Inside their chamber the Rangers, Troopers, Beetleborgs Cybertrons and Dex waited and wondered what would happen next. Would Kimberly be back? Would Tommy be back? Would the Order want to ‘play’ with them again?
The last question sent ripples of fear into everyone. They hated being the Q’s playthings. And more than anything they wished to be free of that control.
“Hey guys! Look!” Trini said as the chamber door opened. Kimberly walked in and everyone wondered what happened.
“Guys, have I got a story to tell you.” Kimberly then began to speak of everything that happened in Bansheera’s chamber.
Bansheera’s chamber
Inside her chamber Empress Bansheera looked at the Kimberly Hart game piece she held in her hand. Bansheera had to admit the resemblence to the real thing was uncanny. _But then they probably wanted it that way so they could have better control over people._ she thought bitterly.
In all her years, in all her life, she had never seen anyone have as much contempt for life as Evil Q had. Not to mention the Q that he got those pieces from. The pieces that allowed them to control living beings. Bansheera, despite her evil, could not see Evil Q’s actions as anything more than a crime.
And as she looked at the girl before her, Kimberly Anne Hart, standing like she was some sort of doll awaiting commands Bansheera felt sorrow. Sorrow as Kimberly reminded Bansheera of a part of herself almost forgotten._But not completely is it Kimberly?_
Bansheera then held the Kimberly piece and then concentrated. Kimberly then felt herself moving as she had come out of her trance. Looking around she wondered where she was until her eyes fell upon Empress Bansheera. “What happened? Where am I? Who are you?”
“Someone who is very interested in you Kimberly Hart.” Bansheera said. “Someone who has much in common with you.”
“I’ll bet.” Kimberly said. “Why should I trust you?”
“Reasonable question. I’ll give you a reasonable answer.” Bansheera then started to change as her body started shrinking. Her face and hair had also changed from golden blonde to dark brown. Her skin color went from bluish white to a pinkish hue, and her teeth went from demon fangs to human teeth paired with dark red lips. Her dress had changed as well to a dark black royal gown that form fit Bansheera’s petite human body.
A human body that was exactly like Kimberly Hart’s.
“Okay.” Kimberly said. “What’s with the ‘make yourself look like me’ bit?” Bansheera/Kimberly stood up and walked up to her ear and whispered something Kimberly could not believe.
“Because I am you.”
Kimberly was staring at the image of the villaness who seemed to have taken her form. “No way. No way you could look like me.” Kimberly said as if in denial.
“You don’t like this form? I have another.” Kimberly/Bansheera then changed her form to that of a snow white furred cat, then into the form of Katherine, then to Trini, then to Divatox(to which Bansheera/Kimberly mock screamed in the nearby mirror), then to Rita, then back to Kimberly.
“No this body will work out fine.” Kimberly/Bansheera said. “After all it is the body I was born into.” Kimberly wondered what her counterpart meant. And how she got her power. Kimberly/Bansheera explained.
“I was Kimberly Anne Hart…until I became Kimberly Anne Mitchell and married Billy.”
“Billy?” Kimberly asked. “As in my Billy? But his last name is Cranston.”
“In your reality perhaps.” Kimberly/Bansheera said. “In mine however he was named Mitchell and we married and had two children. However at the birth of our second child…I seem to have…died.”
“Died?” Kimberly asked.
“Childbirth complications. But my daughter survived.” Bansheera/Kimberly said. “From what I hear my funeral was quite beautiful. All my friends were there, except for Trini who died in a car accident earlier.” Kimberly picked up the tone of sadness in Bansheera/Kimberly’s voice. Even then Kimberly’s friendship with Trini had been strong. “But still I could not rest in peace.”
“What happened?” Kimberly asked.
“My subjects happened.” Kimberly/Bansheera said. “They needed a body that held power, and mine was the chosen donor. It was to be used to resurrect the Queen Bansheera of their own world. However things did not happen as planned.”
“What happened?” Kimberly asked not sure she wanted to know.
“My…our…soul was reawakened, and had seen what the demons were looking to do. I had entered the body that was being possessed and Bansheera and I had fought each other for twenty years in our own combined mind. Trying to gain dominance over the other. It was quite the spectacle in our mind. But the demons were unable to fathom what was happening. They thought their queen had returned insane.”
“So what did they do?” Kimberly asked.
“Diabolico held them at bay.” Kimberly/Bansheera said with a touch of loathing for Diabolico in her voice. “At the time he was loyal to me and knew I needed to find my own way to inner order. And I did.”
“So…did I win?” Kimberly asked afraid what the answer would be. Kimberly/Bansheera let out a small laugh that unsettled her counterpart, then it grew and suddenly Kimberly had her answer.
“I take that as a ‘no’.” Kimberly said
“If it’s any consolation it wasn’t an absolute victory.” Kimberly/Bansheera said. “You lay dormant in my mind as I retained my original personality, but as time went on some human traits started to emerge. Traits like honor, dignity, and most of all love. It was then I realized that I wasn’t pure demon anymore. I was also half human.”
“Half human?” Kimberly said. “That must not have sat well with some.”
“I made sure it did.” Kimberly/Bansheera said. “However there were some ‘concessions’ that had to be made.”
“Concessions?” Kimberly asked. When Kimberly/Bansheera explained what those ‘concessions’ were Kimberly could not believe her ears. “You saw to it our friends were executed?”
“I had no choice.” Bansheera/Kimberly said. “There were those pressuring for a total plundering of the planet. The only way I could prevent that from happening was to…make some sacrifices. My friends had to be them. Especially Tommy.”
“Tommy’s dead where you’re from?”
“All of them are.” Bansheera/Kimberly said. “Including their families. No Ranger bloodlines exist where I’m from. Except one.”
“The Demon Hunter?” Kimberly asked. Kimberly/Bansheera nodded.
“She was a daughter who was time lost.” Kimberly/Bansheera explained. “The daughter of Andros and Ashley Hammond. The Red and Yellow Astro Rangers.”
“Astro Rangers?” Kimberly asked. “I’ve never heard of them.”
“You will before long.” Kimberly/Bansheera said. “In fact you’ve already met who they will be.” Kimberly thought of the Matrix team members she had met and she made the connection. “But getting back to my story, the Demon Hunter came and she had come across powers she could use against my rule. She has become a thorn in my side that I must remove.
Kimberly was trying to take in everything she heard._Could my future actually turn out that way?_she thought._I become a demon and betray my friends?_
“So why are you telling me this?” Kimberly asked.
“I guess.” Kimberly/Bansheera paused before speaking. “I guess I’m hoping that you will take another road. Forewarned is forearmed if you know what I mean.” Kimberly nodded in understanding and promised that she would do everything she could to change her future.
“One more thing.” Bansheera/Kimberly said. Kimberly turned back and asked “What?”
“Make sure you save Katherine.” Kimberly/Bansheera said. “Don’t let her die. I didn’t know how losing her would affect me…until she was gone.” After that Bansheera/Kimberly turned back into her monstrous form. That of the Empress Bansheera.
“She didn’t imply that you and Kat…” Richie started to say.
“I don’t think so.” Kimberly explained. “I think it goes deeper than that. Like there’s some…connection between us.”
“What connection?” Trini asked. Kimberly honestly said she didn’t know. “Right now we have other things to worry about.” Everyone agreed.
“Like what Tommy’s doing.” Kat said.
“And what’s happening outside.” Kaitlin added.
After several minutes Ravage opened the door and the Rogues overpowered their guards. Gront and Regar took the weapons and followed Ravage’s lead, as did the other Rogues to find the central core to free the others.
They didn’t see Stasia standing in a corner calling on her com link for more security forces.
Kincaid took his time entering to chamber. His eyes surveying Neji Red and Red Zeo. His eyes turned to Red Zeo as they looked ready to face each other, however Neji Red came in and placed his arm before Red Zeo. A look in Evil Q’s direction told him ‘He’s mine.’ Evil Q granted the request.
“Leave us. The Demon Hunter is yours.” Neji Red said. Red Zeo walked off to the side allowing Neji Red and Kincaid to face each other once again.
“So Kincaid, we meet again. Only this time we are not on your world.” Kincaid said nothing.
“Do you not speak?” Neji Red said. “Are you not going to say how I shall be beaten?” Again Kincaid said nothing.
“If you will not speak. Then perhaps this shall speak for me!” Neji Red delivered a right cross which Kincaid blocked. This then caused him to unleash a series of punches. Upstairs-downstairs-Kincaid let Neji Red have it with a series of lefts and rights. He then gragged the arm of Neji Red and threw him to the walls of the cage. Neji Red bounced off the cage wall and Kincaid delivered a side kick to Neji Red’s chin knocking him back down. Kincaid stood waiting for Neji Red’s next attack.
Demon Hunter found herself facing Red Zeo. A battle she was not looking forward to.
And yet Red Zeo was capitalizing on that hesitation and was delivering sword strikes with great intensity. Thanks to Evil Q’s direction. “Enjoying the show Empress?” he asked the demon ruler.
Empress Bansheera looked to see Red Zeo taking it to Demon Hunter. On one hand she enjoyed seeing Demon Hunter having it taken to by a version of the man she once loved. On another hand however she did not like how Red Zeo was forced to move like a puppet for amusement.
“It is a…pleasing sight.” Empress Bansheera said not letting her nausea show. She instead tried to focus on Red Zeo taking it to the Demon Hunter. His Zeo sword striking her Demon Gunblade, which she was barely able to draw.
Demon Hunter regretted the battle most of all. To her Tommy Oliver was a legend, and she hated to have to fight him like this, swords crossing in a battle only intended to amuse those that were playing god with life, and trying to subjugate worlds to their will, and destroy those that wouldn’t.
And what hurt most of all was that she was losing too. Red Zeo’s strikes were becoming more intense with each strike, as if he was being fed a power she couldn’t hope to match.
Neji Red was not one to be taken for granted. He launched his own flurry of punches and blocks against Kincaid. Kincaid followed suit as he countered Neji Red’s blows. Neji Red then tried a new approach as he changed his fighting style to a more one handed sothpaw fighting style allowing time to reach his Saber Staff. Neji Red was able to grab his weapon and deliver a slash that Kincaid barely was able to avoid, but Neji Red did clip Kincaid’s helmet leaving his right eye visible.
“Good!” Neji Red stated. “I want to see your eyes as I destroy you. I want to see your eyes as you know death is ready to come down on you.”
“You may be in for a long wait.” Kincaid said as he drew out his own Saber Staff. Now it was a crossing of the blades.
Off in another corner Red Zeo and Demon Hunter had a similar crossing of blades. One Demon Hunter would lose if she didn’t come up with an idea.
