Zarakin
The Royal Court.
The court of Zarakin held its meeting amidst an uproar of protests. On the chancellor’s seat was Lord Parek of the noble house. By his side was the severed head of Lord Arianas in a box Master Vile provided. He sent a note along with it that said “This is your fate.” making a statement to the Zarakin council.
The Supreme Chancellor made a rousing speech about how Arianas was just the latest tragedy against the Zarakin people. He had mentioned how Zarakin colonies were being attacked by Vile, how supply ships were destroyed, even peace envoys to other worlds were being attacked with the worlds the Zarakin sought to contact also destroyed.
“This cannot continue!” the Supreme Chancellor said. “We must attack M-51 and show them that we shall not allow ourselves or the peace loving peoples of the universe to be threatened by them any longer. We shall be free!!!’ The applause of the crowd was deafening and a declaration of was almost imminent.
The declaration passed. An escalation of the war with M-51 it would be.
It started out as any other day on the capital world of M-51. Dark, bleak, no hope.
Then the bombs came.
Mushrooms of explosions had erupted all over the planet. Military installations, slave generators, anything that was a symbol of M-51’s power was a target and almost immediately destroyed. From the palace window Vile looked down with Rita at the damage that was happening. “You think they’re upset about something?” Rita asked.
“Probably.” Vile said. “You did kill their Duke after all.” Rita nodded in agreement then ordered the army to defend their planet, and to rouse the slaves back into their pens. It was no easy task, but amidst all the confusion four members of the Order of Destruction were able to go about their business.
“All clear?” Brachian said as Randolar was bundled safely. Body, Mind and Soul indicated that they could detect nothing.
“Then let’s go.” This child has a role to fill. We must keep it safe.” Brachian and the Triad soon disappeared as the attack progressed, the child Randolar with them.
They had reached a craft stowed nearby and bundled Randolar inside. After calculating a course safely through the Zarakin bombardment the craft launched heading for a planet of great magical power. A planet called Earth.
Brachian watched the craft fly away as the Dark Palace continued to be bombarded. Soon he and the Triad decided to teleport out and allow destiny to take care of the rest.
Soon enough the bombardment ended. There was a lot of damage, but nothing that couldn’t be rebuilt. Some slaves had escaped, one in particular was no where to be seen. When the name of Randolar was brought toward Rita’s attention. She paid it no mind.
Over time Rita would forget about Randolar completely. ~ Besides, he would have been nothing more than a servant anyway. ~ she thought with cold dismissal. There were other tasks to do right now. Namely to go against the Council’s greatest Morphin Master, Zordon of Eltar.
Salem, Massachusetts Sometime around the 1600’s
The Salem Witch Trials were in full effect. People were being rounded up on the accusations of witchcraft, unaware that it was all the game of a few little girls who decided to punish all those who had wronged them even the slightest in the past. Since girls were deemed to be so innocent and pure under the eyes of the Lord, their word was taken at face value and many were either drowned or hung on the accusation of witchcraft. All claims of innocence went ignored. Only claims of guilt were accepted, and those were welcomed with imprisonment if the person was lucky.
The climate was so hostile that those who were true witches were forced to hide in underground caves or abandoned settlements. There was even talk of witches fleeing to a deserted colony where the settlers disappeared for a mysterious reason figuring that anyplace was better than Salem right now. But there were some witches who remained in the Salem area hoping to stay in contact with the natural forces that the area emanated. The witches called it a natural force in the Earth itself, while nowadays people would call it a ley nexus.
Three of the witches had stayed behind circling around the caldron, which would become the stereotype for many centuries to come, as they discussed the situation they were in and what they were going to do about it. Their names were Endora, Zelda and Hilda.
“I can’t believe that Tituba allowed those girls to get away with what they had done.” Hilda said. “That witch brought all of this down on us.”
“Now now Hilda we can’t afford to be nervous here.” Zelda said trying to comfort her sister. “We need for cooler heads to prevail.”
“Cooler heads, and perhaps colder hearts should the need arise.” Endora said. “So far only townspeople have been affected by these ‘witch trials’ that are all over the place. None of our own have been affected.”
“Yet!” Hilda stated. “But if one of us appears in the wrong place at the wrong time ” Hilda then broke off her statement when a streak of light flashed across the sky. “What was that?” she asked.
“I don’t know. But perhaps we should investigate it before the townspeople get wind of it.” Both Zelda and Hilda agreed with Endora’s recommendation and proceeded to the clearing, hoping the townspeople were nowhere near the site where the object impacted.
In the province of Salem the townspeople looked up to see the streak of light cross the sky and impact not far away. Chief Justice Norman Goode and Midwife Rebecca Farnsworth looked up in wonder and fear.
“Norman. What was that?” she asked. “Could it be a sign from God? Or is it sent by Lucifer?”
“It came from the sky. It must be heaven sent.” Chief Justice Goode said. “Perhaps God sent us something for us to stand against the witches with.”
Reverend John Booke then joined in the discussion. “If that be true, then the witches will surely destroy it. We must get there first.”
“Agreed! ASSEMBLE THE VILLAGERS!!!” Chief Justice Goode ordered. Soon every townsperson had fallen in at the town square. Men, women who weren’t mothers, teenagers. Anyone able bodied, and looking to do good for their town had fallen into line. Chief Justice Goode then addressed the assembled.
“Townspeople, we have been blessed with divine providence. An object has fallen to Earth heaven sent possibly by God himself. We must go forth and protect it from the witches that threaten our way of life. We must protect this gift, and see to it that the witches do not obtain it!” The townspeople all gave a rallying cry and looked to find any weapon they could. The women of the village all talked to see who was the most ‘pure’ of them so they could protect their men as they went into battle hoping to protect ‘the gift of Heaven’ and bring it back to Salem.
Chief Justice Norman Goode soon had his party gathered his party together. They all had their weapons and torches ready should a witch be encountered. Or even if the fallen object should happen to be a witch itself. “Onward!” he ordered as he led his party into the woods ready to face whatever was to come.
The three witches soon found their way to where the crater impacted. Dark power seemed to emanate from it the closer they got.
“Uhhhh I don’t feel so go. It’s not my time of the month is it?” Hilda asked feeling sick to her stomach.
“I wouldn’t say that Hilda. Because I feel it too.” Zelda added.
“Quiet you two we’re almost there.” Endora stated as they approached the rim of the crater. All three witches then looked over the rim and their eyes went wide as they saw an unconscious boy lying in a chair, dressed in an unfamiliar garb.
“It’s a young boy.” Hilda said looking at the unconscious tot. Zelda also looked over the child as Endora looked on with skepticism. “What’s wrong?” Zelda asked Endora.
“I’m not sure.” Endora said. “I’m getting strange feelings from this child. Sensations of something. But before Endora could positively identify the sensations voices erupted from behind. Voices that belonged to the Townspeople of Salem.
“WITCHES!!!” Chief Justice Goode shouted. Upon the mentioning of the word the Townspeople were driven into a frenzy and ready to take the three witches down.
“But what about the boy they carry with them?” Townsperson Elizabeth Bishop said. Chief Justice Goode only needed two seconds to think about that, and came up with his answer.
“If he’s with them he’s been corrupted. We must destroy them to, or get him to renounce the devil. Forward!” The townspeople then resumed their mad march and headed straight towards the three witches and young child.
Zelda and Hilda were ready to back away wondering what to do but Endora was a witch who would lay down for nobody. “Are you two so soft that you won’t even defend yourselves? Are you that much of a pair of cowards?” Zelda and Hilda didn’t answer. but Endora didn’t seem to care if they answered or not.
“Never mind. I’ll do it myself!” Endora then raised her hands as energy emanated from them “Goddess Hecate’ work thy will ” Both Zelda and Hilda were shocked by what was to come, and they looked at the townspeople with great sorrow as Endora continued her spell.
” before the let the unclean things crawl!” The Energy then escaped from Endora and surrounded the townspeople. It then folded in on itself and then vanished altogether leaving a set of empty clothes behind. Zelda and Hilda then stepped forward spying movement in the garments and saw rats come out of sleeves and pantlegs of what had been townspeople of Salem.
“Let’s get out of here!” Endora said as she, Zelda and Hilda all teleported out taking the boy with them, and leaving a field of rats behind.
“I can’t believe we just did that!” Hilda shouted. “Never once did we ever use our powers against mortals.”
“Who’s we?” Endora said. “I was the one who cast the spell.”
“Yeah but you know the rule of the coven. What one does affects the other two.” Endora nodded accepting the rule but she still would take the credit for what had happened.
“We had no choice Hilda.” Zelda said. “They would have taken not only us, but also this little boy. And who knows what would have happened if we allowed that to happen.”
“At least our methods of investigation are more sophisticated than dunking someone in a tank until they confess.” Endora said with distain. She thought mortals were contemptible creatures and saw no reason to change that opinion, especially now.
“How can you hate humans so much Endora?” Zelda asked, “I mean, not al of them are as closed-minded as those here in Salem.”
“Perhaps, but you’ll find the good ones in a woefully small minority, if the typical ones haven’t killed them first.” Soon they were back at their caldron and were ready to look at the bundle they carried with them. When the face became visible each witch fell short of breath as they felt a dark presence before them.
“By all the powers.” Endora said. Her eyes wide in shock.
Zelda and Hilda sensed the same thing. Power. Power beyond all Earthly comprehension, possibly even beyond wiccan comprehension. Dark power, traced back down an evil bloodline. Blood that ran through this young boy’s veins as it sent waves of fear through the three witches. A fear that was justified as the dark potential became more and more evident as Endora, Zelda, and Hilda’s magical danger senses went into full over load.
