Episode 29: Part 2
Having recovered the other Rangers after their retreat from War, Danny and Nick sat in Professor Bishop's office recounting their situation while the cursed Rangers began to bicker again.
"Thanks a lot for not helping back there," Joe angrily grumbled toward the Pink and Gold Rangers, "While you two were busy arguing, War got the best of us in that fight."
"Well excuse me Mr. High and Mighty," Izzy retorted, "Just because you're the Red Ranger here doesn't mean you can boss us around all the time. It gets really annoying."
Claire rose to her feet frowning, "Izzy! That was uncalled for!"
"Oh what a surprise, Claire is sucking up to Joe again," Kara sniffed, rolling her eyes, "Seriously girl, grow a backbone for yourself."
As the four Rangers erupted into a fresh round of angry bickering, they were silenced as Bishop rose from his seat and roared, "Enough! Everybody quiet, right now!"
The Professor watched as his students fell silent and sat back down with startled looks. Bishop cleared his throat and took a calming breath before turning to the Blue and Green Rangers, "Now then, from what you told me, it sounds like War has the ability to stir people up... as we've already seen. That explains the rash of recent riots in the city."
"Only if he gets a hand on you," Danny added, "The good news is, it looks like our armor can protect us from the curse."
Nick crossed his arms and grimaced, "Maybe... but what good can just two of us do if the others are in no shape to fight?"
"What are you talking about?" Kara snapped, "Do we look like invalids to you?"
Bishop silenced her again with a warning look before the Blue Ranger snapped his fingers. "Maybe Kara is right. Maybe we can use War's curse to our advantage."
"What are you talking about preppy?" Nick frowned.
Danny rose from his seat with a cunning smile, "War's power causes people to go berserk and cut loose right? If we've got four cursed Rangers, what if we can direct all that rage right back at him."
"Sounds great to me," Joe said pounding his fist and rising from his seat, "Let's go."
Nick put a firm hand on his roommate's shoulder and sat him back down, "Slow down bro. If we're going to do this, it's probably best if Danny takes point on this one."
The Red Ranger began to argue until Nick tightened his grip and gave a warning look himself. Turning to Danny, he said, "You know this is going to be kind of risky."
The Blue Ranger nodded, "I know big guy, but it's only going to succeed if you and I work together. We're the only ones who can."
"I'll let the two of you work out the details," Bishop said looking over the others. "In the mean time, I'll try and keep these kids under control."
As the two Rangers stepped out of the office, Nick stopped Danny and held out a hand, "Listen preppy, I know I tend to get on your case a lot, but I just want to let you know that I trust you and I'll always be there to back you up out there."
Danny gave a small smile and shook Nick's hand, "Thanks man. That's probably the smartest thing you've said since we became Rangers. Now come on, we've got a war of our own to win."
The next day, The Horseman War made this way through the streets as another minor riot erupted in the suburbs of Hyperion Falls. By this point, the city's police forces were exhausted and slow to respond as they had spent the last two days restoring order to the scenes of other violent outbreaks.
As the Horseman trotted down the chaotic street, he saw two winged shadows pass overhead before the Blue and Green Rangers descended in front of his path. War reared his horse and calmly cast an amused smile toward the heroes barring his way.
"You actually decided to come back. I thought you children already learned your lesson."
Nick gripped his Keyrune and smiled, "Oh we did. We're going to show you what we learned. You ready Dan?"
The Blue Ranger nodded and raised his Keyrune, "Let's do it!"
Before War could react, both Rangers traced the sigils of Archangels Fandaniel and Hashmael, emerging in their resplendent golden armor. In a burst of radiant light, the two Rangers split off wide and attacked from two sides.
War gave a laugh and drew his sword, galloping forward to dodge the first passing attack of the winged Rangers. Landing on the ground, Nick drew his weapon while Danny called from above, "Ok, all we have to do is keep War pinned down until Bishop arrives. He's got us marked on his GPS right now."
The Horseman moved to charge forward again but Nick called on his Earth element to summon a host of thick roots from the ground. As the tendrils burst from the nearby sidewalk, they tangled the demonic horse and began to snare the rider. While War struggled to break free, Danny swooped in with his spear and unseated the Horseman as if he were in some angelic jousting match.
War growled as he hit the pavement and rolled over to recover while Danny descended on him continuing the assault. Giving a grunt, War gripped his sword and began to bring it around but the Blue Ranger drove his spear down through the Horseman's forearm to pin it to the ground.
The wounded Horseman roared in pain and shoved Danny aside before pulling the spear out his arm and tossing it away. As he rose to his feet, War was struck again as the Green Ranger hurled his warhammer in a spinning throw which smashed directly into the monster's skull.
"Damn, this guy can take a lot of punishment," Nick gasped as War staggered and clutched his face before rising again to his feet, "Where is Bishop?"
"Just a little longer," Danny said as they both drew their pistols and laid down a barrage of blaster fire.
By now, War began to walk straight into the blaster shots, deflecting several away without a care. "You irritating Rangers are getting me angry now. You think you've seen true fury? Behold!"
