Fandom Power Rangers Sentinels

[Lady Insanity]

Hearing Fate and Novus were proud brought joy into April's heart, but also a bit of guilt. If not for her Fate wouldn't have been attacked and Novus wouldn't have been turned into his smaller form. Also hearing even darker things lurked on the horizon was troubling. She nodded...the Rangers had all be on their guard, no? Benji asked a good question. Just what was really so terrifying out there...cue a shudder.
April cautiously approached Fate and Novus. "Hey, Novus...I'm so sorry. If I hadn't asked you guys to come you wouldn't be small, and Fate wouldn't have been attacked. Can you guys forgive me? I really am sorry for getting you in danger like that..." April asked them both softly, genuine concern and apologies in her voice. She truly cares about these strange mentors. And the rest of her friends, too.

At least those Spirits are free, right? And the Legion has the gem... damn it. This would bring a sense of duty for April. Aside from just wanting to do the right thing, she also wanted to right that wrong. "And sorry about the Eye getting lost to the Legion..." she apologized again.

(Sorry this is short! Just quick replies and then I end it!)

 

[Steel Accord]

"Hey, don't beat yourself up about it. We were just going to dispel a curse. We weren't prepared to fight both Avlazor and Nenet plus their re-purposed henchman." Dylan offered. "Look at it this way, we accomplished our original mission of going out there. Those two are no longer cursed." Dylan said.

 

[marorda]

"Yeah yeah, I'll be fine," Novus said, waving the worries away. His smaller form may be his true form, but it didn't mean it was his preferred form or that he liked being STUCK in it. Mainly it was the latter. If he could just shift into any shape at will... it wouldn't have been as much of a point. Plus, he had his reasons for preferring his more humanlike form as much as Fate had her reasons for liking her owl-form better.
"Of course we forgive you, dearie," Fate smiled. "You merely did what you believed was the right thing. It was the right thing. You couldn't possibly have known all of this would happen," the sorceress gestured around herself. "As for the darkness... I cannot yet tell what it will mean, but it's going to be dire. The world won't fall apart as of yet, but the first tears might as well start to appear depending on how Vorkalth and the Legion decide to handle the Eye and its evil powers."
"Well doesn't that just sound promising," Erin sighed dramatically. Being a brightly colored superhero was one thing. The knowledge the baddies had some powerful artifact possibly capable of tearing the world as they knew it apart? That was a different thing entirely. She put an arm around April's shoulders and smiled at her roommate. "Dylan and Fate are right. There's no need to blame yourself over what happened. We did the right thing saving those two spirits."

 

[PenBlade1326]

A soft grin spread over Clay's face, his jaw opening to speak, cut off by Benji butting in out of nowhere. "Don't worry, April. Fate's right, you did the right thing by investigating and helping those fishermen. At least there's two less souls trapped in agony, right?" He asked her to try and lift her spirits a bit. He could tell she felt guilty over losing that gem and getting Fate and Novus in danger. At least they all gt out alive. And Benji related to feeling guilty. His own statue became a monster, and that'd forever stick with him. He patted her arm to reassure her. "Besides. We're all friends, a team. Got your back no matter what," He told her surprisingly upbeat.

The cowboy tipped his hat...so to speak. "Shame that more evil's a'comin' to the world. But that just means we're gonna have to be stronger and fight harder. Y'all know that old expression... the bigger they are, the harder they fall." Maybe Clay wasn't the best with lines...but maybe that made sense. Isn't his southern accent and charm supposed to make him better at talking to people? Dad gummit... Clay leaned on the wall of the Coven. Whatever bad things were coming meant it was about to get interesting. But April isn't to blame. Even if that battle hadn't happened, Nenet would have gotten the gem anyway. It isn't April's fault. She shouldn't live with that burden. Just next time they encounter those generals, it's gonna be clobbering time," he reminded.

 

[Lady Insanity]

Smiles broke out onto April's face. Reassuring words from Dylan and Erin, as well as forgiveness from Fate and Novus. Clay had his own way with words that made her smile...Hell, even Benji the skeptical one was comforting. She related to him in the guilt department...both of them had indirectly caused monsters to be created, no? At least nobody was mad at her for what happened... Still in the back of her mind she'd always know it was her fault that Nenet got away with the Eye of the Serpent. And that the Legion was even stronger now...but she'd also remember freeing those poor men and reuniting them with their wives in the next life, whatever it may be. Who knows what truly lies beyond this life?
April faced everybody in the Coven. "Thanks, everyone. And Novus, I promise I'll make it up to you about you being small now... And I promise everyone that the next time we see Nenet....like Clay said, it's clobbering time." A certain sass overtook April for a moment in mixture with her softness.
Blaming herself for all of time wouldn't fix anything. It was at that moment she developed a hatred for the Legion. She didn't like them before, but now seeing what they're capable of once more, especially with her being involved...she despised the Legion. Nenet, Avlazor and Vorkalth would all not see a moments peace as long as the Sentinels were around. The White Ranger would devote herself to helping her friends more, as well as train hard and work to see a world free of ugly evil. Whatever new threats come their way, the Sentinels will stand ready to face them...surely?

After a short debrief and night spent in the Coven, April bid the others farewell and returned to the lake. It had returned to normal, no ghosts or ice this time. She watched her reflection ripple in the water, taking in a deep breath and turning around to face the skating ring not far from there. April decided to go skating and relax herself before going to the dorm and turning in for the night. For hours, April would glide over the ice of the indoor ring, renting a pair of skates that smelled like bowling shoes but fit like a glove. And on the ice, as if by...fate, April skated a shape into the ice. A five-pointed star...in a circle. A pentagram. To anyone normal, that'd be creepy. To her? Just a symbol of hope.

In the far reaches of Hell, Nenet prepared the Eye for a dark ritual. One that could tear the Veil between worlds, fueling it with black magic and evil, wickedly laughing as Vorkalth's armies prepared for a most marvelous time! Hell will be unleashed! And not even the Sentinels can stop it! Hahahahaha!

END OF TALE 4.

