AN: Welcome back to Soshi Sentai Sorceger! Another chapter and a brand new country the Sorceger's are heading towards. I honestly have been loving these chapters because it expands the world a bit and I try to really make each country it's own unique thing different from the rest. Anyway on with the chapter, enjoy!
Soshi Sentai Sorceger
Spell 6: Country Hidden in the Leaves
Two Years Ago
It was evening deep within a forest, it was dense and trees were everywhere, the forest seemingly going on for miles. There was a small breeze as the crunching of leaves could be heard, a young girl, about 16 was moving through the forest, looking around. She sighed as she looked around, "Hmmm Mother said that my trial would appear to me itself but I haven't seen anything yet."
She needed to pass this trial in order to become the next ForestSeer, the spiritual leader of her village of Hibiscus. She was certainly skilled in the magic aspect of it, and definitely good at communicating with nature but what she thought would be a walk in the park was turning into something much more challenging.
The words of her older brother Acker rang in her head, "Mother, Maya isn't ready for this, she should just stay in the village where she's safe." She then remembered her Mother's response back, giving her usual laugh when her brother said something her Mother found amusing, "It is not up to you my son, you may be this village's chief but you cannot stand in the way of the destiny of the next ForestSeer, Maya will be fine."
Acker had barely looked at her as she left, the rest of the village cheering as she went into the forest surrounding Hibiscus. As she wandered on she heard a noise, turning around to see 3 glowing creatures gazing at her. Feeling slightly nervous Maya tried to wave at them, "Uh hi there, I'm Maya Birch on my trial to become the next ForestSeer, you wouldn't happen to be here to guide me would you?"
The glowing creatures all let out roars, indicating they weren't friendly causing a shiver to run down Maya's spine, "Yeah I figured that was the answer." Deciding it was time to run she turned away from them, running through the forest and jumping over every obstacle she could as the creatures chased her. Finally as she thought she was free she felt her foot hit a twig on the ground, sending her rolling onto the ground, the dirt giving way and sending it up into the air.
As she rolled against a tree she found something in the leaves, a small green crystal that she quickly grabbed, seemingly beginning to glow as she clutched it tightly. As the creatures began to approach her, she held up the crystal hoping it would do something but nothing happened as the creatures simply roared again at her.
She waited for an attack but it never came as from high within the trees a man wearing an elegant robe and carrying an ornate spear jumped from them, landing on the ground in front of her. Maya looked up to see her older brother towering above her, a mix of worry and anger in his eyes as he slicked back his green mohawk with one hand and banged the bottom of his weapon on the ground with the other.
The creatures seemed to back off and disappear as he raised his spear, they seemed to be afraid of him. With them gone he reached down, pulling her up by her arm and frowning, "You see Maya I told you that you weren't ready for this, come on let's get back to the village."
Maya slowly nodded and began to follow her Acker back to the village. She wanted to protest but after that incident she wouldn't have a leg to stand on. He was right as usual, she wasn't ready but hopefully one day she would be.
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Present Day(Nativus Sanctuarii)
In the present day, Maya sat in the forest where the SorceBeasts usually lived, candles surrounding her on the ground as she seemed to be meditating. Behind her SorceBear rested, occasionally roaring at her, causing her to smile, "No way, that really happened?" SorceBear roared again, as if responding to her, causing Maya to giggle, "SorceDragon is just as hilarious as his partner it seems."
The two continued their little conversation, Maya seemingly being able to still meditate as she spoke to her partner. That was until she heard a new voice arrive, "Are you able to actually understand the bear like that?" Maya turned to see Lian walking leaning against a tree, "Of course, why can't you?"
Lian shook her head, "My partner is either very quiet or I just don't know what she's saying." Maya giggled slightly, "Oh I've heard her before so I think it's just you." Lian frowned, "Well at least it's just you who seem to understand them." Maya giggled again, "As far as I know, but I think Hikayasu can slightly understand SorceDragon but I don't think they're at a full blown conversation level yet."
Lian nodded, "So how are you able to do it? Cause it doesn't seem to be any kind of magic you're performing." Maya smiled as she stood up, going up and petting SorceBear's cheek, "My family has always stressed a connection with nature and the SorceBeasts are nature too, so I'm just good at communicating with them."
Lian sighed, "Well it's pretty impressive, I wish I could be a bit more in touch with nature like you." Maya's face went red from the compliment, "Oh I wouldn't call it impressive, everyone in my village can communicate with nature so I'm really not as skilled as some of them."
Lian chuckled softly, "Stop being so modest and take the compliment Maya, it's not gonna kill you." Maya heard SorceBear roar and frowned, "She agrees with you, and I appreciate it Lian, it's high praise coming from you." Lian nodded as she pushed herself off of the tree, "That's right, now try not to meditate out here too long, Eoti wants to run exercises later."
Maya nodded and sighed as she walked away. She wished she could be more confident about her abilities but it was hard when she grew up with an older brother constantly telling her she wasn't strong enough. Shaking those thoughts out of her head she closed her eyes again, she needed to finish her meditation if she was going to deal with Eoti's training later.
