Episode 4 (Part 1)
Isabel Herrera nervously paced about her dorm room and stopped to check her pink cell phone on her desk. Finding no new messages, the Pink Ranger impatiently shook her head and ambled over toward her window. From her vantage point on the third floor of the dorm, she could see the gentle lights of Hyperion University's campus town warmly glowing in the darkness of the chilly evening outside. As she continued to pace, she mentally reminded herself how glad she was that today was Thursday and she had only one more class scheduled for tomorrow.
Turning to her laptop, she considered sitting down and checking her email for the hundredth time today when her phone suddenly buzzed. She scrambled over and swiped it to read the text message. After a long pause, she gave a bright smile and pumped her fist in the air.
"Yes!" she cried doing a little happy dance on her rug before hurrying out of her room and across the narrow hallway toward the mens' wing of the dormitory.
She headed down the men's hallway until she came to a room with an open door. She smiled as she glanced at the dry erase board on the door giving dramatic warnings of the "Black Hole's" gravity. It had been the affectionate name given to Joe and Nick's room as more often than not, the five Rangers tended to casually congregate there the most.
As Izzy entered, she found Joe and Nick sitting on the Green Ranger's bed with video game controllers in their hands. The two friends looked up a moment to greet her as they turned back to their heated one on one game of Halo on the screen. Nearby, Claire lazily sprawled on Joe's bed reading a book and occasionally looked up to comment on the action.
"Damn dude, you suck at this game," Nick taunted with a laugh as Joe's player character got blown up again, prompting the Red Ranger to curse out loud. Turning to the Pink Ranger, Nick smiled, "So what's up Iz?"
Izzy walked over and sat nearby Claire, still wearing her big smile, "Great news everyone! You remember those sororities I was rushing for? I just got a call back from my first pick, Eta Omicron Epsilon (*). They selected me to advance toward formal recruitment."
"Congrats Iz," Joe chimed in with a smile as he got payback on Nick, causing his roommate to growl. "I know you've been talking about getting into that one for a while now."
Izzy gave her friends a hopeful look, "And, that's where I was wondering if I could ask you all to help me out."
The other three Rangers looked to her as she continued, "Part of the recruitment involves a social event where each of us are required to bring a few friends. There's a party tomorrow and I was wondering if you'd all like to go as my guests."
From the bed, Claire furrowed her brow, "I don't know Iz, you really think we'd fit in with that crowd? We'll probably be surrounded by a bunch of prissy sorority girls and horny frat boy types... basically all the kinds of people I hated in high school."
"Of course you'll fit in!" Izzy exclaimed, "If anything, I'll be bringing the coolest people of all! How many people can say their friends are all Power Rangers, right?"
"A nice compliment Iz, but we still keep that little detail under wraps," Joe reminded her gently.
Nick chimed in, "Besides Claire, Izzy is our friend and she's asking for a little help. We're all free tomorrow so who knows? It could be fun."
"So you'll help?" Izzy asked.
"As long as the sorority doesn't interfere with Ranger duty, I don't see why not." Joe pointed out.
All of a sudden, Nick used the momentary distraction to cheap shot Joe and win the game. "God damn it Nick! You dirty cheater!" The Red Ranger cried in surprised outrage.
"Bro, forget Ranger duty for a minute." the victorious Green Ranger grinned, "Think about it. We're getting a free pass to a party with a ton of hot sorority girls."
"Did someone say sorority party?" Danny smiled as he walked in the door with impeccable timing.
As the three boys began to laugh among themselves and make lewd jokes, Claire sighed and turned to a bemused Izzy, "I guess I'll have to go now. If you want to make a good impression, someone else has got to make sure our boys behave themselves."
Meanwhile, within the dark confines of his prison spire, the arch-demon Gideon gazed out his balcony into the churning storms of the Abyss. As he stared out into the void, he closed his eyes and let the storms once again dredge up the memories from the recesses of his mind. Even if it had been several thousand years ago, Gideon could still remember everything vividly.
