Ignis stood up from the bed and looked down at her. "Do you want to join me to train?"
"Of course," Sophia said, jumping to her feet with a bright smile. "Why not?"
She brushed off her clothes and looked at him expectantly. "Should we use the gems or not?"
"Let's use the gems," Ignis nodded.
"A sparring match. So cool!" Sophia grinned, raising her fists playfully. "I will kick your ass, Ignis."
Ignis chuckled, a confident smirk on his face. "Should I be serious?"
"Yes, don't hold back." Sophia stared at him, keeping her expression fierce. I have to impress him, she thought, her heart beating a little faster. I have to show him I am worthy of this power.
"Let's go," Ignis said.
They walked out of the room and into the hallway. Ignis paused, glancing around the quiet house. "Are your parents around? I hope they won't find you alone with a boy and freak out."
"No, they aren't," Sophia laughed softly. "I just rented this place because it's closer to our school, and third year will start soon."
Ignis raised an eyebrow, shaking his head. "No, it's still pretty far. But let's forget about all that and get going."
"Where should we go?" Sophia asked.
Ignis’s eyes gleamed with excitement. "Let's take it to the extreme."
Sophia tilted her head, confused. "Where?"
"Mount Everest."
Sophia’s jaw dropped. "We should train there?"
Sophia took a deep breath and nodded. "Okay."
In the Nexus Realm, a dark and desolate dimension, Azathoth sat heavily upon his jagged throne. Simon stood quietly beside him. The air crackled as Corvous stepped through a swirling portal and entered the dimension.
Azathoth glared at him, his face twisting in anger. "Where are the gems? I need them to free Luciferio."
Corvous bowed his head, his voice trembling. "I am sorry, Master. But the Rangers are too powerful."
"Don't you want Luciferio to be awakened?" Azathoth spat, his eyes narrowing. "Don't you want him to have all seven gems and rule all of creation?"
"If that is your will, Master, then I do."
"Keep quiet!" Azathoth snapped. "You are losing to a bunch of teenagers! Or adults—it does not matter. Luciferio must have that gem. Do whatever it takes. Tell your entire race that I want all seven gems."
Simon looked at Azathoth, furrowing his brow in confusion. "Master, I know your will will be done. But... who exactly is this Luciferio, and why do you want him?" Simon lowered his gaze slightly. "I shouldn't question you, and I have never asked you any questions before. But just who is this guy?"
Azathoth leaned back in his throne, his expression turning solemn and distant. "Luciferio and his race were the first race in all of creation. They were created in a perfect realm, but their sole purpose was to guard The Crown of the Seven Days. You can also call it... the Seven Cosmic Gems."
High up on the snowy peaks of the mountain, the Red Ranger stood firm against the howling wind. A few feet away, the Pink Ranger stood facing him.
Sophia shivered, crossing her arms over her chest. "Even with my suit on, I can feel the cold. You are crazy, Ignis."
Beneath his helmet, Ignis smirked. "Ready?"
"Yes!" Sophia shouted over the wind.
In the Nexus Realm, Azathoth looked down at Simon. "The Crown gives the wearer dominion over all of creation, along with the title 'Image of the Creator'."
"Having authority over all of creation..." Simon whispered, his eyes wide.
"It also gives unimaginable power," Azathoth added.
Simon leaned in, completely captivated. "What happened next? This is interesting."
"Indeed," Azathoth murmured. "The Creator, Astragel, created the first human—Adamas. And he intended to give him the Crown. But Luciferio’s heart grew dark with pride and hatred. He saw Adamas as nothing but dust. He concealed his resentment, but he became consumed by jealousy."
"So, did he fight?" Simon asked quickly. "Did he wage a war against Astragel?"
"No, no," Azathoth said, shaking his head slowly. "Adamas was so close to getting the Crown, but he sinned."
"How?"
Azathoth let out a low, dark chuckle. "We all know the story. He ate the fruit. Luciferio was the snake."
Simon gasped softly.
"By Adamas sinning, Luciferio was pleased," Azathoth continued. "The Crown remained without an owner. The guardians had existed only to protect it until Adamas arrived. But after his failure, the Crown had no rightful king to wear it. It was like a throne with no king on it, and the guardians were just protecting a vacant seat."
Azathoth steepled his fingers, his eyes gleaming. "Luciferio decided to take the Crown as his own since it belonged to no one now. But his race also coveted it. Every single one of them wanted the Crown, and none believed anyone deserved it but themselves."
Simon’s eyes darted rapidly as he put the pieces together. "What next? What happened? They fought, right?"
A slow, wicked smile spread across Azathoth's face.
To be continued...