The impact of Lauren's death had hit hard for the rangers. Every ranger, retired or current in Reefside, still mourned their loss. Kim was grief stricken like crazy, and Tommy was the perfect example of a mess, which resulted in him taking a leave of absence from work. However, non of it compared to Ryder. He took it harder then anyone else.
Yes, the red fire dragon ranger was head over heels in love with Lauren. So when he saw the Azurezord blow up, killing both Slasheria and Lauren, it really messed him up. He had reverted into an even worse form of himself before he became a ranger. He would lash out at everyone who dared say something about her demise.
Currently, a week and a half passed by. Ryder took to monster battling as a way to take his growing anger out on. Ruthlessly defeating every monster in his path. Finally, now they were done with the current one, he fell to his knees, still morphed. His visor and gout cover slid into the helmet. He let a few tears loose. Karmyn and Carl, his two best friends, ran to his side, and comforted him.
Karmyn: It's okay. Ryder. Let it out.
Ryder did indeed let a few more tears out. But he got up, and reluctantly began to walk home. Of course, by now, his face was covered again. And he kept walking.
It didn't take him a long time to reach his destination, which was his homw. He was mentally exhausted. He couldn't bear with Lauren's passing. However, when he went in, he saw his mother, Karen Collins, crying as well. She noticed him.
Karen: Red ranger? What are you doing here?
Ryder didn't even care at this point. He slipped out of transformation. He let his mother know. His father already knew, so why not. Especially now. He didn't care. And the revelation surprised Karen. She ran up, and embraced her son.
Ryder: you weren't meant to find this out. But right now, I could care less about minor details.
Karen: I...I am...surprised. However...I...I can't let you continue.
Now this shook Ryder out of his mental haze. He looked at her with surprise, and anger. Tears still streamed down her face.
Ryder: That's something that's not up to you to decide.
Karen: You have to stop. I can't bear to lose you to.
Ryder: Mom. I know you were close to Lauren but-
Karen:-It's not that. Your father just called. Wesley. He's...He's...
As soon as Ryder heard his brother's full first name, he knew something was wrong. And judging by how his mother suddenly wanted him to stop being a ranger (although he had to admit, he wasn't that surprised when she told him, because it was a dangerous duty to fulfill), along with her own tears. Obviously, she also knew about Wes being the red Time Force Ranger.
She kept crying. Her sobs of sadness coming out full blown. Ryder was parying that Wes wasn't killed.
Ryder: What's wrong with Wes?
Karen: He...was killed.
It was as he feared. His older brother, the best brother Ryder could ask for, and the Time force Red Ranger, was dead. He let a few tears go himself. His anger boiling up again. He knew it had to have been somebody against the rangers.
On Azalia's island fortress...
Azalia had just seen the events that had transpired over in Silver Hills. She smiled, upon seeing the monster that had did what many monsters before had failed to do. Kill a ranger. She chuckled. Lothor approached her, and saw the vision bubble. He to, smiled.
Lothor: So, there is somebody competent enough to carry out the job. No doubt, what many villains, like ourselves, have tried to do, this one monster did so. May have been just one, but it's still better then everything else.
Azalia: Indeed. And thus, we'll recruit him to do our work for us. No doubt...he'll make short work on those rangers.
Azalia chuckled, knowing that she finally had something good to work with.
Two days later, Ryder and Karen were in Silver Hills. They were attending a police funeral for Wes. At least, it was set up that way, due to his command in the former Silver Guardians, now renamed SPD. Tears fell from his eyes, as the gunshots fired in the air, as he was laid to rest. Ryder looked over, to see a crying brunette, and a young five year old boy. Ryder knew who they were. The brunette was Jen Tate Collins. Wes' wife. Although the strange thing about her, from a normal person's view, would be that she was from a thousand years into the future. The boy, was Wes's son, Sky. Ryder tried to contain his anger, and not explode right there.
Sky would grow up not knowing his father. And it was not because of broken love, but because a criminal monster had killed him ruthlessly. As his thoughts kept going into overdrive, he felt a hand clamp down on his shoulder. He looked over, to see the solem face, of Eric. At least he was still alive.