 

[marorda]

Tale 5: Standing Stones

The first couple of days after the Legion got their hands on the Eye were quiet. No signs of Spawners, sudden clouds of evil magic, no ghosts, no demons. As if everything was holding its breath, waiting for something big to happen. Though Erin had followed Fate and Novus' advice and had been on guard, her senses sharper than usual, she had enjoyed the silence to just focus on her studies, wander around the city trying to find her way better and better... and of course hanging out with her new friends. And in between that all.... training. Lots and lots of training. Learning more of the variety of worlds connected to theirs, learning of predecessors as far as the records went back, and still more magic practice. Though she could call upon her fire and Igneos easily, maybe a little too easily, she had trouble staying in control. Which may or may not have led to her almost setting Novus on fire two days back. Damn fairy thought it was a good idea to see if she could remain concentrated if she'd startle her while she was working with her fire. Everyone present had quickly learned this was a bad call. Thankfully in the end nobody got hurt!
---
Novus sat in the Coven, running his hands through his shoulder length purple hair. He tugged harshly on the sides and sighed, eyes cast at the Scyring Windows keeping an eye on the worlds quickly fading in and out as they were scanned for anything out of the ordinary. Nothing. Which was just as wrong when there would be something very off. He knew Vorkalth, he knew him all too well and had known him for the longest of time. Nothing happening was about as frightening as one of the connected worlds suddenly shattering in front of his eyes. Nothing meant the Legion was cautious, preparing for something big. Novus shook his head as he started again from the beginning, looking at world after world, slowly draining his energy in order to keep up. Thankfully sugar was discovered a long time ago, and even more thankfully it seemed to be everywhere in this day and age. He downed another can of Energy Drink which he had taken out of Erin's backpack.

By the time Fate walked in from her flight around the realm where the Coven was located, the 1 foot tall fairy was surrounded by six empty cans, and three gummy worms dangled from his mouth.
"How much sugar did you have?" Fate raised an eyebrow. It was no secret Novus had a sweet tooth, but this was a bit... excessive.
"Not enough," the fairy replied with full mouth. He rapidly tucked the worms into his mouth and swallowed.
"It bothers you more than usually, doesn't it?" Fate sat down next to her friend, looking at the Scyring Window. Novus didn't reply and blankly stared ahead. "Perhaps you should tell them."
"No. I can't," Novus shook his head. "Not all of it. Not now. They're not ready. And we don't even precisely know what will happen now."
---
Deep down in the Underworld, Vorkalth had taken his time to absorb part of the Eye's energy, fuel he needed for the ritual. He had been cautious not to take too much magic to grow stronger himself, as the artifact was too powerful and valuable to waste entirely right away. Besides, the Sentinels weren't the only ones who might be in need of allies. Especially not now that the Time of Prophecy was upon them. Nobody could take risks. Now that he deemed he had absorbed enough of the Eye's magic, he could leave the Artifact to recharge while he himself initiated the next step of an evil plot being hatched. He had called Nenet and (though he wondered why) Avlazor to another cavern of the Underworld. A place once used for rites bigger, longer, and more complex than Nenet's rites of calling monsters and granting them a second life as giants. "It is time," he said, initiating the ancient ritual. His mind was set on one of the worlds, one that seemed to be popular even in this time. Soon the first tears would appear, soon the first evil magic would seep through. And once their enemies were either out of the way or subdued, the Era of the Legion would begin.

He started a chant in a deep and inhuman voice, in the ancient language long forgotten to mankind. The chant resonated and echoed within the caverns.
"Ak'teh Oluu d'shint. Seri'el doch aman shuu. Karashin Garan doluk, A'chec Xu'nas."
Vorkalth reached for a ceremonial dagger underneath his robes and paced between the carvings on the floor, carefully, practised. Like someone who has done rites like this many times before. Although he was far from graceful, being broad and clad in robes, he moved with a certain almost -probably- magical elegance.
"Vaelum karanna avasan, Cuimilt neyna koroch.
Ataes Nyengo Solas ittrigum gan byar. Ataes Noctem tosaionn.
Vaelum karanna Avalon."

As he chanted the last line, the shaman cut the dagger through the air. The slit was paper thin, but dark tendrils slowly tore it apart, eager to enter, another energy eager to escape. If he had a true mouth to grin with, Vorkalth's grin would split his face in two. They had succeeded. The conquest could begin,
---
Erin looked up, startled by something she couldn't place. It was as if a strong gust of wind had just passed her by. Maybe it had, maybe it was just her imagination getting the better of her after the last couple of days. Still she looked at the others. Until now they had just been hanging out together, as friends. "Guys...?" she asked, not even sure if she should finish her question or whether they already knew. After all, she wasn't sure if she felt what she felt just now. "Did you guys too just...?"
She eyed her surroundings. No signs of Spawners, Hellgates (as she had dubbed the portals), demons, or anything out of the ordinary. And as of yet, no voices of fairies and owls speaking in her mind.

(Yay, combining made up words with real languages xD this took me the longest of the entire post xD)

 

[Steel Accord]

Dylan enjoyed the almost non-stop training. It was work yes, but from his own years and years of martial arts training, he enjoyed the repetition and feeling himself become slowly better at skills. The training was a little less formal than he would have liked, more like a loose classroom than anything that had a sense of ceremony to it to make it feel special. He remembered his Kung Fu training would always begin and end with everyone bowing to the teacher and the Temple's altar to the founder. That part he missed. So he took it upon himself to bow to the Hall where all the past Rangers were recorded when they got done.

He was present for Erin's training along with the others and he couldn't remember a time he laughed harder than when Novus dove into a fountain in the Coven as he was nearly set alight. Of course, the display also cost Dylan his eyebrows but those grew back eventually anyway. It wasn't these times that worried him, it was when he was walking home or his alone time studying the past Rangers and sorting the truth from the myths.

What might have come as a shock to his friends was that Dylan hated the Mayan calendar end of days myth, or any conspiracy theory. Unlike ancient myths and religions, these stories arose not organically out of culture or revelation but some sad people trying to deny that the world is a chaotic place and bad things just happen by creating a boogeyman responsible for every misfortune. Even then, Dylan never understood, if one was to create a conspiracy that orchestrates world events, why assign one's fantasy as only being a negative thing? To Dylan, it was just as reflexively negative as it was stupid.

Instead, Dylan walked through life thinking things were average. Could be better, but could be worse. And as a Power Ranger he was directly responsible for making sure the world could continue to be average and improving. Dylan of course watched the news, he went online, he heard people talk. He would always roll his eyes at declarations of "worst ever X" or "the end of Y." Again, just sad people wanting to make their personal ire into the pre-text for Armageddon. The ultimate arrogance, to think that a human would know when the world was going to end. Matthew 25:13 and all that. There was something that DID make Dylan nervous though.

