To answer that question Green Galaxy was tied up in a sticky substance he found impossible to break. At the bottom of the makeshift web Trakeena was stalking her prey.
My aren’t you in a bind. Trakeena said with a hungry look in her eyes. You know you look good up there. Good enough to
eat I know I know! Green Galaxy said. Trakeena looked at her prey and said I was not going to say ‘eat’.
Oh you were so going to say ‘eat’. Green Galaxy responded back. Trakeena then admitted that she was going to say ‘eat.’ But it won’t make any difference. Trakeena then climbed the web and Green Galaxy looked down and saw the hungry look in her eyes. Aren’t you going to cook me or something? At the very least dip me in barbecue sauce?
I hate spicy sauces, and I like my food RAW!!! Trakeena resumed her climb as Green Galaxy prepared for the worst. The worst never came as a Quasar Saber flew through the air and cut down the web. Trakeena and Green Galaxy both turned to see Black Galaxy standing in the doorway.
Did anyone tell you it’s not polite to play with your food? Trakeena turned around and saw her opposite standing in the doorway. Trakeena shouted How did you get here so quickly?
I took the freeway. Black Galaxy said jokingly. Actually my animal guide showed me the way. Since the raven is a representative of death it wasn’t hard for him to find its scent on you.
“Well then, since your guide represents death. perhaps you can join death!” Trakeena then jumped up high in the air ready to bring her staff down. Black Galaxy drew out her Quasar Saber and the two dueled. Both were proficient at their weapons, but Trakeena was a dirty fighter. She would go for the easy victory any way that she could.
But one thing she forgot was that Black Galaxy knew that too. And as such she closed off all avenues of which Trakeena could get in a dirty shot. Finally, she was bored of the fight and Trakeena decided that she would leave for a time, when an easy victory was more attainable.
Black Galaxy took out her Quasar saber and cut Green Galaxy out of the sticky cocoon. Green was trying to get the substance off himself as much as possible. Thanks. Next time try to make the landing softer next time.
Sorry, no need to be huffy. You’re not upset at being saved by a woman are you? Black said looking down at Green, who took her hand as if helping him up.
Not when she looks as good as you. Green said. He could swear that Black blushed under her helmet.
Just don’t tell the guys all right? Black Galaxy nodded as if saying that she wouldn’t. Just then every one of the Galaxy Rangers appeared and hugged their teammate glad he was safe.
Hey thank Tracy here. If she hadn’t fought off Trakeena I’d be her latest meal. Everyone looked at Black Galaxy stunned, but then Red Galaxy walked forward and extended his hand. Thank you for saving him.
It’s nothing. Black Galaxy said. But I think we need to get moving don’t you? Everyone agreed and they ran back to where the main fights were taking place. All but Pink Galaxy whom Red went back for.
Is there something wrong Kendrix? Red Galaxy asked. Pink wondered what answer she could give, if any, and especially to Red. How could she tell him that either she or a member of her family was destined to turn evil damning the Morgan bloodline for eternity.
No. Nothing. Pink Galaxy said as the Galaxy Rangers raced back to the battlefield. Yellow and Red Galaxy looked at each other worried about their friend.
Dregon was pouring the pressure as he asked “Well nephew. Any last words before I end your life?” Unbenownst to Dregon Masked Rider had a few.
“MASKED RIDER SUPER BLUE!!! LIQUIFY!!!”
Masked Rider changed into his Super Blue armor and liquified as soon as Dregon’s sword came down. Masked Rider then got in several strikes before reforming back into standard mode and delivering the final blow, as he cut Dregon’s sword in half. Dregon was now without his lethal weapon.
Dregon ran from the battle. Both he and Masked Rider were spent, but Dregon was not about to wait to see if Dex would get off a lucky shot with his Electro Saber. Quickly he teleported out. The battle being a draw.
Red Zeo and Diabolico were really testing their mettle as warriors. Red Zeo tried to get in his shots, but Diabolico seemed to be able to hold his own. “Ha ha Ranger!” Diabolico boasted. “I am too strong for you. Your defeat is inevitable.
“I wouldn’t be so sure.” Red Zeo said as he thrust his Zeo Power sword into Diabolico’s Star Power causing a magical reaction that sent both flying from each other. Red Zeo recovered quickly, but Diabolico took too long due to him taking the brunt. By the time Diabolico was able to get up Red Zeo had his sword at the demon’s throat.
Red Zeo stood victorious over Diabolico. Diabolico looked up at Red Zeo and said Enjoy your victory, it will be the last one you ever enjoy. Red Zeo wondered what he meant by that. Diabolico would give no answers since he teleported away in a burst of flame. In another area Red Zeo’s dimensional counterpart Tommy was with his binary bond partner Optimus Prime, as well as Jason and his partner Fortress Maximus, against the combined power of Scorponok and Starscream.
Fort Max was trying to land strikes against Scorponok but Scorponok continued to block the strikes with his Scorpion Shield. Scorponok also tried to use his subcannons against Fort Max, but Max was able to use Jason’s agility to his advantage and dodge several shots, even though there were a few that hit their mark. Those that did Scorponok was able to capitalize on with a running charge.
Prime was having better luck against Starscream. Prime was able to beat back Starscream and now had his weapon trained against him. “All right Rita. Release Dulcea, or I’ll make you wish that you had.
“I don’t think so Prime!” Starscream said as Fort Max was being slid down towards them. Starscream took advantage of the distraction and transformed to escape. Scorponok fired a few shots covering the escape before he too left.
Tommy and Optimus looked to see Starscream escape. Fort Max and Jason appeared by their sides. I had her. Dead! Tommy said.
Next time bro. Next time. Jason said. Tommy and Optimus vowed they would be ready, and that Dulcea would be freed from her prison.
Most everyone seemed to be accounted for, but the Blunder Rangers were nowhere to be seen. Captured most likely, but they would move to get them back.
It was a hard fought battle, and everyone knew that this fight was only round 1.
Destructor looked at the battle before him, and was dissapointed.
He had hoped for a rousing success, but even his new soldiers had failed at the hands of the Night Rangers, as well as all the other forces of good before them. Evil Q then appeared clearly unsettled by the contact he had from the ominous voice that he and Q had heard. Who was this woman, and what was her interest in the war before them now?
Evil Q pushed those matters out of his mind for the moment. Right now he had a plan of his own. A plan that he was ready to unveil. Destructor caught notice of Evil Q and asked I trust you have a back up plan?
Oh I do. Evil Q said as he pulled off the cover of the item he had next to him. A game board with pieces made to model those of the Zeo Rangers, Morphin Rangers, VR Troopers, Masked Rider, the Beetleborgs and Outsiders. Also on hand were the pieces that were modeled after the evil forces. But Evil Q didn’t need to bother with those.
Where did you get those? Destructor asked Evil Q about the game pieces before him. From three young Q who were ignorant about what was happening. I asked to borrow them for a while, and how could they say no?
Empress Bansheera looked at the game pieces and saw some sort of glow coming from them, as if signifying life emanating from them. Those pieces. Are they alive?
Their life forces are tied to them yes. Evil Q had said. Tied so that we can control them anytime we wish.
Destructor liked what he had heard but he was also angry as well. When were you going to tell us this?
And ruin all the fun? Evil Q said with a sneer. Consider this a separating of the weak from the strong. And besides, what’s more dramatic than stealing victory just when you opposition is on the verge of winning? Destructor nodded seeing the irony in that. Empress Bansheera however had her concerns.
_We are playing with forces we have no right to control._she thought._There are some lines that should not be crossed._
But the Q cross them all the time. Evil Q said picking up on the Empress’ thought. And these laws that other races try to impose, they don’t apply to us.
Empress Bansheera glared at Evil Q for picking up the thought and just said I wonder. Evil Q just looked at the board and the pieces on it and said Let the games begin.
The battle was winding down. Both sides were fighting their hardest, but then the tide was going to take an unexpected turn as the Order seemed to regroup to give a unified assault. A mix of magical and technological power the likes of which was never seen before was brought to bear against the Matrix teams. And already several were being taken.
“They’re trying to go for prisoners. Everyone protect each other!” Prime ordered. Those that could hear the order followed it, but there were those that didn’t.
Hey where’s that Matrix going? Sureshot asked pointing to the Morphin Rangers as they flew one of the Matrixes out. The other members soon found themselves on the receiving end of blasters from the Zeo Rangers, the Outsiders, Masked Rider, the Cyber Squad, the Beetleborgs and the VR Troopers. Hey guys what gives? Red Galaxy asked.
The answer he got was a blaster shot from Red Zeo. No words were spoken.
Sara. Lara said trying to get to her friend. Sara Pezzini had a glassy eyed look as she brought the Witchblade to her friend’s throat. For a moment Lara saw a flicker in her friend’s eye. A flicker that said ‘help me.’
What’s going on? Rodimus Convoy asked. Why are they helping the Order?
Evil Q’s image then appeared before everyone. These Rangers are toys of the Q. I managed to appropriate them from three young ones playing a game, and now they are mine to use and control. Q looked on in horror. No he could not have done that! That is considered to be one of the most evil acts in existence.
I’m so glad you approve Q, but your approval is too late. This Matrix and these Rangers are mine now. And I intend to have some fun with them. Everyone fall back! The Order’s forces then made their way to tether lines that fell from their ship, and everyone of the Order’s forces grabbed one
KINCAID!!! Sharon shouted as he grabbed the tether line and started climbing. Sharon sighed as she ran and grabbed the tether line too and climbed in pursuit.
SHARON!!! Miyaka cried out. Both Kincaid and Sharon were taken aboard the ship, and chances were they would be prisoners as well before long.
The Rangers from the Qs’ Game Reality were escaping on the Order cruiser with one of the Matrixes. Kincaid and Sharon were on board as well as a few stowaways. The remainder of the Matrix teams had to regroup to try to mount a rescue.
Fall back! Optimus said. We must regroup and prepare for the next strike.
God Magnus however got into Optimus’s face. Don’t you mean rescue mission? We have to get our friends and the Matrix back. Optimus looked God Magnus into the sensor as he made sure that the message Optimus gave was clear.
Like I said ‘regroup and prepare for the next strike.’
Inside one of the cells Ravage Starkiller hung suspended waiting for something to come. That something appeared in the form of Galvatron II.
So, the great Ravage. Master of stealth for the Decepticon cause. Now little more that an abomination caught between human and what he once was. Galvatron II looked down at Ravage, but to Ravage’s credit he looked Galvatron II dead in the eye.
Why would you choose the name ‘Galvatron’? Ravage asked. Why name yourself after a warrior that has no mind to speak of?