In their minds were visions. Visions of monsters who ruled over many worlds. Of a young girl with great power who was in love with a noble, only for the noble to be killed when her father injected the daughter with many doses of a magic serum. The bloodline of evil was revealed, and that evil blood and taint ran through the child as they spoke. “We must kill it.” Endora said recognizing the threat the boy represented.
Zelda and Hilda however were dead set against murder. “No Endora. We can’t just kill a child.”
“A child?” Endora answered. “This ‘thing’ is by no definition that we, nor mortals, would consider a child. It is evil. Full of darkness, and if he or anyone were to release his power the results would be disastrous.
“But it is still young. At least to our standards. Perhaps he’s not as evil as we think he might be.” Hilda said. Endora looked at Zelda in disbelief. “I have no idea what you just said.”
Zelda then spoke up. “What my sister is saying is this. We shouldn’t move with such haste. If we kill him now, we may be no better than the villagers that persecute us. Let us be sure that he is worthy of death before we do the deed.”
“And how do you propose we do that?” Endora asked.
“Memory binding spells.” Zelda said. “We could keep his dark emotions in check while hopefully building up his good side. Come on Endora. What have you got to lose?”
“Ohhhh. Very well.” Endora said as the three witches began their spells, that would bind Randolar’s memories shutting out that aspect of his life which led back to Rita Repulsa and her family. As the boy grew up slowly Endora, Zelda and Hilda watched over him as he moved throughout his life. Watching for any signs that the spell was about to crack, and reinforcing it when the time was right.
Over the centuries the three witches watched over Randolar, wiping his memories hoping that his powers would remain suppressed. The process worked for many centuries, then on this day the process ended.
And woe would surely fall to hundreds of worlds.
Not far away five figures looked down at the three witches. “Looks like we didn’t have to do anything.” Rito said. “But that Endora bitch sure is scary.”
“It helps to know your enemy before confronting them.” Brachian had said. “For now however we shall let the witches have their fun. And let Randolar’s powers develop naturally.” Mind however addressed the point that such development could damage his mind.
“Noted. But if that’s the case, then we shall deal with it.” Brachian then turned to Rito and said “Goodbye Mr. Revolto. We shall see each other again in three thousand years.” With that Brachian and the Triad disappeared leaving Rito alone. Then he too teleported away to await the time when Randolar would be ready.
In the Lunar Dungeon Zelda, Hilda and Endora returned to their clearing feeling the disturbance of power unleashed, and memory returning. The feelings running through the three were of shock and dread as they realized their efforts had failed.
Randolar had returned.
As Grenwell saw everything going on in his head, all was revealed to him. “Dark Lady, Dark Childe. Darkness all around me. Darkness in me, darkness about me! Make it go away! Darkness consumes me, eats me alive!” And with that Grenwell started screaming, and then he passed out again. It wasn’t until a good few minutes that he was awakened by Rito and faced with the truth.
“Hey kid? You okay there?” Rito said trying to shake his nephew awake. Grenwell got back up trying to comprehend all that was revealed to him. “What was all that?” Grenwell asked.
“Memory returning.” Rito explained. “What those three witches tried to bury I brought back for you.” Grenwell reviewed all that was revealed to him. His birth, the poisoning of his mother’s soul, the execution of his father and the power that was in his bloodline. Dark power that apparently was his birth right, not the power of a Ranger. That was never meant to be his. What he felt now was confusing, but intoxicating as well.
“So you’re telling me . that I’m Rita’s son?” Grenwell said in disbelief.
“Yep!” Rito said. “Welcome to the family.” He then held his arms open as if expecting a hug, but Grenwell seemed unsure about whether or not he would accept it. Rito looked annoyed.
“Come on kid. I had just shown you who your family are, and you’re just brushing me off? What gives?”
Grenwell shook his head. “I don’t believe any of this. What do you want with me?”
“Geez. Try to welcome someone to the family and he goes all hostile.” Rito said. “I guess that’s what you get for living with humans.”
“My friends are humans.” Grenwell said trying to lock on the one sure thing in his life. Rito dismissed them.
“You don’t need friends, kid. You’ve got us now.” Rito said his pitch as if he was a used car salesman. “Besides I think you could do better in terms of friends.”
“Better friends?” Grenwell asked.
“Yeah. You should see some of the monsters I know. They are real hoots.” Grenwell continued to shake his head not knowing what to do, but Rito decided to say a few more words.
“You know, sometimes family is everything. When push comes to shove family is always there. As for Rita well…” Grenwell nodded seeming to understand. Even if Rita didn’t want Grenwell, Rito would never turn him away. As he watched Grenwell’s resolve dissolve Rito then decided to move in for the kill.
“Kid.” Rito said sitting next to Grenwell. “Even if sis doesn’t accept you, sometimes we got to make our choices in life. Right now you’ve got a choice to make. The family you don’t yet know, or your so-called friends who you do know. And you know how they are.” Grenwell nodded. He knew what his fellow Rangers really were, bullies and thugs who were chosen for a good thing because of an accident. None of them amounted for anything. Not even Grenwell. But now he had a chance. A chance to be more than what he was. More than someone chosen for something good by accident. And all through it all Rito’s words echoed through Grenwell’s head.
“Make your choice my young cousin. Make your choice.”
And he did.
Back in the Command Center Zordon and Alpha had come back from their secret chamber and reactivated all their systems. “Alpha, begin a scan of the area. We must see what all has transpired since we were indisposed.”
“You got it Zordon.” Alpha said as he activated the Viewing Globe. The image that appeared had been that of a battle were three forces were in heavy combat with each one looking to beat the other two. “Zordon, could they be the Order of Destruction the Matrix team told us about?” Alpha asked.
“It would appear so Alpha.” Zordon answered. “I recognize the face of one of the leaders. It is Queen Bansheera, whom last I checked was sealed away in a tomb 6, 000 years ago. This Bansheera however seems to be from another reality.”
Alpha continued to watch the battle and saw the Dark Rangers also doing a lot of the damage. Mostly to the Matrix team, and to Chromedome who had the Matrix in his chest compartment. “Ai, yi, yi, yi, yi! Zordon the Rangers are attacking the Matrix team. Chromedome has been knocked down.”
Zordon thought for a moment then came to a decision. “We have no choice Alpha. We must send in the White Ranger.”
“The White Ranger? Ai, yi, yi, yi, yi, yi, yi! Zordon the powers and zord haven’t been tested yet. We…”
“I’m well aware of the risks Alpha, but we have no choice. The Matrix team must be protected, and the Rangers must be defeated.”
Alpha nodded uncertain. “Yes Zordon.” Alpha then activated a spotlight from above and the White Ranger hovered on down until he landed on the floor and looked up at Zordon. “Welcome White Ranger. It would appear that you will be going on your first mission relatively sooner than I planned. Observe the Viewing Globe.” White Ranger did so and Zordon had shown him footage of the Triple Threat battle where the Dark Rangers were gathering up on the Matrix team, the Order was also there waiting to pounce on the Matrix team if and when the Dark Rangers took the prize.
“Now that the identities of the Power Rangers have been revealed to you, you must understand the circumstances that led to their selection. Circumstances that led to a mistake that unfortunately now is irreparable. However we can make sure that this mistake does not explode too far out of control, if we have your help. There are three rules one must follow or lose protection of the power. Never use your power for personal gain, never escalate a battle unless you are forced to, and never reveal your identity to anyone without consent of a Morphin master. Do you accept these rules?” White Ranger nodded and Zordon was glad that he did.
“Excellent. Now go, the forces of good need you.” And in a flash of white the White Ranger teleported out of the Command Center getting ready to insert himself into the three way battle at the Angel Grove caves. Zordon watched the screen looking for the White Ranger to arrive so he could help the Matrix team.
“May the Power protect you.” Zordon silently prayed as he continued to watch the battle, hopeful that the White Ranger would provide the assistance the Matrix team needed. Now only one task remained.
“Alpha, prepare to teleport our ‘guest’ into the main chamber as soon as the time is right.” Alpha did as Zordon asked.
The event that had turned the battle in the Order’s favor was when the Armada Units re-entered the attack. The six deadly spacecraft had done their strafing runs sending the Matrix team down under a rain of laser fire. Even Jazz and Chromedome were knocked down and had their backs to the wall.
“Oh man. Any ideas?” Arcon asked. “Anyone? Anyone?”
“Yeah. Did anyone ever tell you, you sound a lot like Ben Stein when you say ‘Anyone? Anyone?'” Jazz said jokingly.
“Not now Jazz.” Chromedome said. “We can’t let these guys get the Matrix.” Pausing Chromedome then added “… or Arcon’s money.”
Skullcruncher then took the lead and stood tall with the Armada Units flanking him. The Dark Rangers also rallied as their Megazord stood fully reactivated, due to the fast work done by Clarence. “Grrr. Are you ready to surrender now?” Skullcruncher asked.
“Never.” Red Galaxy said with his Quasar Saber drawn. “We’ll never surrender. To either of you!”
“Well now that’s too bad. For all of you!” Bansheera then gave the order to attack and soon the Order started advancing towards the Matrix team. The Rangers also moved forward looking to get in their shots. They would deal with the Matrix team first, then the Order when they came for the Matrix. However a sudden obstacle interrupted their plans.
An obstacle in white that stood on the mountaintop with his sword drawn ready for battle.
He jumped from mountain to mountain striking quickly, knocking down adversaries as he came across them. Olympius, King Sphinx, Scorpina, Black Annie, even some of the Dark Rangers. The White Warrior went through the adversaries like a kid playing hopscotch before setting down near the recovering Matrix team.
“Are you guys alright?” The figure in White asked. Everyone nodded as they looked at the warrior before them. He wore the uniform reminiscent of one of the most popular Rangers ever to exist-the White Ranger. And Zack and Aisha wondered whether or not the person under the helmet was the same person who was the White Ranger in their reality. “Tommy?” Zack asked through Jazz’s vocal processor.