We lie to ourselves. It is simple human nature. Drug addicts and drunks don't admit they have a problem unless pressed. Deceivers fill their tales with half-truths. We justify our crimes by citing extenuating circumstances to alleviate ourselves of even a little responsibility. The time in which the world is actually coming to an end is when no one wants to directly acknowledge it. For all their doomsaying, there's always a little part of the paranoiac's brain that knows they personally won't be affected by what they predict. When they DO know it, suddenly all their talk stops and they try to act as if nothing is wrong. Dylan was worried now, in the moments when he could be alone. Earth, Yggdrasil, the Duat, Avalon, all of these worlds and more were threatened by a foe who had come into a powerful weapon but nothing significantly bad had happened . . . yet. In other words, no one was talking.

Until now.

"I did." Dylan said to Erin.

 

[PenBlade1326]

Imminent death lurked around every corner, didn't it? That and statues coming to life along with ghosts going all spooky on someone. Another thing that lurked around the corners was the hints of the past. Among constant training for whatever bad thing was to happen soon, learning more about other worlds and magics, as well as hearing of past Sentinels, Clay had been put to the test of old Sentinels. Grondo often compared him to previous Earth Sentinels and how strong they often were, forcing him to go through most grueling trials such as lifting logs in the woods and bench-pressing his companions. One might wonder if the girls can ever get over when he lifted them both like weights. But it was fun! Until Erin's hair would fall in his mouth. Then it got...icky. Not as icky as when he was back on the farm at home and the cows had diarrhea on a hot summers evening. Now that was icky.

Benji trained hard to improve what needed improving in this time. Physical stuff mostly, as well as doing more than just stuff with vines. Sylvan was a big help in that department. He could have helped more when Erin with the fault of Novus nearly burnt the Coven down, though. Instead of reciting a pretty poem about fire, he could have offered a way to use leaves in a way to not fuel fire as opposed to making them grow larger. At least nothing bad happened. Too bad, anyway. It was laughable!
But both he and Clay felt something a bit off. Senses were sharper...they knew something was coming. But what? Paranoia setting in after Fate told them bad mojo was going down soon?
---
Within a cavern of the underworld and Hell itself, Avlazor felt things about to get a lot more interesting. Under Vorkalth's lead he began assisting in a ritual that would put their plans into action. The Eye was super useful, too. He clung the base of his ax on the ground like a walking stick as Vorkalth began and proceeded to chant the same as him in an effort to help. (if that's what they're supposed to do)
"Ak'teh Oluu d'shint. Seri'el doch aman shuu. Karashin Garan doluk, A'chec Xu'nas."
"Vaelum karanna avasan, Cuimilt neyna koroch.
Ataes Nyengo Solas ittrigum gan byar. Ataes Noctem tosaionn.
Vaelum karanna Avalon."

As the first tear appeared following this dark inhuman chant, Avlazor lit up like...oh what's it called? A Christmas Tree? Why do humans bring trees into their homes for that holiday...seems odd given trees are where squirrels poop. But the sliver of energy in the air made Avlazor hum with joy. "Good. Really good!" He spoke, coherent for a change. Avalon, as all of the other realms, would be theirs for the taking!
---
Hanging out with the others for a change and not being interrupted or separated was nice. Clay tipped his hat to passers by as they strolled on and just enjoyed the surrounding area. Benji sketched in his sketchbook, always feeling a bit of inspiration here and there. He may or may not be wanting to draw everyone in his new group. Hush hush. But then the total veneer of calm died. Like something had dropped a load of stones onto their heads. Startled by an unknown, they looked to the others. Erin was the first to say it. Then Dylan. "Me, too," Benji stated. What was that?
"I'll be a son of a clam shell...what in tarnation was that?" Clay asked everyone, seeing no signs of evil around them. He felt something, but what did he just feel??

 

[Lady Insanity]

Have you ever felt eyes upon you when you just knew you were alone? Lately April had felt that. She was used to Ainya living in her head pretty much, as well as Fate and Novus chiming in her thoughts on occasion. Those fishermen were true to their word on the whole guardian angel thing. Wherever they were, that is. April had felt as if she was always being watched...protected, almost. And since she was on her guard with the dire news of something bad about to happen, it was most appreciated. Training wasn't bad, either. Nothing wrong with bettering skill, improving crossbow aim and harnessing further wind magic. The team had become a ittle more experienced, hadn't they? A build up of skill was expected in some areas.
Even if Erin almost burned the Coven. Friggin' Novus....tiny tiny Novus. April still felt guilty over being the reason he was small again... Oopsie daisy. Also, never had she been lifted as a weight before...Clay sure is strong!
---
Is it really time? Time to tear open the Veil between worlds and lock on a course for devastation? Oh dark Gods, let it be true. And blessed be, it is! Wicked magic was brewing in Hell as the Legion prepared itself. More powerful magic than ever before used in the current time. Stronger than Nenet's rituals so far, stronger than anything they've done in recent years. Granted the most recent years they were all stone figures underground. But that's besides the point.
In the larger cavern, Nenet's magical expertise aided the shaman Vorkalth in the ritual along side Avlazor.
"Ak'teh Oluu d'shint. Seri'el doch aman shuu. Karashin Garan doluk, A'chec Xu'nas.
Vaelum karanna avasan, Cuimilt neyna koroch.
Ataes Nyengo Solas ittrigum gan byar. Ataes Noctem tosaionn.
Vaelum karanna Avalon." She recited. Once the tear had been made, Nenet cackled. "Marvelous!"
---
A gut feeling hit. Just chilling with everyone turned into a weird 'umph' sensation. One minute, April was just blowing a bubble with gum and spending the day with her friends, the next...something weird happened. Like she should be around something evil, only nothing was there. Apparently, she wasn't the only one to feel it.
"I felt it, too. What do you think that was?"

