The Shining Dilemma 1/2
FlashBack 2028
Nick reclined in his kitchen, his eyes fixed on the glowing computer screen before him. The soft glow illuminated his furrowed brow as he rubbed his temples, trying to ease the throbbing headache that had been building throughout the day. On the other end of the video call, his wife appeared, her face framed by the laptop screen, their conversation a lifeline connecting them across the distance.
"...Yeah, the actors are going to be flying in tomorrow. Hopefully, we can finish this movie before the 7th of December." Madison said.
There was a throbbing sensation building at the base of Nick's skull.
"You okay?" Madison posed her question through the video call, her face eager and curious as she leaned closer to the screen.
"Yeaaaah it's just..." Nick felt a sudden impulse to look over his right shoulder, his attention drawn by the faint click of the refrigerator door opening. His ears perked up, attuned to the familiar sound.
"Hey!... Hey, what are you doing?" Nick called out to Vivian, the energetic five-year-old, as she enthusiastically rummaged through the refrigerator, determined to find her favorite snack."
"I want food!"
"You already ate, it's late at night."
From Madison's perspective, Nick's frame consumed the entirety of the screen. She could just barely catch a glimpse of the lights in her dining room.
"But I want this."
Nick's face scrunched as the pain jumped quickly to the center of his forehead. "No..No you're not going to have jelly and meatloaf in the middle of the night."
"But you have coffee at night time, with quackers."
Madison chuckled behind the camera from her daughter's cute little voice.
"Yeah and? That's more reasonable than meatloaf and jelly. I wanna sleep, not hearing you flush every two seconds."
"I don't flush every 2 seconds I flush every 4 seconds," Vivian complains.
"Wow, a whole 2 seconds more."
Nick shook his head, a wry smile tugging at his lips as he turned back to the camera. He forced a grin, knowing Madison was watching, content and satisfied. "I see you have everything in order."
"Yeah...somewhat," Nick flashed his wife a strained smile, the weight of his first week alone with Vivian evident on his face. Madison met his gaze with a supportive grin, silently wishing him luck and sending him all the encouragement she could muster.
"Why is she still up? She should be in bed," Madison said.
"Who you talking to?" The little girl clutched the house cat tightly under her arm, treating it like her own teddy bear. The feline squirmed in her grasp, desperate for freedom, but the determined little human held on with an iron grip. As the urge to eat faded, Vivian wandered over to her father, who was engrossed in conversation. She settled herself comfortably on the throne of his lap, the family pet still firmly in her possession.
"It's mommy." Nick pointed to the screen as he aided Vivian to his lap.
"Hi sweetie," Madison waved.
"Hi Mommy, why you not sheeping?"
Madison couldn't help but grin at how her daughter expressed language innocently. Mrs. Russell gave her daughter a knowing glance as if to say touché. "I could ask you the same thing."
"I'm not tired," Vivian responded.
"Well sweetie you need to get some rest, I think Nyx will like some sleep too... Especially since you're straggling her." Madison winced, her eyes darting to her daughter as she tried to convey a subtle message for her to release the pet.
Vivian held the tuxedo cat firmly under her arm like she'd seen her father do with his motorcycle helmet. The house pet squirmed ineffectively to get loose all to no avail.
"Alright get down, head to bed. When I'm done, I better see you in your room." Nick told Vivian as he gently took her off of his lap.
"You going to sheep with Nyx?" Vivian asked Nick.
Nick paused for a moment, "...I'll think about it. Now go, please."
"But-but you said you werrrre," Vivian whined.
"Yeah, when you're my age." Nick teased.
"Awww no fair, I'll never be 90."
"90? "Nick squinted his eyes and drew his face back. This little girl had quite the mouth on her which was undoubtedly his fault. With a playful slap on the back, Nick sent his daughter away. "Go to your room."
"Bye Mommy, goodnight." Before Vivian left she waved to her from the computer.
"Goodnight baby." Madison waved back.
"I'm going to leave Nyx on your bed to cuddle," Vivian insisted to her father as she marched away.
"And I'm kicking that cat out just as fast," Nick said back.
Once Vivian was out of the way Nick breathed a sigh of relief. Madison could see the bags growing under Nick's eyes as he ran his hands over his face.
"She tiring you out huh? If you like I can catch the next tree over and-"
"I got it okay, it's like taking of Fireheart. It's no big deal." Nick shrugged.
"So you're comparing our daughter to a dragon?..."
"..Alright, wrong analogy...I'm trying, okay."
"Do you want Udonna or my mother or even your adopted mother to come over? Vida should be in town so she can help."
"No...Thank you...I don't need to embarrass myself even more. Especially in front of your sister." Nick said.
"So when she goes to bed, make sure to tuck her in. She really likes it when I tell her a story. Also, did you make sure that she has Mr. Wiggles, she can't sleep without that bear near her. Oh and please make sure she uses the bathroom before she gets into bed, and did you put the night light on-"
"Maddie.." As Madison rambled on going through the nightly checklist, Nick could feel his brain mere minutes from bursting. He pressed his fingers to his temples trying to keep himself centered. "I'm on overload, right now."
"Sorry, heh, I guess I'm a bit antsy too. This is the first time I've been away from her this long and I just want to come back and snuggle with the both of you." Madison shrugged.
"No, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have snapped at you." Nick said.
"I just hope she doesn't come to regret me for it, I just wish that my magic complemented her rather than diminish her," Madison complained.
"It's just another thing I despise the Order of Lacuna for and the Black Requiem. If not for them Vivian would be surrounded by family." Nick said.
"I'm just glad she's at least able to be around you, and besides I still have hope that we can find a solution."
A moment of heavy silence hung between Nick and Madison. For five long years, they had been on a desperate search for a way to undo the powerful curse that threatened their daughter's life. The fire blood curse, originally designed to punish fire mages by snuffing out their family flames, had taken on a different, sinister purpose with Vivian.
Abducted by a cult of anti-mages when she was just a toddler, Vivian became the focus of their twisted plans to awaken something dark within her. Despite the tireless efforts of her parents and family friends, no magic had proven capable of breaking the curse. The only glimmer of hope lay in Vivian consuming the magic of either her father or her grandfather.
"I'm going to go tuck her in, hopefully, this time she'll go right to sleep," Nick said.
"Kiss her goodnight for me, I'll call you guys tomorrow to see how you are doing."
With a final goodnight Nick and Maddie ended their video call. Nick rose from the kitchen seat and headed toward his daughter's room.
As Nick peeked into Vivian's room, he noticed that the lights were still on and a storybook lay forgotten on the floor. His daughter, however, had already embarked on her journey to the land of nod, losing the battle against the Sandman.
