Occult Betrothal: An Underworld Welcome
Disclaimer: I own nothing except the author created characters and concepts. Thanks to Ranger Red 2.3, Mistycharming and SA June for their OC's used in this fic.
Thick, hazy fog had expanded over Numin city over the course of the night. It was mere minutes before the break of dawn. Saturday was here and it was finally time for the Occult rangers to head into the Underworld to meddle in affairs beyond their understanding.
All five rangers stood under a sheltered bus stop. While the girls sat down, Joe stood watching momentarily for their otherworldly transport to arrive, while Max leant against the side of the bus shelter with his arms folded as they waited. Rubbing his eyes, the red Occult ranger sluggishly made his way over to the latest addition to the team.
This was the first time he'd seen Max up close, and in the light for that matter. He wore a black shirt patterned with a blue crescent moon, bearing a similarity to his ranger suit, along with blue jeans and a pair of black and white sneakers. His eyes took on a grey tone when he wasn't drawing out the power of the Lycan and his hair was brown, having a short and neat style. Despite the silver they were made from, Max's glasses had a black rim to them, concealing them to an extent.
"Hey, Max. Glad you decided to come along with us. You're new to the team, so thanks for choosing to help us out here. To be honest, without you this whole trip would probably be chaotic to say the least." He told the werewolf opposite him.
"I don't wanna come off too harshly here, but I'm not really part of your team. I put that ring on because I couldn't exhaust myself anymore and I was open to doing anything back there, I didn't want to become a ranger. Coming with you, it's just my way of saying thanks for helping keep my sister from hurting anyone or herself. Besides, someone said something about a big meal too." He explained in a calm voice.
"Well I'm sorry you see it that way, I'd say we need someone as strong as you to round us out. At least you're here for now, who knows you might change your mind. I think we can agree on something, I'm starving and we can't get to the underworld fast enough." He complained, getting an amused smirk and nod from Max.
"I don't think you'll be complaining any longer, our ride's here." Came the voice of Saya from behind the two male rangers.
WIthin a few moments, the five walked over to the edge of the curb as a seemingly ordinary bus emerged from the thick fog. As the bus came to a halt in front of them, it gave off a creepy atmosphere that sent chills down the spines of the rangers, affecting everyone except Saya.
"I probably should've warned you in advance. The bus of the damned isn't the most relaxing way into the Underworld but it's the fastest." The blue ranger explained to them as the door creaked open and they embarked one by one.
A skeletal driver sat at the helm and twisted its head around to look at the last passenger to come aboard, that being Saya. "Before we go, you must pay the toll. For you four, I'll need a soul for each of you."
"That's not my style bonesy, besides, I and everyone with me get free access to and from the Underworld." She explained to the driver as she flashed a metal object with the visage of a sea serpent upon it.
"I understand, hold on tight, your majesty." The driver responded as he set off.
As the rangers took their seats, Max looked over at the High demon. "Can anyone explain what just happened?"
"It's a long story, but I'll just give you the basics. The rest can wait till we get there. We're basically headed to where her family lives to explain how an old contract is void and then relax in the underworld for a few days." Joe briefly summed up, sugarcoating how hard it would be.
"That's only half of it. I was a pawn in a political power play, and recently I ended up in a situation to get out of that. Also we're going to be facing up against the worst of demon kind. The rest can wait till we get to the palace and explain things." Saya added, explaining the situation more seriously than the red ranger.
As the bus drove on through the fog covered streets, a swirling vortex of energy seemed to burst into existence from out of nowhere. Surprising most of the rangers as the bus flew straight into the vortex, disappearing through it shortly before the portal itself disappeared.
[Occult Circle]
Moments after the bus had entered the portal, an identical portal appeared inside the Underworld, emerging from it was the bus that they had embarked upon only a minute ago. Travel to another realm was surprisingly fast in the eyes of the rangers who hadn't done so before. Not long after, their otherworldly vehicle stopped on the outskirts of the Leviathan palace, opening its doors for its passengers to disembark.