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Long ago 7 elemental crystals came into being, and 7 countries were born from them. Now after centuries of war the country of darkness comes for the other crystals. The 5 remaining crystals gather 5 guardians to stop the spreading only ones who seem to be able to stop them are…. SOSHI SENTAI SORCEGER!
Sorceger opening: Fire by Koji Wada
A guitar riff starts as each ranger flashes on screen, Hikayasu with SorceDragon behind him, Diego with SorceHawk, Lian with SorceDolphin, Maya and SorceBear and finally Terra and SorceLion. The logo appears on screen before before transitioning into a large stretch of land on The Nativus Sanctuarii
Kusubutteta mune ni nage irero fire, Chiheisen e kokoro tobasu nda
SorceFire is shown riding on SorceDragon, racing with a napping SorceAir on SorceHawk, SorceWater is shown riding on a swimming SorceDolphin and SorceForest and SorceEarth are riding on their running partners. Transition to all 5 in their countries gazing at their crystals.
Kara mawari no kimochi o keri agetara, Saki ni iku ze tsugi no frontier
Each Sorceger is shown performing magic in civilian form, Hikayasu makes a small fireball, Diego is shown sleeping in the air, Lian is creating waves, Maya fires some leaves and Terra creates a small boulder. Flash of the light crystal being taken and a worried Iatnes.
Kanau sa kanau, Hakkaten wo mo sugu da ze
The Sorceger's are shown placing their crystals in the Sorcebattons and revealing they're facing a dark army
Dekiru dekiru sa, Bakuhatsu shite miseru nda
The Sorceger's place the crystals in and perform the movements to transform, before yelling, multicolored lights before they emerge as the Sorceger's.
Burn up'n go
Paxlux the country of light is shown exploding into darkness, before the Sorceger's helmets flash on screen similar to the first scene
Gomibako o tobikoeta saki ni aru mirai, Hikari o matotte get a fire power
The Sorceger's all fight the army showcasing their various magic and weapons before posing together as a team.
Giragira to moeagare hitomi no chikara, Kesenai yuuki de get a fire power
Each Sorceger is shown piloting their SorceBeast before they combine in a flash into a posing SorceOh.
Michi ga michi teru
The emperor of Finternis is shown in the shadows sitting in his throne with Prince Vulkan and Princess Nessa kneeling in front of him.
Frontier e, Hashiri tsuzekeru nda
Final flashes of the other countries
Kimi o tsurete
To end the opening the Sorceger's are shown back in the same stretch of land, posing with the SorceBeasts behind them. The logo being shown one last time.
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Finternis's Throne Room
General Mond strolled through the royal palace of Finternis, a clear happiness radiating over him as he walked, holding a few materials as he walked towards the throne room.
He entered into the throne room, the Emperor sitting on his throne with the Prince and Princess at his side, silence filling the room. Mond smiled and bowed happily before Emperor Wonkle, "Good morning sire!" Wonkle frowned, "You're too happy this morning Mond, what did you do?"
Mond gave a light hearted chuckle that made the royal family wonder if he'd lost the last shreds of sanity he had left, "Oh sire you know me so well. I finally managed to develop a spell that could leave the Sorceger's in serious trouble." Wonkle raised an eyebrow, "Oh really, what spell would that be?"
Mond placed some of the objects he'd been carrying on the ground, "Well as you know as long as the Sorceger's are in their sanctum they can't be harmed, however the beasts they use to combat our soldiers are not exempt from this." Wonkle nodded slowly, "So what is your plan then?"
Mond smiled, "This spell of great darkness, as long as it works, should kill them, which would make it so those fools cannot stop us if we make our monsters giant and rampage across the world." Hearing this Wonkle began to laugh himself, "Oh Mond you truly are my most useful subordinate, although you may need to specify why you say as long as it works."
Mond scratched his cheek nervously, "Well you see it requires someone to help me, someone with deep and powerful magic within them, the spell may not have as severe of effects if the wrong assistant is used." Wonkle frowned and looked at his two children, "Nessa, Mond won't come out and say it but he's referring to you, help him with this."
Nessa frowned, if she did this and it was successful then she could be potentially dooming the world. But if she did help slightly then it would get Vulkan off her back and stop him from thinking she was against their father. Nessa nodded, "As you wish Father, Mond instruct me on what to do."
Mond chuckled as he placed the objects around in a circle, "Simply stand in the middle of this circle Princess and concentrate once I begin the spell, everything else will happen naturally or rather unnaturally." Nessa nodded and stood in the circle he had drawn, watching as Mond began to prepare and Nessa began to concentrate, the circle beginning to glow purple.
She felt her energy slightly draining as Mond continued the spell, an idea finally coming to her on how to hinder the spell. As the spell began to intensify, Nessa let out a scream and fell to her knees, her concentration disappearing as the spell ended. Wonkle stood up quickly and went towards his daughter, slowly helping her to her feet, "Mond what happened?"
Mond frowned, "Well unfortunately the spell was too much for even our beloved Princess, so instead of killing the Sorceger's beasts it will only make them severely sick." Nessa let out a deep breath, "I'm sorry Father, I gave it my all but it drained me too much." Wonkle put a hand on her shoulder, "Do not fret my dearest Nessa, the beasts being made ill still works in our favor."
