Hello again, Ranger Nation!
I just wanted to say how grateful I am to everyone who reviewed, favorited and followed. Unlike Olympian Force, I won't be writing out everyone's names, but you know who you are. And to those wondering about the Thor reference talked about in one of the reviews, yes that was intentional.
I'm pleased to say how quickly I wrote this compared to my usual timing of one per month. I will say that school is probably going to continue to pick up, but I'll get the chapters out when I can. After all, I do my best writing when I'm supposed to be doing something else, so they could continue to come out at this faster pace. We'll have to wait and see.
I don't have much more to say than that, so let's get to it!
Legend 2: Keep Your Guard Up!
Legend tells of a gallant and powerful knight named Lancelot. Adopted son of a powerful sorceress and one of Arthur's most trusted allies, Lancelot quickly proved himself as a knight, eventually becoming King Arthur's most trusted ally, even more than his mother had been. To any who challenged his king's honor, Lancelot would be there to put them in their place. However, he was forced to leave Camelot at its darkest hour for reasons lost to time. Nothing is known of what happened to Lancelot after that…
"Merlin!" Arthur shouted as he walked into the main room of the Crystal Caves. "Where are you?"
"What is it, Arthur?" Merlin asked as he walked into the room from the other passage. "Is something the matter?"
"Why didn't you tell me the Fae Beasts were human?" Arthur asked, his tone demanding an answer. "I just slew an innocent man!"
"He was not as innocent as you may believe," Merlin replied. "Fae Beasts are created because of a contract made between Morgana's forces and a human. He chose to become Rippogriff. Not only that, he was a criminal."
"Even so, he did not deserve to die!" Arthur shouted.
"I never said he did," Merlin said. "However, there was no other way to defeat him. Once a contract is made, it cannot be broken except with death."
"I refuse to believe that," Arthur said. "I will find a way. Now, I have to meet with Lance Marlow again. Farewell."
With that, he walked out of the main room and back into the Caves.
"I wish I had his optimism," Merlin said as he looked over at Ruby. The creature was currently lying in her bed, sleeping. At the sound of Merlin's voice, she looked up and let out a cry.
"I know, I need to get back to work," Merlin said as he started over towards the opposite passage that Arthur had left through. "Arthur may be angry, but he still needs my help."
"Where is he?" Lance asked as he stood in front of the Diner. "He promised he would meet me here so I could show him the town. It's not like a king to be late."
"I am here, Lance Marlow!" Arthur said as he ran up to Lance before doubling over. He was breathing heavily. "I apologize…for my…tardiness. I had…important business…to attend…to."
"First of all, just call me Lance," Lance said. "Second of all, no problem. The Kendo dojo is open for another few hours. We can head there first and then come back here. Vivian said that she wants you to try a meal."
"Very well," Arthur said with a nod. Let us go to this…'dojo', as you call it."
"Follow me," Lance said as he started forward, with Arthur only a few steps behind.
"This has Merlin's fingerprints all over it," Morgana said as she looked at the green glowing screen. On it was Arthur in his Red Legendary Knight Ranger suit as he dealt the final blow to Rippogriff. "Arthur himself would never be able to create such a powerful suit of armor."
"Is that armor?" Whipvern asked as she made a face. "It looks more like spandex to me…"
"Armor, spandex, it doesn't matter," Liecanthrope said as he stood up from the tree he had been leaning on. "He's one man and he can still be killed. We merely must tire him out. That suit can't last forever and even if it can, what good is a sword if you can't swing it?"
"I take it you have a plan?" Morgana said.
"I do," Liecanthrope said. "Give me the word and I will get this red-colored stain off of your tapestry of victory."
"Well, aren't you a poet," Whipvern sneered. "Talking will only get you so far. Our queen wants results."
"While Whipvern does not speak for me, I must agree," Morgana said. "I have shown you how to create a Fae Beast. Show me this plan of yours in action. Come back once your Beast is made. You are also too valuable to lose so soon."
"At once, my queen," Liecanthrope said as he bowed before black runes began to surround him. They created an energy field as he quickly disappeared.
"Hmph," Whipvern said as she crossed her arms. "If my Fae Beast couldn't destroy Arthur, what makes Liecanthrope think his can?"
"You two are polar opposites," Morgana said. "While you tried to use pure strength, Liecanthrope will be using more devious means."
"Whatever," Whipvern said. "I still don't see how this gets us any more Fae Energy."
"While I do wish to revive my sisters, destroying Arthur comes first," Morgana replied. "Once that is done, Merlin will have no other pawns and we can take the Crystals for ourselves."
"Sensei Hector," Lance said as he walked into the dojo. "I've found someone who can help me improve my Kendo!"
"Oh?" Hector said as he walked over to Lance. "And who is that?"
Arthur walked into the dojo and looked around. The floor was a white padding with the walls having murals of different sword stances.
"Arthur?" Lance asked as he looked at Arthur expectantly.
"I apologize," Arthur said as he looked back at Hector and Lance. "I am just so unused to a swordplay arena like this."
He put out a hand.
"I am Arthur Pendragon," he said simply.