Galvatron is a name of power. Galvatron II said. Granted the previous Galvatron squandered his power with shows of madness, but rest assured I will not make those mistakes. Ravage noticed Galvatron II look down at him, and wondered just what Galvatron II’s sales pitch was.
Join me! Galvatron II said to Ravage. Ravage just looked at Galvatron II and said No!
The answer startled Galvatron II, but didn’t surprise him. Even when Ravage gave his answer. When I joined the Decepticon cause I took an oath to serve it. I also took an oath to pledge my loyalty to Megatron. I took no such oath for you or your cause. And frankly your agenda means nothing to me.
Decepticons forever correct? Galvatron II asked. Ravage nodded, and Galvatron II could only sneer.
You support a hopeless cause, and a failure of a leader? My how far you’ve fallen. Ravage looked up and glared at Galvatron II before saying his peace.
The Decepticon cause was far from hopeless. Megatron believed in it, as did many others. Some were lost needing something to believe in. Megatron gave them that. But when Galvatron destroyed the cause with his insane actions Megatron did the only thing he could. And while his surrender was a hard decision for him and many others Megatron knows that someone will come and take up the reins of the cause once again. Ravage then looked Galvatron II in the sensor and added And I’ll bet that if it wasn’t for the Decepticon cause you would not even be existing now would you?
You don’t know that for sure. Galvatron II said. I could probably have come into existence without the Megatron of my world coming into being.
I doubt that. I doubt that very much. Ravage said with a sneer. Galvatron II digested what Ravage was saying then said his final words Well, you won’t be thinking about that anytime soon. You are a prisoner now, and you’ll be nothing more.
This time Ravage thought his last phrase as he watched Galvatron II leave. He had a plan of escape, and maybe even counterattack from within. It was only a matter of time before it could be implemented.
In the cargo hold of the Crystalis Optimus saw his soldiers being put together. Tommy had disconnected from Optimus’s engine hoping to be beside his friends in the med lab. But both were sharing the burdens of leadership now. Rodimus Convoy then came ready to give the last of the bad news, so Optimus hoped.
What are our losses? Optimus asked Rodimus Convoy.
Rodimus Convoy gave the answer. Here’s the list of those taken by the order. Optimus read the list which consisted of Kincaid, Sharon, Billy and Grimlock, Kendrix, Maya, Carter, Dana and Ryan Mitchell, Jessica Stewart, Ken Tanaka, Crysta Rockhard, David McAllister-Keller, Leo Corbett, Damon Henderson, Kai Chen, Arcea One, Flashstormer, Illusia, Speedbreaker, all the Blunder Rangers, as well as all the Rogues, Zhane and Karone with Doubledealer, Kat and Arcee, Kim and Joyride, Ashley and Sureshot, Cassie with Pointblank, and Justin with Bumblebee. Optimus already saw potential problems with the losses. Chief among them was the loss of half the Stuntabots, meaning that Valeria could not be formed right now.
Optimus could also tell that Tommy had concerns about Kat and Kim. Kim and he may not have been together anymore, but there was still concern. Just as Andros was worried about Ashley. Optimus could already tell that God Magnus was concerned about Arcea.
He was curious about the Rogues’ capture. He had the feeling Ravage would not have allowed his force to be taken so easily. Optimus wondered just what the Decepticon had planned-if anything.
There was also the matter of the Orders’ control of the Morphin and Zeo Rangers as well as their allies. If Q was correct, then Evil Q had commited one of the most heinous crimes of all of existence. Q had said that there were still some Q that practiced those ‘black arts’, even though the majority of the continuum had backed away from them.
Let’s see who we do have. Optimus said as he looked at the list of the forces present. The Mystic Knights were there, as was Lara Croft, Tracy Darknight, Chad Lee, Joel Rawlings, Kelsey Winslow, Kathy Hart, Alison Hammond, Kyle Hannorhan, Michael Sorrero, Sarah McAllister-Keller, Mike Corbett, Fire Convoy, God Magnus, Blaze, Valkyrie, Nightshade, Mach Alert, Wildride, Miyaka, Night Karone, Slasha, the Junkions and Wreck-Gar, Jason with Fortress Maximus, Andros and Rodimus Convoy, Trini with Highbrow, Zack with Jazz, Rocky with Brainstorm, Adam with Slapdash, Aisha with Chromedome, Tanya with Getaway, Carlos with Blurr, and T.J. with Kup._Less than half our force, but we might be able to make use of them._Prime thought.
Off to the side Chad, Joel and Kelsey were talking to Alison, Kathy, Kyle and Sorrero about their lost teammates. Chad, Joel and Kelsey about Carter, Dana and Ryan while Alison, Kyle, Kathy and Sorrero were thinking about Kincaid, Ken, Jessica and David.
“Hard to believe. First time as a team and we lose four guys.” Kyle said
“We’re in the same boat.” Kelsey said. “With Carter, Ryan and Dana gone. You think we’ll get them back?”
“Oh believe it sweetheart.” Sorrero said. “We’ll get them out.” Kelsey blushed slightly at Sorrero’s statement. Alison and Kyle rolled their eyes at his flippancy. Kyle said “Don’t look at me. He just hangs around me at times.”
“I like you man.” Joel said shaking Sorrero’s hand. “You kind of remind me of me.”
“Oh now we’re in trouble.” Chad said and soon everyone laughed. After the icebreaker the seven Rangers went to practice their fighting for when they would go to get their friends out. Chad couldn’t help but say “I hope Carter isn’t too taken by that Demon Hunter girl.”
“Come on man.” Joel said. “Carter loves Dana.”
“Yeah, but that Demon Hunter girl sure was making goo goo eyes at Carter. I wouldn’t be surprised if Dana was seeing red.” Kelsey said.
“I wouldn’t worry about that.” Alison said. “I’m sure she’s being a cute couple with Kincaid in whatever dungeon they were thrown into.”
“Oh knock it off already.” Kathy said rolling her eyes. “Besides Dana’s not exactly the vindictive type.”
“This coming from one of four Rangers who decided to dunk Carter in order to teach him a lesson?” Kyle said making reference to when Carter captured the Lightspeed Rangers and used their likenesses for infiltration, and Carter didn’t recognize them right away. Chad, Kelsey and Joel wondered what Kyle meant by what he said and he answered. “I just thought you set an unrealistic goal for him and you acted kind of petty.”
This got reactions from the three Lightspeeds. “PETTY?!” they said in unison.
“It’s not like he had Night Powers or anything.” Kyle said. Joel, Kelsey and Chad were about to get in Kyle’s face when he said “Before you get on my case let me ask you this. If the situation were reversed, and Carter was trapped instead of one of you. Would you have acted any differently?”
The three Lightspeeds shook their heads nodding. “No.” Chad said.
“Right. He acted the best way he knew how. He was relieved to see a teammate, found holes in the story, and moved to gather evidence. Despite the powers we have underneath it all we’re only human. One should not expect miracles from another.” Kyle said.
“Even from Night Rangers?” Kelsey asked.
“Especially from us.” Kathy added. “Even with our powers there could still be someone stronger out there. All we can do is the best we can. And that’s why we’re training now to stand up to those stronger.”
“And they must be plenty strong for them to take control of Rangers like that.” Alison added. “Who knows what else they’re capable of.”
“And I bet Carter will look after his girl.” Sorrero added. “I’ve seen how she looks at her. It’s the same as if back home in my world.”
“I guess you’re right.” Chad said. “Somehow I feel the Demon Hunter is not a homewrecker.”
“She’s a warrior who found herself in a hard situation.” Kathy said. “The same as all of us.”
“And a lot of those warriors need us.” Kyle added. “So let’s get training.” The Rangers all agreed, however Joel was harder to motivate into training. Fortunately a kiss from Kathy helped him along.
“It’s amazing how you can drive men crazy.” Alison said.
“It’s a gift.” Kathy respnded. Off to the side Miyaka, Night Karone and Slasha were planning their own strategy. All the while the Junkions were making repairs on it. Through it all Wreck-Gar was saying “Bring out your dead! Bring out your dead!”
“Must he say that?” Slasha asked.
“He’s just quoting Monty Python and the Holy Grail.” Miyaka said thinking about the old movie in the Crystalis’s data banks. “But he does act like he’s watched a little too much T.V. doesn’t he?”
“T.V. is a Junkion’s life isn’t it?”Night Karone asked remembering how she watched Transformers vids after being freed from being Astronema. “All the same the Crystalis had been through a lot in this first strike.”
“She’ll be ready for the follow up.” Miyaka added. “But we need someone to fly it to the Order’s base. Right now you’re the only one available.” Miyaka looked at Night Karone knowing what would be expected of her. “You know I’ve only done it once.”
“Once more than any of us have done.” Slasha said. “And there’s no time to train another to do it.” Night Karone sighed reserved to her fate.
“Once more into the slipstream.” Night Karone had said. “Joy.” But in her heart Night Karone knew she had to be the one to fly the Crystalis. No one else could do it. So she accepted her role and waited for the Junkions to finish modifications.
Mike Corbett and Sarah McAllister-Keller were practicing some fighting moves on their own. Mike had some good moves, but Sarah was one upping him with her ninja skills. Mike was then knocked down with a move and then Sarah went to deliver a punch to capitalize, only for Mike to pull her down and soon the two started rolling. They stopped with Mike on top and Sarah looking into his eyes.
“Careful. If you kiss me what will my brother think?” Sarah asked slyly. Her expression then changed when she thought of her brother David, wondering what they would be doing to him. Mike picked up on it and got off her as he thought of his own brother Leo being held by the order. “How good a fighter is your brother?”
“Very good.” Sarah said. “As long as there are no windows around for him to fly through.” Mike looked confused when Sarah explained. “My father always used to get thrown out the windows of bars. David seemed to have picked up that trait, even with all the ninja training he’s had. Very rarely does he leave through the door.”
Mike chuckled a little when he heard that. Immediately he thought of Leo. “He was always so headstrong that I was worried that he would get thrown through a window with the stunts he pulled.”
“The only thing is that David is more the straight arrow.” Sarah said. “From what I hear about Leo he seems more the thrillseeker.”
“Oh he is.” Mike said. “But he’s also learned responsibility while he was at it. He knows where the lines were drawn.”
Sarah sighed as she thought of her brother. “If anything happens to David nothing is going to stop me from getting my revenge by right of the ninja.”
“And if my brother is not safe and sound there will be hell to pay!” Mike vowed. Mike and Sarah looked at each other knowing that they would fulfill the other’s vow.