Mond, shockingly nodded in agreement, "Indeed, the spell still worked mostly as intended, however this does mean the Sorceger's could heal them. While there is only one palace they could go to, it still could be a problem. " Wonkle let out a grunt, "Wherever that is, go there, stop them before they even can." Mond nodded before
Vulkan stepped forward, "Father allow me to accompany Mond, my sister has done enough so allow me to do my part now." Nessa smiled slightly, happy to hear that her ploy had convinced her brother. Wonkle nodded in agreement, "Excellent idea Vulkan, your sister has struck the first blow now you shall strike the last blow to them."
Vulkan followed Mond out of the room, shooting Nessa a worried glance as he passed her. Nessa let out a sigh of relief, she was rid of her brother for the time being. Now she just had to hope that Mond and her brother failed and the Sorceger's could heal their beasts.
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Nativus Sanctuarii
Maya walked through the Sanctuarii, feeling a bit bored as she had finished training for the day. She stopped however as she saw Diego sitting outside, his little sister with him, "So how's school going?"
Scarlett frowned and crossed her arms, "Boring, I don't get why Iatnes had to send me to school instead of just letting me be around here." Diego shrugged, "Because as much as I'd rather you here, we're way too busy with training and whatever else Iatnes has us doing to keep an eye on you and last time we let you come with us you got put to sleep 5 minutes into us being there."
Scarlett let out a small sigh, "Fine, but still I want to go on fun adventures with you guys." Diego shook his head, "You're too young kid, learn some stuff at school first and we can talk." Scarlett scowled and crossed her arms, "Ugh, fine, even though you never went to school."
Diego chuckled slightly, running a hand through his white hair before looking over at Maya, "Oi Maya you know it's rude to eavesdrop right?" Maya giggled as she stepped towards them, "Sorry I was walking by and heard what you were talking about and couldn't help but sympathize with Scarlett." Diego raised an eyebrow, "Really? You have a little sister too?"
Maya shook her head, "Nope older brother, a very protective older brother, but I never really got to see him, just like Scarlett is complaining to you about right now." Scarlett looked at her in excitement, "Wait really? What's he like?" Maya thought for a moment before sighing, "My brother Acker, he's 8 years older than me so around Terra's age. My brother, though highly overprotective, was always busy because my Father died when we were young so he had to take up a lot of his responsibilities."
Diego nodded, "You know I've always been curious on how things worked in Amazonia, they're so isolated that everything we know about them was from when Gaia had tried colonizing you guys. Most of them agreed that Amazonia was strange and primitive."
Upon hearing this Maya gave Diego a glare that caused him to feel a chill run down his spine, "We are not primitive! The Gaians were so attached to their technology that they could not contemplate how we were in tune with nature and did not need large cities like them so they called us strange. They simply couldn't understand us and that's why their colonization didn't work out." Diego held up his hands in defense, "Alright I get it, sorry for calling you guys primitive."
Maya calmed down and a smile returned to her face, "It's fine, most people don't know. If it helps we did actually start using abandoned technology to start building up our villages from encampments to more stable villages." As she finished explaining she suddenly heard a cry, Diego quickly standing up, "Was that one of the SorceBeasts?" Maya nodded, "It's Bear, she's sick and crying out for help." Diego frowned, 'Is that even possible for them to get sick?"
Maya shook her head before an apparition of Iatnes appeared, "Diego, Maya, I need you to the main hall now, the SorceBeasts have seem to have fallen ill." Diego and Maya looked at each other and nodded, quickly running off to the main hall, Maya worried what may be happening to her partner.
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Two Years Ago(Village of Hibiscus)
Maya entered into the recently built house that her family lived in, it had only been a year since her people decided to settle permanently in one place rather than moving around the land. Her family since they were the leaders of the village had the largest house but she wished they didn't, she didn't like being better than anyone else, be it home or status.
She entered her Mother's room, who was laying in bed. Upon seeing her, her Mother sat up and smiled, "Maya you're back, did you pass your trial?" Maya approached the bed, putting a hand on her shoulder and ushering her to lay down again, "Mother you're sick, don't waste energy getting up for me." Her Mother coughed as she frowned, "Maya you did not answer my question, did you pass your trial or not?"
Maya shook her head, a solemn look on her face, "No, I was attacked by some kind of spirits and Acker showed up to save me." Her Mother sighed as she reached out for her daughter's hand, "Maya, you know I'm barely able to perform my duties as ForestSeer due to my advancing illness, you need to take those trials again before I pass and the village is without a ForestSeer."
Maya nodded slowly, "I know that Mother, but…" Before she could continue the door flung open and in walked her Brother, "But nothing, Mother I told you she wasn't ready and because of you filling her head with lies she nearly died from that trial. Maya will be staying in the village from now on, and in my sight so she doesn't get hurt."
Maya looked at her brother, "Acker I know you're just trying to protect me but the village needs a ForestSeer, and Mother has been training me my entire life, you can't stop that." Acker scowled and shook his head, "Maya you may be strong in spirit but you aren't strong enough physically for the trials, I am putting my foot down on this as both your brother and the chief of this village."