Demon Hunter then had an idea. She turned towards Empress Bansheera in the subchamber and said “What’s the matter Empress? Can’t finish me yourself? Or do you have to have a demigod do it for you?”
“You insolent child!” Empress Bansheera shouted. “If anyone should finish you I’m glad it’s Tommy Oliver! It will be so wonderful to see you destroyed by a legend.”
“A legend you didn’t control!” Demon Hunter said. “Come on. You afraid to get your hands dirty?”
Empress Bansheera glared at Demon Hunter when Evil Q passed along the Red Zeo game piece to her counterpart in the stands, Queen Bansheera. “You wish to finish the job yourself?” Queen Bansheera smiled as she took the piece and held it ready to control Red Zeo…just as Demon Hunter hoped.
_Perfect._ she thought as she threw her Gunblade at Queen Bansheera’s arm and cut it causing her to lose hold of the piece. The piece then fell from the balcony and dissapeared down into the stands. Members of the Order stumbled over each other to find it only for the piece to get lost in the melee.
Red Zeo stood like a puppet with no one pulling his strings. This allowed Demon Hunter to deliver a roundhouse kick sending Red Zeo down, but not out as the 10 count did not go into effect.
Neji Red and Kincaid fought as their blades clashed. Each blow was as intense as the last. So intense that even when they lost their blades the two went on to fight hand to hand.
The battle was hell. Kincaid had shown no quarter and Neji Red expected none either. But when Kincaid delivered the Dragon Sleeper Neji Red felt awareness leave him. Still to his credit Neji Red would not submit. He would not give up even though his body was ready to pass out.
And when Kincaid released the hold Neji Red fell limp and the elimination count had begun.
“1…2…3…4…5…6…7…”
No movement came from Neji Red. The count resumed.
“8…9…10. You’re out!!!”
Neji Red was teleported out of the chamber. He had been eliminated from the match.
Just then alarms sounded. A prison break was happening. “Zanzibar deal with it.” Evil Q ordered. “The match continues.”
Sure enough Zanzibar left just as the Red Zeo game piece appeared in Evil Q’s hand once again.
Demon Hunter and Kincaid stood together against Red Zeo. “So you ever face Tommy before?” Demon Hunter asked.
“Not really.” Kincaid answered. “But I guess there’s always a first time.” The two warriors looked on to face Red Zeo in what looked to be a two on one battle.
Despite everything that was happening the clock started again.
“10…9…8…7…6…5…4…3…2…1…”
The buzzer rang. Another combatent entered.
Destructor.
Pow Ranger and Doom Red started things out first. it looked to be a straight out battle of power with each one landing good blows.
BIFF!!!
Doom Red looked to have Pow Ranger on the ropes. After a sucker punch she started wailing on her adversary.
SOCK!!!
Until finally Pow Ranger launched into a jaw breaking uppercut sending Doom Ranger back a good couple of feet.
POW!!!
Dog Ranger was running around fast. So fast Doom Green couldn’t get a lock on him, until suddenly he stopped and barked loudly catching Doom Green of guard. Doom Green then turned…
…and ran smack dab into the Burger Ranger.
OOOOFFF!!!
Burger Ranger had his counterpart and Doom Green to deal with. With a hard clothesline Dog Ranger sent Doom Green into Doom Black and then Burger Ranger belly flopped hard onto the unsuspecting prey.
SPLAT!!!
Nerd and Geek Rangers were facing three Doom Rangers, and they handled them as best they could, by running around in circles until Burger Ranger and Pow Ranger came in with running clotheslines knocking them down.
ZOWIE!!!
That was enough to drive off the Doom Rangers. They left in hopes of finding a way to turn the fight to their own advantage. But with the Doom Rangers gone the Blunder Rangers could shut off the wax sprayer and attend to their trapped friend.
The Blunder Rangers then carried out the encased form of Prancer Dancer covered in form fitting wax. Nerd Ranger said that she made a great wax dummy.
“Isn’t she usually a dummy?” Geek Ranger asked. Pow Ranger just silenced them as they escaped.
The alarm was heard in other areas of the base as Epyon listened and had an idea as he looked at Sara. “Oh do I have plans for you!” he sneered as he went to look for the Sara piece. A piece Domonique had and fingered as she looked at her ‘toy’ and sneered.
“I hope your ancestor is with them. I will enjoy it when you face her…and kill her.”
Inside the Nexus the Crystalis exited the slipstream not far away from the Order’s castle. What they saw they couldn’t believe.
“Tell me I am not seeing things.” Sarah said as she saw the Leviathan parked off to the side.
“I’m afraid it is.” Fire Convoy said. “A massive vessel that could destroy entire planets, if not universes, with the right source of power.”
“Which could be why they wanted the Matrix of Evil in the first place.” Slasha said. Night Karone looked up from her position and said “We definitely have our work cut out for us.”
“Better rally the troopes.” Miyaka said as she addressed the situation to the rest of the Matrix team. None of them were going to back down. Especially one other.
“Are you sure you can handle this?” Miyaka asked. “I mean you’re…”
“Only human?” Lara asked. “That I don’t have any powers or special abilities of my own?”
“I mean no offense.” Miyaka said. Strangely enough Lara was not offended.
“It’s not the first time I’ve been in a situation where I’ve been in over my head.” Lara then sat down and motioned Miyaka to do the same.
“Let me tell you the story of a spoiled rich girl. Basically was born into aristocracy, pampered and given everything she wanted. She had her whole future mapped out for her. She was going to be a stereotypical stuck up snob and spend her days looking elegant and waited on hand and foot. Then she and her parents went on a plane trip, and the plane caught fire. The girl’s parents, fiancee’ and the pilot were all dead. She was the only survivor, alone and in the kind of trouble that kills someone.”
Miyaka listened to Lara’s story as she continued. “Her money couldn’t save her. There were no servants looking to wait on her. She was on her own. She had to fight to survive. A spoiled rich girl wouldn’t last two minutes in the crashed wilderness, so little by little the girl adapted to her surroundings, changing as she struggled against the elements. Killing animals to survive, eating off plants and berries, learning as she went, until the point that the girl that crashed in that wilderness was not the same one that found her way back to civilization. She was no longer a spoiled rich girl. She was a different person.”
“Was that person you?” Miyaka asked. Lara smiled and nodded.
“As far as I’m concerend this is no different that that crash in the unforgiving wilderness. I will just have to learn to survive and adapt all over again. Besides Sara is my friend, and no one is going to stop me from freeing her.”
Miyaka nodded as she accepted Lara’s view. Miyaka was glad that someone with Lara’s fighting spirit would be with them. Soon all the members of the Matrix team were assembled and ready to board as Night Karone pulled up to a docking moor and the automated moorings secured themselves.
“Let’s be careful people.” Miyaka ordered. Everyone thought it was good advice, one especially.
The one ready to sell out the rest of the Matrix team.
Sure enough the Rogues made their way to the central core, but Ravage felt something was wrong immediately. “This operation is too easy.” Ravage said. “I think we are heading into a trap.”
The door to the security room opened and soon Stygian stood with Stasia and several Tek’Latha. Outnumbered and outgunned, with no chance of victory. All the same Stygian ordered an immediate opening of fire bringing down the Rogues. They all fell into unconsciousness as soon as the weapons struck.
“Escort them back to their cells.” Stygian said. Stasia sneered as he saw the Rogues being escorted away.
The monstrous leader of the Order stood before Kincaid and Demon Hunter and sneered. “Well, what all do you have to show me?”
Kincaid started with trying to do a leg sweep to knock Destructor off balance. Demon Hunter delivered a flying side kick to Destructor’s chin knocking him back, but not down.
Destructor then shifted his body weight and got into a position where he could launch himself into a spear. He launched himself towards Kincaid who ducked out of the way, but Destructor didn’t hit any wall. He caught himself on the cage chain as soon as he could and turned to face Kincaid.
A wall of fire soon erupted around Destructor who just walked through it. “Is that all you have?” he asked.
“No.” Kincaid said as Sharon brought forth her Demon Gunblade for a strike. Destructor however brought forth Hope Stealer to deflect the sword strike. Kincaid tried to get in his own strike but that was reflected by Damner.
“I have no time for this.” Destructor said as he shifted his swords so that all the weapons flew their own way, and Destructor launched hard clotheslines knocking Kincaid and Demon Hunter down.
“I’ll deal with you later.” Destructor said to Demon Hunter and Kincaid, who were trying to reorient themselves and get up before the ten count. Destructor’s attention was then turned towards Red Zeo.
Ready to unleash his mercilless assault.
Destructor moved to grab his blades Damner and Hope Stealer and twirled them around like a master swordsman. Red Zeo held his own blade as he was still under Evil Q’s control. “I hope you won’t make things TOO easy for me.” he said to Evil Q.
“Don’t worry I won’t.” Evil Q sneered. “We shall both get satisfaction from this battle.” Evil Q then put Red Zeo into position and made the first strike which Destructor deflected. The crossing of blades continued with everyone watching the spectacle.
If Destructor had a moment to feel truly alive, this was it. Here he was battling who could only be described as one of the greatest Power Rangers of all time. And as Destructor crossed his blades with Red Zeo’s he could see why.
There was a determination in Tommy Oliver. A strength of will that couldn’t be measured. It was measured in every attack and defence Tommy had given. For a moment Destructor almost respected Red Zeo.
But only for a moment.
And it was almost respect.
Destructor then brought forth his blades and caught the Zeo Power Sword in between his own blades. The force of the clashing blades soon caused the Red Zeo sword to shatter like it was broken glass. All Red Zeo had to hold was the hilt, and he soon felt one of Destructor’s blades on his throat.
With Red Zeo disarmed Destructor thought about cutting off the Zeo Rangers’ head, but decided against it. He felt it would give him no satisfaction to just behead him.
No…Destructor wanted to beat Red Zeo within an inch of his life. And the way that was done was by plain old fashioned fists.
And sure enough Destructor did so. With all the strength and fury in his being he started with a hard backhand sending Red Zeo flying back. Soon a series of fists followed as Red Zeo tried to fight back but a lot of blows had hit him more than blows had hit Destructor.
Soon Red Zeo could take no more and he fell to the ground. Destructor loomed over the fallen Red Zeo. The evil smile spread as the count began.
“1…2…3…4…5…6…7…8…9…10…”
Red Zeo was teleported out of the chamber. He had been eliminated. Mercifully.
Back in the holding area everyone turned to see Red Zeo appear and demorph. Kimberly was surprised to see how badly Tommy was hurt.
“Tommy! Tommy are you okay?” Everyone was asking.
Tommy was too beaten up to comprehend the words being said.
