The air felt warm, not exactly skin blistering but it wasn't all pleasant. The source of this radiated from the Red Ranger, his suit giving a subtle glow as his hand reached for his miniscule blade on his hip. The skeletons slowly shifted backwards as they raised their swords to him. Not backing down but not being the ones to strike first despite their numbers advantage.
The Ranger examined the room, looking over the customers of the cafe with no discernable body expression. Before them stood a warrior that was set on slaying these monsters… hopefully.
"KILL HIM!" The gravelly voiced monster called out from outside. With his command, the skeletons raised their swords. Yet they could not attack him quicker.
The Red Ranger rushed forward, darting out the shop in a blur. In his stride, he struck the horned beast in the chest. The Ranger gave him a few quick slashes as well as a flick on his nose with his finger. The monster in the shape of a man wobbled backwards in irritation. Howling as he held the large mark on his chest that the Ranger made.
"...Annoying brat! DIE!" Areos pulled a large blade that was strapped to his back. He swung his zweihander around, causing sharp bursts of wind to be sent towards the Ranger.
The knight countered this by tapping the silver shield on his right shoulder, calling forth his longsword. With quick swings of his blade, the Red Ranger was able to dispel the attacks with the fire that erupted. The flames effectively created a thick wall that overpowered the force of the winds. Once the embers dissipated, it revealed a Red Ranger that gave a cocky wag of his finger as he leaned against his blade that he used as a cane.
"So, what brings you to a little ol' coffee shop like this place?" The Ranger asked with a tilt of his head. "I thought you homunculi ran on like… dead puppies or baby tears or whatever evil Homunculi eat."
"HA! Don't bother playing dumb with me…" Areos threw back his head in amusement, a shit-eating grin curled onto his face. "I know that little place of human delicacies holds the other Valorite Gems that you've taken from us! Give them to me, or else I'll kill everyone of those whelps."
"Oh," The Ranger moved aside, revealing the shop to have already emptied. "You mean… those people that were in there, but now have escaped because you just kept moaning like a piss baby‒"
He was attacked by Areos in retaliation. The large sword he carried had tossed him aside like a baseball bat hitting its target, sending the Red Ranger flying into the air. He was able to land a good feet away, though the way he landed was on his back.
But despite the mild pain he was in, it was worth it to see 'goat-boy' fuming…
"Is that everyone?" Mary asked as she faced the four teens who helped her customers escape from the monsters outside. While the Red Ranger was busy distracting the creatures, she was able to sneak everyone out the back.
"Yeah," Kris nodded, her breaths hefty and her hand clung to her chest to support her hyperventilating. "No one else is in the shop."
"Meaning, it's time for us to head out too." Link jumped to the door frame with a subtle tremor in his legs. "I don't want to stick around any longer than I should."
The four stepped out the door, however they stopped when they realized that Mary was lagging behind. They all turned their heads to see her picking up a silver case, lifting it up with one hand and slinging it over her shoulder. Why exactly she felt the need to get this specific thing, they didn't know at the moment.
Lex paused for a moment, realizing something missing from the complicated equation that led them in this situation. She looked to Mary, who's eyes kept shifting to the sounds of metal clashing from behind the door. Her employee asked with a hint of concern in her voice, "Your nephew… I don't remember seeing him. Is he...?"
"He's fine." Mary quickly interjected, "I got him out after the Red Ranger showed up. Now let's go."
They didn't question this further, considering their situation. Though all four of them noticed how abrupt Mary was in shutting down the question and in such a quick matter. But again, they had to get out of this situation first before they could question such.
"C'mon, follow me…" Mary whispered and moved forward, keeping a steady pace in front of the four. She looked to them as they slinked through the back alley.
The cafe owner led to the corner of the building, where they peeked their heads behind the wall to see the Red Ranger fighting.
It wasn't looking good. Despite the Ranger's best efforts, he was outnumbered by the skeletons. He was overpowered by the burly humanoid. They could see him desperately rolling and flipping away, not being able to land a strike with how overwhelmed he was. Mary audibly cringed as she saw the Ranger get knocked to the ground then tossed across the street.