"Parents were King Arthur fans, huh?" Hector said as he shook Arthur's hand. "I'm Sensei Hector. I take it you'll be joining us?"
"I would prefer to study alone for the moment," Arthur said. "However, the day will come where I will join your institution, I am sure."
"How about a practice match?" Hector offered. "I'm sure I can give you a couple tips on how to improve."
"Very well," Arthur said. "However, I have no armor at the moment…"
"I can lend you some," Hector said as he walked over to a closet. "I'm very interested to see what you have to offer Lance. He said you would be teaching him."
"I will indeed be tutoring Lance in the way of swordplay," Arthur said. "This match shall prove beneficial for me as well. I can see how swordplay has advanced."
"Advanced?" Hector muttered to himself before throwing Arthur a white helmet. "Here, try this."
"This is what you call armor?" Arthur asked as he looked down at the helmet.
"Yeah, that's what we wear in Kendo," Lance said before whispering. "I know it isn't metal, but it's supposed to help with maneuverability. Just try it."
"Very well, I suppose I will wear this," Arthur said. "I just don't see how a blade will not piece this in a second."
"We don't use real swords here," Hector said as he came over with a chest armor piece. He was already set up in his black armor. "Just wooden ones. Disappoints all the young kids, but we can't have anyone losing an eye…Not again." He stopped for a minute, staring off into the distance, before walking over to the wall and grabbing two wooden swords from the rack. "What was I saying? Oh yeah, wooden swords."
"I can see their benefit in avoiding serious injury," Arthur said as he took the sword from Hector.
Lance backed up as the two men faced each other. As Hector bowed, Arthur realized he should too and did slightly after Hector.
"Lance, you'll referee?" Hector asked.
"Of course, Sensei," Lance said as he put on the white chest piece. "First to three points wins. Round 1, fight!"
Both men stood there for a moment, eyeing each other up and down. They both let out a cry as they charged at each other. There was a flurry of movements as the two clashed their wooden swords against each other again and again. Lance couldn't even keep up until he finally saw Arthur strike Hector's shoulder pad with his sword as the flurry finally stopped.
"Point for Arthur!" Lance shouted as the two men backed up and leveled their swords. "Round 2, fight!"
The two men charged at each other as there was another flurry of blows and blocks. Lance watched in shock as the men seemed to go faster than before. Finally, Hector managed to hit Arthur in the chest.
"Point for Sensei Hector!" Lance said as the two men backed up again. "Round 3, fight!"
"Whipvern may doubt me but I'll prove my plan will work," Liecanthrope said as he crept through the shadows of the large buildings. "I'll find the perfect human to turn into the Fae Beast I desire."
He peered through the shadows until his eyes fell on a man curled into a ball against the brick wall.
"I-it's not s-safe here…" the man said to himself as he rocked back and forth. He was wrapped in rags and his eyes were large and bloodshot. "It's not s-safe anywhere! I need p-protection!"
"I can protect you," Liecanthrope said. "Better yet, I can help you protect yourself. All we have to do is make a contract."
"M-monster!" the man shouted as he stood up quickly and started to run away.
Liecanthrope let out a sigh as he leapt into the air. Suddenly, he was in front of the man again.
"You have no reason to fear me," Liecanthrope said as he put up his hands in a placating gesture. "I merely wish to help protect you. In exchange, you have to do something for me."
"W-what do you want me to do?" the man asked.
"I have a warrior I need you to help me defeat," Liecanthrope said. "All you have to do is tire him out. My associates will accomplish the rest."
"N-not interested," the man said. "I d-don't like fighting." He started to shuffle away.
"Did I mention the deal involves nothing hurting you ever again?" Liecanthrope asked. The man stopped for a minute before turning around.
"Nothing?" the man asked. "Like, really nothing?"
"You'll be invincible," Liecanthrope replied.
"That s-sounds great," the man said. "And what do I have to do?"
"Just stand still," Liecanthrope said as a black rune appeared above his horizontal palm. It flew from his palm onto the back of the man's neck where it began to sear itself in. The man began to scream as his body morphed. His skin became gray and stonelike as large bat-like wings sprouted from his back. They continued to grow as his feet expanded and grew sharp nails, as did his hands. His face became hardened as his mouth opened slightly, revealing rows of sharp teeth. His wings finally stopped growing once they had reached a size close to that of his entire body.
"G-guardgoyle, at your service," Guardgoyle said as he bowed his head.
"Excellent," Liecanthrope said as his muzzle morphed into a smile. "Your job is to tire out the Red Legendary Knight Ranger with those impenetrable wings of yours. Once he's exhausted, the Redcaps I summon will be able to destroy him. Speaking of which…Redcaps!"
Multiple black runes appeared on the ground that quickly changed into Redcap hats. The foot soldiers pulled themselves out of the ground before standing at attention.
"Kill as many humans as you can," Liecanthrope said. "Queen Morgana won't complain if I add some more Fae Energy to her resources. Now all of you, go!"
"R-right," Guardgoyle said as he led the Redcaps away.
"Now to return to my Queen," Liecanthrope said as black runes surrounded him before creating an energy field he disappeared into.