Wreck-Gar and the Junkions were getting the Crystalis shored up as the Cybertrons and their partners were discussing strategy.
“So do you two fearless leaders have any ideas?” Jazz asked Fortress Maximus and Rodimus Convoy. Both had Jason and Andros as partners.
“Prime is already putting a plan together.” Rodimus said. “But he’s going to need our help in order for it to work.”
“Whatever the plan we’ll help!” Aisha said. “Besides those Rangers are kind of…in a way…us. Don’t you think?”
“Yeah.” Tanya added. “I don’t think we should leave them to the Order’s mercies. Especially when there aren’t any from the Order.
Brainstorm, Slapdash, Carlos and Kup agreed as well. All that was needed was for Prime to have the plan.
Tracy watched as Sarah was practicing with her Scimitar. Her grace was like that of a skilled warrior. “Impressive.” Tracy said. Sarah couldn’t help but overhear.
“I have to be.” Sarah said. “Especially now.”
“Your brother?” Tracy asked. Sarah couldn’t help but nod yes. “We’ve always looked out for each other, well I looked out for him more than he looked out for me, but we were always there for each other. When Kane came and launched his attacks to kill us we were there for each other.”
“You two are quite the team.” Tracy said. “But I have noticed your single combat skills are far superior than your brother’s.”
“Most everyone does.” Sarah answered. “Especially if you have seen David thrown through as many windows as he has.”
“You seem to take that all in stride.” Tracy said. Sarah gave a lopsided smile and replied “My dad has been thrown through more windows than David. I guess he got that part of the family curse.”
“Would you care to spar?” Tracy asked. Sarah nodded and drew her sword. Tracy also drew hers and soon the blades crossed. Both seemed practiced with their blade blocking the strikes and thrusts that came from each other until finally Sarah held her blade at Tracy’s throat. Tracy was the victor.
“Well fought.” Sarah said as she shook Tracy’s hand. They practiced the rest of the time until they would be ready for the follow up strike. Meanwhile Deirdre had made her decision on what she would have to do when she took part in the strike.
She would have to go against Sara Pezzini, and if necessary, kill her.
Are you sure you want to do this Deirdre? Ivar asked. Deirdre looked down at the bracelet on her wrist, which signified the Witchblade’s civilian guise.
No Rohan. But I have to. Deirdre answered. And for those that try to control Sara, they are about to learn how far and fast Hell can fall.
Rohan noticed the cold undertones in Deirdre. She could tell that Sara Pezzini was screaming in her soul. It was as if she was feeling her scream inside her own Witchblade. Deirdre vowed to heal Sara’s pain. Whatever the cost.
It was then that Rohan turned his attention to Lara Croft, who apparently was the one person from the first visited universe that wasn’t controlled. Lara noticed Rohan and said Some way to start your day huh? Go to work, find yourself in a war, and find your friends controlled by a joker with parlor tricks. Rohan agreed, but a question still burned in his mind.
Why didn’t they try to control you? Rohan asked. You’re from their world as well.
They must think that since I’m just a human with no power that I’m beneath consideration. Lara said. A crack of a smile formed on her lips as she thought of that. All too often people underestimated Lara Croft. A skill she was able to exploit with efficiency.
At any rate. We have to rescue them. Optimus Prime said. Q has said that a way to break Evil Q’s hold on the Rangers is to destroy the pieces and the game board itself. We have to find and destroy them once we rescue our friends that have been taken.
Oh that’s great, is there any idea how to get there? Ravage asked. Fire Convoy answered this question as he called up AI-2. AI-2, is the Crystalis up for another I.D. Flight?
Just say the word. AI-2 said. Of course we’ll need a pilot too.
Looks like I volunteered again. Night Karone had said.
Then let’s go. Optimus Prime had said. Soon all the remaining Matrix team members went onboard the Crystalis, hoping to make their way to the Order’s stronghold.
Back at the Order’s base Sara Pezzini stood motionless. She could not move. She could not speak.
Neither could the Witchblade be called into action. Both stood motionless.
And through it all Dr. Epyon was looking her over, evaluating readings of both wielder and weapon….and ‘admiring’ the beauty of both.
The Witchblade was sometimes not easy with Sara’s clothing. Sometimes it would be torn to shreds leaving Sara naked with only the wielder’s armor covering her. In this case Epyon ordered the Witchblade to activate to full mode, and what remained of Sara’s clothing lay at her feet. Epyon was able to drool at Sara’s naked form to his heart’s content…and saw to it that some of his staff was able to get free ‘tastes’ of her as well. Nothing direct, but Sara did feel like she was being treated as if she was some sort of lollypop.
Epyon was about to enjoy more of his work when Domonique entered. “Ahh Domonique. What can I do for you?” Epyon asked.
“We are requested to go to the main hall.” Domonique said. “The inner council wants to put on a ‘show’ for us.” Epyon sneered as he knew what the ‘show’ would pertain to. Epyon and his staff left. Domonique said she would follow, but first she wanted to look at Sara.
Sara stood motionless. Naked and motionless. Only the Witchblade on her arm, turned back into a bracelet, was the only article she wore. Domonique looked at Sara and gave her a hard slap across the face. Sara didn’t fight back. Domonique gave another slap. Again Sara didn’t fight back.
“I said the Witchblade would be mine Sara.” Domonique sneered. “But I never expected that I would get the wielder as well.”
Domonique held a figure before Sara’s eyes. It was the game piece that represented Sara. “You see this? This is you. This allows the Q to control beings, move them around. It was given to me as a gift. Which means YOU are given to me as a gift. And I aim to put that gift to use.”
“I know that the girl who has the other blade is not connected to the world we’re from. But she is an ancestor to another version of you. And if she is destroyed, that means you will never obtain the Witchblade in another world, and the stage will be set for me to obtain it, or at least a version of me anyway.” Domonique then looked into Sara’s eyes as she drilled her last point home. “Ironic, I’m going to use you to eliminate your own future.” Domonique then left the room carrying the Sara piece with her, not wanting to let it go.
Sara Pezzini stood unmoving, frozen like a mannequin in a department store. Only a small tear streaked down her face indicated if there was someone home.
Inside another chamber the Blunder Rangers were trying to fight their way out of traps. Most were tied down but Prancer struggled against her captors who carried her to some kind of room and threw her in. “See you when you’re waxed and notched.” Doom Green shouted before closing the door. Then he turned to see what dire fates would be in store for the Rangers. Fates based on the Batman T.V. show from the 1960’s.
Bulk and Skull were tied to a giant cooking wheel that would rotate and revolve. The heat would slowly cook them to their deaths.
Bretta was placed into a sandchamber where sand was already starting to fill up. Soon it would go over her head suffocating her. Sand filling her lungs.
Prancer was in a chamber where she would be waxed and then notched into a key. Through it all she would be unable to move, speak or do anything except wait for death to come.
Poindexter and Greenie were strapped to spinning wheels that would spin faster and faster until the G-forces crushed them. Already the wheels were approaching 10 M.P.H.
“And now to activate your death devices.” Red Doom pressed the lever and soon the cooking wheel started to spin. The coals below were becoming hotter and hotter.
The sand was starting to fill up in Bretta’s chamber. She tried to move but the sand was blinding her, and coming in so fast that Bretta couldn’t move effectively. Prancer already felt the wax enter the chamber coating her. awareness slipping away. And Poindexter and Greenie were starting to spin fast, but it would also spin faster and faster as the seconds ticked by.
“And now it’s time to take our leave.” Red Doom said. “The humiliation of the Power Rangers is something one can’t afford to miss.” The Doom Rangers then left the Blunder Rangers to their dire fates. After all it was bad form to watch and wait for one’s foes to expire.
It was also the point where they would plot out some sort of daring escape to get out of these dire predicaments. But would they?
Would Bulk and Skull escape being cooked geese?
Can Prancer get out of being waxed and then notched?
Can Bretta get out of this hideous sandtrap that is a golfer’s nightmare?
And would Poindexter and Greenie get out of being spun to death?
The answers will come later in the story.
Same Blunder time.
Same Blunder channel.
All the Order stood assembled in the audience chamber wondering what all was going to happen. Some of them were eager for what would happen.
Destructor, Evil Q, Stygian, Mirabilis, Zanzibar and Empress Bansheera took the center podium. A table was set up before them covered over by a cloth. Destructor spoke first adressing the order.
“Once again you have been brought victory!” Destructor shouted. Thanks to our new acquisitions we have acquired a Matrix, and have taken prisoners we shall destroy soon enough.” A resounding howl of approval filled the room.
“But first some entertainment.” Evil Q had a Tek’Latha pull back the cloth to reveal a chess board with several figures on it. Figures that were made in the likeness of the Morphin Rangers, Zeo Rangers, Outsiders, VR Troopers, Cybertrons, Beetleborgs and Masked Rider. Anyone who came from the first visited universe had a likeness made of them.
A likeness that was connected to them. Which allowed the Q and the Order to control them.
“Due to some…previous arrangements.” Evil Q said. “The Q saw to it that these individuals were part of a game. A game the Q could control, and where we could move the players in it like pawns. This game allowed us to control their every action, every thought, every feeling. They will do whatever we want.” Evil Q snapped his fingers and the Rangers of those teams appeared before them. All had blank stares on their faces, but they were aware of everything that was happening. And they shuddered at what they could be forced to do next.
“But for now it’s a time of merriment. It’s time for our warriors to have fun. And I have provided you with the perfect toys for you to play with.” Evil Q said the last line with a sneer as he then asked “Who will wish to play with…a toy?”
It seemed like there was no shortage of people who wanted to ‘play’ with a hero. But Zaack had made it first and had gotten a hold of the Zack piece. An evil smile crossed his face.
“Come here!” Zaack said pulling Zack forward as if he was being yanked. “Evil Q, could I trouble you with a wardrobe change?”
Evil Q peered into Zaack’s mind and smiled at what he saw. With a snap of the fingers Zack’s wardrobe changed into something resembling an Elvis jumpsuit, and something out of clown college. Zack even had the clown shoes and rubber nose to go with it.
Presenting the hardest working man in show buisness! Zack Taylor! Zaack had said as he was about to enjoy the humiliation that Black Morphin Ranger Zack Taylor would have to endure. Zaack raised Zack’s piece and forced Zack to step forward.
“And now the Black Morphin Ranger will sing and dance a number that is worthy of him.” Zaack said. “Eat it by Weird Al Yankovic!” And sure enough Zack danced as he was forced to sing ‘Eat it’ in a bad Elvis voice. Even his dancing was terrible. No way close to what Zack was capable of if Zaack didn’t have the game piece in his hand.