All but Saya looked in awe at the sight of the palace before them. Even Nyssa, a former resident of the Underworld hadn't seen a sight such as this up close before. Not long after they had stepped off the bus, it appeared to have vanished, going back to wherever it had come from.
A group of demons advanced toward the five, in response to the ranger's arrival, from the entrance to the palace. Around the exterior of the group, royal demon guard marched, while the rest of the group appeared to be composed of servants.
Stopping just before the five, the group of demons parted for a middle aged demon in fine blue clothing. He looked at Saya, bowing his head in respect before addressing her. "Your highness. It's a pleasure to see you. I'm Odeon, recently appointed advisor to the demon king Leviathan. If you'd all care to follow me, I'll take you to him now."
The High demon opposite him gave a nod as the guardsmen and servants turned and headed back into the palace. Soon after, the five followed them, ready to confront the King Bourus on the matter at hand.
Nyssa scoped the area out, impressed with the fine architecture of the palace. "So you lived here at some point? Why bother going to earth, or Joe's place for that matter. It's a dump compared to a place like this."
"Hey, if you've got a problem with my house, go find somewhere else to live." The red ranger responded, not taking the insult lightly.
"Hey, don't kick me out, I was just kidding." She said with a smirk, trying to come off as playful.
"To be honest, there's just too much politics, drama and power plays going on around here to enjoy myself. Anywhere's better than here in that regard." Saya explained as they neared the entrance.
Max smirked slightly. "Sounds like the perfect idea for a tv show, oh wait a minute, there's already something like that." He commented as they entered a grand hall of finely decorated blue walls and grand marble pillars.
They were escorted further through the hall, the guards and servants splitting off as they drew nearer until just Odeon was left. It wasn't long until they came before the throne, an exquisite marble seat finely crafted and shaped like the surging tides themselves. Upon it sat King Leviathan and to his left stood his youngest daughter, Sakura Leviathan.
Odeon took his place to the right of the King before speaking up. "Please bow before his grace, King Bourus Leviathan."
From his seat, the King stood, shaking his head in response. "No, please stay as you are. After all, you are the ones responsible for bringing home my dear Sayakriel, I thank you for that."
"So your full name's Sayakriel?" Ellie asked the high demon who gave a quick nod. "Looks like all demons have weird names then." She commented in a low voice, trying to keep herself from getting into trouble.
Bourus gave a smile as he looked at his daughter. "I'm glad you're home, and thankfully in time too. House Phoenix is becoming more aggressive, and a morale boost of seeing you return is just what our holdings need. But there's also a problem. Chances are spies from the other Houses are telling their masters you're back, and knowing House Phoenix, they're ready to jump on the chance to fulfil that damned treaty and finally take everything."
"Yeah, about that treaty. I kinda made it void. You might wanna sit down for this next part." She said in a serious tone, prompting the old demon King to sit upon his throne. "That Abyssal Cult that surfaced not too long ago tried kidnapping me. Joe here got caught up in the middle of it, and…" She trailed off as she realised what she was about to explain to her family.
Joe stepped in to finish explaining for her, knowing that it wasn't the easiest subject to explain to family. "After she dealt with the cultist, I kinda fell on her and according to your really weird demon laws, ended up marrying her."
In a mere moment, the King's eyes widened as a mix of shock and anger took over. "You what!? A mere mortal did this!?"
"Wait, my big sis got married?" Sakura said aloud.
Saya stepped in before the situation escalated any further. "Dad, it's not like that. For starters he's immortal, not that anyone can really tell. He's more of a friend anyway, accidents just happen sometimes. At the very least, I don't have to go marry one of those darned Phoenix princes now."
The King gave a sigh and placed a hand on his head. "I'll tolerate it for now, but that doesn't mean I like the situation you've gotten yourself into. Just make sure he and the others with you don't get into trouble while you're here."