A warm smile spread across Nick's face as he realized the hardest part of the night was finally over. He gently picked up the fallen book and tucked the comforter snugly around Vivian's chin.
Leaving the room in the soft glow of the nightlight, Nick silently made his way out. Upon entering his bedroom, he was greeted by the sight of a black and white shadow peacefully resting on his mattress.
"Meow!" Sounded Nyx.
Nick sighs, "This little girl..." At least his Daughter was a lady of her word. Mr. Russell escorted the family feline away from his quarters and back out into the hall.
"Daddddyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!" Just as Nick had settled in to unwind and bring his day to a close, he was abruptly jolted awake by a sudden, urgent cry for help from Vivian.
"Yeah!" Nick thought the worst as he came rushing to her door when Vivian was already there.
Holding the cat in her small hands she said, "Nyx got out of your room."
Nick took a breather, "Why are you yelling?... I told you I don't want that cat in here."
"But you promised and it's dark and scary. She wants to cuddle."
"She may want to cuddle but I don't. Her claws are just going to scratch my face when I sleep." He said.
"I'll tell her not to." Vivian put the cat down.
"I don't think it worked last time." Nick doubted this plan.
"Yes yes, watch. Nyx be nice to my daddy, he's scared of the dark and you need to protect him."
"Meow!" Nyx the tuxedo cat replied.
"She said okay she will be very nice and she won't hurt you. Instead, she'll lick your face." Vivian reassured.
"Wow, she said all of that in one meow, huh." Nick sighed, "Fine, but this is the last night."
He grabs the cat and puts it on his bed. "Alright, now you need to get to bed."
"But I'm not tired, can I watch you sleep?" Vivian asked.
"No...no you can not," Nick shook his head as he grabbed onto Vivian's hand. "Come on, let's go to bed."
Despite his calm demeanor, Nick was silently berating himself for thinking Vivian was already fast asleep. He knew it was too good to be true. This time, he vowed to make sure she was truly asleep, even if it meant using a little extra magic.
As they made their way back to her room for what felt like the 30th time that evening, Nick was surprised to find that Vivian had been up to something in the brief moment since he had left her alone.
"Look, what I made." Vivian stood confidently in the center of the room, clutching a depleted roll of wrapping paper that she must have sneakily acquired from her parents' closet, a place she was forbidden to enter. Nick observed silently as his daughter thrust and parried, engaged in a fierce battle against an invisible enemy. She wielded the roll with surprising skill and familiarity, her movements fluid and precise.
Watching her practice, Nick couldn't help but marvel at her expert swordsmanship. Perhaps it ran in the family, he thought, a proud smile tugging at the corners of his lips as he watched his young daughter in action.
"Wow, very nice."
"You like it?" Vivian beamed.
"Yeah... it's a nice...stick."
"It's not a stick, it's a sword. I use it to fight monsters at night." Vivian said. "See I have a sword and you have Nyx. I beat them up."
Through the dimness of the room, because of the night light, Nick couldn't see just how busy Vivian had been. All along the walls, Vivian had begun to inscribe crude squiggles and shapes. Nick didn't notice that her fingers were dyed partly black or the bottle of expensive makeup at her feet.
"Is that mommy's eyeliner?" Nick wondered as he flipped on the main light.
"Oh, my god..." Nick ran his hand through his hair as he took in the sight. Not only had his daughter practically repainted the walls. She'd also managed to destroy something that belonged to Madison.
"You're in trouble."
"Noooooooooo...I sworry!"
Nick turned to Vivian only for the little girl to scurry away. Seeing the terror on his child's face, Nick needed to hold back his fury. It was obvious that she didn't mean to cause harm but she still needed to be disciplined.
"Shhhh..just..." he sighed as he went to his knees, "Where did you get mommy's makeup?"
"From your room...when Nyx make mommy's makeup fall," Vivian confessed as her father spoke to his child at her level.
"Now you see why I don't want that cat in our room?" He asked.
"I sorry Daddy...I go say sorry to mommy." Vivian trudged out of her room in the direction of her father's laptop but Nick stopped her.
"Uh uh, where do you think you're going?"
"To say I very sorry to mommy on your compooter."
"Mommy's not on anymore, she went to sleep. Like you should be."
"When's mommy coming home?" Vivian's face went sad.
"..She'll be back...soon." Nick was starting to miss his wife too, he couldn't imagine the look on her face when she learned what Vivian had done.
"I miss herrrrr."
"I miss her too. You can call Mommy tomorrow and tell her."
"...Aye Mommy is going to be mad."
"Yes, she is, for every dollar of lipstick you broke it's one spanking." Nick jested but he quickly realized his bantering may have not been funny.
"Nooooooo!" Vivian began to wail.
"Relax baby, I'm just joking with you. I'm the one to blame actually, I should have been watching you." Nick calmed her down.
"Meow!" Nyx comes licking her paws.
"Aw speak of the-" Nick noticed Vivian was listening, stopping himself from saying any regretful words. "Cat."
"Nyx! You are a bad cat, you make mommy's stuff fall and then you dared me to draw on the wall." Vivian scolded.
The cat proceeded with her self-grooming routine not paying her owners any mind.
Nick chuckled a bit, "So Nyx dared you huh?"
"..yes she..." Vivian thought for a moment, before coming out with the truth. "No, I put her in there to cuddle with you. I scare you get scared."
"Daddy's don't get scared," Nick said softly.
"Yes yes, they get scared like me. That's why I write on the walls, they tell me it's to keep me safe."
Nick's face went stern, "Who tells you what?"
Nick glanced around the room, he couldn't help but take note of the many intricate squiggles and lines that wrapped around the room. It could be that his mystic language translation was rusty, but Nick could only decipher a few of the meanings.
"What guy? What is he saying?" A concerned tone grew in Nick's voice.
How is it that Vivan was able to transcribe these ancient words, both of her parents had refrained from using magic around her unless absolutely necessary. Even during the young girl's stay with her grandparents, they too had limited the magical exposure.
Interpreting the few words he could Nickcould a very thin haze of energy almost like the makings of a wall. Had the chain been completed Nick doubted that even he would be able to enter the room.
"He said... he said... he said. " Vivian then starts to sway a bit.
"Vivian?"
As the morning sun filters through the slits of the window shade, the young Vivian returns from the land of dreams feeling fully energized. She had no real recollection of what transpired the night before only what was ahead of her now.
A rampant snore drew her attention to the floor where her father had made himself comfortable. A devious thought crossed into Vivian's mind as she gave in to her impulse. She pounced on to him father jarring her awake.
"Ugh," Nick grunted.
"What's. For. Breakfast?!"
