Occult Interval 3: Stormy Horizon
Disclaimer: I own nothing except the author created characters and concepts. Thanks to Ranger Red 2.3, Mistycharming, SA June and Sir Perfluous for their OC's used in this fic.
Within a grand and ornate room of black and gold, trinkets and ornaments from numerous cultures spread about it, a tall Archangel with short blonde hair, dressed in ornate golden armour and short silken robes, stood holding an open white scroll out toward another individual that stood knelt before him.
The other wore black and white clothing underneath silvery half plate armour with a black half Cape sporting a white trim over the rest of the ensemble. Her features were distinctively Sera's, or as she was forced to be known as, Integrator Twelve. As she stood knelt, she watched as the scroll lit up with Celestial light and suddenly ignited, the fire burning the scroll up into nothing. And with that, the Archangel spoke.
"I release you from your duty, Sera." He said, lowering his now empty hand and relaxing into a grin. "You can stand up now you know."
Sera was taken aback by what the Archangel had just done. As she rose though, she felt a sudden relief, as if a weight had just been lifted off of her shoulders. "What just happened? Archangel Gabriel, why did you-"
Before she could continue her sentence, the Archangel now known to be Gabriel cut her off. "It's simple my dear, I destroyed the seal that my brother branded into your essence. Your powers should be all yours again. As for why, it seems you're a good judge of character. No doubt you've already heard of the Advent rangers' success against the Nephilim, your choice to put your faith in the human Tyler was smart. Especially considering that as an Angel, he never would've beat you otherwise."
"So I did do what was right then. I'm glad." She said with a slight smile. She was relieved that she had in fact done the right thing and not made a mistake by backing down in their final bout, something she had been concerned about since making her decision.
"And that is why I must let you go. You see it seems that these methods my Brothers used to try and control you simply won't work. I'm afraid that in this case, the best thing to do was to remove them completely and release you from service to all of us, allow you to be free from direct control of any one Archangel and have you make the proper judgements on your own about how you serve. Or at least that's what I've convinced our Heavenly Father of what's best. And that's what I'll report to my brothers too."
"Does that mean you've got something else in mind for me?" She asked, slightly worried that her situation was about to get worse.
Gabriel simply shook his head and laughed. "Not really, all of that is just an excuse. You did well helping me in my efforts to bring down the Nephilim, as did all involved. Your freedom is a reward, Sera. You're now a free Angel, able to make your own decisions about what to do from now on."
Sera could hardly believe what she was hearing, but in the time she had come to know Gabriel, she knew he was true to his word, even if he might have some motive behind this gesture, he wouldn't break it. She nodded a thank you to him and was about to turn to leave, knowing exactly where she wanted to go first, until Gabriel raised his hand to stop her.
"One more thing before you go. A little parting gift for your exemplary service." He said as he walked over to a carved wooden desk and picked up a tome. Handing it to her, Gabriel smirked as her eyes widened. "I may have pulled some strings to discreetly acquire this particular tome for you. I heard from a little bird that you like learning about Wellsprings after all." He said with a wink. "Just keep it hidden until you get to where you're going. Oh and the black Integration scroll you still have, keep it. I pray that you'll never need it but one can't be too careful if recent times are anything to go by."
"Thank you, Lord Gabriel." She said courteously. "But, why would you do this for me?"
"Well, sometimes the right thing to do isn't always legal. After I saw Tyler's resolve and his will to do anything he can to help get you home for your friends, it resonated with me and I decided to do everything I could too. Everyone's done their part, now it's all up to you Sera."
"Thanks… For all your help Lord Gabriel, I won't forget it." She said, giving his a short bow and leaving the Archangel's chamber. She could hardly believe it, she was finally free, her turmoil was finally over.
As the door shut and Gabriel was left alone, his face turned from a smile to a solemn expression. "And, maybe in some way, this can go toward an apology for what we did to our Brother too."