Saya gave a nod as he little sister jogged over to them, wrapping her arms tightly around Saya. "Sis! I'm so happy you've come back, does that mean you're staying?" She asked with a cheery voice.
Saya smirked at her younger sister's cheery attitude. "I might be. Listen, you up for showing me and my friends around the palace, gives dad some time to cool off and gives us some time to catch up."
He younger sister beamed at the thought to spend time with Saya after all their time apart. "Sure! But you've gotta tell me about you and Joe, everything that happened when you met, all the romantic things that's happened since then." She smiled.
"T-That's not how things are, I don't like him at all!" She denied as her face grew red with embarrassment as she began to chase after her sister.
"I thought this whole trip would be boring, turns out we found the one person that can actually get Saya to act like a normal person. I think I'll have a chat with her sister later." Ellie remarked as they headed in the direction of the two Leviathan girls.
Nyssa stopped in her tracks and looked out to the large open doors of the palace where bright beams of sunlight came from. "You guys go on ahead. I don't get much time to spread my wings on Earth, I'll catch up with you later." She told them, as she began walking back outside.
"Man, I could really go for some grub right now." Max added as they headed into one of the hallways overlooking the gardens, following the loud voices of the two sisters.
[Occult Circle]
Nyssa sat upon a slanting roof of the palace as she stared at the mesmerizing sun shining in front of her, reflecting off of her skin. The steady sound of flapping wings came from behind as a young woman landed softly on the roof behind Nyssa. Large black wings retracted into the back of the Fallen Angel as she walked over and sat down next to Nyssa.
"It's been a while Nyssa. Surprised you're throwing in with the demons. Then again you were always a rebel. Didn't think you'd go this far." She greeted the black ranger in a casual manner.
"Being a servant for someone like Skuros is reason enough. Heard all the Fallen Angels decided to join him, guess you're proof that's true. Didn't expect to find you spying on the demons though, making way for him and his cult?" Nyssa asked with a slightly harsh tone.
"Anyone who didn't want to serve him got killed, everyone understood that eventually. Guess you're the last to go up against him, then again you were always a dimwit. You're not safe you know. People tried getting away and it didn't end well." The Fallen Angel explained to Nyssa, trying to convince her of the futility in rebelling.
"I don't care. It's not hopeless when you've got someone you can count on to help. Have fun working for him, I'm sure you deserve it. And for the record, I never really liked you. Guess I finally know what a snake you are." She finished as she spread her wings and flew down to the palace grounds once again.
"We'll see about that. In the end, no one escapes Skuros." The other Fallen Angel finished as she sat on the roof and gazed at the sun.
[Occult Circle]
Hours had passed and the sun had now set to give way to a starry night sky. The rangers sat at a large table within the palace dining hall, a large spread of food sprawled across the table. While Max, Ella and Nyssa chowed down on the well prepared and expertly cooked food made by the palace kitchen, Joe sat beside Saya with his plate full, not having taken a bite.
The High demon turned her head toward him. "Joe, you okay? It looks like something's up."
"I'm not really sure, I kinda lost my appetite. I don't need to eat food, but I just can't right now for some reason. Don't worry about me though." He explained, almost dazed.
As she returned to eating her own meal, the red ranger's eyes fixed on a large door opposite him, it gave him an uneasy feeling, only moments before heavy footsteps could be heard coming closer and closer. In a heavy slam, the doors swung open revealing a group of soldiers, clad in bright orange attire standing at attention behind three individuals.
First, King Fiedar Phoenix, the cunning master of his house. Then two young men, both looked like teenagers in appearance, both wore finely made bright orange attire and snobbish faces as they looked down upon everyone in the room, clearly the children of the Phoenix King. The group of Phoenix demons advanced into the room, their soldiers lining the near wall while the King and his children headed to where the Leviathan's sat.
