Episode 1: Part 1

The gentle sounds of crickets filled the night air as two amateur astronomers set up their telescope on the Alabaster Flats. The grassy plains and farmlands just outside the city of Hyperion Falls were the ideal place for them to do their work. The Flats were just far enough away to avoid the light pollution, but not too far from "civilization" either. As they finished setting up, they stopped and took a moment to admire the starry skies above and the relative quiet of the place. Of course, many local residents liked to relate the story of how the plains had once been a fierce battleground between the Vanguard Rangers and a rogue Archangel by the name of Gideon, but that had been many years ago. On a night like tonight, it was hard to imagine that such a violent struggle had even taken place here.

No sooner had they made final adjustments to the lens of their telescope was when a bright light caught their eyes. At first it resembled a small meteor in the skies, but to their astonishment, the object grew brighter as it streaked overhead near their location. Several heartbeats later, the bright object fell to the earth in a loud boom which loudly echoed over the fields. A large cloud of dirt and smoke erupted into the air and the astronomers hurried over to investigate the shocking occurrence. They gingerly made their way to the smoldering edge of the crater and peered down into the clearing smoke, trying to determine what kind of object had fallen from the skies. What they saw next would catch them completely off guard.

A humanoid figure rose from the small crater dressed in light gray robes with its hood pulled up to conceal its identity. As the figure slowly climbed up from the hole, the astronomers could see glowing light coming from the hooded alien stranger. Along the figure's pale skinned hands and arms were what looked to be strange tattoos of arcane sigils which glowed with an eldritch blue and silvery light. They could only continue staring in fear and awe as the figure stopped and turned its head to spot them.

With a slow motion, the figure reached up to remove its hood revealing the head of a pale bald man. Like his arms, his face and head were covered in the same strange sigils and he fixed a pair of piercing blue eyes upon them. In a calm level voice, the strange man said, "Be not afraid. My name is Simeon. Could you tell me, where is the city of Hyperion Falls?"

The two astronomers took one quick look at each other before turning and running in sheer fright. Of all things, they had not expected to actually meet a strange robed man who had fallen from the skies. The bald tattooed man watched as the two humans fled in terror before silently shaking his head to himself. Wherever they were running to, it was likely toward a populated area. It was Simeon's hope that if he followed those two mortals, perhaps he would find exactly what he was looking for.


A bright warm halo of golden sunlight lit up the main quad of Hyperion University. The warm heat of late August had begun to give way to the cooler air of the autumn season. Then again, the small city of Hyperion Falls had always enjoyed cooler summers because of its location, nestled high amidst the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. As he made his way across the grassy quad, Tyler Hale adjusted his new red track jacket and couldn't help but laugh at himself a little. His father had been known to wear a similar article of clothing during his own college years. His father had even offered to give his jacket to Tyler as a hand me down when he left for school. As much as he loved and idolized his father, Tyler had decided he'd follow tradition, albeit with a more modern looking style. He had gotten his own unique jacket and wore it over a white t-shirt and jeans.

As he walked along, he exchanged a few passing greetings with some new people he recognized from his dormitory. Freshman Orientation week was coming to an end and in just a few days, classes would officially start for the semester. Like him, many of the other freshman were out taking walks to explore and familiarize themselves with campus landmarks hoping they didn't get lost when the school year began. So far he had been adjusting well over the past several days. Between orientation seminars and dorm activities, he and Gabby had gotten their rooms organized and spent time getting to know their new roommates for the year too.

On that particular afternoon, he was going to meet Gabby and her roommate Amber for a cup of coffee in campus town. Tyler and Gabby's parents had always used to congregate at a little coffeehouse known as the Mugshot Cafe and the fact that it was still standing was a testament to just how successful it was after all these years. After a short walk, he reached the little café and was greeted by the warm inviting smells of fresh coffee grounds as he walked in the door. There was a fair sized crowd there today but amid the noise and bustle, he spotted Gabby and Amber sitting at a corner table waiting for him. Gabby was the first to give a bright smile and wave him over, "Hey! Ty! Over here!"