"Ask the cat she'll know." Nick turns over in his sleep, his mind and body still depleted from the night before. As if on cue the house cat Nyx entered the room nosing around Nick's head
"No. She. Won't." Vivian roused her father once more with another playful shove. At this point, Nick realized that his hopes of going back to sleep no longer existed. He faced Vivian with an intimidating stare only for his face to crack with a playful smile.
"Yes, she will." Nick tickled Vivian starting the morning off with laughter. The two go back and forth ticking and chasing each other as Nyx watches on.
After what felt like an hour Nick took Vivian into his arms. They both had worked up a hearty appetite as both of their stomachs started to growl.
"You okay?" He asked as she responded with a smiling nod.
"That's good, hey um you want some peanut butter and banana?"
"Yes yes yes yes!"
As they get up Nick drops his mystic morpher.
"What's that?" She asked as he snagged the Morpher into hiding.
"It's nothing. Just my..my uh work phone."
"Mom?" The ground beneath Vivian's feet was anything but stable as the realization of her mother's identity started to weigh on her.
"Grandpa? Aunt Vida?" Vivian was flabbergasted. "Uncle Chip...Uncle Xander?" The legendary mystic force rangers were all her family, for years they have been lying to her and keeping her out of the loop. As Vivian looked around, more and more of her relatives demorphed a mixed bag of expressions pasted on each of their faces.
Brandon also was in disbelief, he couldn't believe the revelation. "Mrs. Russell, you're the blue mystic ranger?"
"What's going on?" Ava asked.
"I didn't want you to find out this way," Madison confessed the guilt and shock starting to worm its way in.
"Vivian's whole family are the mystic force?" Genesis asked.
"..Surprise.." Wading through the thick tension, the ever-gleeful, Chip attempted to warm the air. Unfortunately, no one was in the mood to humor him.
"Then who is the red ranger?" Ava asked.
The reaction of the adults started to stimulate a query in Vivian's mind and almost instantly she had already come up with a conclusion. Everything about the red ranger felt so familiar starting with his voice and then his energy. Once Vivian factored in the reality of who the mystic rangers were there was only one person stubborn and fair enough to lead them; her father. "...Mom...please don't tell me that..the red ranger is...dad?"
Madison says nothing.
"Yes, yes he is," Leanbow confessed.
Vivian's eyebrows furrowed, a deep crease of worry etched across her face. She quickened her pace, urgency driving her towards the very spot where her father had vanished. With every step, her heart sank lower, fear pressing down upon her chest. Her fingers clenched tightly around the polished frame of her smart phone wand, its familiar comfort offering little solace in this moment of desperation.
As she reached the designated spot, a sense of helplessness washed over her. The once vibrant aura of magic that surrounded her seemed feeble now, unable to penetrate the mystery of her father's disappearance. Determination etched into her features, she began to chant intricate spell patterns, each one a fervent plea to recreate the protective magic seal.
Yet, despite her efforts, the air remained still, devoid of the familiar crackle of mystical energy. With each unsuccessful attempt, her hopes waned, replaced by a growing dread. The realization dawned upon her that this might be beyond her abilities, a chilling thought that sent shivers down her spine.
With a final, desperate incantation, she poured every ounce of her magical essence into the spell, praying for a glimmer of success amidst the encroaching darkness.
"Dad!"
"Vivian!" Leanbow's steps faltered as he made his way toward his granddaughter, the fatigue of the recent battle settling heavily upon him. His armor, once a symbol of strength and protection, now felt like a burden, each piece a reminder of the fierce struggle they had faced.
The urgency to comfort her burned within Leanbow, a fierce desire to shield her from the pain that scored lines of sorrow on her young face. Yet, as he drew closer, the rush of adrenaline that had sustained him through the battle began to ebb away, leaving him feeling drained and weary.
"Vivian, Stop!" Madison's voice rang out, cutting through the chaos as she and the other Mystic Rangers hurried to reach her.
"Whoa, whoa, Leanbow!" Vida and Xander swiftly came to the elder's aid, steadying him as the knight, unaware, sank to one knee.
Chip and Madison were quick to reach Vivian.
"Hey, hey, take it easy." Chip said holding Vivian back. "We're gonna get him back."
Without a word, Vivian leaned into Chip's comforting embrace, feeling the strength of his arms wrap around her. Madison stood beside them, her hand gently resting on her daughter's shoulder, a silent reassurance in the midst of turmoil.
Falling. Rapid movement in a downward direction without any means of control. It is the frightening feeling of having your stomach in your chest as you quickly plummet toward your foreseeable demise.
Nick's grip held firm across the face of Dythran, the fiery force of his magic pushing the two of them through several different magical realms. They were still locked in combat. Nick had no destination in mind, only that this monster existed far away from his family.
It was an impulsive decision, one that heroes cannot seem to avoid. In that instance, Nick decided to act in the same vein his father had so many years ago. To ensure the safety of those in the light, he would face the dark alone.
CRASH!
Nick slams the dark wizard hard, his body pressed into a newly formed creator. The flames that had empowered him had finally begun to die.
"What's the matter? Out of juice already!" Dythran forced the red mystic ranger off of him as he summoned a dark core of magic into his palm. Almost immediately, however, the spark dies.
"What is this?! My magic is slipping away!" Dythran shouts, feeling greatly depraved.
"You and I both. This place is draining me too," Nick said.
"No matter, I do not need my magic to defeat you. You're already half dead. What's a few more minutes until you keel over."
The rangers entered the ice palace, their faces filled with shock from the unexpected turn of events. Guided by the Arctic Ancients, the group made their way through the magnificent halls, each step echoing in the crystalline structure.
Its walls shimmered with an otherworldly glow, casting a mesmerizing dance of light and shadow across the expansive chamber. Each step echoed softly against the frozen floor, the sound of a delicate whisper in the vast silence that enveloped them.
Despite the palace's majestic appearance, a palpable chill hung in the air, seeping through the fabric of their mystic uniform. It was a stark contrast to the warmth of their usual command center, nestled within the comforting embrace of a towering tree.
As they pressed onward through the winding corridors, Chip, the Yellow Mystic Ranger, felt a furrow form on his brow. His mind raced, flickering through the ancient tomes and arcane texts he had studied. With a determined focus, he reached for the memory of an old spell, its words and gestures buried deep within the recesses of his training.
"Monfongo Trevange?" Chip said with confusion as he made his guess, his eyes darting to the other mystic for confirmation.
"What are you doing?" Vida said as she and Xander turned towards him.
"I'm trying to remember that one spell. It was the spell that could contact lost loved ones." Chip said.
"I don't know what you're gonna get out of it now. It didn't work before." Vida said.
"Well, yeah, but that was a different time. We only tried once. When Nick was stuck in Catastros' dimension. I'm trying to think fast on this one because who knows how much time Nick has left." Chip was making a good point.