Their Mother frowned, "Acker you're underestimating your sister, stop being blinded by your desire to protect her and let her pursue her destiny, if you hold her back any longer then we will lose her when the time comes for her destiny to confront her head on." Acker crossed his arms and once again shook his head, "Mother you should be resting not filling her head with lies about her destiny, we will find another suitable candidate for your title, Maya doesn't need to continue to be put in this dangerous situation."
He turned to leave as Maya glared at him, "Acker you and I both know the current ForestSeer decides their successor, you cannot keep denying me this!" Acker said nothing as he exited the room, Maya sighing in defeat as her Mother put her hand on hers, "He can continue to deny it my child but you will take my place one day, whether he likes it or not."
She gave Maya a small smile as Maya nodded, she would prove him wrong, she would be the ForestSeer, she would confront her destiny and embrace it tenfold.
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Present Day
The team gathered in the main hall as Iatnes stood in the center, projections of the SorceBeasts looking worse for wear in front of him. Hikayasu crossed his arms, "Iatnes what happened? One moment I was with SorceDragon and he was fine the next he collapsed and nearly crushed me."
Iatnes frowned, "A dark spell has fallen on them, and if something isn't done it could be bad for us." Maya looking at the horrible condition they were in stepped forward, "But how could this happen? I thought we were all protected here."
Iatnes shook his head, "We are protected yes, however the SorceBeasts were not included in this protection spell as they are made from the crystals, something not usually being able to be affected by normal spells anyway. However this sickness has been caused by powerful magic and an ancient spell that should've been lost to time."
Lian frowned, "So who could've cast something using such powerful magic?" Iatnes put a hand on his chin, "Normally I would assume Finternis but I don't think even the Emperor would have such stores of energy to cast a spell like this."
Hikayasu nodded slowly, "No not him, but I'm pretty sure the princess does." Diego raised an eyebrow at him, "Uh Yasu I know you thought she was pretty but what makes you so sure it's her?" Hikayasu shrugged slightly, "I… I fought her once but I could just tell, I could tell that she had a lot of magic that she was holding back. I know it's crazy to be going by a feeling but my gut is telling me it was her."
Iatnes shook his head, "No, it's best to never ignore a feeling like that especially when it comes to magic. However the problem lies in that I have no idea what to do, no healing magic I know or could retrieve can heal crystals." The group went silent for a moment before Maya's eyes widened, "Amazonia does! There are herbs near my village that can heal anything, my people can aid us in getting them."
She bit her lip, she didn't want to mention that it required a ForestSeer to get them. Iatnes nodded slowly, "Unfortunately I have never been to Amazonia, but Maya as long as you are ok with taking the lead then this could work." Maya nodded, "My people are usually skeptical of outsiders but as long as you're all with me then they'll help us."
Iantes nodded, "Very well, I shall stay here doing what I can for the SorceBeasts while you all head to Amazonia, I wish you all luck in this mission on your own." The others nodded, however Terra frowned, "I'll stay back with Iatnes, as a Gaian I probably wouldn't be very welcomed in Amazonia and I don't want to cause any complications."
Maya nodded in agreement, having not really thought of Terra's presence, the rest of them heading into a portal and off to Amazonia as a pit fell in Maya's stomach. She could only hope they would be happy to see her considering how she had left her village the last time.
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Amazonia
The portal opened up into a large forest, the Sorceger's arriving and looking around, Hikayasu frowning, "I've never seen so many trees in my life, Maya how do you navigate this place?" Maya smiled, "All of my people know how to navigate even the thickest of forests, it gives us a natural defense against enemies since they'll get lost and we won't."
Diego frowned, "I'm already done with all the trees, can we get to your village please?" Maya nodded, "Alright before Diego starts chopping trees down, just follow me and try not to get lost." The others nodded and they began to walk forward, passing through the forest and walking past numerous trees.
After a while they passed through a large bush and found themselves in front of a large village, multiple houses standing strong as Maya smiled, "Welcome to my home, the village Hibiscus." Lian's eyes went wide, "Wow I wasn't expecting your village to be so big, I'd heard that Amazonians were wanderers and didn't have any permanent settlements."
Diego nodded in agreement, "Yeah I was always told you guys lived in large tents and such, not houses." Hikayasu chuckled, "I knew, but then again I listen when Maya tells me about her people."
Diego sighed, "I always forget that you actually love learning about the geography of the world." As they walked into the village, some of the villagers walked up to them, happily greeting them, "Lady Maya you've returned! We've missed you over these last two years." Lian raised an eyebrow, "Lady Maya?"
Maya giggled nervously, "Oh yeah uhhhh, my village is technically the main village in the country and my family founded the village." Lian looked at her in shock, "Maya, why didn't you ever say you were basically royalty?" Maya frowned and shrugged, "You never really asked, you all assumed us Amazonian's were a bunch of primitives who almost got conquered by Gaia. Plus this isn't a monarchy like Agul is, we have leaders but everyone has a say in things here."