Both Arthur and Hector looked at each other through their helmets. They were both breathing heavily and were barely holding up their swords.
"You certainly have some skill," Hector said as he panted. "I don't think I've ever found someone who can match me blow for blow. Not since my rookie days."
"You have much skill as well," Arthur said. "It is good to see that someone has kept with the traditions of sword fighting. However, I will be the one to win this."
"Bring it, then," Hector said.
Arthur let out a cry as he charged forward, raising his sword above his head.
"You're getting desperate if you think that'll work!" Hector shouted as he swung at Arthur's exposed midsection. "It's an easy win for me!"
Arthur smiled as he suddenly dropped his sword into his other hand, allowing him to block the attack before quickly slicing at Hector's open left shoulder. There was a resonant bang as Arthur struck the shoulder pad.
"Third point for Arthur, making him the winner!" Lance said as the two men pulled off their helmets.
"You got me there with that hand-switch," Hector said before letting out a laugh. "I like you, kid! You want to train Lance? Well, you certainly have my blessing!"
"I thank you, Sensei Hector," Arthur said as he offered a hand out to the older man. "I swear to do my best to train him well."
"I'm sure you will," Hector said as he shook Arthur's hand.
"That was amazing, Arthur!" Lance said as he ran up to Arthur. "I knew you would be skilled, but that was something else!"
"Thank you, Lance," Arthur said. "Now, you said something about going to the Diner after this, did you not?"
"Yeah, Vivian's eager to see you again," Lance said.
"Very well," Arthur said as he pulled off the chest armor and handed it to Hector. "Let us go there at once."
Merlin grabbed a small crystal with tweezers before looking down at the opened Shield Emblem in front of him.
"I just need to get this right…" he muttered to himself as he gently inserted the crystal into the slot just big enough for it to fit inside. "Perfect."
He began to look at the shelves nearby.
"Now that the Fae Crystal is inserted, I need to pick a creature for this particular Shield Emblem…"
Ruby leapt up onto the shelf and pawed at one of the vials.
"The Pegasus?" Merlin asked. "Is that really the best idea for the-"
Ruby interrupted with a cry as she continued to paw at the vial.
"Alright, you don't need to be so insistent," Merlin said as he grabbed the vial. "Now I just need to…Ah!"
Merlin grunted as he closed his eyes in pain. They then quickly shot open.
"Another one?" he asked. "And so soon?" He put his hand to his temple. "I need to contact Arthur immediately!"
He closed his eyes as he began to concentrate.
"Welcome to the Lakeside Diner!" Vivian said as Arthur and Lance walked through the door. "Glad to see you managed to bring him in, Lance."
"I am intrigued to see what kind of food you have available," Arthur said.
"Only one way to find out, isn't there?" Vivian said as she led the two to a booth and allowed them to sit down before handing out the menus. "Your server will be with you shortly."
"Thanks, Vivian," Lance said. The older woman walked away as the two looked at the menus.
"Lance?" Arthur asked. "I don't know how to ask this…"
"What's up?" Lance asked.
"What in the world is a…'hamburger'?" Arthur asked.
"It's a hunk of beef," Lance explained. "You know, like a cow?"
"Ah," Arthur said with a nod. "Thank you."
He was about to say something else when his watch began to make the sound of a horn playing.
"What is that?" Lance asked.
"I'm unsure," Arthur said as he was about to press the button on the left side when he heard footsteps.
"Welcome to the Lakeside Diner," a familiar voice said. "My name is Gwen and I'll be your server. Can I get you started with something to drink?"
"Gwen?" Arthur asked as he looked up from his watch, which had stopped making the noise, to see the blonde girl he had encountered a little while ago. "It is you!"
"Oh, great." Gwen said sarcastically as she realized who she was looking at. "It's you."
"I'm so glad to see you," Arthur said. "For your beauty reminds me-"
"Let me stop you right there and save you some breath," Gwen said as she put up her hand. "Not. Interested." She looked over at Lance. "I'm just going to get you guys some water. Meanwhile, get a muzzle for your friend."
As she turned and started walking away, a young Asian man at the table across from Arthur and Lance's booth began to snap his fingers.
"Hey!" he shouted as Gwen continued her trip to the kitchen. "Waitress! This coffee is cold."
Gwen whirled around and walked towards the table before stopping across from the young man.
"What do you want, Percy?" she asked. "I've got better things to do than get you a new coffee every five minutes."
"See, but you don't," Percy said. "Because I'm the customer, I'm always right. So when I say that this coffee is cold, you have to get me a new one."
Gwen stood there for a minute before grabbing the mug.
"One more," she said. "You don't like that one? You pay your bill, you get out of here and you go to the nearest Starbucks."
Percy scoffed as she walked away with the mug.
"Who is that arrogant fiend?" Arthur asked as he pointed at Percy.
"That's Percy Yun," Lance answered. "He likes to think he knows everything and is therefore better than everyone else."
"He is demeaning to Gwen," Arthur said. "That cannot stand."
"Arthur-" Lance said as he watched Arthur stand up and walked over to Percy's table. "This isn't going to go well, is it?"