Destructor stood triumphant in the chamber basking in thr triumph he had shown in beating Red Zeo. He then turned towards Kincaid and Demon Hunter barely on their feet. Destructor looked at Demon Hunter and thought she would have made a great slave in his harum. _Yeah bozo. Keep telling yourself that._ she thought.
“What about you hero? You had enough?” Destructor asked confidently standing over Kincaid, only to be in for a great big surprise.
A hard fist came from Kincaid hitting Destructor square in the eye blinding him momentarily. Kincaid wasted no time in launching himself into a spear to knock Destructor further down to size then clubbing blows to the back of the neck. Kincaid then wrapped his legs around Destructor’s neck and applied a triangle choke.
Destructor fought to try to get a breath. He had to use his swords to help himself stand as blackness started to swirl in around him. Then in a despiration move Destructor sat down hard on the ground allowing Kincaid to take the brunt of the impact on the back of his head and neck. Kincaid’s triangle choke was weakened enough for Destructor to get out of it and catch his breath. Adrenaline surging through his body fueling his fighting spirit.
Destructor was on one knee when he felt a kick to his jaw, delivered by the Demon Hunter. Destructor was back down on the ground as Demon Hunter waved for Destructor to get back up. Then the clock started again.
“10…9…8…7…6…5…4…3…2…1…”
The buzzer rang. The last combatant entered.
Empress Bansheera.
The Empress threw her robes aside allowing her armor to be shown. It looked to be a black and gold sleeveless number reflecting a hard trim body underneath. She looked to be the ultimate demon specimen. Queen Bansheera looked on impressed by what she saw of her counterpart.
Empress Bansheera looked on at her three possible opponents. Destructor, who was the one who had stolen the Matrix of Evil from her yet was part of an alliance with. Kincaid who was getting on his feet proving his own tenacity. Finally there was the Demon Hunter who was a thorn in her side ever since establishing the rule of the demons.
It was no contest. Bansheera delivered a hard side kick to Demon Hunter’s face knocking her down. Destructor was back on his feet looking to put Kincaid away.
Now everyone was branched out into their own private fight. Destructor vs. Kincaid and Empress vs. Demon Hunter.
All the combatants were looking to prepare for a war.
As soon as Prancer was freed she was talking a mile a minute.(Author’s note:I’ll spare the reader what she says just this once. I just don’t have the patience to write words a mile per minute.)
“SHUT UP PRANCER!!!” all the Blunder Rangers said. Burger Ranger made a comment about perhaps her being left in wax but Pow Ranger said they had to get out quick. Soon as they left the room however they ran into the Doom Rangers again who had a special visitor.
“MALES!!!” Monster Bretta said getting a running charge.
The Matrix team made their way through the corridors of the Order’s base. All the while keeping their eyes and ears open to anything that could have been dangerous.
“Hold up a minute guys.” Alison said. “I have a feeling there’s something down there I need to check out.” Before anyone could speak Alison walked down the corridor leaving a shimmer behind as Astro Ashley separated from her sister. “Don’t worry. I’m watching her back.” Astro Ashley said before following Alison.
“Let her go.” Sarah said. “She knows what she’s doing. I hope.” Soon everyone resumed their march down the corridors of the Order’s base. Soon everyone had the feeling as if things had been going too easy. Those feelings came to a head as soon as they saw Sara all armored up in her Witchblade armor.
“Sara!” Lara said running to her friend, only for Sara to raise the Witchblade and fire a blast at Lara. Lara was knocked back hard against the wall she was disoriented. The next moment Domonique walked out holding Sara’s game piece. “So. Do you heroes like my new toy?”
Deirdre walked forward with her blade and ready to make her move, but Domonique snapped her fingers and Destrons and others appeared out of the woodwork.
“I was expecting you.” Domonique said as Gelshark tossed a set of concentrated energon cubes to Doubledealer. A clear sign that they had been sold out.
“Hey a deal is a deal.” Doubledealer said as he backed away. The rest of the Matrix team was facing the Order’s guns.
Alison and Astro Ashley walked down the corridor seeing where it led. “You holding up sis?” Alison asked.
“Yeah.” Astro Ashley said. “I guess merging with you for a while kept me intact.”
“Well let me know if you need to do that again.” Alison said. “I don’t want you dissapearing because you couldn’t get back to your body in time. I want a sister back home. And Andros wants his wife back home.” Astro Ashley nodded as if saying she’d be careful. Soon they reached the end of the corridor where there was a mutated creature sitting in some kind of souped-up wheelchair, three metal men, and ten machines that reminded the girls of the wheelchair the creature was in.
“Have you found the secret needed to protect the Cyber race from gold?” the leader of the metal men asked. The mutant seemed to cackle as if amused by the question.
“Of course I have found the secret. I could not use Cybermen technology to create my new breed of Daleks without discovering it, for I do not wish my Daleks to have the same weaknesses that the Cybermen have.” the mutant known as Davros said. The Cyberleader then asked what the secret was. Davros just seemed to cackle even more, almost maniacally.
“The knowledge I possess gives me power over you. You cannot kill me or you will lose the secret. I however can kill you! ARISE MY DALEKS!!!” As if on cue the mechanical beings arose and brought their weapons to bear against the Cybermen. And then Davros gave the order.
“EXTERMINATE!!! EXTERMINATE!!! EXTERMINATE!!!”
Beams of death shot out of the Dalek weapons sending the Cybermen down on the ground. Their organic components burned with fire as if every cell in their bodies exploded. Alison and Astro Ashley watched in horror as to what took place. The next thing that happened was a figure loomed over them imposing his gigantic stature.
It was Bulk. The Gold Zeo Ranger.
Davros turned holding the Bulk game piece on the front of his chair. “Ah. More specimens.” Davros smiled as he saw Alison and Astro Ashley being escorted to him.
It had been not too long since Kimberly returned and they heard her story. But nonetheless everyone was waiting for the other shoe to drop.
They didn’t have to wait too long as everyone in the room soon found themselves transported out like a teleport beam. When they all arrived they found themselves in some sort of ordinate palace. Kaitlin looked out the window and saw a space unlike anyone had ever seen before.
Where are we? Red Zeo asked.
In a realm outside the confines of reality. A voice said off to the side. The Morphin Rangers, Zeo Rangers, Outsiders, Beetleborgs, Masked Rider, and VR Troopers all turned to see a masked ninja stand off to the side.
“Who are you?” Yellow Morphin asked.
The voice said “What you are now I once was. What I am now you may become.”
“Not if the Q have their way.” Lillian said. The voice said “They won’t. I guarantee you that.”
“How?” Drew asked. “They can make us their puppets anytime they wish. All they have to do is take a piece and we could be doing showtunes in battle.”
The voice then stepped out of the shadows. It had belonged to Shadow. “They won’t. There is a way to beat their control.”
Everyone was listening after that.
Larson found himself waking up surrounded by a mess.
“Oh man!” Larson said as he felt his head. “I haven’t been hit that hard since that horse knocked me senseless.” Larson remembered a time when he got too close to a horse and got kicked in the head. Larson felt no pain, but it was clear he lost something due to that kick.
“Now what was I looking for?” Larson asked as he looked around and remembered a piece of puter he was looking for. A piece cast in the image of someone he knew.
A piece cast in the image of Lara Croft. Someone he wanted to punish for past humiliations.
A piece that was now gone.
The Matrix team found themselves surrounded by the Order’s forces. Thanks to Doubledealer’s betrayal.
“You’ll pay for this Doubledealer!” AI-2 said. “We should have known to never trust you.”
“That’s right. You shouldn’t have.” Doubledealer said. Just then Zhane and Karone had detatched from Doubledealer and transformed into their normal modes. They landed hard as if they had been force detached from Doubledealer. Doubledealer looked down at his two partners in contempt.
“Did you really think I wanted partners again?” Doubledealer asked. “I liked working alone and answering to no one. And I’m looking forward to those days again. I don’t want to be locked into one side.”
“And you don’t think the Order will try to do that?” God Magnus asked.
Doubledealer had no answer as a strong beam had struck him in the eye knocking him back. The beam came from Deirdre’s Witchblade.
“Autobots, Cybertrons! Take them.” Sure enough the Cybertrons moved in to take their adversaries as did the rest of the Matrix team. Deirdre wasted no time in facing Sara.
“I regret what I’m about to do.” Deirdre said as she activated her Witchblade. Sara stood motionless but said a silent prayer. _Deirdre. Please stop me!_. Soon her blade activated and the two wielders were facing against one another. Sara made the first move drawing her blade down as a sword protruded from it. Deirdre deflected the blade with her own, and soon the fight began with two wielders crossing their blades like swords.
Lara looked on at the fighting Deirdre and Sara, waiting to make her move.
Both Demon Hunter and Night Ranger found themselves on the receiving end of debilitating punishment. Kincaid and Destructor were fighting with everything they had. But with Demon Hunter and Empress Bansheera it was a lot more personal.
“So.” Empress Bansheera said looking at Demon Hunter. “You, who have been a thorn in my side for years. The last connection to the Ranger legacy, in this chamber ready to be destroyed by my hand.” Demon Hunter looked at Empress Bansheera and thought of all the Rangers and their families who had died, including her own parents.
“Rage! Rage against the dying of the light!” Demon Hunter said staring at Empress Bansheera. “I am that rage Bansheera, and it shall consume you.”
“Nice quote.” Empress Bansheera said. “Too bad your literary skills won’t save you.” Empress then fired a blast towards Demon Hunter who dodged the shot. “Demon Gunblade!” Demon Hunter called out bringing her weapon to bear like a rifle and squeezing off a few shots.
Empress lifted up high in the air spinning like a tornado before initiating a flying lunge knocking Demon Hunter back against the Chamber wall. The cage wall held as Demon Hunter felt the impact of steel against her armor. Empress backed away leaving Demon Hunter staggaring, but still standing.
Empress then delivered a side kick and back kick to Demon Hunter sending her back. Demon Hunter caught a third roundhouse kick and held the leg in place allowing her to get in a leg sweep knocking Empress down. “Demon Edges!” she then called as her gunblade separated to become her bladed weapons which Demon Hunter sought to impale Bansheera with. Empress Bansheera rolled out of the way as the blades came down. Demon Hunter then delivered a side kick to Empress Bansheera’s head ringing her bell a good way.
Bansheera rolled out of the way and got to her feet. Immediately she felt dizzy. Demon Hunter looked to be getting ready for a last strike. Both got into a position ready to launch against one another.
Bansheera and Demon Hunter then launched at each other colliding in mid ring with hard clotheslines from the other. The force of the clothesline sent both combatants down…and out cold as the count began.
“1…2…3…4…5…6…7…8…9…10!!!”
Empress Bansheera and Demon Hunter both were teleported out after eliminating each other.
