Chapter 1: A Walk in the Forest

"Fly me to the moon,

and let me play amongst the stars.

Let me see what spring is like

On Jupiter and Mars…"

"In other words… La la laaaaaa! In other words… La da da daaaa!"

If anyone had asked who at SPD was a fan of Frank Sinatra, not many people would have picked Schuyler Tate. Then again, most people never got the opportunity to go jogging with him. Had they had that chance, they might have learned it was one of his favourite things to listen to while he jogged. The fact that he sometimes liked to sing along though was probably why he preferred to jog alone, and in the more secluded parts of the park. Besides, he enjoyed having some time to himself. Every since he became the red ranger, he's had even less time to himself than usual. Not that he didn't enjoy spending time with his team, it was just that there were times were he seriously wished he had take Cruger up on his offer to let Sky have his own room (since Jack and the A-squad had moved out).

Sky slowed down to a walk as he rounded the corner, taking deep breath in of the crisp morning air. There was something about those cool, early morning jogs that just woke him up and made him feel… energized… fresh. It was a nice feeling and one that he liked to savor as it rarely lasted with all the training they did throughout the day. It was the one time of the day that just made him want to smile. This was another reason he jogged alone. He certainly didn't want to ruin his reputation by giving people the impression he was actually cheerful in the morning. He just wouldn't be able to intimidate the lower level cadets the same way if they knew.

Taking out his headphones, Sky stopped to take a look at his watch. 7:14 am. He still had plenty of time if he wanted to go a little farther. His shift didn't actually start until 9:30. As Sky looked around he noticed a path he had never seen before leading off into the forest. "Hmm, I wonder why I never noticed that before. Well, I guess a jog through the forest would be fun."

But just as Sky was about to start up again an energy blast sent him sprawling to the ground. "What the?"

A deep evil voice cackled in the distance. "Hello ranger! Are you ready to die today?"

Sky looked up to see a strange troll like creature wielding a surprising large sword that was pointed in his direction. "Who the hell are you? Or should I say what are you?"

The creature only laughed evilly. "I am the bringer of your destruction ranger, but if you must call me something, you may address me as Troblicon, champion of the dark forest."

Sky just rolled his eyes. What is it with these aliens and their melodramatics? Is so much to ask for a normal criminal, just once? Considering where he worked though he doubted he would ever get his wish.

"Well if I were you," Sky said, getting to his feet, "I might consider putting in for a name change. Because soon all you're going to be is Troblicon, inmate number 457 dash 3. I suggest you suggest you give up now and maybe the courts will go easy on you."

"Foolish ranger! You don't realize the power you're facing, but you will soon! Hidiacs attack!" With that a dozen disgusting, zombie looking creatures appeared out of no where and charged at Sky.

Sky immediately jumped into action, fighting off the ugly looking creatures with a flurry of blows. He grabbed the arm of one attacker and flipped him over into one of his fellow attackers, knocking both down. Using a sweeping kick he took down two more. Sky did a backhand spring towards the forest, narrowly missing the blade of one of the creatures. He took out another creature with a single punch and elbowed another trying to sneak up behind him.

Troblicon, who had been just been watching was surprised at how well Sky was faring. He wasn't even morphed yet and he had already taken out half of the group. He wasn't worried though, he still had to deal with him and he wasn't the kind of Troblin who waited for his enemies to get their second wind. Besides, the Hidiacs had at least managed to push him back into the forest which is where he would have the advantage. This ranger had no idea of what kind of power his dark magic held. He didn't even know what dark magic was, and that would be his downfall.

While Troblicon was standing there watching the Hidiacs fight, Sky decided was starting to tire. It wasn't that he couldn't take them, it was just he needed to have enough energy left to take down the monster after this. With that in mind, Sky swept his arm around erecting a shield. He charged forward at the remaining Hidiacs and sent them flying back in all directions. That was when Troblicon decided to make his entrance. Without warning he sent an energy blast from his sword at the spot where Sky had just been standing. Spotting him coming, Sky had been lucky enough to roll out of the way just in time.

"I'm giving you one more chance Troblicon," Sky shouted, "Give yourself up!"

"How about this? You give up and I promise to destroy you quickly!"

Sky just shrugged. "Don't say I didn't warn you." With that Sky grabbed his morpher, shouting, "SPD EMERGENCY!"

In a flash of red Sky was transformed into his ranger suit. He charged at Troblicon drawing his Deltamax Striker like a sword. Sparks flashed with each blow the two exchanged. Sky attempted to get the upper hand reigning down on Troblicon with an unending amount of blows but Troblicon managed to parry each one in stride. With a sweep of his sword he sent Sky flying back into a tree, stunning him for a moment as he tried to scramble back to his feet. That moment was all Troblicon needed though as he sent a huge energy blast at Sky who was unable to avoid it in time. A huge explosion erupted sending Sky sailing across the forest floor. Sky demorphed as he hit the ground, cringing in pain.

Troblicon cackled evilly as he approached the wounded Sky who was struggling to pull himself to his feet using a nearby tree for support. "You should have taken my offer ranger, now I'm going to have to make you suffer when I destroy you. Say goodbye!"

Troblicon raised his sword, flashing with energy, and swung down on Sky with all his might. Sky, who had been expecting this, threw up the strongest shield he could muster to try and save him from the blow. As the two energy forces collided there was a flash of blinding light that sent both parties sprawling in opposite directions. As Sky hit the ground though, everything went dark.

To be continued…

So there you go! The first chap! I hope you enjoyed it! Please review! It's always an appreciated thing to do!