PROLOGUE
Every human on this planet has the capacity for at least one of the 9 Pillars of Magics, and some form of NRG, be it internal or external, that allows them to perform some extraordinary feats. There are those who can lift cars with one hand, some can fly, others can command the very elements, still others heal, and a select few are able to do all these things. For years, humanity worked to unlock all these potentials, but they are not all made equally. Humans are all different. Physically, magically, and problematically in a world of powers, morally. We're all different. Some people never use powers in their day-to-day life, and even when people do, it isn't always for the good of humanity. Unsurprisingly, there is a section of the population that use their powers for selfish or malicious reasons. These people are referred to as "villains."
There are also those who follow a strict code and stand up for what's right. These people, Employed and deployed by the city governments to stop villains are called "heroes." They live amongst the populous as normal citizens until called upon to stand against the evils and save the innocent.
In the streets of the giant metropolis New Philip, a group of villains careened through the traffic, slamming into other cars as they made their escape. The driver was losing the pursuing officers in all the chaos. The others in the car were excitedly egging on the driver as they examined the stolen jewels. The bandits turned off the main road down a side street. On the road ahead of them, a few children were playing ball enjoying themselves and oblivious to the vehicle barreling towards them. The driver looked behind him, only for a moment, to verify they'd lost the cops, then turned around to the group of children in front. He slammed his breaks, but it was far too late. A little girl with a ball was right in their path and he couldn't stop in time. The child was now fully aware of the vehicle and frozen in fear. She couldn't even scream as the vehicle was inches from her and could only close her eyes.
'CREEAK RARR!'
A terrible noise echoed through the street. The girl opened her eyes to find she was completely fine. On the sidewalk a few feet from the car, which was now completely stopped. A woman, looking to be in her 20's with black hair underneath a purple Stetson hat, and matching jacket was standing on the hood of the vehicle, which also happened to be level with the ground. Taking a breath, the girl looked up to see another woman of the same age in a similar uniform, with blond hair and green colored clothing, standing behind her.
"Are you okay, kid?" She said to the child, and the girl nodded in response.
"You know, I totally stopped the car before it would have gotten her." The 'Purple' woman said.
"Better safe than sorry, Kai." A third woman replied as she descended from the sky. She was in red, and under her hat, her hair looked like it was on fire. The little girl noticed a red bird on her hat as well. Looking at the others, she noticed each one had a different creature on their hats. The purple one, called 'Kai', had a scary looking mask on her hat, and the green woman who moved her off the street, had a flying person with clear looking wings.
"Let me see her, Gus." Another woman said as they approached. She had platinum blond hair and was wearing a white version of the same uniform. The girl looked at the woman's hat and saw a horse with a horn embroidered upon it. She girl knew what that creature was.
"Unicorn!" The girl recognized the animal. Her confused look instantly switched to a smile as the white lady approached.
"That's my name!" Unicorn said as she smiled back at her. "Now, let me fix you up real quick." She put her hand on the girl's head '{Heal}', and a wave of warmth brushed over her. While the girl hadn't been hurt in the accident, the scrapped knee she'd gotten from falling earlier felt all better.
"We'll handle the baddies, I guess. UC, Gus: Keep the kids out of the way and protect them." The woman with the bird on her hat smiled at the girl and Unicorn.
The villains began to stir inside their wreaked vehicle. Seeing the situation and their car, the looks of shock turned to anger. But as soon as they saw the women in the colorful uniforms, they turned and started to run. A blast of white light enveloped them, and suddenly one of the men was stuck in place. His feet up to his hips was frozen to the ground. Another woman in the same outfit, though this one was in blue and similarly colored hair, was now standing beside him.
"I'd say 'freeze', but you already did." She quipped dryly.
Four of the villains lucky enough to not get frozen kept running. The blue woman threw her hands up in their direction.
'{Frost wall}'
Instantly a wall of solid ice blocked the villains from their escape. Forcing them to run parallel to the wall. Two vines sprouted from the ground, entangling one of the men, and lifted him up in the air.