 

[marorda]

It was comforting yet at the same time very unsettling that the others had sensed whatever they were sensing too. On the one hand it meant Erin wasn't just making something up or going crazy, on the other hand it meant likely something very bad and evil was indeed going on. Her eyes scanned the area again, still expecting to see Hellgates popping up or Spawners jumping out of the bushes. Nothing. And with the exception of the five of them, apparently, nobody else outside had noticed a thing. "Maybe..." Erin started. "Maybe we should head to the Coven, just in case? Fate and Novus might know more if we tell them. If they don't know already..." She stood up and stretched, still wary. But with the lack of any visible evil, she shrugged and shook it off for the moment.
---
Vorkalth poured more and more evil magic into the tear in the veil. Once Avalon would be corrupted enough, they would be able to step through and conquer the realm. It just needed some preparation first. The darkness spread its tendrils like shadows, seeping into already dark corners, fueling slumbering evils in the world and the hearts of people. It would only be a matter of time... Soon enough, the evil magic found its victims, twisting them into a darker self. The scales, the very balance between good and evil of the realm slowly started tipping over.
---
This evil spreading was quickly noticed by several beings in the realm. Evil ones feeling stronger, doubting ones feeling the darkness in their hearts increase, and of course the good ones, feeling the pressure, the looming shadows of an evil being stronger than they could anticipate. Action needed to be undertaken, and quickly. Messengers soon were sent all over the realm to gather any and all able bodied men and women who may be able to take a stand. A middle-aged man scratched his pepper-and-salt beard, shaking his head and mumbling to himself whilst looking into a Scrying Glass. A king gathered his most loyal knights. All but one, who had already set off to find the source of the evil they felt lurking.
---
The imbalance and distortion was not only sensed in the realm itself. In the Coven too, Fate and Novus now noticed the effects of the tear Vorkalth had made. So quickly, that didn't prove too well. They saw shadows, creatures of darkness emerging from dark corners, seemingly straight out of nightmares. They saw a lone knight on his horse, venturing through the woods. Fate and Novus exchanged a quick but meaningful glance. Could it be...? Well, at lest that was a shimmer of hope. Speaking of hope... not long after, the five Rangers arrived in the Coven. Erin eyed the Scrying Window. "Well that doesn't look too good," she muttered, staring at the chaos and darkness spreading on one of the Windows. A Realm with a medieval flair to it. Forests, fields, castles, knights. That could really only be one realm, couldn't it?

 

[PenBlade1326]

Everything in the surrounding area appeared entirely normal yet the feeling was off. Why did they all feel so offput but a weird sense of....nothing? A settling in their guts told them a bad thing was happening. Maybe this was something like Fate had warned them about? Whatever it was it certainly didn't feel great. "We should probably get there, yeah," Clay agreed with Erin to return to the Coven for answers. Benji put away his sketch book.
"I got a bad feeling about this..." he muttered to his friends.
---
Avlazor let out a deep and glorious breath as more power seeped through into Avalon through the tear. He felt the chaos spread and his blood boiled and beg to be a part of it. Oh what he'd give to ransack that realm and tar it upside down!!! Not to mention venturing to Camelot to personally greet the royalty with his ax!
---
Arrival to the Coven proved more troubling than past visits. In the Scying Window, dark things appeared. Vague to say but accurate none the least. A medieval world showed signs of darkness boiling and rummaging it, foul and twisted images in their sites. "I guess something bad is happening?" Benji asked rhetorically.

 

[Lady Insanity]

Avalon was soon to meet the wrath of the Legion. The first of many realms, one might suppose. Nenet's fingers tapped together wickedly as magic from the Eye combined with their own fueled the tear and slithered into the realm, chaos and darkness ensuing in the world. Balance of the worlds would be a mess and the evil of their hearts--lacking hearts--would reign supreme.
"Marvelous!" Nenet chanted and watched along side of her comrades of darkness as Avalon began its plague of despair.
---
Hellgates gave them all that feeling, right? Isn't that what did it? When a gate of Hell and evil spawns the Sentinels feel it and just know to get to work? Why was it that they felt it but didn't see a dark thing? Best return to the Coven.
Upon arrival and seeing Novus the tiny fairy and Fate, April too saw the Scrying Window's dark images of something bad happening somewhere else. "I guess now we know what's happening....but what is happening?" She asked.
(so short...)

 

[Steel Accord]

Dylan agreed with his friends. Even heading to the Coven he was unusually quiet. Normally he was pretty assured until they actually got into the fray. Now though, he was on guard and he didn't know why. He just felt this tension in the air. What made this even more extraordinary is that, he'd already beaten any fear he may have had about ghosts or phantasms. Why was he feeling so on edge?

When he did get to the Coven, he had his answer. There was trouble afoot but it wasn't in his world.

 

[marorda]

"Vorkalth, that's what's happening," Novus spat, unable to tear his gaze from the Scrying Window... and still eating gummy worms. Erin eyed the pack of worms and the empty cans on the ground. "So that's where that went..." she mumbled, more to herself rather than anyone else before turning her attention back to the Window. "So... this is what he does, huh?" she then asked Novus and Fate. "Pouring shadows and clearly waves upon waves of evil magic into another world?" It was almost as if only then the realization really dawned upon her. "He tore the veil, didn't he? He fucking tore the veil apart."
"Just a small tear, dearie," Fate commented, but her tone wasn't as kind as usually. "Small, but even the smallest tear is already too large and could end in a catastrophe." The sorceress sighed and shook her head. "We should have expected him to start there. We should have taken precautions right the moment when that stupid cat got her filthy claws on the Eye."
"Why though? Why is it so obvious he'd start in Avalon and not... I don't know.. any of the other worlds? Like where he came from, originally?" Erin questioned. Now this DID make Novus turn his attention to Erin instead of the Window.
"What makes you think he's not from your world?" he asked, maybe with a slight hint of defensiveness.
"Well... I..." Erin paused. They hadn't seen Vorkalth, so there really was no way to know whether he was human or not, or might have been once. "I just really don't think shamans living for thousands of years tearing veils between realms apart are... well... human." It sure was terrible knowing nothing on their true enemy, other than him being some shaman who fought with Sentinels, Novus, and Fate time and time again. And his name. Just... who or what was Vorkalth, and what was he capable of? Other than tearing worlds apart, apparently.
"Neither is fighting demons and saving worlds, yet here you are," Novus replied with a smirk. Okay, now there was no comeback for that one. Novus won this round.
"Alright, so... next question... How are we going to stop that?" Erin nodded at the Scrying Window, growing ever darker and giving off creepy vibes of evilness.