"Poor guy…" Kris exhaled with a crestfallen sigh, no sign help came for him. Even if they did arrive, it was highly unlikely they would put much of a fight.
Link gritted through his teeth, "There's nothing we can do, we just have to leave before things get ugly for us."
The five pushed on, following Mary like stray ducklings. However, they were stopped when a cloud of dust appeared before them. The gray fog stretched, encircling them. Marco attempted to brush through it, but he came to a sudden stop. He began pedalling backwards, holding onto his stomach as if something jabbed him.
They all looked to the fog around them, it's mist beginning to compact and forming outlines. Six of the skeleton foot soldiers materialized from the gas. The monsters went for Mary, holding her down as they took her case from her. She attempted to squirm out of their grasps but she was dropped to the ground. The other skeletons held down her companions as one of them pulled away with the case.
However, these creatures did not expect what came next. Marco swiftly raised his right foot, knocking the skeleton that held onto Link. Link pushed his captor backwards then shoulder checked the one that held Kris. She then went to help Lex, who then sucker punched her skeleton.
Whether it was fight or flight simultaneously kicking in or some strange psychic force, the four worked together like parts of a machine. They began forcing the skeletons back, swift kick to the skin or shoulder check did the job fine. Each of the four backing each other up, knowing fully well how weak they were.
The girls helped Mary off the ground, who began to inch forward as she pointed towards the skeleton with the case. She cried out, "We have to stop it! Don't let it get away with that case!"
Without any questioning, Marco charged towards the skeleton with a strong rush of adrenaline pumping through his veins. With a shoulder check, he was able to knock the case out of the creature's hands. The three others were forced to get him out of the situation, joining him in picking up the case that dropped to the ground. As they pulled Marco away from the monsters, the broken latches of the case had opened up and dropped it's contents onto the ground.
Four chrome watches spilled out, falling beneath their feet. The four simultaneously picked them up, looking over this supposed item of importance that Mary insisted on keeping safe. The cafe owner rushed to their side, letting out a relieved sigh seeing the devices to be okay.
"Mary, these are what you are worrying about?" Lex asked indignantly, gesturing to the situation before them.
Before her boss could answer, they all turned their heads to see a body thrown before them. The Red Ranger landed on his back with a hard crash against the pavement. Steam arose from his body and fresh sparks lingering on his chest. Lex and Kris immediately helped him to his feet, the Ranger able to stand but had a bit of fatigue to his stance.
He turned his head to what was in their hands, reeling back in surprise before looking to Mary. "Wh‒ Why do they have that? You said it yourself that these things can't be out of their case!"
The Red Ranger's attention was directed away from this issue and back to the main one, Areos, who was strolling towards them with a sneer upon his beastial mug. He raised a fist, drinking in their fear as he inched closer to them. The monster spoke, his rough voice was low yet clear audibly for them to hear. "Give me the Valorite gems…"
"Like hell!" The Ranger growled as he raised his red longsword. Before he rushed in, he shouted to the four of them. "Get out of here! Take the gems far away!"
The knight rushed in, heaving his blade beside him. The two clashed their weapons with great strength. The monster struck with a sense of control, his large zweihander parrying the Ranger's violent strikes. As Areos fended off the Ranger's desperate struggle, he called forth the remaining Revenants and sent them to take the gems inside those watches.
The five civilians ran off, trying to avoid dealing with more of those freaky bone guys. In their rush, Mary had an idea. It was a slim chance, but it was the only chance they had.
"Guys, I need you to put on the morphers!" Mary's sudden words of desperation caused the four to look at her in surprise. "I'll explain later, just‒ put it on!"
The four did as asked, not having any options to question anything at the moment. Mary continued explaining as the Revenants re-materialized and surrounded them. "Turn the dial, and shout 'Valor, Awaken.'"
"I think I know where this is going!" Marco grinned at the realization of what exactly was around his wrist. He steeled himself, his fingers reached for the dial on the watch and turned it. With a determined shout, he uttered the phrase "Valor! Awaken!"