A couple hours later, at the reception, Ryder had gone away from the crowd. Right now, he was more stonefaced if anything. By that, he simply had no expression. It was just to damn much. That is when he suddenly threw a fireball infront of him. His whole body erupted in fire. His emotions were causing his powers to fluxuate. Luckily, his clothes didn't get burned. At least not yet.
Eric approached him again, with his wife, Taylor. Ryder sighed, and calmed down. At least there were two rangers he could count on. Yes, he knew about Taylor being a former ranger herself.
Ryder: This is...just so damn wrong. I don't know if I can deal with this.
Eric: You will Ryder. For as long as I've known you, you've never let anything get to you.
Ryder: Yeah. Maybe things finally have. And really Eric, you think you're in pain over losing Wes...My pain goes beyond that. He was my brother. Through blood. But even then, that's not even half of it. That's just the tip of the iceberg that's sinking this ship.
Taylor: Easy there hot head. No need to-
Ryder:-SHUT UP!
Eric: HEY! Don't you ever raise your voice to my wife.
Ryder sneered, and gave Eric the middle finger. His fire aura had re-appeared. His anger flaring up to it's maximum.
Ryder: I could honestly care less about any of you. You're all worthless. Especially you Eric. You could have done more to make sure Wes was alive. So we wouldn't have this argument! So that I would be focusing on taking down the dragon queen. But no instead, you proved your incompetence by not doing enough!
Eric: Don't you ever say that! You weren't there. You have no idea what kind of mess we were in. This monster, was unlike anything else. Unlike any mutant or monster we've faced, this one was one of the most wanted criminals in the entire universe. Ruthlessly evil. Yes. I should have done more. Believe me. But I'm not going to stop until I place that jerk where he belongs. Rotting away in a prison cell. Death would only be to good for him.
Ryder snorted. But he tried to calm down. In fact, he sighed, and nodded.
Ryder: Sorry. I meant no disrespect. It's just...Seeing you to together, it makes me jealous, and hurt. I just pray that neither one of you has to lose each other. The only other person that I know of in this place that understands what I'm going through, is Jen. Because over a week ago, Lauren was killed in action, and dammit...I loved her.
Eric and Taylor were shocked by this revelation. They both hung their heads in mourning for her. That's when a giant being, that looked like a giant blue dog, in a commander's uniform, had approached the three. Eric noticed this, and saluted him.
Eric: Anubis sir, what can we do for you?
Anubis: Nothing commander. I wanted to speak with Ryder here. I couldn't help but overhear your conversation.
Eric nodded, as both he and Taylor left. Ryder looked at Anubis. He had met him before, at the silver guardian's renaming. The two sat down, on the bench that was there.
Anubis: I know how you feel Ryder. And before you explode on me, hear me out. About five years ago, my home planet of Sirius was invaded by a race of warriors called the Troobians. They were lead by a ruthless monster known as Emperor Grumm. He succeeded in taking over. To the point, where the Sirian race is all but dead, as I am the last known one. I lost many friends in that battle, and nearly myself. But most importantly...something that has...haunted me to this day...was the fact I lost my wife, Isinia. I know I could have done more...but the fact remains, that I lost everything. You're the only person I have told this to.
Ryder: Well...it is comforting that there is another who understands this pain. It feels like...some sort of empty feeling...yet it keeps burning, and not in a passionate way, but in this agonizing, crippling way.
Anubis: Yes. That is correct. Unfortunately, you get used to it. The feeling becomes numb. However there is one thing I can say. Don't make the same mistakes I have. I know you're probably thinking about giving up. Don't. You're a power ranger for a reason. A red to boot.
Ryder: I'm not the leader though. That was Lauren. She lead the team. Not me.
Anubis: Maybe, but it's a known fact that Red's are natural leaders. Ones who's loyalties to his or her friends, never dies, and the same for their friends, to them. Remember that.
Ryder:...Perhaps.
