Chapter 21
The world we see
Mei Xuan's eyes scanned the school's hallway, her mind numb from the morning's lectures. Another dull day, another chance to escape.
As she contemplated sneaking out, a commotion near the principal's office caught her attention. Five new students, accompanied by a stern-looking man – Chiron, their guardian – were registering.
Mei's curiosity piqued, she watched as they filled out forms and received schedules. Something about them seemed...off. Intrigued, Mei decided to befriend them.
Lunchtime arrived, and Mei spotted the five newcomers in the cafeteria. Jason, Emily, Matt, Chris, and Sofia sat together, discussing their first day.
Mei approached their table, a bright smile on her face. "Mind if I join you?" The five exchanged hesitant glances. Their secret had to remain hidden. Jason, ever the leader, spoke up. "Uh, sure. We're...just discussing our classes."
Mei slid into the empty seat, unfazed. "Cool. I'm Mei. What are your names?"
As they introduced themselves, Mei's gaze lingered on each face. Emily's quiet confidence, Matt's rugged charm, Chris's easy smile, Sofia's creative energy, and Jason's commanding presence.
Mei sensed an undercurrent, something beneath their surface. Her instincts screamed warning, but she pushed aside doubts.
"I'm so glad I met you guys," Mei said, her enthusiasm genuine. "This school needs some excitement."
The five Rangers exchanged uneasy glances, unsure how much to reveal.
Eli Sanna, the school server, approached their table, taking orders. Mei observed the Rangers, her gaze lingering on their wrists. Each wore the same watchface, but with distinct insignia and designs.
Her curiosity piqued, Mei's suspicion grew. She couldn't quite put her finger on why, but her instincts screamed warning.
As Eli left with their orders, the Rangers chatted, unaware of Mei's scrutiny.
Mei's attention shifted to her friend Robert Sal, beset by the school bully, Gregory Alan.
Mei's face darkened, anger flashing in her eyes.
Without hesitation, Mei strode over, slamming Gregory against a table. The cafeteria fell silent. Gregory yelped in pain, clutching his arm.
Emily whispered to the others, "Mei's my kind of girl."
As Gregory struggled to rise, Mei stood firm over him, her eyes blazing.
Just then, the Rangers' monster alert sounded – a discreet phone call this time.
Jason discreetly answered, his expression turning serious.
The Rangers quickly exited the cafeteria, drawing minimal attention.
Mei noticed their hasty departure from the corner of her eye.
Her curiosity now bordering on intrigue.
What secrets were these newcomers hiding?
The Darkspawn, twisted creatures born from darkness, merged with the Furies, ancient spirits of vengeance. This unholy alliance descended upon the school.
The Rangers, now morphed into their Olympic Knight armor, charged into battle.
Jason wielded his sword, Emily her trident, Matt his falchion, Chris his double daggers, and Sofia her bow and arrows.
The school's students and faculty, drawn by the commotion, gathered at the rear entrance.
Gasps and screams erupted as they witnessed the Power Rangers clashing with the Darkspawn and Furies.
Camera phones flashed, capturing the battle.
Robert Sal, Mei's friend, snapped photos, his eyes wide with excitement.
Gregory Alan, still nursing his bruised ego, muttered, "This is insane."
Mei Xuan, her curiosity piqued, observed from the periphery.
A student, Sarah Lee, live-streamed the battle on social media, "This is crazy! Power Rangers at our school!"
The footage spread like wildfire, going viral within minutes.
As the Rangers fought to protect the school, they remained oblivious to the growing audience.
Their focus: vanquish the Darkspawn and Furies.
But the consequences of this public battle would soon become apparent.
In Titania, He and Mordred's realm of the Undead, the goddess and the emperor watched the livestream with a sly smile.
"Emperor Mordred," Hel called, her voice dripping with amusement.
Mordred approached, still nursing his wounded pride.
"Which monster shall we unleash upon the Rangers?" Hel asked.
Mordred's eyes narrowed. "Xanax, release Ethriel, the Nemean Lion."
Xanax, the keeper of Titania's monstrous horde, bowed. "As you command, Emperor."
In the human world, the Rangers finished off the remaining Darkspawn and Furies.
As they stood victorious, they noticed the sea of camera phones.
Jason chuckled. "Looks like we're famous."
Emily waved, and the others followed suit.
Their morphed forms protected their identities.
But their celebration was short-lived.
A mighty roar shook the ground.
Ethriel, the Nemean Lion, emerged from the shadows.
Its fur shimmered like gold, its eyes burned with fierce intensity.
The Rangers stumbled backward, caught off guard.
Ethriel charged, tackling the five Rangers.
They struggled to regain footing, surprised by the lion's strength.
"This isn't just any monster," Chris grunted.
"We need to work together," Sofia said.
The Rangers combined their powers, unleashing a barrage of attacks.
Ethriel countered, its claws swiping through the air.
The battle had just begun.
The students scrambled to safety, screaming and panicked.
But Mei, Sarah, and Robert remained, transfixed by the battle.
