A/N: I'M BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACK! Man oh man has it been TOO long since I've been here. I've been having a successful Youtube career doing Thomas the Tank Engine redubs as well as animated movie reviews as The Toon Kritic. But recently, I discussed an idea, of sorts, with my very good friend Joey Turner (aka trainlover476 on Youtube) and I pitched the idea of making a Power Rangers fanfic series! Seeing as how we are huge Power Ranger geeks, it would only make sense. Thus POWER RANGERS MYTHIC KNIGHTS WAS BORN! So far the series is up on trainlover476's DeviantArt page but I decided to upload it here as well. Mainly to show that I'm alive. So sit back and enjoy, EPISODE 1.
POWER RANGERS MYTHIC KNIGHTS
EPISODE 1: THE KNIGHTS CALLING
WRITTEN BY ZAK KAYES AND JOEY TURNER
Throughout history, throughout time, warriors and guardians have existed to protect humankind. For as long as good has existed, evil has lurked in the shadows, plotting to take over the world and vanquish the light. But time and time again, they have been stopped thanks to the Earth's greatest defenders: the Power Rangers! With each generation, a new team has added their name to the evergrowing list of heroes. Our story begins in the future...and the past.
6TH CENTURY AD
QERRAVALE
Dark clouds covered the flaming castle and nearby village, the dark ominous sounds of lightning bellowing throughout the sky. The Kingdom of Qerravale had suffered a vicious raid at the hands of several strange creatures known as Demonites. Several royal guards defended the castle walls outside the courtyard as best they could but the Demonites overpowered them. Through the ruins of the village walked three figures. The one in the middle was a large black and dark red demon with fangs, a long black cape, and crown.
"Take a look at this petty kingdom..." said the crowned demon. "Not even their mightiest warriors could withstand the fury of King Grieger III."
To the right of the king was a short, skinnier demon with a jester hat and shoes, a large collar, and white and black striped clothing. He carried a leather bag in his right hand.
"The hour is nie!" laughed the jester. "The kingdom has fallen, thank you to my liege! Nyuck-nyuck-nyuck!"
Finally to the left is a tall, slender demon with a dark blue cape, spiked horns, and a sword holster hanging from his belt.
"It makes me wonder..." he said. "How it is four Knights couldn't take down the mighty Triano!"
"Ahem!" exclaimed the jester.
Triano chuckled. "And you, Yuranzo. Though you did less work then us besides retrieving the artifacts."
"I like to think I did more work then you." the jester said with a snicker.
The three demons made their way near the outskirts of the village in a clearing with a large slab. The slab had 5 holes in the shape of a ring, a wand, a shield, a horn, and a sword.
"Yuranzo, you may proceed." said Grieger.
"As you wish, my liege." said Yuranzo,
Grieger reached into the bag and pulled out the first item, a ring with an emerald, fitting it into the slot. The other items fit in nicely; a silver horn decorated with rubies and sapphires, a light blue wand with black markings on it, a golden shield, and a long silver blade.
The demon king examined the items as they were put in, holding Excalibur up last to admire it's worth. "Morgan Lefay's Ring, the Horn of Justice, Merlin's Master Wand, Sir Lancelot's Shield, and finally...Excalibur! Reveal to me THE PATH!"
But before the sword touched the slot, a blue beam rocketed out and shot the sword out of his hand.
"What's this?" exclaimed Triano.
The three demons turned to see two figures. To the right was an old man, late forty's, with a long robe, brown hair with a little bit of white, and a goatee. He held a golden scepter in his hand. The other figure was a woman wearing a blue suit of armor, holding a blue bow.
"You!" growled Grieger.
"W-wait, I thought you got rid of all of those pesky Knights!" yelled Yuranzo.
"It's over Grieger!" yelled the old man. "The path will never be revealed for you!"
The blue caped demon laughed and unsheathed his sword. "You must be mistaken for me to be feared by you. Let's see you back up your old words, sorcerer!"
"Gladly Triano!" yelled the Blue Knight.
She leapt into action, pulling out her dagger and entering into a duel with Triano. She rolled under and delivered a few slashes but was swiftly kicked back. Triano swung his sword several times but he was blocked each time by the knight. She leapt back and shot a few ice arrows at Triano but he blocked each of them with his cape.
"You're good, little witch!" he laughed. "But I took down half the guards without a sweat. YOU are no challenge!"
Alexis growled and watched Triano shoot dark energy balls at him. She smirked, bringing her hands up and turning the balls to ice. With tremendous strength, she hurtled the balls. The impact knocked Triano into the castle wall and Alexis shot several arrows at him, temporarily sealing the warrior.
Meanwhile the old man and Grieger engaged one another in hand to hand combat. The old man was not as fast as Grieger but he still managed to land a fair amount of hits. Grieger, having taken quite a bit of damaged, caught the old man by the throat and held him up. The man dangled but he shifted his weight so he could talk properly.
"Face it Terretto!" said Grieger. "We both know you stand no chance against my fury!"
Yuranzo looked around and shrugged. "Well since no one is fighting me…I'll just go finish the ceremony then."
"Don't even think about it!" yelled Terretto, chanting a few magic words which caused the artifacts to lift up and out of the stone.
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING!" yelled out Yuranzo.
As the artifacts levitated in the air, they glowed along with the tablet to create a portal. Suddenly though, the tablet exploded.
"I've destroyed the tablet, and the only key to the final object!" said Terretto with a smirk. "But not to worry, it's enchanted; it'll rebuild itself in 2 hours, but a lot of good it'll do when I do THIS!"
Terretto thrust his hand out and the artifacts went flying into the portal, disappearing.
"NO!" Grieger roared in anger, drawing his sword and pointing it at Terretto. "Tell me where they've gone to! TELL ME!"
"It's too late, that portal goes to somewhere in the future, where they'll be spread across the planet. Far from your filthy hands!"
Grieger glared before chuckling quietly. "You foolish old goat! You've only slowed me down! I'll find those objects no matter WHEN or WHERE they are!"