As they spoke, several guards appeared in front of them, clearly not looking friendly, "Lady Maya, the chief has requested you and your friends presence in the center of the village, he wishes to know why you're here after two years." Maya frowned and nodded as Hikayasu looked at her, "Uhh they didn't sound too friendly there Maya, what'd you do?"
Maya shook her head, "I'll explain later, let's not keep the chief waiting." The rest nodded as they followed Maya to the center of the village, the 3 curious what she may have done to anger the chief of the village.
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Two Years Ago
It was hazy, Maya hadn't remembered walking out of her house, or even leaving her village as she walked through the forest. In her hand was the crystal she had found during her trial, glowing occasionally as she walked. As she walked on she saw a glowing ball, approaching it until it shifted, forming into an older man with short green hair and a green beard. Maya's eyes widened, "Father?"
Her deceased Father smiled at her, "Hello Maya, it's been a long time." Maya frowned, "Wait how am I seeing you? Did I die?" Her Father chuckled and shook her head, "No Maya, I'm visiting you in a dream to speak with you." Maya nodded, "It must be pretty important if you're visiting me as a spirit."
Her Father nodded, "Indeed, Maya that crystal you've found is something more important than you could possibly realize. You must seek out your destiny using that crystal." Maya frowned, "But how do I do that?" Her Father smiled at her, putting a ghostly hand on her shoulder, "You must seek out the sorcerer Iatnes, he is gathering 4 others with crystals similar to yours. Find him and you will be right on your way to your destiny."
Maya frowned and shook her head, "But Father, Acker would never let me leave the village." Her Father nodded solemnly, "I know that, and I understand where he comes from, but trust your heart and everything will work out." He began to glow, the glow becoming too much for her as she suddenly woke up in her bed with a start, seeing the crystal at her bedside.
Maya frowned, remembering her Father's words and that she would have to convince her brother to let her leave the village. It took a few hours but she finally worked up the courage to speak to her brother. Maya jumped slightly as Acker slammed his hand down on the family table, "Absolutely not! I forbid you from pursuing this foolish endeavor." Maya scowled, "But Acker, this was a message from Father, I can't ignore his message."
Acker shook his head, "Maya it's too dangerous for you out there, message from Father or not I can't let you leave and potentially get hurt." Seeing this was going to be a losing battle Maya nodded reluctantly, "Very well Acker, I won't leave." Acker gave her a slight smile, "Maya I know you want to find your destiny but you must trust me when I just want to make sure you're safe."
Maya nodded and walked away from him, she needed to take matters into her own hands, she wouldn't get anywhere constantly asking his permission to do anything. It was hours later and Maya packed a bag, deciding she needed to slip out of the village at night to go and seek her destiny. Before she left though she stopped at her Mother's room, her Mother seemingly sleeping but she opened her eyes and smiled at her, "I see you're finally doing what you must."
Maya nodded, "Mother, you knew that this would happen eventually?" Her Mother nodded, "I always knew you were special my daughter, your destiny lies somewhere else in the world not here." Maya fornwed, "I'm scared Mother, what if I can't come back, what if this is all for nothing, what if I return and you're gone."
Her Mother put a hand on hers and smiled, "You will do wonderful my daughter, you will return stronger and no matter whether I'm still here when you return, we will meet again one day." Maya squeezed her Mother's hand and smiled, "I understand Mother, farewell, please take care of Acker. He's going to be angry when he realizes I'm gone."
Her Mother sat up and hugged her, Maya lingering for only seconds longer before leaving the house. It wasn't too hard to sneak out of the village, going into the forest and finding her way towards the ocean.
Eventually finding a boat, Maya took weeks to eventually reach Faiaharto, having no idea where to find this Iatnes her Father told her about. However it didn't take long before the man himself approached her, Maya becoming the 3rd Sorceger recruited as she found herself on the road to finally finding her destiny.
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Present Day
The Sorceger's arrived at the center of the village, finding a man that they assumed to be the chief of the village waiting for them. He glared at them, "Well well well, look who's finally returned to the village, the deserter." Maya frowned, "Acker I didn't want to leave but you were suffocating me and not letting me find my own destiny, I wouldn't have had to sneak away if you had just listened to me." Acker glared at her but simply sighed, "Fine, why have you returned Sister?"
Hikayasu chuckled slightly and whispered towards Diego, "Boy and here I thought you were an overprotective brother." Diego smiled slightly but elbowed him in the ribs as Maya spoke, "Our partners, beasts made from the power of the crystals have fallen ill, and now to heal them we need the herbs of ambrosia to be able to make the medicine to heal them."
Acker crossed his arms, "Normally this wouldn't be a problem, especially for you Sister, however the place where the herbs are located only the ForestSeer can visit and Mother is much too ill to be able to go." Maya frowned, she'd had a feeling that was the case but had hoped it wouldn't be necessary, "Then let me take the trial again so I may become ForestSeer for Mother."
Acker shook his head, "Absolutely not, that trial is still too dangerous for you, I fear you won't be able to pass the tests that it holds." Maya glared at him, narrowing her eyes, "If it helps my friends, then I will pass your tests!" Acker shook his head again, "Again no, Maya, whether you are ready or not, I still remember the last time you took the trial, I do not believe you're strong enough."
