Power Rangers: Arcane Warriors

Chapter 1: Reunion.

Briarwood, one year after the defeat of the Master. Dark magic has become close to invisible. The city has adapted quite nicely to the changes that had been since that grand final battle. A moving crew gladly welcomes the new ogre employee, who easily carries a wooden desk over his shoulder and up a flight of stares. A family of elves opens a flower shop with rare sights hardly ever seen by the human eye. Of coarse one can't forget our heroes, who bravely stood against evil.

Xander, heading his position as manager with his usual confidence and charm. Vida, as always, enjoying her role as D.J. for the Rock-Porium, with Matoombo stepping in when needed. Chip is still the odd ball of the group, self proclaimed superhero expert, and teller of tall tales of his triumphs over evil time and time again, but what's wrong with a little glory. Former manager Toby now finds himself engaged to the lovely Miss Nikki Pimvare(Formerly known as Necrolai, queen of the vampires). Her daughter Leelee and that ever comical/wise troblin Phineas, have hit a little bit of a snag in their relationship, but nothing that can't be patched up. Daggeron has formed a strong friendship with Itassis, explaining to her the complexities of a noble gesture, or a selfless act of kindness. Jengi is still the same good-hearted, loyal, yet sometimes cowardly cat we all know. Madison, spending her time filming the many wonders of the people and things around her, waits for someone to come home, with a red blanket kept safely at home. And what of Nick? Well my friends, that is what you'll soon find out.

Let's start our story following Chip as he rushes to the Rock-porium from the post office ten blocks over.

One would suspect it's good news by the smile on his face."Gotta tell the others!" He repeats in his head again and again as he ducks and weaves through side-walk traffic. Every now and then giving an "Excuse me. Pardon me. Sorry miss. Gotta go. Nice hat." Normally he wouldn't make such a fuss over a letter, but this was big. He figured he could save time if he cut through the park.

Itassis and Daggeron,who happened to be in that park, were in the midst of one of there discussions. The former terror posed a rather difficult question. "You once told me that a form of true courage is the willingness to put the needs of others before one's own. Now what I wish to know, is what happens when the needs of many conflict with the needs of one you care deeply for?"

Daggeron was a bit confused. "Care to clarify?"

She gave a nod. "For example, say that the man in charge of the raising and lowering of a bridge finds that his child is caught in the gears while the bridge is lowered. While at the same time a ship carrying hundreds of people is headed right for said bridge. So what should the man do? Does he let the ship sink so his son can live, or does he raise it, sacrificing his son to save the hundreds who aren't even aware of the trouble?"

Daggeron thought for a moment. "Well...I don't think there is a solid answer. I suppose it would come down to the heart of the individual faced with such a choice."

Itassis gave him an inquisitive look. "What would you do?"

He was sure of that answer. "My friends come first. Unless they tell me otherwise, everything else takes second place."

Their conversation was interrupted when our excited friend from earlier saw them and called out. "Itassis, Daggeron! I've got big news!"

Itassis had to make a clever remark. "I can't tell if this is the normal Chip-excitement, or something major."

Chip faked astonishment. "Oh it's a miracle. Itassis made a joke."

Daggeron stepped in. "What's going on Chip?"

Our red-head friend couldn't believe he almost forgot. "It's major news, great news. Follow me to the Rock-Porium. The gang needs to hear this."

As he sped off toward his destination, Jengi poked his head out of the lamp. "Hey, what's all the racket? I'm trying to take a cat-nap."

Daggeron looked to his friend and shrugged. "I don't know, but it must be important if everyone needs to know." The trio followed in check.

The Rock-Porium on a pretty easy day. The demand for music wasn't as great that day. Xander was working the register, Vida and Phineas were putting the new stock of records on display, Matoombo worked a steady beat at the D.J. booth, Leelee had stepped out on break, and Maddie was helping the few customers there find what they were looking for. Then Chip entered.

"Guys!" He called. "Your not gonna believe what just came in the mail."

"Let me guess." Said Xander with a hint of sarcasm. "Is it a new issue of one of your little comics."

Chip rolled his eyes. "Oh, ha-ha, it is to laugh."

Vida smiled as she and the rest of the crew gathered round, then gave him a pat on the back. "He's just teasing. What is it.?"

Chip was happy to announce. "It's a letter from Nick. He,Udonna, and Leanbow are coming back to Briarwood!"

Everyone was surprised, but they couldn't have been happier. Maddie spoke up first. "This is great! When are they getting back?"

Chip answered with a smile. "Today."

Xander was a bit confused. "Wait, you just got the letter, and it says there gonna be here today?"

Chip shrugged. "Well, apparently the post office had this for days, but it was addressed to the Power Rangers and we don't exactly hand out a collective P. number. I was picking up my mail and the clerk recognized me."

Maddison, didn't pay the tale any mind. "Who cares. they're coming back! We need to do something special."

