AN: This chapter contains descriptions of non-consensual sexual activity and mild gore. The reader's discretion is advised...
Romero Family Residence, Farm
Summer Cove, TX*
Fall, 2007
o0o
Brody huddles near a darkened corner of their family barn, too upset and ashamed to walk into the main house where he knows Dad and Aiden would ask too many questions about why he looks so messy and bruised. Tears trickle down his slightly pudgy face, and he swipes at them violently with mud encrusted fingers, leaving dark tear tracks down the sides of his face. Ducking his head underneath his arms, he rocks back and forth, as he recalls the taunting and name calling that he had been subjected to when he confronted Iggy Reynolds over taking his notebook from his cubby without his permission. Barely resisting the urge to scream, he clenches his trembling hands into tight fists as he continues rocking. It wasn't fair! He was the one who had his book stolen! He was the one who had been wronged! His dad was the greatest ninja in Texas, maybe even the entire world! How come he couldn't take Iggy and his annoying friends on in a straight fight? Why was he so weak?
He's so lost in his raging thoughts that he jumps, startled when a large, warm pair of hands settle suddenly on his shoulders. He wheels around in a panic, only to meet the concerned gaze of his Dad, as he crouches down next to him in the barn.
"Brody?" whispers Dad, a faint note of shock and dismay in his voice, "what happened to you? Look at you, your clothes are ripped and you have mud all over yourself. And your face...baby, what happened? Did you get into an accident walking home from school?"
Blood rushes to Brody's face as fresh shame coils in his stomach, and he drops his gaze to the ground, unwilling to meet his dad's concerned gaze. Sniffling, he shakes his head in the negative, as he firmly stares down at the ground. He can't see Dad's face, but he hears his rumbling sigh and feels him press closer to his side as he sits down next to him. The warm weight of his dad's arm settles around him once again, and he doesn't resist being tugged into a one-armed hug, a small smile threatening to break across Brody's face even in the wake of his misery as he inhales the Old Spice cologne that his Dad wore and felt the rough cloth of his training uniform against his cheek. Calming down slightly, Brody lets out a breathy sigh of his own. He feels safe. No matter what, he knows his dad will always be there to help him, to protect him.
"So, I guess you must have gotten into a fight today," says Dad quietly as he gently rocks Brody. "And the outcome wasn't to your liking? Can you tell me what happened, son?"
Brody really doesn't want to, but haltingly he explains to his dad what happened with his missing notebook and his discovery of the boys who had swiped it from his cubicle while he was helping Mr. Bremmer with cleaning up from their Crafts class and used it to make fun of him. He shares about how angry he felt when one of those boys stuck his foot out and caused him to trip on his way outside. Of how they ganged up on him after school was over and made fun of him again and again until he couldn't think clearly and jumped on top of Iggy, to make him pay for his mean teasing. How his act prompted the entire group to retaliate, holding him down while Iggy punched his face, his stomach and arms until he grew too tired to continue.
He doesn't mean to, but he finds himself crying again after he ends his story. He doesn't lift his head to meet his dad's eyes, half-convinced that he'll see disappointment and shame in his eyes. Why wouldn't he? He was the world's greatest ninja! He'd be ashamed of himself too if he was anywhere as good as his Dad.
But that's not the case. Gently, but firmly his Dad grasps his chin and lifts up his face to meet his father's eyes which do after all have a bit of disappointment, but even more compassion and love.
"I wish that you had chosen a different course of action," says his Dad quietly. "Fighting shouldn't be the first thing we think of doing when we find ourselves in conflict with other people; no Brody, it should always be our last resort when every other alternative methods have failed. I don't blame you for what happened and I'm not upset with you, but I need you to look at this as a important lesson that will be a critical cornerstone of your life when you've grown up. Whenever possible, choose the less violent path."
Shocked, Brody stares at his dad in confusion. Not fight? But how does that make sense when bad people, like bullies kept trying to target you? His expression must have revealed his thoughts, because his Dad's lips twitch before breaking out into a wry smile.
"I know it must seem strange for a Ninja Master to say that fighting isn't best," he admits with a shake of his head, "but ideally we wouldn't need to resort to blows just to solve our problems. The world would certainly be a safer and saner place if we all endeavored to attain those ideals. Unfortunately, we don't live in a perfect world. And more unfortunate than that, a lot of people exist in this world who want to hurt those they think are weaker than themselves, want to take advantage of others and subject their victims to incredible misery. And son," he stresses, squeezing Brody's shoulders, "that is when people need to stand strong. Even when the odds are considered overwhelming, if you possess willpower as firm and resistant as steel, a determination not to be broken by the cruelty of others or give in to their warped desires and the nobility of spirit to not just defend yourself, but protect those far more vulnerable than you? Then even the physically weakest man can topple the mightiest opponent to the ground."
Brody frowns reflexively as he tries to understand everything that his Dad is sharing with him. How does not fighting back equal having willpower like steel? As he frowns again, he sees his Dad smile fondly at him as he reaches over and grasps him by the shoulders and stares earnestly into his eyes.
"Son, you have an inner strength greater than you know," whispers Dad as his eyes burn with an unnameable emotion that rivets Brody's attention. "Remember when you face impossible odds, never give up. Never let yourself be broken. Your true strength isn't in your body, but in your inner spirit. Keep that strength alive, and no one will be able to stand against you."
"Never give up," echoes Brody faintly, captivated by the determined look in his father's eyes, "never let yourself be broken."
"You got it champ," says Dad, and suddenly the spell is broken as he smiles and ruffles Brody's head unrepentant as Brody groans and swipes at his hands in a vain effort to keep him from making his hair messier than it already is. Then Dad freezes and tilts his head as he stares thoughtfully over Brody's shoulder into the distance.
"You know," he muses thoughtfully, "it's been awhile since I've accepted any students to train with me besides your brother of course. Think you'd like to let your old man teach you about the art of the Ninja?"
Brody's eyebrows shoots up and his mouth drops open in shock. "You—You really want to train...me?" he asks breathlessly.
He squirms under the intensity of his dad's gaze as gains that strange light in his eyes that seems to freeze Brody in place. His calloused hand cups Brody's cheek tenderly as that intense gazes seems to burn right through him.