The king flung Terretto away, the Blue Knight catching him and standing him upright.
"And just so you can't catch us…" said Yuranzo, pulling out a card with a picture of a sponge on it. "Take this!" Yuranzo threw the card, which landed on Terretto's forehead and started glowing. Terretto dropped to his knees and grew weaker.
"Master!" called out the Blue Knight.
"Ha! Have fun stopping us while your magic's being DRAINED AWAY!" laughed Yuranzo.
"Excellent work Yuranzo!" says Grieger, turning to his Demonites. "Come my demons! We're off to the future!"
The Blue Knight charged at Grieger but Triano slashed at her, knocking her back again.
"It would seem this fight isn't meant to be." laughed Triano.
Grieger, Triano, and the rest of the Demonites disappeared into the portal.
"Ha! So long losers!" laughs Yuranzo. "But don't worry, once King Grieger III rules the entire human dimension, you'll get a promising career as a secretary. Maybe even as a demon bride?"
The Blue Knight made a gagging motion. "Gag me with Excalibur!"
"Eh, can't say I didn't try."
"Yuranzo! Get in here!" yelled Grieger from the portal.
"Coming master!" replied Yuranzo, blowing a fake kiss at the Blue Knight. "Ciao baby!"
The Blue Knight watched Yuranzo disappear through the portal then runs back to Teretto, helping him and removing the card from his forehead.
"What do we do now master?" she asked. "Almost all your magic's gone and mine is still not as strong as yours!"
"If that fool did the spell correctly then it would be. I still have enough to make it through the portal AND I have managed to spread the artifacts across the globe!"
The girl nodded. "Yes, but Grieger's stubborn and persistent. He won't stop until he finds them all."
Terretto retrieved his scepter and began to walk to the site of the portal, the girl following. "Exactly! So we must follow them! Quick, grab the magic books, the arsenal, and the case!"
The Blue Knight quickly ran back to the castle grounds, heading to Terretto's hut, and gathering everything, stuffing it into a magical bottomless bag. She returned to the site of the portal carrying the bag and the case, opening it, which showed four gems (Red, Yellow, White, and Green.)
"You think we'll find someone able to take on the power of the gems?" asked the Blue Knight.
"We have no choice!" replied Terretto. "We need all the help we need and anyone familiar with the timeline will have to do. All I know is, we must retrieve those artifacts before Grieger can!"
The Blue Knight nods and both Terretto and her go through the portal. From the shadows, a figure watched as the portal began to close. Before it closed, he charged and jumped through it.
15 CENTURIES AND 2 WEEKS LATER...
The hallways of the West Meadowbrough High School were quiet. Classes were in session, not a soul was heard. Everything seemed peaceful until the sound of crashing echoed throughout the empty hallways. A young red-headed teenager with a black tantop and sleeveless yellow hoody was seen running for his life from a bunch of football jocks.
That's me, JT Collins. But I'm not wearing pants. It's a long story. I'm just in the middle of my normal ritual of doing something stupid and then getting chased down by the football team! I've been described as funny, stupid, idiot-boy, insane, and occasionally "get away or I'm gonna call the cops" by the cheerleaders, but that never stopped me before!
JT turned a corner and spotted another teenager, roughly his age putting away things in his locker. He wore a dark red tank-top with blue jeans and red wristbands. He also had dark brown eyes and short, dark brown hair.
…and that's Vance Archer. He's been my best friend ever since kindergarten when he saved me from a bunch of bullies….I wasn't as free spirited and wild back then!
JT ran right up to Vance, but then tripped and ends up sliding on his stomach. Vance simply rolled his eyes and looked down at him, a hand on his hip.
"Oh hey Vance!" said JT, laughing nervously. "Say remember when I promised I'd never get chased by the football team again?
"What did you do this time?" replied Vance, crossing his arms.
"Does it really matter who mooned whose cheerleader girlfriends just because they made some person's sister cry!? Just help me ditch these guys!"
"Get back here Collins!" yelled a jock, which turned the corner bringing two other jocks with him.
Vance sighed then walked in front of JT, blocking the football players path.
"Stay out of this Archer!" yelled one of the jocks. "You got no buiness protecting this runt! We got some special buisness to attend to with him!"
"Hmm, good to know." said Vance, keeping a calm expression on his head. "But you DO have some buisness with me. Concerning a friend of mine? The one you humiliated?"
"She had it coming." said one of the jocks.
"Vance, don't-" said JT.
Vance turned back to JT, nodded, and turned back with his eyes narrowed. He put his fist in his open palm. "Then so do you three."
One of the football players walked in front of the rest and shoved Vance back, smirking to himself. "Don't worry guys, I got this."
When he turned his face though, Vance jumped up and grabbed the player's face, taking him down face first onto the ground with a loud thud. Quickly getting back up, Vance dodged several punches from the second player and grabbed the player's arm, hitting a square elbow to the nose, a knee to the gut, followed by twisting his arm around behind him. A sickening crack was heard in the process.
"Oops!" laughed Vance as he shoved the player back.
The third football player charged at Vance in an attempt to spear him but Vance side stepped, grabbing the jock's jersey jacket, and redirecting him into a locker, leaving a dent.
"TORO! TORO!" yelled JT.
The third player stumbled and turned around only to be met with a 540 kick to the face, knocking him out.
"Come on you guys, at least try to get your hands on me." said Vance.
He dusted off his shoulder and looked at the three jocks on the floor. The school bell rang and Vance helped JT up.
"I don't really want to know exactly what happened this time." said Vance, shaking his head lightly. "You're lucky I was here."
"Yeah, yeah…luck's still on my side!" Replied JT.
Both Vance and JT headed for the door to their next classroom but they were stopped by a woman in summer clothing and glasses.
"…course I never said it was GOOD luck." said JT, laughing nervously.
~!~!~!~
Both Vance and JT exited from the room marked Principal's Office. Vance left first, immediately walking towards the stairs. JT stopped and cleared his throat, prompting Vance to turn and look at him.