The Horseman released a powerful wave of negative energy from his aura which staggered the two Rangers. Both Danny and Nick fell to their knees as the wave of War's power spread out wide over the city, further inflaming the tempers of those he cursed.
"It's too much," Nick gasped trying to withstand the debilitating aura of the furious Horseman.
Suddenly, a familiar silver Chevy Impala turned the corner with Professor Bishop at the wheel and four infuriated Rangers burst from the vehicle headed directly toward War.
"Here comes the cavalry," Danny sighed as the others morphed and used their adrenaline fueled rage to pounce on the Horseman. War's eyes went wide as the four cursed Rangers unloaded and mercilessly pummeled him with a storm of blows from their charged weapons.
"What... how can this be?" War gasped as he fell back and reeled from the furious Rangers' onslaught.
"You reap what you sow War," the Blue Ranger called stepping forward, "You wanted uncontrolled fury and you got it, directed right toward you! Nick, let's finish this."
The Green Ranger recovered his hammer and aimed it toward the ground, causing the earth under War to tremble violently and throw him off balance. The moment War lowered his guard, Danny charged his own spear and hurled it straight into the weakened Horseman like a javelin, punching clean through him.
As War gasped in shock and erupted into a great fireball of violent energy, the Blue and Green Rangers exchanged a high five and a wave to their professor nearby in his car. As the fires subsided, the cursed Rangers stopped and fell to their knees in exhaustion as their minds cleared and their fury subsided.
"Come on," Nick prompted his fellow Ranger, "Let's go see if the others have finally come to their senses.
Later that afternoon, the Rangers regrouped on campus in Professor Bishop's lecture hall. Despite their relief from victory over another Horseman, there was also some embarrassment at the things that were said and done while under War's curse.
"Oh Joe, I'm so sorry for all those mean things I said earlier," Izzy exclaimed as she gave him an apologetic hug. "I really didn't mean any of it."
"It's ok Iz. I forgive you," he sighed returning the hug, "I really didn't behave any better so I'm sorry too."
Nearby, Kara sat giving the White Ranger a sheepish look, "I uh... regret having said several unpleasant things to you too. I hope you aren't still angry at me either."
To her surprise, Claire smiled and gave Kara a friendly hug, "It's already forgotten."
"Well, glad we were able to bring the band back together," Danny smiled toward Nick as they watched their friends all reconcile with each other, "Who would have thought you and I would be the peace makers for once, huh?"
Nick clapped him on the shoulder and quietly reached into his backpack, handing him a small wrapped up bag, "Speaking of which. I've got a little peace offering of my own to you. You remember how War spoiled our last shopping trip? I went back and got another pink scarf for you to give Izzy later this week... seeing as how you lost the original one in the first battle."
"Thanks man... that means a lot," Danny smiled taking the parcel. "For now, what do you say we just enjoy the peace on earth and good will toward men? Sound good?"
Later that week, the Rangers dressed up and attended the Christmas party of Izzy's sorority. Despite the chill of the evening, the festivities inside the house were warm and inviting. There were colorful lights and holiday decorations hung up along with some easy Christmas jazz playing in the background. Aside from a fairly large turnout, the inviting smell of appetizers and sweet baked goods wafted from several large tables near a crackling fireplace.
"Well Kara, looks like a great spread, doesn't it?" Nick grinned putting some cheese and spinach puffs on his plate next to a few gingerbread cookies.
The Gold Ranger gave the food an appraising look as he offered the plate and she took a cookie. "Yes. It all looks appetizing," she admitted biting into the cookie with a subdued smile as she enjoyed the taste. "But I'm more glad I am able to partake of this winter holiday with all of you this year. I am enjoying the lights, the music, and the food."
The Green Ranger gave a wink, "Oh, but you're forgetting one of the best parts of the holiday. Gift giving!"
He gestured across the room to where Danny made his way through the party guests and pulled Izzy aside. Nick and Kara watched as Danny presented a wrapped box to the Pink Ranger with a slightly sheepish smile.
"I'm sorry Nick. I didn't know we Rangers had to give gifts to one another tonight," Kara said with a slightly troubled frown.
He waved it off, "We don't have to. But in Danny's case, he just wanted to do something a little extra special. Now hush."
They saw Izzy give a surprised look, then examine her new pink scarf with a delighted smile as Danny kept talking. To his surprise, she reached up with a smile and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek, pointing to a sprig of mistletoe hung over the doorway.
"Does the plant have any sort of significance?" Kara asked curiously.
The Green Ranger explained, "Well, it's a holiday tradition to give someone a kiss if you're both standing under the mistletoe."
"But I thought the gift given was romantic in nature, yes? Isn't that why Izzy gave him a kiss?"
"Oh... well, probably that too," Nick shrugged.
"Well, which is it then?" Kara asked shaking her head, "I do not understand. You people have silly traditions."
The Green Ranger gave an exasperated sigh and stuck a gingerbread man in her mouth, "You know what Kara? Just shut up and have another cookie already."