"With the possible exception of your brother Brody, there's no one else who I'd think of training instead of you."
Then with a slight groan, the spell is broken again as Dad heaves himself up and stretches out his hand. Excitement bubbling in the pit of his stomach, Brody grasps the outstretched hand and pulls himself up to his feet. They head towards the door, Brody nearly skipping to match the long strides of his Dad as they head towards the house, so excited he spares only a quick glance at the carefully polished trophy won by his Dad long before, when he was a teenager in high school.
Dad's going to train him to be a ninja! Silently Brody promises himself that he will become the best ninja who ever lived someday, just like his Dad...
The Devastator
Unknown Quandrant
Deep Space
o0o
Brody...can...you...hear me...?
...his body has sustained damage...no human...bear...
...brain waves...active...heart rate...too sporadic...
...possible...arrest...
...think he's responding...external stimuli...
...Brody, buddy...Kanic...Redbot...me...
...Brody...
"Brody?"
Chocolate colored eyes snapped open, wincing at the offending brightness surrounding him. Quickly squeezing them shut again, Brody gradually reopened his eyes, squinting as he slowly adjusted to the cobalt glare that surrounded him along with a deep resonant hum of machinery. The glaring lights oddly enough seemed to waver sharply, and as he began to fully come to his senses, Brody saw the distorted reflection of transparisteel. Eyebrows scrunched together in confusion, Brody made to push himself to an upright position...only to find himself unable to move his arms and hands. Alarm bells sounded in his mind and he attempted to lurch himself up, but couldn't move. His entire body was bound by an invisible force.
Panic set in, and Brody made to shout...only to find himself unable to utter anything more than muffled groans as he finally registered the feeling of an elongated foreign object obstructing his esophagus, his nose and mouth covered by a nanofilter, which his brain belatedly associated with the only room within the vast spaceship where such a device would be present on him within the confines of the ship.
A furious surge of bubbles erupted as Brody began to give into unabashed terror as he vainly attempted to move even a centimeter of his body. His vain efforts at freedom served at least to alert one of the two sole occupants beside Brody in the last place where he wanted to be at, and with a sharp whir of servos, a red and white colored automaton appropriately styled 'Redbot' by Brody moved quickly to his side.
"Suffering circuits!" Brody heard Redbot exclaim as he began to tap furiously at a small pedestal that held the sequencer for the machine restricting Brody's ability to move or speak. "Brody's regained consciousness. Mick! Mick! Come quickly! He's awake!"
Even through the distortion provided by what Brody's slowly awakening mind now realized was the liquid solution utilized by that damn machine he hated to find himself in, Brody had no trouble recognizing the protracted wail that echoed throughout the chamber as a plump, soot covered figure with wild salt and pepper hair rushed over to Redbot's side and burst into noisy tears, vainly trying to stem them by swiping at them with a grimy sleeve of his service jumpsuit.
"Brody!" wailed the Li'raian humanoid, Mick Kanic, "you're awake! I thought that maybe this time the Master had been pushed too far into one of his rages and decided to scrap you entirely! What in the six moons of Jyfreghal were you thinking? Why do you insist on defying him?"
Brody struggles to move renewed with earnest as the liquid he was submerged in began to recede and the energy containment field fizzled away. His throat burned as the nanofilter's breathing unit was withdrawn from his mouth. Loud, hoarse breathing echoed as he found himself able to speak at last. Focusing his eyes on the pale, withdrawn face of his partner, he attempted to grin although it became more of a grimace as he registered his throat's irritated state.
"You know that I've always had trouble following," he croaked hoarsely. "It's not in my nature."
"You should stress yourself Brody," said Redbot as he began to read the information on the console. "You woke up too soon. Your healing isn't complete. I recommend another cycle of immersion in the healing chamber. You're body is suffering from-"
"No, Redbot!" hissed Brody in agitation as he collected his strength to push himself upright. "No more healing chamber! You know how much I hate being stuck in-!"
His words broke off and he gasped as lightning bolts of pain stabbed all about his body. Brody clenched his teeth together to prevent the agonized wail that bubbled up from emerging from his mouth. Everything hurt. Waves of nausea hit him and he fell back with a grunt as he tried to fight through the pain emanating from his legs, his chest, his arms, his back, his hips, and even an even greater sensation of pain that he could feel within his stomach and lower regions. His fingers curled into rigid claws as he trembled under the overwhelming sensations.
"Oh my circuits!" fretted Redbot above him, "you're still suffering from multiple fractures along your arms and rib cage. You have severe internal damage affecting your respiratory, muscular, digestive, and excretory systems. If Mick and I hadn't been summoned by the Master when we were, I fear that you wouldn't have survived your injuries."
Squeezing his eyes out in a vain effort to somehow keep the agony from overwhelming his senses, Brody tried in vain to recall what could have caused him to suffer such injuries. What had he been doing? The last thing he remembered, he had been ordered to take that under aged Cyskosti to the holding cells of the contenders for Raizo's stupid intergalactic competition, Galaxy Warriors as a 'prize' for Xymak, a notorious smuggler and criminal from the F-34 quadrant who had been rising rapidly through the qualifying rounds to determine who would be considered a contender for the coveted title of Galaxy Warriors champion...and who had a preference for savaging children in order to sate his voracious appetites. He had refused and Gabi Raizo had...he had-
Brody's eyes went wide and he stopped breathing, an ashy pallor spreading across his face as fractured memories of the horrific and savage punishment Raizo had subjected him to began to play in his head:
The feeling of utter horror and helpless rage as with one impossibly fast slash, Gabi Raizo decapitates the Cyskosti youngling in front of him, the youngling's severed head hurtling through the air until it smashes against his chest, a purplish colored ichor and bits of gore splattering across Brody's face and jumpsuit before gravity pulls it towards the walkway with a dull thud...
The overpowering desire to kill the despicable creature in front of him with his bare hands as Brody screams and leaps at the monster in front of him, only to be effortlessly slapped into the wall three meters away, fire blossoming against his jaw as blood spills from the jagged cut across his face...