"Look, I'm sorry alright?" he said.
Vance shook his head. "I don't want to talk about it. We got one more period to go, then we're heading out."
"Alright then..."
Vance made his way down the stairs, passing by a girl with brown skin and black hair. She fixed her skirt over her black leggings and kept her books close to her black tanktop and blue vest. She also had black, curly hair. As she passed Vance and turned the corner, she suddenly bumped into JT and stumbled back.
"Gah!" she said.
JT stepped back and looked down at the books that had dropped to the ground. He was quick to pick them up. "Yipe! U-uh, so sorry there lady."
The girl said nothing and quickly picked her books up, moving past him. JT caught her face for a brief moment before turning and heading down the stairs with Vance.
~!~!~!~
The woods were always an important part of Vance and JT's life. Fortunately it was near their house so every day after school, when they could, they would spend time at a tree house their parents helped them build. For many years, Vance and JT spent every day after school hanging out after picking up milkshakes. It was in that tree house where Vance and JT bonded the most not confined to any social cliques or any of the crap they had to deal with from the jocks.
They'd spend time playing cards, watching movies, often times they would sneak out and watch movies in the little TV they brought with them. It wasn't surprising how resourceful the two were to make the tree house as big and as wide for them as possible, thanks to how big the tree and how long the limbs were. Even in high school, they spent as much time as they could in the tree house, often time just to help each other out in homework but it was good enough for them.
Vance and JT made their way through the woods, deciding not to pick up milkshakes as JT had found a milkshake machine that could make their own milkshakes without any holes put in their wallets.
"Hey." said JT. "…you wanna go get a soooooda?
Vance said nothing.
"Okay, what's with the quiet making?" asked JT.
"You always have a knack for getting into trouble don't you?" asked Vance.
"Well you know me, mischief is what I do best."
"I know, it's just…" Vance sighed. "You gotta learn to tone it down sometimes man."
"Tone down?" JT chuckled lightly. "YOU'RE crazy man. You try bottling me up, things are only gonna get even more crazy!"
Vance kept walking so JT began to walk in front of him.
"Come on man, lighten up a bit!" says JT. "You gotta have fun every once in a while."
"I just don't get why you think it's necessary to pull pranks on the jocks. It's like you're asking to get your ass handed to you."
JT shrugged. "Well compared to all the other stuff I think of, this is the easiest to do. It's totally worth it!"
Vance stopped but then kept walking. "Is it? This is getting ridiculous. Don't think I'll be there every time to back you up." said Vance, looking him straight in the eye.
"Vance, you don't have to do this. I don't need a guardian angel. I can take of myself-" Vance cut him off, giving him a look. "...okay maybe not. But come on, you know you can't get enough of my unpredictability!"
The both of them moved past a bush leading to their tree house. JT went through first but as he stepped through, Vance grabbed JT back, holding the bushes to stop them from making any noise.
"Woah, what the-?" asked JT.
"Shh!" said Vance.
They both paused for a moment then peered through the bushes to see weird demon like creatures, Demonites, raiding the tree house, throwing stuff out.
"Okay, I'll bite," said JT. "What the hell is going on?"
"There's no way those jocks could know where this place is…" said Vance. "The get up is convincing though."
"Then this should be no problem?" said JT, stepping out of the bushes without Vance noticing. "Yo ugly! Halloween doesn't come for about 3 months!"
"JT! What the hell are you doing!"said Vance, whispering at a level only JT could hear.
"Relax Vance, I got this." said JT, walking right up to the Demonites and reaching to grab one of the masks. "These cheap costumes are no match for the power of…of….uhhh…" JT's attempts to take off the mask were in vain.
Vance facepalmed then came to the sudden realization. "...oh no."
"These…these are pretty good masks." JT nervously laughed. "SECRET WEAPON!"
JT kicked one of the Demonites straight in the crotch which resulted in a loud CLANG. JT immediately grabbed his foot, hopping on one foot, grumbling and cursing under his breath in pain.
Vance, watching this, sighed. "Great…looks like I'm going to have to get some help."
Vance stood up and turned around only to be face to face with one of the Demonites. "…shit." One of the monsters grabbed him. "I wouldn't do that if I were you"
Vance grabbed the Demonite who has his hand on him and flipped him over which gets the others attention. The duo were clearly outmatched though Vance was able to hold them off, dodging and countering their attacks. JT just managef to dodge their attacks, thanks to some of Vance's training. But the numbers advantage was too much for them as JT was grabbed and punched hard in the gut. Vance ducked some of the strikes but was suddenly whacked in the face by one of their clubs. They were then grabbed and thrown away by the Demonites, beaten down and battered before getting thrown against a tree. Vance groaned, trying to stand up sing the tree to support him.
"Okay…so it's not the jocks." said Vance. "They don't know how to fight like this."
"Sooo, shall we skedaddle?" asked JT.
The Demonites begin to slowly surround Vance and Jt.
"I don't think that's gonna work…" said Vance. "Let's just hope this is a REALLY bad prank gone wrong…"
Right when the demons were about to touch them, suddenly the sound of an arrow being shot through the air iwe heard and one of the demons turned into an ice sculpture. The Demonites turned around to see the Blue Knight standing on top of a tree limb with her bow. She leapt down from the tree and removed her dagger, rolling and dodging attacks, slicing into the demons. She attacked with the sharp ends of her bow, beginning to slice away at the Demonites with relative ease. Eventually, they were forced to retreat.
"What were those freaks doing out here?" she said to herself.
She turnef to see both Vance and JT unconscious against the tree and the treehouse a little wrecked. She sheathed her dagger and pulled out a wand from her holster. She waved it at the tree house, causing some planks to put themselves back in. She walks over to Vance and JT and checks on them.
"Well…looks we're having guests for dinner tonight…"
~!~!~!~
Vance slowly awakened, rubbing his eyes. He sat up and looked down at what was on him. He was laying on a couch with a blanket on him. Sitting up, he pulled the covers off of him and rubbed his eyes.