“And myself!” Zaack then sang ‘Beat it’ by Michael Jackson and danced flawlessly. When that ended Zaack decided to pour on more humiliation.
“Wardrobe change!” Zaack shouted. Evil Q snapped his fingers again and Zack’s clothes changed to dance tights and a tutu. Zaack then had him sing Barry Manilow’s ‘Mandy’ as he danced the Nutcracker suite-again badly.
Zaack then did Hip Hop Kido circles around Zack who was forced to sing Barry Manilow songs as he danced around like a ballerina. Somebody call his mama! Somebody call his mama! Zaack sang in taunt.
Inside Zack was crying.
Zaack seemed to pick up on Zack’s sadness and sneered. “What’s the matter? Don’t like what you’re doing? Well too bad!!! As long as I have this I can do whatever I want with you!” Zaack held the Zack piece so close to Zack that he could grab it, if he could. But the control over him wouldn’t allow that.
And then came the last insult. “MAKE UP!!!”
A make up pad then flew across the room and hit Zack across the face. White powder was all across his face.
All Zaack did was laugh at Zack’s predicament, which made Zack even sadder.
“Awww you gonna cry?” Zaack said. “Hey look the Ranger’s gonna cry!”
All the members of the Order laughed at Zack’s misfortune, but Zaack made sure to hold the tears in. It was heard that when one kept their feelings in it hurt the person. And Zaack wanted to make sure Zack was hurt in every way possible.
“Who’s next?” Evil Q asked. Biilly decided to step forward and he was handed the Billy piece. He smiled as he hoped to really humiliate the Blue Morphin Ranger. Already an idea came to mind.
“You know I wonder. First you say you hate fish, then you go and marry a fish. What are your feelings towards fish now?”
Evil Q again picked up the thought and conjured up a dinner table. A dinner table full of…fish heads.
“Lunch is served. Eat up.” Biilly sneered. Biilly held the piece and made Billy go to the table and start eating.
Zaack also used the Zack piece to make Zack sing ‘Fish Heads by Barnes and Barnes as Billy was force to eat the fish heads before him.
“Fish heads, fish heads, roly poly fish heads. Fish heads, fish heads, eat them up. Yum!” Zack was forced to sing.
But Billy felt himself only getting sick. So sick he wanted to throw up, which was what Biilly allowed him to do…
…all over himself. Billy Cranston smelled like fish, and much worse. It was just disgusting, and humiliating.
But to the Order, it was fun.
Biilly then decided to really add some humiliation to his counterpart. Blue Morphin Billy stood unable to challenge the Morphin Replica as Triini then decided to give Biilly his ‘intellectual challenge’.
“Compute the value of ‘pi’.” Biilly had done so with ease.
And now for you. What’s two plus two? Triini asked. Billy was moved to the board and answered the question, just as Biilly wanted it answered.
Wrong.
On the blackboard Billy wrote 2+2=5
All the assembled evil laughed at Billy’s mistake. Biilly especially laughed at the misfortune his counterpart was forced to endure.
But Billy didn’t think it was funny. He was even more afraid when Triini got the Trini piece and forced Trini to walk forward.
What should I do about you? Triini asked her Yellow Morphin counterpart. Triini tried so hard to think, but couldn’t decide what to do.
“I know. I’ll have you two do it for me!” Triini then brought forth the pieces of Samantha and Terry ‘Jinx’ Jones and both girls were forced to walk forward. They turned to Trini and then kicked her in the stomach.
“Ooooohhhh! That had to hurt.” Triini sneered as Trini was doubled over. Triini then held the Samantha and Jinx pieces and said “Do it again!”
Samantha and Jinx could not refuse the command. They were forced to beat up on Trini. All the while Triini was dancing around celebrating Trini’s beatdown. When Triini called them off she then went up to Trini and asked Evil Q to call up a can of spray paint as she removed Trini’s shirt.
On Trini’s chest Triini wrote ‘SLUT’
On Trini’s back Triini wrote ‘SKANK’
“You’re a skank and a slut!” Triini shouted at the fallen Trini. She then turned her attention to Samantha and Jinx and brought forth their own pieces.
With Trini laid out Triini forced Samantha to face Jinx and then Samantha beat down her own cousin. Triini smiled as she made sure Samantha’s beat down was merciless.
“Not your cup of tea is it Samantha?” Triini sneered. “You’re the peace lover aren’t you? The rationalizer? Well there’s no peace for you here.” Triini then had Samantha fall back as Triini then delivered the final boots to the chest herself. Until something made her stop.
“You know. I think I’ve had my pound of flesh.” Triini said. “So I’ll have Samantha pick up the scraps.” She brought Samantha forward and the beat down resumed on Jinx. Triini wanted to make sure no quarter was shown for her.
_Stop me! Please!_Samantha pleaded in her mind as she put the boots and fists down to Jinx. But no stopping came forth. Triini was going to have Samantha beat her cousin within an inch of her life. Then when that was done Triini had Samantha turn her fists..onto herself.
Quit hitting yourself.” Triini said as she forced Samantha to give punches to her face. Triini continued to say “Quit hitting yourself.” as Samantha was forced to beat herself up. It was a humiliating sight for Samantha, and even more humiliating for her to feel.
Soon all three Yellow Rangers were bruised beyond compare. Triini stood over them in triumph holding the three pieces of the Rangers as if they were trophies.
“And now Galvatron II. What piece would you like to play with?” Galvatron II smiled as he brought forth the Cyber Squad and Silver Zeo Jessie Belle. He turned to call forth a couple of other Destrons forward as they would most likely would have wanted to ‘play’ with their new ‘toys’. And already Galvatron II had ideas on what he would do.
Jessie and the Cyber Squad were brought forward to do what Galvatron II hoped they would do. Play with the human, whether the human liked to be ‘played with’ or not.
Galvatron II brought forth the piece that was Servo Prime and bade her to pick up Jessie. He was forced to…see how flexible she was by bending her body parts as many ways as she could bend. Then he signalled him to drop her for Syd to catch. Jessie was out cold when Skywarp suddenly walked in. He was going to enjoy the cruelty that was happining, but Skywarp wanted her awake when it happened.
“Hey fleshling! Wake up!” Skywarp said as he poked Jessie. When she started to stir Skywarp then tossed her to Tanker, Syd, Lucky and Amp. All of whom had to take part of Skywarp’s sick little game. “Don’t drop her!” Skywarp said in taunt. He then called forth other Destrons to help humiliate Jessie further.
“Let’s play catch the human!” Skywarp had said as he picked up Jessie and tossed her around to some of the other Destrons around. Jessie was being thrown around, and twisted around. She felt the hate she had worked so hard to get rid of boiling back, only for her own reasons, and not for her sister’s loyalty.
“All right! Slam dunk!” Skywarp said getting ready to throw her down like a basket ball. But then he stopped and just dropped her laughing as she hit the ground at Nate’s feet. Skywarp and the Destrons he invited then left and watched the rest of the show. Jessie looked around unable to move unless the Order and Evil Q wished her to.
Nate looked at Jessie who was unable to move himself, but was able to look down at her. Jessie looked up and couldn’t believe her eyes.
For a minute she thought she saw sorrow in his sensors. Sorrow for what the Destrons had done to her.
Perhaps there was some humanity in machines after all.
And that made letting go of her hate all the more easier. But the rest still had to go through the humiliation the Order was putting them through.
Destructor looked at the next pieces that would be toys for the evening, and was intrigued by the control concept. “Amazing.” Destructor said as he looked down at the pieces of Jamie Zedden and Christina Collins. “I just hold these pieces and I can control every aspect of these Rangers. They are mine to do with as I please.”
Destructor then decided to put the practice to the test as he brought forth Jamie and Christina and forced them to do a dance around each other.
I’m tweedle dee Jamie said.
She’s tweedle dum! Christina then said as she exchanged the rhyme and dance.
Watch out world here we come. They both said as they skipped around each other. Then they faced each other and did patty cake like a pair of six year old school girls.
“Kind of tame.” Zanzibar had said. “Can’t you think of something better?”
“Better?” Destructor asked. “How about this?”
All of a sudden whips were brought in and Jamie and Christina had to pick up those whips, to use against each other. Every time a whip struck the other, gashes were left, and their clothes were torn.
“Now this is more like it!” Destructor said as Jamie and Christina fell to the ground, bloodied and their clothes torn. Epyon held his piece nearby as he looked at the human he controlled.
A human named Lillian O’Neil.
Epyon looked at the still form of Lillian O’Neil and couldn’t help but drool. She looked so beautiful with her sandy brown hair and figure. But her clothes were ruining the fantasy for him. Evil Q if you could?
Of course. Evil Q said as he snapped his fingers and Lillian’s jeans and t-shirt dissapeared, replaced with a black swimsuit that looked like something a supermodel would wear. Epyon already was drooling thinking about what he could do with her.
She looks so serious, could we perhaps give her some more cheer? Evil Q smiled as he moved Lillian’s piece slightly and soon the real thing broke out in small slight chuckles, then she started to laugh more and more. She started to sound like a hysterical person as she laughed for no reason other than Evil Q and Epyon wanted her to.
Stygian looked at the laughing Lillian. Can we force another emotion out of her? The laughing is getting annoying.
You’re right. Evil Q said as he turned Lillian’s piece and soon she started crying. All throughout Lillian wished she could do something, but the Order had absolute power over her. And she knew it too. Just as she knew that Aisha and Tanya were acting like dolls because the Zanzibar wanted them to.
He wanted someone to laugh at.
Most all the evil beings assembled wanted someone to laugh at.
Mama! Mama! both Aisha and Tanya said as they walked around like wind up toy dolls for evil’s amusement. Both felt the indignity forced upon them, but couldn’t fight back against it. Zanzibar however had other ideas.
“Perhaps they should be dolls…of a different kind.” he said. Everyone nodded at the request.
“Very well. Epyon, see if you can determine their worth as…monster incubators. I trust we’ll have several other candidates as well.” Epyon nodded and looked forward to his ‘research’. But now it was Kat’s turn for humiliation.
Ahhhh Katherine Hillard. I recall you were able to do a cat transformation. Thanks to Biilly’s invention. Epyon then brought forth another such weapon and brought it to bear at Kat. Epyon wasted no time in firing and immediately hit the blonde Australian.
Suddenly Pink Zeo Kat felt her body changing and shrinking as her human form turned into the cat form of P.C. Kaat then walked forward and picked up P.C. petting her roughly. Oh yes. What a pretty little kitty you are.” Kat squirmed and struggled to get away but Kaat held her tightly not letting her go. It was then that Biilly decided to have an idea.