At the other end of the house Joe made his way toward the kitchen to get some eggnog when he stopped and spotted a familiar brunette girl standing outside on the porch by herself. Giving a frown, he opened the door and stepped outside, "Jen? What are you doing? It's cold out here."
Jen turned and gave a sniffle, sounding like she had been crying "Really? I hadn't noticed."
As he approached, he could pick up the strong smell of alcohol on her, extra eggnog rum likely procured from one of her upperclassmen sisters. In her hand was an empty glass.
"Um... Are you drunk?"
Jen shrugged and tossed the glass onto the snowy lawn. "No... maybe... ok, a little."
The Red Ranger shook his head and put the gray cardigan sweater he was wearing over her, "Come on. Let's get you inside before you freeze."
As he led her toward the door, she stopped and cuddled up close to him, resting her cheek against his chest. "Or maybe you can keep me warm tonight?"
Joe froze in shock, "Jen... I... what are you doing? You have a boyfriend..."
"No I don't..." she sniffled, "Not anymore. Not since that stupid monster attack at the mall. Josh and I... we had a really bad fight and he doesn't want to see me anymore... that's why I'm here all alone tonight."
The Red Ranger stood in place, "It's not the end of the world..."
"I just don't feel like being at a party where everyone else is having fun tonight, you know?" Jen argued.
"I'm sorry... but this isn't going to do you any good either."
Jen ignored him and looked up, grasping at the collar of his dress shirt. "But you... you were always there. You always wanted to see me..."
"Well, yeah... but not like this," Joe muttered trying to remove her hand gently. This was becoming a little awkward and embarrassing. Izzy had told him once before that Jen liked to drink and party, but it was kinda pitiful to see her like this now.
"No. I was wrong about you," Jen sighed shaking her head, "You were always nice to me. I shouldn't have turned you down before. But I'm going to fix that right now."
"It's ok... really. You don't have to..."
"I've got a single room here," she said tilting her head up inviting a kiss, "You wouldn't want to go upstairs and... you know?"
The Red Ranger stopped a moment and took a deep breath. He gently pried her loose and stepped back, "I'm sorry... I can't. It just wouldn't be right."
"Why? Is it because I'm drunk?" Jen asked with a surprised frown.
"Well, yes... but... there's also someone else... and she's important to me," Joe said turning toward the door, "I'm sorry Jen."
The Red Ranger gave a deep sigh as he walked back into the warm house and mixed back in with the party guests. As he entered the living room, he saw his other friends laughing, eating, and having a good time.
"Hey Joe, you're just in time," Claire laughed, "You want to place a bet on how many spinach puffs Nick can cram into his mouth?"
The Red Ranger smiled a moment and shook his head, "No, that's ok. I was actually more in the mood for a little dancing. Join me?"
Claire gave a surprised look before taking his hand with a smile.
"Huh... how about that," Danny grinned as he watched the Red and White Rangers take the dance floor and share a laugh while sliding into an easy swing step to the Christmas jazz music.
"Yes. That's wonderful," Kara added before quickly turning back to Nick who stood with a mouth full of food, "Now someone hand me another spinach puff. We are at number 7 now, correct?"
Late that night, Joe awoke to the familiar feel of snow upon his face. Again, he sat up and gazed upon the splendor of Archangel Auriel who hovered over him like a radiant guardian atop the snowy mountain. This time, something was different. He could see every detail of the majestic hero through the flames and when the angel spoke, he understood him clearly.
"Heed my words Joseph Hale," Auriel said in his deep powerful voice, "The Cambion Lord is coming and great danger is upon you now. It is time you took up my greatest weapon, the Trumpet of the Spheres. With it, no demon can stand before you."
"Yes Auriel. I've heard," the Ranger nodded, "But where is it? How do I even find your trumpet?"
"It has been in the safest place of all. The Trumpet has been with you the whole time child. It is a part of me as I have been linked to you and your Keyrune."
Joe frowned, "What? How can that be? I don't understand."
"You have the power to call forth the Trumpet with my Keyrune only, but it must manifest from within you," Auriel continued, "You've demonstrated you are worthy now, but you must do the rest for yourself."
"How?"
Auriel raised his hand and brought it to his heart, "The highest power of the Archangels of Eden are borne out of deep Love for others. You must feel the burning flames of a Love that is true and virtuous. That Love is drawn from all the people and places you truly want to protect and cannot live without. That blazing Love can only come from your heart, and is something you must come to understand for yourself. Only then can you summon my greatest power."
"Auriel! Wait!" Joe cried, but a blinding snowy wind obscured his vision and returned him to his room.
The Red Ranger sat in his bed with his heart racing. That was all too real, and this time, Auriel had succeeded in reaching him. Reaching over to his nightstand, he turned on the light and grabbed a pen and paper. There was work to be done.
A/N:
Beati Pacifici: Latin for "Blessed are the Peacemakers" / Seventh blessing of the Beatitudes
To those asking about the Battlizer, it will see action in Episode 30/Chapter 60 and it will play a role against the final Horseman. It all comes together with the conclusion of the Horseman arc so just be patient a little bit longer. Thanks!