"Oh god, it's been so long. I don't remember." Vida said.
"All I remember was Trevange, but I can't remember the first part. Uh, uh, Flamingo, bimbo-"
"Colingo!" Xander exclaimed, snapping his fingers as the realization hit him.
Chip nodded in agreement, a determined look in his eyes as he waved his wand. "Colingo Trevange!"
"I think I've got it!" Vida and Xander chimed in, gathering around Chip.
"Nick, Nick, can you hear me?"
"Chip?" A voice responded.
Xander and Vida's faces lit up with excitement. They believed they had found Nick, and they couldn't wait to share the news. Meanwhile, Madison and Leanbow remained unaware of their discovery, engrossed in their tasks with the young group of rangers inside the control center.
"Yeah, Nick, we've been looking all over for you. We-"
"Chip thorn? Is that you? I've been trying to reach you. I just wanted to let you know that I decided to lease the property to someone else. I hope you understand. Have a good day."
Chip then hangs up.
"Who was that?" Vida asked with an annoyed look in her eyes.
"...My landlord." Chip was embarrassed.
"Lost love one, huh?" Xander smirked.
"...Long story.." Chip said.
"We'll just have to keep trying," Xander said, his arm wrapping around Chip for support. He glanced at the others, determination in his eyes. "But we need to stay composed. We know Nick is not an idiot. He'll find a way to reach us. We just have to stay calm, especially with..." Xander nodded towards the Arctic Ancients, Madison, and Leanbow, indicating the need for caution and composure in their presence.
Inside the base, the Arctic Ancients huddled together, their voices lowered to whispers.
"...I can't believe they are the mystic force?" Genesis whispered to Brandon.
"I know, and I knew them for years," Brandon responded.
"No wonder the red mystic ranger was so mad at me. That's his daughter."
"Aren't they like, 40?" Ava questioned, her voice carrying her surprise as she voiced her thoughts aloud.
"Jeez, you didn't have to say that out loud," Genesis said.
"I'm just asking," Ava said.
"Well, they're the same age as my dad, so probably 50s," Brandon said.
"Holy...so that makes the wolf warrior around?" Ava's eyes widen.
"70s?" Genesis gasped.
"Late 70s, to be exact," Chip remarked casually as he passed by them.
"What?!" Brandon, Genesis, and Ava exclaimed in disbelief.
"I wouldn't want to be a ranger for that long," Ava said with a mixture of astonishment and humor.
"I- I think I do," Genesis smiled. "The longer I'm a ranger, the stronger I stay...Minus the youth appearance."
Heath hadn't uttered a word since the event that transpired. Despite feeling physically better after the attack from Dythran, his unusual silence felt strange. It was a weight of guilt he carried, the stark contrast between his excitement to be a ranger and his perceived weakness. Dythran could have easily killed him, yet it was another fellow ranger, a friend's father, who fell victim to the encounter.
"Hey, Heath, you doing okay?" Brandon asked.
"Yeah, um yeah," Heath said with short responses.
"You sure you're okay?." Genesis wondered.
"Yes..I'm okay."
Vivian remained silent, her gaze distant from her mother as they entered. Meanwhile, Snow Prince diligently scanned the area through the rivers of the palace, searching for any trace of Nick.
"Snow prince," Leanbow called out.
"Oh, thank goodness you're all alright." Snow Prince was relieved.
"It's gonna take more than a wayward loogie to knock us out of the fight. Beautiful place you got here though, the crystals and the waterfall are absolutely breathtaking. I gotta say it's a bit nippy in here and very uh," Xander knocked twice on the icicles. "...icy."
"Snow prince, this was really awkward to discover." Ava pointed to the mystics
"Why didn't you tell us Vivian's family were the mystic?" Genesis asked.
"It is not my truth to tell." The snow prince said.
"Well, telling me sooner would have been great, you know!" Vivian was angry.
The Snow Prince was on the verge of speaking when Vivian abruptly cut him off.
"I don't wanna hear it, I'm mad at you too."
"...I beg your pardon." The snow prince responded as Vivian marched past the prince.
"You got to keep your head up, Viv. Your Dad is a tough fighter. I've seen him tangle with things that make this guy look like a piece of tissue paper." Xander said.
"You mean to say this happened before?" Vivian asked.
"Alright, that's not helping," Xander said in a defeated tone.
"So what now?" Vivian slaps her legs, "What just happened out there?"
The Mystic Force exchanged uncertain glances, unsure if they should divulge any information they were forbidden to share. Their eyes turned to Madison, who remained silent, unable to speak for herself. It was Leanbow, her father-in-law, who stepped in to provide guidance.
"Vivian, what your father has done was open a path between the realms. Normally, we would travel with a specific destination in mind, but your father did it so blindly. There's no telling which realm he may ultimately end up in." Leanbow said.
"Wait, so you're saying, not only is there like a massive multiverse out there but also magical dimensions?" Genesis asked.
"Pretty cool right, parallel dimensions. Except they're not all like Earth. Some of them are, but others are just scary. There was this one time we got captured by this Giant, and for a second we thought he was going to eat us-" Chip said.
"I think they've heard enough, Chip." The snow prince cut the yellow mystic off.
"So there's no way of getting him back?" Vivian asked.
"I wouldn't say that because there is one person that probably could," Xander said as all the mystics laid their eyes on Vivian.
"Me?" Vivian was shocked.
Leanbow spoke again, "Vivian, you are a rather special child. You have the potential to exceed far beyond the most experienced of masters. Your level of power is rarely seen."
One by one, each Mystic Ranger spoke, revealing pieces of history that Vivian had never known.
Vida went first, "To the magical world, your dad is known as The Light. It was long believed that he would be the one to vanquish evil."
Next was Chip, as Vivian averted her eyes to him, "However, other ancient texts suggest that another will come. One who is greater than the light."
Then Xander, "This vessel was referred to as The Shining."
As well as the snow prince, "According to the ancient texts when the light fades, the shining will live on."
"It's you, Vivian," Madison finally spoke up.
"Wow, now this is some strange family history," Genesis said.
Leanbow then continued. "We know this is a lot to take in, but you have to trust us. There's something we can try. I want you to take a minute and just think about your father. Try to picture his face in your mind, try to feel what he feels, and see what he sees. Can you do that for me?"
"...Um yeah...but what is that supposed to do?" Vivian asked.
Xander turned to Leanbow, speaking softly. The mystics converse in a discussion with each other. "Are you sure that's going to work? You-I mean, Korragg, had the snow staff to communicate with Nick. Vivian has nothing of his."
"This would be a good time for that spell," Vida recommends. " The lost loved one spell."