“Kaat. Release Kat.” Biily said ordering the feline Kat to be set on the ground. Kaat now stood before Biilly.
“You know I have been debating what to do about you. Ever since you lost the Pink Psycho Morpher you have become excess baggage. You just don’t have anything else do you?” Kaat tried to say something but Biilly interrupted.
“I’ll decide your fate later. But now it’s time for fun. Kimberly walked forward as Biilly held her game piece forcing his will on her. Kimberly had no choice but to obey so she walked forward awaiting whatever Biilly was going to do to her. What that was involved Epyon’s weapon and it being fired at her.
Kimberly felt the weapon hit her and permeate every cell of her being. Soon she felt a pink glow all around her as her body started to change, twisting inside out as she started shrinking. Her chestnut brown hair was absorbed as white fur appeared all around her. Her face faded into itself revealing a white furred cat face with whiskers and her arms turned into cat legs as Kimberly was forced down on all fours.
Kimberly was now transformed into a snow white furred cat, much like Kat had been. Both felines now sat next to each other. Now there were two temporary werecats instead of just the one. Pink Zeo Kat and Pink Morphin Kim both.
Biilly then decided to make the two cats act ‘cat like’. They chased each other around trying to sniff each other’s butts, and trying to wrestle with one another. He had them doing so many cat like things that Billy smiled at what he was able to make the girls do.
Then came the biggest insult, much to the evil audience’s amusement as Kimberly and Katherine were transformed back to their human forms.
And were forced together…in a way that no one could describe, except for the feeling of terrible violation from both girls as they were forced to do to each other what Biilly wished. And Kim and Kat had no say. They could not say ‘no’. They couldn’t say ‘stop’. They could only do what the order wanted. The Rangers looked on and felt terrible sorrow from what they have had to see, and what Kim and Kat had to feel.
Soon the perverted pleasure was over. Kim and Kat were sent off to the side along with their clothes. Now it was time for a new bit of ‘fun’, but Biilly would be sure to keep both girls for his own fun._After all one could not play with Triini all day._
The Black and two White Troopers would be next to have their dignity taken from them, as well as the Beetleborgs who were also forced to come forth. Both were transformed ready for battle, but then Stygian, who held all six pieces had other plans ashe ordered the Beetleborgs to deborg.
“Backblast!” the three shouted transformed back to their kid forms.
The Beetleborgs found themselves de-borged. The Troopers ready to charge. And they did. They then kicked around the Beetleborg kids like they were nothing. The Troopers were still transformed while the Beetleborg kids had no defence. Stygian then decided to have a new trick to pull.
“Bug out!” Drew, Jo and Roland then said, and they turned into their insect forms. The Troopers then brought their feet up ready to press down on the fragile bugs, crushing their lives in an instant. Stygian smiled enjoying the suspense.
“Bug back!” the kids then said and soon they were back to normal. The Troopers pushed off balance and down on the ground. The Troopers were humiliated. The Beetleborg kids were scared for their lives.
“How tough are those troopers now? Beating up on little kids?” Stygian boasted. Everyone was laughing, but now it was time for another hero to humiliate.
Chelsea was forced forward now. She was afraid, yet wondered, what humiliation she’d have to go through. She would find out soon as Samoht was forced forward himself.
“Sorry I can’t think of something more original.” Jaason said. “But I’m just into fun and games!” He laughed as he made Chelsea and Samoht fight each other. Samoht picked up the blade at his feet, and Chelsea was forced to ignite her own laser blade. The two had then crossed swords.
They continued to fight for a while until Jaason decided “Bah! This is boring!” He then picked up the whip and then whipped Chelsea across the back.
The force of the whip knocked Chelsea off balance so Jaason gave her another strike sending her down to her knees. Jaason then put down the whip and laid it at Samoht’s feet.
“Pick it up!” Jaason ordered. Samoht tried to fight it, but couldn’t. Immediately Samoht was forced forward and picked up the whip.
“Whip her until she screams.” Jaason ordered. “I heard if you whip someone a hundred times they die. I want to see if this is true.” Jaason then gave a count as Samoht cracked the whip across Chelsea’s back.
Chelsea wanted to scream while Jaason was at twenty-five, but Jaason held the Chelsea piece forcing her to keep the pain in herself. Pain that was so unbearable. Through it all Jaason continued counting. “46…CRACK! 47…CRACK!…48…CRACK!…”
The count continued as Samoht cracked the whip. Soon Jaason was in his nineties. “96…CRACK!…97…CRACK!…98…CRACK…99…”
“AAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!” Chelsea screamed finally able to get the scream out. Jaason smiled proud of what he made Samoht do.
Chelsea’s back was grusome. Never had she been through such pain before.
Zanzibar then brought forth Gold and White Zeo to face Purple and Black Zeo. Through it all Gold and White were acting very intimidating to the opponents before them. Almost as if they were bullies again.
And because Zanzibar wanted it too, he made sure Purple and Black’s fear were turned up high, for no other reason than it amused him. Purple and Black were curled up in balls as Gold and White were forced to disgrace themselves and their Ranger colors by becoming what they didn’t want to be anymore.
Gold and White Zeo were forced to become the bullies they fought to get away from being. Purple and Black looked timid and scared at what would come next, which was how bullies liked it.
But Bulk and Skull didn’t like bullies, or being bullies, anymore.
Not that it mattered to Zanzibar, who was having too much fun.
Then came the final scheduled humiliation for the period. A fight between Buulk and the best fighters the Rangers had to offer.
If one could have called it a fight.
All it was was Buulk clocking his targets down. The targets themselves not able to put forth a move. And when they were allowed to it was sloppy and stupid while Buulk’s clotheslines were hard and precise.
Soon it was over. Red Morphin, Red Zeo, Green Zeo, Blue Zeo, White Morphin, Blue Trooper, Masked Rider and Zeo Knight were all laid out. Buulk was the one that stood victorious, with no small thanks to Grimlord and Dregon for doing their parts.
“This is very amusing!” Grimlord boasted. “I enjoy toying with Ryan Steele this way.”
“So why should it stop?” Zanzibar said. “Let’s continue the fun.” And through it all the Order looked for more ways to humiliate the Rangers.
Destructor, from his seat felt the pain and humiliation from those below. Such pain made him smile as he enjoyed the torment that was experienced from the heroes below. Now little more than toys for the Orders’ amusement.
Bansheera however didn’t know what to expect from all this. She didn’t see any honor in this. No victory to be obtained, just someone forcing their wills on someone for their own amusement. For Bansheera evil had to be more than this, especially as she watched Kim and Kat do something that was totally humiliating for them to do.
The order then laughed as they watched the two proud Pink Rangers eating cat food in their human forms. Inside their minds both Pink Rangers felt the shame of what they were forced to do. Bansheera wanted to turn her head in disgust over what she had to see, but everyone else was enjoying the proceedings. Evil Q especially.
Look! Look at my puppets dance for me. Evil Q sneered as he made the Morphin Rangers, Zeo Rangers, Outsiders, Masked Rider, Beetleborgs, and VR Troopers do whatever he wanted. The rest of the Order also laughed at how these heroes were demeaned in front of them. Mirabilis turned away hiding his nausea.
_How dare they do this._he thought._They remind me of Parmen and his followers. Anyone that doesn’t have their powers they believe they can use as a toy. They look down on everything as if it was a game to them._Mirabilis paused as he then came to a realization.
_Isn’t that what I was seeking to do by choosing chess boards to monitor the I.D. War?_Mirabilis then knew that what he had planned was in principal no different that what Evil Q and the Order were doing to their ‘puppets’. Especially as Dr. Epyon was making Samantha and Terry Jones do an exotic dance with Kaitlin and Katie Star, and Chelsea Oliver, despite her back, was riding Zeo Phoenix Katarina Petronov like a horse. They even made Katarina whinny like a horse.
They considered it a ‘mercy’ that they didn’t make Chelsea the horse.
It became so unbearable for Mirabilis to watch. The dignity of these warriors was being stripped away from them. And somewhere inside their souls Mirabilis could feel the pain they were feeling.
_Forgive me Karla._Mirabilis said to himself._Your friend was right._
Mirabilis continued to watch, ashamed of the actions he was seeing.
Circling around the main area was a group of prison cells. Each one carrying a prisoner or two. Some were hearded in with others, and some were placed in alone.
In one cell Carter Grayson, Dana and Ryan Mitchell looked down at what happened. Sickness and nausea crept into their beings at the sight before them, and what the Rangers below were forced to do for the amusement of evil beings below.
“Not the fate I’d wish for.” Carter said looking down in sorrow.
Meanwhile back in his own reality Kenneth Irons opened his eyes thinking about all he had seen. And wondered what they would mean for him and his own ambitions.
“I see someone has accomplished what I always set out to do.” Irons said as he looked at the remains of Elizabeth Bronte. “The Witchblade, and it’s wielder, are under control.”
But he did not expect Domonique to control both the weapon and its wielder. If Domonique were to return there was certain to be some kind of retribution from her against him. Could even Ian protect him from that? And what of the Q? Could Irons be protected from them? For once Irons was not sure.
Irons sat in his chair unable to determine what his reaction would be. Should he be happy that Sara Pezinni has been controlled? or should he be sad that the Witchblade has been controlled by someone other than him.
He did not know what to think right now.
But he would continue to watch as the rest of the adventure unfolded. Perhaps there is more to be revealed.
Mirabilis decided to leave the room as the Order continued to have their fun. He was having second thoughts about aiding the Order, but right now his duty called for him to be at their side…for now.
He just needed a reason to leave. A reason he himself could believe. Then suddenly he saw Kartia off to the side. He wanted to have some words with her, and words he had.
“What in the Darkness do you think you are doing?” Mirabilis demanded of Kartia as he swung her around. Kartia pulled away from Mirabilis’s grasp and looked him dead in the eye.
“Save it Shadow Lord. I don’t answer to you.” Kartia responded. “I do what ever I feel like.”
“Taking Maeve’s soul…”
“Will do nothing for this stupid alliance you have.” Kartia returned, surprising Mirablis. “Why act shocked? I don’t care about any of this. I’ve lived enough lives to just go with what I felt was nice and comfortable, all the while waiting for my revenge…” she whispered into his ear, “Against your mistress.”
Mirabilis grabbed her by the throat and had her against the wall, “Go ahead. Try and kill me, but if you do that, I’d imagine you’d have to answer a lot of questions. Questions you can’t aford to answer now.”
“TheLeviathanis about to go on line. The boat doesn’t need to be rocked at all.” Mirablis replied.