He could remember the floating continent of Eden that he and his fellow Empyrians had once called home. He cherished its natural beauty and the majesty of its cities. But his heart ached as he also remembered the Fall. There had been terrible flames as the floating continent was torn asunder and crashed back down into the Earth. Gideon could still hear the sounds of brutal fighting between his own Empyrian bretheren, and the burning hatred he still felt for the mortal human race that had caused the strife within their Paradise.
But where their once proud angelic race had gone extinct, the Cambion still remained. Despite having been twisted and warped by the natural chaos of the Abyss, the demons had all been Empyrians once before. They had survived and evolved, and it wouldn't be long before they would be free to reclaim their rightful dominion over Earth from their lowly human cousins.
Gideon's thoughts were interrupted as another figure entered the throne room. Without turning around, the arch-demon spoke in a calm and level voice, "What favor have you come to ask for now Shemhazai?"
The female Cambion in white silk robes bowed graciously, "Lord Gideon, I've come only with a wish to serve. General Abaddon's servants have failed you and I wish to offer the service of my own legion."
Gideon turned around and regarded her with a curious look, "And how were you going to put them to use?"
Shemhazai smirked, "My lord, the General's crude way of relying on brute force may sometimes be effective, but it still has its limits. I suggest we terrorize the humans and disorient them so they are unable to mount a defense the next time. With your blessing, I believe I have just the servant who can do that, an Eye Golem by the name of Oculus."
Gideon gave a dark smile and turned back toward the window, "If you are so confident, then make it so Shemhazai, and pray that you do not fail me as well."
That Friday night, the five Rangers all met outside the Eta Omicron Sorority House wearing dressy evening clothes.
"I feel like we're going into an interview," Nick muttered pulling some lint off his khaki pants as they were all invited inside.
"We kind of are," Joe quietly answered straightening his own red tie, "Remember, we're doing this for Izzy, so we need to make a good impression."
"When we're looking this sharp? Piece of cake." Danny smiled adjusting the collar of his dressy blue blazer.
The five friends were led inside the large living room, amazed that the place looked more like a posh mansion. The room was already crowded with other well dressed students mingling and laughing over drinks and snacks.
"Wow, look at all the pretty girls here." Nick remarked as Claire gave him a sharp nudge in the side.
"Easy there big guy, your drool is already falling on my head."
At that moment, two blonde girls approached and greeted Izzy enthusiastically, "Isabel, we're so glad you could make it. Love the dress by the way."
The Pink Ranger smiled at her short black cocktail dress with pink trim before turning to her friends, "Everyone, this is Krissy and Chelsea. They're the recruiting chairs of the sorority's executive board. And over here, are my friends Joe, Danny, Nick, and Claire."
The other Rangers gave polite smiles and waves as Krissy patted Izzy's shoulder and addressed them, "We're really impressed by your friend here, one of the top cheerleaders from her highschool and now an aspiring teacher?"
"That's our Iz," Joe answered carefully with a smile, "Brains and Beauty."
Chelsea glanced at him before giving a thoughtful look to Izzy, "We weren't expecting you to be bringing three guys along tonight. Is one of them a boyfriend maybe?"
"Well, I suppose you could say that," Danny grinned playfully putting an arm around Izzy.
The Pink Ranger suppressed a grumble and gently bumped Danny aside with her hip. Giving a diplomatic smile, she laughed, "Oh Danny, always a kidder. At least he's right about being both a boy and a friend, ha ha."
Krissy and Chelsea exchanged an amused look before gesturing them further inside, "Well, come on in. The party just started and we'd love to talk more to each of you."
Some time later, the Rangers found themselves a little separated amongst the party goers.
To her chagrin, Claire found herself amid a group of gossiping girls. While several of them playfully stroked her hair and encouraged her to rush for a sorority too, Claire nervously looked about the room, searching for her other friends. Across the way, she spotted Danny chatting up a group of people and likely telling an outrageous story based on his animated gestures and expressions. Not too far away, she could also see Nick enjoying the music and dancing with another handful of guests.
