Chapter 15
Prompted
The Rangers sat in stunned silence within the Sanctum, Hestia's words still echoing in their minds. The weight of the Black Trident's history, and its connection to Mordred and Hel, hung heavy in the air.
Jason, ever the leader, broke the silence. "We can't just sit here. We need to understand what this means for us, and for the world."
Emily nodded, her eyes wide with concern. "If Mordred returns, we're talking about a being with god-like powers. We can't take him on alone."
Matt stood, pacing the room. "We need to find those elemental keystones. If they hold the power of the gods, they might be our only chance against Mordred."
Oliver leaned forward, his analytical mind racing. "But where do we even start? The keystones could be anywhere, hidden by the gods themselves."
Hestia's gentle voice interrupted their discussion. "The keystones are hidden, but not inaccessible. The gods left clues, scattered throughout the mortal realm. You must find and decipher them."
Matt's eyes lit up with determination. "Then we have a mission. Let's get to work, Rangers."
As the team began to strategize, a sudden burst of energy resonated through the Sanctum. The air shimmered, and an ethereal figure materialized before them.
It was Athena, goddess of wisdom, her eyes shining with urgency. "Rangers, the time of reckoning draws near. Mordred stirs in Titania, and Hel's influence spreads. You must find the keystones, and awaken the Olympian bloodlines."
The Rangers exchanged determined glances. Their quest had just taken on a whole new level of importance.
Athena's words hung in the air, "Ares and I will accompany you to Egypt, Rangers. The Black Trident and Keystone Morphers must be recovered."
Jason opened his mouth to suggest Hestia as their mentor, but Athena anticipated his concern. "Hestia and Moira's expertise is crucial in Olympus at least for a time. They will ensure the Olympian flame remains lit."
Meanwhile, in a distant part of Springdale, a transfer student emerged from a bus. Mei Xuan, a young woman with an uncertain expression, gazed around at the unfamiliar surroundings. Her school had sent her to Springdale without explanation, and she was far from pleased.
"Why Springdale?" she wondered, clutching her bag. "I was doing fine back home."
As she walked towards her new school, whispers of strange occurrences and mysterious Rangers caught her attention. Mei's curiosity was piqued, but she had no idea she was about to be entangled in a world of gods, monsters, and legendary powers.
[P.R.M.F]
The monster alert pierced the air, and the Rangers sprang into action. They arrived at the battle scene, ready to face whatever monster threatened the city.
Instead, they found Xanax, his imposing figure radiating an aura of quiet confidence. His piercing gaze swept across the Rangers, his expression unreadable.
Jason, ever the leader, stepped forward. "You're the one causing trouble? Time to take you down."
Xanax remained silent, his eyes never leaving the Rangers. Emily taunted him, trying to get a reaction, but Xanax didn't flinch.
Matt charged forward, swinging his Falchion, but Xanax parried the attack with ease. Chris and Sofia followed suit, unleashing a flurry of daggers and arrows, but Xanax dodged and weaved, untouched.
As the battle raged on, Xanax struck with precision, his blows landing with devastating force. The Rangers stumbled back, struggling to keep up.
In the chaos, Xanax's strike caught a young woman off guard, sending her stumbling. Sofia rushed to defend her, shielding her from harm.
As Sofia turned to urge the woman to safety, her eyes widened beneath her visor. "You?" she exclaimed, recognizing the transfer student who was supposed to stay with her.
Mei's confusion and fear were palpable.
Sofia's priority shifted, protecting Mei from the fray. "Get back! Run!" she shouted, ushering Mei away from the battle.
Meanwhile, the other Rangers were struggling to land a single blow on Xanax. He battered them with swift, efficient strikes, his movements a blur.
Jason stumbled back, his sword arm numb. "What's going on? We can't even touch him!"
Emily's voice was laced with concern. "We need to come up with a new plan, fast!"
Matt gritted his teeth. "We can't let him overwhelm us!"
As the Rangers regrouped, Xanax continued his relentless assault, his gaze never wavering from his targets.
Xanax's smirk was unnerving, his confidence unshakeable. "You Rangers are no match for my mistress," he said, his voice dripping with condescension. "Give up now, and you might still live."
With that, he vanished into a sigil as black as night, leaving the Rangers stunned.
"That was weird," Emily said, breaking the silence. "Mordred's warriors don't retreat."
Matt frowned, his eyes narrowing. "I don't think he retreated. I think he came to test us, get a feel for our abilities."
Jason's eyes locked onto Matt's. "You think he's not working for Mordred?"
Matt nodded. "I do. His style, his movements... they didn't match any of Mordred's warriors we've faced."
Sofia's voice was laced with concern. "If he's not working for Mordred, then who is he working for?"
Chris spoke up, his brow furrowed. "And what does he mean by 'my mistress'?"
The Rangers exchanged uneasy glances, sensing a new, unknown threat on the horizon.
"We haven't seen the last of him," Matt said, his jaw set. "And next time, we need to be ready."
As they stood there, the darkness seemed to press in around them, hinting at the shadows that lay ahead.
The Rangers trudged into the Sanctum, their heads hung low in defeat. Athena's gentle voice greeted them, "Defeat is not the end of life, Rangers. It is a chance to learn and grow."
Ares, ever the warrior, nodded in agreement. "You will face greater challenges ahead. But for now, let us focus on Egypt."
Athena gestured to a shimmering portal. "You will enter Egypt through Janus' Door, but your return journey will be by flight."
Meanwhile, in the dark realm of Titania, General Valtor seethed with frustration. "Who is this new warrior, Xanax, who treats the Rangers like mere children?"
General Khaos and Malicia echoed Valtor's sentiment, their voices laced with concern.
Emperor Mordred's calm demeanor commanded attention. "Xanax is Hel's right-hand warrior, the greatest to ever walk the earth."
Mordred's gaze turned to Khaos. "I want you to retrieve the Black Trident. With its power, we will crush the Rangers."
Malicia and Valtor exchanged a wary glance, sensing a shift in alliances.
Mordred continued, "I will arrange a meeting with Hel's generals. Malicia and Valtor, you will attend. It is time we consolidated our strength with the goddess of death."
The dark realm trembled with anticipation, as the stage was set for a formidable alliance.
