Chapter 11: The Trials Part 2
Madison guided the two teens through the forest, taking note of them as they tread deeper into the mystic realm. While Troy walked forward with certainty and confidence, Noah stayed farther back, current events clearly weighing heavily on his mind despite his best efforts to conceal the fact. Concerned, Madison stepped over to him.
"Is something on your mind. Noah. You seem distracted."
Noah glanced up, her voice shaking him from his thoughts. Sighing, he shared his troubles.
"I don't get it. I did everything Troy did, I've seen it work for him, and yet I get no results. What am I doing wrong?"
"Belief goes beyond what you see, Noah. It's one thing to see Magic occur is one thing, but to recognize it as reality is another."
Noah nodded half heartedly, her cryptic messages helping matters.
"Our red rangers was like that too, at first. Even when he saw me, my sister, and our teammates use magic with his own eyes, his upbringing refused to allow him to accept it. And do you know what happened to him?"
"Not the whole story, no."
"He became the strongest wizard I know. Oh, look at that, we're here."
Glancing up, Noah found they were approaching a steep cliff face. Down, down it fell, the sea waves crashing up against the rocky beach. At first, it looked like there was no way to get to the cliff on the other side. But to Noah's amazement, Madison took a running leap, seemingly gliding to safety before turning to the younger rangers with a proud grin.
"All you need to do is make it from one side to the other. If one of you can make it, you'll pass."
"Piece of cake."
Noah was skeptical of Troy's claims, but kept quiet as Troy backed up, looking to make a running jump. Hesitating for a moment, he took off, leaving the ground with a mighty leap. He soared over the gap, ready to touch down on the other side...
Only for Volcran to burst out from the ground below, tackling him and bringing him down. Troy managed to kick him off, but by then his momentum was lost and he began to fall. Fortunately, he managed to grab hold of a branch, but his grip began to slip.
"Troy!"
"I'll be alright! It's all up to you now, Noah!"
"I can't! I'm...I'm scared."
"Just remember, all you need is to believe!"
Noah stepped back, staring at the large jump before him. Madison gave him an encouraging look from the other side, but it really didn't help. But Noah knew his team was counting on him.
"Alright, I can do this. I believe...I believe..."
Psyched up, he took off as fast as he could, closing his eyes as his feet left the ground. He didn't dare look down.
"I BELIEVE IN MAGIC!"
Noah half expected to be falling to his death at the moment. Okay, more than half, but was pleasantly surprised to feel nothing of the sort. Opening his eyes, he saw himself sailing over the gap as if it were nothing.
"I'm doing it! I'm doing it!"
"Oh no you don't!"
Volcran leapt up, ready to drag him down as well...
Only to recieve a kick to the face, spiraling to the ground below as Noah boosted off of him, landing on the other side with a slight stumble.
"Phew, that was close!"
"Congratulations, Noah. You passed the test."
Waving her wand, she brought Troy back up to them with ease.
"Thanks."
"Guys! Are you alright?"
The three turned to find Jake, Gia, and Emma running up to them.
"Guys, Volcran escaped and is after..."
"We know. He nearly threw us off our game."
"Yeah, and you off a cliff."
Troy chuckled, surprised by how normal that sounded.
"Hey, Power Losers! Come down here so I can finish you off!"
They all looked down to see Volcran picking himself up, no worse for wear.
"Figures this wouldn't be that easy. You guys ready?"
"Back into action."
"Good luck, and may the magic protect you."
"Thanks. Its Morphin Time!"