Daggeron gave a nod."Agreed. They deserve a warm welcome after being gone for so long."

Xander added in. "You know, since it's been a slow day, we could close up shop early and set up a surprise party."

Vida chimed in. "Me and Matoombo have music covered." As she finished, the former terror did a little mix number and gave a thumbs up.

Maddison continued. "Chip and I can get the cake."

Itassis, believe it or not, also had a contribution. "I happen to have a good amount of knowledge when it comes to festivities. I can help decorate."

They were interrupted by a familiar voice. "Excuse me." They turned and there was Toby and Nikki. Toby went on. "But did I hear you correctly? You want to shut down the Rock-Porium in the middle of the day, just to throw Nick a party?" A small look a of panic hit them as they tried to explain, but they were interrupted when the former manager said. "I think we'd like to get in on that." He put an arm around Nikki and she smiled.

Phineas looked like he got an idea. "I'll go get Leelee. Whether she's mad at me or not, she'd want to be a part of this." The troblin rushed out the door.

Maddie smiled. "Then it's settled. We're gonna throw Nick, Udonna, and Leanbow a party they won't forget. It'll be just like old times." With that and a little cheer, they all got to work.

Meanwhile, on a roof top high above the city. A pair of solid green eyes watched the city with disgust at what he saw. A golem crossing guard helping children cross the street, a skeleton performing tricks for a mixed crowd of humans and creatures, and what looked like some sort of small troll or large goblin, courting a blond human female.

The creature gave a disgusted grunt swiped his hand at the air. He was a humanoid dragon creature with red scales, a pure white face with dark markings under his eyes, and a golden chest plate with a Red star and symbol of a red dragon's face. The demon was outraged. "I can't believe this! Monsters and humans at peace? What kind of sick joke is this! We are superior, the humans should bow before us!"

A man dressed from head to toe in black, with a hooded robe which hid his face, even black gloves, spoke in a tone that showed an understanding. "I know, it's awful. The wretches of humanity don't deserve this peace. That's why I brought you here, Prince Olympius. I knew if anyone could help me put things back the way they should be, it would be you."

Olympius turned to the hooded man. "I wondered why someone would risk going to the shadow world. Now I see what was so important, that it required my resurrection, but tell me, why would you set me against the humans. After all, they are your own kind."

The man took a slight offense to this. "Trust me my friend, I am nothing like the rest of them. This planet is...let's just say it isn't in the best shape. You have Flurious on one side, Moltor on another, not to mention Kamdor and the fearcats. All of them trying to take the world at once. Now, you might wonder, why does the world need us to cause trouble? Well, it's because all those other guys reek at it. This world needs a new breed of bad-guy and we can give that to them. Your power and my brains, we'll be unstoppable!"

The demon prince, not having over-come his naive nature, took the speech to heart. "You truly are a kindred spirit. Very well, you said you had a plan."

The cloaked figure was eager to explain. "I was hoping you'd ask. I've been working on this for a while now. It requires determination, trust, good timing, and will-power."He placed a hand on the prince's shoulder. "I need you to go into the city and spread a little destruction. Blow up some cars, scare the citizens, take candy from small children, whatever you need to do. Sooner or later the rangers will hit the scene."

Olympius was surprised. "Rangers? All the more reason to show no mercy!"

The figure like the enthusiasm. "Good, Good!" He gave Olympius a little pat on the back. "Now, it's important that you keep up the fight until I get back from my little journey."

The demon prince was a bit curious. "And what exactly will you be doing?"

The man laughed a bit. "Hmhmhmhm. Simple, the first piece of the puzzle. You see Olympius, other than an incredible intellect and pin-point strategy, I'm just a guy with a cloak and some cheap parlor tricks. That's why I needed help starting this off, but once I find what I need, I'll have enough power to take on the rangers with you. Then we move to step two."

Olympius nodded. "I suppose I should be on my way then."

The mystery man stopped the demon for a moment. "Before you go, I have a little something that might come in handy."

He handed Olympius a small bag. The demon prince peered inside and saw five marbles, each with a faint glow at the core, in the colors of Red, Blue, Yellow, Pink, and Black. "What are they?" he asked in a slightly puzzled tone.

The figure laughed. "It's a surprise, but let's just say I went through a lot of trouble to get them. It's difficult to channel a powerful evil spirit, let alone five. Now it'll be like using a spark to start a fire in an oil drum. Just a pinch of your star-power and their true power will be ignited. However, I advise you to only use them in an absolute emergency. They have this tendency to be a tad unstable and I don't know if we can control them. Hopefully I'll be ready to join the fight before then."

The demon prince tucked the bag away and gave a nod. "Thank you, now let's begin. I'd hate to keep the masses waiting for their prince to return." He rose off of the roof and sped into the city.