But Leanbow wasn't too sure. "We shouldn't overwhelm her too much, let's just see if she can perform the basics."
"Maybe your sword, that should work." Chip suggested.
"What are you talking about?" Brandon asked, his curiosity deepening as the Arctic Ancients observed the mystics' secretive behavior.
Leanbow unsheathed his sword and passed it to Vivian. The Arctic Rangers admired the intricate design of the red, wolf-shaped blade.
"For this experiment, it's always best to have a conduit of sorts, a tool or a vessel to help you focus and direct your energy. Your father and I clashed multiple times in the past, and this blade retains the memories of those instances. Use this to guide your thinking." Leanbow offered Vivian his sword, extending it towards her. She hesitated, her hand hovering in mid-air, conflicted and confused after learning about the history of battles between her grandfather and father. She struggled to make sense of the revelation.
"Do I even wanna know why you two were fighting?" Vivian wondered.
Leanbow sighed, trying his best not to create panic. "When I was away from Nick and during that time, I would often contact him through the use of a mental link. I believe he established the same thing with you."
Vivian focused her mind, trying to conjure an image of her dad. The initial clarity faded, replaced by a haze that seemed impenetrable. She found herself lost in memories of darkness of the rangers under attack long ago. Amidst the chaos, a fleeting image of Nick lying on the beach flashed before her, only to vanish as quickly as it came.
Leanbow watched with growing concern as Vivian struggled, the effort evident in her furrowed brow and tense posture. It seemed to take all her energy just to grasp at the threads of the vision.
Then, suddenly, words spilled out of her mouth, unbidden and urgent.
Realizing the strain it was putting on Vivian, Leanbow swiftly took the sword away from her.
"Alright, that's enough!" He exclaimed his voice firm with a hint of worry.
"That explains the weird nonsense she's always mouthing," Ava said softly.
"You okay, sweetie?" Madison's gentle voice cut through the quiet tension of the group, her concern evident as she looked toward Vivian.
"Maybe this is a bad idea," Leanbow's voice was barely a whisper, the weight of his words heavy with doubt and concern. His eyes flickered between each member of the team, a silent plea for understanding and caution.
"What? I was trying!" Vivian's voice broke through the tense silence, her frustration evident as she spoke.
"You were, but it's too much at the moment. It's going to take a bit longer than I would have hoped," Leanbow's voice was gentle but firm, his eyes conveying a mix of sympathy and caution.
Vivian's heart sank at his words, the density of their situation pressing down on her shoulders.
"But - but my dad is out there!" she exclaimed, desperation creeping into her voice. "Genesis, can't you conjure a spell? Anything to help us find him?"
"I don't think those cheat codes are going to help," Vida's voice cut through the conversation, her tone skeptical.
"Cheat codes? What cheat codes?" Xander's curiosity was piqued, his brow furrowing in confusion.
"I did warn you about that," Leanbow glanced toward Genesis.
"I haven't done it again, sir, I swear," Genesis protested, her voice tinged with a touch of guilt.
"No, no, no, I'm curious. What cheat code? Did she literally -" Xander's voice trailed off, his mind racing with possibilities.
"Break the Morpher," Vida said.
"Literally?" Xander's eyes widened in disbelief, trying to grasp the implications.
"No," Vida clarified, her gaze steady.
"Oh... then?" Xander's voice held a mix of confusion and curiosity.
"But Grandpa, what other choice do we have?" Vivian's voice broke through, her eyes pleading with Leanbow.
"Listen, little one," Leanbow's voice was gentle yet firm, his eyes filled with a mix of love and concern. "We are going to do all we can. But using magic in that regard is dangerous and could lead to an even worse fate. For now, it's best that we take advantage of all the legal means of magic and hopefully not have to resort to anything else."
"We've far from given up hope. We're the most powerful mages of our time. None of us will stop until Nick is returned safely," Vida's voice rang with determination, her eyes blazing with fierce resolve.
"After Bowen went missing, I immediately set out to visit the worlds relatively close to ours. So far, no sign of him. I have also taken the liberty to dispatch my own emissaries to begin scouring the realms for any sign of his magic. If there be any good news, I will be the first to know of it," the snow prince's voice was calm, yet there was an underlying urgency in his words.
"Bowen?" Ava's voice was filled with curiosity.
"The Red Mystic Ranger," the snow prince answered simply.
Vivian winced at the mention of another name she never knew her father by. The mission pressed down on her shoulders, the uncertainty of their path ahead looming large.
Vivian remained sullen and withdrawn in the crystalline caverns. It seemed to her that no one truly understood the depth of her fears and the ache of uncertainty gnawing at her.
Her gaze remained fixed on her mother, Madison, who stood amongst the other mystics. Vivian couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions towards her. She loved her mom dearly, recognizing her warmth, kindness, and gentle nature that felt like a soothing balm. Yet, there was an undercurrent of resentment, a lingering bitterness that stemmed from her upbringing.
Madison was a renowned and beloved movie producer, constantly traveling for her work, leaving Vivian mostly in the care of her father, Nick. While Madison was just a video call away, it was never quite the same as having her physically present. Vivian couldn't help but feel a pang of longing for the everyday presence of her mother, a longing that often turned into frustration and resentment.
Madison felt Vivian's sharp gaze on her, stealing a glance at her daughter. The resemblance to Nick was striking, and Maddie knew that Vivian's anger and frustration were justified. She carried the burden of guilt on her shoulders, knowing that perhaps things could have been different if she and Nick had been more forthcoming about Vivian's heritage from the start.
"Listen, I know you're upset, but please try to understand," Madison began, her voice tinged with sadness. "Your father and I only wanted what was best for you."
"Uh-huh," Vivian responded, her eyes rolling in disbelief. "This was the perfect time to tell me? When time is of the essence? If I had known sooner, maybe... maybe Dad wouldn't have been lost. I could have done something."
"Vivian, everything you could have done, you did do," Madison's voice was filled with emotion. "Your father and I wanted to tell you so many times, but we were always unsure of the right moment. We wanted you to have a normal life, to have friends without the constant fear of dark forces looming over you. What kind of parents would we be to rob you of that?"
"It's too late for that now, Mom," Vivian's voice was tinged with bitterness. "I could understand Dad keeping this from me, but you... now it's becoming pretty clear why you're hardly ever home!"
"Vivian! That is not the way you talk to your mother! Outside now!" Leanbow's voice boomed through the tension-filled room, his disappointment palpable as he addressed his granddaughter's harsh words toward her mother. Nick may not have been there to set things right, but Leanbow certainly wasn't going to let this behavior go unchecked. With a firm tone, he pointed towards the exit of the base.