“And you don’t think SHE’LL rock it?” Kartia laughed.
“What are you getting at?” Mirabilis asked.
“For someone such as yourself Mirabilis, you can be slow to pick it up… or is it that you block it from yourself to deny that you are like them?” Kartia sneered. “What Destructor’s done, Evil Q’s done to those people from another world… it’s what Karla did to me and my beloved. It’s what cost him his life. I sense she’s changed… but then that’s only because of her host. Not even the devil will stop her from coming…”
Suddenly she vanished into the shadows, leaving Mirablis alone. “I’ll leave the boat from being further unshaken, in return you will leave guard duty to me.”
“Guard duty?” Mirabilis questioned but there was no answer. Soon he realized he didn’t need one as he already had it.
She would wait for Karla… and attack.
In yet another section of the Nexus temple Davros looked at the Bulk piece before him in awe of what he had before him. “Intriguing. This carving is used to control the actions of a living being. Such a power would put one among the gods. It’s power I would have had if the Daleks had only obeyed me!” He then turned to the Cyberleader and added “But with you as my allies not even the Daleks will be able to stand against us!”
“Tread carefully Davros.” the Cyberleader said. “The Cybermen are not forgiving when it comes to treason.”
“Neither am I.” Davros added. “It is this trait that makes us good allies.” The Cyberleader didn’t respond as he looked over at Bulk who lay motionless as he was strapped to the gurney. “Are the restraints necessary?”
“I have learned that as a scientist I cannot leave anything to chance.” Davros said. “Even though I have full control over this human through the Q’s game piece. Something can still go wrong. I simply wish to be prepared for any eventuality.” The Cyberleader nodded agreeing that it was a wise precaution and left. Davros however continued to plan.
“Yes.” Davros said with an evil smile as he looked down at the helpless Bulk. “One must prepare for EVERY eventuality.” His mind was already working on a back up plan for if the Cybermen turned on him.
Or if he decided to turn on them.
Meanwhile far from the festivities above Larson was searching through the Order’s vaults searching for something. Namely the game piece that was Lara Croft.
“How could they toss her out and say that she’s not a threat.” larson said. “They don’t know what she’s capable of. Lara needs to be controlled. And I want to have some fun with that firey piece of calico.” Larson thought of all the ‘fun’ he’d have with the Lara piece. Fun Larson would have. Whether it would be ‘fun for Lara he didn’t care.
“I’ll find your piece Lara, then my fantasies WILL come true.” Larson continued to search for the Lara piece with perverted drive. Unaware that the tiny statue that represented Lara Croft was hiding in plain view away from his prying eyes.
The piece was elegantly crafted capturing Lara’s image in exact detail. Her face, hair, body, clothes, and guns reflected the real Lara.
And for some reason Larson kept missing it.
From a window in the cell he was put in Kincaid looked down at what the Rangers were being made to do, and it sickened him.
How dare they do that. Kincaid said. Treating them like toys to play with. They are living beings. They deserve to be treated with dignity.
They also betrayed us. Sharon said, although she knew it was unwilling, she still felt the bumps and bruises that came from fighting them. Although I know they wouldn’t have if they could have controlled themselves.
If someone tried to do that to me they would feel the fires of hell. Kincaid said in a deadpan voice. No one has the right to treat someone like a toy, or pawn. Sharon sat next to Kincaid and Kincaid put his arm around her as if trying to comfort her.
Not too comforting, you have a girl back home with your kid remember? Sharon smiled as she said that. And Kincaid knew she was kidding. What do you think they’re going to do to us?
The answer came in the form of Buulk who opened the door of their cell and looked down at the two. Destructor wishes to see you in battle.
In their cells the Rogues watched what transpired below. Even they were nauseated at what they saw.
“We may have had our differences.” Whiplash said. “But they didn’t deserve that.”
“No they didn’t.” Unia agreed. “We must make them pay for this. No matter what. We must make the Order pay!”
There was a shout of agreement as the Rogues all agreed to fight back. Meanwhile below the entertainment was about to take on a new form as the Rangers were being cleared out, and something was being lowered to the ground.
What’s that? Ace asked as a circular steel structure was being lowered down around some sort of fighting ring.
An Elimination Chamber! Lilith said as she saw the structure. A dangerous structure to say the least. And it holds about six combatants. There must be a battle getting ready to take place.
“Is the escape plan ready?” Unia asked. Everyone nodded. “But what about Ravage?” Arcon asked.
Unia thought a moment about Ravage, using the body of her own beloved Corranedge Starkiller. Him telling her Corranedge was dead. Suddenly everything seemed to make sense to her.
“He’s expendable.” Unia said. “Be ready.” The Rogues all nodded in agreement.
The Rogues could escape at any time. But right now they wanted to wait.
The Chamber battle would pass the time. Until they were ready to begin their prison revolt.
After a few hours of ‘amusement’ Empress Bansheera left the main chamber herself dwelling on what had happened before. And it made her sick.
_How could they do that?_she asked herself._Was I wrong in standing with the Order?_ For now Bansheera had no answers. But perhaps she could take advantage of the matter in her own way.
Empress Bansheera took a look at the piece she was able to hold onto. A piece she held a great deal of personal value to.
It was the piece of the Pink Morphin Ranger Kimberly Anne Hart.
Yes, Bansheera wanted a few words with her.
At the gateway to another reality there is a sign.
A sign followed by a barricade.
A sign that says ‘Closed for rennovations’.
It is placed before a reality that no one dares enter for fear of turning delusional as those that reside in that world.
But that barricade will not be enough for the terrifying force that will crash through the barricade sending splinters of wood throughout multiple realities as the force seeks its freedom, and vengeance.
A force that will hunt down its adversaries with thought of the consequences.
A borce that will make itself known
in 5
4
3
2
1
0
MALES!!!!!!
(Author’s note:I know it seems a little farfetched bringing monster Bretta into this. But I’ll bet you didn’t see this coming did you? But if you did I hope I wasn’t TOO predictable.)
For the heroes of the Shadow Realm it seemed as if the humiliation was never going to end. Then finally almost as quickly as their free will was taken from them it was given back to them…briefly.
“You have a few hours of freedom.” Zanzibar said looking over the heroes. “Do not squander them, or your enslavement the next time will be longer. The Order is not known for its generosity.” Zanzibar then left as the heroes were having to talk about their experiences. The sorrow, the anger, the shame. Including Nate whose touch of emotion was greatly enflamed.
For the first time in a long time he felt like he was alive, and it was a feeling he did not want to feel as he tried to define the emotions he was feeling. Dark emotions that seemed like an all consuming fire. A fire that ate at his mind, at his soul.
“Is this anger?” Nate asked as he described his feelings to his friends. Tyler answered and said “Yes Nate. That was anger.”
“You felt anger didn’t you Jason?” Nate asked.
“Great anger.” Jason said. His expression stern and contorted in calm and barely controlled rage.
“And you Lillian. Did you not feel anger?” Nate asked.
“Yes Nate. And hatred.”
“There isn’t anyone in this room that hasn’t felt this way.” Jamie said. “To have your dignity, your self worth, all stripped away. And all for the amusement of some beings of power who decide to play god with people’s lives.”
“Is that all we are to them?” Christina asked. “Toys to kick around?”
“They think so.” Ryan said. “Even if we don’t.”
“How can we show them different?” Tanya asked. “How can we show them that we are living beings and that we deserve to be treated with respect?”
“They don’t want to be shown.” Katarina said. “They want their way with the universe. And part of that way is to have some people to amuse them.”
“Whether they want to amuse or not.” Kaitlin said. Off to the side she saw Kat sitting off to a corner crying. Samantha was trying to be there for her.
“How could they do this to us.” Kat said as tears fell down her face. The shame taking effect as she remembered what she and Kim were forced to do together. No one could describe it. Many unspeakable things were done to the people being held. Some of them they had done to each other. Chelsea was tending to Samoht’s wounds praying that he would forgive her. Samoht however bore no ill will towards Chelsea, and did forgive her.
Samantha looked at her cousin Jinx, a look of resolve in her eyes. “We can’t let this go on.”
“I know.” Jinx said as she tried to bandage Trini’s wounds. “We’ve got to make them pay for this. No matter what! We’ve got to make them pay!”
Everyone that was in the room agreed. However they noticed Red Zeo Tommy Oliver was gone, as well as Pink Morphin Kimberly Hart.
Everyone wondered where they were.
To answer the question in Kimberly’s case she was leaving Empress Bansheera’s chambers, eyes wide as she had a new truth unveiled to her. One she didn’t expect, or think could happen. She turned to look back at Bansheera seeing her in a new light before being escorted back with the guards to where her friends were.
As she was walking back to the prison chambers she tried to comprehend all that she had learned and heard in a conversation she had, and didn’t expect, with Empress Bansheera. And she found it quite the story. Before turning the corner she saw Empress Bansheera looking back at her as she was leaving her chambers and made her way to the chamber match that was ready to take place.
“Remember my words.” Bansheera said. Kimberly nodded saying that she would. But whether she could believe them or not was another story.
In the arena Evil Q held the Tommy piece as he looked down at Red Zeo waiting to enter the Elimination Chamber. Evil Q smiled amused.
“I try to subvert one Tommy, and I wind up with another.” Evil Q smiled. “But you know what? I want to make this a little more interesting.”
Those seated at the council wondered what Evil Q had in mind Evil Q just set the Red Zeo piece down and kicked his feet back. “I will let my unwilling gladiator fight his own battle. For a while.” Down below Red Zeo felt the cobwebs shake loose.
“What? It…it’s turned off.” Red Zeo said in surprise as he was soon escorted into a waiting subchamber. Red Zeo looked around at the steel construct he was now in just as it was time to bring in the next combatant.
Kincaid walked down next. His expression like stone as he looked around at his surroundings. No one could figure out what he was thinking, but he did cast a glance in Red Zeo’s direction. A look of sorrow seemed to cross his features as he seemed to understand what was done to him, and Kincaid let out a silent promise as if trying to say to Red Zeo that those responsible for treating him like a toy would pay for what they had done.
“Pull Harper from the competition.” Destructor said. Everyone was shocked, even Empress Bansheera who had just arrived. “Why?” Dregon asked.
Destructor looked down as Kincaid walked into the cage. Like Red Zeo he was escorted into a waiting chamber. As Destructor looked down he had an idea as he sat up and removed his cloak and armor. Underneath was a massive physique that was enough to rival that of a professional body builder.
“Whoa baby!” Kiim said.
“Destructor what are you doing?” Stygian asked.