A black glow formed behind him, materializing into a large figure of armor. A faceless being that looked to have been completely composed of black steel. It was a large barrel chested golem that stood upon thin metallic legs. The figure of black light shattered, it's pieces flowing onto Marco and covering him in it's glow.
Once the glow around him dissipated, it revealed a Black Ranger in a similar design scheme to the Red knight.
Marco cheered with a whoop at the reveal of his new threads, pumping his fists as the Revenants slowly backpedaled at the sight of him. He turned to the three others, "Woo! I look cool don't I? Hey, guys! What are you waiting for? Touch. That. Dial!" He insisted with a slight rhythm to his voice.
The three looked at each other for a second. Kris and Lex sharing determined nods while Link hunched his shoulders in uncertainty‒ but he pressed on, knowing that this was their way out of this mess. With a synchronized dial, the three shouted out "Valor, Awaken!"
Much like Marco before– Three figures of light formed behind Link, Lex, and Kris. Their figures materialized in colors of blue, yellow, and pink respectively. The figures mirrored their stances as the image of them was focused and their armored forms revealed themselves.
Behind Link was a bulky armored figure with one singular triangle where it's visor was, making it have a slight resemblance to that of a cyclops. From Lex, was a feminine figure with falcon wings made of steel that was connected to its arms. Behind Kris, a figure resembled a fairy with pink translucent wings of dragonfly.
Each of them shattered and collided with the three, forming the Ranger suits of the same color.
Meanwhile, the two combatants witnessed the newly formed Rangers as their blades were pressed against each other. Both were vexed by the sight. The Ranger let out an upset sigh as he looked to Mary, who seemed quite happy with what she's created. Areos' anger couldn't be held back.
"Damn you…" He looked to the Red Ranger, forcing him to the ground with a push of his zweihander. As the knight struggled for control, he continued with his rage filled rant, "You planned this! To taunt me with the gems so close in my grasp!"
"Yeah, no…" The Ranger gritted through his teeth as he attempted to get back on his feet. "I'm about as happy about this as… kgh… you."
"Then let me end your supposed misery!"
Areos gave the Red Knight a powerful kick to the chest, leaving him open. He raised his Zweihander over his shoulder, aiming it's tip into his head. The Red Ranger attempted to bring his sword into a block, but he was too slow to be able to form a guard. Areos was dead set on leaving with at least one of the Valorite Gems.
Volleys of rays struck him, knocking Areos' weapon out of his hands. The Homunculus quickly turned to the source of these darts. Leaving himself open for a knee to the face from the Yellow Ranger. More darts were then fired to his chest by the Pink Ranger, causing him to be forced backwards.
As the girls helped the Red Ranger up, Link and Marco dealt with the skeletons. Their V-Sabers flicked around without much skill, their style was the equivalent to a child waving around a plastic sword. Mary watched in safe distance, knowing that this was to be expected but still disappointed.
"Marco! Lincoln!" She called from the sidewalk, "Use your Valor Arms! Tap the shield on your shoulder and call them!"
"Seems like a plan…" Marco smirked underneath his helmet as he struggled against a Revenant's swing.
"More of an action, but I get you." Lincoln kicked aside his opponent as did Marco. Giving the two an opening to call these 'Valor Arms'.
The two Rangers tapped their shields, causing streams of blue and black energy to flow from their left and right arm respectively. The silver shields transmuted into separate weapons; in Link's hands was a blue trident, in Marco was a large one-handed shield. Each weapon having the same 'V' insignia on it.
"Don't see how a trident is any better!" Link grunted as he dodged an attack by a Revenant.
Marco shared similar sentiments on his 'weapon', "Yeah, my shield just turned into a bigger shield!"
"Honestly, I'd trade you in a heartbeat‒" Link stopped his complaint when a random thrust of his weapon had obliterated one of the footsoldiers. The trident had gathered water from thin-air and circled around it's spear tips. When he pierced the skeleton, the water seeped into it and caused it to burst like a balloon.
"Never mind then…" Link muttered before getting his attention back onto the fight.
He hid behind Marco's shield, peeking out to deal quick jabs before head back in. The two kept themselves moving, Marco rotating the shield while back up. But with each strike to the hull, he noticed how it began to glow. As if energy was surged through it.