"Percy Yun," Arthur said as he stood across from where Percy was sitting. "You have been rude to Gwen. I am afraid I cannot stand by and watch. You will apologize."
"And who are you?" Percy asked coldly.
"I am Arthur Pendragon," Arthur said.
"Really?" Percy asked. "You took King Arthur's name as your own? You think you're that special?"
"My name is of no importance," Arthur replied. "What is important is that you apologize to Gwen. She is a wonderful maiden who deserves respect."
"I'm not apologizing to that waitress," Percy said, emphasizing the word 'waitress'. "When she does something that earns my respect, I'll reconsider. Until then, I'll treat her how I want."
Arthur let out a growl as he put a hand on the table.
"You dare to continue to demean her?" Arthur asked, his tone turning aggressive.
"I do," Percy said as he looked Arthur in the eye. "What are you going to do about it?"
"Arthur," Lance said as he put a hand on Arthur's shoulder. "He isn't worth arguing with."
Arthur let out a breath.
"Very well," he said before looking at Percy again. "I will not forget this, Percy Yun."
"Come back when you want to lose again," Percy said as he watched the two sit back down in their booth. Vivian walked up behind him and put a cup of coffee down in front of Percy.
"Behave, Percy," she said. "I got you a new cup of coffee. Can you stop harassing my staff and customers now?"
"Sure," Percy said. "I guess I can do that."
"Thank you," Vivian said as she walked towards the front of the Diner. She walked up to the counter, where Luke was cutting vegetables at a rapid pace. His knife was a blur as he continued to slice.
"My new salad recipe will be ready soon, boss," Luke said as his knife kept moving.
"Good," Vivian said. She looked over as the door flew open. In stepped Phillip.
"I've got a picture!" Phillip shouted as he held out a glossy picture in front of him. "The Questing Beast has once again appeared! This time at the South Square!"
"Phillip, what did I say about disturbing my customers?" Vivian asked.
"I'm sorry but I must share my proof with the world," Phillip said. "You see…"
As another customer stepped into the Diner, a gust of wind blew through. The photo flew out of Phillip's hand and blew over to where Luke was.
"Luke! Wait!" Phillip shouted as the photo landed on the cutting board.
"What?" Luke asked as he looked up. His knife kept cutting as he moved down the board. The pounding of the knife on the board changed as Luke sliced through the photo, cutting it to thin strips.
"No!" Phillip shouted as he looked over the counter to see the remains of his photo. "My beautiful Questing Beast photo!"
"I am so sorry!" Luke said as he looked down at the strips. "Maybe you could glue it back together?"
"What kind of advice is that?" Phillip asked. "I'll just have to go back to the South Square and get another picture. The Questing Beast should still be there!"
"What a load of bull, right Arthur?" Lance asked as he looked from Phillip walking out back to across the table. He was surprised to see nobody sitting there. "Arthur?"
"I should have assumed that Merlin was trying to tell me about another Fae Beast!" Arthur said as he ran down the street. "Of course, I was so focused on Gwen again that I ignored it. How foolish of me."
As he ran into the little square, he noticed the Redcaps callously murdering people left and right while Guardgoyle stood there, shaking a bit.
"You guys are s-scary," he remarked before noticing Arthur. "Hey, y-you wouldn't happen to be the Red Legendary Knight Ranger, w-would you?"
"I am indeed," Arthur said as he pressed the left button on his watch and watched as the watch morphed into his Red Legendizer. He pulled his Dragon Shield Emblem from inside his tunic and flipped open the Legendizer before placing the Shield Emblem inside. He shut it as the green eyes on the Legendizer flashed.
"Dragon!" the Legendizer announced before horns began to play.
"Legendary Knight, Ready to Fight!" Arthur shouted as he pressed the button on the left side of the Legendizer.
"Legend Begin!" the Legendizer announced as Arthur morphed in a flash of red flames. His Legend Blade was already drawn and in his right hand.
"Prepare to taste the cold steel of justice!" Arthur shouted as he pointed the Legend Blade at Guardgoyle. With a shout, he leapt at Guardgoyle while bringing his sword down in a mighty slash.
Guardgoyle let out a cry of surprise before raising his wing and blocking the strike.
"What is this?" Arthur asked as he landed. "I cannot cut through you!"
"Y-you're welcome to t-try," Guardgoyle said. "But my w-wings as Guardgoyle are indestructible. I'll b-be protected f-forever!"
Arthur looked wearily around at the Redcaps, who had finished their mission and were now standing around, watching.
"Why are your minions just standing there?" he asked. "It is very odd…"
"I-I don't n-need them," Guardgoyle said. "Y-you can't c-cut my wings."
"I suppose I will just have to go for a different target then," Arthur said as he charged forward, slicing at Guardgoyle's head. "You call yourself Guardgoyle. Guard against this!"
The monster blocked the strike with his wing again, with Arthur not even making a dent in the appendage.
"I suppose I have no choice," Arthur said as he pressed the button on his belt buckle, springing them open like double doors and revealing a duplicate Dragon Shield Emblem. He flipped open the pommel on the bottom of his Legend Blade before inserting the Shield Emblem and closing the pommel.