That just left Kincaid and Destructor to face off against each other. And the remains of this battle would not be for the weak of heart.
Alison and Astro Ashley stood facing Davros who was eying them curiously.
“An interesting development.” Davros said. “A genetic replica of one another. I have theorized what such a life form is capable of, but to put those theories in practice. Well…”
Alison and Astro Ashley shared a look and then Astro Ashley said “You’re in for a long wait as her body shimmered and transformed into a ball of energy that shot out at Davros. Davros was shot back across the room knocking the Bulk piece off his chair. Astro Ashley then reformed her human form and picked the piece up freeing Bulk from Davros’s control.
The Daleks started to regroup as Alison called forth a lightning strike which hit most of the Dalek casings and the Cybermen wreckage ensuring no one survived from there. What Daleks didn’t get hit Bulk took care of. “IT’S TIME FOR A GOLD RUSH!!!”he called out using his sword to blast the remaining Daleks. Soon no one was standing.
Alison gave the Bulk piece back to Bulk and said “Get back to your friends. Help them anyway you can.” Bulk nodded and left the room as Astro Ashley and Alison looked at the mess they were in. “Uggh! Disgusting.” Astro Ashley said as Cybermen wreckage and Dalek mutant spewed everywhere. Davros however was nowhere in sight.
“Let’s find the others.” Alison said. Soon the sisters were back on the hunt.
Evil Q looked on at the chamber battle when he felt a presence around him. He turned to see John of Kobol standing behind him.
“I wondered when you would appear.” Evil Q sneered. “You Lords are so soft when it comes to lesser beings.”
“And you Q are so conceited that you close yourselves off to the consequences of your actions every time you decide to ‘have fun’.” John said. “I’m asking you Evil Q let them go or suffer the consequences.”
“What can you Lords do?” Evil Q said. “They belong to the Q. They are ours to do as we see fit. And that includes me.” John however said nothing.
“What’s the matter? Nothing to say?” Evil Q sneered in John’s direction, but John said nothing. Evil Q found this confusing. Usually the Lords offered some speech of some sort, but John offered none. Evil Q thought he had John right where he wanted him.
“Admit it. You are powerless to stop me.” Evil Q smirked. That was when John dropped his bombshell.
“Maybe I can’t do anything, but that doesn’t mean that the Rangers can’t do anything.”
Evil Q maintained his smirk not letting John sense what he was really feeling. He heard John’s every word and figured that he was up to something.
_What are you up to lord?_
The answer came in the form of a woman appearing before the Rangers from the Shadow world. Her arrival was indicated in the form of a deafaning sound and then an appearance in a room full of white. The heroes however found themselves morphed in their Ranger uniforms, but their costumes were all in a shade of white. Not to mention the armors of the armored heroes. Bulk also joined as he was taken from the corridor he was running down and found himself with his fellow Rangers.
“Who are you?” Zeo Psi asked the woman before them.
“My name is Serina. I am here to help.” the woman said.
“Help what?” Zeo Punk asked. “In case you forgot we’re nothing but a bunch of Barbie and Ken dolls to the Q here.”
“That’s not completely true.” Serina mentioned. This caught everyone’s attention. You do have a power to fight them with. A power that the Order, Evil Q and those like them try to take away.
What is this power? Pink Zeo asked. Serina answered her question.
The power of choice.
“What’s that?” White 2 asked. Everyone else was curious to know as well.
“Everyone of you has a right to choose their fates. It is the sacred right of all living things to choose their own fates. But it’s also a power that others seek to take away.” Serina said the last line with a hint of sadness. Chromium Gold however asked “Then how come the Q have taken our rights from us? How come we are their puppets?”
“It is a long and complicated story.” Serina said. “But part of it lies in the Q trying to prove that the younger races were not developed enough without some force to guide them. The Q proved a case, but we found out they falsified a lot of evidence. And by the time we figured out what the ‘guidance’ entailed it was pretty much too late for us to do anything about it.”
“But there’s a way to be free right?” Masked Rider asked.
Serina smiled and explained. “Since you are out of the universe the Q have jurisdiction over you are able to exercise your powers of choice. You can choose your fates and the Q will not be able to impose on you.”
“Well what are we waiting for?” Zeo Shadow said. “Let’s get to it.”
“You must also realize the consequences of this choice.” Serina said. “If you choose to be free, you will fall back under the Q’s control once you return to your home reality.”
“What?” Kimberly shouted. “If we go back home we’ll be toys again?”
“That was the arrangement made. By powers long before any of you were born. There is a possibility that there will be a power to challenge such control, but it’s just that. A possibility.”
“So we can keep our freedom but never go home again.” Lillian said laying out the choices. “Or we can go back home and be puppets again.”
“Yes. But that’s a choice you don’t have to make now. There are other choices you can make.” Sure enough the heroes all made use of their power of choice.
I choose to fight for the side of good. And to always let it’s light guide me. Red Zeo vowed.
“I choose to be free, and to welcome all the aspects of myself.” Pink Zeo vowed.
I choose to be a person. To make my own decisions, and to live my life to the fullest. No matter what anyone may say about me! Yellow Zeo vowed.
“I choose to love. And to fight for that love!” Blue Zeo vowed. Silver Zeo couldn’t help but smile.
“I choose to be a Ranger, and to fight for good. Not for the Q.” Green Zeo vowed.
“I choose to be myself. Not as a punk, but as the White Zeo.” White Zeo vowed. Pink Morphin had to smile at that admission.
I choose to let go of the hate! To give myself to the light and the joy that comes with it! Silver Zeo vowed.
“I choose to be the best Ranger I can be!” Black Zeo vowed.
“I choose to follow the path laid before me!” Purple Zeo vowed. She felt a tug in her brain, but passed it off as a headache.
“I choose to stand with my friends, and to be the heroes Skull and I always thought of ourselves as being.” Gold Zeo vowed. There were some chuckles from the others.
“I choose to choose my own future. My own fate.” Nathan vowed.
“I choose to be alive.” Zeo Ranger vowed.
“I choose to be human and Zarakin. I choose to be my own woman.” Zeo Blade vowed.
“I choose to be darkness that fights for the light.” Zeo Shadow vowed.
“I choose to be me.” Zeo Phoenix vowed.
“I choose to choose my own fate.” Zeo Psi said.
“I choose to climb out of the hole of my life. Along with my friends.” Zeo Punk vowed.
“I choose to be a warrior. To fight for my own causes. Not the ones programmed into me by a madman.” Zeo Knight vowed. The Outsiders shared this vowed silently.
“I think there’s nothing we can’t say that hasn’t been said by everyone here.” Jason added. “But I think we all agree that we choose our own destinies.” There wasn’t a Morphin Ranger that didn’t agree with their leader. Kimberly, Trini, Zack, Billy, David, Samoht and Tanya all nodded.
All four VR Troopers thought the same thing, but it was Ryan who did the speaking. “We choose to fight for our own beliefs, and for the ones we love.” A glance was shot in Katie’s direction, and Kaitlin had to turn away as she saw it.
“The Beetleborgs also made their own choice, and it was Drew who spoke. “We choose to grow and be our own person. We will not be dictated by beings that choose for us.”
“I fight for Edenoi and Earth. I don’t fight for the Q.” Masked Rider said.
Finally, in unison, all the heroes present in the mental pocket dimension shouted WE CHOOSE FREEDOM!!!
That was when all hell broke loose.
Evil Q and John continued to have their staredown when a wall exploded. To Evil Q’s horror he saw the Morphin Rangers, Zeo Rangers, Outsiders, VR Troopers, Masked Rider and Beetleborgs blasting through taking down whatever was in their path. Evil Q waved his hand as if trying to control them again, but nothing happened.
“Your controlling days are done Evil Q.” Red Zeo said. “There’s nothing you can do anymore.” Evil Q saw the heroes breaking free and wondered how this was possible. He glared at John who just smiled innocently. “You did this?”
“How?” John asked. “I’ve been speaking to you the whole time.”
You have no jurisdiction here! Evil Q said to John.
I did nothing. They chose their own path. You and the other Q no longer have any control over them. With a smirk John faded leaving Evil Q to deal with the revolt.
“STOP!!! I COMMAND YOU!!!” he shouted. But it was to no avail.
The revolt was underway, stronger than ever.
The wielders of the Witchblade fought with intensity and force. Traits reflected in the battle they fought against each other.
With the clanging of blades to the shows of power that came from blade impact Deirdre and Sara were locked in combat. Deirdre however was holding back her fairy magic attributes hoping to get Sara freed. But as the battle went on it seemed less likely to happen. So engrossed in the battle she didn’t notice the pistol taking aim behind her.
Lara held her gun at the back of Deirdre and noticed Domonique sneering. Domonique figured that soeone had retrieved Lara’s piece and was controlling her. The second wielder would be brought down…
…or so Domonique thought.
As Lara squeezed the trigger she changed her aim to the Sara piece Domonique was holding. Lara fired a bullet and the shot hit it’s mark…the Sara Pezinni piece that Domonique held. The piece shattered in Domonique’s hand. Sara was shaking the cobwebs loose of her enspellment, free of Domonique’s control.
“Lara?” Sara asked finally able to speak on her own.
“Sara! You’re free!” Lara said as she rushed to hug her friend. Deirdre was also happy that Sara was freed, as now Domonique had two wielders to deal with now. Lara, Sara, and Deirdre turned to face Domonique who beat a hasty retreat.
“Thanks for freeing me.” Sara said.
“I couldn’t have done it without that Quantum Ranger.” Lara said as she took out the game piece cast in her own image. “She kept Larson from getting his hands on me.”
“Larson? Ewwww!” Sara said. “Well shall we do something about it?”
“Lets.” Lara said as she set her piece down. Sara activated her gauntlet and fired a bolt at the piece incinerating it. Thus freeing Lara from potential control as well.
Soon the three women rejoined the battle, with the Order being in retreat. Alison and Astro Ashley also appeared and rejoined the battle.
Destructor and Kincaid stared each other down. The last two in the chamber, and Destructor looked down at his adversary.
_The most dangerous Ranger powers in existence._ Destructor thought _When I defeat Kincaid there will be no disputing my claim as lord over all. Destructor then brought out his swords Damner and Hope Stealer to face aginst Kincaid.
In turn Kincaid drew his own weapon and brought it to bear against Destructor. Each one staring at the other wondering who would make the move.
Destructor made the first move delivering an overhead strike with Damner which Kincaid deflected. Destructor then tried to deliver a strike to Kincaid’s midsection but Kincaid maneuvered the Saber Staff to deflect the blow. They broke the weapons connection and faced each other again.