The figure gave a bit of a laugh. "Hehehe. I knew he'd be of use. I wonder how he'll react to me taking lead on the whole world domination thing. Honestly, I almost feel bad for working my charm on someone so naive, but it had to be done. Who knows? He might just warm up to me enough to gladly serve under me. Oh, but why am I just standing around? I have work to do, if I don't hurry, Olympius might end up right back in the shadow world, getting beat down by Diabolico and the others he turned against."

As he finished his thoughts, another struck him. "Wait, he was my ride up here. He left alone..." He turned to face a door back into the building. "Now I'm gonna have to go down 35 flights of stairs." He palmed himself in the face. "sigh Perfect, just perfect."

Back at the Rock-Porium, things were going along smoothly in preparation for the arrival of the trio. A welcome-back banner was hung up, a cake was purchased, and everyone gathered for the celebration.

Chip tried getting everyone ready. "Okay, the letter didn't give a specific time, but we've been working all day on this, so they should be so soon."

Itassis didn't understand. "I still don't see the point in turning off the lights and hiding."

Matoombo answered. "I think that's what makes it a surprise."

Chip tried to continue. "Correct. so we all take our places and when they come in we all yell..." Two things, one, Chip didn't notice the sound of a bell when the door opened and two, he did pick up on the hushed laughter of his friends.

Then he felt a tap on his shoulder and when he turned it was Nick who greeted him with a simple. "Surprise."

Chip smiled. "Buddy!" He hugged him out of the excitement.

Nick was a bit weirded out, but he appreciated the welcome. "Yeah, I missed you too Chip. Could you maybe let go now?"

Chip obliged, then gave a friendly hand shake. The rest of the gang approached and greeted him too, then Udonna and Lean bow entered. "Well isn't this a nice surprise." The sorceress said with a smile.

Everyone was glad to see eachother. Daggeron met Leanbow with a firm handshake. "It's good to see you again my friend."

Lean bow smiled. "I couldn't agree more. So how have things been since we left?"

Xander answered. "Pretty much the same since we made calamari out of the Master. Peaceful, bright, sunshine and rainbows."

"Where's Clare?" Asked Udonna.

Phineas explained. "Well, I stopped by Rootcore to see if she wanted to come, but she said she had some chores to do."

Maddie added in. "I remember her mentioning Fire Heart coming dwn with some kind of bug. She's been on guard making sure his sneezes don't burn down the tree."

Nick was still just happy to be back. "We'll catch up with her later. For now, let's party."

No one argued. For a while, they laughed, they told stories about what they've been doing, they enjoyed the cake. It was a good time. When Maddie got Nick alone for a moment, she reminded him of something important. "I kept your blanket safe for you."

He smiled. "I knew you would."

She gave him a hug. "I missed you."

He was a bit taken aback, but eased up and returned the hug. "I never stopped thinking about you."

Xander interupted their little moment. "And we've kept you at heart to buddy."

Nick laughed a little. Leave it to Xander to spoil a moment. "And I suppose I still have a job here at the Rock-Porium, Mr. manager?"

Xander gave him a pat on the back. "We kept your vest warm for ya."

Chip was happy. "This is great! It'll be just like old times."

As if on some twisted que, an explosion from outside stopped the party in it's tracks. Everyone headed outside to see what was going on.

They were shocked by what they saw. A monster they had never seen before just marching down the street, destroying things by shooting red beams from the palm of his left hand, or blasts of red lightning from a double bladed spear. "That's it! Run, run you miserable wretches." he shouted as he attacked anyone who got to close.

The rangers were ready for a fight. Lean bow gave word to the allies. "Itassis, Matoombo, you two get the civilians to safety." they left to do as told. "Toby, Phineas, Leelee, Nikki, All of you get to safety."

Phineas lifted Leelee into his arms. "No arguement there." He ran off with her, Toby and Nikki following fast.

The rangers were set with morphers ready. An input of the spell code and, Galwit Mysto Ranger , the rangers were set for battle. Leanbow primed as the Wolf Warrior, Daggeron once more donning the armor of the Solaris Knight and Udonna once more the white ranger.

Chip may have lost track of the situation. "I can't believe it's been a year since we did this last."

Vida snapped him out of it. "Chip, focus!"

He came to his senses and they met there opponent, who seemed all to prepared. "Ah, the Power Rangers. The acclaimed Mystic Force, if i've been informed correctly."

Nick spoke out against him. "So you know who we are, but how bout you introduce yourself scales."

The demon prince was agitated. "I am Olympius! The most powerful warrior to ever live!"

Udonna was stunned. "No, not Prince Olympius. You were destroyed years ago."

Olympius was almost boastful. "And yet here I stand."

Xander got a bit over confident. "Who cares who you are? We've taken bigger and meaner bloaks down in no time."

The demon prince got serious. "I think you'll find me more of a challenge."

Olympius charged at the rangers with a burning determination he had not shown in years. This was truly going to be a fight to remember.

To be continued...