"Jeez…anyone get the license plate for that boulder?" Vance looked around the room. "Alright…stone ceiling, gotta be in a cave."
Against some of the walls were bookcases. Behind him was a crystal ball on a stand and not far from that is a kitchenette of sorts. On the floor was red carpeting, ancient symbols adorning the walls. He also noticed a staircase leading up to a balcony with several other rooms.
"…where are we?" said Vance.
A door opened and JT emerged from it, looking around, Vance turned to notice him.
"Hey, I knew wandering aimlessly around like a noob in an RPG game would work out!" said JT. He walked over to Vance, who stood up and rubbed the back of his head.
"You have any idea where we're at?" asked Vance.
JT shruged. "Beats me. One minute we were unconscious in the woods, then I woke up here, did a little looking around, and now here I is. We could be underground for all I know."
"Ahh good, you are both awake." said a voice, causing Vance and JT to turn around to see the old wizard, Terretto, standing on the balcony.
"Whoa wild old dude appeared…" JT stepped back, next to Vance. "Uhhh…is it just me or are you suddenly getting flashbacks to those old Stranger Danger vids?
"He seems okay to me." said Vance.
"I trust you both are feeling well?" asked Terretto.
"Yes, thank you." replied Vance, bowing slightly on instinct.
"Eh, my back's killing me from sleeping on the remote last night." daid JT, snickering a bit. "Nice costume, gramps."
Terretto chucklef lightly, walking down the stairs. "Not to worry young ones. You're safe here in this cave, far from those demons."
"So those weren't the jocks from our high school?" asked JT. "They were real?"
"As real as this old wizard before you." replied Terretto.
"Wizard?" asked Vance.
"Yes. I am Grand Master Alister Terretto."
"And I suggest you both bow to my master." said a voice from upstairs.
Vance and JT turned to see the Blue Knight walking down the stairs. She demorphed upon reaching the bottom, revealing the girl from the school Vance and JT met. She had changed her appearance, revealing grey sleeves up to her elbow, a corset over her tank top.
"Whoa, hot warrior lady likeness." said JT, already swooning for the young lady.
"Don't I know you from somewhere?" asked Vance.
"We've never met." said the Blue Knight, shaking her head.
"I think we did!" said JT. "You're the girl I bumped into."
She shook her head. "I don't remember faces I don't need to."
"Do we at least get a name from our savior?" asked Vance.
"Gallows. Alexis Marie Gallows."
JT sighed happily. "A name worthy for a sweet and fair maiden that saved my shiny yellow keister. It's like the pickles in my peanut butter."
"Don't try your luck, redhead." said Alexis, crossing her arms.
"Hey, DON'T BE DISSING THE REDNESS!" yelled JT.
"I don't believe we have been properly introduced though." said Terretto. "Your names, if possible?"
"Vance Linston Archer."
"Jackson Trace Collins."
Teretto's expression changed slightly. "Archer? ...I see."
"Exactly what are we doing here anyway?" asked Vance, crossing his arms. "We are free to leave right?"
"Of course." said Terretto.
"Well alrighty then, we'll just be on our way then!" JT turned and started to leave but then paused. "That is…if…uhh…wheres the exit!? ME NO LIKE ENCLOSED PLACES!" He clinged to Vance's arm. "I'm a space monkey damnit, SPACE MONKEY!" He panted deeply and then pretended to fake his death on the floor.
"Is he always like this?" asked Alexis.
"You get used to it after a while." said Vance, chuckling lightly.
JT lifted his head up and picked himself up. "Buuuut seriously, what are we doing here?"
"Please, have a seat." Terretto said, motioning Vance and JT over to the couch to sit down. "Alexis, would you mind serving some tea?"
"Right away." she said, heading into the kitchen.
Terretto, JT, and Vance sat down with JT and Vance sitting on the couch and Terretto sitting in a tall chair across from them.
"What I am about to tell you is something you may choose or choose not to believe." started Terretto. "Those demons you faced were no ordinary creatures. They are the servants of a demon king known as King Grieger III. I came from a time when the lands of the Earth were at peace. 6th Century AD to be exact."
"You don't look that old." said JT. "I guess Touch of Gray actually works."
"Times were peaceful back then…" continued Terretto. "That was until Grieger attacked our kingdom. His unquenchable thirst and lust for power brought many a village and kingdom to its knees in submission."
"Hey can we have those little cookies or something for our tea?" asked JT, to Alexis.
"It wasn't long before he reached my home kingdom of Qerravale." said Terretto. "He came with the five sacred artifacts of our time. Excalibur, Morgan Lefey's Ring, Lancelot's Shield, Merlin's Master Wand, and the Horn of Justice."
Vance nodded. "I know about Excalibur at least. I didn't think it existed."
"We do not have much time so I will tell you what you need to know. When Grieger tried to bring the five artifacts together, he created a portal through time to 2011. I managed to send the artifacts across the globe so that Grieger would never find them. Grieger escaped however through the portal with me and my apprentice Alexis on his tail."
"So what does that have to do with us?" asks Vance.
Alexis came into the room with a tray with four cups of tea and sets it down on the table.
"We believe that Grieger is planning to find the artifacts that my master scattered around the world and bring them together to unleash the darkness." said Alexis.
"That's easier said than done." remarked JT.
Terretto nods at Alexis and she got up, walking to the bookcase and pulling a book out to open a secret compartment. She retrieved a stone case and walked over, placing it on the table.
"What's in the case?" asked Vance.
"Alexis is my top student and I have trained her in hopes of fending off Grieger's forces and to find the five sacred artifacts." Says Terretto. "Two weeks have passed since I arrived here and I believe it is fate that brought you here this evening. You two are about to discover your true destiny right here and right now."
Alexis opened the gem case and turns it to them.
"I would like to offer you the chance to make something of yourself." said Terretto. "To help better mankind and to save the world. To become…a Mythic Knight Power Ranger."