Again the blades clashed. Destructor trying to land in his strikes while trying to deflect Kincaid’s own. Kincaid doing likewise. Both fighters trying to increase their intensity, then Destructor tried a different approach as he used the hilt of Hope Stealer to deliver a right cross to Kincaid’s jaw. While his helmet did protect him Kincaid did feel jarred by the contact.
Destructor however capitalized as he delivered strike after strike to Kincaid. His Ranger powers protected him, but they were taking a beating as well. Destructor was going to give Kincaid no time to recover so he did not let up on his attacks.
When it looked like Kincaid could barely stand Destructor added insult to injury and delivered a hard side kick knocking him down. Kincaid could hear the count.
“…1…2…”
Kincaid climbed the chain link fence of the chamber. He still felt the effects of Destructor’s hitting power, but something strengthened his resolve.
“…3…4…”
He looked at Destructor and saw an evil being triumphant. Something Kincaid could never allow.
“…5…6…”
His power surged within him clearing his mind. His anger surfacing turning into rightous fury. The pain was pushed back.
“…7…8…”
The count stopped as Kincaid stood but Destructor launched a clothesline at him knocking Kincaid down hard, but Kincaid was back up at the count of three. That was when Destructor followed up with another clothesline. The count was on again only Kincaid was up at the count of five.
A third clothesline from Destructor came forth. Kincaid was on his feet seeing three of Destructor in his vision field taunting him, wanting him to get in a strike so he could humiliate Kincaid further. To spit on all that was good and laugh about it. It was then that Kincaid knew what to do in that dilema after seeing Rocky IV.
‘Hit the one in the middle’.
And Kincaid did-hard.
So hard…Destructor was cut open.
Destructor’s eyes went wide as he couldn’t believe what just happened. No one had ever slighted him in such a manner, and Kincaid was not finished yet as he landed punches and kicks against Destructor. A furious assault that left Destructor reeling to the point that he needed to get in a sucker punch to the chin, but that didn’t stop Kincaid as he speared Destructor knocking him back down.
A ring of fire then circled the chamber and around the two combatants. Both were in the chamber to fight, which either combatant could possibly win.
Destructor looked around the chamber as it was all ablaze and smiled. “This almost seems like home.”
Kincaid said nothing. He didn’t want to waste time with witty banter. He just wanted to end the fight.
It became a streetfight. A matter of who wanted it most. Destructor wanted to show everyone who was master, and beating a Night Ranger was a good way to prove that. Kincaid however wanted to bring down another evil being who would cause pain and destruction all for his own pleasure. Each blow the other gave was filled with resolve and determination for their respective causes. Kincaid however seemed to be gaining steam as he prepared to deliver his final move.
The Soul Flames burned in Kincaid’s hand. Destructor tried to make sure the flames didn’t connect. He did not want to find out what would happen if the flames made contact. He brought forth his leg and pushed Kincaid back. He then tried to get a running charge to strike Kincaid but Kincaid deflected the blade with his own Saber Staff.
It was back to being a crossing of swords. Each combatant doing all he could to vanquish the other. Then the blades became locked with each other and the swords flew away. Just as quickly as it became a sword fight, it was back to being an unarmed battle.
The last straw came when Kincaid and Destructor geared up for a running clothesline. Both were at different areas of the chamber and they were gaining steam. Finally they launched at each other, struck, and struck one another with such force that when they fell to the ground…
That the chamber collapsed all around Kincaid and Destructor as the supports at the bottom imploded from the impact. The walls of the cage broke down and started falling to the sides almost hitting some of the spectators. Kincaid and Destructor were both out due to the impact of the collapsed chamber. No count was given-for the timer was damaged during the implosion of the chamber.
Kincaid and Destructor struggled to get to the other’s feet. Both had given their all, and the chamber resembled a battleground after a terrible war. However for the combatants that wasn’t enough as both struggled to get to their feet and continue the battle despite the ruined ring.
The next thing anyone knew an explosion had taken place. Everyone was distracted by the sight of the Morphin Rangers, Zeo Rangers, Outsiders, Beetleborgs, VR Troopers and Masked Rider leading the charge to enter. Followed by that were the Cybertrons and Night Rangers, as well as the Specter Squadron and Demon Hunter’s crew. The Order tried to defend but they were caught by surprise, and couldn’t mount a full defence.
“STOP I COMMAND YOU!!!” Evil Q shouted.
“Sorry. I’m not listening to you!” Red Zeo said as he called forth the Defender Wheel and locked it on Evil Q. When it was charged and ready he fired it and it struck Evil Q hard. Evil Q wondered how it was being done when he looked up and saw Q standing above him.
Kincaid recovered and left the ruined chamber to join the other revolters. The chamber battle left no clear cut winner. The match was declared a draw.
Destructor didn’t like fighting to a draw. One way or another he vowed to make sure he and Kincaid finished buisness one day.
As everyone was looking to pick a battle Epyon tried to scurry away when he found Lara Croft waiting at one end of a corridor. “Going somewhere?” she asked. Epyon tried to clear her out of the way but Lara held a gun to Epyon’s chest, and the safety was off.
“Not yet. There’s someone looking to speak with you.” Epyon then turned and saw the women he was toying with glaring at him.
Lara watched as the women Epyon had prisoner were ganging up on the rat getting their own pound of flesh. Sleazy rat. she said with a smile as she and Sara walked out of their battlefield.
The Doom Rangers seemed to have the Blunder Rangers prisoner after Monster Bretta’s attack, but the Blunder Rangers had more tricks up their sleeve.
“And now our special guest star!” Burger Ranger said as he brought forth a dinner bell.
Gold Zeo looked up to see his Blunder Ranger counterpart ringing some kind of dinner bell. This bell got Psycho Gold’s attention. Especially when he saw where the bell was coming from.
Gold Zeo and Psycho Gold saw something they couldn’t believe. Burger Ranger standing near what looked like an all you can eat buffet with practically every sort of food you could have imagined. If Psycho Gold believed in heaven he would have thought the buffet table was it.
Where’d the buffet table come from? Gold Zeo asked as his counterpart made his way to the buffet table and proceeded to make his meal. What was made was a combination so disgusting this author cannot post it here.
Oscar the Grouch would be so proud. Pow Ranger said as she looked at Buulk pigging out. The guards returned to take the Blunders away but the Blunders had nothing to be ashamed of. Nerd Ranger understood the decision, and logic, behind it. And what may look to subjugate workers is signs of victory and logic as the tyrants become overthrown.
The Doom Rangers appeared ready to attack. The Blunder Rangers however quickly dressed in drag and pointed in Doom Rangers’ way as Monster Bretta appeared.
“MALES!!!” she shouted going after the Doom Rangers forcing them down a cartoon hole Dog Ranger left.
The Doom Rangers were out of the picture.
From their cells the Rogues recovered and immediately went after Stygian and his forces hoping to bring him down. They noticed a lot more people going after adversaries as well. The heroes from the Shadow World sought to bring measures of revenge against those that sought to make toys out of them. The Night Rangers went into their own battles. The Autobots and Cybertrons fought against Gigatron’s Decepticons and Galvatron II’s Destrons.
Everyone had a battle, including Karla who tried to take her time ship out of the battle for her to observe, but one adversary would have none of that.
Karla found her time ship stopped in space. Not even the Q-Rex worked. She knew why. “Pirotessa.”
“Welcome to my ambush Karla.” Kartia, or Pirotessa, said as she removed her helmet to show her face. “I cannot allow you come any further.”
“You’d allow Evil Q and Destructor to continue to manipulate the Rangers like pawns for their amusement?” Karla asked.
“How is it any different than what you did to me, to my people… to Ashram.” Pirotessa demanded.
“I never did it out of amusment.”
“Save it witch,” Pirotessa returned, “I’m doing existance a favor by riding it of you. After your dead and your soul destroyed, I’ll leave this place. I don’t care what the outcome of this wreched war is. All I want is your final death.”
“… you make it sound as if it will be so easy.”
“It will be,” Pirotessa said as she lifted up the hair that covered the right side of her face… and caused Karla to gasp as she saw that her right eye had now been replaced with a golden metal eye. “After all, how can you defeat me in the Shadow World when I possess the Millenium Eye, allowing me to read your mind? The answer is that you can’t! You will die here Karla! You WILL die!”
Karla reached within her robes to pull out her Shadow deck in order to play another round of Shadow Games, but a blast of energy shot at her hand causing the deck to scatter all across the landscape. Above her Pirotessa smiled.
“Did you think defeating me would be like another one of your games?” Pirotessa sneered. “Did you think I’d allow you to demean this conflict with an amusing approach? No, this is life and death. Both of which will be yours!”
Pirotessa raised her hand up high in the air bringing forth a surge of yellow energy. Energy that took the form of a monstrous dragon that Karla seemed to know well, and the sight of it caused a well of fear to rise up inside her.
For the dragon looked like Kardis, the dark god of Lodoss.
“Yes Karla. Be afraid. Be very afraid!”
Blasts of energy struck Karla. She tried to mount a defense, but Pirotessa would have none of it. Immediately she directed the image of Kardis to strike.
‘Kardis’ let loose a blast of power that felt like she was being fried from the inside out. She then fell to the ground like a puppet with its strings cut.
“How ironic.” Pirotessa sneered. “That you fell the way you did. After all, did you not use people like puppets? Then cut them off when they were of no use to you?”
Karla tried to reach down deep for a spell, but Pirotessa was again not allowing it. This time she sent forth what seemed to be like a goblin horde to pounce on her and devour her. Pirotessa was enjoying every minute of it. “How ironic. The many devouring the one. How will the one fare?”
Pirotessa then brought forth her fist showing the ring, as if willing it to do her bidding. Again the image formed resembling Kardis. Karla felt her life was at an end.
“What’s the matter Karla?” Pirotessa sneered. “No place to play one of your games? No way to get off one of your spells? Or to call on a pawn of your choosing? Are you finally realizing your death is at hand?”
Karla said nothing. She looked at Pirotessa as she sent more energy her way. It hurt Karla as it hit her.
“Are you afraid to play your games? Did someone try and stop you? Are you afraid of someone?” Karla felt a nerve strike her as Pirotessa mentioned fear. She turned to glare at her when she saw the aura around Pirotessa, and the color of the energy constructs sent her way. It was then that realization crossed her mind.
_Of course. The energy. Yellow! It’s yellow!_
Karla knew that the entity she was facing was based on one emotion within her. One within every living being.
Fear.
And now thanks to the Millenium Eye Pirotessa knew that too. But it didn’t matter anymore. _At last the grey witch will die!_
“It will do you no good witch!” Pirotessa shouted. “You have no will against me! You are just a spirit that went from body to body! Only you are trapped in the one you now have.”