The sickening 'crack' of bones as the hardened scales of Raizo's barbed and armored forearm smashes against his upraised arms, the feeling of fire traveling from his arms to his brain as the creature savagely rains heavy blows across his face and all over his body as he beats Brody furiously for his stubborn defiance...
The fire that leaps throughout his nerves as he's struck by blast after blast of energy, the smell of burning flesh causing his stomach to roil in sharp protest...
The sensation of liquid filling his damaged lungs as he is impaled by the sharp katana wielded by Raizo, unable even to scream as his throat is slowly being crushed in the iron grip of his torturer as he lifts him with one hand and marches towards his private chambers...
The terror that fills him as his meager clothing is ripped from his body and he's thrown face first into the cold metallic flooring, then pain as his hands are impaled by the twin blades, pinning him in place...
The sensation of Raizo's hands throttling his neck from behind as his heavy weight slowly crushes him, causing him to sputter and choke blood and fluid as he's now unable to breathe, fear flooding his entire being as he instinctively knows the punishment that awaits him for his latest act of defiance...
The sharp pain as Raizo's barbed member forces itself past his clenched anal ring and a savage thrust rips his insides as Raizo begins rutting in his body, hot fetid breath falling on his neck as deep grunts emerge from the space general as he takes his pleasure from Brody's subjugation...
The sharp sting as the salty tears trickling down his cheeks mingles with the multiple lacerations and cuts on his face, a mocking parallel to the intense agony as he feels liquid spilling down his thighs as Raizo's thrusts become sharper and more frenzied as he hammers into his body, jagged claws tearing at his shoulders and back. The pain is unbearable and Brody senses his will to deny the azure and crimson creature what he truly desires from from him; him begging him for mercy, finally submitting to his control. But Brody refuses, biting down on his lips so firmly that the coppery fluid bubbles around his mouth as he mentally chants his guiding mantra, the words that his father taught him so many long years ago...
'Never give up, never let yourself be broken... Never give up, never let yourself be broken...Never give up, never let yourself be broken...'
A sharp stab of fresh agony as sharp fangs rip into his neck and Raizo ruts into his broken body at an inhuman pace until with one last thrust that causes the blades pinning his hands in place to wrench forward, ripping through bone and nerves and muscle as a flood of hot liquid sears his insides as he spends himself in Brody's bowels...
The dark chuckle of that monster as he whispers into Brody's ears as he swims in and out of unconsciousness: "You can't defy me forever rat bait. I will break your spirit, and make you long for death. I am your Master, your god; you have no hope of escape, and no where to run..."
Retreating into the void of his mind as one name slips past his ruined lips as he falls gratefully into oblivion...
"Aiden..."
Weakly, Brody turned his head to the side as he gave into the nausea and began to retch bile as he recalled what had occurred in his last encounter with Gabi Raizo. A loud howling sound reverberated throughout the chamber, and it took Brody several moments to realize that the source of that sound was his own wails as he succumbed to the terror and agony of what he had endured. He vaguely could register Redbot and Mick trying to still his thrashing body in order to prevent further injury, but all he could do was cry as he shattered into thousands of little pieces. He strained against their arms as he tried in vain to curl up into a ball and shut out the outside world. It was too much, he felt defiled and filthy in a way he never had since his first experience of being forcibly mated to Gabi Raizo three years ago as a new form of punishment for his consistent and deepening defiance against the powerful general.
He needed Aiden. Where was Aiden? He needed him, he needed Aiden, Aiden could make it better; Aiden could make the pain and shame go away; Aiden, he needed Aiden, he needed his brother, he needed him, he needed him, he needed him, he needed him, he needed him, he needed him, he needed him-
His howls rose in pitch as a sharp stab at the side of his neck had him swinging his head to face Mick who's reddened eyes glistened with tears as he held up a thin nano injector. In seconds he felt himself slip away, the room spinning in dizzying circles as blackness encroached him.
"Sorry Brody," whispered the older being apologetically. "I know you won't agree, but you need to get further treatment to heal as fast as possible. The Master is already furious and allowing you this necessity. There's no telling what he'll do if you aren't ready to report for duty by rotation's end..."
"You...why Mick...know I hate...thi—" slurred Brody as he once again fell into the welcoming arms of oblivion...
When he came to, Brody was surprised to find himself lying on his threadbare, stained pallet in the corner of the slave quarters that he shared with Redbot and Mick. He instinctively tensed, attempting to brace himself for the onslaught of fresh pain, but was surprised when he felt...fine. Hardly daring to believe it, he gathered himself and forced himself into an upright position, relief surging through him as he realized that he was completely healed from his punishment. He took in several deep breaths, luxuriating in the passage of air that he had been denied for Mkkiyk knew how long. He glanced down and found himself clothed in the rough jumpsuit and thin undershirt that all humanoid sentient beings wore as slaves upon the Devastator, the flagship of the General of the Kangetsu Space Ninja Corps and the site of the popular universal omnicast, Galaxy Warriors.
Inexplicably he found himself beginning to chuckle, softly at first, but gradually rising in pitch until he was nearly bellowing in unadulterated glee as he flopped back against the pallet and stared up into the murky ceiling above. Somehow, he had managed to survive the personal 'attentions' of one of the most powerful creatures in the army of the Kangetsu Overlord, Galvanax. And he hadn't been broken. He hadn't given Gabi Raizo what he wanted most from him, his surrender. He had somehow, impossibly managed to hang on to his will to never give up...just like Dad had taught him long ago.
As quickly as it had crept upon him, his hysterical laughter quickly faded as it morphed into broken, heaving sobs as he curled in on himself and bawled his eyes out.
It was several long moments before his pitiful sobs tapered off and he hugged his knees into his chest as a familiar ache began to throb in his heart and mind.
"Aiden," Brody whispered into the darkness as he tightened his hold on himself. "Where are you? Why can't you hear me? I need you, so much."