"Number One! Dragon! Time to Start the Legend!" the Legend Blade announced in a male voice as red light radiated from the Emblem. Arthur then pressed the button under the window twice.
"Dragon!" the Legend Blade announced. "Legend Break!"
Arthur charged forward at superhuman speed as flames began to swirl around his Legend Blade. He let out a cry as he sliced at Guardgoyle as he passed. He stopped a few dozen feet away and posed. However, no explosion came.
"Impossible!" Arthur shouted as he whirled around. Guardgoyle's wings were still folded in front of his body and were none the worse for wear from that attack. "That destroyed the last monster with no issue!"
"T-that wolf was telling the t-truth," Guardgoyle said as he unfolded his wings and turned to face Arthur. "N-nothing can hurt m-me again!"
Arthur flipped open the pommel, releasing the Shield Emblem. The Red Dragon on the front was a dark yellow, as if it was out of energy. He placed it back in his buckle before allowing it to close.
"I have no more techniques," Arthur said. "I suppose I will have to fight with just ordinary swordplay."
He was about to close the distance between him and Guardgoyle when the Fae Beast let out a cry as his wings began to shrink.
"W-what?" Guardgoyle said as he looked at his drooping wings. "W-what is this?"
"An opportunity!" Arthur shouted as he dashed forward.
"R-redcaps, protect me so I can f-flee!" Guardgoyle shouted as green runes began to surround him. The Redcaps let out a war cry as they charged towards Arthur, creating a wall between him and Guardgoyle. The green runes around Guardgoyle created an energy field that he disappeared into.
The Redcaps, their mission done, stabbed their pikes into the ground as the pavement rose up and swallowed them before shrinking back to normal.
"Blast it!" Arthur said as he demorphed. "I must return to Merlin at once. Perhaps he has a way to get past those indestructible wings."
"Arthur!" a familiar voice shouted. Lance came running up to Arthur, slightly out of breath. "You just bailed on me! I could have helped with this."
"Absolutely not," Arthur said. "You aiding in the fight with the first Fae Beast was more than enough. I will not have civilians fighting the battles of warriors, especially my friends."
Lance let out a sigh.
"Fine," he said. "Go do what you need to do. I'll be eating at the Diner. You know, like we planned?"
"Ranger duties must come first, I'm afraid," Arthur said. "I will hopefully see you soon, Lance."
With that, Arthur took off towards the Crystal Caves, leaving Lance to trudge back to the Diner alone.
Green runes began to circle in front of Morgana's throne as an energy field was created. Out stepped Guardgoyle, who was timidly looking around at the trees surrounding him. He jumped a bit when Morgana slammed her fist on the arm of her wooden throne.
"What are you doing back?" she demanded. "I can feel that Arthur isn't dead. You have no reason to return!"
"Let us not be hasty, my queen," Liecanthrope said as he appeared from behind Guardgoyle. "I'm sure my friend here has an excellent reason for returning."
"M-my wings," Guardgoyle said. "They s-started shrinking. I need them to p-protect me!"
"In other words, his Fae Energy is running low," Liecanthrope said. "If you just give him some more, I'm sure he can finish the job. Isn't that right, Guardgoyle?"
"R-right!" Guardgoyle said with a nod.
"Can he, though?" Whipvern said. "He might be able to defend himself, but he has no offensive capabilities and the Redcaps can only do so much. I would say-"
"Silence," Morgana interrupted as she raised her hand towards Whipvern before looking to her other general. "Liecanthrope, I will give your monster another chance. Just know that any failure of his will be on your head."
"I understand, my queen," Liecanthrope said as he bowed his head. "He will not fail. That I swear to you."
"I will take your word," Morgana said as she stood up. "Do not make me regret it."
She walked over to one of the floating lights around the clearing and put a hand out. The light flew into her hand before flying into Guardgoyle, causing his wings to grow again.
"T-thank you," Guardgoyle said as green runes circled him. "I-I'll do my best." An energy field appeared and Guardgoyle disappeared into it.
"Hmph, that Fae Beast needs to grow a spine," Whipvern remarked. "You won't see me creating any monsters like that."
"The weak-willed humans are the easiest to manipulate," Liecanthrope replied. "It's as simple as that."
"Whatever," Whipvern said as she walked away.
"Merlin!" Arthur shouted as he walked into the main room of the Crystal Caves. "I require your help!"
"Ah, Arthur," Merlin said as he looked up from the Shield Emblem he had just closed. "You encountered the Fae Beast I tried to warn you about?"
"Indeed," Arthur said before he realized what Merlin was really saying. "I was not ignoring you, my friend. I was just…busy."
"I know," Merlin said. "You were flirting with Gwen Chambers. Poorly, I must add."
"You were spying on me?" Arthur asked, a little shocked.
"I was merely keeping an eye on you," Merlin replied as he stood up. "That, however, is not what is important. I assume you are worried about defeating Guardgoyle."
"I am," Arthur said with a nod. "Even my Legend Break proved ineffective against his wings."
"Yes, the wings that protect his front," Merlin said. "However, his back should prove more vulnerable."
