Ch27: Exorcism
The lights of castelan glew in the distance as a shadowed figure stood in the dead of night, the only thing illuminating the area was a lit cigarette in the mouth of the figure. Although no one was around, the figure spoke with a coarse voice and a prominent british accent.
"You're gonna bloody owe me for this, you codger." The man spoke, taking a puff of his cigarette. "Heard a lot about this place anyway, was gonna pay a visit soon. Those Pillocks better not get in my way though." He finished as he began walking towards the town ahead.
[Command Center]
It had been three days since the rangers claimed the staff and captured Morgana in the process. They had locked her inside the chamber Merlin had resided in before his disappearance. It had been repurposed into a makeshift containment room for her powers instead of amplifying them.
Most of the time, all that could be heard from the room was yelling and the sound of her power clashing with the ward at the door preventing her from leaving. No matter what any of the rangers tried, there was seemingly no help for the young girl possessed by the ancient entity.
Doctor Blake and Jamie were both inside the control room at the early hours of the morning, just before school started. The former was just preparing to leave as he was going over possible solutions with Jamie.
"We could try using the staff on her to draw her out." Jamie suggested.
The older man sighed. "I think she'd prefer to have a body with great magic potential than to have a staff to focus her abilities with, she's more than a match without it. I just don't know if there's any way we can do this."
Someone who was neither of the two present cleared their throat. "Come on doc, don't tell me you're another numpty. Science can't get you everywhere, it's naff when it comes to magic. But maybe I can lend a hand. You seem to be looking a bit gormless there, you and the lad okay?" The man with the course british accent told them as he stepped from the shadows.
He had short cut blonde hair, dark brown eyes and a rough beard. His clothes consisted of a white collared shirt with the top few buttons undone, dark grey suit pants, black shoes, a red tie that was really loose around the neck and a light tan unbuttoned trench coat.
"Who are you and what are you doing here?" The mentor asked cautiously, now aware of the man's presence.
The rough looking man pulled out a lighter and a cigarette, lighting it and taking a puff from it before proceeding to explain. "If you stop being a cautious plonker, I'll tell you. I'm here to help you out, kinda payment for one of your friends I uh… owe money to. As for my name, I'm surprised you haven't figured it out yet. The name's John Constantine."
[Sacred Springs High]
It was just an ordinary tuesday morning, or it would have been before the contest of affection began between Vala and Emlie. The two of them were waiting outside the school entrance for Aaron, however it appeared that he wasn't coming. As the two of them shared a disappointed look that he wouldn't be here for them to 'express their love for him' they saw Percy tapping away on his phone. As he walked towards, although the two were rivals, they made a temporary truce until they found the Templar ranger.
"Hey Percy!" The two called, catching the attention of the blue ranger.
He noticed them and looked up from his cell before stopping. "You two aren't at each other's throats today, something happen?"
"We we're just wondering if you've seen-" Vala started but was cut off by another familiar voice calling to the three of them.
Lexa headed toward the three of them from the inside of the building, with a rather happy expression on her face.
"Lexa, you're looking unusually happy today. What did you do this time?" Percy asked, knowing there was something behind it.
"Good morning to you too. And yeah I did do something for a change. I managed to get Todd and his gang of loons suspended for a few days. Come on you two, I'm gonna tell you all about it." Lexa smirked, linking her arms with one each of Vala and Emlie's and carting them off into the building, despite their protests.
Percy smirked and phoned someone up. "I think you'll be safe for now, or at least a few minutes. Downside is, you now owe Lexa, which is probably worse than giving Abaddon a bubble bath." Percy shivered at the thought as he ended the call just as the person on the other line came around.
"I don't want to even imagine what that's like." The young man said as he revealed himself to be Aaron.
"So, what are you gonna do, you can't keep avoiding them all together, especially now that you've realised what's going on, even if it did take a bit of hinting from some of us." Percy asked, silently laughing at the quote 'denseness' of his teammate.
"I don't know yet. I haven't thought about it, especially with recent events. Let's just get through one issue at a time, first we'll deal with my sister, then we'll deal with how to not get my arms ripped off by girls competing for my affections. Oh, plus I have the weekly beating I have to get to today." He explained, rather serious about the first and last comments.
"Actually, even better news, you're indebted to Lexa even more." Percy commented as he began to chuckle.