"Leaving so soon? Why not 'hang around'?" Taunted a sixth woman in brown.
Another villain pulled out a blade and charged at the woman in brown.
"LET THEM GO YOU BI-"
He didn't get to finish his sentence as a blur of green whipped by him and he landed roughly on the ground, weapon gone, replaced with cuffs around his wrists. As he tried to stand, he fell right over, finding a matching pair of cuffs on his ankles.
"You okay, Hooves?" Gus asked, now standing beside the woman in brown.
"Didn't Nix tell you to stay with the kids?" She asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Figured it would be quicker this way, but I'll go back." Gus was suddenly gone.
Kai approached the last two villains. They stood their ground and took defensive stances, guarding
against her. "I'd really rather you guys just give up, if it's all the same to you." She asked for their surrender. In response one of the men's arms started to glow. As he reached back, Kai gave a weary sigh and punched the man in the face. He fell to the street, unconscious.
"Too slow." She exhaled.
From the side of the street where the kids were being kept away, Gus emphatically shouted. "Hey! That's my line!"
The woman in red, 'Nix', landed behind the final villain. He was shocked at the scene around and had completely dropped his guard.
"Hey." She said softly, catching his attention. "I think you guys lost."
The man frantically pulled out a blade from his side and pointed it at her.
"Just…Just let me go and I won't hurt you." He halfheartedly threatened.
"Ya, you still don't get it, I see." Nix smiled, then reached to her side, unsheathing a long katana. As the katana met the air, it ignited a lovely shade of red. "You're the ones getting hurt tonight."
The cops soon showed up and arrested the captured villains, taking back the items they'd stolen. The little girl walked over to the six ladies and tugged on the skirt of the red one.
"Whoa! What the…? Oh hi!" She noticed the girl and greeted her with a smile. "Are you alright?"
"Y-ya. I just wanted to say thank you!"
"Awe… you're adorable. You are totally welcome."
"You guys are heroes, right?"
"Yes, we are. My name is Phoenix, and we're The Magical Ranger Girls." She opened her arms to
showcase the ladies around her.
"Well, you're all gonna be my favorite heroes from now on!"
"Thank you!" The Magical Ranger Girls said in unison. The girl skipped off into a nearby building.
"Okay, everyone." Nix gathered the others in a circle. "I'll get the G.R.A.D.E.s from the officers, then we can call it a night."
Gathered Reports of Arrested, Damages and Evidence, or G.R.A.D.E.s are the testimonies and reports by the officers who responded and are used as evidence against the villains in court cases, for insurance companies, and to verify which heroes were involved. They are also submitted to the Counsel of Heroes for payment to the heroes, and as public records.
"Well… As Nix does that, should we go eat somewhere, or maybe see a movie?" Kai suggested.
"Come on Kai, are you stupid or something?" The woman is brown responded. "You know what tomorrow is, right?"
"Ya." She quietly answered.
"Then we should all head home and rest."
"That would be the responsible thing to do." Gus added
"I'll write our report and submit it with the G.R.A.D.E., but Hooves is right; the rest of you should head home."
"Hey, hey!" A voice called from the gathering crowd. "Magic Rangers! A moment of your time, please!"
"Ugh…" Kai muttered under her voice. "A 'Presser'."
The person walking by the officers flashed a band on their arm to whomever tried to stop him. Journalists, Press Photographers, and Correspondents or 'Pressers', get access to heroes, crime scenes and such to gather information to present to the public, as a secondary source, outside of the Counsel's records. However, as they are paid by the popularity of their articles, some heroes are far more marketable, or popular, and are therefore better liked by Pressers. Some heroes can't get enough of them. However…
"Can I go, please?" Frosty asked Nix as the Presser came closer.
"That's fine Frosty. Anyone else who wants to leave can. I'll handle this." Without another word Gus, Frost and Hooves took off.
"Kai," Nix looked over," you should go too. UC and I are enough."
"But…" Kai wanted to make an argument for herself but stopped before turning and leaving.