Anubis: Regardless if you decide to heed my advice, we do need your help. This criminal, only known as Mirloc, was the one responsible. He is extremely dangerous. Unfortunately, most of the cadets and guardians here are not prepared to face him. Especially with morale down from Wesley's downfall.
Ryder: Oh I'll take him down myself. There isn't any way that he'll be able to take me on. Not with this state of mind. But are you certain it's a wise idea? I'm revenge driven right now. I got no problem with taking him out for good.
Anubis: Well then I suppose it's a good thin you're not part of Space Patrol Delta then. Regardless. I trust your judgement.
Ryder: Well...thanks. But what makes Mirloc so dangerous?
Anubis: He can hide in reflective surfaces, and also trap people and objects inside his chest mirrors. Strategy is key against him.
Ryder nodded. He smirked. If there is one thing he did know, is that light was the enemy in this case. He needed to insure that Mirloc would be defeated. And thus, he would need assistance.
Ryder: There's no time to waste then. I don't know when he'll strike next, but i'm going to be prepared for it.
Anubis nodded. He didn't know what Ryder had planned, but it was beyond his jurisdiction. He left, not saying another word. That's when Ryder pulled out his cell phone, and dialed a number. He smiled, when he heard Tyrell answer, as that was who he was calling.
Ryder: Tyrell. I need you to come to Silver hills. Do not waste any time. We've got an important job to do.
Tyrell: Hmmm. Assuming that you need my power over darkness and chaos for something, I can only hope that you know who's responsible for your brother's death. I'll be there immediately. See you in a few hours.
A few hours later...
Tyrell had arrived infront of the Collins manor. All the guests had since left. Only Ryder, his father, Eric and Taylor, were there. He was still morphed. He looked around, and saw that it was clear for him to power down. And thus he did, and he embraced his colleague.
Tyrell: Sorry to have taken so long, but you have to remember, that Ragnarok was still badly damaged.
Ryder: I know. But that's not my biggest concern. Right now, we have to get this guy.
Tyrell: Fill me in on the details.
Voice: Well if you're going to catch that scum, now's your best chance.
Ryder and Tyrell turned around. The owner of the voice was one they both recognized, in the form of Ryder's dad, Mr Arthur Collins.
Arthur:He's currently attacking a jewelry store, over in town square mall.
Ryder: Okay. We'll get him. Ready man?
Tyrell: Always.
Ryder and Tryrell: Dragonforce. Dragon Power!
Both rangers transformed. Ryder summoned his G-Rider. But before he got on, Arthur stopped him
Arthur: Ry. Please be careful. This guy is extremely dangerous. As you know, reflective surfaces give him the edge in battle. Mirloc must be defeated. But if you find yourself in over your head, leave. I don't think either myself or your mother could handle losing both sons.
Ryder: I'm well prepared as it is dad.
Arthur: I know.
Eric: Listen Ryder. I know that we are both stressed and angry over what happened. I want him taken down as much as you, but unfortunately, due to my own injuries, I can't. However, I do have something for you.
Eric opened up a case. He was holding it briefly. Inside, was a glass orb. Ryder took it out, and it glowed orange.
Eric: that right there was Wes's power source for his battlizer. I know he would want you to have it.
The orb glowed again, and then went into the suit. Ryder nodded. He felt the power course through his veins.
And a few minutes later, Ryder and Tyrell had found Mirloc. Wes's killer. Before Mirloc had a chance to strike, he was hit with a flame slash.
Mirloc: Hmmm...I thought you power rangers had more honor then that.
Ryder: Screw you!
Ryder launched a fireball just as he transformed into Dragoon mode. But Mirloc opened his chest, and the fireball bounced back. Ryder absorbed his own attack. But Mirloc was slashed across the back by Tyrell.
Tyrell: We know all about you. You use mirrors and reflective surfaces as your means of attack.
Mirloc: you're right.
It was then, that Mirloc vanished. Tyrell sensed that he had gone into the sword of darkness. So Tyrell used his dark powers to keep him in there, before launching Mirloc out with a dark blast to the bground.