JT spit out his tea onto the carpet. "Say WHAT NOW!?"
"You can't be serious." said Vance. "This has to be a joke."
"My master does not joke." says Alexis, her arms crossed still.
Vance and JT stared at the red and yellow gems for a moment.
"Hey I don't know about you guys…" said JT. "But I know a once in a lifetime chance when I see one." JT reached in and took the yellow gem, holding it in his hand. "Oooo it's shinyyy…"
All of a sudden, the gem began to bounce around everywhere off the walls then lands on JT's belt buckle, embedding itself as the center piece.
"Kewwwwwwwwwl. I can get used to this! So uh, how's this thing work—" He touched it but then was suddenly rocketed backwards into a bookshelf.
"JT, what the hell did you do?" exclaimed Vance.
"It wasn't me! I swear!" replied JT, picking himself up quickly. He blinked and began to move quicker then usual, suddenly zipping back and forth swiftly.
"Ah, I see you've inadvertently discovered the gem's hidden ability: super speed." said Terretto.
"…I MUST USE THIS POWER FOR GOOD!" exclaimed JT. "...and occasional mischief!"
"Don't even think about it, buzz cut!" yelled Alexis. "These are not to be used for your own personal joke factory! Forgive me master, but do we really need THIS one?"
"Of course." said Terretto, smiling. "Though he may seem unpredictable and wild, that can be honed to create a swift and strong warrior."
"Hear that pretty wizard lady?" said JT with a wide smirk. "Beardey man thinks I'm a warrior. I won't let you down! "
"...not the response I was looking for, but excellent." says Terretto, then turning to Vance. "And now for you, Vance?"
Vance turned his attention back to the gem and looked at it. "…I'm going to have to decline."
JT looked at Vance in confusion. "Dude, why not! You got a chance to be a freakin Power Ranger man!"
"May I at least know why?" asked Terretto.
"This whole travelling through time, demon king, saving the world stuff sounds fine on paper." said Vance, now standing up. "But this is reality and the reality is…I'm gonna pass. Do you expect us to just give up our lives, assume some secret identities, and risk our lives every day in a war that could result in several thousands of people getting hurt, should we fail? I've got more than enough to worry about in my life right now. I'm no hero. And no offense, JT…you're no hero either man."
"Owchhhhh bro…" said JT. "Come on, this has been my dream, you know that! I looked up to the Power Rangers! It's like my destiny!"
"...last week you were so sure that your destiny was to be the quarterback of a squirrel's football team!" said Vance, giving him a stern look. "You can't take anything seriously."
"I was going through a phase." said JT, rubbing the back of his head. "Come on man!"
"I may not know my destiny…but I'm not going to put anything or anyone in danger ever again." said Vance, walking over to get his backpack, checking inside to make sure nothing was stolen.
"…again? When did-..." JT thought for a moment then remembered all the times Vance saved his life. "…I was young and stupid…er!"
"Will you at least consider my offer?" said Terretto, handing the gem to Vance.
Vance looked down at the gem then slowly took it from Terreto's hand. "Now where's the exit?"
Terretto pointed his finger towards the door and a sound was heard, the door opening.
"Whoa! That is so cool!" exclaims JT.
Vance picked up his backpack and made his way over, opening the door and looking outside.. "I know the way from here. I'll see you tomorrow at school, JT."
JT nodded lightly. "Yea…see ya."
Vance left and closed the door behind him. JT sighed, picking up his backpack.
"Are you two close?" asked Terretto.
"Closer then a lot of people." said JT. "He and I, we used to have two others, like a group. But now it's just me and him. I don't know where I would be without him."
Suddenly, an alarm began to blare and a sphere hanging from the wall began to blink red.
"ALARM FROM NO WHERE!" yelled JT.
"Great, another attack." groaned Alexis.
Alexis and Terretto walked over to a stand that had a crystal ball on could see Demonites runnin rampant throughout the downtown area.
"Demons downtown?" said JT. "That's not far from here!"
"You don't have to go with Alexis to fight." said Terretto. "You're welcome to stay here if you want. It is late out."
"Like a sleepover?" JT thought to himself. "That is tempting…but me thinks kicking some demon boo-tay sounds a lot cooler."
"Very well." said Terretto. "If you feel you are ready, you may fight alongside her. Be safe both of you."
"Let's do this! Come on Alex—" JT turned to see she was already gone, an ATV engine revving outside. " WAIT FOR ME!"
JT ran out to see Alexis with a helmet on, about to head out of the forest.
"So pretty lady, can I come along too?" asked JT.
"I don't need any help," said Alexis. "I've dealt with these demons and I know how to fight them."
"Great!" said JT. "So we can swap strategies or something on the way there! And you can tell me some of the benefits to being a power ranger, like do we get an employee bathroom, or our own personal secretaries or-"
"I didn't say I was taking you with me!" snapped Alexis.
"Yeah I know it's just, I want to you know repay you for saving me back there. Come on, give me a chance!" JT gave her puppy eyes. "I promise I won't poop on the carpet!"
Alexis looked at him confused but then sighed. "Alright. Can you at least fight?"
"Uhh…define fight?" asked JT. "I can throw a good punch or two, I guess."
"Fine, that'll work." she gives an extra helmet to JT. "Hop on. But watch the hands buster or your face is royally frosted."
"Right away, magician lady!"
~!~!~!~
The sun had begun to set in the city of Sundraville, the main downtown district close to Meadowborough. Alexis and JT race past through some wreckage and nearby civilians who are running for their lives, racing on the ATV towards the Demonites.
"Looks like we got here just in time." said JT.
The ATV screeched to a halt nearby a small swarm of Demonites, being lead by Triano. He turned to see Alexis and JT in front of him.
"Well well, isn't this a surprise! Come to try and stop me yet again little girl?" laughed Triano.
Alexis and JT dismounted, though JT fell flat on his face and got right back up.
"Ohh and I see you brought a friend." said Triano, drawing his sword. "Good, the more the merrier!"