At the other end of the room, Izzy sat on a couch busy laughing and talking with a few other pledges, and looking like she was having a great time.
To Claire's relief, she spotted Joe walking by with a small plate of appetizers. "Thank goodness. Hey Joe! Over here!"
He turned and gave a wave before another girl who was rushing for the sorority stepped forward and distracted him. She was a short and very pretty brunette girl with a compact athletic build.
"Oh hey!" she smiled, "I recognize you. You're in my English class."
Joe stopped a moment and suddenly wore a dumb smile on his face, "I uh… yeah. Hi…"
"My name is Jen. Jen Kaufman," she smiled shaking his hand, "And it sounds like your name is Joe."
The Red Ranger stammered a moment, completely caught off guard before giving a nervous laugh and offering her some of the food on his plate, "Yeah, that's me."
As he and Jen walked off and began chatting more, Claire rolled her eyes and muttered to herself, "So much for our smart and sensible leader."
At that moment, she felt her phone buzzing in her purse and checked the caller ID. It was Professor Bishop. She excused herself to the bathroom to take the call while her fellow Rangers continued to socialize. A few minutes later, she emerged quickly and hurried over to Danny, whispering in his ear after he finished with his story.
The Blue Ranger grew serious and gave a nod, "Ok. You get Nick, I'll talk to Izzy."
As Claire went to fetch the Green Ranger, Danny ambled over and pulled Izzy aside for a moment, surprising her.
"What is it this time Dan?" she hissed, shooting sidelong smiles to the other party guests
"Bishop called," he said, "It looks like it's time for some extra curricular activities."
Izzy grimaced, "What? Now? I can't just up and leave."
"All right," Danny frowned pinching the bridge of his nose, "You stay here, and the four of us will go and check things out. If we need help, we'll call."
Izzy gave his hand a squeeze and mouthed a grateful "Thank you" while Nick joined the others
As they approached the door, they spotted Joe continuing to talk to Jen until Claire strode up and grabbed hold of the Red Ranger. Joe sputtered in surprised annoyance as Claire gently pulled him along using his necktie like a leash.
"Sorry about that!" Claire called to Jen with a sweet smile. "He's my ride home tonight!"
Once clear, Joe grabbed his necktie and huffed, "Seriously? What the hell Claire?"
"There's a Cambion party crasher out tonight." Nick cut in, "We'll leave Izzy on the sideline for backup,"
The Red Ranger became serious and gave an understanding nod. "All right then. We don't have any time to waste."
Elsewhere, the Eye Golem Oculus made its way through the crowded and brightly lit entertainment district of Hyperion Falls. Its chiseled body of black obsidian was covered in ancient demonic script as well as moving eyeballs that swiveled in various directions. As the creature strode forward in the chill night air, a small squad of Magog soldiers marched in his wake, overturning outdoor patio tables and terrorizing the patrons of the city's bars and clubs. Raising its arms, the eyeballs on its body fired off several dark rays of inky black energy that destroyed the brighter lights of the district while the lesser ones struck innocent bystanders, knocking them down.
Those unfortunate to be struck by a ray staggered to their feet, only to realize that they had now been blinded and their eyes had been magically collected by the golem. In place of their eyes, the victims found only two swirling motes of cloudy black energy, obscuring their vision. The added terror of losing their eyesight caused many of the citizens to stumble around blindly in the street or trip over themselves to escape.
Just then several shots of golden blaster fire erupted from the skies and struck the Magog minions, instantly destroying them. With its many eyes, Oculus glanced up to see 4 morphed Vanguard Rangers descend and dispel their wings. As they quickly holstered their Feather Stinger pistols, they drew their gladius short swords and stood barring his path.
"Gross. Is that demon covered in eyeballs?" Claire remarked in shock.