White Ranger turned to Jazz and asked “How did you know my name?” It was then that Jazz reverted back to being Zack and Aisha detached from Chromedome and transformed. Aisha, White Ranger didn’t know. But Zack was one White Ranger knew pretty well.
“Zack?” White Ranger asked.
“Yes and no. It’s a long story that we can tell you later, but right now.” Zack pointed towards the evil forces who had their Megazords standing. Both Cyclopsis and the Dino Megazord stood again ready for combat.
“This would be a good time for ideas. Anyone got any?” Red Galaxy asked.
“I’ve got an idea.” White Ranger turned to Blue Night and asked “Can your Zord support the Tigerzord’s weight?”
“Guess we’re going to find out. Winged Wolf Arise!” The Blue Night Ranger zord moved to get back on it’s feet then started running, gaining speed as it moved forward.
“I need White Tigerzord Thunder power now!” White Ranger shouted. The Tigerzord came running at White Ranger’s call then he called for “Warrior Mode” The Tigerzord then transformed into it’s robot mode and stood ready for battle with its sword drawn. But instead of charging Cyclopsis and the Dino Megazord the Tigerzord got onto the back of the Winged Wolf and they both charged towards the two Megazords. Tigerzord’s sword was drawn ready to strike while the two Megazords stood ready to block whatever strike White Ranger had in mind.
However the Megazords were unprepared for what happened next. The Winged Wolf leapt up high in the air as the Tigerzord got off. It landed on its feet and delivered two quick strikes to Cyclopsis and the Dino Megazord. Both King Sphinx and the Dark Rangers felt the strikes and knew their Zords had to be damaged.
“Now to add a little more power. Blue Night are you ready?” White Ranger asked.
“Ready to roll.” Blue Night said. “I’ve got the Dark Rangers.”
“I’ll take Cyclopsis.” White Ranger said as he reached for one of the globes behind him and loaded it into his Thunderbolt Cannon Chamber. “White Tiger Thunderbolt armed and ready!”
The Thunderbolt fired from the Tigerzord’s chest, striking dead center into Cyclopsis. The Zord was sent staggering back and landed hard onto the ground. It was down, but could get back up again. White Ranger then turned his attention to Blue Night to see what her progress was.
The Winged Wolf was running circles around the Dino Megazord while it was trying to strike the zord with its saber. The sword missed each time but it still had enough power left inside its systems. “Curse you! Stand still!” Dark Pink shouted.
“Not for you bozos.” Blue Night said then getting a running start charged at the Megazord again. But instead of charging it the Winged Wolf opened its side compartments revealing missiles fully armed.
“Mavericks Fire!!!” Blue Night ordered. As the missiles fired they impacted the Megazord the explosions ripped into its superstructure causing damage to its systems. The Dark Rangers however recovered quickly enough and made ready for their next attack.
“Skull call forth the Dragonzord!” Dark Red ordered. Dark Green did as his leader ordered and played the tune to call forth the Dragonzord. From out of Angel Grove Harbor the Dragonzord rose to come to the aid of its dark allies.
“Zord combine now!” Dark Red ordered. The chest of the Dragonzord came off and then folded up to fit on the head and shoulders of the Dino Megazord. Both increasing and unifying their strengths ready to deliver their final weapons strike. “Z force. Lock on and fire!” all six Dark Rangers ordered.
From its armored gauntlets energy came forth to form a blue Z field which was projected towards both the Winged Wolf and Tigerzords. As the energy came forth both Zords ducked out of the way as the energy moved forward to strike Cyclopsis who was the next available target. Inside the evil Zord King Sphinx was surrounded by explosions and sparks which represented shorting and destroying systems.
“Must escape destruction of Zord!” Sphinx said as he ejected from the Zord and fell to the ground. When King Sphinx landed Cyclopsis continued to short and explode until finally, the zord gave it’s final explosion leaving nothing behind for Rita to even recycle. “NOOOO!!!!!!” Rita shouted. “They can’t have destroyed Cyclopsis!”
“I’m afraid they did!” Bansheera said. “And it looks like your Rangers are next.”
The Super Dino Megazord stood ready to attack the Winged Wolf and Tigerzords again when Chromedome and Jazz stood by their sides. “Any ideas?” Blue Night asked anyone who would listen.
“I’m afraid I’ve got no other options left.” White Ranger said. The Zack part of Jazz however seemed to come up with an idea, but he wondered if it was still possible or not.
~ There may be some remnant of the power I can use that the Masterforce augmented. ~ Zack thought. ~ Jazz listen to me and do as I say. ~ Zack then relayed his plan to Jazz, and Jazz was skeptical to say the least.
~ Are you sure this will work?~ Jazz ‘asked’ Zack.
~ No, but we’ve got nothing left to lose by trying. Give it a try. ~ Sighing Jazz tried to access the part of Zack with the Masterforce hoping to bring that one ember that allowed Zack and his friends to call forth the last resort when dealing with monsters. Jazz then called out “We need Titanus and the Ultrazord power Now!”
Sure enough the White form of Titanus moved forward heeding Zack’s call. A call different yet similar from what previous warriors had called forth. Titanus folded its head down and brought forth two supercannons. White Ranger saw a slot open up and white Tiger took the position in the slot. Jazz and Chromedome took their positions on the left and right cannons respectively. Winged Wolf then got off a running start and then flew to give Titanus cover fire if needed.
The massive zord then rolled straight towards the Super Dino Megazord. All its weapons were locked on target and waiting the order to fire. White Ranger then gave that order. “All right. Lock on and fire!”
Soon the cannons of Titanus, the blasters of Jazz and Chromedome, and the weapons of the Winged Wolf all fired at the Super Dino Megazord. Each weapon hit its target. The Megazord put forth a good fight, but even it could not stand up to the massive onslaught of weaponry that was approaching. Finally it could stand no more. The Megazord had fallen, and the Rangers were ejected as the massive zord fell to the ground and exploded leaving behind wreckage that was only good for salvage, and barely enough for even that.
“Ai, yi, yi! Zordon the Matrix team has done it. They have defeated the Dark Rangers! Oh happy day!” Alpha was practically dancing around the room happy about the news that his tormenters, the so-called Power Rangers had been beaten, and they would never trouble him again.
“Alpha teleport the wreckage to one of the storage vaults below the Command Center. There may be some things we can still salvage.” Zordon ordered.
“Right Zordon.” Alpha said happy as could be. Sure enough the wreckage was teleported to a storage vault, and all that remained was for the Rangers to escape the forces that still remained.
The Matrix Team however had no time to celebrate as the Dark Rangers, Rita, Bansheera and their troops stood ready to take whatever licks they could at their enemies or their mecha. Rita concentrated on the Rangers that were fighting. Scorpina, Olympius, King Sphinx, and Epyon tried to fight off Red Galaxy, Pink and Yellow Galaxy, Pow Ranger and Titanium Ranger. Titanium beat back Olympius. Red Galaxy fought off King Sphinx, Pow Ranger let Scorpina have it with a custard pie, and both Pink and Yellow Galaxy had shown Epyon that they were not interested in becoming trophies for neither a mantis or a sleazy rat ever again.
Bansheera tried to focus on destroying the Ultrazord the Matrix team put together using Titanus, the Tigerzord, Jazz and Chromedome. “Armada units! Skullcruncher attack!!!” The Destrons obeyed Bansheera’s commands, and even though they didn’t have a Megazord anymore even the Dark Rangers fired their Power Blaster at Titanus trying to damage the makeshift Ultrazord and its Cybertron and Nightzord escorts. All the Destrons were successful at though were becoming target practice for the team’s weapons which were dead on.
“Okay, I’d say that I am officially bored.” Blue Night said. “Everyone on board. We’re getting out of here!” Pow Ranger, Titanium Ranger and the Galaxy girls all boarded the Ultrazord as it made ready their escape. Titanus’s cannons then blasted the Dark Rangers and the Order team. With both evil forces being severely outgunned the Matrix team was able to escape as Titanus blasted a path through to freedom.
“All right! We’re out of the hot zone.” White Ranger then spoke into his communicator. “Alpha teleport us back to the Command Center now.”
“You got it White Ranger.” Alpha said. Activating the teleport controls Alpha transported the whole Matrix team back to the Command Center. The Cybertrons close to it, and the Winged Wolf went back to it’s subspace domain ready to be called when needed by Jessica.
The battle was over. Good had won and the Matrix team teleported with the White Ranger back to the Command Center leaving the Dark Rangers, Rita and the Order to gather their wounds. “AHHHH I CAN’T BELIEVE IT!!!” Dark Red shrieked. “They got away!!!”
“Maybe.” Dark Pink said. “But we know where they’re going. Maybe we should follow them.”
“No!” Dark Yellow said as he brought his blaster to the members of his team. “Our destiny lies elsewhere!”
“Huh?!” Dark Green said confused. “What do you mean?” Dark Green’s answer came from blaster fire from Dark Yellow’s own blaster that sent them back sprawling. Dark Black recovered quickly and looked up at Dark Yellow who saw Rito Revolto, Scorpina and King Sphinx standing with him.
“You traitor.” Dark Black said. “Why?”
“Because… How can one turn on one’s own family?” Dark Yellow sneered beneath his helmet. It was then that Rita and her crew fired their magic sending the Dark Rangers down for the count. With them unconscious they demorphed quickly.
Looking down the Dark Yellow Ranger smiled and said “And my name is Randolar now. Remember it.”
Rita then crossed over to where the Dark Rangers lay unconscious as she turned to look at Randolar. “I know you do I not?” she said to Randolar.