"That's what YOU think demon sword man!" said JT, getting into a stance.
"Just when things are getting peaceful, you have to try and throw a little tantrum downtown to get my attention." Says Alexis, chuckling lightly. " Isn't that sweet? Well consider this a little wake up call for you! I'm not alone to fight you this time!"
"Right!" said JT. "Now let's kick some ass!"
"Watch and learn rookie!" she said, grabbing her dagger.
~!~!~!~
Vance entered through the front door of his room and closed it behind him. He passed the front room to see his dad asleep in the recliner with the TV on. He walked over and turned off the TV. His dad slowly awoke and rubbed his eyes.
"Hey, dad." said Vance.
"Hey kiddo." he replied, sleepily. "You're home a little late."
Vance headed into the kitchen, dropping his backpack on the floor. Opening the fridge, he showed a bit of disappointment in his face when he saw there wa nothing much to eat.
"Ordering out tonight?" asked Vance.
"Yep, looks like it. Rough day at work."
He closed the fridge and went over to the cupboard to find an unopened box of cookies. Opening it, he dug in and took one out, taking a bite out of it. He put the box on the table and thought for a moment, bringing out the red gem given by Terretto.
"...hey dad?"
"What's up?"
"I got into another fight today."
Vance's father stood up and yawned slightly, walking over to him. "Again? Protecting JT?"
Vance nodded. "And he's gotten into more trouble then I'm used to...and I don't know what to do. I made a promise, a long time ago, but I can't help but feel this promise is gonna hinder me later."
"Only if you think like that, Vance. I know what you promised JT's parents, to protect him no matter what."
Promise me, that no matter what happens to me or my husband, you will ALWAYS be there for JT. Protect him and be his friend. You two have such a strong bond and I would hate to see something happen to him.
"And do you intend to keep that promise?" asked his father. "If I were you, JT's never been the smartest when it comes to trouble. I won't ask what kind of trouble, knowing him it's something I'm gonna be confused on."
Vance nodded lightly. "Right."
His father touched his shoulder and turned to leave the room. "I'll be in the garage. You might want to check on JT. Just in case. I know you mean well, Vance. You're the best friend he has, he won't forget it."
Vance watched his father leave the room and then looked down at the gem in his hand, gripping it.
"...I promise."
~!~!~!~
While Alexis raced off to face Triano, JT had time to get adjust to his powers. He chanelled electricity in his hands and shot lightning bolts out, stunning some of the Demonites. When they charged at him, he zipped back and forth to dodge their attacks, putting Vance's training to use.
"HA! How you like me now, suckas!" he laughed, looking down at his morpher. "Right, so how do they summon their weapons?"
"Just hold your hand out!" yelled Alexis from afar.
JT nodded and extended his hand, a double bladed axe appearing in it. He felt the weight and wielded it close to him. "An axe? AWESOME!"
JT drew his axe and got into a stance, zipping forward to slice into the monsters. His strikes were wild yet effective as he got knocked back. He turned into a blur, dodging the attacks and bouncing off the Demonites, using momentum for kicks that sent them flying. He jumped into the middle of the swarm, pinballing around at super speed.
"Whoa hey, pardon me, excuse me, coming through, out of my way guys! Hey your shoe's untied! Ooh, nice shorts!" laughed JT, landing on the ground and standing up to see the swarm crumble to pieces. "Hah hah! That's how you do it, JT style!"
Alexis clashed against Triano with the sharp ends of her bow, going on the defensive before knocking him back with a kick. Triano was slightly quicker and charged, knocking her back with a dash.
"Come on, is that all you got?" taunted Triano.
JT suddenly appeared behind Alexis and jumped up, using her as a springboard to flip and slice into him with his axe. The slash made sparks appear and knocked him back in the process.
"You learn quick." said Alexis, giving JT's arm a light, friendly jab.
"Eh, I'm a fast learner." replied JT, flipping his axe in his hand.
Triano picked himself back up. "It's gonna take more than two rangers to stop me! AND I AIN'T GOING DOWN WITHOUT A FIGHT!"
He slashed the air, sending two energy waves that exploded on contact with JT and Alexis. The blast sent them flying backwards but they were soon caught by two tentacles from Triano's left arm. They were slammed into the ground before being held up in the air.
"Whoa is this Power Rangers or a hentai?" yelled JT, struggling.
"What's a hen-tai?" asked Alexis.
"I'll tell you later…" said a nervous JT.
"Now to put you two out for good!" laughed Triano. He turned to hear the sound of a bike bell.
JT's head turned up and he looked down the street. "Vance?"
The three saw a bike in the distance racing towards them. Vance, pedaling as quickly as he could, extended a hand and summoned a red sword with spikes. Zipping past, Vance sliced the sword through the tentacles holding JT and Alexis and skidded to a stop, getting off and putting his sword away.
"WHAT?!" yells Triano. "There's three of you!?"
Vance helped JT and Alexis up.
"You came back!" said JT. "But…why?"
"I made your mother a promise that I would protect you, no matter what." said Vance. "I don't plan on breaking that promise anytime soon."
"YAY! I knew you couldn't stay away!" laughed JT.
"Yeah, guess I'm almost as crazy as you." said Vance with a smirk.
"Oh give me a break!" yells Triano. "You couldn't defeat me even if you tried, little girl!"
"Maybe." said Alexis, walking to the middle of the three. "But I've got backup!"
Triano's eyes widened when Vance and JT revealed their morphers. "BRING IT ON!"
Alexis looked back to JT and Vance and they both nodded. They both grabbed their morphers and spun their arms around, thrusting the belt buckles in their hands forward.
"MYTHIC KNIGHTS, UNITE!" The three of them yelled in unison.
Vance, JT, and Alexis began to glow red, yellow, and blue respectively. Armor began to materialize on their body, giving them helmets with visors, and armor the respective color of their gems.
Alexis held her bow to her side and raised her fist to her chest. "SOUL FLURRY OF ICE, BLUE MYTHIC KNIGHT RANGER!"