"You're a bit rough on her." UC said.
"I just don't want her saying anything to get her or us in trouble." UC shot a slightly irritated look at her, but before she could say anything, the Presser was right next to them.
"Oh! Unicorn, and the team's leader Phoenix from the 'Magic Ranger Girls'! Thank you for what you've done for the city tonight. Though, it seems as though the other members of your team have left already. My name is Canon, and I'm with the New Phillip Free Press: 'Hero and Villain reports'. Congratulations on your overwhelming victory against those Immoral level villains." He was holding out a voice recorder between the two heroes.
"Thank you, umm… Canon?" Nix sounded a bit confused. "But in truth, those villains were simply Goon level, definitely not Immoral level." She corrected
Villains were categorized based on their threat level: Thug, Goon, Henchmen, Immoral, Captain, and Super Villain. Thugs are guys off the street that threaten you for your money with a pocket knife. The officers typically handle them, and heroes aren't even needed. Next you have the goons, sometimes called 'grunts'. These are the people with no big connections, who have some small amount of skill, or people who simply want to be a villain but don't have power or direction to do much outside petty crimes. Most heroes, especially ones like the Magical Ranger Girls, can easily defeat them, even if they are outnumbered. Then there are henchmen; They typically work more directly for someone and will sometimes wear matching uniforms to match their leaders. After that you'll find 'Immorals'. Those are the ones who are put in charge of goon and grunts and typically have either proven themselves as henchmen or are rewarded the position for loyalty or strength. These people may give some heroes a difficult time. Further up the food chain of villainy are Captains and Supervillains but those weren't common to see.
"Oh? Well, my apologies on that error. From the damages to the area, it simply seemed that the level of the villains you faced would justify it. Perhaps at least one was an Immoral?"
UC sheepishly looked around. The area the officers had sectioned off after their fight still had a wall of ice melting, and some thick roots having broken through the road. The crowd was taking plenty of pictures, mostly in awe, but some seemed irritated at the inconvenience of the stoppage in traffic. A few city workers were cleaning up the remnants of the totaled car Kai had flattened.
"Well, unfortunately there were civilians present, so we had to put their safety first and quickly
incapacitate the villains. But since we surprised them, there may have been an Immoral that we happened to capture quickly." Nix smiled with a slight strain as she lied.
"To be overly cautious does keep more innocent people safe. Even if it does cost the taxpayers quite a bit more. I can't say I expected anything less from the, so called, 'Princess of Flames'."
Nix's smile became more forced as a pulsating vein could be seen on her forehead. "Thank you, but 'Phoenix' is fine."
"So, did you by chance have any questions?" UC politely asked, "Or did you simply come here to
congratulate us?"
"Oh, right!" The Presser looked over to UC. "Your group, the 'Magic Ranger Girls', have been a group in New Phillip for almost 8 years. Do you have any advice for younger hero groups who may look to you guys as mentors?"
"Yes. Work together. Work hard. And we'll be working our way towards a better future." UC's response sounded pre-thought out and rehearsed.
"Well, thank you both for your time, and that lovely response." Canon responded. "I'm sure your fans will be overjoyed to hear your motivational words of wisdom. I do hope we can have all the girls next time though."
Canon pressed a button on his recording device with an audible 'Click' as he put it in his pocket. His cheery demeanor swiftly switched to an annoyed look as he pulled a cigarette from one of his other pockets and lit it. He turned and grumbled to himself as he walked off. "Ugh. Why do I have to get all the bullshit cutesy heroes…?"
"Jerk." Nix whispered. "What was with that 'Work together' thing, UC?"
"I'm sorry. It was an approved soundbite from Clair and the Counsel."
"Sounds super cheesy. I love that he hated it." Nix smiled.
"Too bad we can't teach him some manners though. Or at least teach him that our group is the Magical Rangers"
"Come on UC, I already have enough paperwork tonight. Causing more problems really wont help."
"Ok, 'Princess of Flames'." UC teased.
"Don't you start that crap."
Both women laughed together, as they took off into the air and flew into the night.