The Mystic Rangers exchanged solemn glances amongst themselves as they witnessed Leanbow's rare display of anger. They had known him for years and fought alongside him in countless battles, and yet this was the first time they had seen him put his foot down with such firmness, especially when it came to his granddaughter.
Leanbow, the legendary warrior had always been a pillar of strength and wisdom for the team. His gentle demeanor and patient guidance had earned him the respect and admiration of all who knew him. But now, as his anger simmered just beneath the surface, a palpable tension filled the air.
Vivian's heart sank as she felt the heaviness of Leanbow's words. She knew she had crossed a line, letting her emotions get the best of her.
Vida, feeling the tension in the air, decided to check on her sister Madison.
"You okay there, sis? That was pretty intense," Vida said softly.
Madison shrugged, her expression troubled. "She has every right to be frustrated with me," she replied, her voice tinged with regret.
Meanwhile, the Snow Prince turned his attention to the mystic Rangers, addressing them with a suggestion.
"Mystic legends, I think it might be profitable if you were to educate the young arctics on the nature of the magical realms. This may benefit them in the future should they ever need to venture beyond our world," the Snow Prince suggested, his eyes filled with wisdom.
"Never thought we would be called that. But I'll take it," Vida replied with a wry smile as she walked towards the pool, her mind already thinking about how to impart their knowledge to the young arctics.
As the others gathered, the door to the cavern opened once more, and Leanbow entered with Vivian, the latter's face downcast with remorse.
"I'm sorry, Mom," Vivian said begrudgingly.
Suddenly, a brilliant flash of light illuminated the cavern, causing everyone to shield their eyes. When the light faded, the Snow Prince dropped to one knee in astonishment.
"The Mystic Mother!?" he gasped, his voice filled with awe and reverence.
"Who is she?" Brandon wondered, his eyes wide with curiosity.
As the brightness faded, there stood Udonna, dressed in elegant white robes that seemed to shimmer with ethereal light.
"Grandma?" Vivian gasped in astonishment, her eyes wide with disbelief as she looked towards her mother for confirmation.
Madison gave a silent nod.
"Eirian!" Udonna rushed towards Vivian, enveloping her granddaughter in a warm embrace.
Vivian was taken aback by the sudden appearance of her grandmother, feeling overwhelmed. Vivian's eyes widened in astonishment, realizing that her family's legacy as Mystic Rangers ran even deeper than she had ever imagined. As she looked around at her teammates and family gathered in the cavern, she knew that they were all bound by a shared history and a common purpose.
As they pulled away, Vivian couldn't help but ask the question that had been burning in her mind.
"Grandma you too? Mom, are your parents rangers too?"
Vivian listened intently as her mother, Madison, answered her question with a small smile. "Oh, uh, no," Madison replied softly, shaking her head.
Vida couldn't help but interject with a playful yet dramatic tone, "Oh god, if our dad was a ranger..."
The mood lightened slightly with Vida's comment, a brief moment of levity amidst the tension that hung in the air. However, the arrival of the Mystic Mother, Udonna, brought a sense of gravity back to the room.
"I'm pleased to see that you are all safe, Child, as well as the rest of you, ancients," Udonna greeted them with warmth, her eyes scanning over the gathered group. "I am sorry to have met you all under such dire circumstances."
"Vivian, who is this?" Genesis asked, her curiosity evident.
Vivian took a deep breath, her gaze turning towards Udonna, the White Mystic Ranger and now the vessel for all good magic. "I am the Mystic Mother," Udonna introduced herself. "A vessel for all the good magic. I have been sent here on behalf of the tribunal, as the presence of this new dark wizard threatens the delicate balance of magic."
"The tribunal? Who are they?" Brandon, one of the Arctic Ancient Rangers, voiced the question on everyone's mind.
"They are the overseers of all magic in existence," the Snow Prince explained. "Although they tend not to get involved in mortal affairs, they sit in judgment over the uses of magic."
Udonna nodded in agreement, her expression grave. "Since the defeat of the Master, the agents of darkness have struggled to unify under a common banner. While this has been beneficial for us on the side of light, the power this dark avatar possesses could potentially give rise to a new age of evil sorcerers."
The room fell silent as Udonna's words settled heavily upon them. The threat of the dark avatar loomed large, casting a shadow of uncertainty over their mission to find Nick and bring him home.
Vivian couldn't help but feel a surge of determination rising within her. "We can't let that happen," she spoke up, her voice filled with resolve. "We have to find Dad and stop this dark wizard before it's too late."
Udonna smiled warmly at her granddaughter, a glimmer of pride in her eyes. "That's the spirit, Eirian," she said, using Vivian's true name. "Together, we will face this challenge head-on and protect the realms from the forces of darkness."
With renewed determination, the Mystic Rangers and the Arctic Ancient Rangers gathered around Udonna, ready to embark on their next quest. The presence of the Mystic Mother filled them with hope and strength as they prepared to confront the looming threat that now hung over their world.
As they stood together, united in purpose and magic, Vivian couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the powerful figures surrounding her. With her mother, Madison, by her side and her grandmother, Udonna, leading the way, Vivian knew that they were ready for whatever challenges awaited them in the mystical realms. And so, with hearts filled with courage and determination, they set off on their journey, ready to face the darkness and bring light back to their world.
"So who's this new guy?" Vida asked.
"Yeah, he called himself the Son of the Void," Chip chimed in.
"Isn't it obvious? He's saying he draws his power directly from this Void thingy. If that place sounds as dangerous as it sounds awesome, we're in trouble," Genesis added, her tone serious.
The Rangers exchanged worried glances.
Madison, still reeling from the earlier confrontation with Vivian, spoke up, "So how do we find Nick?"
"That's what brings me here. I have located Bowen," Udonna said, her voice filled with a sense of urgency.
The Rangers' eyes lit up with hope at the mention of Nick's whereabouts.
"Though I'm afraid he's in a location not easily reached," Udonna continued, walking towards the center of the room. With a wave of her hand, a magical map appeared in the pool of water, shimmering with mystical energy.
"I managed to trace the residual trail of his magic through the mystic cosmos. The last reading came from this one strange land I have never ventured. The access point to which is nearly impossible to pin down. I do not know how to reach him," Udonna explained in frustration.
"So he's alive?" Vivian questioned eagerly, her heart pounding with hope.
Udonna paused for a moment before answering, "I have sent word to a number of paladins. We have permission to pass through their realms. I've also dispatched sentinels to begin research on how to access this strange world."
"Maybe we can help them," Vida suggested, her determination shining through.
Udonna's voice echoed with authority as she directed the next steps of their mission. "Vida, Xander, Chip, take Fireheart and your racers. Visit the sages in the Magma Dimension, the Timeless Fields, and the Wastelands," she instructed, her eyes focused on the trio.