"I don't think I want to know." Aaron sighed as the two walked into the main building of the school.
[Blackspire]
Abaddon sat upon his throne, in a sort of trance as Reaper stood mixing the medicine for his master.
"My lord. My lord, it's ready now, the potion is ready." Reaper said, tapping the demon prince on the shoulder, causing him to jolt awake.
He was rather aggressive and on the defence recently since the disappearance of both his sorceress, Morgana, and his general, Fleruty. Although this was a minor setback, both of the roles were vital. "Reaper, the next time you do such a thing, I shall rip you out of this existence and send you to the lowest depths of the cursed realm, where you shall know true pain. Now bring me one who resides in that realm. A creature of darkness and evil, I require his services."
[Command Center]
Jamie and Constantine were stood looking at Morgana exhaust her magical ability against the warded barrier within the ranger base. Constantine was smoking yet another cigarette as he laughed at the all powerful sorceress who was reduced to this. In his left hand was the staff Thyrsus.
"How the mighty have fallen. After our last encounter and your host body being burned to ash, I didn't think you'd be the same. Looks like you bounced back luv." He remarked as he examined the staff.
"Shut up you insolent fiend. I'll get my revenge on you for then and I'll get out of here and get my revenge on these rangers. I will reclaim what is mine!" She declared, sending a burst of magic hurtling at the magical ward.
"You're really upset over a few runes and tomes I nicked back in the day. You immortal prats know how to hold a grudge, granted with others it is money. But I bet you're talking about the staff. Interesting little thing." Constantine replied as he studied the simple yet elegant staff.
As he did so, the base's sirens sounded and Jamie rushed to the control room as Constantine strolled along behind him.
[Sacred Springs High]
It was lunch hour and the group of friends were sitting together as usual while Aaron thought on about earlier on and the events that led up to that.
Unfortunately there wasn't time for thinking as every student's eyes were currently fixed on a sight that was familiar, but different somehow. From the sky descended something majestic, yet sinister at the same time. Lowering from the sky, eclipsing the sun was what appeared to be an angel.
When he landed his features were revealed. A face that only a divine and majestic being would have, however the wings that sprouted from his back were as black as coal. To complete the appearance, he wore a black long coat over dark clothes, two long blades attached to either side of his body.
"Greetings mortals. My name is Bernael. I'm sure you've heard of me." The one known as Berniel introduced, his smug look dropping with the blank faces around him. "No? That makes my job far more fun. I am what you would call a Fallen Angel. In particular, I am the one of darkness and evil. It feels great to be back on the surface again after all that time imprisoned. But now it's time to get back to work, and that means the end of humanity. So surrender now and I offer a painless death, however, if you don't, things will be a lot more enjoyable. For me anyway, you humans will be gone." He demanded as he unsheathed his swords. Teens all around the area, including Vala, ran off screaming in terror, yet the rangers stood up and walked toward him in the midst of the chaos. "Brave of you six to die first."
"Not a chance we're gonna let that happen." Tyson declared, cracking his knuckles.
"We've dealt with far worse than you before." Ben also added as the rangers pulled out their morphers.
"Mythos ignite!" "Templar Power, Activate!" The teens called, morphing and drawing their blades before pointing them at the Fallen Angel.
"Now you're in for a fight." Aaron declared as they prepared to attack.
However Bernael raised his right hand, telling them to wait as his eyes focused on a figure behind the rangers. "You children aren't worth my time. How about you deal with my pet instead." He told them as he walked past the six rangers as if they weren't there.
"Bernael you swine. Didn't think you'd get out so soon." The voice of Constantine said as the rangers turned to see the man that the voice belonged to.
"Wait is that?" Percy asked as he recognised who it was.
"John Constantine. I've been looking forward to this since you locked me away all those years ago. Let's say I have friends in high places. But after so long, I'm going to savour every moment I get killing you." Bernael laughed maniacally.
"You're a complete nutter now aren't you? Well I think I've got a prison just suited for you this time round." Constantine provoked as the Fallen Angel ran at Constantine with his blades in hand.
At first the rangers were worried as Bernael lunged at Constantine. But their fears were soon relieved as the man in the trench coat dodged the attack and kept dodging as the enraged angel kept attacking as best he could. Then the battle just seemingly stopped mid-attack. Constantine had a smug look on his face as Berneal looked to the ground to see himself inside of an archaic symbol that seemingly appeared from nowhere. The rangers were equally as surprised as the Fallen Angel at its seemingly sudden appearance.