When he sat down, he could see Gabby had adjusted her apparel for the unseasonably cool weather too adding a pink cardigan to go over a white tank top and blue jeans. He gave an apologetic smile, "Sorry I'm late you two. I was just dropping off a textbook back at the dorm and took the scenic route back here."

"Hi Tyler... um, that's okay. Gabby and I are just glad you could make it," the other girl sitting at the table said shyly. Amber Woyda was Gabby's roommate, a shorter girl with fair skin and blonde hair tied together in a loose braid. She was a pretty girl with a very humble "girl next door" look about her. True to her shy and modest personality, she had dressed in a pair of simple jeans and a white henley sweater.

Gabby nodded and took a look around the café, "So, what do you think of the place? Hard to imagine this is where our parents used to hang out all the time when they went to school here. Still, I'm actually kinda glad they were able to give us so many tips about the area beforehand. It's like we've already got a head start, you know?."

Amber shrugged, "Honestly, I'm just glad I hooked up with you two because I'd be completely lost here."

"Oh yeah," Tyler mused, "You said during orientation that you came all the way out here from Detroit, right? That's a bit of a trip."

"Well, this place had a good Psych program," Amber replied, "Plus I haven't traveled much so I figured I might as well spread my wings and use it as a chance to see the world. Meet new people and experience new things?"

"Well, let's just hope we can experience some good coffee here first," Gabby laughed while giving her roommate a friendly nudge.

They were immediately interrupted as a young man wearing a green server apron walked over. His light brown hair was trimmed short in a crew cut and he stood a little shorter than most of the male freshmen students. Despite his slightly stockier build, the cheerful young man graced them with a jovial smile and a tray of coffee mugs. As he spoke, his words gave away a slight country twang of someone from a rural area outside the city, "Hey roomie... and friends. Who ordered drinks?"

Tyler looked up in surprise to see his new roommate Ethan Larson passing out mugs of fresh steaming coffee. "Ethan? Hey! I didn't know you got a job here."

Ethan handed him a cup and shrugged, "Hey man, Engineering courses aren't cheap so I needed something to help offset all the extra lab costs. The hours here were flexible, the pay was decent, and it gave me a chance to be around a lot of cute girls who walk in here too."

He gave a playful wink toward Amber and Gabby causing the two girls to gently roll their eyes. After serving everyone, Ethan waited before Gabby turned and cast an innocent pleading look over toward her childhood friend, "Ty? I don't suppose you'd be willing to spot me this one time... would you?"

Tyler gave a long sigh and reached in his wallet, reluctantly paying for the coffees while Amber answered with a grateful smile, "Aww, thanks! What a gentleman. You're lucky you keep this one around Gabby. I'd be nice to him if I were you."

Ethan snorted in amusement and did a pantomime of the whip-cracking motion.

"Careful buddy. I know where you live," Tyler retorted with a mild frown toward his roommate.

Amber cleared her throat and tried to politely change the subject, "So... what were you guys planning on doing later today?"

Gabby drummed her fingers on the table thoughtfully, "Well, it might be nice to stop in and visit my Aunt Carmen later. My mom's cousin owns a Mexican restaurant not too far from here. You guys are welcome to join us for an early dinner if you want."

"Sure... if you don't mind a larger crowd," Tyler chimed in, "My family was going to swing by for a visit anyway. Mom was being a worrywart, but I also think she also wanted to talk to Aunt Kara about enrolling my sister in her martial arts classes nearby."

"Por supuesto! (Of course) Sounds like a plan!" Gabby said brightly.

"Oh wow... you mean we can actually hang out with some of the old Vanguard Rangers?" Ethan asked in excitement. "I mean, it's awesome enough that you and Gabby are both related to them, but to actually spend time with some of the heroes of our city? That's..."