“Another story for another time.” Randolar said with complete clarity. His mind was no longer clouded, nor did he speak in rambles. For the first time since he got his Ranger powers Grenwell was of clear and sound mind. “Now what about my friends?”
“Friends? You don’t need friends. What we need is for these Rangers to be dead! Ahh ha ha ha ha ha ha!!!” Rita was about to launch a burst of magic at Bretta saying “This one’s for Goldar you bitch!” as her wand was ready to fire, but Bansheera interrupted.
“Rita.” Bansheera said. “We need not decide their final fate right away. Let us take them back and see what we can do to make their last moments on this plane of reality . somewhat memorable.”
Rita was apprehensive about letting the Dark Rangers live for even a moment, but she saw a dark gleam in Bansheera’s eyes and knew she had a plan in mind. ~ Whatever it is, it’ll probably be fun. ~ Rita thought. “All right Bansheera, I’ll hold off on the executions for now.”
“Thank you Empress Rita.” Bansheera said as the evil army teleported back to the moon, unaware of what Bansheera had planned for the Dark Rangers. ~ And when these fools find out. It will be too late. ~ she thought with an evil sneer.
The door to the dungeon finally opened as the three witches looked at who had stepped through. And right away they wished they hadn’t.
For Randolar stood before them. Randolar who had come into his full memory and potential, radiating the dark evil that Endora always feared would come. By his side Black Annie stood with him. Randolar studied each witch and glared at them menacingly. “So you tried to block my memories from me did you? After all these centuries, do you have any idea what you have been doing to me?”
“We only tried to help you.” Zelda said hoping Randolar would understand.
“Yeah, Endora was the one who wanted to kill you.” Hilda said. Endora shot Hilda an evil glare.
“QUIET!!!” Randolar said. “You three tried to control my destiny for so long. I can’t think of a worse thing to do to anyone, even me. I think you need to learn a lesson.” He then nodded at Black Annie who was ready with her spell.
Annie looked at the three witches as if they were beneath her. “And you call yourselves witches. You wish to see my power? I’ll be more than happy to show you.” Bringing her hands up they gave off a dark glow that Endora recognized. It was a sign of a spell that was to come. A spell Endora had used once before.
A spell she was afraid of.
“Goddess Hecate work thy will! Before thee let the unclean thing crawl!” Energy shot out from Annie’s hands and hit the three witches enveloping them. Then it closed in and dissipated leaving only clothes behind. After a few minutes some movement was detected in the clothing mounds and three rats scurried out.
Black Annie picked up the three rats and looked at them evilly. She then opened her mouth and swallowed the three rats one by one. She didn’t care if it was a gross out or not, she knew that if any power was left in them that they would be part of her being. “And now for other business.” she said.
Randolar escorted Black Annie who had stayed in the shadows as he went up to look at the five who were once his friends, before he became the son of Rita. He then heard Bansheera coming up behind him placing a claw on his shoulder. “As the humans say… a penny for your thoughts?”
Randolar smiled. “I didn’t know Demons had a use for humor.”
“We do at times.” Bansheera stated. “Are you thinking about those whom you have just betrayed?”
Randolar nodded. “They were my friends for a good long time. I can’t help but feel saddened by betraying them.”
“It’s only natural.” Bansheera said. “But worry not. Perhaps you will fight with them again.” Randolar looked up curious as to what Bansheera meant but she said “Better you don’t know.” Soon Randolar left the room and Bansheera went to the lab where Epyon was working.
Bansheera looked at her six prospective new warriors before her then turned to Epyon. “What do you think? Are they something you can work with?”
Epyon looked over at the Rangers before him. “Oh man. Talk about your lemons.” He said gleaning over the prospects. Natalie had some promise however, but didn’t really do anything for him. But that was not what Bansheera ‘requested. ‘
“I mean can you complete the Darkening of the power so they can serve me?” Bansheera glared. This shook Epyon out of the gutter. “Perhaps.” He answered. “But I would need Black Annie’s help.”
“And you shall have it.” The Dark Sorceress came out of the shadows and Bansheera turned to leave. “Make sure they are ready soon.” Black Annie bowed as Bansheera left, then she turned to Epyon who was looking at the vacant eyed Dark Pink before her with a sense of lust. Black Annie went to the rat and pulled him away reminding him of the job they had to do.
“Do not worry Epyon. You’ll come away with something when all is said and done.”
“Really?” the sleazy rat said, then Black Annie came to his side.
“I know what you want.” Annie said, then she called out “Scorpina. I need your services.”
Scorpina, who was just outside the lab, walked in annoyed at being summoned by Bansheera. “You summoned me?” she asked. No one answered her question.
The last sound to be heard was the scream of a woman that got smaller and smaller, and three evil laughs that sent chills to anyone who was listening.
Randolar walked through the halls of the Dark Palace trying to sort out the feelings he was running through his mind. Queen Bansheera had offered him the chance to lead the Dark Rangers into battle as a member of the Order of Destruction, but he was still trying to sort through the feelings of family that were running through his mind. A family he didn’t really know.
~ Somehow I feel I should get to know them better~ he thought as he moved towards his mother’s throne room. As he approached Randolar overheard Rita finally plan for her ‘coming out party’ that she had mentioned many times before.
“AHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!! At last! My coming out party shall take place. The Rangers have been defeated. The Matrix geeks will be leaving soon. All Zordon has in one Ranger. We can soon party like there’s no tomorrow! Which for the humans there won’t be!!!” Everyone in the court cheered at Rita’s announcement, but King Sphinx had something more to say.
“But my queen? What about the White Ranger? What shall we do about him?”
“The White Ranger?” Rita said shrilly as if he wasn’t much of a threat. “That big head could only create one Ranger. And our problems were with the five before him. We had to take our game higher in dealing with the Rangers. This White bozo shares Zordon’s outmoded notions of good and evil. He should be no problem, especially not after all we’ve seen.”
“When do we attack?” Sphinx then asked.
“We’ll attack later. Right now I want to PARTAY!!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!” Soon all the monsters started dancing and Rito noticed Randolar standing in the corner wondering if he could be allowed in. Rita however saw Randolar in the corner and had a look of disgust on her face.
“What is that doing here?” Rita asked looking at Randolar in contempt.
“Uhhh I invited him sis.” Rito spoke up. “I figured that since he was family and all.”
“Family? FAMILY?! AH HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!!!” Rita let out a loud long laugh that had all the monsters in her court joining in. “Since when is that pathetic weakling family?”
Randolar looked shocked and Rito also was surprised. “Sis! He’s your son!”
“Son? SON? Ha!” Rita said in contempt. “I have no son. Especially that thing in front of me. I needed no ones help! I conquered the Power Rangers all on my own.”
King Sphinx was worried about Rita’s choice of words. “My queen. Watch what you say. You never know what may happen tomorrow.” Rita however seemed to ignore Sphinx’s words and continued to crow.
“We played the suckers long enough. I don’t need that worthless stool pigeon or Bansheera and her cronies. I’m Rita Repulsa. I rule alone! AH HA HA HA HA HA!!!” Randolar heard all she had said and ran back to where Bansheera stood with the Dark Rangers.
Randolar seethed as he ran out of the main hall. How dare she treat me that way. After all I’ve done she still looks at me like I’m nothing! Well I’ll show her. I’ll show them all! He continued to walk until he came to the lab where Bansheera worked.
“Are you all right?” Bansheera asked him. Randolar shook his head no as tears streaked down his face.
“What is the problem? Ranger.” Bansheera asked. Randolar then relayed all his ‘mother’ had told him.
“So, Rita Repulsa says she doesn’t need us does she?” Bansheera seethed. “Well we shall see about that.” Turning to Randolar Bansheera then made her offer again. “Are you with me?” Randolar took a moment to think then responded.
“I’m with you.” Randolar said to Bansheera. Bansheera smiled glad for Randolar’s decision. She then motioned him towards a chair in the corner, then giving a nod to Black Annie, knelt down to reassure him.
“Do not worry. It will be over soon, and you’ll be fighting with your friends again.” Black Annie then began her incantations and soon Dark Power flowed into Randolar. Filling him up with so much energy, and power that his own sense of identity was being stripped away from him. All that he was, all that he would be was now in the hands of Queen Bansheera.
Randolar knew that Rita would pay for her words, but inside he did wonder if he hadn’t traded one devil for another as the power filled his being. Then he knew no more.
“And now this part of the war is done”. The Shadow Lord replied. No one had died in this game but there would be players that would not advance into the next level. He knew that much.
“Good wins a Matrix and Evil gains six Rangers. A balanced trade off if you think about it.” His better half said. “They may have lost the Dino powers but there’s still the Zeo Crystal, the Great Power, the Astro Morphers, the Quasar Sabers “
The Shadow Lord nodded. “The list of powers of good is just as endless as the powers of evil.”
“So what now?” the Ninja asked. .
The Shadow Lord then got off the throne. “Isn’t that your department?” With that he disappeared.
The young ninja now stepped out into the light where he could be clearly seen. He was dressed in all encompassing black. Only the Prussian blue eyes he had could be seen of his face. He then made an image appear of someone’s face.
The face of Jeffrey Kincaid.
The ninja studied the face and smiled. Kincaid valued human dignity and individuality, and if anyone thought that humanity was a game that could be played, well Kincaid and the Night Ranges would make sure whoever thought that was proved wrong.
Since Kincaid served as a Ranger, he was technically a warrior of light, but he along with ten others were the most dangerous of all. For they were warriors that did not necessarily fall into the normal conventions of good, nor did they fall into the areas of evil. They were enigmas, and their patterns couldn’t be predicted. Kincaid, his Night Rangers, and one other person were the ultimate emphasis of free will. No one could control them. ~ Evil will be looking for people like them. ~ the ninja thought as he continued to stare at the Kincaid’s image.