"Always one for misdirection. Avenge me my pet." He said as a red aura rose up from the symbol, and with a flash of light, Bernael was gone.
In his place was a small stone with the same symbol that had been on the ground engraved upon it. Constantine walked over and picked it up, tossing it into the air and catching it again.
"That's what you get for being a cocky blighter." Yet victory was short-lived as the ground began to shake and a giant monstrous creature made of what appeared to be rock emerged from the ground.
The five core rangers stood in line and held their amulets to the sky as the Templar ranger approached Constantine. "Mythic Guardians, Awaken!" The five of them called, summoning their zords and combining it into the Mythic Guardian Megazord.
On the ground, Aaron was asking about the situation that happened as the battle went on. He didn't get much of an answer but from what he gathered the Angel was a sworn enemy of Constantine's.
The Megazord struck the stone beast with the swordfish blade which sliced across the surface of the gigantic being yet did no damage whatsoever. Then the creature grabbed the megazord and picked it up, then proceeding to slam it down into the ground.
The megazord was badly damaged and struggled to get up.
"We could use your help right about now." Percy called as the megazord sparked as it was punched to the floor once more by the beast that let out a bellowing and triumphant roar.
"Here, take this. I doubt a numpty like you'd understand why straight away, but you'll see why soon enough." Constantine said, handing the ranger Thyrsus.
"I'm not a complete idiot you know." 'But why give Thyrsus to me?' He asked in his head, calling upon the Lionheart Megazord and heading into battle.
He drew his longsword inside of the cockpit while he was holding the staff. The megazord did so too before the staff and the cockpit began to glow green, even causing part of the torso to do so.
Unfortunately the beast caught onto this and began to advance on the Megazord.
"Aaron, whatever you did, that things coming for you, be careful." Emlie warned as the sparking Guardian regained its footing.
"I don't think I did anything!" He exclaimed as he was blinded by a flash of light, which in turn hit and blinded anything within the surrounding area.
When it subsided, the beast was screeching in pain and a new contender had entered the scene. It was primarily green with a black undercoat and trimming, it appeared to be a mechanical fairy which hovered in the air for a few seconds before green wings of energy materialised and the fairy themed zord flew around, spreading green particles over the area, which revitalised the Mythic Guardian as well as repairing the destroyed terrain.
Then the Sylph zord landed upon the shoulder of the Lionheart Megazord. Inside the cockpit, gears turned as the Megazord began transforming along with the Sylph zord. The latter separating into separate parts that combined with the megazord.
Now fully combined the new megazord stood tall. It was primarily as it was, however there were a few distinct changes. The Megazord held two sword hilts in each hand. The shoulders were thin and green, but seemed to offer more maneuverability now. The head of the Megazord now appeared to be more like a metallic cowl that shadowed the eyes.
Within the cockpit, the room was slightly expanded and now accommodated a second weapon pedestal meant for Thyrsus. One side of the room had a red banner with a silver sword on it as usual while the other side had a green banner with a tree upon it.
"This is strange. But if this is some kind of new powerful form. I'll take it." Aaron said as he grasped hold of his sword and pointed it towards the monster.
On the outside, the new Megazord pointed a sword hilt at the monster and a fiery blade of red energy ignited from it. "Nature's Warden Megazord! Ready!" Aaron called as the beast regained its sight and turned to face the Warden.
The beast charged on all fours, but the Megazord stood its ground, bringing the blade of energy forward as it took what seemed to be a defensive stance.
"Let's see what you can do now!" Aaron called as the Megazord sped forward to make contact with the beast and kicking it back. As the stone beast rose again, the Megazord raised its blade up high. "Flaming Justice!" Aaron called as the blade began to glow brighter extended. Bringing it down on the beast, it split the titanic monster in two down the middle and caused it to explode as the Megazord turned around.
"Myth Busted!" Aaron confirmed, triumphant. Now the rangers had a new and powerful zord in their arsenal.
[Command Center]
Constantine and the rangers had returned to the command center after the fight and were going over the next steps to break Artemis free of Morgana's control. But something was bothering Percy.
The blue ranger pulled Constantine to the side as the other rangers set up the ritual. "Constantine. I know you from somewhere. You're an anti-hero in a comic book. That said. Why are you real? I thought you only existed in fiction."