“I’m not done yet.” Karla said as she focused within herself, calling upon the aspect of herself that she had shared with the previous owner of her body. Before the Grey Witch, before the Quantum Ranger, even before being in Time Force as the Pink Ranger.
It was the aspect that was Jennifer Summers, Time Force Officer.
In a flash of light Jen emerged from a nearby bluff. She looked down at Karla who was badly beaten and looked up at Pirotessa who hovered with her yellow ring. Pirotessa looked down at Jen and tried to scan her through the Millenium Eye. “Bah, you are no threat to me! You are not worth a spell!”
“Don’t be so sure!” Jen said. “I know of one thing that can stand against you!” She then closed her eyes and called forth an image in her mind. An image of a ring shaped like a lantern. Beside it a lantern glowing of green energy.
“Call to it Jen.” Karla said laying on the ground injured. “Use your will.” Jen closed her eyes as she opened her mind to the object she had sought.
In the Shadow Palace a ring sat on a pedistal. It had been a gift from another world where she had dealt with an entity that fed on fear. Also by its side was a green battery which dissapeared.
The ring then rose from the pedistal and flew out the nearest window. The last Power Ring of the Green Lanterns flew from the palace, making it’s way to it’s bearer.
Jen looked up at the sky as the battery appeared in her hand. Also coming forth was the ring as it flew towards her. She then recited an oath that was common among Green Lanterns.
“In brightest day in blackest night!”
A surge of green erupted around Jen.
“No evil shall escape my sight.”
The ring flew towards her.
“Let those who worship evil’s might…”
Jen stuck out her hand allowing the ring to come to her.
“Beware my power…”
The ring touched Jen’s hand causing a flash of emerald energy all around her. When the flash faded Jen’s clothes were changed. Instead of her black jacket, red shirt, plaid mini skirt and black boots, she now wore a black and green body suit with white gloves and white boots. A symbol of a lantern on her chest. Her eyes were not the grey of Karla, or the brown they had been before.
Jen’s eyes were an emerald green.
The color of willpower.
“Green Lantern’s light!”
Jen Summers stood next to Karla. Only Jen was in the garb of a member of the legendary Green Lantern Corps. “What is this?” Pirotessa asked.
“The opposite force to your fear.” Karla said. “Willpower!” With that Jen fired an emerald burst of energy at Pirotessa. Pirotessa was thrown back hard.
“Want more?” Jen asked. Pirotessa got back up and glared at Jen. “So, the witch has to rely on another trick to save herself! Well it won’t do any good! I’ll destroy you just as surely as I destroy her.”
“I wouldn’t count on it.” Jen said as she helped Karla up and stood at Jen’s side. The human and the sorceress now stood as one. United by will against one empowered by fear.
Only there was no fear in the trinity before her.
“Very well. A test of wills!” Pirotessa aimed her ring at the two as Jen brought hers to bear against Pirotessa. Karla continued to hold onto Jen adding their willpower to Jen’s ring. Pirotessa poured everything she had into her ring, and seemed to be driving the triad back.
“Her ring leeches off yours.” Karla said. “Give it more power and it will overload. Jen did so and the yellow ring exploded taking Pirotessa with it.
Jen and Karla stood at the spot where Pirotessa had been. No trace remained of her.
“It has ended.” Karla said.
“Has it?” Jen asked. “Can you look at everything that has taken place and say that this is truly over?”
“No.” Karla said. “I do know it is over…for now. She may still return. And there may be more sins I have yet to pay for.”
“We shall deal with those later.” Jen said as they looked at the sight before them. Jen and Karla saw everyone fighting someone. It was as if one would need a scorecard to see who all was fighting who.
The battle was starting to pick up in the forces of goods’ direction when Silver Zeo saw a shape duck behind some rocks. _Someone’s trying to slip by. I’ll bring him in._
Silver Zeo took off in pursuit of Harper as White Trooper 2 looked in that direction herself. Ryan, Silver Zeo’s going after someone on her own. I’m going to give her some help.
Be careful Katie. Blue Trooper said wishing his girlfriend luck. White 2 followed through the crevace herself meeting up with Silver Zeo at a dead end. What brings you in this neck of the woods? Silver Zeo asked.
Looking to see if you needed any help. White 2 answered.
As much as I appreciate the gesture, it looks like I didn’t need it. Our quarry’s gone. Both Silver Zeo and White 2 looked around the crevace and found nothing. Sighing White 2 thought that they had better get back to the main battle.
Good idea. Silver Zeo said. Both heroes turned around to walk out when they were dropped to the floor from behind. With the wind knocked out of them they could not recover fast enough from the boots to the chest they were receiving. In White 2’s case however it was the energy blasts to the chest.
Both girls looked up to see Imperator Harper looking down at them. Harper then fired a blast from his sword shattering Silver Zeo’s helmet leaving the face of Jessica Belle exposed. Keeping his blade steady Harper kept both girls well in his sights.
Come with me. Harper said. It’s time an old friend learned his lesson.
Spirits were getting higher as the heroes built momentum. Everything the Order had thrown at them was being driven back and the heroes were standing tall.”
“We’ve got them on the run!” Rodimus Convoy said. “Keep pushing them back!” The fight however stopped when someone shouted “Look!” No one knew who made the shout and no one cared. All attention was focused on White 2 struggling in Imperator Harper’s grip as he brought out a sword and delivered a strike across White 2’s armor as if it was butter. Then when White 2 fell Harper then threw her over the edge of the plateau.
KATIE NO!!!! Blue Trooper shouted as White 2 was thrown to the ground below. Blue Trooper rushed immediately to her side.
Just hold on Katie. He was saying. We’ll get you someplace safe and you’ll be all right.
She shook her head. No. she replied. I can feel it-something’s happening to me. Indeed, her armor was beginning to flash oddly, and flicker in and out. Blue Trooper looked up helplessly.
JB. What’s happening to her?
Black Trooper did a scan, and let out a slow breath. I-
Tell me. White 2 said, with some difficulty. The whole truth.
Something in that sword disrupted her molecular structure. It’s causing her Trooper energies to go into a state of hyper-catabolisis. In short-the powers are eating her alive. He said quietly.
Can we stop it? Bumblebee asked in a low tone. Black Trooper shook his head. It’s happening too fast. By the time we got her to a ship she’d be gone anyway.
Suddenly White 2’s armor faded away leaving only Katie staring up at Blue Trooper with half-focused eyes. Ryan. she whispered.
Retroform command. In a flash Ryan Steele was human again holding Katie in his arms. Don’t try to talk. he murmured. God please don’t leave me. You have to fight this-I need you too much.
She smiled. I love you Ryan Steele. I’m so glad-I got the chance to know you, even if it had to end this way. I wouldn’t change a thing.
Tears were running down Ryan’s face now as the other heroes formed a barrier between them and the hellish environment surrounding them. I love you too Katie. God, I’m so sorry. You shouldn’t have to die. If anyone, it should be me.
Don’t say that! she managed. You have to go on! Too many people...love you Ryan. Your father, J.B., Tao, Kaitlin, Jeb, the Professor...Ryan, you must go on. You can’t give Grimlord the satisfaction.
Ryan shook his head. I don’t want to live without you. He whispered.
I am always with you. she replied raising her hand to his heart. Here.
And I am always with you. he told her. Dropping his head he kissed her softly. When he pulled back she smiled.
Thank you for loving me. she whispered. Then her eyes closed and her body was still. For a long moment nothing happened, then her form began to glow and slowly dissolved as the last of her body was consumed by her powers. Blue Trooper watched as Katie Star disappeared forever leaving only her virtualizer in her place. The gem was dark and cold signifying that the life force it was tied to had ceased. Everyone around Blue Trooper saw what had happened and were saddened by what was done.
NO! Ryan’s cry echoed throughout the battlefield. A sound of indescribable anguish. Then he collapsed in a sobbing heap.
But it wasn’t over. Not by a longshot as Harper held his second hostage. Silver Zeo Ranger Jessica Belle.
“Awww now isn’t that sweet?” Harper said looking down on the heroes from the plateau he was standing on. Ryan turned to Harper seething and looked ready to charge. Blue Zeo however held him back.
“No don’t!” he said. “He’s still got Jessica.”
“Yes. I do.” Harper said as he took off Silver Zeo’s helmet and revealed Jessica’s face. A face contorted in fear wondering what the madman before her was going to do next. Right now all he did was sneer at her.
“You’re going to die you know!” Harper said. “You’re going to die today, and you’re going to die right now.”
Jessica stared at Harper and managed to get out one word. “Why?”
“Why not?” Harper answered. “Truth be told it could have been anyone. It’s just that you and Miss Star were in the right place at the right time. Now all I need is the right signal.”
Blue Zeo then shouted “Let her go you monster! Let her go now!” Harper then turned to Jessica and spread his sneer wide. “And that was it. Prepare to meet your maker.”
Jessica Belle looked down at Blue Zeo as if saying a goodbye to the man she loved. _Goodbye Rocky. I’ll always love you._ she thought before she felt the snap of her neck, and knew no more.
JESSICA!!!! Blue Zeo cried. Tears streaking down inside his helmet that no one could see. Harper however sneered at Blue Zeo’s display and threw Jessica’s body to the ground below.
Every hero looked up at Harper. Anger in their eyes, one in particular as Jeffrey Kincaid locked eyes with his long time nemesis. Harper in turn locked eyes with Kincaid and the intensity between the two of them grew.
This could have been avoided Jeff. Harper said. They didn’t have to die you know. Every hero looked at Kincaid and at Harper and could feel the intensity building. It reached the boiling point for Kincaid when Harper said his next line.
All you had to do...was KNOW...YOUR...PLACE!
Blue Trooper and Blue Zeo looked on in shock by what Harper said. You mean...Katie’s death...was just to teach one Ranger a lesson? Blue Trooper said in disbelief.
You murdered Jessica...just to build your own ego? Blue Zeo said.
No. Harper said. It was meant to tell Kincaid down there who was truly superior. How many people have to die Jeff? Harper said in mockery. How many have to die before you accept that you are nothing more than a loser! Harper then stood gloating as if looking down on Kincaid as if it was his divine right to do.
Kincaid however was building to a fever pitch, and suddenly without warning, let out a howl and did a running charge towards Harper knocking him down with a clothesline. The momentum of the two carried them over the crevace down to the fire pits below.
Come on! Deirdre said beckoning the others to follow her as if wanting to see the fight continue. No one argued as they all went to the top of the crevace to see Kincaid and Harper in their most intense battle yet.
Not far away the Order was also watching the events with great interest. Especially when Harper murdered White 2 and Silver Zeo. “I see that boy has put my Virtual Blade to good use.” Grimlord said cackling.