CHAPTER 1
On a quiet Autumn morning, in a cozy neighborhood at a very elegant home, a sudden cry came from the second story.
"Sis! You're gonna be late! School's about to start, you lazy butt!"
Masuyo woke with a start "I-I'm late?! What about my alarms?!"
Her little sister, Noriko, was at her bedside in pajamas shaking her awake. Masuyo shot up like a rocket, causing Noriko to yelp. Rushing around her room, Masuyo hastily collected her books and bag, threw on her school uniform, then hurried to the restroom where she collected her bedhead and put on a touch of makeup. That done, Masuyo raced downstairs and into the kitchen, her mom jumping at the sudden entrance.
"Masuyo?" She said, confused, "You're up early this morning."
Masuyo stopped. "Early? But Noriko said. . ." She turned to see her sister had followed and was now bent over in laughter.
"I told you school was about to start and you just got schooled!" She was balled up in laughter on the floor. "You should see your face!"
Masuyo slowly walked over to her sister and rolled up her sleeves, hand softly glowing. When Noriko noticed the glow, she immediately stopped laughing and bolted up in an attempt to escape. Masuyo caught her by the scruff of her pajama shirt.
"It was a joke! Please don't hurt me!" Pleaded Noriko. Masuyo's glare told her she would receive no
mercy. Masuyo pulled her hand back and Noriko shrank back in terror. Before the hit could land, a shout cut through the air.
"It's early! Could you two keep it down 'till a reasonable time?" The shout came from upstairs, where their older brother, Yuu, had been unhappily woken by the ruckus.
Now just annoyed by the situation, Masuyo released her sister, who quickly scurried back into the kitchen and was immediately met with a loud "THUNK" and a corresponding "Owww!". Masuyo followed into the kitchen and saw her sister slightly bowed over, holding part of her head.
"I'm sorry. I thought it would be a funny prank to make you think you were late." Noriko apologized while looking over to their mother, who was brandishing a ladle with a threatening look.
"It's fine." Masuyo sighed, sitting at the table.
"Breakfast is almost ready, but you may want to finish properly getting ready before school, Masuyo."
"And you," continued their mom, "need to start getting ready or you'll be late." looking pointedly at Noriko.
Noriko rushed upstairs. As Masuyo went to follow, her mom stopped her.
"Oh, Masuyo?" She asked in a soft tone.
"Yes mom?"
The ladle caught her square on top of her head, with another audible 'THUNK'
"Oww!"
"You do remember our chat a few months back about not using magic in the house?" Her voice turned cold, "or on your sister?"
Even though the attack she planned to use wasn't too dangerous, a cold sweat still started down Masuyo's neck as she bolted upstairs. Her first alarm went off as she entered her room. She contemplated going back to sleep for a while longer, but the morning's excitement had thoroughly woken her. She figured she might as well take her mother's suggestion and finish getting ready. She was very glad she did, as she discovered her morning "rush job" was considerably worse than she imagined and took a bit of time to fix herself up.
As Masuyo headed back downstairs, she stopped at the door next to hers and thought about knocking.
He could still be sleeping. Should I wake him?
Her cheeks felt a bit flush. She took a breath and decided to keep walking. Returning to the kitchen, she saw a full breakfast spread on the table.
"Sounds like it has been an exciting morning." The man at the end of the table expressed with a slight smile at Masuyo.
"Morning, Kevin." Masuyo replied. Masuyo's new stepdad was fair skinned and pretty tall. His short blond hair was kept well, and he had soft blue eyes. He was probably in his mid 40's but looked a bit younger than that. He and her mother have been married for about seven months, but Masuyo still wasn't used to having him around.
Masuyo, Noriko, Yuu, and their mom were all of Japanese descent, but Keven and his son were European, so there has been some clashing of cultures when they first all moved in together. New Phillip isn't in Europe or Japan, it's actually North American, so globally they were kind of in the middle. Kevin and his son only moved to the city a little over 5 years ago, and were pretty new to the culture, which led to more than a few arguments.