[Occult Circle]
On Earth, the rangers had just returned from their few days vacation in the Underworld and arrived at Joe's house just as the evening set in.
Opening the door, Joe and his friends were greeted by an odd sight, the Archangel Michael sat in the home, doing nothing to hide his Celestial splendour. Sat opposite him was their mentor Gabriel and each held a piping hot cup of Coffee. The sight was concerning given the Archangel' presence and yet, some of them couldn't help but see the humour of the Archangel casually drinking Coffee in a suburban home.
"You're all back!" Gabriel exclaimed as he turned to face the new arrivals. "Good, come in, I've got news for you all." He said gesturing to the seats.
As they took seats, Joe glanced at Michael with a slight scowl. He still hadn't forgotten his part in taking Sera away and he wouldn't forgive him for it any time soon. "What's he doing here?"
"Can't two co-workers get together and have a cup of Coffee? I guess you know better than that by now though." Michael shrugged, and took a gulp from his cup.
"Don't worry Joe, he's here for a good reason. After all, he only goes anywhere if it serves his purpose." Gabriel reassured Joe, though it almost seemed as if he shared a similar sentiment as his son. "Well Michael, tell the rangers what's so important you came down from your roost at the top of the world."
"Very well." He spoke, setting down his cup of Coffee down on the table before him. "Recently Cult activity has spiked here on Earth. We believe that they are preparing a force here to capture a staging area for when they move to conquer Earth, starting here with Numin City."
Max became alert at the news. "They'll kill everyone here if they do that! We've gotta stop them!"
Michael held his hand out to the amber ranger. "Wait a moment Max, allow me to finish. I've already petitioned my Lord for a host of warriors to combat the growing Cult forces here on Earth."
"Then why do you need to tell us? If you're the one handling this, you don't need us, right?" Ellie chimed in, saying what was on all their minds.
"That's because the real battle is in a place I won't be able to reach. You already know that the Cult plans to attack the Underworld and take it. What you don't know is that they plan to use that victory to bolster their forces and take this world just as quickly. It would be an all out war that not even Humans and Angels combined would win. If this realm falls, ours would surely be their next target. That is why I'm asking you to personally fight the Cult in their war against the Underworld. Assure that they don't win and put the rest of us in danger." He explained the direness of the situation.
"So you want us to pull off your dirty work. Typical Archangel." Nyssa snorted a laugh and shook her head.
"Though I can't agree with his motives, it is best for us to do as he says. We've been effective against the Cult for a while now. This gives us a chance for us to put an end to them for good. I'll not surrender the Underworld to those Cultists either." Saya argued to the others.
"I agree." Xander started. "If those Cultists want to take over my home, they'll have to beat me first."
"Alright." Joe finally resolved. "We'll do it together, for the Underworld and Earth."
"Good to hear." Michael said standing up and heading toward the door. "I suggest you gather whoever you can and soon, the Cult won't wait much longer to strike." He said as he departed, leaving the rangers to settle things before the war truly begun.
[Occult Circle]
As the evening passed, morning soon came and the rangers had met up briefly to discuss their plans in light of the upcoming war they would be thrust into. Elli had gone to talk with Ray and explain the situation whilst Saya had left to try and contact Captain Vander of Arcanaeum to request any help he can send in light of the potential threat to all realms that the Cult now presented. Xander had also left to get in touch with his own contacts both through Acumen and those he knew personally in preparation for their arrival once more into the Underworld. Even if it had been only a day since they left, it was best to prepare for the eventuality of their return. Max meanwhile had gone to find Weston, the ESPer that had lead Joe to meeting Michael. If he could provide any support with his abilities, it would be all the more worth it. As for Nyssa, she had left without a word. Only Joe remained behind at his house, which they had designated to meet up at once they had settled their affairs and rallied what Allies they could to their cause.
As Joe sat waiting, preparing for the upcoming battles in any way he could, his phone began to ring, whilst he rarely used it to contact the others, the device proved useful for speaking with his human friends. Pulling the small device from his pocket, and seeing who it was, he answered it. "Hey Tyler, what's up?"