“You will meet me soon enough Kincaid. I hope you are prepared. You’re going to have hell to deal with soon enough.” The ninja said. “But whether or not you gain the assistance of Shadow in your crisis… that will depend on you and your allies.”
Turning around and fading back into darkness, the Shadow Grid Ninja vanished into the darkness.
At the Command Center the White Ranger stood with the Matrix search team. The Matrix of Reality stood before them. “Great job Tommy!” Ryan said. Tommy shook the Titanium Ranger’s hand and shook it as a measure of thanks.
“Thank you my friends.” Zordon said. “But while we may have won this battle, I am afraid we will have lost the war.” Everyone turned to Zordon and Kendrix asked what he meant.
“While the Matrix of Reality has indeed been reclaimed.” Zordon said. “The Dino Powers have now been officially lost to the forces of evil. As have the Rangers who wielded them.”
Everyone nodded. The Matrix had been found but when the time came for the Power Rangers of this world to make their decision, they had decided to join the dark forces of their own free will leaving the Dino Powers forever tainted, and the Power Rangers forever tied to those dark powers. Only the White Ranger, created from Zordon’s light of goodness was the only Ranger this Earth had. And as such, the only defender of the planet.
“So what do we do?” Tommy asked. “I mean, who knows what else will come besides Rita? And who else will help defend Earth? I mean I can’t do it alone.”
“Well I’ve made out a list of who you’ll face in the future.” Bretta said rolling down a scroll of paper that seemed to consist of the Ranger’s enemies and the monsters they would face. “Shall I start with A?”
“No Bretta put that away!” Jessica said then she turned and looked up at Zordon. “Zordon, there is a possibility you may want to consider.”
“Go ahead.” Zordon said. Jessica then spoke.
“I take it you are familiar with the sage Dulcea and the power of Ninjetti that she guards on Phaedos?” Zordon spoke and realized what Jessica was getting towards.
“I take it you would like me to transport the original chosen to Phaedos and have them prove their worth to Dulcea in acquiring the Great Power?” Zordon asked. Jessica nodded yes.
“The original chosen? Who were they?” Tommy asked. Zack then told the story of how he, Jason, Kimberly, Trini and himself were chosen to become the original Ranger team instead of Bulk, Skull and their friends. Tommy was surprised to say the least, and was even more surprised when Zack told him that Tommy was the Original Green Ranger and had nearly destroyed the Power Rangers while under Rita’s spell.
“Wow. I’m glad I avoided all that.” Tommy said relieved. “But Jase and the others were supposed to be the Rangers instead?”
“That’s right.” Leo said. “And it looks like they will be again.”
“You may also want to have some others go after the Zeo Crystal as well.” Aisha said.
“And we know who you may want to go after that.” Zack added as he handed a list to Alpha. On it were the names: Adam Park, Rocky DeSantos, Katherine Hillard, Aisha Campbell, and Tanya Sloane. “I take it these were later chosen ones that were to follow?” Alpha asked.
“How’d he know?” Zack asked playfully. Aisha just as playfully shrugged her shoulders.
“Come on you guys show time’s over we’ve got work to do.” Jessica said. It was time to leave and rendezvous with the other teams. Zack and Aisha both looked up at Zordon and said their goodbyes. “It’s nice to see you again old friend.” Zack said.
Zordon detected the sorrow in his voice and briefly wondered if there was more to it, but decided to let it pass. Just then someone jumped out from behind the consoles and grabbed Kendrix holding a knife to her throat.
“Alpha? How did he escape?” Zordon said looking at Regex.
“I don’t know Zordon. Ai, yi, yi!” Regex however kept a sneer to his face as he held Kendrix close to him.
Tommy looked at Regex wondering what he was doing. “Regex, what’s going on?”
“Hey Tommy. I was just here looking for something to get those Rangers with, when suddenly I found myself here, where they live. Now I get to do them in before they do me in.”
“Regex this isn’t the way.” Tommy said.
“You think I care if it’s the way or not?” Regex said. “I can do whatever I want, especially with this little beauty as my hostage. Now head, get me out of here, and give me something that will get those Rangers for me. ‘
“Your departure I can arrange.” Zordon stated. “But the Rangers are no longer your concern.”
“What do you mean?” Regex asked. “Those freaks tried to kill me.”
“It’s true.” Maya said stepping forward. Regex looked at her and immediately started to drool at her body and clothes. “Wow baby you are hot. You want to go out or something.”
“No thanks. You’re holding my date.” Regex looked at Kendrix oddly and then threw her back to her friends but kept the blaster steady. Kendrix looked at Maya and wondered what she was thinking saying that Maya was her date.
“Hey it worked didn’t it?” Maya said. “Besides ever since we stepped into this world that’s all we’ve been hearing.”
“Whatever.” Jessica said as she and Bretta then looked at Regex and right away she saw Stylor in him. Stylor who had raped her so long ago, Stylor who saw her as a sex object, and more than anything Jessica wanted Regex to suffer.
“Let me ask you a little something.” Jessica said. “Do you think women are toys for you to play with?” Regex seemed taken aback by the question but then answered “I haven’t heard any complaints yet.”
Bretta then picked up on that “What about the ones that do?” Regex looked at her and was surprised by the resemblance between her and the Bretta he got to know. He sneered and said “Don’t you know?”
It was then that Tommy realized what Regex was all about. “You you did rape her didn’t you?”
“Well duh Tommy.” Regex said. “And you and your friends were too dumb to realize it. Of course when Kimberly and I go out ” Tommy then felt the rage bubble inside him and he was ready to strike Regex right then and there.
“NO!” Jessica said. “Let him go.”
Everyone turned to look at her. “Let him go?” Maya asked.
“Yes.” She then turned to Bretta and said “You have the teleport control?”
Bretta nodded and said ‘Yeah I’ve got your teleport control right here.” She held it out to Regex who grabbed it, only to find a stick of dynamite instead. Which blew up in his face.
Regex’s face was blackened like a cartoon character’s and his hair looked like he stood too close to an electric generator. Alpha then teleported Regex out and didn’t care where he ended up.
“Well I guess we’ll be going.” Whiplash said as the Matrix team made ready to leave. They once again said their goodbyes to Tommy, Zordon and Alpha and soon everyone teleported out.
When the Matrix team was back on the highway Jessica mounted on her motorcycle. Jazz and Chromedome transformed into their vehicular modes and everyone else boarded the vehicles as the Matrix sat safe. They then drove off as Jessica activated her Nexus Crystal shard and the Matrix team was soon gone from the reality with Tommy, Zordon and Alpha watching. “Good luck my friends.” Tommy said.
“And may the Power protect you.” Zordon said. He then turned to Alpha and said “Let’s bring in the ones who were really chosen this time!”
“Right Zordon!” Alpha said making ready to engage the teleporters. This time with no electric storms causing interference.
Just as the Matrix team was leaving a streak of white touched down in the desert. It then solidified into the form of Regex who looked around and saw miles and miles of miles and miles of nothing.
“WHERE THE HELL AM I!!!!” he shrieked at the top of his lungs.
Back at the Angel Grove Youth Center Jason sat with his friends Billy, Trini, Zack and Kimberly. Looking around Zack saw the place was more or less deserted. Not many people were there anymore, and those that were there were relieved that the six that no one wanted there were gone. Where they went no one knew, and no one cared.
“Oh man. I’ll tell you, I am glad those goons are nowhere here today.” Zack said.
“Yes. Their absence has provided a boost of morale among this small assembly.” Billy added. Trini translated by saying “Everyone is glad they’re gone.”
Kimberly nodded but she was worried about something else, or rather someone else. Tommy was supposed to meet them at the Youth Center when he returned from his uncle’s cabin, but he had never shown. And Kimberly was worried silly. “Guys, has anyone heard from Tommy?” she asked. Everyone nodded no.
“Now that you ask, where’s Regex?” Kim asked. Then as if on cue, Tommy had appeared in the doorway of the Youth Center and said “He’s out for a while.”
Kimberly was the first to run up to her boyfriend. “Tommy!” she shouted as she wrapped her arms around him in a hug. The others soon followed after that.
“Hey man what’s up?” Jason said. “We were expecting you back hours ago.”
“Was there a problem in getting to your destination sooner?” Billy asked.
“You look a little pale, are you okay?” Trini then asked.
“Is that a new watch?” Zack asked pointing to Tommy’s wrist. Tommy just smiled.
“Oh man. Guys, there’s something I gotta show you.” Tommy led the five friends to an isolated corner and spoke into his ‘new watch’. “Zordon. We’re ready.” Tommy said in his communicator.
Jason and his friends wondered what was going on when they felt themselves being enveloped in multicolored flashes of light and were being transported to a new destination. Tommy followed hoping that Zordon could explain everything.
Soon the flashes of light had materialized inside the Command Center. All five looked up at the giant floating head standing before them while Tommy stood off to the side.
“Hey bro. What’s going on?” Jason asked.
“I can’t believe it.” Billy said looking at Alpha. “A fully sentient autonomous automaton.”
“An android.” Trini translated. Alpha however shied away when Billy gave the translation, and the young genius asked what was wrong.
“Ohhh I’m so sorry. It’s just that the last person who said that wanted to take me apart so he could beat a rival at a Science Fair.” Alpha explained.
“That sounds like something Clarence would do.” Billy said then an idea came to his mind and he looked at Tommy. “Has Clarence been here?”
“Guys. I know this is going to sound weird to you, but… you’re in the headquarters of the Power Rangers.” When Kimberly heard that she was quick to faint. Zack however caught her.