Vida, Xander, and Chip nodded in understanding, their expressions determined as they prepared for their journey. Fireheart, the powerful dragon phoenix spirit, awaited them, ready to carry them across the mystical realms.
"Daggeron has already gone to traverse the Sky Territories, the Gryphon Forest, and the Astral Realm," Udonna continued, her voice unwavering.
The mention of Daggeron's mission reminded them of the urgency of their task. They knew they had to gather as much information as possible, uncovering any clues that could lead them to Nick and unravel the mystery of the Son of the Void.
"Meet back here after you learn all we can," Udonna concluded, her gaze sweeping over the team. Her presence filled them with a sense of purpose and determination, knowing that they were on a mission of utmost importance.
Vida, Xander, and Chip exchanged determined glances, their resolve strengthened by Udonna's words. With a nod to each other, they turned towards Fireheart, ready to embark on their quest to seek out the sages and gather the knowledge they needed.
"Let's go," Vida ordered.
With a burst of magical energy, Fireheart soared into the air, carrying the Mystic Rangers on their mission across the mystical realms.
"Can we go with you?" Vivian asked eagerly, her eyes pleading.
"No, you young ones are to remain here. If that dark wizard ever returns, you are our only line of defense," Udonna said firmly.
"I'll take Catastros and ride with the Rangers. I may have a few connections that owe me a few favors," Leanbow, the Wolf Warrior, spoke up.
"Leanbow, you know that is out of the question," Udonna replied, concern etched on her face.
"But he's our son. If I don't go, he will die," Leanbow pleaded, his voice filled with anguish.
"You know Bowen or any of us wouldn't appreciate it if you died. Please, just for me," Udonna said softly, her eyes pleading with her husband.
The room fell silent as Leanbow wrestled with his emotions, finally nodding in agreement.
"As the humans say, you can't keep an old dog down," the Snow Prince remarked a hint of pride in his voice.
As the Rangers set off on their respective missions, Ava spoke up, "So we're staying here... cool."
Udonna looked to her husband, a mixture of sadness and drive in her eyes. "It pains me as well to not be actively searching, but we must stand aside and let the younger generation take the lead. We are far from obsolete," she said with a small smile.
Brandon, one of the Arctic Ancient Rangers, approached Madison tentatively. "Um, Mrs. Russell, I mean Blue Mystic Ranger."
Madison turned around a warm smile on her face. "Oh, you don't have to call me that."
Vivian, in the background, couldn't resist teasing, "Kiss up."
Brandon blushed slightly before continuing, "I'm sorry about what happened. If only we were stronger."
"You don't have to be sorry," Madison reassured him, her voice gentle.
"Is it safe to say I always thought you guys were cool, but now cool is not even enough," Brandon said with admiration.
"My mom is flattered, Brandon, okay?" Vivian teased. "Maybe we should try finding out how to beat this Dythran weirdo if he ever comes back."
"Maybe your mom could teach us some new magic, like how to access that Legend Form!" Brandon suggested eagerly, his eyes shining with excitement.
"I don't think you guys are ready for that. We had to go through a pretty tough time to get those," Madison chuckled, shaking her head. "Besides, I wouldn't want to disrupt anything the Snow Prince has already taught you."
Hearing his name mentioned, the Ancient Mystic leaned in on the conversation. "I think your involvement with the training would be most beneficial. I recognize that some of my teachings fall on deaf ears, so perhaps the young ones will learn more from you."
Madison considered this for a moment, her gaze thoughtful. Without Nick or Leanbow present, she was concerned about the effect her magic might have on Vivian.
In the depths of the underworld, the three vestiges burned with a fierce rage, their ethereal forms pulsating with otherworldly energy as they watched Dythran being sent away.
"Cursed color ones! They have banished our champion from this realm," the phantom cloaked in pink seethed with anger, her voice echoing through the shadowy abyss.
"We must not falter in despair, for this only signals that the Lord of Darkness stirs," the ghostly figure draped in white interjected, her voice carrying a tone of determination amidst the swirling darkness.
"This son of the shadows will return to us, and we must prepare for his coming," the astral entity in hues of deep blue intoned, her voice resonating with a sense of ancient knowledge.
"His birth has set the wheels of fate in motion, and I feel the surge of power within me," the white apparition declared, her form glowing faintly as if infused with newfound strength. The once translucent figures began to solidify, no longer fading between the planes of existence. Memories, long buried, flooded their minds as they connected more deeply with the world around them.
The three spirits recalled a time of imprisonment, bound to stakes as witnesses of their own condemnation. A fiery champion of judgment stood before them, surrounded by other mystic warriors. In that moment, they vowed vengeance, their defiance burning brighter than the flames that consumed them.
"The darkness has granted us strength anew, returning to us what was unjustly taken," the white ghost spoke with a sense of grim satisfaction.
"We were once formidable, feared by all for the chaos we could unleash. The mystics trembled at the thought of our power," the pink apparition reminisced, her voice tinged with a hunger for retribution.
"We shall remind them of our might. Despite their attempts to erase us, our souls remain bound to the Lord of Darkness," the blue specter affirmed, her eyes gleaming with ancient wisdom.
Pooling their mystic energies, the three spirits conjured a plan of vengeance.
"The mortal realm lies ripe for our wrath, sisters. The surface dwellers shall know our fury," the blue specter announced, her voice carrying the echoes of the future.
"I shall create a new harbinger of destruction, one who will bring devastation to the lands of the living!" the pink ghost declared, her hands weaving intricate patterns of dark magic.
"I will dispatch our chosen agent, and the minions of light will tremble before our wrath!" the white phantom vowed, her form shimmering with dark intent.
From the shadows, there came the thunderous stomp of hooves as a new creature was born. It bore the muscular frame of a man, yet its lower body twisted into the powerful form of a bull. Mighty horns crowned its brow as it knelt before the three specters, a creature born of their combined will and malice.
"What is your command, my mistresses?" the creature intoned, its voice a deep rumble that echoed through the underworld, ready to unleash havoc upon the unsuspecting world above.
Madison observed the usually hyperactive Heath, now lost in his thoughts and burdened with guilt.
"It's all my fault..." Heath muttered to himself, his voice filled with self-blame. "He sacrificed himself to..."
Udonna, sensing the heavy atmosphere that had settled over the young ancients, spoke up with a reassuring tone. "It's no one's fault," she said, her gaze soft yet firm. "He was too strong, even for us. The good news is that there's hope. We know that Nick is alive."
Heath and the others exchanged uncertain glances.
"But what's to stop Dad from making another sacrifice play? If we don't get stronger fast, then we'll be powerless to stop the next bad guy," Vivian voiced her fears, her eyes reflecting her firmness.