"Hm, what if I..." As if by instinct, Marco raised his weapon. With a swift push, he exerted the energy that the shield had built up. The energy came in the form of a short burst that struck a couple of the skeletons, turning them to dust. Marco hiked up his shield in excitement, "Looks like you do have a purpose after all!"
Seeing the guys do this, Lex and Kris tapped onto their shields. From them, formed a pair of daggers and a rapier respectively. The girls marveled at their blades before taking their stances, staring down Areos who gave an unimpressed glare.
"I didn't know you needed your squires to protect you, Red Ranger." The warrior taunted as he hiked his zweihander over his shoulder. Said Red Ranger straightened himself with his own weapon at his side.
He walked past the two new Rangers, staring him down with a still stance. "I don't, but it is awfully funny coming from the guys with the mooks."
"Fine then, I appreciate a challenge…" Areos snapped his fingers, causing the skeletons to dissipate into clouds of dust. The mist flowed away, seeping into the ground and disappearing. He turned to the Rangers, who all joined at each others' sides. "Here is how this will happen... I'm going to kill every single one of you, take your gems, and leave your bodies for the crows. Sounds interesting?"
The Red Ranger clicked his tongue, "Nah. More like; I kick your ass and send you back to whatever hole you crawled out of. Sounds good?"
Without any further words, the Ranger rushed in with both hands heaving his blade. He opened with a furious strike, Areos barely able to hold a guard against it. Red followed with several other slashes, each one only making knicks against Areos.
"You getting tired yet?" Areos sneered as he noticed the Red Ranger's grip beginning to loosen.
"You wish…"
The Ranger attempted to toss aside the zweihander out of his hands, lifting his arms with great force. Areos stepped back, leaving the Ranger to swipe upwards at thin air. With the short window, the homunculus took a strike to his chest. The Red Ranger was sent spiraling as sparks flew from his body before crashing onto the ground.
Before Areos could step closer to his prey, the other Rangers jumped in. A flash of yellow static took several swipes at him before zipping away. A gust of pink wind was thrusted into his gut, causing him to gasp for air. Darts of blue jets shot into his body with frigid temperature. A ranger in black jumped in front of him and thrashed Areos with his shield, bits of rock and dirt flying out with each strike.
The Black Ranger rolled away, leaving an opening. From this, the Red Ranger raised his flaming blade and brought it down on him. Striking him with sharp embers from his head down. Areos fell to his back, his body beginning to spark with lighting. The Red Ranger walked away as the others looked on, watching as he strolled away from the large ball of fire.
"That's Checkmate…" The Red Knight snapped his fingers as he balanced his Ignia Breaker on his shoulder.
The four new Rangers grouped together, cheering each other on for their victory. Lex and Kris slapped each other's hands together while Marco and Link bumped their fists together in a rhythmic pattern. The four turned to Mary, who gave them a proud smile as she made her way to them.
"The gems made an excellent choice…" She remarked as the Red Ranger paced to them with a bit of aggression in his gait.
"Choosing four people without proper training is not what I call ideal." The Ranger sighed as he examined them with his arms crossed. He looked back to Mary, his posture a bit more stiff and shakened compared to before. "I don't think this is a good idea."
"Um, hi. We can hear you," Alexis walked up with an awkward wave of her hand. She looked to the Red Ranger, "We'd… like to know what's going on here. I'm… Lex by the way."
"I know, we met just before all this happened." Alexis tilted her head at this for a moment, before realizing what he meant.
"...Dante?" The Red Ranger nodded, hunching his shoulders as the other four stepped up to him.
The newly revealed Dante raised his forearm, causing himself to flash with light. The Red Ranger disappeared and in his place was, in fact, the same person they met today. The four looked at each other, doing the same thing as him. Their suits flashed before dissipating, transforming them back to their original forms.
Marco looked to Link, "Man, going from those Ranger powers then back to this is kinda underwhelming…"
"I guess so," Link muttered as he felt the rush of power die down. He looked to Mary and Dante, asking what was on all four of their minds. "So what now?"
"Now… We have to take you up to speed with the man in charge."