"You see the news lately, about Hyperion Falls?" The other red ranger asked over the phone.
"Nah I'm not much of a news guy, why what's up?"
"We finally beat the Nephilim. Heh, still feels weird saying that. At least it's all over now." He said as he began to explain to Joe the events he had missed whilst he was in the Underworld.
"I'm glad you got through to Sera though, at least a little. Thanks man." Joe said, relieved that there was still a chance to get through to her if he could ever find her, unaware that her actions had already granted her freedom.
"Don't mention it Joe, it's the least I could do after all."
"Again, thanks. If we weren't tied down in the Underworld while you were fighting the Nephilim, we would've come to your aid. Luckily we managed to stop a scheming usurper from taking the Satan Throne. Right now we're getting ready to take the fight to the Cult in the Underworld, I'd ask you to come too but it isn't a place for humans and I doubt that demons would like a ranger team with Celestial powers to come snooping around their realm."
Tyler gave a short laugh "Yeah, I understand that. Good luck either way, sounds like you'll need it. So what's this about stopping a usurper?"
Joe gave a sigh, this was going to be a long and unbelievable story to anyone other than a fellow ranger. "Alright so it all started a week ago when…" Joe started as he proceeded to recount the events. "And that's when Saya dragged me away before I could tell the guy no."
On the other side of the phone, Joe could hear Tyler's sides splitting over laughing too much. "haha. Wow I bet that shocked you. But seriously, how did that fish get stuck halfway down some guy's throat?"
"You'll… Have to ask Ellie about that if we all get together some time." Joe told him, equally clueless as to how she managed such a feat.
"Maybe after you guys come back we can all hang out then. We could even get a big cake to celebrate us both beating the bad guys if everything goes well on your end." Tyler suggested to the other red ranger.
"Yeah, sounds like it could be fun, Okay then." He said as he heard the doorbell ring. "Alright Tyler, I've gotta go, someone's at the door, catch ya later man."
"No problem, say hi to everyone for me."
"You too." Joe finished, hanging up the phone and sliding it back I to his pocket.
Upon hanging up, he stood up and walked over to answer the door. Opening the door he was met with none other than Sera, stood on his doorstep in the same armour she wore when she appeared in New Orleans and denied her identity. The red ranger wanted to reach out and hug her, but he was worried that whatever went on to make her call herself Twelve, to deny the name she had settled on and go back to the degrading inhuman title that Seraphim had given her, was still in effect and that she wouldn't even acknowledge him. He dreaded it, coming so far again only to end up back at square one would be his greatest fear. But he had to know.
"Se- Twelve?" He asked changing his sentence. If anything to keep from causing her any hurt from hearing what was for her, her real name.
He prepared for the worst yet it never came as the girl shook her head as her mouth spread into a large smile and reality finally dawned on her for the first time that she was indeed as free as the Archangel said she was and from her eyes, tears burst out. "It's really me Joe, it's Sera." She said, finally acknowledging her name and bringing him into a tight hug.
"If I'm in a dream, don't let me wake up." He whispered to her. Joe could hardly believe it. She was finally here. He'd gotten her back. "I tried to come for you… I would've stormed Heaven if it meant getting you back. I was coming for you, I just wish I could've been the one to free you." He said, holding her in the hug for a little longer before parting. "But how can you be here Sera? The last time I saw you, you wouldn't even acknowledge your own name." He asked as he brought her into the home and they sat down.
"Archangel Gabriel let me go free and be me again. He said I could go wherever I wanted. I wanted to come back, be with my friends and family again. I don't want to leave any of you ever again." She told him, placing a hand on his arm and offering a reassuring smile. "Don't worry Joe, I don't plan on leaving again any time soon. So where are the others?"
"Well… As much as your return is the best thing that's happened these past couple of days, you came back at a hard time for everyone." He said as he explained the dire situation that they were in.