Shifting out of his curled up position into a seated one, he crossed his legs and straightened his spine in the way his dad had taught him when he told him once about the esoteric art of communicating mind to mind which certain ninjas were able to achieve in their training. He forced his breathing to slow and began to take deliberate breaths, holding them for a count of six before releasing the inhaled air to a second count of six before starting the cycle again. As the minutes passed, his rapid heart-rate slowed and a feeling of calm stole across him as he began to form in his mind's eye an image of his brother as he remembered him; dark eyes flashing with vibrant laughter when they would spar together under their dad's watchful eyes outside the barn, darkening with anger when he came across Iggy and his goons trying to push him around again and proceeded to furiously beat each and everyone of them for daring to lay a hand on his baby brother; the way his eyes had flashed with rare defiance when Dad had grounded him for using his ninja training to beat those boys up and glimmered with an unnameable emotion as later that night he snuck into Brody's bed and had curled around him as he promised to always be there to protect him and keep him safe...
As his image of his brother solidified in his mind, Brody began to visualize a iridescent tendril of light form just at the center of his forehead and willed it to shoot out into the void of space speeding through millions of lightyears towards the shimmering sphere of Earth and dove through the atmosphere falling like a bolt of lighting as it raced towards the older boy of his memory who was his protector, his first best friend and most precious companion apart from Dad, Redbot and Mick. He visualized the light striking Aiden's forehead establishing a mental connection. Then he willed his thoughts to travel through that tendril of light and flow into his brother's mind:
*Aiden? Can you hear me? If you're getting this message, then I really need your help right about now. It's been ten years since I've seen you and I miss you so much. I'm trying to stay strong, really I am, but I don't know how much longer I can stand up to Gabi Raizo. He's killing me Aiden; a little bit at a time. I nearly died today because of his latest 'punishment'. I know that I'm not alone, because I have Redbot and I have Mick. They've helped me so much, and I owe them everything. But Aiden, I need you. Please, if you can hear me, find a way to help me escape. I need to get away from this place; the next time I have to face Raizo, I don't know if I'll have the strength to stay strong. Aiden, I love you...I love you so much. I need to believe, that somehow I'll be able to find my way back to you...*
With a grunt of frustration, Brody opened his eyes and glared furiously down at his clenched hands. Nothing was working! No matter how many times he tried to make contact with his brother using his dad's ninja technique, he never heard anything from him. Why was he such a failure as a ninja?
Shaking his head in resignation, he looked at his wrist where his Datacom, a portable communications device connecting all prisoners to Data, the AI of the Devastator rested securely. Activating the console, he noted the time and sighed heavily. Most of the slaves on the Devastator would be spread out throughout the ship by now, cleaning and repairing the ship as the clock ticked down to the next omnicast of Galaxy Warriors. He knew that his absence from his post would be noted and reported to Raizo, and the last thing he wanted was to be anywhere near that beast's vicinity. Clambering to his feet, he headed off towards the the Communications Tower where he would find Mick and Redbot busy at work ensuring that the communications array of the ship was in top condition.
Hugging himself to the shadows and corners of the vast ship, Brody managed to successfully make his way towards the communications room without any encounters with the Kudobots, the grunt force of the Kangetsu Space Ninja Corps or any of the various contestants and aides to Gabi Raizo. Heaving a sigh of relief, Brody began to turn into the final corridor leading to the lift that would bring him to the communications room when the sound of the hyperlocks on the lift releasing as the opened up caused him to scramble to a shadowy alcove where he would be able to keep the mysterious occupants exiting from noting his presence.
Seconds later, he was especially glad to have found a hiding spot when the object of his terror, Gabi Raizo and his mysterious minister, Madame Odious walked out of the lift.
Pushing down the thrill of terror that surged through him at the sight of the creature that had so nearly killed him, Brody strained to pick up the sound of their rather agitated debate, the powerful General clearly in a foul mood.
"—years, ten years Odious! And yet still, the power of the Ninja Nexus Prism eludes our Master's grasp! For ten years I have followed your thrice damned advice to search the most cruel, dangerous and powerful intergalactic combatants! Ten years, we have used the Galaxy Warriors omnicast to search out possible candidates to break the seal blocking us from seizing the Ninja Power Stars! And still, nothing! Well? What explanation do you have for your consistent failures?!"
Heavily cloaked, the lupine figure of Madame Odious bent in low obeisance to her General.
"Forgive me my lord," said Odious as she bowed. "I have no explanation for the constant failure of potential candidates to break through the seal of the Prism, save for the fact that I have clearly failed in finding the most skilled and deadly warriors to aid us in accomplishing our Overlord's goals. I blame myself for this failure. Rest assured master, I will redouble my efforts to secure only the best potential candidates to prove their worth before you and the leadership of the Kangetsu Space Ninja Corps."
Raizo sniffed dismissively, but withdrew his hand from the hilt of his katana, the Supreme Fang.
"See to it that you do so, sorceress." growled the horned General menacingly as he towered over her submissive form. "I have indulged your whims for far too long. I expect results. Continue to fail me, continue to fail him and you'll quickly find yourself ejected into the nearest black hole!"
"You are most merciful my lord," murmured Madame Odious as she slowly straightened herself while keeping her eyes cast towards the floor. Raizo grunted and resumed his strides past the shadowy spot where Brody had pressed himself as far back as was conceivably possible, a sweaty palm clapped against his lips so no sound would betray his presence. Nevertheless his entire body began to tremble as flashes of his latest torture at the hands of Gabi Raizo made their presence known in his head. He could feel himself beginning to hyperventilate as Madame Odious proceeded to follow Raizo at a far more sedate pace...only to halt suddenly just out of sight of his hiding place. Fear coiled in his belly as the deceptively fragile looking sorceress slowly turned her masked face until she was unwittingly staring straight into Brody's eyes, could she but pierce through the darkness of his hiding spot. His fear spiked as her eyes gleamed golden in the gloom.
"Master!" Brody heard her call out to the retreating figure of Gabi Raizo. "An intriguing possibility has just occurred to me!"
Brody's fingernails dug into the flesh of his face as he tightened his grip over his mouth. The bubbling fear had become a raging torrent and he now found himself completely frozen as he saw Raizo halt, slowly turn his head as he waited to hear what his minister had to say.