Upon hearing this Hikayasu stepped forward, "Clearly you don't know your own sister pal, because she's one of the strongest people I know." Lian nodded in agreement, "As much as I hate to agree with him, Maya helped me stand up to my own family, she's ready for your stupid trial." Diego crossed his arms and nodded, "Maya is also pretty crafty, she'll pass your stupid trial with flying colors."
Hearing this Acker sighed and nodded, "Very well, if none of you will back down on this, Maya prepare yourself, for you will be taking the ForestSeer trial." He began to walk away, seemingly to prepare for the trial as Maya let out a sigh of relief. She'd prove her brother wrong this time, and pass the trial to save the SorceBeasts, even if it was the last thing she'd do.
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Maya let out a deep breath as she stood in her old home, she'd prepared everything she thought she may need for the trial. Well as best as she could since it was always unknown what the trial actually would be. She heard small footsteps behind her, turning around to see her Mother, "I knew we would see each other again daughter."
Maya frowned and walked over to her, "Mother you shouldn't be up, go back to bed." Her Mother put a hand on her cheek and smiled, "I wanted to do what I couldn't last time, see my daughter off on her trial." Maya sighed, "Mother I'm not even sure what the trial is, but if I don't pass it then the world could be doomed."
Her Mother smiled and took something out from behind her back, a small crown made of flowers. Maya knelt down, allowing her to place it on her head, "I've been making this for you to have ready for when you returned one day. Maya only the forest determines what the trial is and when you pass it, but I believe that you will find the answer."
Maya nodded, "Thank you Mother, now please go back to bed, I'll visit you when I come back." Her Mother nodded and turned back to her room as Maya left the house, going to the edge of the town where her friends and Brother waited for her. Acker looked at her, clear worry on his face, "Are you ready Maya? No one else can aid you on this trial unless it becomes a case of life and death."
Lian frowned and looked at Maya, "Maya are you sure about this? From what I've gathered is there's no real set trial, you're just going into the forest and hoping something happened." Maya nodded, "I'm ready, and don't worry Lian, I'll be back soon." She looked at Acker briefly before walking towards the forest, disappearing into the trees as Hikayasu crossed his arms, "So how long do we wait for?"
Acker frowned, "As long as it may take, however it won't matter I'll be heading into the forest to make sure she stays safe." He began to walk forward but found himself stopped by Diego who shook his head, "Look man, from one big brother to another I get it, you want to protect her. But Maya is an adult, you gotta let her do this on her own."
Acker shook his head, "She isn't strong enough for the trial, I… I must protect her, it was the last request my Father made before he passed away, to always keep her safe and protected." Diego frowned, "Yeah I get that, it's what my parents asked me to do for my sister too. But she left once without telling you, you keep thinking she's too weak and feeble then you'll lose her again by holding on too tight."
Acker sighed and nodded slowly, "You are correct, I've never told her why I try to protect her so much." Diego smiled and put a hand on his shoulder, "Then maybe once she comes back after passing that trial you can explain yourself a bit." Acker nodded and looked out into the forest, he needed to believe in his sister's strength. Maya would come back and she would pass the trial, he just needed to trust in her.
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Maya walked through the forest, this was so familiar to her, endlessly wandering through the trees. She wasn't sure what the trial even was going to be but she had to remember her Mother's words, the forest would determine the trial and if she passed. Closing her eyes she decided to concentrate, hoping that the forest would give her some kind of answer.
As she listened to the sound of trees and the leaves blowing she heard the rustling of bushes as she turned, coming face to face with the 3 glowing creatures that had attacked her 2 years ago. Maya frowned and looked at them, "That's it isn't it, you 3 are my trial?"
She got a roar back from them as if to answer her as she decided to run again, not knowing what the spirits had in mind for her. As she ran, the creatures chased her, roaring at her as she found herself cornered by a collection of trees. Maya frowned and stopped, her back against the trees as she took out her SorceBaton, "Fine if you want a fight then I'll give you one!" She got into a fighting stance as the creatures roared at her again, Maya looking at them, registering something from them, "Wait… Was that a cry of pain?"
The creatures roared again, lunging to attack her as she rolled out of the way. They were crying in pain, were they just trying to get her help? She dodged another attack as she looked around, hoping to find something that could help subdue them.
Touching her head to think she then noticed something, the flower crown! Needing to get all 3 of them close together, Maya turned towards the other two, "What's the matter? Afraid that your friend is the only one allowed to have some fun?" The other 2 roared, charging at Maya along with the first 1.
Maya turned running, towards the tree and running up it, flipping off of it and landing behind the creatures, grabbing the crown off of her head and channeling magic into it, it glowed and expanded, capturing all 3 creatures in a circle. The circle glowed as the creatures roars of pain began to turn to cries of relief, the light becoming too much for Maya as she shielded her eyes for a moment.
Once she opened her eyes again she saw 3 spirits of bears in place of the creatures. Maya smiled and approached one of them, touching it's cheek as it roared at her, sounding almost like approval as a green leaf appeared on her the bottom of her wrist, the symbol of the ForestSeer. Maya looked at them and nodded, "Thank you for your blessing, I won't let it go to waste."