"I see… Then I want to come with you to the Underworld and fight too." She said, the red ranger could easily see her resolve was strong. After everything she had been through, it seemed as if fighting with everyone again and doing what she can to support them was her first priority.
"it'll be dangerous for you especially… If that's what you want though, then I won't stop you. We've just found each other again, I'm not stupid enough to leave you behind after everything that's happened. Let's just wait here for now, okay? Everyone else should be back soon."
[Occult Circle]
As the sun began to set and bring an end to the day, the last of the rangers returned to Joe's place. Saya stepped into the home completely surprised to see the white ranger amongst them once more. Though the blue ranger held back from showing any emotion she gave a nod to her comrade.
"It's good to see you again, you're not still calling yourself Twelve are you?" Saya asked as she walked into the lounge.
The white ranger shook her head and stood up. "Don't worry, it's Sera again." She confirmed as she took the other girl into a hug, something she had done with all but Xander and much to Saya's surprise as the blue ranger became a little flustered over the girl showing her affection. As much as she wanted to return the hug, she was too proud a person to do so in front of the others.
"Then everything's back to normal, aside from the impending war of course." Saya said, relieved that such an ordeal was finally over, just in time to deal with a new one unfortunately. "I finally got in contact with him, turns out the Captain's been promoted to Major since we left him and Karin to return to Arcanaeum. He said he'll do what he can do for us and join the fight as soon as possible. What about on your ends?"
Max rubbed the back of his head. "As much as Weston liked the idea of helping us, he didn't like the idea of being in a warzone. I don't blame him." The Lycanthrope paused, trying to remember something else and snapping his fingers when he got it. "He did say that Joe should be careful around Skuros though. I don't get why considering he's immortal, Skuros can't do anything to him."
"I wouldn't take the threat of Skuros so lightly Max." Nyssa interjected. "You don't know him like I do. He's been after Joe before for some unknown reason, he'll try again. Maybe that's what Weston meant." The black ranger suggested as Joe seemed to be in deep thought for a moment before returning to normal.
"So, Ellie, how was Ray?" Said red ranger asked in a bid to quickly change the subject. Though the other rangers thought he knew something about Skuros' intentions that they didn't, they let it go for now.
Ellie shrugged. "Considering this is the third time we're ditching him to go to the Underworld, he's taking it pretty well. Maybe because I told him about what happened last time and spared no detail on the fish story."
"We'll make it up to him when we get back." Joe decided, already having something in mind for their human friend. "What about your contacts Xander, any luck there?"
Xander nodded. "Transport's covered. We'll be headed to a Fort managed jointly by Phoenix and Leviathan forces that's a vital point on the projected front lines of the upcoming war. Be on guard though, both sides are up for any excuse to attack each other, or so I hear."
"So usual thing between them then." Ellie put simply.
As they were about to continue their meeting, the red ranger spotted a white blur outside his window, heading straight for them. He didn't know or care what it was but it couldn't be any good. "Everyone look out!" He warned as he braced himself as the others looked where he had pointed and followed his example.
Ducking behind and under furniture, the rangers managed to withstand the impact of whatever came crashing through the window. As they peered out of their improvised shelters, the seven saw that the object, or what was now more obviously a figure, had crashed into the wall a cloud of plaster and dust obscuring them for a moment. When it settled, Gomory stood before them, wearing her sadistic smile as always and clutching her scythe casually.
"Gomory! What do you want!?" Saya demanded as they all braced for a fight.
Gomory waved their hands down. "Don't be silly Rangers, I'm not here to fight you today. Actually I'm here because Skuros wants his little spy back now." She said, watching with glee as the rangers saw she was referring to one of them and eyed each other suspiciously, wondering just who it could be. "That's right, doubt each other!" She exclaimed with glee. "One of you has been playing for the other team. Now who could it be? Drumroll…" She toyed with them, building up the reveal as the tension in the air rose. In one swift motion she stuck out her finger and pointed it at the spy in question. "It's Nyssie!" She cheered and gave a clap as the black ranger walked over to her.