While the others had chances at giving their two cents at the entire situation, the two mentors didn't quite get the chance to reply to any questions asked. Not for the moment. Something seemed to swirl on the Window, like a strange light within the darkness. The maelstrom of light blue light drove the darkness away, and the creepy forest made place for what seemed to be a dimly lit room. In the Scrying Window appeared a figure, clutching on to a staff with a crystal ball on top of it, a hood covering the largest part of his face in shadows. Most that poked out underneath the shadow was a small pepper-and-salt beard. The corners of his mouth curled up into a small smile upon, apparently, seeing the Coven. It worried Erin that apparently there were people who could see into the Coven. That could be soooooo bad. And with this guy.... well, with the exception of the smile there was no indication of a facial expression. He might as well be wickedly, evilly grinning. Or it was a friendly smile. The chances were 50/50.

"Well you've grown older," Novus remarked.
"And you, my friend, have grown... smaller, I see?" the figure on the other side of the Scyring Window teased, pulling his hood back. It revealed a friendly face showing traces of older age, with the first wrinkled appearing at the corners of his eyes.
"Must you say this every time, Merlin?" Novus sighed dramatically.
"As long as this keeps happening to you, yes. How long has he been awake this time?"
"About two months," Fate chimed in. "I presume you know what that means?"
"Wait wait wait... rewind. Merlin?!" Why was Erin even still surprised... Avalon is real. Hell is real, demons are real. None of these things surprised her. But Merlin being real? And looking... well... nothing like anything she had expected? Part of her expected an extremely old grandpa-figure with an epically long beard, part of her expected Merlin from the TV-shows... but this man... the real deal... Well, he certainly was neither.
"Ah, yes. How terribly wrong do they depict me in the current time?" Merlin seemed to be mostly amused by her surprise, and the knowledge people in other worlds, or at least this one, were aware of their existence, albeit in just stories.
"Well..." Erin looked at the others. If any of her friends had seen the show... let one of them try and explain it. She wasn't going to try.

(right, so I actually wanted to kick it into serious action right in this round... but then I wrote this instead. One last round of banter and some silliness before.... Showtime~)

 

[PenBlade1326]

Chills ran down their spines as it became clear the veil between worlds began to tear. Even more spine tingles ran down as they'd heard Vorkalth might just be of this world. Was he human? A mystical shaman truly capable of such evil...a human being? They'd never met the guy in person so they had no idea. Now Clay had the thought of Nenet and Avlazor...were they once human? Always monsters? Could they be reverted back into people? Could the big bad himself? Are they just creations?
The Scrying Window gave off a dark aura and made Benji uncomfortable with what he saw.
"As boggling as this whole thing is, I don't know how we're gonna stop swirling dark tethers of...well, dark," Benji chimed in just as the strange light dawned in the window. A hooded figure cleansing darkness in their sights...and looking into the Coven through Scrying. Benji gulped. "Tarnation?" Clay asked as the figure looked into their base. "Can he see us? That ain't normal," he thought aloud. But really has anything been normal for them lately?
"You can't grow smaller. That's a contradiction," Benji whispered as Novus spoke to the figure through the window. Clay shushed him.

It was then the mans identity was revealed. Merlin. Or Emrys, as some legends deem him...or was that just the television series on the BBC network? Oh well. Clay and Benji stood in awe, now speaking through the window to perhaps the greatest sorcerer of all time! And he knew Fate and Novus! Shit, what are the odds he leads Sentinels in Avalon? Surely he has some kind of magic authority??? "Uh...howdy, there," Clay said to Merlin...Merlin!!!
"To be honest, you're depicted as a young lad who's a secret wizard and servant of Arthur Pendragon. In a TV show. If you even know what TV is..." Benji said. What? He asked!!! Shit, is Arthur real, too???

 

[Lady Insanity]

April hissed when mention of the Eye came up in the midst of things. Guilt continued to overwhelm her on that regard. But her guilt didn't matter now. What mattered was that darkness is enveloping another world. "What does Vorkalth even look like?" April asked herself as the rise of him being human came up. She assumed someone leading all of the evil things was just a monster like Avlazor or Nenet. But he could be human, too... weird to think about that. Weird to think about how they're going to stop the tears, as well. It didn't look like something they could physically deal with, not to mention tentacles cursing everything in another realm wasn't anything they'd been told they'd be dealing with. Changing into Ranger form wouldn't work, she didn't think. What are they supposed to--hey who's that?
A figure in the window with a long staff had appeared and wielded a type of magic. Something pure and good. The person looked up into the Scrying Window from their world. Like into it. Really taking the window thing to a new level. Most of the time it's more like a Scrying Flat Screen Television. Totally one-sided. The figure revealed himself to be Merlin from the legends. From stories of King Arthur, Sword in the Stone, Shrek (is love), etc. The sorcerer spoke to them on the other side and addressed Novus and Fate as old friends. Really old, considering. He teased Novus, as well. Insert smirk here. It appeared as if he knew something about what was going on. Like he'd been expecting something to happen, now knowing the Legion is back and doing bad things.
"Wow...you're Merlin. Really Merlin," April said quietly in awe. Adding to Benji's reply to the sorcerer's question. "You're also depicted as a kooky old man with a long...long beard who cause a donkey and a cat to switch bodies while an ogre and a princess save a kingdom. All in a childrens story." Giving a rough plot summary of the third Shrek movie sounded less odd in her head, frankly.

 

[Steel Accord]

The idea of Vorkalth being human didn't shock Dylan at all. In fact, "wait, you guys were operating under the assumption that he wasn't human? I just assumed that a shaman from some forgotten time in Earth's past would be human," Dylan said. Again, the idea that such evil came from a human didn't surprise him. No, not because he was one of those "man (and even then only modern, western man) is the true monster" misanthropes. He just was aware that great evil and great good can come from anyone. Saints, sinners, and everyone in between. In fact, by his knowledge of many mythologies and religions, Dylan was more prepared to say their were non-human "races" that were almost wholly malevolent almost to a man. Harpies, Djinn, Jotnar, Vampires (before they got modernized). Because they existed before scientific taxonomy it's difficult to call them "races" or "species" but there were groups of the same kind of creature that were, to a man, hostile and cruel. Obviously not the case with EVERY non-human group of beings but humans, at the very least, are almost universally more morally flexible in any world mythology.

