A/N: I forgot to mention that the Mutants' possible debut to the series is Field Goal, which was a shame since they didn't make an appearance until way after the Dark Heart arc; if only I can remember when I really introduced the fighters...
Aside from the cancellation of the VR Troopers due to the depletion of stock footage, there's one tiny problem that really bothered me about the series...
THE VR TROOPERS NEVER HAD A FREAKING ARMY! I'M SICK THAT IT'S JUST THE 3 OF THEM AGAINST GRIMLORD WITHOUT AN ARMY! HOW CAN THEY STAND A CHANCE AGAINST HIM AND HIS ARMY WITHOUT ONE?! HOW?!
Ahem... Sorry for that outburst, guys. But in all honesty, the odds would've been truly against them if this should happen. I mean, have we forgotten what happened to Ryan Steele during the season one finale!? I never thought he'd be back after he lost his virtual powers, nor survive the self-destruction of the Dungeon; Grimlord has been becoming stronger since minute one. Also, the last episode, Galileo's New Memory, may have had a good ending since Grimlord was stranded in space, but it just wasn't satisfying enough.
Also, in some personal way, Cyan's Theme from FFVI sort of reminds me of Ryan and his philosophical ways; at the time I wasn't a huge fan of RPGs, yet I did see my sis play them a lot, and I guess it just stuck to me since. So I'll have to start with that.
Episode 94
The Virtual Reality War
The story begins as usual with Ryan at the ancient Buddhist Temple, summarizing something very serious, and also developing a lesson his dad taught him. And his greatest of all, was humanity.
"My dad has taught me many things while I was growing up. From when I was a simple baby to a mature tween it was just me and him alone and against the world, as he taught me his greatest virtues and attributes, not just in learning how to fend yourself but also those lessons about life itself. He has been an inspiration to me, and I was so glad that I finally returned to him safe and sound after 10 long years while he was gone. I feel I've been becoming more like him everyday, and that's all that I wanted to be. But one of his most prestigious lessons that he bestowed upon me, and the only one that summed up everything that I was taught, was humanity. And that was one lesson that I will never truly forget..."
At an opaque basement being crowded by various gizmos and gadgets, Dr. Poindexter was marveling over J.B.'s robot, Galileo, which was just rescued by Kaitlin and J.B. from Grimlord's Virtual Dark Fortress. During that time a program, or rather a calculation of the universe, overrode Oraclon's drainage, resulting an overload and rendering the ship unusable and immobile. Upon the robot's freedom, the creepy head's circuits and computer banks were fried.
He was actually destroyed twice, once prior when Ryan blasted away his tentacles and small body by his Laser Pistol while also impaling his center third eye by his Laser Saber. As he was being stranded in deep space, and cyberspace, Grimlord then vowed revenge for the Troopers as his lair and Oraclon were being repaired, but with very little luck.
Just then, the tech geek met up with the Troopers and Chita. And he couldn't be more happier to see them after saving J.B.'s prized possession.
"Guys! So glad you made it!" he went up to them and shook Ryan's hand. "I can't thank you enough for rescuing Galileo."
"No problem, Doc." Ryan said.
"It was easy, actually." J.B. added.
"J.B. just set off an explosion to that scary head, Oraclon!" Chita beamed.
Kaitlin explained, "What she's trying to say is, J.B. had commanded Galileo to calculate the entire universe, disabling the drainage, and destroying Oraclon in the process."
"So now that Grimlord's in space somewhere, does that mean he's finished for good? Have you finally won the battle?!" Poindexter asked enthusiastically.
Chita made a huge grin, though the trio just looked at each other in uncertainty. Before she made an outburst, Ryan intervened, "We're-not really so sure about that yet."
Just then, Galileo's head began twisting and he spoke, "I can help you find the Dark Fortress if you like."
"Yeah, maybe we can really find him and finish him off this time." the young girl cheered.