Nyssa's face didn't look like that of a deceiver in that moment. She looked defeated as she barely managed to look them in the eyes. "I'm… Sorry everyone… I thought that I could do it but… Skuros is too strong for me, I can't defy him any longer- No, I guess I haven't been able to for a while now. And I betrayed all of you by being his spy. Forgive me."
"I should have known better than to trust you!" Saya growled, outraged with the Fallen Angel.
"Calm down Saya." Xander tried to reason with the demon as he held her back.
"Nyssa." Sera spoke, her tone calm. "You're not like him, I can see into your heart and it's pure, you don't have to do this anymore. Stay with us and we can beat him together. Family is who you choose, remember?" The white ranger said everything she could to convince her.
She looked to Max and Ellie who showed concern. "I thought we were friends Nyssa." The former spoke, feeling the sting of betrayal as he looked at her.
Looking around to each of their faces, Nyssa could see they were hurting. It tore at her but she knew this had to happen, that eventually they would have to see this and while it hurt for both them and her, it was too late to turn back now. At last, her gaze rested on Joe, his face was stern as he gave a firm nod to her. With that, she closed her eyes and let out a deep sigh as she looked at them all a final time. "We were… but I've already made my decision. I'm going back with Gomory, don't try to stop me." She said as she unfurled her wings alongside Gomory and the two flew out of the hole in the home the latter had made, fleeing the scene as the rangers cried out after her, Xander and Joe holding the others back as best as they could.
"Let her go! She decided what side she's on. Let's just hope she doesn't get in our way now." Joe told his friends to cease their struggle as he let out a deep sigh. "Come on, this place needs fixing and we need to prepare for a war." He said, keeping his stern expression as he went to work. Gazing out at the sky for a moment and the two blips that the two Fallen Angels looked like against the setting sun. 'I hope you know what you're getting into Nyssa.'
[Occult Circle]
Underworld Military - Fort Beleth - A vital Fort to the combined armies of the Underworld as it guards an important pass that is otherwise impassable by regular means. Both Phoenix and Leviathan troops have been stationed here to guard it in light of the increased Cult activity and high threat of war, though if something set off these two factions, it would prove disastrous for the combined demon war effort and would likely start another war between House Phoenix and Leviathan, something that would cripple any chance of victory against the Cult if it were to occur.
And that's chapter 35 everyone, so a pretty plot and character heavy chapter here. So things started off pretty good and Gabriel seems to be a much nicer Archangel than Michael. That's because Gabriel is a character that appeared in Sir Perfluous' PR Advent Horizon and I borrowed him. If I had been the one to make Gabriel, he would've been less nice than he is, lucky for Sera he's a decent person then. That said, it seems he did it partially because of guilt to do with one of his brothers, which one, I'll leave you to guess. At least Sera is reunited with the others now and is on her way to recovering her memories thanks to Gabriel giving her that tome she originally got caught looking for. On the flip side, we're going into the next major arc of the series, the Occult War arc. Seems Nyssa hasn't been playing for the good guys for a while though and now it's out there, it'll have impacted them a lot, not a good way to go into a war but they've got no choice.
Okay, so update on my technical issues. My backup computer decided it didn't want to work any more, right when I was writing something and that happened about a month ago. I know what the issue is with my main computer but it's hard to find an exact match for what I need to replace. I'll keep looking though. In the meantime, I'm writing with a tablet, so apologies if there's anything big errors or anything. That said, thanks for reading and until the next one!
Next Chapter: Occult War: Fatal Error
Synopsis: When the Occult rangers arrive at Fort Beleth, it soon becomes a fight for survival against the forces of the Abyssal Cult who have taken both Phoenix and Leviathan forces by surprise. Can the rangers stop this attack before the Cult crushes any chance at defeating them? Find out next time on Power Rangers: Occult Circle.