Jason turned and confronted his friend. “Tommy what are you getting at. What do you mean we’re in the headquarters of the Power Rangers?” Kimberly had woken up quick and wanted to hear this story as well.
“It’s kind of hard to explain. but I’ll give it a try. You see when the witch Rita Repulsa had shown up, something happened. A storm had appeared and the wrong people were chosen to be Power Ranger. Bulk, Skull and their friends were chosen when instead…”
“… We were supposed to be chosen.” Trini said finishing. Tommy nodded.
“All right then. So who’s the big giant head floating up there?” Zack asked pointing up to Zordon. Zordon cringed at the ‘Big Giant head’ cracks but he had faith that these Rangers would grow out of it.
“Welcome my friends. I am Zordon.” the Morphin Master said to the five teens before him.
Rita and her court were still partying when Bansheera silently strode into the main room. Her court by her side and six hooded figures stood behind her. “Well, what do you want?” she asked with a shrill tone.
Bansheera’s smile seemed to spread far wider than it ever should have gone which caused many of Rita’s court to feel very uneasy. “You know, you really should watch what you all say about my forces and me. Your comments made their way to my chambers.”
“Ahhh that pathetic peon!” Rita said when Randolar was mentioned. “I knew that he would be nothing but trouble.”
“Actually he’s been quite helpful.” Black Annie said interrupting. She then stepped back and motioned the six hooded figures to come forward. Pulling back the hoods Rita’s face went into shock as she saw the faces of those before her. For they were the faces of her enemies, the Power Rangers.
“What? How?” Rita stuttered. Bansheera however continued.
“Your son wanted to give me a hand. Too bad he wasn’t in the right frame of mind for the work I had in mind. But that was quickly remedied.” Bansheera snapped her fingers and Randolar had come out. His eyes just as wide eyed and vacant as his friends’ were.
Rito looked at the Rangers and shouted “What did you do to them? And Randolar? Why does he look so “
“Obedient? Bansheera said. “Well the damage done was so extensive that we had to give him a total mindwipe, as well as to his friends.”
“WHAT?!” Rito shouted.
“Yes. The Order was concerned that Randolar might need a mindwipe due to so much tampering by the time he was ready. So we prepared for that eventuality when we decided to bring them into our service.” Rito felt his bones seething as he realized he had been double-crossed.
Rita was beside herself with outrage. “You can’t take them!” Rita shrieked. “They must be destroyed!”
“Yes I can!” Bansheera said. “And you know why?” Bansheera turned her gaze towards Black Annie who was ready to begin an incantation. An incantation that would have disastrous effects for Rita.
“Because it’s time to pay the price for our aid. I’m sure you remember what I said that there would be a price to pay for our aid.” Rita nodded feeling a little bit nervous.
“Wait a minute… What price?” Rito asked.
“Well that price is your freedom. NOW BLACK ANNIE!!!”
Black Annie waved her hands in Rita’s direction as she began her incantation. “Which that’s ageless for all time. Let the moments stop on a dime. She whose arrogance is bold. Thou shalt not grow young or old.” Energy swirled around Black Annie’s fingers and shot out towards Rita who held up her hands trying to block the energy. She didn’t succeed.
Rita stood motionless. Unable to move. Her arms were forever in a position of trying to hold off the magical energy Black Annie was sending her way. King Sphinx looked over the still body of his mistress who stood like a statue. “What did you do to her?” he demanded.
“Do not worry. She’s frozen in time.” Black Annie said. “That is only the first installment of our price however. Now comes all of you!!!” Again Black Annie waved her hands saying, “You whose evil is unbound. Now you shall crawl all around.”
Magic flew from Black Annie and hit the whole court of evil, who had been turned into cockroaches, except for Rita who remained frozen in her time warp. The roaches: Squatt, Baboo, Sphinx and Rito had all scurried about looking for things to eat and pollute while Bansheera snickered. “Not bad Black Annie.” Bansheera said. “I may have a place for you in my court for one with talent such as yours.”
“It won’t last long though.” Black Annie said. “Not like the spell I had done for Epyon. That one is permanent.”
Epyon smiled as he took out the tiny form of Scorpina that he kept in a jar and looked at it lustingly. Scorpina banged on the glass screaming to be let out but Epyon wouldn’t allow that. Instead he shook the jar and watched as Scorpina moved as she tried to keep her balance. She swayed back and forth as if she was performing some mad dance to stay on her feet. A dance that only made Epyon smile even wider.
“Oh the fun I will have with you my little dancing girl!” Epyon sneered. He turned to Bansheera and acknowledged that he was ready to leave.
“So mother… What do we do with her?” Olympius said pointing to the still form of Rita. Bansheera smiled as she turned to Black Annie. “Tell me something, how good are you at undoing evil spells?”
Black Annie looked confused at what was asked of her. She knew very little about Rita Repulsa, but what she did know was that Rita wasn’t always evil but was led down that path by Master Vile when she was just a child. When the wave of good Zordon employed hit her Rita and Zedd had both been purged of their dark influences and returned to human forms. But what does undoing Rita’s spell have to do with any of this? the sorceress thought.
“Undoing evil spells is not something I practice very often.” Black Annie said. “May I ask what it is you intend?”
Bansheera turned to look at Epyon who still had his ‘Scorpina in a jar’ and was shaking the jar to keep her dancing. Suddenly Black Annie knew what Bansheera had in mind and let out an evil smile. “May I test it first?” she asked. Bansheera cast her gaze on Scorpina’s tiny form in the jar and felt afraid. No more that Epyon who was afraid that Bansheera and Black Annie would break his new ‘toy. ‘
“Don’t worry Epyon.” Black Annie said. “If anything we’re going to make her better for you.” Then waving her hands Black Annie began a series of incantations that no other dark sorceress would dare invoke, or even look into. Black Annie however was no ordinary dark sorceress, and she had researched any kind of magic she came across that she thought would even help increase her own power and knowledge.
Even White magic.
Now Black Annie was going to put that lost knowledge to the test. “She who is under evil’s taint. Leave her with a heart of a saint.” Energy then flowed out of Black Annie and hit the tiny Scorpina who had begun to change. The golden armor and sword was all gone only to be replaced with something new.
Inside the jar wasn’t Scorpina any longer. Rather instead was a young girl who looked to be in her late teens-early twenties with long black hair, wore a black dress that came down to her calfs which highlighted the gold belt and gold shoes on her. Gone was the chainmail and headdress of Scorpina, and in her place was the good and lovely Sabrina.
Sabrina looked at Epyon and the sneer across his face. No longer was she angry as well as afraid. Now she was mostly afraid as Epyon shook the jar again and Sabrina was sent thrashing about instead. Bansheera smiled and said “I’d consider that a successful test. Wouldn’t you?”
Black Annie smiled and turned her gaze back to Rita Repulsa. Waving her hands Annie uttered the same incantation that she had done before and sent the dangerous white energy towards Rita bringing about a change no one would dare believe, let alone a change no evil creature would dare allow.
Rita Repulsa stood. No longer the old crone with the long gray hair bound by a hideous headdress. Or wearing an ugly brown dress with sharp cones on the chest. She no longer had the layers of makeup or shrill voice of old. No, instead Rita was as Zordon’s wave of good had left her in many other worlds, only slightly younger before Master Vile gave her the evil injections.
She had natural brown hair, and skin not bogged down with make up. Her complexion was radiant. He wore a brown sleeveless dress that came just above her knees showing off her legs which Epyon couldn’t take his eyes off of. She also had brown shoes and a blue scarf with white polka dots. Yes Rita Repulsa truly was beautiful for the first time in ten millennia.
And as the evil spell was undone, so was the time warp, and Rita took in her change with a mix of awe and joy. Joy at finally being free from her father’s bondage, and awe that such a feat could be accomplished.
“What happened?” Rita asked. “Where’s Arianas?”
Bansheera then sneered. “Don’t you remember? You put him to death three hundred years ago?”
“What?” Rita then said as the images of her time evil came to mind as she remembered bringing the guillotine down on Arianas’s head. As Rita remembered she fell to her knees sobbing as she realized that the man she loved was killed by her own hand. She continued to sob until she looked up at the form of Randolar standing before him.
“Randolar?” she then asked felling slight joy at being reunited with her son she finally remembered. But those feelings quickly faded as Black Annie cast her next spell.
“She who now stands great and tall. Make her oh so terribly small.”
Rita started to shrink, much like the time Lord Zedd shrunk her and cast her out in the dumpster. As she grew smaller and smaller the smiles of Bansheera’s team grew wider and wider. Soon the shrinking stopped and she was soon no taller than anyone’s ankle.
“Sorry, you had your chance.” Bansheera said as Epyon came with another jar and scooped Rita up into it. When he sealed the second jar he looked at both Sabrina and Rita in their tiny forms. “Now I’ve got two dancing beauties.” The rat sneered.
He then shook Rita’s jar and she was soon sent shaking about much like Sabrina had been. Rita did a dance of her own as she tried to regain her footing. For added amusement Epyon shook Sabrina’s jar and soon she was sent thrashing about as well.
Bansheera smiled. The mission wasn’t a total loss. She got six new Rangers, six tainted Ranger powers that could be researched and adapted for the Order’s, and her own personal use. And Epyon got two new toys to play with.
~ Let the Rangers have their matrix. It will do them no good. ~ she thought evilly. Then she and her forces teleported out of their world with their Rangers, and Epyon’s ‘little women. ‘
When Bansheera’s team arrived at the Order’s base everyone greeted her before Bansheera took the new acquisitions to Biilly and Destructor.
In the main hall of the Order’s base Biilly and Destructor were looking over the new acquisitions Queen Bansheera had provided for the Order. Biilly rubbed his hands together already thinking of the uses that Bulk and his friends could be put to use for.