"As great an idea as it is, I cannot be two places at once," Arthur said. "While I am attacking his front, it is impossible for me to also attack his back."
"Perhaps your friend Lance could help," Merlin suggested as he reached into a steaming cauldron and pulled a Shield Emblem out of it. "He seems eager to aid you in any way he can, after all."
"Absolutely not," Arthur said firmly as he watched Merlin. "I will not have a civilian take on the duties of a warrior."
"Is that truly your choice?" Merlin asked. He walked over to a wooden case and opened it before removing one of the blank Legendizers from it. As soon as he put the Shield Emblem near it, there was a screech, almost like that of an eagle, as the Legendizer turned blue and morphed into a bird-head-like shape.
"What are you trying to say, Merlin?" Arthur asked.
"I am merely asking if you are allowed to make that choice for Lance," Merlin said as he walked over to the table again and placed the Blue Legendizer and the Shield Emblem down. "It sounds as if he wants to help. Why not let him?"
"I work alone," Arthur said. "I cannot put any more of my friends at risk. Not again."
"You're referring to them, aren't you?" Merlin asked as he walked around the table and put an arm on Arthur's shoulder. "The Knights of the Round Table. What do you remember?"
"My memories are muddled, but I do remember that we lost so many brave men," Arthur replied as tears formed in his eyes. "I remember there were many wars with many casualties. I remember that everyone was looking to me to be strong. I was not allowed to grieve. Why should I? I was king and they were merely my knights. And yet, were we not friends?"
"I understand," Merlin said as he pulled Arthur into a hug. "You don't want to lose a friend again. However, Morgana will eventually target Lance once she realizes your connection. Do you not wish for him to at least be able to defend himself properly?"
"I suppose," Arthur said as he broke off the hug and looked at the Blue Legendizer. "You have created a new Legendizer and Shield Emblem for him?"
"Yes, I've infused the power of the Hippogriff from Rippogriff's remains into that Shield Emblem," Merlin replied. "He will be as strong and as swift as you are. Now go, Guardgoyle will likely reappear soon."
"Thank you, Merlin," Arthur said as he grabbed the Legendizer and Shield Emblem. "For the Legendizer and the advice." He put the two items into his tunic before turning to leave.
"One more thing," Merlin said. "Catch."
Arthur turned around and opened his hands just in time to catch another Shield Emblem. He noticed the silhouette of a Pegasus along with its name and the number 6, all colored bronze.
"That will summon a Pegasus Cycle for you to ride," Merlin said. "Put it into your Legend Blade to activate it. It'll be much quicker than walking"
"Right," Arthur said as he turned back to the exit before turning to Merlin again.
"You could not have created this before I had to walk back and forth multiple times?" Arthur asked.
Merlin smiled at this. With a nod, he watched Arthur exit the main room. Merlin looked over as Ruby let out a cry.
"I agree, my friend," Merlin said as he sat down on the stool. "The less he remembers of what happened all those years ago the better."
"Penny for your thoughts," Vivian said as she walked over to the booth Lance was sitting at.
"Just…personal stuff, Vivian" Lance said as he looked over at her and forced a smile. "Nothing to worry about."
"Seems like you're worrying about it, though," Vivian said as she sat down across from Lance. "Come on. I've known you since you were a baby. I can tell when something's wrong. Talk to me."
Lance thought for a minute. He had to word this carefully.
"Arthur's doing something really important and I want to help," Lance said, "but when I offered to, he shot me down."
"Well, I'm sure he has a good reason," Vivian said. "However, you shouldn't give up so easily."
"What do you mean?" Lance asked.
"If it's really that important to you that you help him, you should keep trying," Vivian said. "Many people have been told no over the years, but it's those who fight hard to change that answer that also manage to change the world."
"You're right," Lance said. "I shouldn't give up. Arthur needs my help."
"So what are you sitting here for?" Vivian asked. "Go find him and offer your help again."
"Thank you," Lance said before he got up and ran out the door.
Vivian smiled as she watched him dash past the glass paneling lining the restaurant.
"If Arthur is who I think he is, he'll need the help," she said to herself as she stood up and started back towards the kitchen. "After all, every king needs his knights."
"This is incredible!" Arthur shouted. He was currently morphed and riding the Pegasus Cycle, a bronze colored motorcycle with a horse head on the front, leg like designs on the front and back axles and two wing-like flaps lining the sides. His Legendizer made the sound of horns playing, which was audible even over the rushing wind. Arthur quickly pressed the button on the left side before putting his right hand back on the handlebar.
"Merlin," he said. "Has Guardgoyle appeared?"
"He has," Merlin's voice said through the Legendizer. "He's in the South Square again."
"Thank you, Merlin," Arthur said. He revved the throttle again as the Pegasus Cycle sped up. In a few minutes, he had reached the South Square.
"W-where is he?" Guardgoyle asked as he looked around. Several Redcaps were scattered around him.