When Merlin appeared before them, Dylan was positively giddy. He once again chafed at the pop culture references but, in this case, Merlin actually asked how he was depicted so probably appropriate in this case. As a matter of fact, "Wise one." Dylan said with a raised voice. "You have given your likeness to many tales in our world. Your name is synonymous with wisdom, knowledge, and magic. Your likeness has been the inspiration for many wizards who often serve as guides and mentors to great heroes, just as you were. Gandalf, who through his example and teachings made the most humble of heroes into saviors. Dumbledore, the headmaster of an entire academy and the personal tutor to the hero who would destroy the dark magic users of their world. Obi-Wan Kenobi, the last scion of the old ways who sets the hero on his path to righting the wrongs that were done so long ago." Dylan said. Trying, perhaps a bit to hard, to have his candor match the worthiness of both the works he references and the figure to whom he spoke.

 

[marorda]

"I had no idea what to assume," Erin said to Dylan. "Just, well... would you expect a human to live for eons? I didn't." Still getting used to the whole having magical powers and all legends and myths being true in their respective realms that happen to be connected to their own world thing was one thing. Getting used to the idea that an evil shaman tearing worlds apart is an eons old human being... or maybe used-to-be-human being... That's different. Or rather, it is to her. "And Novus didn't say he is human. Neither that he isn't. So we still haven't got a clue."
"That's true," Novus nodded. He had neither confirmed nor denied anything. And maybe that's for the better for now. The whole story would take too long and might be too complicated to tell now. It would raise more questions, and now that Avalon was in obvious danger, there was no time to answer to it. He briefly turned his attention to April and gave her a small, weary smile. "Terrible, that much is sure," he replied to her question of what Vorkalth might look like. "A shade in a cloak, skull for a head. Usually something along those lines. Though it changes as he grows more powerful, getting more and more of his old shape back."
Fate nodded in agreement to this. "All Sentinels since the first have fought and banished Vorkalth before he could fully restore his powers. But this time..." she fell silent, not finishing the sentence the Rangers could likely fill in themselves. Erin mentally filled in that blank and gulped. They were in for quite something, when the time came.

"Well..." Merlin scratched his beard, the look on his face between amusement and utter confusion to all the references being thrown at him. "That's new. Wizardry being a secret, and being a servant to my dear nephew..." His look grew only more confused as April described how he was also depicted. "A...donkey and a cat... While a...?" He shook his head and sighed. Whatever time this was, the humans of the Earth-realm were growing stranger and stranger with their fantasies. And just like Merlin, Erin shot April a very confused glance too. She hadn't seen that movie, but it sounded like one hell of a ride. Strange and confusing. But not as confusing as all the references Dylan gave. Erin failed to see how Obi-Wan was even remotely close to being a wizard. Gandalf, sure. Dumbledore? Absolutely... But a jedi? Just... how? Fate and Novus, however, though confused, seemed more amused rather than anything over another detail. Both tried their very best to keep their chuckling from growing into full laughter.
"He called him wise," Novus quietly wheezed.
Merlin shot them a deadly look from the other side of the Scyring Window, though his eyes did betray amusement. "At least someone recognized my genius," he said with a small joking huff. "And clearly, I inspire greatness in the Earth-realm. However strange they might depict me."

"But, to business," Merlin turned more serious. "As you can see, Avalon is in danger. You said Vorkalth to have been awake for only two months, yet he is capable of tearing the veil and letting evil run rampant. And Fate, by your words I can only pray this is not what I think it to be. My nephew thinks this is merely the work of a local dark sorcerer or evil spirit, that sending the knights will solve our problems. It would seem as if he has forgotten after the last time, and I fear for the worst if he doesn't realize who's truly behind this... if he fails to remember you're as much of a myth to us as we are to you. Sentinels... Novus... Fate... Avalon needs your help."
Erin felt tense. They were supposed to head to a realm they assumed to be nothing but a myth and save the place... Novus and Fate had told them before, but now it was actually going to happen? How? And wait... Earth was a myth in Avalon? She glanced at her friends, wondering what they thought about this news. She was eager, but scared. Excited, but nervous. Igneos sparked up in the back of her mind, fueling whatever bit of courage was there. "That's what we were chosen for to do, isn't it?" she spoke confidently. "Just... how are we gonna get there?"

"And that's where we come in," Novus grinned. "Merlin, they're on their way. Not sure where in the woods they'll wind up, but I'm sure you'll be able to find them. Now, if you'll follow me, please." Novus happily fluttered across the Coven and up the stairs where the Sentinels teleported down the first time they found their way into the realm. Fate lightly shook her head but followed along. Novus was going to need her help getting the Rangers to Avalon safely. He had already said he wouldn't know where in Avalon they would wind up, and without her help there wasn't even a guarantee they would arrive in one piece. Best not tell them though. She wouldn't want to frighten them on this first true part of their mission against Vorkalth.

Novus led them to a place further into the woods surrounding the Coven. They reached a clearing among the trees, where a circle of standing stones stood like silent, ancient guardians to the realms. He took one spot seemingly meant for a ritualist or sorcerer to perform magic, and beckoned Fate to take the other spot across of him. "Ready?" Novus asked, both to Fate and the Rangers. Fate nodded, so did Erin. And so Fate and Novus started casting their spell.


"We are the keepers of the gates, the watchers of the veil.
Nothing shall break, be torn asunder
Keep separate and keep it so that none need ever wonder
Each world on their own, a thread in the web
Treading to another an impossible step

The veil has been ripped, been torn asunder
How this came to be, we can only wonder
We call upon the Ancient Gods, ask for their aid
So that the veil that holds the worlds
will not truly fade

Allow us this time to step through
to prevent the evil the Legion might do
Let these brave souls be looked kindly upon
Open a Gate to Avalon"

Erin could tell this chant asked a lot of Novus and Fate, which worried her. Was their way of opening a Gate so much more excessive, or was Vorkalth just that much stronger? Had the Eye something to do with it? Granted she had no idea just how Vorkalth had opened a Gate and how the evil shaman was feeling, but something told her he was faring better right now. Which meant bad news. Still, the chant had thankfully worked. What had started as a small illumination not much bigger than a will-o'-the-wisp was now a big shiny bright beacon of light. In no way it seemed similar to the portals they had used to get to the Coven. Those looked warm and homely. This looked... foreign. Potentially dangerous.
"We cannot promise you how long we'll be able to keep this Gate open, and if it closes when we'll be able to open it again," Fate warned them softly, wiping some sweat of her brow. "You'd best hurry and stop whatever evil Vorkalth is causing as fast as you can. No time for sight-seeing."
"Got it," Erin nodded. "And if things go wrong we can always contact you, right?"
Fate and Novus exchanged a meaningful look.
"Only if we can keep the Gate open long enough," Novus said. "We can keep an eye on you through the Scrying Windows, but should the Gate close while you're there... you're on your own. You'll have to rely on each other and on what you've learned."
"But Merlin could contact us in case of emergencies, should he be able to find you," Fate said.
Well, that was reassuring. Not.
"Well..." Erin looked at her friends. "Shall we?"