Had that fox-like witch caught sight of him? Would she betray his presence to Raizo, who hadn't seemed to register his presence as of yet? How would escape the near certainty of a severe punishment that might finally lead him to breaking under the torture that Raizo was keen on bestowing upon him in his efforts to stamp out his defiant spirit?
"Well?" rumbled the irritated voice of Raizo as he glared at his subordinate. "Out with it, witch!"
"It occurs to me Master," said Madame Odious, "that in the interim as we continue our search for a potential candidate to free the Power Stars from the Prism, we strive towards gaining more deposits of Ninja Steel. You are of course aware my lord of the rare properties and potential of any artifact forged from that most rare material. Alas, there hardly seems to be any significant deposits of that material left throughout the breadth of the territory under Lord Galvanax's control. The last known deposit of Ninja Steel was the ore that once covered the Nexus Prism before the Accursed Ninja unveiled the limitless prize hidden in it's depths. Perhaps it might be prudent to return to the location where that priceless metal has been hidden. If we can seize the deposit for our Overlord, with his great powers of darkness he would be able to create his own Power Stars, perhaps ones more power than the ones embedded in the Prism itself."
For a long moment, all three figures were frozen in silence. Brody's mind raced as he pieced together the implications of what Raizo's chief aide was insinuating. If they were going to find the last known location of the Ninja Steel...that would lead them to Earth! That would lead them home...lead them to Aiden!
The silence was suddenly broken by a low chuckle that quickly became a booming roar of mirth from Raizo as he swung around and stalked towards Madame Odious.
"Well played, sorceress!" he praised the robed and masked figure. "You always were a cunning one! Yes...the Ninja Steel. We did abandon it on that filthy, backwater, pisshole of a planet, didn't we? Yeesss...if we were to obtain that Steel, then Lord Galvanax would be able to infuse his own powers into the Steel...maybe even restore himself. And we're only five hyperjumps away from the star system where thrice-damned Ninja called home. We could even use the surface as a special stage for a new Galaxy Warriors tournament. Very well, summon the Kudabots and instruct them to set a course for the X-79 galaxy! I want to be orbiting that fetid planet in no more than a half cycle! Once we get there, we can up the stakes for our champions to be with the Shadow Shuriken...it's been too long since they have seen use in the Master's service."
Brody frowned at the unfamiliar term. But he pushed it to the back of his thoughts as he saw Madame Odious step back in shock at her superior's pronouncement, visibly pausing to collect herself before speaking up once more.
"My lord, it would be my pleasure to have the Kudabots direct the Devastator's course to the planet known as Earth, but I must urge caution. To use the Shadow Shuriken, we have so few of them in supply and are in such need of Ninja Steel...would that not be unwise? Reckless? If Lord Galvanax were to learn that we utilized such a precious resource so frivolously, it would only serve to seal our destruction!"
In a flash, Raizo's blade was in his hands and aimed at Madame Odious' neck. Brody's eyes widened in sharp surprise. Gabi Raizo on the other hand growled menacingly, his own eyes beginning to glow an alarming amber as he pressed the sharp blade into the material covering her neck from being exposed to the Supreme Fang.
"Have a care Odious," he murmured, all sense of levity and mirth gone. His voice was cold as he stared his aide down. "Know your place. Do not dare to question my commitment to the goals of my Master. I am the first Blade of Lord Galavanax, General of the Kangetsu Space Ninja Corps! I am well aware of the scarcity of the Shadow Shuriken and intimately aware of our Lord's assessment of their use. He trusts me to utilize these resources for his purpose. I have never failed to fulfill our Lord's commands. Do not presume to lecture me on what resources are best suited for my Master's purpose! I and I alone, will determine what resources will be spent in our efforts to regain the Ninja Steel, and break that accursed seal preventing my Master from absorbing all of the powers of the Ninja Nexus Prism and its Power Stars! Do you understand?"
"Of course my master," simpered Madame Odious as once again she bowed low before his presence. "Forgive me for doubting you. I as always will serve you most faithfully and follow your commands to the letter."
"As long as we're clear," scowled Raizo as he lifted his blade and returned it to his sheath. "Do not question my orders again!"
"As you wish my Lord," she replied in response.
With a grunt he waved her off, turning around and stalking towards the opposite direction. Brody didn't dare move a centimeter until he was sure that both Odious and Raizo were well away from his vicinity before he slumped to the floor and panted harshly as his racing heart began to slow to normal speeds. He could hardly believe what he had stumbled upon. They were returning to Earth! Maybe, just maybe this was a sign, a sign that it was time to engineer his escape from his enslavement to Galvanax's general.
It was time to go home. Aiden's life was in danger, and he had to make sure that this time he was the one who protected his brother from the approaching threat not only to his life, but the life of the entire world.
As quickly as he dared, Brody made his way to the communications array where he was currently stationed along with Mick and Redbot. The communication room itself was bustling with activity as a score of Kudabots chattered as they monitored the going ons of the ship and prepared for the upcoming omnicast that was set to begin soon. Avoiding the mechanical foot soldiers of the Ninja Corps, he waved at Redbot who froze from inputting code as he caught sight of Brody, then turned to Mick and said something that he couldn't catch. Mick's head swung towards the direction Redbot was pointing in and his eyes widened in relief as Brody got within range.
"Brody!" hissed the Li'raian as he bounded forward and grasped Brody's shoulders tightly. "You're okay! Redbot insisted that you were fully healed after the second treatment, but you wouldn't move an inch and I was afraid that maybe there was some internal damage that hadn't healed up properly and-"
"Mick, I'm fine!" Brody protested as he hugged the older 'man' briefly before he made his way to Redbot and proceeded to do the same. "I'm still annoyed that you put me in the healing acceleration chamber without my permission...but if you and Redbot hadn't acted when you did, I probably wouldn't be here right now. So...thank you. Thank you both for not giving up on me."
As Mick blushed a furious red and kicked at the ground with his boot, Redbot laid a surprisingly gentle hand on Brody's shoulder.
"We're just glad that the damage wasn't permanent, Brody. You're important to both of us."
The factual statement wasn't intended to stir up emotion, but Brody felt his eyes prickle as he considered that in spite of the horrific things he'd experienced at the hands of the Kangetsu Ninja Space Corps, he was lucky enough to have formed a strong bond of friendship with Mick Kanic and Redbot. He'd never truly been alone. Not like Aiden...