Tyrell: Don't do that again. We're not like anyone you've faced before.
Mirloc: Maybe. But...
Mirloc opened his chest, and a bright light shone. Tyrell vanished. He showed up in one of Mirloc's mirrors.
Ryder: Damn. You're not going to get away. You're going to feel the wrath of a dragon. BATTLE FIRE!
Ryder glowed brightly. His armor changed, to be bulkier, and golden patterns. His wings were bigger and gold. He even acquired Inferuno's spikes. Two massive swords were also present.
Mirloc: fool. That won't save you.
He opened his chest again, but got nothing. That;s when Tyrell struck from within, taking control. Ryder smirked inside his helmet, and did a flying kick to Mirloc's chest, effectively destroying the mirrors. Tyrell re-appeared.
Tyrell: Good timing. Could only hold him still for a few seconds while in his mirror dimension.
Mirloc: You are strong.
Ryder: Damn right I am. You killed my brother, the Red Time force Ranger. For that, I'm going to make you suffer. NOVA FLAME BURST!
Ryder was engulfed in flames, and he blazed forward, striking Mirloc hard. He then picked Mirloc up, and began to repeatedly slash him over and over. Tyrell however, was sitting down in a chair, with a bucket of popcorn, eating it (his mouth cover was away). After a few minutes of Ryder's anger, Mirloc was out cold. Ryder was breathing hard.
Ryder: I...I...damn. That felt so good. But you...you're not worth my time anymore. You got what you deserved. I['m done now.
Tyrell: Good. Ran out of popcorn.
Ryder: Dammit Ty. I brought you here for a reason. And that was to not eat popcorn!
Tyrel: You had it under control, so why should I have to interfere.
Ryder sighed, and nodded. Tyrell got up, and picked up Mirloc.
Tyrell: You sure you don't want to finish him?
Ryder: Death would be to easy for him. He deserves the torture, knowing his got defeated easily. Besides...if anyone's going to die, it's going to be your parents.
Tyrell was taken aback a bit. He should have known, but it still stung a bit that his parents had such a big target on them due to their actions. But he couldn't do anything about it.
A little while later, they had successfully dropped Mirloc off at SPD. But they both didn't want to remain long. So they immediately split, heading back to the Collins manor.
Even later then that, at night time, Ryder was looking at the sky. He was sad. That's when Karen approached him.
Karen: Hey Ry.
Ryder: Hey mom. I know that you don't want me to continue. But...I have no choice. I was chosen. This power chose me. So...
Karen:...I understand. It's almost like being drafted. Oh well. Just promise me that if things get tough...you'll get out.
Ryder: I'll try. But I swear...things are about to change majorly. For to long I have tried to keep my anger down. Yet when I unleashed it all today, it felt good. No holding it back anymore. Though I admit...wes's memento...glad it activated upon command for me.
Karen: Yeah. Well, when we get back home tomorrow...just don't get consumed by your anger.
Ryder: I know. I won't.
Karen smiled, and she looked up at the sky with her son, both praying for Wes and Lauren.
Meanwhile, back in Reefside...
Hanzo was currently sleeping. That's when a strange light came to him. It woke him up. It was in the form of Laurne, except looking Ghostly.
Hanzo: Lauren?
Lauren: Hey Hanzo. I don't have much time. I just wanted to tell you, that my emerald wound up on another planet. You need to find it. I know that Azalia can sense it. With that...she can find it. If she does...I don't want to think about it.
Hanzo: Of course. I'll make sure that it's secured. I won't let the wind powers be used for evil.
Lauren: I knew I could count on you. But leave immediately.
Lauren vanished. That is when Hanzo woke up for real. He knew what he saw in his dream was real enough. So he got up, got dressed, and let his wings out. He flew over to Ragnarok, with the intention to search for Lauren's emerald in mind.
A/N: Hey guys. Whew...this took a bit longer then expected to write. And thus, begins the second season of Dragon Force. The action continues, and so will the fun.