“Excellent!” Biilly said. “With these six new warriors. The Night Rangers will have no chance.”
“These six.” Destructor said. “Plus the ones you are currently working on?”
“Don’t worry.” Biilly said. “I haven’t forgotten what we have to do for our forces. And if the Night Rangers are as dangerous as you say they are, then the other Rangers will fall easily to our forces might.”
“Do not be overconfident.”
Biilly and Destructor turned around as they heard the voice. They heard the footsteps as a lone figure came into the council room. He was dressed in black with a blood red cape and wore a blue tinted visor over his eyes. He was very handsome, with hair as black as night that came down to his shoulders. He walked into the room giving off an essence of pure darkness and evil as well as a sense of calming and awe.
“Overconfidence leads to defeat and we do not intend to underestimate ANY Rangers, most of all the Night Rangers.” The Shadow Lord said.
Biilly wasn’t sure who this was but then Destructor smiled. “So good of you to finally join us my friend.”
“I told you Destructor that I would join the Order once my project was completed. If I left it not done it would have been catastrophe for both good and evil.” The Shadow Lord said. “Fortunately, my completion has come at a rather opportune time. These Dark Ryders you are creating are good but they could be much better with my help.”
Biilly’s pride then got in the way. “Oh yeah! Who the hell do you think you are anyway?”
The Shadow Lord then stretched his hand out and then Biilly felt frozen. He then snapped his fingers and then Biilly felt the air go right out of his body no longer able to breath. It felt just like that scene in Star Wars when Darth Vader showed a disbelieving Imperial General the powers of that he had by using the dark side of the force to take away his ability to breath.
Except this was reality and the man before Biilly was far worse than Darth Vader.
“I will warn you once Biilly Cranston. Don’t insult me. We are allies here in the Order, but to show disrespect for one that knew and helped Minion, and who is on very good terms with the Dark one may earn you an early death.” The Shadow Lord said calmly. “Do we understand each other?” Biilly nodded as best as he could. “Good.” He said as he then let his hand down and snapped his fingers again.
Biilly collapsed on the ground and took deep breaths to fill his lungs. After a couple of moments. Billy then looked up at him in awe and perhaps a bit of fear. Only one person had ever made him feel like was right now and that had been Minion. “… who are you?”
The Shadow Lord then smiled slightly. “My name is Lord Mirablis. Perhaps you have heard of me?”
Biilly froze in shock realizing now who this was. Lord Mirablis was known throughout the UAE. Though he was not on the head council of the UAE, or was an actual member, he was a man of great knowledge and wisdom in the dark arts and mastery of the Shadow Grid. Those he had helped had only brought victory and more power to the cause of evil.
Mirabilis looked over Biilly. “Together I believe you and I can create a force more powerful than anything ever conceived. The Dark Ryders I said are good but if they can gain power from the Shadow Grid as well… it’s just one more advantage that they have over the Night Rangers.”
“Dark Power from the Shadow Grid for Rangers?” Biilly thought with wonder about the possibilities.
“Indeed.” Mirabilis replied.
“I shall leave you two to discuss matters further.” Destructor said. Biilly was about to say something when Mirabilis did it for him. “There is a problem that needs your personal attention and intervention I take it?”
“Correct my friend.” He said. “I shall leave you to your work.” Biilly nodded as Destructor left then turned back to the six new Doom Rangers before him. Their C. V. I’s were taking effect and the Order had become the top on their agenda.
And along with the Dark Ryders no one shall be able to withstand my power! Biilly smiled and left the six new warriors ready to resume his work and talk to Mirabilis. That is until Triini decided it was time to take a break.
“Biiiiiiilllllllyyyyy?” she said in a whiney voice wearing only the skimpiest of robes.
What happened next is behind closed doors. Although the motionless Doom Rangers did get a peep show out of the deal.
However Mirabilis, after five seconds turned away feeling revolted. ~ That is one perversity I told Minion NOT to go with. I need to make sure I am not around them when they do that.
Mirabilis took his leave, but cast a glance at the Doom Rangers and then the Dark Ryders, and then he was gone.
Destructor had made his way to a private room in the Order’s base. This room had been set up as the private training area for the Order’s main assassin. She who would have been dead if it wasn’t for Destructor’s saving grace.
She had come into the world as a twin, and was almost sold as a baby until a nurse had done her civic duty and called in on Dr. Edward Jacobs who sought to make off with one of the infants. Jacobs did time for kidnapping, and he was still doing time for that crime as well as for several others.
But life for the twin girls was far from pleasant. For just after she was two years old the parents got divorced, and the twins were separated. One went with the mother, and the other went with the father. The one in the mother’s care seemed to have a happy life. She was captain of the cheerleading squad, one of the most popular girls in school, and a mother and stepfather who loved her. And as an added bonus, she had the life of adventure that only being a Power Ranger could provide. A life where even in death, the adventure wasn’t necessarily over.
But what she didn’t know was that she had a twin somewhere. A sister who didn’t have the life of love the other sister had received. No, instead she got beatings, abuse and resentment for the sister she never knew, but who her father always wanted.
“You’re pathetic.” Gerald Hammond said to his daughter the day she turned six. “I can’t believe I got the reject. I wanted the other one. At least she can do things right, unlike you.” Gerald Hammond used this reasoning all the time when it came to Alison’s accomplishments. Whether it came to riding a bike, choosing her friends, getting good grades, it seemed none of it was good enough for Gerald Hammond. Not unlike her sister Ashley who seemed to get everything right.
When she heard about Ashley for the first time it was something Alison Hammond never expected as her father had beaten her. Through the beatings she had learned a most important lesson. She had a sister.
A sister that had the life she was supposed to have.
A sister who lived the life of joy while she lived the life of pain.
It is so not fair! Alison thought. ~ Why does she get so many chances at happiness while I get so many chances at misery?~ Alison had no answer, but what she did know was two things.
She hated her father.
And she hated Ashley. And she would do whatever it took to not only find her, but to make sure she got a taste of the misery that Alison had known all her life.
Soon Alison took to the streets, and lived life as a prostitute to pay for her expenses. Some of her customers were very high risk while others seemed safe enough. One time though a customer was not so safe.
Before the attack on KO-35, the Kerovans went out on exploration missions. Hoping to learn about other cultures, and other worlds in an effort to build alliances that would help them protect the colony. Some had proven fruitful and beneficial, while others turned out to be little more than dry wells.
Some of the crews even decided to take ‘liberties’ that the captain and senior staff were unaware of. These liberties usually entailed ‘contact missions’ with the female population of the worlds they visited.
Alison Hammond was one of those the Kerovan Explorers took ‘liberties’ to.
During a ‘cultural research mission’ two explorers went into the seedy dive where Alison ‘worked’. One of the researchers took a fancy to her and decided to do ‘further research’. Since it was what she was paid to do, Alison volunteered to be his ‘research assistant’ as it were. Needless to say it was believed that the ‘experiment’ was a complete success.
Sadly the medical diagnostics on the Kerovian vessels were not always the best. Some diseases went undetectable by ship’s doctors, and when KO-35 was attacked all ships were recalled to help in combat and evacuations. When most, if not all the ships were destroyed, many of the people the Kerovan crews ‘visited’ were left holding the bag as they left a parting gift among the populace-disease.
And Alison Doe was one such sufferer of a Kerovian disease.
The disease Alison suffered from was a rare Kerovan disease which ate the body from the inside out, giving a sense of burning throughout her body. And since KO-35 was destroyed, compounded with the fact that she had no way to get there, the cure to the disease was lost to her. No traces of it remained on Kerova or existed on Earth. Alison Hammond faced certain death, unless a miracle happened.
That miracle came in the form of Destructor, who offered her the chance to live if she would serve him as a member of his Order of Destruction. Alison, near death, was in no condition to refuse even if she wanted to.
For Alison saw an opportunity in Destructor. An opportunity for revenge against all who had harmed her, or abandoned her. Or even received the life that she herself was supposed to receive, instead of the life of abuse that was handed to her by her father, pimp, and whoever else wanted to see what she had to offer. Destructor knew this, and welcomed the chance to grant his new soldier’s fondest wish.
She had undergone an intense training program. Learning all the martial art forms the galaxy had to offer. Microscopic implants enhancing her strength and agility. And a final deadly feature, that her master had given to her. The ability to turn her own curse onto another so that they would be eaten away by the disease that ran through her body, just as it ran through hers before Destructor saved her.
And she longed for the time when Ashley Hammond would feel the deadly touch of the Kerovian Virus as it ran through her system. Slowly killing her for the second time. As Alison pictured her fantasy, she pictured also how Ashley was the favored child while she was the reject.
When she was finished, no longer was she Alison Hammond, abused child and prostitute. Having renounced the Hammond family name she became Alison Doe, a girl with no identity to be tied to her and whose face was much like that of a doe. She who was of such beauty, yet was extremely deadly. She couldn’t wait to try out her new powers and skills.
Alison’s first victim was her own father.
The police report would show that the door would be broken down and much of the crime scene would be reminiscent of a breaking and entering. However when the victim would be found, it wound be shown that the body was eaten from the inside out by some sort of rapid virus that left a mutilated corpse behind. Gerald Hammond was a mysterious death, and Alison Doe couldn’t wait to add Ashley to that list.
Sadly, Evil Q took the matter out of her hands, when he had all the Rangers before Galaxy killed. Alison felt so cheated that she would never get the chance to let her sister know of her existence. Until Evil Q and the Order plucked the souls of the Rangers from the afterlife, and Jeffrey Kincaid with the aid of the other Rangers saw to it that they would be resurrected.
Alison was grateful for the opportunity that Kincaid inadvertently provided her. She looked up at Destructor and kissed his hand as if showing her gratitude. “My loyalty is to you Destructor.” Alison said kneeling. “You are my savior. And our enemies shall fall before us.”