The bears let out a final roar before disappearing, leaving Maya alone in the forest. She had passed, now the only thing left to do was to go get the herbs so they could save their partners!
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It had been about 30 minutes since Maya had gone into the forest and things had gotten mostly quiet. As the team sat around Hikayasu sat up, "You know this has been too easy." Diego raised an eyebrow, "What do you mean Yasu?"
Hikayasu frowned, "I mean Finternis went through so much trouble to make the SorceBeasts sick, you'd think they would've tried to stop us from healing them." Lian let out a scoff and glared at them, "Don't jinx things you idiot, let things just work out for once."
At this moment the ground began to shake as Acker ran towards them, "Something is approaching the village fast, cutting down trees as it goes!" Hikayasu frowned as Lian slapped him in the back of the head, "You just had to open your mouth!" Hikayasu winced as he nodded at Acker, "We'll help defend the village from whatever or whoever is coming."
They all ran towards the front of the village as they saw trees falling in front of them, eventually as more trees fell out walked General Mond and Prince Vulkan, a small platoon of troops behind them. Mond dusted his hands and chuckled, "Finally it felt like we were walking through that forest for days, oh well at least we're here." Acker and the rest of the guards of the village stepped forward, pointing weapons at them, "YOU! You dare cut down trees within the sacred forest!"
Mond blinked for a moment before nodding, "Of course we did! They were in our way, what else were you expecting us to do?" Acker glared at him, "Leave our village now or face the wrath of the village of Hibiscus." General Mond began to laugh maniacally as he shook his head, "Sorry no can do, we're here to make sure the Sorceger's don't come here to heal their…. They're here already clearly."
Hikayasu smiled and waved at him, "Yo, seems like we got here first for once." Mond glared at the 3 but before he can speak Vulkan stepped in front of him, "SorceFire, I've been longing to fight you again after our last battle." Hikayasu narrowed his eyes at him, taking out his SorceBaton, "Well if you want me to scar the other side of your face so badly I'm happy to oblige."
He nodded at Diego and Lian as they all took out their crystals, "FIRE! AIR! WATER!" They prepared their Baton's as they raised them to sky, "SOSHICHANGE!" Vulkan removed his sword from his sheath as he pointed it at the changing Sorceger's, "ATTACK!" Emerging from their crystals, the Sorceger's charged at the troops, SorceFire meeting Vulkan's blade as they exchanged several blows. Jumping back
SorceFire nearly bumped into SorceAir, "Careful there Yasu, not much room to maneuver here." SorceFire nodded, "Yeah it's annoying to try and avoid cutting down any trees, still we need to hold them off until Maya comes through."
SorceAir hit several other DunDatin's as several more were hit by Acker and the other guards, "Fear not, we will aid you in this battle. No one dares to mess with our village." SorceAir nodded at him, "Nice to have ya in the battle then." Acker gave him a slight smile as the two went charging into battle, determined to keep Finternis back until Maya returned with the herbs.
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Maya let out a breath as she finally arrived at the location with the herbs, vines guarding the way as she stopped in front of them. She held up her wrist and the leaf symbol on her wrist glowed as the vines withered away and allowed her to pass.
As she walked forward she turned as a shining spirit appeared behind her, "Congratulations on making it this far Maya, you've truly grown." Maya smiled, "Father! You've been waiting for me haven't you?" The spirit of her Father nodded, 'This place has a stronger connection to spirits so I knew I would be able to appear to you here. Here I believe these are what you're searching for."
He stepped aside to reveal some orange and gold flowers that Maya approached and took, 'The Herbs of Ambrosia, with this we can heal the SorceBeasts." Her Father nodded, "Indeed, and there should be some left for your Mother too." Maya raised an eyebrow, "These can heal Mother?"
Her Father nodded slowly, "It won't heal her completely, but it quells her illness enough that she should regain most of her strength." Maya smiled and nodded, "Thank you father, this truly is wonderful." Her Father nodded and watched as Maya began to prepare the medicine needed, "I truly am proud of you Maya, you're going to make a fine ForestSeer, now farewell."
Maya bowed at her Father's spirit as she gathered up the two vials of medicine she had made and began to run back to her village. As she neared it, a portal appeared before her, Terra stepping out of it, already transformed, "The village is being attacked by Finternis, pass the medicine off to Iatnes and he'll get the beasts healed."
Maya nodded and threw one of the vials to Iatnes who caught it, "Excellent, they should be ready by the time you may need them should Finternis enlarge one of their soldiers." Maya nodded as she and Terra ran back towards the village, running into a villager, "Get this to my Mother, and have her ingest it, tell anyone to get to my house, it's the most fortified in the village."
The villager nodded, "Very well Lady Maya." Maya and Terra continued on, arriving at the scene of the battle as she saw Acker having fallen to the ground and seeing a DunSoldat advancing on him. Maya ran forward preparing her SorceBaton, "FOREST!" Maya arrived between Acker and the DunSoldat, transforming as she did, "SOSHICHANGE!"