“And we’ve got one less Ranger to deal with!” Biilly said with glee. His Dark Ryders and Doom Rangers may have failed, but Harper looked as if he might just win.
Zanzibar however came up to Destructor’s side and asked his partner. “Do you think that Harper can take Kincaid this time? I mean, he hasn’t had much of a success record in the past.”
Destructor looked at the running clothesline Kincaid gave Harper. You know I think watching this will be most interesting. Win, lose or draw. Destructor said as the rest of the Order turned to the fight as well.
The force of the clothesline sent Harper and Kincaid tumbling down the rock face which surrounded the fire pits. They landed on the edge where both combatants quickly got to their feet hoping to get in the first shot against their hated adversary, one another.
Both stood staring the other down. Kincaid’s face was a mask of rage underneath his helmet. Harper’s face was monstrous but his statement was clear. He wanted Kincaid humbled and defeated. Kincaid however was going to make sure Harper paid for each and everyone of his crimes.
This ends here you bastard. Kincaid said. One way or another your reign of terror ends here. Kincaid then brought out his sabre staff and ignited both ends.
It ends with you either humbled or dead. But I guess I can take the latter. Harper ignited his own blade, which was like an old cutlass broadsword. Both stood ready for combat. Around the ring of fire the Order and the Rangers all watched as Kincaid and Harper prepared to go at it.
Sharon looked on with concern and asked Blue Night Ranger Jessica Stewart Do you think he can win?
Jessica and Night Karone both looked at the Demon Hunter. In all the fights I have seen Jeff in. Never have I seen him more intense than he is now. Karone agreed with Jessica’s assessment and looked down at the fight which began with an overhead strike from Kincaid which Harper deflected.
Both combatants stared each other down until Kincaid gave the first strike with a swing from above which Harper blocked. Kincaid then did another strike and Harper blocked that one just as well.
Come on Kincaid. Is that the best you can do? Harper asked sneering. Kincaid however had more in his bag of tricks than Harper realized. Making ready to deliver another sabre staff strike Kincaid then ducked down at the last second and delivered a spin to the back of Harper’s knee sending him off balance. Quick to stay on the advantage Kincaid stomped the ground where Harper lay.
Harper however rolled away avoiding Kincaid’s feet until he was backed against the wall. Standing over Harper Kincaid noticed his weapon sitting off to one corner just within reach. He would have thought it was too easy, but Kincaid knew that sometimes a fight is never ‘too easy’. Leroy taught him that lesson all too well.
Come on Harper is that all you have. Pick up your weapon and fi… Kincaid never got to complete his sentence since a magma stone hit him from behind cracking the helmet and exposing the back of Kincaid’s head. Oh no! Pink Zeo shouted.
Come on Kincaid get up! Kyle shouted. But Kincaid was down on the ground and Harper quickly got up and stood over him as if taunting his adversary.
As you said Kincaid, Pick up your weapon and fight! Harper said with a sneer. Destructor, Empress and Zanzibar looked at Harper from their side and were impressed with how their Imperator was looking over his quarry ready to drop the blade. Also not far away Mirabilis and Shadow were watching as well.
Looks like it will be over soon. Mirabilis said as he watched Epyon rubbing his hands in anticipation like a little kid waiting to get to the good part of the movie.
Don’t be so sure. Shadow replied. The battle is not over yet.”
And sure enough it wasn’t as Kincaid was able to rebound with a back spin and delivered his leg to the back of Harper’s left knee sending him down to the ground himself. Kincaid quickly got back up and ripped off his helmet so Harper could see his face. Scar, statement of rage and all. Defend yourself! he challenged.
Gladly! Harper said as he launched into a running tackle hoping to take Kincaid down, but instead Kincaid dodged the attack and sent Harper running towards a bridge that looked ready to fall, and was half on fire. Both had their weapons put away, and were relying on plain old fashioned fists.
No karate’, no extreme fighting moves, nothing signifying any sort of normal Ranger battle of any kind. This was not a typical battle, THIS WAS A FIGHT!!!
Each punch that both combatants threw were thrown with intensity, but Kincaid had something extra going for him. He had the drive and determination to make sure Harper would never hurt another person to get at him again. He also felt the presences of two warriors who had recently been killed but were allowing Kincaid to be their instrument of vengeance. _Avenge us!_ they said.
Kincaid felt Jessica and Katie’s presences and knew that they, as well as the spirits of the other heroes were driving him on. Harper wondered what he had to do to put Kincaid away, until out of desperation Harper delivered a kick to Kincaid’s privates sending him down on the rope bridge floor. Harper quickly stood up ready to throw his adversary into the molten fire that was exploding below.
See you in Hell Kincaid. Hope you enjoy the ride! Harper sneered as he made ready to throw Kincaid over the rope rail into the liquid fire below. Kincaid knew this however and called upon his own primal force of fire to send a burst up from the liquid and smack right into Harper’s face.
AHHHH! Harper screamed as the molten fire burned his face. The Imperator was sent staggering back long enough for Kincaid to get his bearings. When Harper was recovered enough Kincaid got a running charge and did a lateral press which enabled Kincaid to land on Harper’s chest sending him staggering to the ground of the shaky bridge. Kincaid however didn’t let up as he delivered punches that looked to be covered in flames across Harper’s face, burning him more than he was already burned and adding a few bruises for good measure.
Everyone watched as Kincaid delivered the flame covered blows. Red Zeo even asked Blue Night what that was Kincaid was using.
“Fisted fire.” Jessica answered. “Fire that hits in two ways instead of just one.”
After giving Harper enough of his ‘fisted fire’ Kincaid got Harper back up only to clothes line him back down again. Racing to the other side Kincaid waited for Harper to get back up then did a running tackle knocking him down.
At the third try Harper caught onto Kincaid’s plan and as he was charging Harper ducked out of the way and grabbed Kincaid’s jacket vest sending him over the rope bridge down towards the fire pits below.
Oh no! Yellow Zeo said afraid for Kincaid’s safety.
Harper stood over Kincaid who was dangling from one strand of the rope trying to hold on for dear life. Harper sneered as he looked down at Kincaid. Now this is more like it. You looking up at me, and me looking down on you. Now this is how it’s supposed to be!
Kincaid however continued to glare at Harper. You’ll never be better than me. No matter how powerful you get, no matter how you decide to make yourself uglier. You’ll still be a pathetic loser.
Except I’m not the one who has lost the fight now am I? YOU ARE!!! Harper then kicked Kincaid’s fingers hoping to make him lose his grip and send him into the lava pit which was starting to grow in flame intensity, not due to Kincaid though.
Did you think you were the only one with fire as their Primal force? Harper asked. I can do anything you can do only better.
Not everything! Kincaid said as he tried to gather enough of the supernatural aura he could, and with the spirits of Katie and Jessica helping him Kincaid launched himself into the air and set himself down on the old burning bridge and fought again. Intensity only increasing as the Fisted Fire returned driving Harper back, but the further the two combatants went out on the bridge, the more unsteady it became.
But that didn’t matter to Harper who lunged for Kincaid hoping to make a last ditch effort to throw him over into the fire pit below. Kincaid however was able to telegraph the move and used Harper’s own momentum to throw him over the rope railing into the fire pit below. Harper however wasn’t done with his nine lives yet though.
He grabbed to bridge rope hoping to prevent his fall. Kincaid looked down at Harper not saying anything. Not doing anything. Just standing and looking.
Harper however was doing a lot of begging. “Please Jeff, I’m sorry for everything I’ve done. I’m sorry for killing those two girls to get to you. Please! Please! SAVE ME!!”
Kincaid however did not move. He just continued to look down at Harper, and saw all the pain he had caused. All the lives that were lost due to the madman’s quest to humble one individual. It was so tempting to just let him hang there and rot. Wait until he had fallen into the fire pits that were erupting with his magma. Put the monster out of his misery and make every dimension in the multiverse safe again.
_But that’s not the Ranger’s way._ Kincaid thought. _Not even the Night Rangers’_ He reached out to Harper and said “Give me your hand!” Harper however looked at the outstretched hand as if in disbelief.
Harper then reached out to Kincaid’s ankle and pulled him off balance. Kincaid landed on his butt as Harper continued to grab Kincaid’s foot looking to pull him into the firepits with him, or to use the Red Night Ranger to climb out while Kincaid is pulled down. Either way Harper was going to see to it that Kincaid would die.
Kincaid however had other plans as he brought his good foot to Harper’s face. _I gave him the chance. He chose not to take it!_ he thought. Delivering several kicks Kincaid said I...have had...enough of...YOU!!! And with the final kick Harper lost his grip and fell into the fire pits below. His body was marked by a burst of flame that erupted from the molten magma below where he had made contact.
Everyone looked down at where Harper had landed. The Order realized that they had lost one of their allies and that there was no point of staying. “All right everyone!” Evil Q said. “Retreat! We’re leaving now!”
Destructor looked at Evil Q curiously. “Is that wise Evil Q? I mean we have not weakened them enough as much as we’d like.”
“But these Rangers have been weakened enough.” Evil Q said. “Two of them are dead. The others are severely weakened and their morale has gone down. We have more of a chance now than we did before had we not attacked first.” Stygian then pointed to the firepit and said “Besides…” as if he was looking to show something that could only be seen to be believed.
The part of the firepit where Harper had landed had exploded. Flaming magma, rocks and steam erupted like a geyser as a feeling of power emanated from it only to be dispersed across the many corners of Interdimensional space. “By Dagda! What is that?” Rowan asked. Even though he was the Mystic Knight of Fire, the spectacle he saw had overwhelmed even him.
“That’s Harper’s power leaving him.” Baba said as he rested on Tommy’s armored hilt. “Since he landed in the fire pit the power he possesses is being scattered to where no one can make use of it.”
“Oh my god!” Sara said as the geyser erupted. Never before had she seen anything so apocalyptic. And Kincaid was near it as he stood on the bridge trying to get his bearings. As the flaming whirlwind erupted Kincaid let out a howl that seemed so inhuman. A howl of pain that shook both good and evil to the core. No one knew what to make of it.
Finally the cyclone of flame died down and Kincaid stood on the rope bridge. He was weak, but still standing.
Evil Q however wanted nothing to do with any more of the current battle and repeated the retreat order. Some teleported out while others teleported to their ships to escape. Soon Interdimensional tears started to form and the Order of Destruction had made good on their escape.
The Rangers, Cybertrons, Troopers, Beetleborgs, Mystic Knights, and any other hero that went with them on this adventure continued to stare at Kincaid as he struggled to make his way back across the unsteady bridge back to their side of the rock face. When he made it to the other side and out everyone asked him if he was okay, or how he flattened Harper good.