A Redcap let out a garbled noise as Arthur, still on the Pegasus Cycle, rode towards Guardgoyle at full speed. Guardgoyle whirled around and folded his wings in front of his body. The Pegasus Cycle slammed into Guardgoyle, forcing him to slide back as the Cycle kept pushing forward. Arthur cried out as he flew off the Cycle and rolled along the ground. He demorphed in a flash of red light.
Guardgoyle let out a grunt of exertion as he unfolded his wings, slamming them into the Pegasus Cycle in the process and causing it to fly into the air before dissipating into bronze orbs.
"E-even your new motorcycle is u-useless," Guardgoyle said. "N-nothing can hurt me!"
Arthur, who was slowly getting up, was about to respond when he heard a familiar voice.
"Arthur!" Lance shouted as he ran up to his friend and offered a hand. "Here. Let me help you."
"Thank you, Lance," Arthur said as he accepted the hand and allowed Lance to pull him to his feet. "I am glad to see you again. I need your help."
"Really?" Lance asked, a little surprised. "You said you didn't want civilians fighting the battles of warriors."
"I did indeed say that," Arthur said. "What I was trying and struggling to say, however, was that I was afraid to lose a friend again. I lost many during my time as king. However, I realize now that I still need help in my fights with evil. Will you aid me?"
He reached into his tunic and pulled out the Blue Legendizer and the Shield Emblem before offering them to Lance.
"Of course," Lance said with a smile as he accepted them. He held the Emblem to the light. It had a blue Hippogriff in the main part of it with a yellow background. The word "HIPPOGRIFF" was emblazoned in a yellow banner-like design and a large blue 2 was under it.
"W-what's going on here?" Guardgoyle asked as he looked at the two young men.
"The Legendary Knight Rangers have expanded our ranks," Arthur said. "Where there was one Power Ranger ready to fight you, there are now two!" He looked to Lance. "Ready?"
"Ready!" Lance said as he strapped the Blue Legendizer on his wrist.
The two Rangers opened their Legendizers and inserted their Shield Emblems before closing them.
"Dragon!" the Red Legendizer announced as its eyes flashed green.
"Hippogriff!" the Blue Legendizer announced as its eyes flashed yellow.
The sound of horns filled the air as the two Rangers posed.
"Legendary Knight, Ready to Fight!" they shouted together as they pressed the button on the left side of their Legendizers.
"Legend Begin!" the Legendizers announced together.
Morphing Sequence
Arthur is standing in a sea of fire with a sword embedded in a stone in front of him. As he draws the sword and raises it above his head, the blade begins to glow. The glow then transfers from the blade to Arthur, traveling through the hilt, down his arm and then through his whole body excluding his head. As Arthur puts the blade into the loop on his left side, the glowing energy forms into his Ranger suit. Flame then swirls around his head, creating the helmet as a dragon's roar can be heard in the background.
Lance is standing in a cyclone of blue wind with a sword embedded in a stone in front of him. As he draws the sword and raises it above his head, the blade begins to glow. The glow then transfers from the blade to Lance, traveling through the hilt, down his arm and then through his whole body excluding his head. As Lance puts the blade into the loop on his left side, the glowing energy forms into his Ranger suit. Wind then swirls around his head, creating the helmet as the screech of a Hippogriff can be heard in the background.
End Morphing Sequence
"The Noble Dragon! Red Legendary Knight Ranger!" Arthur shouted as he drew his sword and posed.
"The Honorable Hippogriff!" Blue Legendary Knight Ranger!" Lance shouted as he drew his sword and posed. His suit was quite similar to Arthur's with the silver armor-like design for the chest, pauldrons on his shoulders, a shield-shaped belt buckle and silver gloves and boots. What was different was the Emblem on the right side of his chest, which resembled his personal Shield Emblem, and his helmet. His visor was almost like a bird's beak with five slotted silver bars running down it and there were yellow eyes above the visor. His Legend Blade was identical to Arthur's excluding the blue crossguard.
"The Legend Begins Anew!" Arthur shouted.
"Power Rangers Legendary Knights!" the two shouted as they posed together.
Arthur pointed his sword at Guardgoyle.
"Prepare to taste the cold steel of justice!" he shouted before the two charged forward.
Guardgoyle crossed his wings in front of his body just in time to block the two blades coming down at him. He unfolded them with inhuman strength, causing the two Rangers to fly back. Lance charged forward again and attacked time after time against Guardgoyle's wings.
"What?" Lance asked as he stopped his attack, only to see that there was no visible damage. "Why aren't my attacks doing anything?"
"Y-your attacks c-can't get past my w-wings!" Guardgoyle replied. "I'm i-invincible!"
"Lance!" Arthur shouted. "Keep attacking! I have a plan!"
"Uh…ok!" Lance replied as he prepared his Blade again. He began to slash again and again with the sword.
Arthur ran forward and flipped over Guardgoyle before whirling around and attacking with a mighty slash. Guardgoyle let out a cry as the Legend Blade bit into his back.
"I f-felt that!" Guardgoyle said as he stumbled forward. "H-how!?"
"Your wings may be invulnerable, but you cannot defend all of yourself at once," Arthur replied. "Lance! Use your Shield Emblem!"
"I think I know where you're going with this," Lance said. "Let's do it!"