Destructor smiled and looked down at Alison. “Never forget.” He said. Alison Doe wouldn’t. ~ And Ashley would suffer like she had never suffered before~ Alison thought. Destructor however had thoughts of his own as he watched his warrior leave.
~ Everything is going according to plan. Soon my Order shall stand victorious over all. ~
How little Destructor knew how wrong he was.
For on yet another dimension, a dimension which did not look like a place one would want to live in if they belonged to the side of goodness, someone was plotting.
That someone in question was now sitting in her throne room, her figure covered in the shadows. The throne itself had a staircase which went ten feet down. Kneeling where there was light, in a place where darkness ruled, was a black armored figure with an ebony blade at his side. The armor was as dark as night and gave a look of cold dark being.
“Well, have you found them yet?” the figure on the throne asked.
The Dark Knight kept his head bowed low. “No my Empress we haven’t. We are still searching reality, time and space for her as well as the one going by the name Galvatron II”
“How dare this ‘Order of Destruction’ come into my reality without even having the proper courtesy from one supreme being to another, to tell me they were coming!” the Empress said clenching her fist. “I do not like being made to look like a fool so easily Obsidian.”
“I know my Empress ” the Dark Knight known as Obsidian said. “But we are doing our best to “
Suddenly a ball of smoke appeared and when it settled a black ninja garbed warrior appeared. It was not human because it did not look human to begin with. He bowed in respect. “My Empress. This humble Dark Assassin brings news from your servant, and my mistress Lady Tasha. ‘
“What is this news that Tasha has for me?” the Empress asked as the Dark Assassin then pulled out a small cylindrical crystal. “A message crystal to not come and tell me this news herself must mean she is unable to leave where she is. Obsidian, insert the message crystal into the reader and feed it into the main monitor. I wish to know what Tasha has to tell me.”
~ The Ninja Master probably thinks she’s found in only two weeks what I’ve been doing since the day they were stolen. ~ Obsidian thought to himself as he plugged it into the reader.
A holographic screen appeared. On it was a black garbed ninja similar to the Dark Assassin, but her face was not masked. She had short red hair and purple eyes. She then bowed her head. “My Empress, you should receive this message from my lieutenant Damorav within two days of his departure. I have not found Gigatron’s gift, or the one known as Galvatron II.” She then smiled. “But I have found two of our other quarries.”
The Empress then got up but stayed in the shadows. Obsidian was starting to clench his fists, angered that if this was true, then she had beaten him to the punch.
“I am currently on the planet where the Matrix of Synergy is currently on. I have also picked up the bio signature of the Demon Hunter. Both right on top of the other.” Tasha said.
“DAMN IT!” the Empress slammed her hand down on her throne. “She still lives and has my other Matrix!”
“I don’t know what capabilities she has here, nor how long she has been on this world. I don’t intend to confront her until I have an ‘overkill’ of reinforcements to make sure we eliminate the last hope of rebellion and reclaim the Matrix of Synergy.” Tasha said. “I will most likely need Obsidian as well as about 100 Dark Assassins and the Specials for this mission. I would however advise haste. I have been tracking the Matrix signatures three of them are now coming together at one spot in time and space. I can only speculate that the Order is also searching for the other Matrixes and has obtained them. I am now displaying my temporal coordinates.” On the left hand side of the screen, temporal coordinates appeared. “That is all I have to say. I await my back up’s arrival. End recording.” The screen then went blank.
Obsidian just looked on t the shadowed figure of the Empress. He knew she wouldn’t be happy with the latest news about the other Matrixes being gathered. “Your orders, my Empress?”
“Get to her location with her requested back up now.” The Empress said. Obsidian and Damorav started to walk out but then the Empress spoke again and Obsidian turned to face her. “And Obsidian. I expect the Matrix of Synergy and the Demon Hunter’s head in your hands when you come back.”
Obsidian’s eyes narrowed through his slit. “Don’t worry my Empress you will have them.” With that he swung his cape aside and exited the throne room with Tasha’s lieutenant.
The Empress then started to walk down the main part of the room. “Do you think you can get away with what you did to me Order of Destruction? The Empress of the Chaos Dynasty dose not forget and NEVER forgives. You stole from me my crowning jewel. My greatest gift the Matrix of Evil.”
The Matrix of Evil had been a creation from Gigatron. Leader of the Predacons of Cybertron. They had been in a never ending war with the Autobots of their world led by Fire Convoy, and requested the aid of the Demons to help assist them in their battle. The demons readily accepted, in exchange of a tithe of their choosing. The Predacons thought long and hard to see what gift would be worthy of Bansheera’s respect. They unanimously decided the Matrix of Evil would make an excellent tithe for her. Especially if it would help fulfill their own agenda of their own conquest.
But then Galvatron II had appeared and challenged Gigatron to combat. They two mechanoids fought brutally, but Galvatron II was craftier, and made off with the Matrix of Evil when he beat Gigatron, with the help of a distraction from the Demon Hunter. Everyone was clearly upset the Matrix of Evil was lost but they figured that since they had its progenitor the, Matrix of Synergy, that the power of the Predacons and demons would not be diminished.
That is until Demon Hunter found the Matrix of Synergy and stole it. It was a crushing blow to the Predacons, and the Empress was left seething.
“I was mere moments from controlling all of reality until the Demon Hunter was able to intercede in Gigatron’s fight with Galvatron II, and allowed him to lay claim to it in order to further his own ends. But furthermore, he allowed Demon Hunter to escape not only with her life, but with the Matrix of Synergy.”
“With that act you have signed your death warrants. You think you use what is rightfully MINE? You are fools to think that. Soon we shall meet, and then I shall teach you the lesson I have taught the Earth, Eltar, and many other worlds that are under my dominion.”
The Empress finally was in the light. But she was not human she was a female demon. The many years of her rule had only made her power grow stronger and with that power her body changed with it. Her body had a black leathery look with black lace surrounding it. The color was black as night. The chest looked like a face. Her bust looked like eyes, there was a nose below that, and a gaping purple lipped mouth with teeth below that. Her arms were a little longer than humans and they had sharp red nails. On her back were black leathery wings like those of a bat or gargoyle. She had blue white skin. Her eyes were of a golden hue that sparkled with power. Her lips looked like they had been drenched in blood because of the color they looked. Before she had kept her hair in a ridiculous, outdated hair style but now she had gotten rid of it and let her blonde-brown hair go down and it went a little past her shoulder blades.
“To bring forth the wrath of Empress Bansheera is to bring forth your own deaths!” She then let out a hideous laugh.
A laugh which was heard throughout a human enslaved and demon ruled Earth.
In the reality the Matrix teams had departed from, the Cybertrons were dealing with a crisis that involved a lost group of Transformers that were sealed in a vault millions of years ago. Before Optimus made his historic journey to Earth.
Due to energy shortages some Autobots and Decepticons had sealed themselves up in stasis chambers hoping for the time when Cybertron would be energy rich again. During an excavation the vault had turned up and both the Autobots and Decepticons had awoke to find a whole new Cybertron in the place of the one they had left. The war was over, the Transformers had more or less united, and a new splinter group had been formed to fill the void the Decepticons had left. A faction that had once been led by a lunatic.
That same lunatic who was roaming the corridors of Cybertron looking for anyway off the planet he could find. Thankfully with Megatron and the ruling council dealing with the current crisis Galvatron went about his wanderings undisturbed looking to find a ship that he could use to escape.
His efforts were rewarded.
At the Erlion spaceport a starship stood waiting. All Galvatron had to do was get to it.
Meanwhile back in the previous reality the spell had worn off on the evil court and they had changed back to their original forms. Quickly Rito looked around to see if she could find Rita or Randolar. Neither one could be found.
“AHHH I can’t believe I lost my nephew!” Rito shouted.
“Never mind that!” King Sphinx said. In Rita’s absence he was acting commander of her forces and the first priority was in finding where their mistress was. “We must find Empress Rita. Contact every contact we know of. We’ll find her even if it takes another ten thousand years!” Everyone seemed to obey Sphinx’s command except for Squatt who looked out the balcony at something that sent chills throughout his body.
“Uhhh boss?” Squatt asked.
“What is it?” answered Sphinx.
“I think we’ve got company.” The last thing anyone knew in the palace was the teleport beams that took them aboard… something.
Something that was a complete unknown to all.
Regex was walking in the desert trying to determine which way to go now. He had wandered a couple of miles in one direction when he suddenly decided to go a different direction hoping civilization was closer going a different way. The only thing he got was hopelessly lost.
“Water… need water…” His eyes seemed to spot a lakebed nearby that still had some water in it and he rushed towards it like a wild man at a feeding frenzy… before the teleportation beam that took the Court of Evil took him as well.
Soon Regex found himself on board some sort of… insect hive. There seemed to be combs everywhere with a life form in each and every one. Regex found his curiosity peaked until he came across four other cocoons that seemed to have monsters in them. One looked like a skeleton dressed like a soldier, another looked like a monster wearing Egyptian garb and bearing the symbols of the Ancient Greeks. The two others didn’t seem all that powerful but they also seemed to be just as anxious to get out of the honey combs as the rest of them.
“What is this… place… ?” he asked himself as he turned around and felt his words falling out as he looked up at the sight of an insectoid like creature that Regex couldn’t describe, only that he felt very VERY afraid being in its presence.
That was all Regex remembered when the creature known as ‘Swarm’ ordered Regex to be taken and put into the cocoon. He tried to break free, but the comb walls dried up quickly.
And all he could do was wait and see what evil plan Swarm had in mind. Regex would not have to wait long.
END OF PART 7
BUT THE BEGINNING AS WELL