Vance drew his sword and swung it. "DRAGONHEART OF DANCING FLAMES, RED MYTHIC KNIGHT RANGER!
And JT spun his axe, posing. "THUNDER'S FURY, YELLOW MYTHIC KNIGHT RANGER!"
Terretto watched from his crystal ball back at the base. "At last…he has accepted his destiny."
Vance, JT, and Alexis stood together in ranger form, standing together and charging at Triano. Vance went ahead and dropkicked Triano in the face. He jumped over Triano's leg sweep and grabbed Triano's head, driving it forehead first to the floor. Alexis and JT stepped in and blocked attacks from Triano allowing Vance to get in a few strikes with his sword. This strategy worked for a while until Triano finally countered and knocked the three back with a few quick slashes. Alexis fired off a few shots, some were deflected, but two of them manage to strike and freeze Triano's legs to the ground.
"Demon alamode, I like it." laughed JT.
Triano growled. "Meddlesome witch!"
He looked up to see Vance and JT leaping at him from above. They both delivered a swift slice at the same time with channeled eneergy in the weapons, causing an explosion that sent Triano flying back.
"You're never going to defeat me!" groaned Triano, getting to my feet. "Just give up, you pathetic weaklings!"
"Giving up isn't anywhere in my dictionary, demon." Said Vance.
"And I don't even know what a dictionary is." said JT, scratching his head.
The Knights's communicators beeped.
"Let's add some more fire power to your arsenal." said Terretto. "Bring your weapons together to summon the White Dragon Cannon!"
The three of them nodded and brought their weapons together, creating a portal above them. Out dropped a large white cannon with symbols on it.
"How do you work this thing?" said Vance. "It's huge!"
"That's what she said…" snickered JT resulting in Vance dope slapping him.
JT and Alexis gripped the sides while Vance gripped the front.
"READY! AIM! FIRE!" they all yelled.
The cannon began to charge up a large ball of energy. With a press of a button, the energy ball then shot out at Triano, slamming into him and going through him. Triano yelling out in pain and falling face first to the ground, exploding into pieces. The cannon then disappeared back into the portal.
"WOOOOOOOOOO YEA!" yelled JT, jumping up and down. "THAT WAS AWESOME! DID YOU SEE THAT! I WAS LIKE WOO YAH AND HE WAS LIKE OO I 'M AN EVIL DEMON AND I'M LIKE OH NO YOU AIN'T AND HE'S ALL IN MY GRILL LIKE BOY I WILL—"
"Easy JT, relax." laughed Vance, touching his shoulder.
"Sorry that…that was just WAYY too cool!" replies JT. "We actually won!"
"That wasn't as hard as I thought…" said Alexis, crossing her arms. "Something doesn't seem right though…"
Suddenly, a bolt of lighting struck the fallen pieces of Triano. They quickly come back together but Triano became massive sized, rising several stories tall.
"OH COME ON!" yelled JT. "How the hell are we supposed to beat that?"
"I definitely wasn't expecting this…" said Vance, looking up at the beast.
"Neither was I." said Alexis. "I didn't think demons could grow into their mega forms!"
"Well now they—"Vance started before looking over to JT. "JT, what the hell are you doing!"
JT sliced away madly at Triano's foot, trying to make some sort of impact.
"Would you stop you little rodent?!" yelled the massive Triano.
"NOT! UNTIL! YOU! DIE!" yelled JT, yelling a word for each strike.
Triano rose his foot and was ready to smash JT but Vance grabbed him out of the way.
"Anyone get the number for that demon?" said a dazed JT.
"Master, is there any possible way to defeat Triano now?" said Alexis to Terretto.
"Actually, there might be a way." said Terretto. "The Mythic Zords."
"You mean we gets ZORDS!?" exclaims JT.
"Yes." replied Terretto. "They were ancient massive guardian spirits from the past that can be summoned by a Knight Ranger. They should be strong enough to defeat Triano."
"Sounds like a plan." said Vance.
They nodded and raised their weapons, putting them together.
"WE SUMMON YOU, MYTHIC ZORDS!" yelled the three Knights.
JT's axe glows yellow. "YELLOW CHIMERA ZORD!"
Alexis' bow glows blue. "BLUE SCORPION ZORD!"
Vance's sword glows red. "RED DRAGON ZORD!
A portal was created in the sky and three massive metallic creatures emerged from it. The three rangers leapt up and each one materialized inside of different colored chambers with a stand that has a slot on it. In front of the stands were a few screens and a keyboard stand next to them. The three of them extend their hands to summon silver swords and plugged them into the slots, grippikng the hilts.
"Now THIS is what I'm talking about!" exclaimed JT.
"I've never seen anything like this…" said Alexis, looking around. "My books didn't mention anything about Zords before."
"Well whatever they are, let's use them to take him down!" said Vance.
"Well well, you think three little tinker toys are going to take me down?" laughed Triano. "GUESS AGAIN!"
The three Zords leap into action but JT's Zord stayed in place.
"Ohh crap…" said JT, looking around and playing with the sword. "Ummm…hey Terretto? How the hell do you pilot this?!" He looked around and pulled out the instruction manual. "Allrighty, how to pilot your Chimera Zord…aww come on, I can't read this!"
"JT, get over here!" yelled Alexis.
"Allright allright, calm your nips!" replied JT. "Well, when you're trying to pilot a chimera zord and you have no idea what you're doing, there's only one thing left to do….PRESS A WHOLE BUNCH OF COLORFUL BUTTONS UNTIL SOMETHING HAPPENS!" JT started pressing buttons, causing the Zord to freak out until JT pressed the right button. "Maybe I should talk to Terretto about labeling these things."
The Chimera Zord charged at Triano and locked up with him. While Triano was busy, the Scorpion Zord bashed itself into Triano's back, stunning him.
"Don't worry, this will only hurt a LOT!" yelled Alexis, thrusting the sword forward.