"I might be a fictional, though those plonkers are usually uptight and sometimes insane so who knows. Or maybe those stories are based off of my life. Who knows." He told Percy, keeping it cryptic.
"One more question. What's a fictional?" Percy asked with a blank face.
"I swear the bloody education system here suck, like trying to watch a crap footie team." Constantine groaned as he went to finish setting up the ritual area.
"Seconded." Aaron joined in, knowing he was the only one around here who understood half of the words Constantine was using when speaking.
It had been some time now and the unconscious Artemis lay within a pentagram surrounded by five white candles at each point. Constantine stood at the top point with an ancient tome in one hand, a glass jar in another. The others present were stood at the edges of the room and were told not to interfere, no matter what may happen.
"Isn't the pentagram a sign of evil?" Ben asked, thinking back to something he was told one.
"I thought you weren't a bashful one. That's just what the prissy church wants you to think. It's purpose is to guard, protect, ward against and cast out evil spirits and entities. It is a vital part of the process. Now lets begin." Constantine opened the book and began reciting a page.
"Regna terrae, cantata Deo, psallite Cernunnos, Regna terrae, cantata Dea psallite Aradia. caeli Deus, Deus terrae, Humiliter majestati gloriae tuae supplicamus Ut ab omni infernalium spirituum potestate, Laqueo, and deceptione nequitia, Omnis fallaciae, libera nos, dominates. Exorcizamus you omnis immundus spiritus Omnis satanica potestas, omnis incursio, Infernalis adversarii, omnis legio, Omnis and congregatio secta diabolica. Ab insidiis diaboli, libera nos, dominates, Ut coven tuam secura tibi libertate servire facias, Te rogamus, audi nos! Ut inimicos sanctae circulae humiliare digneris,Te rogamus, audi nos! Terribilis Deus Sanctuario suo, Cernunnos ipse truderit virtutem plebi Suae, Aradia ipse fortitudinem plebi Suae. Benedictus Deus, Gloria Patri, Benedictus Dea, Matri gloria!" Constantine called, completing the spell as Morgana awoke and began laughing.
"No, no. You can't get rid of me I-" She cut off as green smoke began to emerge from her body which was drawn into the glass jar. As soon as the jar was full, Constantine closed the Jar and sealed it tight.
"Witch in a jar. That'll fetch a bit of coin. Better than those 'rare artefacts' I bought for ten bob and sold them for ten times that." He mumbled to himself.
"Is she gonna be okay?" Aaron asked, concerned for the passed out Artemis.
"Sure lad. Just give her a couple days. Now I gotta get out of here and flog this- I mean put it in a safe place. Good luck to you all." Constantine told them before disappearing in a whirlwind of fire.
"So she's finally free then." Aaron said as he looked at the sleeping figure on the ground.
"See, hope really is on our side." Emlie commented as Aaron put on a relieved smile. Artemis was finally free and they wouldn't be dealing with Morgana any more. In addition to a new zord and Megazord combination, this day had been a great achievement for the rangers.
|Mythos|
That is chapter 27 over. I enjoyed bringing Constantine alive, while he is from DC comics originally, there have been suspected real world occurrences of him existing so why not exploit that? So whether he's been brought to life from the pages of a book by a powerful magic user as a fictional or he's the real deal, we'll never really know. Plus all those english slang insults were fun to do being only people who look them up or know the words can get it. There are most certainly reasons for the bad guy being a fallen angel this time but the reasons are a secret. Plus the ritual words are actually part of an ancient pagan exorcism ritual, that's what I call immersive. Okay I'll stop praising how much I like how this chapter turned out now.
I have a final exam tomorrow and then I'm done with that, hopefully I pass or it's another year of that subject for me, hopefully not, I just wanted to get this chapter out while there was still time today. That's all from me, so here's the synopsis of the next chapter.
Next Chapter: Brionac
Synopsis: A new story arc begins. The location of the ultimate spear is revealed, and five of the rangers race off to reach it in time before the Demons retrieve it from the crypt it is buried in. Meanwhile Artemis adjusts to her new family and life in Castelan with her brother helping her every step of the way while they both learn to become siblings. Can the rangers retrieve Brionac in time? How will Artemis' new life go? Find out next time on Power Rangers: Mythos