Thoughts of his brother redirected Brody's attention to the reason why he had rushed to find them. Motioning to them to be quiet, he herded them into a secluded corner of the communications room near a mass of Quirinic fibers. It was close to their assigned communications array, so if anyone came looking for them, they'd be able to pass off the illusion that they were working on repairing or inspecting for any possible damaged fiber cables.
"Brody?" questioned Mick in soft protest as Brody gazed anxiously around in an effort to insure that no unwelcome eyes or ears were in hearing range of their conversation. "What are you doing? You know that we're already three cycles behind in our assigned work because we were trying to save you, right? You just recovered! The last thing we need to do is to draw anymore of the wrong kind of attention on ourselves!"
"Shh!" hissed Brody agitatedly. "We don't have time to sweat the small stuff, Mick! I need to tell you guys something really huge that I just found out about. And then...I'm going to need a teeny, little favor from you both?"
Mick opened his mouth, a clear verbal denial hovering on his lips, but Redbot tilted his chromatic head in a close human approximation of curiosity.
"This sounds important, Brody. What have you learned?"
Lowering his voice as close as he can, Brody huddled them closer. "I was just heading towards the communications room to report for duty when..." As quickly as he dared, he proceeded to tell them about the explosive contents of the conversation he unwittingly intercepted between Gabi Raizo and Madame Odious. Mick's eyes grew wider and wider as the events spilled from Brody's mouth and he squeaked loudly a few times before clapping his hands over his mouth to avoid attracting unnecessary attention from the lingering Kudabots or Fiama forfend, a higher authority like the host of the Galaxy Warriors omnicast, the overtly flamboyant Minister of Propaganda, Cosmo Royale. Even Redbot grew visibly agitated by what he was hearing, despite being an automaton and thus technically incapable of showing emotion of any kind at all. Their visible unease and shock only grew when Brody began to outline his tentative plan for their escape.
When he had finished sharing what he had learned and begun to plan, Brody looked at the two of them expectantly.
"So?" he asked, eyebrows raised as he waited for their response. "What do you guys think?"
The Li'raian slave and the automaton exchanged looks before swinging back to face their erstwhile partner and close friend.
"Brody..." began Mick hesitantly. "You. Are. Crazy. This is crazy! You've pulled some crazy stuff over the years before, but this is the most crazy and dangerous thing you have ever attempted to do! Escape to Earth? In what? Steal the Nexus Prism? From under the snout of the most dangerous creature to ascend to power in the Kangetsu Ninja Corps? The same creature that nearly killed you not three cycles ago? And then even assuming that all of that is somehow more than just a fever dream, we need to somehow track down your brother, who has not been in your life for ten Earth years, and find the last known major deposit of Ninja Steel in the entire universe and protect it and the Prism from all of the marauders and assassins that the Ninja Corps will send to claim it for themselves? I hate to be the Li'raian to have to break it to you buddy, but that's impossible! There's no way that we would be able to pull it off! Tell him, Redbot!"
He gestured wildly at Redbot who tilted his head back and forth for a moment as he took in everything that was being said by both Brody and Mick. Then he turned his head to face Brody.
"According to my calculations," he said, "I'm afraid that Mick raises a valid concern Brody. The chances of us succeeding in these objectives are astronomically low. The likeliest outcome is that we will be caught in the act and forcibly deactivated and scrapped. The logical thing to do would be to keep a low profile and avoid attracting anymore of the Master's anger. That is the best way to survive.
However," he said, raising an arm to quell the mutinous reply that was bubbling up in Brody's mind, "I have learned that in some matters, particularly matters of the sentient heart, logic has no place and cannot be trusted as an indicator of the best action to take. And forgive me if I speak out of turn Brody, but I think that this is a matter of the heart for you. You want to find your brother, your family. And you want to escape further punishment from Master Gabi Raizo. And you want to protect lives, just like the stories you told me about your father, the Earth's Greatest Ninja."
Settling his mechanized arm on his human companion, Redbot's azure tinted photoreceptors gleamed as he stared into Brody's eyes. "While the chances of success are almost entirely impossible, I know that you have done things that were equally statistically impossible. If we work together, maybe we will succeed, maybe we fail. In either situation, you have my support Brody!"
Brody's eyes teared up immediately at Redbot's unreserved expression of faith, while Mick's mouth dropped open in shock as he stared first at Redbot then Brody. Finally he threw his hands up in resignation and gave a small smile.
"You're both crazy," he said while shaking his shaggy head, "but I think I'm even more crazy because if you really think you can pull this off Brody, then...I'll do anything I can to help, too."
A snort of laughter burst from Brody as he threw himself at Mick and Redbot, enveloping them in a tight group hug. He knew he could depend on them! Maybe, just maybe they'd be able to pull this off after all...
Despite being insulated by several layers of thick H'bsk silk robes, Madame Odious found herself shivering as she accompanied her Master Gabi Raizo into the most secure chamber on the Devastator, the private audience chamber where the Kangetsu Ninja Corps General had communion with the Supreme Overlord of the Corps, Galvanax himself.
It was not the first time that she found herself in the Supreme Overlord's presence, having been a part of the hunting party led by the Overlord when he attempted to secure the Nexus Prism ten cycles previously, but she was rarely permitted since that time to behold the visage of the head of the Ninja Corps...particularly in his current state of being.
The overwhelming darkness of the chamber was broken by the sharp snap of Raizo's gauntlet covered claws as the general activated the torches which brightened the room and yet did nothing to quell the thick columns of living shadow that permeated the entirety of the chamber. Surreptitiously, Madame Odious turned keen eyes around the chamber, sensing the barely bridled hostile Power that even now was eyeing them, tracking their every movement. Years before as she studied the events of that disastrous day which saw the Corps loose the ultimate prize, she had studied the primitive culture surrounding Earth's equivalent of ninjas. And while for the most part, they were as savage and pitiful as she had assumed, she was intrigued to note the sharp similarities in the asthetics between the traditional communion chambers and the primitive domiciles erected by a particular tribe among the human spawn, the Japanese.