Mei's eyes narrowed, analyzing the fight. "This lion's skin...it's like nothing can penetrate it."
Sarah snapped photos, her camera clicking away. "This is going to go viral!
Robert watched, awestruck. "The Rangers are holding their own, but that lion's a beast."
The Rangers exchanged worried glances.
Jason's sword strikes bounced off Ethriel's skin.
Emily's trident prongs scraped against its fur, causing no damage.
Matt's falchion sliced through the air, only to ricochet.
Chris's daggers struck true but left no marks.
Sofia's arrows ricocheted, unable to pierce.
Ethriel roared, its voice shaking the ground.
The Rangers stumbled back, frustrated.
"We need a new strategy," Jason called.
"Its skin's the problem," Emily said.
"Find a weakness," Matt urged.
Chris scanned Ethriel's form. "There has to be a vulnerable spot."
Sofia searched for an opening even as she struck ineffectively again. "We can't keep this up."
Mei, observing from a safe distance, muttered, "There's something...I'm missing."
As the Rangers regrouped, Ethriel charged.
The battle raged on.
Mei's eyes sparkled as she recalled her Greek mythology studies. "How did Hercules defeat the Nemean Lion?"
She remembered the crucial detail. "The lion's vulnerable spot – its mouth!"
Mei yelled to the Rangers, "Aim for its mouth! That's its weakness!"
The Rangers quickly adjusted their strategy.
Jason fired an energy blast into Ethriel's open mouth.
Emily struck with her trident, targeting the lion's vulnerable spot.
Sofia's arrow flew true, piercing Ethriel's mouth.
Ethriel recoiled, momentarily stunned.
But its attention shifted to Mei, Sarah, and Robert.
The lion blurred towards them, its fury unleashed.
Mei stood protectively, eyes wide with fear.
Matt, seeing the danger, charged recklessly.
"Get back!" Matt shouted.
Ethriel swiped, sending Matt crashing to the ground.
Matt demorphed, his human form exposed.
Sarah and Robert gasped, shocked.
Mei's eyes widened. "You're...the Black Ranger!"
Ethriel knocked Mei unconscious with a swipe.
As the lion prepared to attack Sarah and Robert, the Rangers sprinted towards them.
But they knew they wouldn't reach in time.
"No!" Jason shouted.
Chris's voice echoed with desperation. "We're not going to make it!"
Sofia's eyes locked onto her friends, horror-stricken.
Emily's voice trembled. "We have to try!"
The Rangers pushed themselves to their limits.
But time seemed to slow, and fate hung in the balance.
As Ethriel loomed over Sarah and Robert, Sarah raised her hand defensively.
To everyone's surprise, tangled vines burst from the ground, ensnaring Ethriel.
The lion struggled, furious, but the vines held tight.
Robert stumbled back, fear etched on his face.
Instinctively, he raised his hands, and a shimmering force field erupted.
Ethriel crashed into the barrier, sent flying backward.
The Rangers froze, stunned.
"Impossible," Jason whispered.
Emily's eyes sparkled. "The prophecy...the three demigods."
Chris's gaze locked onto Mei, Sarah and Robert. "Could they be?"
Mei, now on her feet, glowered at Ethriel.
Unbeknownst to her, energy projectiles flew from her hands.
They struck Ethriel with precision, further enraging the lion.
Sofia shook off her shock. "We can't let our guard down."
Focusing her energy, Sofia fired a volley of powered arrows.
Each arrow struck Ethriel's open mouth.
The lion's roar turned to a deafening scream.
The arrows exploded, ending Ethriel's reign.
The battlefield fell silent.
The Rangers approached Mei, Sarah and Robert.
Jason asked, "Who are you two?
Sarah and Robert exchanged nervous glances.
Mei stepped forward, eyes still blazing.
"I think we have a lot to talk about."
As the dust settled, the Rangers realized their team was about to expand.
Chiron's voice resonated through the comms device.
"Rangers, bring Mei, Sarah, and Robert to the Camp of the Hill. I've witnessed the events unfolding."
The Rangers nodded, acknowledging Chiron's command.
Jason turned to the trio. "We need to take you somewhere safe."
Mei, still dazed, nodded.
Sarah and Robert exchanged nervous glances.
Matt, injured, leaned on Chris.
With a swift motion, the Rangers formed a circle around Mei, Sarah, and Robert.
Jason activated the teleportation device.
The group vanished, leaving the battle-scarred landscape behind.
They materialized at the Camp of the Hill.
Chiron awaited, his expression stern yet wise.
"Welcome, young ones," Chiron said. "Your presence here marks the beginning of a new chapter."
Mei, Sarah, and Robert looked around, awestruck.
The Camp's rustic beauty and mystical energy enveloped them.
Gorgo, Theodoros, and Elpis approached.
"Let's get Matt treated," Emily said.
Theodoros nodded. "Elpis will see to his injuries."
As Matt received medical attention, Chiron guided Mei, Sarah, and Robert toward a secluded glade.
"The truth about your heritage and destiny awaits," Chiron said.
Their eyes widened with anticipation.
A new journey began.