Nick shuddered a moment, "Claire's right, that is one ugly cuss,"
"Focus Rangers, we don't know what that thing is capable of." Joe called leveling his sword at the creature, "All right demon, now's your chance to stand down."
Oculus laughed, "Ah, the Vanguard pretenders. You think I'm afraid of a few lowly humans? Behold my might."
The golem raised its arms and fired off a barrage of blinding rays from its many eyes. The Rangers scattered and tumbled about in different directions to avoid the attacks. As they spread out, Nick regained his footing and attacked from one direction while Danny circled about and attacked the monster from behind.
"Fools," Oculus laughed deflecting Nick's sword strike and swatting him away with a backhand, "You really think you can sneak up on me?"
"Crap!" Danny exclaimed as he suddenly realized the monster was covered in eyes. Before the Blue Ranger could land his blow from behind, Oculus deftly sidestepped it and sent him flying with a hard kick.
Just then, a bolt of ice rang out and struck the golem, momentarily staggering it. The monster growled and turned to the White Ranger, who stood ready with her bow.
"How about I put out a couple more of your eyes?" Claire taunted as the monster laughed and turned his blasting hand toward a blinded civilian on the street.
Claire gasped and dove forward to shield the civilian as Oculus fired off two more inky shadow bursts. The White Ranger was knocked sideways from the first blast and rolled away as Joe rushed in and deflected the second blast with his short sword. Pulling his pistol again, the Red Ranger hit Oculus with a few shots to buy enough time for him to pull Claire to her feet while Danny and Nick regrouped around them.
"He's pretty tough," Nick remarked as the golem recovered and laughed again.
"If I can't take your sight, then I will still take your lives." Oculus said releasing swirling clouds of obscuring magic from its eyes like a vent.
The Rangers grouped together, surrounded by a cloud of darkness as they heard the laughter of the demon echo all around them.
"Any bright ideas?" Danny asked nervously readying his weapons.
Joe perked his head up and pulled out his Keyrune, "Just one Danny, and it's brilliant."
Raising his Keyrune high, the Red Ranger summoned a swirling halo of fire above them. The other Rangers crouched low and squinted amid the brilliant light and intense heat, only to see the fiery aurora neutralize the cloud of shadows. To everyone's shock, the demon was almost right on top of them. As the bright nimbus of fire faded, Oculus roared in pain and recoiled as the light hurt his own eyes.
Thinking quickly, Joe inserted his Keyrune into his gladius and summoned his saber sword. In one swift motion, the Red Ranger struck the demon and sent it reeling backwards with a powerful fiery blow, hoping it would ward off the enemy from his friends.
Giving another roar of pain, the wounded Oculus retreated backwards and wrapped himself in an aura of inky black energy. "This isn't over Rangers. I'll be back."
As the cloud of smoke dissipated, the demon was nowhere to be seen. Joe lowered his sword and gave a big sigh of relief as Danny put a hand on his shoulder, "Nice save buddy."
"Is everyone ok?" the Red Ranger asked taking a glance toward the rest of his friends.
"Fine, but I'm more worried about these people," Claire remarked stopping to examine a few of the demons' victims and keep them calm.
"What has that thing done to them?" Nick asked in horror seeing the shadowy motes of magic that had replaced the victims' eyes.
"Maybe the Professor will have an idea what do," Joe said surveying the now evacuated street. "Until then, let's take one lat sweep of the area before the paramedics come for these people."
They had taken a little bit of a risk leaving Izzy behind tonight, and he only hoped that they would be better prepared to face the eye golem whenever it would return next.
A/N:
(*) Eta Omicron Epsilon in the Greek alphabet roughly spells H.O.E. when translated over.
I'm taking some major liberties with the college Greek system or how recruitment in frats/sororities actually works. If there are any females actually reading this story and you are also in a sorority, I apologize for poking a little fun. Trust me, it's all just for laughs.