 

[PenBlade1326]

"Whatever happened to no pop culture references?" Benji whispered to Dylan and gave his arm a light bump. Maybe that was only when it came to Novus. But it seems this grand wizard was just as lost as the fair could be. Just saying, references to Star Wars, LotR, Harry Potter...kinda hypocritical. Haha! Take that! Benji teased his friend slightly, Clay hushing Benji's thoughts with a subtle nudge. How the heck does he know when he's thinking stuff like that?
Both of them felt that same level of tense Erin did. Earth being a myth to another realm was strange to hear, but they weren't entirely surprised. Who said similar logic didn't apply to other worlds? Stories and rumors vary, one might supposed.

Clay tipped his hat. "Darn tootin'. If Avalon needs our help, why not go on and give 'em a hand or two or five?" He asked the others and nodded affirmatively at Erin. Earth needing help was one thing, but now another realm directly? Great...just great. Grondo pounded a sense confidence into Clay's mind, clobbering strength and mustering courage. Clay's chest puffed out and his modern cowboy appearance gave him that western charm.
Skeptical as always, Benji shuddered at the thought of venturing into another realm. "I dunno...we don't even know how time will work and how traveling worlds isn't gonna kill us," he said and shook his head, arms folded. But against his thoughts, everybody seemed like they'd be going to Avalon today. Gulp...and another gulp...and another one just in case. Merlin was made aware of the Sentinels' arrival upcoming, so hopefully when they got there they'd be less lost and more guided.
The first huge chunk of the journey was about to begin.

They followed Novus out into the woods into a clearing with the standing stones. Clay and Benji took note as the mentors took position and nodded to let them know they were ready. What's about to happen?
A spell had been cast. It took a lot out of Fate and Novus it would seem. "Fate? Are you alright?" Benji asked from the group before hearing they had limited time. How hard was this spell?
The portal that opened was brighter than usual...not the same as ones before, more odd and...well odd. He almost didn't trust it. Clay with his nerves of steel didn't blink twice about it. Hopefully the Gate could stay open long enough. Hopefully they'd contact them once in Avalon...because if they had to be on their own... "Guys are we really ready for this? We have learned, but I don't know if it's enough to do this..." Benji expressed skeptically. Clay shook his head. "Naw, we're ready. Gotta take the bull by the horns and ride!" Clay responded.
At least Merlin's gonna be an emergency contact of sorts. "Aye I'll bet if need be, Merlin might open a Gate back home if it boils down to it," Clay whispered and nodded to Erin. Benji sighed and took a deep breath. This is unexpected. "I'm ready, I guess..." Time to step into the light. And not die.

 

[Lady Insanity]

Clarification on Vorkalth didn't exactly settle April. His general appearance idea and fact of his current state? Such a drag.
A bigger drag is what's happening to Avalon right now. But that didn't mean she didn't let a small giggle out as Merlin tired making sense of the references thrown at him. "Not to mention, the donkey is married to a dragon. And the cat wears boots and has a sword." Okay, now she's likely making confusion worse on poor Merlin.
She bowed her head respectfully, though, for he did inspire greatness.
Chills ran over April's arms and spine. Avalon needed their help, a place that considers their world a myth as well. A world that basically wrote the book on knights and everything for a lot of people. Brave knights, wondrous things and powerful magic...and the Sentinels get to save it from death. Great. She softly sighed and nodded. "We'll do what we can," she said as everyone put their two cents in. She didn't know what was gonna happen. She didn't know how her life would continue after this, and she didn't know if time would even go on without them. Weirdness?
But compassion for the other world made April want to help. That and her Spirit Ainya's guidance.

She went with Novus and company into the woods near the standing stones. April was ready for whatever was going to happen next. As Fate and Novus cast their spell, a new type of portal came up. Different from other ones they've seen...it was so bright! Sparkly...pretty...never mind that comment. But as pretty as it is, this portal clearly took a lot out of them. "Fate, Novus?" April asked softly and worried. She would tend to them but there didn't appear to be enough time. There was comfort in knowing they could contact them if they needed them but...
"How long you can keep it open? You have to manually keep it going? Is time...different there? Like a minute here is a day there?" April asked, confused and just wanting to be reassured things would be okay. Going to a new world is scary. Even with reassurance. And Merlin as their guide in Avalon and possible new mentor for a bit? "I'm with Benji, guys...I don't know if we're ready. Maybe our training is enough but..." April started and shook her head. She looked at Erin.
"Ready or not...here we come, Avalon. We'll hurry and set things right there, guys. Don't worry, okay?" April said to her friends and mentors. Maybe Fate and that fairy need reassurance, too?

 

[Steel Accord]

Dylan shot Benji a stink eye at his comment. He was providing the context and meaning behind the stories and exactly the wise mentor archetype the Merlin did in fact inspire, directly or otherwise. He wasn't just throwing out a line from Pulp Fiction and expecting the person from a realm without commercialized film entertainment to get it! Furthermore, the three properties Dylan made reference to were collectively, a genuine modern myth, one of the most venerated works of literature and film, and a coming of age story informing and informed by an entire generation. Dylan wasn't making mere "pop-cultural references" he was making high cultural comparisons!

. . . Needless to say, Dylan was now carrying something of a grudge against Benji. (Dylan disapproves. -5)

Dylan shrugged at Erin. Makes sense. They are genuinely separated worlds but if Earth had been in contact with Avalon enough to be recounted in the myth of Arthur, and in turn if Earth had influenced Avalon enough to take on aspects of said King's personal journeys, then it would stand to reason that Avalon would "remember" Earth the same way Earth remembers it. As a legend. Plus, if the Rangers had been back and forth across the worlds multiple times, than that only adds to the legends from Earth.

Dylan liked this portal. Strange thought but the fact that this portal was clearly different and required more effort to open showed that travel between worlds wasn't casual. It reinforced that they and their mission warranted this. Made it seem more like an important journey.

"I'm ready! I swear by the end of this, I'm going to punch a dragon!" Dylan said.