Acker braced for the end but found the DunSoldat's blow being stopped by SorceForest who turned her head towards him, "Acker are you ok?" Acker nodded, "Maya? You passed the trial?" SorceForest nodded, "I managed to create the medicine, I even made enough for Mother too." Acker smiled and nodded, "Maya you really are strong, it's a shame I couldn't see it before."
SorceForest kicked the DunSoldat away, "It's alright you were just trying your best to protect me, the important thing is you can at least see it now." Acker stood up and nodded, "Well seeing as you're so strong I leave this brute to you." SorceForest nodded and ran towards the DunSoldat, attacking it several times with her claws before sending it flying back, the rest of the Sorceger's joining her, "Nice to have you back Maya."
SorceForest giggled slightly before turning towards the trees that had been knocked down, "They messed with my people and my forest, for that they will pay, and I'll use the trees they cut down themselves to do it!" She tapped the crystal in her staff as it began to glow glow green, "SPELL IT OUT!" SorceForest pointed her SorceStaff at several trees as they too began to glow, "BEAR CHARGE!"
The trees morphed, becoming living, wooden bears as several of the wooden bears charged at the DunSoldat, beginning to maul it before it became too much and it exploded, ending the battle in the Sorceger's favor. General Mond grit his teeth as he began to prepare his usual spell, "Fine, you can defeat my soldiers on the ground all you want, but without those damn beasts of your let's see how you handle a giant DunSoldat!"
The destroyed DunSoldat suddenly revived, growing several times larger until it loomed over the team. SorceFire turning towards SorceForest, "Maya please tell me you got that medicine to Iatnes?" SorceForest nodded as she raised her staff into the air, "Yup they should be good to go, now SorceBeasts descend!" General Mond scowled as sure enough the portal opened and the SorceBeasts arrived on the battlefield, "Dammit the plan failed, time to retreat for now."
He grabbed Vulkan who had been thrown against a tree by SorceFire and left within a dark portal. The Sorceger's wasted zero time, jumping into their beasts and assembling SorceOh, "Complete Soshi Gattai SorceOh!" SorceOh kicked the DunSoldat into the trees, the large trees enveloping even the two large combatants.
As they entered the forest, SorceFire turned towards Forest, "Maya this is all you, you know this forest the best." SorceForest nodded and placed her crystal into the alter causing SorceOh to become sleeker and faster and with claws on its arms, "BearClaws ready!" SorceOh jumped against several trees, jumping between them and slicing at the DunSoldat with every hit, the DunSoldat attempting to fight back but never being able to hit the mech as it was too fast.
The Sorceger's ready to finish the battle all put their hands on the altar, causing it to glow, "Final Blow: BearClaws!" SorceOh's claws glowed green, slashing at the DunSoldat several times before it unleashed one final slash, seemingly passing through the DunSoldat as it exploded into green energy, SorceOh standing victorious as it did explode.
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Maya walked with Acker as they surveyed the damage caused by Finternis, "We got lucky, Finternis wasn't able to cause too much damage to the village, just the surrounding area." Acker nodded, "It was because you and your friends were here to push them back, without you then things would've been lost."
Maya smiled at him, "I wasn't going to let them destroy the village, it's still my home." Acker smiled and put a hand on her shoulder, "Maya listen, the reason I'm always so hard on you is because before he died, Father told me to always protect you and keep you safe. I thought that's what I was doing but it's clear to me I was just driving you away and I'm sorry."
Maya smiled at him, going in to hug him, 'It's alright Acker, I'm just thankful for having a brother who's so willing to keep me safe, even if you did get a bit suffocating at times." Acker let out an amused chuckle, "So, will you be staying in the village as the ForestSeer? We could really use one now more than ever."
Maya shook her head but before she could speak another voice appeared, "Hibiscus already has a ForestSeer, Maya's friends still need her but luckily you still have me to do the job." Their Mother approached both of them, seemingly healed as she smiled at both her children, Acker embracing her, 'Mother, you're up and walking."
Her Mother nodded as Maya went to hug her as well, "One day when this fight is over I will be back to take your place, until then please watch over the village for me." Her Mother nodded, "Of course Maya, now go show Finternis why it's best to fear the Amazonians." Maya smiled and hugged both her Mother and Brother, "Farewell both of you, I'll see you soon."
With that she took her leave, going to join her friends, walking up to Diego, "Diego I just wanted to thank you for giving my brother some advice, seems like he really listened to a fellow older brother." Diego shrugged, "Well you know, he looked like he needed a pep talk." Hikayasu crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow, "So are you going to follow your own advice or was that advice exclusively for Acker?"
Diego frowned and shook his head, "Hell no, as far as I'm concerned Scarlett is never doing anything dangerous for as long as I live." The portal back to the Sanctuarii opened as the rest of the group, even Terra began to laugh. Clearly Diego could give good advice, but it seemed he was unable to take his own advice.
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To Be Continued!
Next time on Soshi Sentai Sorcger!
Diego is angry at Iatnes
"I'm tired of all your lecturing when you're clearly too afraid to actually teach us anything!
Iatnes is conversing with Eoti
"I fear teaching any students after what happened with the last one."
Finally Iatnes and General Mond are dueling
"You always were a bad teacher, how does it feel knowing I've surpassed you?"
THE END!