"Pretty awesome! I agree," Amber chimed in enthusiastically, "I mean... I've heard stories about them, but I never thought I'd be rooming with the daughter of two of them."

Tyler and Gabby exchanged a quiet look of understanding between them. By now, they were both kind of used to that reaction from new people mentioning the heroic exploits and deeds of their parents. They could only hope the novelty would wear off in time. Gabby simply waved it off modestly, "Yes, it's true that our folks were once superheroes, but it's been quite a while since anything weird or dangerous has happened in the city. In a lot of ways, my parents and Tyler's parents have all mellowed out."

"What she means to say is, don't get too amazed. They're still normal everyday people too," Tyler added with a gentle laugh, "And I doubt they're going to be morphing or doing crazy flips, and poses either."

As the others settled back in their seats, Amber crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow, "Ethan, aren't you supposed to be working?"

"Oh, right!" he said sheepishly as he tucked his tray under his arm and headed off to clear an empty table, "I'll catch up with ya'll later!"

After enjoying their coffee for a while, they finished their drinks and Tyler glanced at his watch, "Well, we've got some time to kill before my parents drop in. Did you want to go stop by and visit Aunt Kara's studio?"

"Maybe you can sign up for some butt-kicking lessons too," Gabby playfully joked with her roommate, "She started Tyler and I young so you'd have some major catching up to do."

"Hold on," Amber interrupted, "If I remember right, isn't she the one you claimed was a half-angel or something?"

"Ah... it's complicated," Tyler said rising from the table, "Trust me, you'll like her. At first she might come off as a little strict and weird about some things, but she's actually pretty cool."


Later that day, the four friends regrouped and made their way deeper into campus town. Because of the back-to-school rush, there was still quite a lot of activity and students passing through the neighborhood. They finally came upon what had once been a dance studio long ago. Since then, it had been converted into a martial arts studio where the former Gold Vanguard Ranger Kara Bishop taught classes. Upon entering, they found a class had just ended and students were filtering out.

When they walked inside, the four were greeted by a woman in a yellow workout top and gray leggings who was wiping off her brow with a towel. She looked to be in her late thirties, but still had a striking beauty about her, with long blonde hair, blue eyes, and a very toned athletic figure. Gabby was the first to approach with a big smile, "Hey Aunt Kara!"

Kara Bishop gave a surprised smile before walking over to greet her adopted niece and nephew with hugs, "Gabby? Tyler? This is a nice surprise. I wasn't expecting to see you."

"We thought we'd come by for a visit and introduce you to some new friends," Tyler answered, "These are our roommates Ethan and Amber."

The two students gave awestruck looks and shook her hand. After a momentary pause, Amber stuttered out, "Wow… I've heard stories about you and the other Rangers, but I didn't think I was going to be meeting any. It's an honor Mrs. Bishop."

"Miss actually," Kara corrected her gently, "And thank you. All that Ranger business was quite a while ago so I'm just glad for the peace and quiet now."

While the girls chatted, Ethan hissed quietly to Tyler, "Dude… how on earth is she not married? Your aunt is hot."

Tyler gave him a sharp elbow in the ribs before looking over and noticing a young man entering the studio. Like Ethan, he was slightly shorter than average, except with a thin body build and a mop of messy dark hair. He was dressed in a pair of nondescript dark pants with a plain blue t-shirt over a long sleeved white one. Although they didn't know this stranger by name, Tyler and Ethan recognized him as a fellow student who also lived in their dorm.

The young man shuffled over and cleared his throat, "Hey… do you know if this is the place where we can sign up for martial arts classes with Ms. Bishop?"

"You're in the right spot buddy," Ethan nodded while extending a hand, "Hey, I've seen you hanging around the dorm. My name's Ethan and this is my roommate Tyler."

The boy in blue paused before hesitantly shaking hands, "Eli. Eli Holt."