The Scorpion's stinger delivered rapid slices and stabbed into Triano while the Chimera Zord backed up and charged head first into Triano, tackling him to the ground and stamping its feet on him.
"GET OFF OF ME YOU, FREAK OF NATURE!" growled Triano.
"Weird, that's what my third grade teacher said to me." laughed JT. "But I'm just getting start—WOAH!"
Triano picked up the Chimera Zord and flung it away. Alexis moved in for a strike but Triano simply kicked her away. Vance's Zord was high in the air, curving around to gain momentum for a swooping strike. He thrusted the sword forward and the Dragon Zord began to shoot lasers out of the cannon's along its wings, striking Triano. While he was stunned, Vance swoops in and uses the wings and momentum to drive the Zord into him, slicing at him with the wings. This sent Triano flying backwards and crashing on the ground.
"Come on big bad and ugly, that all you got!?" taunted Vance.
Triano got back up to his feet, groggy and stunned.
"Now's our chance!" said Alexis.
The zords got into a triangle formation and their mouths opened.
"Let's finish this!" yelled JT.
"TRINITY BLAST!" They all yelled.
Balls of energy formed in the Zord's mouth then blasted off at once, slamming into Triano and causing an explosion. He began to spark and lighting shot out of him. He fell to the ground in pain and exploded once more, this time for good.
"YES!" yelled JT, jumping for joy. "OHHHHH SWEET FREAKIN VICTORY!"
"Wow…." said Vance, looking at his hands. "Can't believe we actually did it."
"All too easy for me." said Alexis with a smirk. "Good work."
BACK AT THE KNIGHT RANGER BASE
JT and Vance stood together across from Terretto and Alexis.
"Terretto…" said Vance. "About my actions before…"
"I understand Vance." said Terretto. "You were unsure of your destiny and the situation was too overwhelming for you. Yet still…you came back. That takes a lot of courage to stand up and defend your friend."
"I guess I consider it a hobby now." said Vance with a light smile.
"Sooo we're Power Rangers now right?" asked JT.
"Not quite." said Terretto.
"Crap, I knew there would be a catch" said JT. He then extended his arms like he was about to be cuffed. "Allright pick a body part, I could really do without my right pinkie, its been itching like crazy for a while."
"It is nothing like that, JT." said Terretto. "I wasn't supposed to let you use the gems until after you made the Knight's Oath."
Vance tilted his head. "Knight's Oath?"
"In order to fully use your powers, you must swear to the Knight's Oath, a series of rules you must abide by and accept." said Alexis.
"…oh…yea, Vance has never really been good with following the rules, and I just make my own rules." said JT, rubbing the back of his head.
"I can make an exception." said Vance. "I think we're both ready."
"Very well." Terretto made a kneeling motion with his hands. "Kneel."
Vance and JT both did so so. Alexis handed Terretto his golden scepter and pointed it at them, a seal suddenly appearing under both JT and Vance, glowing.
"Do you both solemnly swear to follow these 3 sacred rules?" asked Terretto.
"We do." they both said.
"The first…you are to never de-morph in public under ANY circumstances. Doth thou solemnly swear?"
"Wait, what if we meet other rangers?" asked JT.
"Well I guess that can be a small exception." said Terretto. "The second…you must NEVER tell anyone of your secret. If someone finds out, you MUST bring this person to me so their memory shall be cleansed except for family members. Doth thou solemnly swear?"
"We swear."
"And the final rule." continues Terretto. "No matter what the situation or any temptation you may have, you are to NEVER use your powers for starting a fight or for personnel gain. ONLY for self defense. Disobedience of these rules will result in immediate power loss and your surrender of your morpher. Doth thou solemnly swear to abide by this sacred oath of Knights, to fight for great justice, and to protect this world from the forces of King Grieger III?"
"We solemnly swear to follow this oath."
The ring below them then began to swirl upwards as the two stood up, causing them to glow. The glowing stopped and became an energy ball, floating and disappearing into their morphers.
"Vance Archer," started Terretto. "I sense much potential in you. Fire is a dangerous element. It can burn strong with both passion and anger. It's up to you to decide which side you'll choose within you. You shall be the Red Knight Ranger."
Vance nodded. "You can count on me."
Terretto turned to JT. "And JT Collins…though young and inexpierenced, you have a bright mind and a heart of gold that will match your, dare I say, electric, personality. Quick on your feet and in your mind, I trust you will understand the responsibility of being a Knight. You will be the Yellow Knight Ranger."
JT nodded as well. "I won't let you down."
Alexis walked over and stood next to Vance. Terretto nodded and lowered his scepter.
"You three may return back to your homes and are always welcome to stay here." the old wizard said. "Have your morphers with you at all times. Without them, you will not have access to your powers or ranger armor."
"Sounds good to me!" exclaimed JT. "Let's go get some pizza!"
"Don't even think of trying one of your secret combo recipes." said Vance. "I have my eyes on you."
Alexis tilted her head. "Pizza?"
JT placed his hand on her shoulder. "Ohh Alexis…we have so much to tell you."
"Watch the hands." said Alexis.
Vance watched the two leave and chuckled lightly, shaking his head. "I think I'm going to like this job."
~!~!~!~
A dark castlefloated deep within the Nether Realm, a vast portal of darkness. Not far in the distance there was a crack which lead to the outside world. Grieger and Yuranzo rewatched the action from a floating mirror in the room.
"Nyuck, nyuck, nyuck," laughed Yuranzo. "Lookie here, the rangers have new toys to play with! Isn't that adorable? Triano didn't see any of that coming!"
"Regardless…that is but a taste of what is in store for them." said Grieger, sitting atop his throne. "Now that the Nether has a crack, I am only able to send one Demon General at a time through it. But that will be more than enough to take these new Knights down. While Terretto will be using those kids to fend off my Demon Generals…I will be finding the missing artifacts. And I know just where to find them..."
He pulled out a scroll that revealed a map with a sword somewhere in the upper corner. Slowly, the scroll's writing and inscriptions began to appear.
TO BE CONTINUED…