He pressed the button on the top of his belt buckle. It sprung open like double doors, revealing a duplicate Hippogriff Shield Emblem. He pulled it out of the buckle before flipping the pommel on his sword and inserting the Shield Emblem.
"Number Two! Hippogriff! Time to Start the Legend!" the Legend Blade announced as blue light radiated from the Emblem.
Lance pressed the red button on his Legend Blade once and rock music began to play.
"Activate Wind Power!" the Legend Blade announced as the music stopped.
"Hippogriff Wind Vortex!" Lance shouted as he raised his Legend Blade to the sky. Blue-tinted wind began to swirl around Guardgoyle. The monster let out a cry as a blue-tinted whirlwind lifted him into the air.
"And now for my part," Arthur said as he pushed the button on his belt buckle and pulled out the Dragon Shield Emblem. He then inserted it into the Legend Blade.
"Number One! Dragon! Time to Start the Legend!" the Legend Blade announced as red light radiated from the Emblem.
Arthur pressed the button twice as his sword's blade began to glow red.
"Dragon!" his Legend Blade announced. "Legend Break!"
Lance ran around the vortex to stand next to Arthur. He then pressed the button on his Legend Blade twice as well as his sword's blade began to glow blue.
"Hippogriff!" his Legend Blade announced. "Legend Break!"
As the whirlwind died down and Guardgoyle fell down to earth, the two Rangers swung their glowing swords at his back. Guardgoyle went flying across the square.
"But my w-wings were u-unbeatable…" Guardgoyle said as he struggled to stand up before exploding. The two Rangers posed in front of the explosion.
"I just wanted to p-protect myself," a male voice said as the Rangers turned around to see the man who had been Guardgoyle. "W-was that t-too much?"
The brand on the back of his neck shattered as the man disintegrated into dust.
"What was that!?" Lance asked.
"Something I wish to change," Arthur said. "The beings turned into Fae Beasts die when they are defeated. Merlin told me there is no other way, but I refuse to believe that."
"It's awful," Lance agreed.
"We will have to see about that later," Arthur said as he looked towards the Redcaps, who were leveling their pikes at the Rangers. "First, we have some work to do. It appears that Guardgoyle's minions seek to avenge him."
"I'm with you," Lance said as he raised his sword again.
"Have at you, foul beasts!" Arthur shouted as the two Rangers ran forward once more.
"That was quite the workout!" Lance said as he followed Arthur into the main room of the Crystal Caves. "It was…wow!"
He stopped as he looked around at the various mystical trinkets and tools lining the shelves and tables.
"Welcome, Lance," Merlin said as he looked up from the open Shield Emblem he was working on. "I am glad you have agreed to join the Legendary Knight Rangers."
"You must be Merlin," Lance said. "It's nice to meet you."
"Likewise," Merlin said.
Ruby leapt onto the counter and Lance let out a shout of surprise.
"W-what is that?" he asked, still startled.
"This is Ruby, my pet carbuncle," Merlin said. "I found her in these Caves when I first came here and she took a liking to me. Don't let her frighten you. She's harmless"
Ruby let out a cry and leapt down towards Lance before nuzzling up to his shin.
"I think she's taken a liking to you too," Merlin said.
"As fascinating as this is, I was wondering if you had any more advice for new members," Arthur said. "I very much would like to expand our ranks even more. My knights in Camelot were numerous. With a small army of Legendary Knight Rangers, we can easily defeat Morgana."
"I wish we could have a small army," Merlin said as he opened the chest with the blank Legendizers and showed it to Arthur. "I only have three more blank Legendizers and I don't have the materials to make more. We will only be able to make five Rangers total."
"Very unfortunate," Arthur said. "However, we will have to make do."
"We'll be fine," Lance said. "After all, you're our leader. The mighty King Arthur can do anything!"
"I wish that were true," Arthur said as he raised his hand and summoned his Legend Blade. "There is something I wish to do, however."
"What is it?" Lance asked.
"Kneel for me," Arthur said as he turned around with the sword.
"Ok…" Lance said as he did so.
"I dub you Sir Lance of Avalon Hollow," Arthur said as he tapped the sword on each of Lance's shoulders, "and an official member of the Legendary Knight Rangers."
"Wow!" Lance said as he stood up. "That was pretty cool!"
"You know," Merlin said. "I've had my eye on another potential member."
"Do tell," Arthur said.
"I've seen him frequently in my crystal ball as of late," Merlin said as he walked over to the crystal ball set up on a pedestal. He swirled his hands over it as it began to glow. Arthur and Lance walked over to see a young man with brown hair and a green polo. He appeared to be about twenty and was surrounded by people of a similar age, showing that he was at a college of some kind.
"I believe that soon," Merlin said, "the time will be right to add this young man to our ranks…"
A little bit of a shorter piece, but certainly no less important than Legend 1.
I enjoyed writing this a good bit, as I always like monsters with a little personality. Guardgoyle was just a fun monster to write.
Anyway, I hope anyone who enjoyed this will review and/or follow and/or favorite. They really go a long way in showing me how much people enjoy this story!
Until next time, May the Power Protect You!