“I am going down into that cage.” Destructor said deadpan. “And I am going to take part in this match myself.”
“But why?” Vrellos asked.
Destructor’s lips then turned into a hideous evil grin. “I want the satisfaction of ripping apart the Red Night Ranger myself. If Neji Red fails, I will break the spirit of the Rangers by breaking him.” No one argued with the lord of the order and soon he was escorted into the Elimination Chamber and placed inside a subchamber. It was then that Empress Bansheera had an idea of her own.
“Wait!” she shouted. “I shall take part in this as well!”
Soon everyone was looking at the Empress and asked the same question. “Why?”
“Because I know the Demon Hunter will take part in this battle as well. And I wish to dispose of her personally!” No one disputed that claim as Empress Bansheera was escorted down to the chamber herself and placed in the subchamber. She also cast a glance in Destructor’s direction letting out a wicked smile.
Destructor knew what that smile meant. He and Empress Bansheera still had some unresolved matters even though both were part of the Order now. In the chamber those matters would be resolved. The order of entry would be Red Zeo first, then Red Night Kincaid, then Destructor, then Bansheera.
And then it was time for Neji Red to enter. He walked down the aisle and entered the chamber. Fully morphed and ready for battle. He looked in Red Zeo’s direction, then a hard look in Kincaid’s direction. Neji Red hoped to have another rematch with him. Destructor would have what was left.
But first there was the woman he longed to face. The woman that had been a bane to his empress for so long.
The woman who was the Demon Hunter.
She walked down the aisle and into the chamber. The last to enter. She oversaw the cage she was entering and was reminded of the blood matches that took place on her world where humans and demons fought in gruling matches. Matches where the demons usually won.
Sharon remembered those matches. Most of the vids she saw had former Rangers in them. They met their ends in those matches. Now she was in such a match that could have the same results, but only six different ways.
Neji Red stood in the center of the ring watching Demon Hunter enter. He longed for the time when he would have Sharon in a chamber match. Neji Red was an undisputed champion in the chamber matches, and he saw it as an honor to dispatch the Demon Hunter in such a setting. Demon Hunter and Neji Red faced each other but he cast a glance in Kincaid’s direction hoping for the moment when he would enter the battle. Up top, Finster explained the rules.
“The rules are simple!” Finster said. “The match resumes until one remains standing. Elimination is determined by the combatant’s ability to rise to the ten count. If they are unable to rise by the count of ten they are to be removed from the cage…by any way possible.’
“That also pertains to throwing an opponent out of the cage…literally.” Evil Q said with a snicker.
Demon Hunter nodded figuring that the rules of the competition would be like this. A six way cage match that seemed like a last man standing competition. or in her case a last person standing competition. Soon Neji Red came forward and looked Demon Hunter in the eye.
“I will rip your helmet from your head, and I will expose your face in order to destroy it. Your bruised and bloodied head will make a great trophy for my Empress.”
“Good luck there. You’ll need it.” Demon Hunter said. Then the siren sounded signifying the beginning of the match.
Demon Hunter and Neji Red exchanged blows. The match had started.
Off to the side Harper, who was pulled from combat looked on in disgust. Not only at Kincaid, but at Destructor as well.
_How dare he pull me from the competition!_ Harper thought. _Kincaid is mine! I must beat him!_
“He must be beaten, but not by you.” a voice said from behind. Harper turned and saw Mirabilis standing behind him.
“Everything depends on the unity of the Order. If you decide to put your vendetta against Kincaid for any reason above anything that has been achieved here that unity can be threatened.” Harper didn’t seem convinced as Mirabilis said. “You pull anything against Kincaid during this, ANYTHING!!! and the Order will fall apart.”
Mirabilis turned and walked away. Harper turned his attention back to the fight, and to Kincaid waiting to enter.
The Blunder Rangers were still undergoing their respective dooms, but Bulk continued to figure out ways to escape. But executing them would be hard as he needed the Doom Rangers to leave. T.V. logic always had the villains leave the room while the heroes underwent their doom(hey that rhymed). Unfortunately for the Blunder Rangers, the Doom Rangers realized that heroes always escaped when the villains left the room. So at the last minute they came back in and decided to watch the Blunder Rangers die.
“You know this would be a lot easier if you left the room.” Bulk said.
“Why?” Doom Black asked. “So you could pull a fantastic escape? I’ve watched T.V. I know what happens.”
“So that’s why we’re not leaving. Ha ha!” Doom Green said. “We’re going to make sure you die!”
“Suit yourself.” Skull said. “But you’ll be pretty bored if you do. I mean there’s that Elimination Chamber match happening. You’re missing out.”
“Yeah. Elimination Chamber.” Skull said hoping the temptation would overtake the Doom Rangers. Sure enough it did as they all ran out to see the battle.
“Great they’re out of the room. Now we can escape.”
“You got an idea Bulkie?” Skull asked.
The next phase of Bulk’s plan was coming up with the idea.
Back at the base of the Matrix team Q sat in contemplation of all that was happening. “Well are you happy now?” a voice said from behind. Q turned and saw the image of a man all dressed in white standing before him.
“What brings you here John?” Q wondered. “I thought the Lords of Kobol were forbidden to interfere in events regarding the Conquest of Evil.”
“Just because we can’t overtly interfere doesn’t mean we can’t take an interest in matters.” the man known as John explained. “And what has been happening lately has greatly interested me. Most notably the criminal acts the Q have taken to those they treat as toys.”
“I don’t follow.” Q said.
“Oh you don’t?” John asked with malice. “Well then how about Evil Q getting his hands on the game pieces of the Morphin Rangers, Zeo Rangers, Outsiders, Beetleborgs, VR Troopers, the Cyber Squad and the Masked Rider? How about using those pieces to treat them like they were puppets for their own amusement!”
“Damn it John! You know the arrangement!” Q shouted.
“And I also know the Lords tried to stop you!” John shouted. “But the Q had to have their way. You stacked the deck so that the Higher Powers would have no other option than to accept your proposal. That humanity and the younger races needed to be ‘kept under control’. That they were a danger.”
“They were a danger!” Q said. “The Q thought so!”
“They aren’t a toy either!” John said. “You Q have totally misused the agreement that was struck.”
“Not all Q. I was one that opposed the decision.” Q shouted in defence.
“But you withdrew your opposition when you found not one of the Q would support you didn’t you?” John said angrily. “When you stood alone, you decided to fall in line with the other Q didn’t you?”
“What do you want John?” Q asked with something of a touch of shame in his voice. All the while knowing that John was right.
“Let me help.” John said. “Let those heroes be free to fight for themselves.”
“You know I can’t do that.” Q said.
“You can and you will.” John said. “Or do you forget the debt you yourself owe me.”
Q looked at John stunned. He didn’t think that John would do this. He didn’t think he’d call in the favor owed to him. A favor where John went to the Q to defend Q from a difficult decision. Q said he owed John a favor. Now he was looking to capitalize.
“All life is precious.” John said. “It should not be someone’s toy!”
“All right. I will arrange for you to free them.” Q said. “But if they return to the world of the Conquest they fall under the Q’s control again.”
“If they go back, it will be their choice.” John said. “I fully expect them to know the consequences of their actions.” Q nodded accepting John’s terms.
“Remember John the Lords are bound by the agreement and their doctrines. You cannot overtly interfere. No one can.”
“Only those bound by the agreement can’t interfere. Not everyone is bound by it.” John said leaving Q alone to think about what was said.
Q watched John leave, all the while having this strange feeling. _I wonder why I get the impression that he knows something I don’t._
Back at the Matrix team base Wreck-Gar was overseeing the Crystalis upgrades along with some of his Junkions. Some Junkions however found something that caused a great deal of concern. Concern they immediately relayed to AI-2 and Miyaka.
“Bridge this is LaForge!” Wreck-Gar said. AI-2 and Miyaka were wondering why he didn’t speak as Scotty. “Everyone does that.” AI-2 answered as Wreck-Gar continued.
“We have been caught with our pants down Hawkeye!” Wreck-Gar said. “The sensor grid has exceeded warrenty due to taking the American Tourister luggage challenge.” AI-2 and Miyaka wondered what Wreck-Gar meant when the answer came to Miyaka.
“Are you saying the sensor grid was sabotaged?” Miyaka asked.
“You are correct sir!” Wreck-Gar said. Miyaka answered “Stop calling me sir.”
Wreck-Gar turned and left leaving Miyaka and AI-2 to discuss what happened. “Are all your systems functioning? You still aren’t suffering from that Specter Squad virus are you?”
“All systems are okay.” AI-2 said. “No viruses present…but there is something.”
“What?” Miyaka asked.
“A transfer conduit was severed.” AI-2 said. “Deck four.”
“We must have a saboteur on board.” Miyaka said. “It’s the only way they could have gotten the jump on us.”
Miyaka and AI-2 were wondering just who the saboteur was. They wondered about their new medic, but figured it probably wasn’t her.
They needed to find out so they made their way to deck four.
In another section of the Crystalis Shadow wandered until he came across Karla. “What’s wrong mistress?” he asked.
“We have problems.” Karla said. “Pirotessa is here.”
“Pirotessa?” Shadow asked. “I’m afraid I’m not familiar with her.”
“She’s someone from my past.” Karla explained. “Back on Lodoss Island. A victim I inadvertantly created.”
“And now?” Shadow asked.
“Now she could jeopardize everything.” Karla paused before giving Shadow his instructions. “Have you been in contact with John?”
“I have. He said that he’s been allowed to help the Rangers Evil Q has under his control, but it’s with limited conditions.” Karla understood. There were some rules that the Lords couldn’t break. “I hope he can do what he can. In the meantime I will have to deal with Pirotessa.”
“Do you want some help with her?” Shadow asked.
“No. It’s best if I deal with her alone.” Karla said. “As long as she is focused on me you and Mirabilis will be free to act on your own. Besides I’m not without help myself.” Shadow noticed Karla’s other aspect come out of hiding. Jen-who wore the Quantum morpher.
“If there’s any trouble we can handle it.” Shadow nodded and understood. However they did not notice a huge shadow looming around. A shadow that belonged to Doubledealer.
And Doubledealer wondered just how to use this information to his advantage.
Demon Hunter and Neji Red fought tooth and nail. Demon Hunter moved with great agility while Neji Red tried to go for the smashmouth approach. So far she had been successful but she knew that she couldn’t evade Neji Red’s blows for long.
“You can’t dodge forever.” Neji Red sneered.
