaving on his honeymoon with his new wife. As they drove off, he thought about what brought them there, and how far they had come from the night he first surprised him as a ghost. With Hanta City safe, and with his brother to take care of, he thought about what lay in store for him next. 

Weeks Later…

Johnathan Angel awoke after a restless sleep. He had made a big decision, but today was the day he acted on it. His nerves were shot, but his resolve was there. As he opened his eyes, he saw Blake staring him down. 

Blake: Hey. 

Johnathan Angel: AH!

Blake: AH!

Johnathan Angel: AH! 

Blake: AH! 

Lizbeth was typing below them, and heard the screaming. 

Lizbeth: Oh, the idiot must finally be awake. *sigh* I can't believe he's doing this. *typing* The Detective, her hero, the man who saved the entire world, decided he needed to go and see the world. He needed to take his little brother out of the city that left them so many bad memories, so they could make more memories together on the road. The stunning and beautiful cafe owner couldn't help but feel even more enamored by him for being so selfless, perfect father material. However, she was sad that he would be gone because she-

She stopped typing as Blake and Johnathan came down the stairs. 

Blake: I'm sorry! I thought you might find it funny! 

Johnathan Angel: I thought you were a ghost again! 

Blake: Imagine! 

Johnathan Angel: I did! Just now! I hated it! 

Blake: Sorry buddy! You didn't think I wasn't going to be here today did you?

Johnathan Angel: I don't know. You're busy now, helping Victor run Geist now? 

Blake: It's his company, and I never wanted the role, but I'll happily help him with whatever he and Mom need to change the company for the better, start really helping people. 

Lizbeth: No more surveillance right? No more authoritarian tricks? No more opening gates to other realms!?

Blake: That's all a thing of the past. 

Lizbeth: Oh good, I can get the new Geist Watch then. I really wanted one. 

Johnathan Angel: Yeah, they gave me one so we could keep in contact! 

Lizbeth: Yeah, that was the point! 

Johnathan Angel: Oh. But I won't owe rent while I'm gone will I?

Lizbeth: Maybe you will! I might just rent the room to someone else! You ever think of that?! 

Johnathan Angel: I'm sorry if you're worried about money but-

Blake: Don't even worry about money, not for a second. Geist will make sure you keep this place for as long as you want it Liz, just as long as I can be Java Coffington when I get the time. 

Lizbeth: Of course you can! You ARE Java Coffington! 

Blake: That's right! Don't you forget it! Well buddy, I think he's waiting. 

Johnathan Angel: Yeah, let's do this.

Johnathan stepped outside, where he was joined by Ashley Faust, Maggie Faust, Victor Faust, Dr. Hegel, Asher, and Timothy Angel, sitting in a brand new side car added to his motorcycle. 

Dr. Hegel: Surprise! Hehe, I uh, I added a sidecar. It was the least I could do. 

Johnathan Angel: It'll keep me from falling. I love it! You comfy Timmy? 

Timothy Angel: It's great! 

Asher:  Until we meet again my friend. Safe journeys and enlightening travels. 

Johnathan Angel: Thanks Asher. 

Maggie Faust: Remember what I said. If you need anything, just let us know. 

Johnathan Angel: I will. Thank you. 

Victor Faust: I don't have the words to thank you for all you've done for us, for me. You were a brother for Blake when I couldn't be, so you'll always be a brother to both of us. That includes you too Timothy. 

Timothy Angel: Awesome! 

Ashley Faust: What a ride it's been right? 

Johnathan Angel: It has been quite the-

Ashley began to cry as she quickly hugged Johnathan tightly. 

Ashley Faust: You brought him back to me. Thank you Johnathan. 

Johnathan Angel: You're very welcome Ashley. That's what heroes do right? 

Lizbeth: And just when does the hero intend to come back? 

Johnathan Angel: I don't know. I'm not planning anything out. I just want a fresh start with my brother, and we're going to see where that road takes us. 

Lizbeth: You will be back though, right? 

Johnathan Angel: Count on it. 

Lizbeth: I'm holding you to that! Well, bye I guess.

Lizbeth slammed the door shut as Johnathan sat on the bike beside Timothy. He took off his signature hat, and put it on his brother's head. 

Johnathan Angel: You'll need your iconic Detective's hat Timmy. We're going to investigate the world together. Just make sure you hang onto it. 

Timothy Angel: Oh it's great, I love it!

Blake walked up to Johnathan and the two shook hands. 

Blake: You take care of yourself. 

Johnathan Angel: I will. But, if something bad happens, I'll know who to haunt. 

Blake: Haha!

With a final nod to each other, Johnathan revved up the bike, and drove away.

Blake: See you down the road, my friend, my brother, my hero.




As Johnathan and Timothy drove away from Cafe Noir, life returned to a state of normalcy in Hanta City. A big press conference was held in front of the Geist Corporation building. Victor and Blake were shown shaking hands, a new united front to fix the company. 

Victor Faust: Together with my brother, we're going to repair the damage that has been caused, and we're going to make Geist a name you can be proud of! 

Blake: That's right, and I got one more surprise for you! 

Belt: In the name of Faust, I fight for Justice!

Blake: Henshin!



Kamen Rider Faust: I AM Kamen Rider Faust! Hahaha!

Victor Faust: Well, I wasn't expecting THAT announcement today. Want to tell them you're Java Coffington too?

Kamen Rider Faust: Oh no, we must protect that secret. 

Victor Faust: Oh sure. Totally sensible brother. Totally sensible. 

Maggie Faust watched her two sons with a smile from her office. She grabbed up the picture out of her drawer and unfolded the part where Richard Faust stood. 

Maggie Faust: We raised some fine young men, Richard. You would be proud.

Asher stood in front of the Faust Mansion, as the remants of the order bowed to him, the new Overseer. 

Asher: We have a lot of work to do. We have so much to repair. Let's get started! 

Johnathan and Timothy were all smiles as they cleared the mountain range surrounding Hanta City, and finally made it free and clear of the place they had lived all of their lives. The open road held many possibilities, and they never knew what they might find next. 

Lizbeth sat back down after Johnathan left, and wiped tears from her face. She went back to her blog to finish what she was writing. 

Lizbeth: *typing* She was sad that he would be gone because she loved him. She loved him with all of her heart, but she would wait for the day her oblivious Detective returned. She would wait….for her hero.

Lizbeth sat back and smiled, thinking about the day Johnathan would come back, but was grateful for all that happened while he was here. The Spirit Detective and the ghost saved the world, and she and many others would never forget the name Kamen Rider Soul.

The End of Soul…for now…

Miles away from Hanta City…

A truck was driving down the highway, heading for an unknown location. The driver wasn't anyone of importance, just a man passing through the area. However, as he drove, he saw a disheveled man in a vest, wearing a strange belt trying to get a ride. He was quick to pull over and let him into the truck.

Driver: You look like you've been at it for some time! Time to take a load off! 

?: I appreciate that. 

Driver: My name is Jimmy. Where ya heading? 

?: Just down the road, as far as you'll take me. 

Driver: No location in particular? 

?: I go where I'm needed. 

Driver: Oh, the hero type? You must've heard about that Soul guy coming out of Hanta City too. Everyone has been talking about it. The rise of a masked hero. Apparently it's got more of them coming out of the woodwork too. If what the news said was true, I guess we need them, but can you believe the stories? A large creature almost consumed Hanta City?! Can you really believe something like that?



?: You'd be surprised by what I can believe.

Next time….Kamen Rider Dream! 

Last edited by Machismo (6/26/2024 3:39 am)