"Morning, Masuyo. Seems Noriko woke you up a bit early. Will you be okay at school today?" He sounded genuinely concerned.
"Yeah, I'll be fine, thanks." Masuyo muttered back.
"Dad! Dad! Morning!" Noriko skipped past Masuyo. "I got sis so good this morning!" She practically hopped on him to hug him. Noriko is almost 14 and in her third year of middle school, but around their new father, she almost reverts to a child. She was 3 years younger than Masuyo, but they were both of similar height, and looked quite a bit alike. Both with brown eyes and black hair. The most obvious differences in their appearances were that Noriko aways kept her hair rather short, and always had a smile plastered on her face. It wasn't that Masuyo never smiled. She just didn't wear it 24/7.
"So, I've heard", their stepdad responded, slightly smiling until he looked at his wife who was giving him a look. "But I don't think your sister enjoyed that very much"
Noriko responded with a pout. Brat. Masuyo thought to herself but didn't dare say anything in case her mom had any more utensils on hand.
"Jokes are only truly fun when everyone is laughing at the end", he continued. "Like. . . Tickles!" and
started tickling Noriko's sides, making her squirm away laughing.
"I guess this family no longer believes in quiet mornings." Yuu groaned and he entered the kitchen and poured himself a cup of coffee, adding heaps of sugar and cream.
"If you use that much sugar, do you even need the coffee?" Masuyo teased.
Yuu glared, then deciding not to reply, sat at the table. He continued sipping and they kept glaring at each other. And for a brief moment, the kitchen was silent.
"Hey! Where's step-bro?" Noriko blurted, causing her siblings to jump, breaking their eye contact.
"The new school semester starts today, and I don't think he'd want to be late." She started to go get him when her mother waved at her to sit back down.
"He already left for school", she explained. "He left about an hour before you two got up. Said he had things to do before school starts, so he was up and gone." She looked down in concern. "He looked a little pale but was determined to go out early. I do hope he brought something to eat though."
Masuyo sighed. "If you want, I can bring him something. Just in case."
"Aw, such a diligent sister. Why didn't you ever bring me lunch when we were in school together?" Yuu asked smugly, through grinning teeth.
"Because I always left before you, slacker." Masuyo's face grew warm, bothered by her brother's
comment.
"Just taking gwood care of your wuvly new bwuther?" He taunted.
"He's not my brother!" Masuyo shouted and slammed the table. The words coming out of her mouth before she realized what she was saying. Everyone at the table was shocked, but Kevin looked down, a hurt expression slightly showed.
"I... I'm sorry." Masuyo muttered, face bright red. She grabbed a few things from the fridge and left for school without another word.
As Masuyo walked out the door, she took a breath, trying to calm herself. Why does that bother me so much? She thought to herself. A clear blue sky peaked from between the towering buildings, high above the students walking and flying down the street towards school. As Masuyo started down the main street, she heard a whistle from above, and spotted her friend Alessia, a brunette girl in a matching school uniform, medium long hair and a peach-colored hair clip.
Alessia descended from the air and landed next to her friend. "Yo-Yo! Wow, I didn't expect to see you so early. Maybe it's a good omen for the year?" She pondered aloud.
"Morning Alessia." Her current irritation was practically seeping from her words
"Hey, Yo-Yo, you, okay?"
Masuyo signed, "Sorry, I'm fine. I just got woken up a lot earlier than expected by Noriko and I guess I'm a bit grumpy."
They walked in silence until Alessia couldn't take it anymore. About 10 feet.
"I'm so excited to be a third year! We're the seniors! Can you believe it? It feels like just yesterday we were in grade school!"
The two of them had known each other for over 10 years, but this was indeed the first day of their last year in high school. It was definitely an odd feeling for Masuyo. Alessia threw her arms around Masuyo's shoulders and started crying.
"But why do we have to be in different classes?" she sobbed. "I don't know if I know anyone in that class, but even if I do, without my bestie I'm not gonna be complete!"
"I guess I'm just a stranger then?" A voice asked from a way ahead.