 

[marorda]

"You may want to reconsider that," Novus said to Dylan regarding the punching a dragon comment. Really... punching a dragon was not a smart idea. The dragon would end up with a nice snack, and the Sentinels with... one fewer Sentinel. "Other than that... we're fine, Benji. Thanks for your concern."
"I understand you have many questions," Fate turned to April. "But we don't have enough time t answer them. Yes, we need to keep the portal open manually, and the longer it takes for you to get there and back again, the harder it will become. Opening a portal requires much from a sorcerer. Maybe more than we can spare right now, but we have to. You have to."

Erin took a deep breath, glancing at her friends once again, then looking at her mentors. Were they really fine? And April really asked some right questions there. How did time work? They wouldn't suddenly disappear for years, right? Like the legends say about... standing... stones... and... Well fuck. "Ready or not... let's go!" she called before hopping into the portal. The light was bright. The light on the other side even brighter. It was like stepping right into the sun after being in the dark. She raised her arms to cover her eyes. No travel sickness, thank goodness. But hopping into another world did feel a little odd. Even odder was... Erin slowly lowered her arms and looked at her clothes. "I'm wearing a DRESS!" she called, almost disgusted. "I'm wearing a fucking dress!" Sure, it looked fancy enough, and it did ft the world of Avalon, but... really?! REALLY?! Erin walked forward a but, creating some space between herself and the portal... which closed right as the last of the Sentinels passed through it.

"No!" Erin looked at her friends, each in outfits that fit the time of Arthur and his knights. "Seems like we're stuck," she muttered tot hem. "Just where the hell in this world did we end up?" She looked around, slowly turning to see all of her surroundings. Trees, trees... and OH! More trees. Seemingly the middle of the woods, and no way to tell which way civilization was, and which way led to even further into the woods... to possible certain doom. No technology, no signs pointing in the right direction, no Merlin to lead them to wherever they had to be. Just the five Sentinels. In the woods that were slowly being tainted by Vorkalth's evil magic. And then there was that eerie feeling... the feeling of being watched. While there's absolutely nothing around to see.

 

[PenBlade1326]

Deep breaths had to be taken. Benji nodded at Novus and eyed the portal. This was going to be a big one. Leaping into a different world and saving it when they should be in turn saving their own as well. But if it's really so dire... Clay puffed out his chest and stretched his arms, popping his back and chewing on his inner cheek.
Following Erin and taking one last look at the mentors, Clay and Benji jumped through into the unknown realm.
The light of this portal was intense. Bright, almost like the light you hear about when you die. Looking into the light and hoping to enter the next life, if there is one. But this wasn't that, hopefully. Nobody wanted to die today surely. Although going to a different world may en tale death. Especially if someone punches a dragon. Please nobody punch a dragon unless you're suicidal...

It was done in a flash. Now, they stood in Avalon. Home to knights and medieval tales of legend. Just as Benji was going to comment on the scenery, he glanced at the disgusted Erin. In...a dress? He looked down at himself, glad to see he wasn't wearing a dress. But a fancy high-class outfit for men in this realm. Lots of drapery on it...but it fit like an average men's suit so it was comfy at least. Sort of. "Hey, this is pretty slick!" He commented. Dylan and Clay seemed to wear something similar as well.
Clay checked himself out. "Well. These digs here sure are fancy. Y'all ladies look nice, too," he said with that strong southern accent and looked to the others. Check them all out, how fancy! And stranded...in the woods.
The portal shut. Crap. There goes their ticket home...Fate and Novus must have been exhausted on their side. "Well, Erin, judging by all of the trees...I guess we're in the woods. I don't mean to sound like an ass, but..." Benji said. "I wonder if we're even close to civilization out here. Or close to whatever bad thing is happening to this place..."
The cowboy tipped his ha....oh, his hat's gone. Well damn. He didn't like being lost. Not in a new world especially. "Should we start walking and see where we end up? Yell loud enough and see if that Merlin guy hears us?" He asked, shrugging. And he, too, felt as if they were being watched...that didn't feel very nice.

 

[Lady Insanity]

April jumped through the portal. No going back now! With luck they'd be done soon and save Avalon and return home. Anxiety had taken over April's mind but that didn't stop her from going with her friends to another world. It needed saved and they were the ones that could save it. Shiny light of a portal, it was. Sparkly, shiny...pretty...dazzling. Best not get distracted. It was like staring at the sun, minus the harmful effects and blindness as its own factor. When they were through and in the woods--basically back where they started in a way--she looked around to try and get a sense of familiarity.
Erin sounded grossed out. And in perfect unison, she looked down at herself and said in sync with Erin, "I'm wearing a dress?!" she cried out...but not disgusted like Erin. April just grabbed the sides and twirled, thrilled to be in a dress. It's so pretty! Elegant and fancy, plus it's so silky! Like her bed sheets! "Ohhhh I like this!"

And then she didn't like it. The portal closed. Oh well, now they're on their own. April checked out Erin and the guys. "Hey, we look good. You guys clean up nice. Erin, we're twinsies!" Was April too into this? Maybe. But then she took into account they're stuck in Avalon now. In the woods...possibly in danger. Frick. She curtsied to Clay on his compliment. "We can't be too far from a town or something. Maybe we should walk..." She said. Said no girl ever in a dress in the woods.

 

[Steel Accord]

Dylan leaped through the portal, fist outstretched like a superhero taking flight. Which is exactly what he was! He was then taken a bit off course, traveling through a pleasantly warm ethereal space. It almost felt like if a river rapid was a hot tub. When he landed in the realm, he took note of his drapery. Putting on his best poses of such gentry. That was until Erin made her cry of distress but Dylan didn't know why she was despairing. She looked beautiful. Her shocking red hair went well with the flowing gown. He smiled a little and thought about saying something.

Then his attention was wrested by April rather enjoying her attire. She did a twirl and Dylan felt his heart skip a beat. He had a weakness for classical feminine displays. He had to be careful either of his friends never knew he'd be powerless to resist them if they just did a hair flip.

Of course, he was "saved" by their predicament of being caught away from civilization. Fortunately Dylan had an idea.

"Hey Deluvian? Still there?" Dylan asked out loud. With a bubbling on the dirt, a water spout erupted in front of them.

"What?! Can't you see I was napping on the sea bed?" The ornery old spirit berated.

"Sorry to disturb your rest. But you wouldn't happen to be able to point us to any rivers nearby would you?" Dylan asked. He turned to his friends. "Follow a river, you're bound to find a town." He said simply.