Kincaid didn’t say anything. No acknowledgement was given for any of the heroes praise or concern. He did however cast a glance in Blue Trooper and Blue Zeo’s direction and shared a look that no one could understand or comprehend. And no one would ask for a good long time what that look meant.
Kincaid continued to move like a zombie making his way to his motorcycle. Getting on he turned on the engine and started it. He then revved it towards the Crystalis as he made his way there.
Kat asked what Kincaid’s problem was, and Pink Zeo wondered the same thing. Jessica and Night Karone continued to look at Kincaid roaring to his zord, and they were at a loss for words.
For even Night Karone, a talented telepath from KO-35, could not pick up what was going on in Kincaid’s mind. It was like he was on Auto pilot.
Soon every Ranger, Cybertron, Autobot, Trooper, Beetleborg, hero, Mystic Knight or whatever made their way to their ships and followed the Order’s lead. They got the hell out of there.
Shadow and Mirabilis stood on their own plateau and looked down at the battle’s resolution. “Quite the fight wasn’t it?” Shadow asked.
Mirabilis however said nothing as he teleported out. Shadow however looked down at the firepits and mourned the losses of Katie and Jessica before he too teleported out.
Back in I.D. Space the Order was flying towards their base onboard their ships. On each one warriors and evil beings alike were licking their wounds hoping to prepare for the next battle. And on one ship four of the main guard were talking about the next battle, and the loss of Robert Harper.
“I guess casualties were inevitable.” Destructor said. Stygian and Zanzibar all agreed.
“Oh well. We’ve got the Matrix of Evil fully charged.” Empress Bansheera had said. “The Leviathan is ready for action.”
“And soon all shall fall to the Power of the Order of Destruction!” Zanzibar had said. Every evil creature in earshot raised a shout of victory into the air. They looked forward to the death and destruction that was to come.
Destructor then felt something and he excused himself to go look to where he felt the power.
It was Mirabilis.
“Mirabilis what are you doing here looking like that?”
The next thing that happened was Mirabilis pinning the Lord of the Order to the wall. “How could you have allowed it! Do you have ANY idea what you’ve allowed to happen!” Mirabilis raged. He had kept his violent emotions buried like Vulcans for most part, however Mirabilis when angered was not one you wanted to be near.
“What are you talking about?” Destructor asked.
“You allowed Harper to play out his sick little vendetta!” Mirabilis growled. “Do you have any idea of what the ramifications of your actions are about to bring forth?”
Destructor then pushed Mirabilis away. “My friend. I do believe you are overreacting. This is war. The Matrix of Evil is now fully charged and now nothing will stop us.”
“Stop you… if that does come to pass.” Mirabilis stated. “For you see, I have no intention on being around when the coming hellstorm hits which will be very soon.”
“What are you saying?” Destructor asked.
Mirabilis simply disappeared but his voice echoed in the room.
“It means you will fight the final conflict WITHOUT my support.”
Destructor thought to call Mirabilis a coward but thought better when he thought of the Shadow Lord, his plans, and the way he acted. He never did something without a reason.
_Does he know something that the rest of us don’t?_ Destructor asked himself.
Back at the Order’s base the form of Galvatron made his way through the passages making his way to the mammoth Leviathan. The smile of madness crossed his features as he thought about his plans that were to come.
_They shall all pay!_ he thought. _Pay for discarding me as they had done. I am Galvatron. I am power! I am the destroyer of all!_ Galvatron continued to rant in his mind until he came across his destination. The main memory core for the Leviathan’s computer.
Galvatron looked down at the mass of circuitry before him and made ready to insert his reprogramming module. _At last!_ Galvatron thought. _At last I shall have the ultimate power of the universe. And all realities shall crumble at my feet!_ Galvatron quietly laughed as he inserted his reprogrammer into Leviathan’s computer. Totally prepared to make the computer into a model of himself like he had done with the Torq 3 computer all those years ago.
He was unprepared of the side effect that was to come. Needless to say, what happened was not an altercation of Leviathan’s programming.
What happened was much worse.
Ryan Steele looked at the dead virtualizer in his hand. The virtualizer that belonged to the woman who in so short a time meant so much to him-Katie Star.
“I can’t believe it. The monster just killed her. And he enjoyed it too.” Ryan said.
“And why?” Blue Zeo asked. “All just to get at that guy over there.” Blue Zeo pointed to Kincaid who was throwing darts at a dart board. Not once did he say anything, or acknowledge anyone’s presence. He continued throwing darts, and when he ran out he went back to the dart board and threw them again.
Rocky transformed to meet up with his Blue Zeo counterpart. “Look I know… Oh scratch that I don’t know what to say man.”
“None of us do.” Tyler said. “I mean, how do you handle a Ranger dying?”
“I know.” Drew said. “We all go into this aware of the possibility of death in all this. But what happens when it comes?”
“I don’t know man! I don’t know!” Blue Zeo said as he continued to look on at his girlfriend in a cryo chamber. Eyes shut never to open again. The Silver Zeo shard was lodged in the cryotube’s power socket keeping Jessica’s body preserved. Blue Zeo rested his head on the cryo tube and let the tears flow freely as the horrible truth sunk in.
Jessica Belle was dead.
And this time, there would be no bringing her back.
Back at the other end Kyle looked at Kincaid who was still throwing darts. Kyle decided to break the ice by asking “You okay man?”
Kincaid didn’t say anything. He just continued to throw darts at the dart board.
“Look if you want to talk…” Kyle started to say. But again Kincaid said nothing. Kyle then decided to forget it and leave Kincaid to his dart throwing.
“Never mind man. You do what you want. We however got to get ready for the next attack. You let us know when you want to come back to the real world and fight the good fight.” Kincaid continued to throw darts at the dart board as Kyle turned away. One thought came to Kincaid’s mind.
_Let them fight the good fight. Someone has to fight the war._
Back at the fire pits no signs of life remained. No trace of the Order’s forces remained. No trace of the heroes remained. The virtualizer and the body of Jessica Belle were taken aboard ships and flown away so they could have heroes burials at home where they would be surrounded by friends and loved ones.
The Order themselves moved on to the Leviathan waiting for the final strike which would establish evil’s reign throughout all the multiverse. They had done all they could to weaken the heroes’s strength and resolve they could only hope it was enough.
All was silent at the firepits. The only motion was that of the magma erupting...
...and a hand coming from the pits. A hand all burned and mangled, and whose dark will would not be denied.
_Life...I need life...the monster who erupted from the ground said. I need revenge. REVENGE AGAINST KINCAID!!! HE MUST SUFFER!!!
The disfigured form of Imperator Harper continued to crawl along the hot metamorphic rock as a figure looked out to watch Harper climb out of the hell that had permanently scarred him. It had to admire Harper’s dark will, and capacity for evil.
“Death is not an option for you Robert Harper. Not while you can still be of use to me.”
Q didn’t know what to say or what do at this point. He hadn’t expected the war to be anything like this at all. Nor did he expect to confront those who were game pieces to the Q in another reality. Or at least those who were game pieces to his son and two friends Light and Darke.
Q answered for his role in the reality alteration, but he knew that Light, Darke and Young Q would have to answer for their crimes against the universe someday. Finally you get it. A voice said as he felt a pull from something leading him to a place he was unsure of. Yet he somehow knew it was in the back of his mind.
He felt the pull and followed it until he found himself on a stone cliff over looking a dark land with an ebony castle.
It was a place he remembered well and had nothing good to say of this place.
“This is…”
“The Conquera Castle, the capital of the Kingdom of Marmo, the Dark Island, and where the power of Kardis, the Goddess of Destruction laid deep underground. In short, the place of ultimate evil in the Land of Lodoss. Of course this is all but a recreation of the scenery of that land.”
Q’s eyes widened as he turned around and saw the Quantum Ranger with her helmet still on. Q had a feeling about her since the start. He still didn’t understand how Jennifer Summers ended as the Quantum Ranger. The story she had told the others worked for them but Q knew that the Quantum Ranger had been almost always Eric Meyers. So why is Jen the one with the Quantum Powers?
“Soon now the final conflict will happen between the forces of light and darkness. This war will reach its ultimate conclusion… though even I don’t know what that is.”
Q just let himself be stunned as he heard the admission. “What are you planning with this? What is your agenda?” Q demanded flat out.
“The powers of darkness were becoming too great and powerful. I had no part in the Order of Destruction’s creation. The Order needed to be stopped but it needed the best hope the side of light could have to fight it on even terms.” The Quantum Ranger said softly. She looked at the thunder that was coming down now.
“What is that?” Q asked.
“The hellstorm.” She replied. “They can’t escape it. Both the Order and the Night Rangers’s forces will meet this force which will only care for total annihilation.”
Q just looked at him and then said something he never thought HE would ever say to someone else. “Why! Why are you doing this?” He then looked back at the illusionary Marmo. “Why call up a place like this?”
“I find it ironic and fitting… that I watch what could be the end of all in the place where it once happened before.”
Q started to just shake his head in disbelief not wanting to believe the conclusion that he was coming to but that all changed when the Quantum Ranger then demorphed. However Jen was not in a Time Force uniform or her 20th century garb. She was dressed in a black sorceress’s cloak, which was over the purple sorceress robe. A golden sash around her neck signifying her position with Rassilon and the Time Lords. There was no circlet on her but Q now felt the power she had within her now. He knew who this was.
He wondered how in the world she could have come back from the dead. It was a something he had no answer to.
Jennifer Summers, the Quantum Ranger… was Karla the Grey Witch.
“I do this… to protect the Balance.” Karla said as she then bowed her head, “May existence damn me for all time if it must… but this is how it had to be.”
Elsewhere in the endless boundaries of Interdimensional Space…it waits.
And it hungers.
It hungers for more worlds to consume. More worlds to feel its might, and to sustain it’s ravenous appetite.
But its hunger was not a concern at this moment. For now it had a war to monitor, and he had to be sure who the winning side would be, and whether it would act or not.
For eons many races asked this question about this being. “Why?” “Why did this monster come into being? What did it want? Why does it do what it does?”
“Why does it hunger?”
If it asked these questions once to itself no one knew what answer it came up with.
No one but the monster itself.
And its answers were terrifying, for it offered no reason for being. No rationale for its actions.
It just was.
And it did what it did because it could.
Because it wanted to.
Because it hungered.
For worlds…
…for power…
…for subjects…
And floating towards it were five empowered humans, with dark twisted powers of Power Rangers, all five serving the forces of evil.
Now they would serve the being that was a living embodiment of chaos and destruction. They would serve the being that would give them new life and a new mission.
‘They’ are the Doom Rangers.
And the Doom Rangers would serve Unicron.
END OF PART 11