A fair skinned girl stood ahead in a matching uniform and an emerald bracelet. She had mostly blond hair with a stripe of pink, going from her bangs Her hair was tightly curled.
"Eda!" Masuyo exclaimed, trying to sound chipper after Alessia had previously voiced her concerns.
"Good morning!" As Alessia pulled away from Masuyo to hug Eda, she received a head chop instead.
"Ow!"
"You know I'm in your class, clod. Don't be rude." Eda came from a very wealthy family, but given her demeanor, it could be difficult to tell.
"Besides, we all live near each other, and I have a feeling we're probably going to spend at least some time together over the year." Eda looked over to Masuyo, confused. "I'm surprised you're here. It's a bit early for you, isn't it? Especially after our late night."
"Don't ask." Alessia interjected, rubbing her head.
"I was actually on my way to get you, so this saves me the trouble." Eda turned to start walking.
"Nephele and Lailah are up ahead. They texted me that they would wait for us."
Surely enough, the trio soon spotted their other two friends, Nephele, an olive-skinned girl with wavy brown hair and an elaborate white ring, and Lailah, deep skin tone with black hair and a set of ruby red earrings. As they approached, the three could tell something was amiss, and Nephele and Lailah were practically nose to nose. Once close enough they could tell they were deep in a heated discussion.
"It's not my fault! You weren't open to it, so he asked me instead! And I did it. Gladly."
"I just wasn't ready, but when I finally was, I tried to tell him I'd do it, but he said you'd already agreed! How could you?"
"Umm. Whatcha talking about?" Eda interjected, with some concern.
"Huh?" Both girls looked up.
"Fighting over a boooooy?" Alessia said, practically drooling.
Two more head chops for Alessia.
"Evidently, one of the student council positions opened up over summer break because someone transferred." Lailah began explaining. "At last year's vote, Nephele and I barely lost, so the vice president asked the two of us who wanted to join."
"I was asked first." Nephele continued, "but I wanted to think about it, so that's what I told the vice president, but then he went and asked Lailah, and since she said, 'yes' without hesitation, my offer was retracted."
"You snooze, you lose." Lailah taunted, sticking her tongue out.
"I'll make you snooze!" Nephele threatened, pulling a fist back.
Eda rolled her eyes and gestured to Masuyo, they walked between the two, hooked arms with the potential combatants and walked them towards the school.
"I'm glad I'm in your class Yo-Yo, and not some SORE LOSER!" Lailah loudly commented.
"Well, I'm glad I'm with you Eda! So much better to be with a FRIEND rather than a TRAITOR!" Nephele practically shouted, then continued at a normal volume "even if we are stuck with 'Lessie'."
"Hey!" Alessia retorted from behind. "What did I do?!" Soon, they found themselves in front of their high school, Kamari High. It is highly renowned as a brilliant place of learning and training. Rated as the second-best school in the city, and highest without ridiculous tuition, the students liked to say. Here, the focus of education was strengthening students' powers. As they approached the front gate, they came across a person with their arms crossed, stopping the group from entering school grounds.
"I think you're all at the wrong school." The girl spoke with a pompous self-righteousness. "This school is for upstanding students, not losers."
Releasing Lailah, Masuyo stepped forward to retort. "Oh, I'm sorry 'Your Excellency'", Masuyo mockingly bowed, "Do our uniforms not conform to your standards, as we don't have a stick shoved up our asses like you do?"
The two girls slowly approached each other, glowering. When their noses practically touched, they both broke out laughing, and hugged.
The girl, Thea, was Masuyo's oldest and dearest friend. She was a tall fiery redhead with fair skin and freckles. She had an ostensibly athletic build and was the school's student body president. She wore a matching uniform to the other girls, but with a diamond quill pin on her lapel.
"I'm glad to see you're all early today. I admit I was a bit worried Lessie would make you all late or
something."
"Prez! Why are you so mean to me all the time? Yo-Yo's the one who sleeps in!" Alessia whined.