While the emblems adorning the screens and panels which enclosed the profane space were naturally of a language incapable of being learned by most humans, it looked remarkably like what some on that world would call kanji. It was most intriguing how even worms such as humans could make clumsy attempts at copying the superior artistry and even language concepts of their superiors. It promised to be a source of much interesting study, once final approval for her scheme was given by the Supreme Overlord himself.
Breaking away from her musings, she prostrated herself as Gabi Raizo stepped forward several paces until he was in front of a murky pool that glinted with malice and hints of unspeakable power. He dropped to one knee and bowed his horned head, an act of submission that in most circumstances was unthinkable, were one to consider the pride and arrogance of the creature in front of her. However she knew full well that even Gabi Raizo, Champion of champions and one of the deadliest warriors of the universe paled in comparison to the Power that he now sought communion with.
"Master," she heard him say as he knelt in front of the pool. "Hear the petition of your loyal and most humble servant. I crave your counsel and guidance and submit myself once more to you for instruction and true wisdom."
Madame Odious shivered again as a blast of shadowy energy abruptly materialized. Keeping her eyes to the ground, she heard the sounds of weeping and agonized howls before she heard the hiss of dark vapour as the mirage of Galvanax materialized, towering above both prone figures, eyes blazing with fury and power as he glared down upon his general entrusted with his campaign to claim the ultimate power of the Nexus Prism.
*Gabi Raizo...* rumbled the specter as he stared balefully upon his general. *What news do you bring to me? What progress has been made in the recovery of the Ninja Power Stars? When will that limitless power finally be in my grasp?*
Madame Odious kept her head carefully bowed, unable tp keep the smile of her face as she heard Gabi Raizo splutter incoherently for a few brief moments before clearing his throat to respond to his Master's demand. Hidden within the voluminous folds of her robes, her hands clenched into a trembling fist. Oh how she longed for the power to make Raizo grovel under her feet!
"My Lord," ventured Raizo, clearly unwilling to offer up bad news. "It pains me to admit that we have not been able to pierce the seal of the Nexus Power Stars as of yet, though we-"
His voice trailed off, a sharp intake of breath and then the sound of Raizo choking and gasping for breath. Unable to help herself, Odious' head shot up and she quailed as a thick tendril of dark vaporous energy quickly twined itself around the neck of the fearsome General and hoisted him several meters into the air, as he vainly attempted to prevent it from cutting off his air supply.
*As of yet?!* hissed the specter of Galvanax, *You see what I have become! Nothing more than smoke and shadow, incapable of bringing to bear the power that once enabled me to topple entire planets at will. I have trusted you, my most ruthless warrior to discover the secret to set me free from this loathsome prison and after ten cycles of consistent failure, you dare to approach me with the excuse of, 'as of yet'?!*
Abruptly, the tendril choking the life out of Raizo withdrew. The general collapsed to the floor in a thud, groaning as he arranged himself into the posture of a supplicant while Madame Odious watched on in fascination.
*Perhaps*, mused the vaporous being, *it was a mistake to place you in charge of my affairs, if your accomplishments are as empty and threadbare as that of the meanest Kudobot? Must I search for another, more capable servant to do what you seem unable to do?*
"Lord Galvanax," replied Gabi Raizo with an effort, "I acknowledge my faults. However even now we scour the universe in search of mighty champions who could potentially possess the potential to recover the Ninja Power Stars for your consumption. However while we search for such a worthy candidate, would it not be wise to plan for an eventuality should such a warrior not be found? With Ninja Steel, would it not be possible to forge new Power Stars out of your own dark power?"
Madame Odious held her breath as the General laid out the plot that she had carefully begun to set in motion. Everything depended on the next, crucial moments. If Galvanax decided that getting access to the Ninja Steel was of little consequence, then all of her carefully orchestrated machinations would have been for naught.
*Ninja Steel...* breathed Galvanax. *An ore most precious. You believe that you have discovered a significant deposit of the Ninja Steel? It has become more precious than Xybreixian gold.*
"A significant amount of Ninja Steel remains on that backwater planet we infiltrated ten cycles before," said Gabi Raizo cautiously. "Once the Nexus Prism was covered in the substance, until the Accursed Ninja removed it in his effort to obtain the greater power that lay within. It would prove a most valuable resource for your use, Master."
Galvanax was silent for several moments as he pondered the merits of his servant's suggestion.
*A bold plan, General.* he said at last, *A bold plan, yet one fraught with risk. Do not underestimate the inherent danger that the Earth may become if we are not aware. It would be base folly to strike at a world quickly becoming the nexus for a resurgent Council of Light. It is home to a veritable army of wretched Power Rangers, the most densely populated world since the fall of Eltar. Keep in mind that this same primitive world has brought about the demise of the great Dark Specter, the Zangyack Empire, our sundered brethren the Nighloks, and even the forces of one once a member of our corps...*
"Lothor." growled Gabi Raizo, eyes flashing amber in rage at the memory of one who had dared to attempt to overthrow Galvanax. It had been his pleasure to force him and his band of woe-begotten creatures from the presence of his Master, banishing the traitorous wretch from the domains under the control of the Kangetsu Ninja Space Corps.
*Then you see, General why I am hesitant to endorse your plan, though it does indeed possess great merit...*
"My Lord," averred Gabi Raizo humbly, "it is true that the dangers are great and plenteous. Yet we possess a number of advantages that would prevent this cabal of Rangers from gaining knowledge of our plans and hindering our success. We can be assured that the Rangers and their precious Council do not have knowledge of the Ninja Nexus Prism or the Ninja Steel. If they knew of the power right under their nose, no amount of subtlety would have prevented them from opposing us when we infiltrated Earth ten cycles ago to obtain that power for your ultimate triumph. And we possess another advantage...memory. After the disappearance of the Accursed Ninja, we enslaved his worthless spawn who even now continues to suffer for the sins of his family and his own contemptible weakness. Yet we never enslaved the other child. The older child. He lives even now on Earth and most assuredly will have knowledge of the location of the hidden Ninja Steel. If we find and capture him, then that knowledge will be in your grasp!"