Eli quickly withdrew his hand and gave a quick nod toward Tyler before slouching and shoving his hands in his pockets. He only waited a few moments before Kara walked over and greeted Eli. "Hello. Can I help you?"

"Hi. I uh… I'd like to sign up for one of your classes," he mumbled, "If there are any spots left."

Kara nodded in understanding and set her towel down, "Sure. I'm going to close early today but if you come by tomorrow morning, I think I can get you enrolled."

Eli shrugged with a sigh and turned to leave when the door opened again. Tyler turned to see his family enter the studio and give a wave. After brief introductions, his mother Claire stood off to the side with Kara and Tyler's sister to discuss classes while Gabby hurried over and gave a hopeful smile, "Hey Uncle Joe, if you guys are going to be in town today, did you want join all of us at Aunt Carmen's restaurant for dinner?"

"Sure," the former Red Ranger said with a kind laugh, "Unless your friends here don't mind us tagging along,"

"Not at all sir!" Ethan said enthusiastically while shaking Joe's hand, "I still can't believe we're getting a chance to meet the Red and White Vanguard Rangers too."

Having been caught up in the mix of things, Eli stood quietly and waited for a polite chance to excuse himself. Considering how gregarious and familiar this lot was, that was looking like it would be a rather difficult task. As the chatter died down slightly, Joe scratched his chin and looked toward his son, "You know, it's been a while since I've been by this part of town. Do you want to take a short walk around the block in the meantime? It looks like the girls are going to be a while."

Tyler nodded and led the way out of the studio followed by his father and his classmates. As they exited the building, everyone stopped and looked up in surprise as an unusual bright light began to shine from above. As they shielded their eyes from the glare, the onlookers could make out a strange figure wreathed in light slowly descending from the skies before gently hovering over the ground. At first, a panicked murmur spread through the busy streets of campus town before all the other civilians who were present went quiet and stood awestruck at the supernatural entity.

To everyone's surprise, the cocoon of light opened and a humanoid figure spread a great pair of wings which spanned the length of the street between curbs. While the strange angel-like being spread its wings, other civilians and students immediately fell to their knees and wore expressions of calm happiness and reverence, as if having been put under some kind of spell. Despite his fear, Tyler took a moment to realize he had hadn't been affected and remained standing on his feet, along with his father, Gabby, and his three other classmates. Why that was, he couldn't be certain but he decided they could try and figure out that detail later.

The crowds continued to stare in wonder as the celestial being flexed its resplendent wings. As it hovered in midair giving off its warm glowing aura, Tyler could see that the creature resembled something akin to an angel... except in many ways it differed from the classical conception of them. The being's body looked to be gold colored with a tall lithe frame. It had four unusually spindly arms and a sort of strange alien shape from its waist up. A white ivory mask with human features seemed to comprise its face while part of its golden structures from its back formed a sort of halo crown behind its head. As it opened its shimmering wings, everyone could see what almost looked to be two large iridescent eyes fused into the wings. Whatever this celestial creature was, it was strange, beautiful, and horrifying all at the same time.

The former Red Vanguard Ranger stepped forward carefully and shielded his son from the strange angelic creature while keeping his eyes fixed on it for any sign of hostility. His body tensed and his features became taut, "Who are you?"

The celestial creature turned its head toward him and the lips of the ivory mask began to move. In a deep voice, the winged being answered, "Be not afraid. I am Bardiel, the first Herald of the Triumverate and the Nephilim Angels. You are what the humans call a Vanguard Ranger? The successor to Archangel Auriel?"

Joe felt a twinge of fear course through him from the fact that this strange monster somehow knew about him. He kept his composure and maintained a level voice, "I am. What are you doing here angel?"

The ivory lips of Bardiel's mask curled into a smile of sinister amusement, "The answer is simple, mortal. On behalf of the Triumverate, I am here to accept the submission of your entire human race."