"The both of you are pretty consistently late." Thea retorted, "But I figured you'd be trying to finish all you summer assignments at the last second. I know we hung out, but I don't even know if you studied at all."
"I'll have you know that I did study. Really hard."
"Really? You know what? I'll make you a deal. Score better than I do on the next test, and I'll be nothing but nice to you."
"That's impossible! You're one of the highest ranked students in the whole city! I'm lucky if I can end up in the top half of this school."
Thea grinned. "Okay then, get in the top 25% on the next test and I won't be mean for a week."
"Deal!" Alessia shouted hopping past Thea and skipping the rest of the way towards school.
"Well, hopefully she's motivated now." Eda sighed.
"I won't be in her class to watch over her," Thea commented, "so can I trust that to you, Eda, Nephele?"
"Sure thing."
"If I must."
"If you guys want, we can meet in our class at lunch today." Thea offered "Make sure to tell Lessie. She'd definitely complain otherwise."
For Masuyo, the first day of school started out typically. School assembly and speeches, introductions, rules, and soon enough it was lunch. The girls from the other class joined Prez, Masuyo, and Lailah. Their classroom has 30 wooden decks, all a mess with students eating with each other. One side of the room had windows that faced the city. At the front of the classroom there was a huge chalkboard with upcoming events written across it, along with a desk for the teacher.
As they sat down to eat, Masuyo realized she had two lunches, and remembered she brought the second one for Kevin's son, Daniel. He was actually a member of her class, so she looked around to see if he was still there. She found him in the corner of the room at his desk with his friend Andras sitting with him. His friend spoke to him as Daniel looked out the window into the city. He was tall with, strawberry blond hair and a decent face. His body structure was a bit hard to tell in his school uniform, which was a bit baggy on him, making him look a bit scrawny, but Masuyo knew he was pretty toned. He'd walk around in a tighter shirt at home, and she'd definitely noticed. Living with him definitely had its perks. In all honesty, before their parents had gotten together, she definitely had-
"Everything okay?" Nephele interrupted her thoughts, making Masuyo jump slightly.
Lailah followed Masuyo's gaze. "Oh?"
"Huh? No, I... I just have something I remembered I need to do!" She blurted out a little too loudly. Everyone in the group, and almost everyone in the room looked over at Masuyo, who buried her head. After a moment everyone returned to their conversations.
Sighing slightly, Masuyo quietly explained "I brought lunch for Daniel today."
"Your parents have been married for over half a year; it shouldn't be too awkward for a sister to bring lunch to her bro-" Lailah abruptly stopped mid-word as Masuyo's glare froze her in place.
"I'll bring it to him." Prez smiled rolling her eyes. She then grabbed the extra lunch, walked over, and presented it to Daniel.
"Daniel?" This took Daniel's attention from outside. He looked confused to see the student body president presenting him with lunch. Andras was in complete disbelief. As Daniel opened his mouth to respond, a siren from the city went off.
A large villain attack was going on somewhere nearby, and this was the call to evacuate the civilians and call the heroes. It must be either important or dangerous, as most of the time less conspicuous means are used to call heroes. Though, this wasn't too uncommon in this day and age. After all, they did live in an age of heroes and villains.
Most students cheered at the alarm because school would be cancelled, and everyone got to go home early. The students packed up their things and started heading out of the school in a leisurely fashion. Masuyo pulled out her phone and messaged her mom.
[Villain Alarm went off. Hope U R safe. Going to Nephs to shelter and hang. I'll be home tonight.]
[Be safe honey. Don't pig out at Nephele's. we are having a FAMILY dinner tonight. ALL OF US! Thank you for worrying about me, but there is no siren warning here.]
A few minutes later, Masuyo and her friends all met up in the school yard, Prez and Lailah arriving last.
"The school is all clear. Everyone's evacuated, so let's go!"
The girls rushed off the school grounds together, and after finding a private secluded spot, they used their artifacts: ring, bracelet, pin, hair clip, earring, and necklace to transform into their hero forms: The Magical Ranger Girls.