Falling silent, Gabi Raizo bowed low and Madame Odious followed suit. Even she was caught off guard by the way the General had argued his case before Galvanax. It appeared that even this murderous brute had unseen depths to him. He was more dangerous than she had foreseen. Would the Supreme Overlord support this endeavor? Too much hung precariously in the balance!
Her musing was broken by the sound of Galvanax tossing his head back and roaring with laughter, before casting gleaming eyes upon his servant.
*You are as bold-faced as I remember, my old servant! Let us see if your scheme will present us with victory. Do what you must Gabi Raizo, but get me that Ninja Steel! If I am to continually be denied the Power that I yearn for to be made complete, then I will forge new Power Stars that are bathed in the powers of darkness. I will be restored, and when I am, the universe will tremble before my might!*
"As you command, my Lord!" replied Gabi Raizo as the presence of the Supreme Overlord withdrew, and the subzero chill in the room rose to more moderate temperatures. Rising to his feet, the General stalked over to where Madame Odious had persisted in maintaining her posture of submission. Sensing his approach, she quickly raised herself to her feet yet kept her head bowed in the guise of humility.
"Begin the omnicast!" thundered Raizo, "and inform Cosmo Royale that the winner of the championship round will be given the opportunity to gain two most desirable prizes! A chance to prove his worth to free the Power Stars...and a special mission to seize the Ninja Steel from the bleeding corpse of the Accursed Ninja's eldest spawn!"
Madame Odious bowed in acknowledgement of his orders and turned without a word to set things in motion. Yet as she was departing, her keen hearing picked up the sharp hiss as Gabi Raizo withdrew the Supreme Fang and held it up in salute to his departed Master.
"I swear to you, Master!" she heard him vow, "the Ninja Steel will be yours! And soon even the Power Stars will rest within your grasp!"
We'll just see about that, Odious mused to herself as she stalked towards the communications chamber. I'm afraid both the Steel and the Power Stars will soon be...mine.
Summer Cove High School
Summer Cove, TX
USA
Fall, 2017
o0o
Another year begins, bringing with it a new set of obstacles and opportunities...thought Dr. Amanda Hastings as she strode briskly through the fairly empty halls of Summer Cove High, soon to be filled once more by hundreds of teenagers of all hues, sizes and personalities. She nodded approvingly as she observed the spotless windows and halls.
Official enrollment ended earlier in the forenoon, and it looked liked the school would once again operate at near capacity. Most of the staff had already met with her to finalize plans for their classes that would require her specific authorization. The only blights on a near perfect enrollment period was the fact that she still had not managed to find a metal shop teacher to replace Melvin Coates, who had left (on good terms mind) for a different type of opportunity for a man of his craft and talents. He had been a very able teacher, but the board had assured her that they would be sending a teacher to fill his spot as early on in the school year as conceivably possible. And the abrupt resignation of Ian Merchamp, the Summer Cove soccer coach, due to a sudden illness. Her lips quirked into a small smile as she marched out of the school and made her way to the soccer field where she had been informed that the new replacement teacher was inspecting the equipment. At least one of her staffing woes was filled.
As she approached the soccer field, she observed a sole figure, clipboard in hand busily writing on it while turning his head one way and then another, clearly taking in the equipment that had been spread out for inspection. As a he turned his head to the right, Principal Hastings caught sight of his face. He was a sturdily built man between 5'9" and 5'11", with short wavy dark hair and piercing chocolate colored eyes. He was of Polynesian descent, and looked to be anywhere between his mid-twenties to early thirties.
"Well, it seems that you have already been putting in quite the amount of work for the upcoming new school year!" Hastings called out as she got close enough to be within hearing range. The young(er) man froze for a second, before turning and giving a friendly nod as she finally stepped next to his side.
"Dr. Hastings, correct?" questioned the man, a smile crossing his face as he extended his hand in greeting. "A pleasure to meet you in person."
"The pleasure is all mine," replied Hastings, shaking his hand firmly as she surveyed the large amounts of scattered equipment, "I assume that so far, you've found everything to your liking? Were you able to contact our outgoing coach?"
"Coach Merchamp?" inquired his replacement. "Yes, he's been in contact with me for a few days now. I am really grateful for his assistance in meeting community sponsors and parents involved with the team. He's given me everything I need to make sure that this transition is a smooth one. Seems like a great man."
Hastings smiled a bit fondly as she recalled the older man's winsome personality and connection with his students and families. "That he was. We're sorry to see him go, however we are also very pleased that you have decided to work with us for the next couple of years. I'm certain that the students will warm up to you very quickly."
The man grinned abashedly. "Well, here's hoping ma'am."
Hastings smiled in return, already at ease with the other man's apparently easy personality. It looked like they would get along just fine.
"Well, thank you again for agreeing to serve as Mr. Merchamp's replacement at such short notice," she said. "I look forward to working closely with you Mr..."
Her voice trailed off, and Hastings found herself blushing as she failed to recall his name. Grimacing, she rolled her eyes good naturedly at the other instructor.
"I'm sorry," she said with a slight wince. "I've been so caught up with events that I've quite forgotten your name. This a bit embarrassing to tell you the truth, since I'm actually quite good with recalling the names of people who I'm to be working with."
The other man laughed at that, and shook his head. "Don't worry about it," he said while he waved his hand dismissively. "I totally understand how that could occur, I'm guilty of the same thing sometimes."
He smiled brightly at his boss and winked playfully.
"And for the record ma'am, my name is Shane Clarke. I'm looking forward to getting to know the rest of the staff and community better, and to a very interesting year at this school."
A/N: So here you have it! The story of Brody and the other Ninja Steel Rangers begins, and boy will it be a bumpy ride! As you can see, some changes have been made to the main villians. I hope to write them to reflect their Super Sentai counterparts more, as those versions had a lot more personality and compelling storylines compared with the PR version (especially Ripcon/Gabi Raizo!). Mick Kanic's home galaxy has also received a slight adjustment, although his story will be very similar to canon. Also expect more cameos from various PR teams/villains of the past! In this story, the Ninja Steel Rangers will be mentored and assisted by a few teams throughout their fight against Galvanax's forces.
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