Madison paused, her mind racing for the right words to offer comfort and encouragement. A memory flickered in her mind, a moment shared with Vida and Chip that held a valuable lesson.
"You know, your Aunt Vida and Uncle Chip once tried to get ahead of the system and unlock a bunch of new spell codes," Madison began, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "They spent an entire afternoon doing charitable work, thinking that their good deeds would be rewarded with new magic. In the end, all they ended up doing were a bunch of chores, and got nothing in return."
She paused, letting the lesson sink in before continuing, "The point of the story is that magic is acquired in its own time. You guys may be young now, but in no time, you'll master your mystic arts."
The cave fell silent as Madison's words hung in the air, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the uncertainty that surrounded them.
Suddenly, the tranquility of the moment was shattered as the waterfall displayed a new and present danger. A hulking bull-centaur monster emerged, its heavy hoofed steps sending trembles through the city streets.
"Bring me your mystic champions so that I may crush them under my hoof!" The creature bellowed, its voice echoing off the cavern walls.
Heath's panic was palpable as he exclaimed, "Don't tell me that wizard is back!"
"No, it seems that our enemies have called forth another minion to do their bidding," Udonna explained calmly, her eyes scanning the group.
"This is your time to shine, young ancients," the Snow Prince's voice cut through the tension, his gaze filled with confidence. "Trust in your magic, and you shall win the day."
The Arctic Ancient Rangers knew what they had to do. With a determined resolve, they readied their morphers, their voices ringing out in unison:
"Arctic Ancients: Guardians Awaken!"
With a burst of light and magic, the Rangers transformed, their armor gleaming in the dim light of the cavern. They stood united, ready to face the new threat and prove their strength as the guardians of light against the forces of darkness.
The bovine centaur monster flipped over a car with ease, its massive form hammering through the town as if it were nothing. Through an archway of cold, the Arctic Ancients arrived, their grit shining through despite the odds.
"Finally, I was getting tired of waiting," the monster taunted, readying its weapons. In its grasp was a barbed club, reminiscent of a Japanese ogre, and an equally imposing shield.
"We're gonna make you crawl back to the depths you came from!" Genesis called out, her voice ringing. Blizzard winds whipped around them as each of the rangers gripped their weapons tightly, ready for the impending battle.
The monster smirked as it charged at the rangers with full force. Brandon, Ava, Genesis, and Heath sprang into action, each launching their own attacks. Brandon and Vivian thrust their weapons, only to be met with the impenetrable shield of the monster. Heath and Ava attempted assaults from the opposing sides, but the creature's thick hide proved too resilient to be pierced. Genesis hurled her glaives, aiming to blind her opponent, but the monster deftly deflected the weapons with its horns. It was proving to be a truly formidable opponent.
With a powerful bound, the monster leaped onto its hind legs, its massive club raised high above its head. The weapon erupted in flames, casting an ominous glow over the battlefield. With a thunderous slam, tendrils of fire raced toward the rangers, causing pillars of heated earth to erupt from the ground in their path.
"You warriors are far from being worth my time," the monster boomed, its voice filled with arrogance. "You are nothing but mere pebbles beneath my hooves."
The rangers stood their ground, faces grim but resolute. They knew they had to find a way to overcome this formidable foe, for the safety of their world and the hope of finding their lost comrade, Nick. With a shared glance of resolve, they prepared to face the monster head-on, their hearts filled with the unwavering resolve to emerge victorious against the darkness threatening to engulf them.
The concept of time had become a total abstraction to Nick, lost in this strange and draining dimension. With each passing moment, he could feel more and more of his strength being sapped away, his body rapidly aging under the relentless assault of this place. It was clear that this dimension fed on everything, forcibly extracting the very essence of any foreign entity unlucky enough to fall into its clutches. Nick knew that if he didn't find a way out soon, he might be reduced to nothing but dust.
Meanwhile, the monstrous wizard Dythran, also trapped in this unforgiving realm, was faring no better. Having only existed here for a brief period, he could feel his very essence being stripped away, his life force draining rapidly. Sent here by the actions of the red mystic ranger, Dythran knew there had to be a way to escape. He stooped low, feeling the sand and rocky terrain beneath his withered palms, searching for any clue that might offer salvation.
And then he felt it—the energy of this plane, the stolen essence of the world around it that created the beauty and terror of this place. Dythran realized that if he could redirect some of this natural flow into himself, he might have a chance to open a doorway and escape. With his own mana reserves dangerously low, Dythran resorted to a desperate act.
Using his sharpened nails, he opened a deep laceration across his palm, drawing forth his own inky black bio-fluid. With trembling hands, he etched a dark rune into the base of a nearby tree, speaking an unholy tongue as he did so. The rune began to glow with an ominous light, a twisted smile forming on Dythran's face as he felt the surge of mystic energy flowing into him, revitalizing his depleted spirit.
The once serene beauty of the dimension transformed into a tumultuous storm, the winds howling with fury as Nick shielded his eyes against the blinding gale. Through the chaos, he could see Dythran, lifted into the air by the stolen energy, his laughter echoing across the dimensional space.
"Hahahaha! Very clever, trying to separate me from your world, but this plane is not enough to hold me!" Dythran's voice boomed, filled with triumph.
With newfound energy coursing through him, Dythran flexed his magic, forcibly opening a dimensional rift. Nick, feeling powerless with his dwindling magic, reached for his morpher, only to find its battery dangerously low. He was unable to mount any meaningful defense.
"Consider this a parting gift from me!" Dythran declared, his voice filled with malice. Chains and shackles erupted from the ground, binding Nick and anchoring him in place. "I'd love to stay and chat, but I have a dimension to conquer and a group of interesting wizards to destroy."
With a final, mocking laugh that seemed to reverberate through the very fabric of the rift, Dythran passed through the swirling portal, disappearing from Nick's sight. The magical gateway closed behind him with a sharp crack, the arcane energies fizzling out into nothingness.
In that moment, the storm that had raged around them, a tempest of fury and chaos, began to subside. The deafening howls of wind and lightning faded away, replaced by an eerie stillness that seemed to swallow the air itself.
As Dythran vanished, so too did the chains and shackles that had bound Nick, crumbling to dust and rust before falling away from his limbs. He stood there, now free physically, but a profound sense of emptiness settled upon him like a heavy cloak.
Alone in this strange, desolate realm, Nick felt the despair settle in his chest like a heavy burden. The dim light of the rift cast eerie shadows around him, accentuating the desolation of this place.
"Madison... Vivian..." His voice was barely a whisper, lost in the vast emptiness of the dimension. "I'm sorry." The last vestiges of hope seemed to slip away, leaving him to face the unknown alone.