“I don’t have to. Demon Gunblade!” Demon Hunter brought out her weapon and fired it at Neji Red. Neji Red dodged the blast as it hit the steel construction of the chamber and ricochet all over the chamber until it slipped through a crack and landed on the outside. Demon Hunter ducked the blast as it grazed over her head allowing Neji Red to come in with a hard clothesline. Demon Hunter fell to the ground hard as she felt her own ears ring in her helmet. She hoped she did not have a concussion from the hard landing.
Neji Red however was able to capitalize with a kick to the stomach of Demon Hunter. Neji Red then asked “Did that hurt?”
“Not as bad as this.” Demon Hunter said as she fought for breath and manuvered her legs on both sides of Neji Red’s right leg. Immediately she forced him to overbalance and fall to the ground. Neji Red was grabbing his ankle howling in pain.
“Don’t worry. it won’t hurt long.” Demon Hunter got back up and the clock started. “1…2…3…4…”
Neji Red struggled to get back on his feet. Already he was on his elbows.
“5…6…7…”
Soon Neji Red was on his knees. He used the chainlinking of the chamber to climb back to his feet.
“8…9…”
Neji Red was back on his feet. His ankle felt sore but his Ranger healing would allow him to stand on it. Demon Hunter and Neji Red were getting ready for the next battle just as the second clock started. The countdown for the next combatant.
The countdown began. “10…9…8…7…6…5…4…3…2…1…”
The buzzer ran and a new participant entered the fray.
Red Zeo charged into the battle.
Meanwhile Miyaka and AI-2 were relaying their findings to those assembled. They couldn’t believe what they were hearing.
“A severed conduit?” Arcea asked. “Who did it?”
“We don’t know.” Miyaka answered. “And we have no time to find out either. We have to get to the Order’s base.”
“Is that wise?” Jason asked with Fort Max. “We could have a saboteur on board.
“We have no choice.” Optimus said. “The longer we wait the less accessible the prisoners will be.”
“I agree.”Miyaka said. But then Doubledealer decided to drop his own bombshell.
“I saw Jen and Shadow not far from deck four.” Doubledealer said. Soon everyone turned their heads towards them.
“It is true we were close to deck four.” Shadow said. “But we were discussing who was trying to hurt her. Surely you could not expect Jen to not be concerned by a warrior that had the power she did.”
“It did seem a little unsettling.” Rohan added. “Maeve’s spirit trapped inside that card.”
“How can you feel sorry for Maeve?” Deirdre asked. “She attacked Kells and would not rest until she had subjugated our kingdom. She deserved what she got!”
The other Mystic Knights could not believe what they had heard. “Deirdre how can you say that?” Angus asked. “You could not truly mean that Maeve deserved what happened to her.” Deirdre shot Angus and the others an icy glare.
“Bear in mind Maeve would have done to us what was done to her without a moment’s thought.” Deirdre said. “She wanted power as she always did, only the power consumed her instead. She will get no sympathy from me.” The Mystic Knights looked at Deirdre as if afraid of her for what she said.
_Or was it her?_ Rohan asked himself. _How much has that weapon affected her? Does she control it or does it control her?_
Rohan had no answer, but now was not the time to find one. Optimus took the lead and said “We still have to get our friends back. And right now we have no evidence to say either Jen or Shadow did it. So until we know for sure who sabotaged the relays we keep going with the mission.” Everyone agreed with Prime’s statement. “Now let’s get to stations and get our friends back.” Everyone followed Prime’s example and made ready to launch. Even Doubledealer who seemed to cast a glance in ‘Jen’s’ direction.
‘Jen’ also cast a look in Doubledealer’s direction. She knew the Powermaster was not one to take her eyes off of. On the bridge Night Karone was back in the pilot’s chair ready to fly the Crystalis again.
“All set.” Miyaka said. “Activating slipstream.”
The Crystalis entered the slipstream portal making its way to the Order’s base.
Larson continued to rifle through the storeroom where the Lara piece was believed to be. Larson’s zeal had not diminished since he began his search.
“For so long Croft you have taunted me!” Larson said. “Now I’ll have my way with you!” Larson searched high and low like a man possessed. He wanted Lara Croft, and he wanted her anyway he could have her. Even as a toy.
In fact Larson preferred it that way. He enjoyed thinking about how Lara would do whatever he wanted her to do. Already he was thinking of having her dance for him, in an exotic fashion. He also thought about other amusements as well. Amusements which only made him intensify his search for the Lara piece.
Finally Larson’s eyes came across the carved piece that represented Lara. He reached out his hand to grab the piece eager to have his way with the woman. To make her do anything he wanted.
Larson had several ideas running through his mind. All he needed to do was choose one.
Back on the Crystalis Lara seemed to zone out for a second as Sarah stopped her ninja practice and wondered if she was all right.
“Are you okay?” Sarah asked. Lara came out of her trance and looked at Sarah. “Yes fine. Just…thinking about Sara. Wondering if she’s all right.”
“We won’t have long to find out.” Sarah said as she left Lara. Lara decided that it would be a good time to check her pistols for when she might need them.
When the time was right Lara Croft would be as ready as she could be.
In Davros’s lab Bulk looked at Davros as he was using genetic material obtained from the Gold Zeo Ranger to clone and mutate a new form of life. For Davros it would be a new breed of Dalek. For the Cybermen it would be a way for the Cybermen to stand against their only physical weekness-the color gold.
“How is the research progressing?” the Cyberleader asked. “Are the results favorable?”
“Please do not rush me.” Davros said. “Research is a delicate procedure. The results of these mutations could provide a means to protect you from the effects of gold. I must make sure all variables are covered.”
“How is your research going to provide us with a protection against gold?” the Cyberleader asked. Davros went into an explanation.
“The mutate clones will provide me with genetic material I can apply to Cybermen technology and genetics. Each one is a different combination that can be applied to Cybermen to determine the right combination to use in your new Cyberization procedures, and to upgrade your existing forces. But are you living up to your end of the deal?”
“We are.” the Cyberleader said as he directed something being built off to the side. It had the shape of a giant pepperpot with spheres at its base and an eyestalk uptop. In the center were two sockets where a suckerarm and a blaster would be added on.
Davros looked off to the side as he saw the first of the new Dalek travel machines being built. The first of a new breed of empowered Daleks. Davros smiled at the creation being built.
Bulk however looked on in fear. If half of what he had heard about the Daleks was true he had to stop Davros no matter the cost.
In the meantime Bulk and Skull were trying to figure a way off their rotating roticerrie wheel just as Poindexter and Greenie were trying to figure out a way out of their trap. Bulk thought he might have an idea.
“Nudge the wheel.” Bulk told Skull. “If we can get it off its hinge even a bit then the wheel will be thrown off its axel and we can get free without being cooked to death.”
“All right Bulkie.” Skull said trying to jiggle the axel as he rotated upwards. Bulk also used his own weight to jiggle the axel, and after three tries the roticerrie wheel was off its hinge. “And they say I need to lose weight. Ha!” Bulk laughed.
With the wheel off its hinges Bulk and Skull were able to loosen their ropes. They were able to get out of their trap and help Greenie and Poindexter out of their traps. “Couldn’t you two get out?” Bulk asked. “I mean the escape was on an episode of Batman for crying out loud.”
“Sorry Bulk. We missed those episodes of Batman.” Poindexter said. Bretta however didn’t need to worry, for when the chamber was filled and had enough pressure Bretta just broke out sending shards of glass flying. “Good thing sand weighs a lot when you pack so much in.” Bretta said.
“It also helps if one is a freak of nature.” Skull said. This got a glare from Bretta but Bulk held her back. “No need to kill him. I’ll do it.”
“Can it wait until after Prancer is free?” Skull asked. That was when Greenie went and shut off the wax sprayer. But before they could make it back in to get her out the Doom Rangers appeared.
“Look they’ve escaped!” Doom Blue said. Everyone looked at Doom Blue and said “Duh!”
The battle was immediately on.
For a time it was a two on one attack against Neji Red. Both Red Zeo and Demon Hunter fought together, side by side, hoping to bring their adversary down.
Red Zeo fought Neji Red armed with his Saber Staff while Red Zeo used his Zeo Blade to stand against Neji Red’s strikes. Red Zeo proved he was fluent with the blade and gave Neji Red a run for his money.
From her subchamber Empress Bansheera looked at Red Zeo fighting and felt a part of her weep. Bansheera remembered giving the order to have Tommy executed. Part of her still had feelings for him, but the other part-the part that won the struggle-realized that Tommy was just too dangerous to live. It was the first Ranger execution she could not be a part of.
Demon Hunter was honored to be fighting alongside Tommy. She heard so many stories about him growing up that some believed he might even return from the dead again someday. Those were stories she didn’t believe though, yet it was fun to dream.
“All right! Let’s finish him!” Red Zeo said to Demon Hunter. Demon Hunter didn’t argue as she readied her gunblade to deliver the final blow, just as Red Zeo brought forth his blade.
“Now for some fun.” Evil Q held the Red Zeo piece and Red Zeo stood upright as he turned to face the Demon Hunter. He then delivered a right cross to her jaw followed by a beatdown. Neji Red also saw what happened and kicked Demon Hunter in the ribs.
Red Zeo had turned on the Demon Hunter and now he and Neji Red were beating her down in a two on one assault. Evil Q was having fun with his ‘toy’.
“The Tommy Oliver chess piece. Control him. Move him. Use him to ice a cake. One time he will be your best friend. Then he can be your worst enemy.” The assembled members laughed at Evil Q’s remark until the clock started again.
“10…9…8…7…6…5…4…3…2…1…”
The buzzer ran and another new participant entered.
The laughter stopped. Kincaid had entered the battle.
Up above from their vantage point the Rogues watched the chamber battle with interest. Rogue Ranger, Gront, Regar and Diamondback watched with great interest. Already Kincaid looked to be making serious impact.
“He reminds me of Corranedge in a way.” Diamondback said. “The same dark attitude. The same drive and determination.”
“Like our leader is executing mow?” Ace said as he pointed to Ravage as he was tinkering with the computerized lock. Ravage said theat he was working towards their freedom.
“Once we are free. We will find the master control and open all the cells inciting the other prisoners to riot.” Ravage said. “We will surely benefit from the chaos in their chain of command.”
“Corranedge is this wise?” Unia asked.
“What is unwise is sitting in this hole waiting to die.” Ravage said. “I aim to stand with a weapon in my hand doing everything I can to bring down my enemies.” He then cast a look at Unia as he added “And I will let nothing stand in my way.”
Unia then backed away leaving Ravage to do his work. He would open the door and launch his revolt.
And he hoped the darkest evil would try to stop him.