"Ah, I love a family reunion, don't you Bourus. I doubt you're surprised I'm here. As soon as I heard Sayakriel had returned, ready to accept her fate, I dropped everything to jump at the opportunity. How about we skip the pleasantries and get right to it." Fiedar informed his rival with a snide grin.
The Leviathan King returned a smirk of his own. "Looks like you were too slow. That treaty is void. While Saya was away, she took it upon herself to wed the young man next to her. It seems you came here for nothing."
The features upon Fiedar's face hardened and became angry at the revelation. "It's not over yet." He snarled as he gestured for one of his soldiers to bring him what appeared to be the contract in question.
"Father, you promised me that I'd have what I wanted. I won't stand being denied, you said I wouldn't be denied!" The older son complained as he stared angrily at Joe for standing in his way.
"Calm down Salch, let me read the contract." He responded with a frustrated tone to his voice. "Here we go. It says here that either the two eldest come together, or the two youngest do. Salch, you'll not have to wait long, but for now let your younger brother have his turn to shine. Pasra, since Sayakriel isn't available, you'll be taking part in this contract instead of Salch. You'll be marrying the youngest of the two, Sakura Leviathan."
"What!?" The young Leviathan girl said in surprise as she processed the workaround Fiedar had supplied.
"Soon enough Baurus, I'll take that crown of yours, but first I'm gonna cause you a little pain." Fiedar grinned as the Leviathan King tenesed up, gritting his teeth.
"You're not going anywhere near my sister, you got that creep!" Saya exclaimed, raising her voice with as much anger as she could muster and slamming her hands down on the table. The rangers were all surprised by her sudden outburst of emotion.
"My, my. Strong willed and fearless aren't you? If that's how you're gonna be, maybe we should play a little game. Something we've devised to replace the Tithe, this is our first little test."
Saya growled, the thought of leaving her sister's fate to a game they had devised, where they likely had the advantage. "Fine, but get out of the dining room right now." She told them, trying to suppress her anger. Though it was foolish to take part in their game, it was the only option to end this now.
"Very well, Choose around six of your most elite soldiers for this game. We'll explain everything tomorrow, as soon as the stage is set. Until then, I bit you all a farewell." The Phoenix King finished as he departed with his soldiers.
Looking over, Saya saw her sister looked shaken up, indeed the Phoenix House was a tough opponent, they had managed to worm their way around the situation and now hope rested on a dangerous game they knew nothing about. Only time would tell if they would pull through. Yet the blue ranger knew one thing. She wouldn't rest until her sister was safe, no matter the cost.
|Occult Circle|
Demon House - Phoenix - High demons who believe themselves to be of the highest status in life and look down on anyone different, the Phoenix House seeks to control all around them. The least trustworthy demon House, they use trickery and deceit to get what they want. When they can't achieve their goals through normal means, they will lie, steal and bend rules to suit them. All other demons resent them for their trickery but can't do anything because of the amassed power they have.
So that's chapter 7. Now there wasn't any action at all here, mainly due to just setting the stage and getting everything needed out of the way. I think House Phoenix best resembles the demons in biblical texts because they're the most corrupt out of the whole species, and in case you don't know also the demon House I love to hate. They don't let any opportunity go to waste though. As for Nyssa's encounter with the other Fallen Angel, I don't plan on bringing that character back later, but it just clarifies where the Fallen Angels stand and adds a few other things too. If you're wondering where Seraphim and Twelve are this chapter, as much as I like writing them in, they don't really have a relevant place in this arc, but you'll be seeing more of them after we're done with this arc.
I kinda said it last chapter too, but seeing as it's almost here now, why not. Have a Merry Christmas everyone. I might get something out next week too, but for now, thanks for reading and I'll catch you all later.
Next Chapter: Occult Betrothal: Demonic Games
Synopsis: After Fiedar challenged the Leviathan's to a dark new game, they face their sworn enemies in a battle like no other. Will they beat Phoenix at their own game or will Fiedar have the last laugh? Find out next time on Power Rangers: Occult Circle.