"I don't know, Chita. Grimlord could still be in virtual reality somewhere." J.B. thought aloud. Then, an idea hit him. "Hey, maybe we can plug in Galileo into the virtual world so he can help track him down."
"Great idea, J.B." Poindexter said. "Do you think he can do it?"
"I know so. I did program him to keep our secrets safe, just in case anything happens to the lab, or any other piece of information Grimlord could find."
Ryan volunteered. "Let's bring Galileo to the lab. I'm sure he can be very useful on finding the Dark Fortress' location." He paused for a moment, thinking that this could be the day when his nemesis would fall and his father would be safe.
"Hey, Ryan, you okay?" Kaitlin asked as she put a reassuring hand on his back.
"Yeah. I just hope we can pull out all the stops and finally finish him off, so that both worlds and my dad would finally be safe."
"Then let's do it."
"We'll definitely take the fight to him." J.B. shared his friend's determination. And Poindexter wished them luck as they marched out of his technology trove.
They made it to Professor Hart's lab, and for once without incident, not even an attack made by any of the evil overlord's air fighters. Jeb was just lounging on the long platform, awaiting a scrumptious meal to be materialized.
While J.B was hooking Galileo up to his computer, there was a contact coming to the lab itself.
"I'm picking up a signal from the War Stadium; the General is hailing us." Prof. Hart shown a display of a certain someone wearing a crimson red top hat, a suit with the same color, and yellow reptilian skin with a pair of ears sticking out like a bat's.
"General! What a surprise!" Chita exclaimed; he was undoubtedly her favorite Mutant League Football coach, particularly to her preferred team, the War Slammers.
"Hey, Troopers. I heard you were successful on disabling Grimlord's Virtual Fortress, but...I sincerely doubt the battle's over."
"Yeah, we kind of feel the same way." Ryan said. "Galileo is being hooked into virtual reality so he can find the location. It's about time we'll finish him off."
"Yeah, I've also heard about J.B.'s contraption, and as long as Col. Icebot and Gen. Ivar are around, our nemesis would find a way to make the Fortress operational again." He then rubbed his neck in embarrassment, "Which still...brings me to something I've regretted on not informing you sooner."
"What is it, General?" the science wiz queried.
"I'm sure you guys haven't heard of the Turbo Techies yet, have you?" he mentioned sheepishly. They all replied they haven't, although Chita was the only one that had.
"The Turbo Techies, they're a team of robots!"
"Indeed, they are, Chita. They reside on a desolate area in space known as Asteroid 66. It has low gravity, and it usually orbits around the Void Club."
"We're on it, General." J.B. said as he continued to punch around his keyboard. "Lock, I got it."
"Location of Asteroid 66, confirmed." Galileo clicked its head.
Everyone went over, and a large rotating particle of grey space rock was revealed, its rocky terrain covered in craters. They eventually saw an actual field complete with a goal post and yard lines. They had discovered from the robot's sensors indicating a large particle of space rock that had a football field. The mutant immediately described it as a desolate location that is home to the elusive team in the entire Mutant League, the Turbo Techies. They were known as a group of hardwired robots each one looking and sounding alike; they were also led by their coach named Tran Shooter, who also happens to be an active teammate from time to time. They had weak reserves, meaning they couldn't stand against direct hits, though their attacks such as Electrocution and Rumble Fumble can leave some powerful marks.
"I apologize for not telling you, Troopers. But the Techies is a team we know the least about, and possibly one of the weakest."
"Hey, better late than never, General." Ryan said. "We should check it out. Maybe they can help us find Grimlord. I'll transform and emerge onto the surface!"
"Great idea, Ryan." Chita replied. Though the others weren't so thrilled.
"I wouldn't be so certain." Prof. Hart chimed in. "The General did say the Techies are the least well-known. It may be unwise to let them meet someone who's not a mutant. They may not welcome intruders that're foreign to them."
"Ah, yes, the professor has a point there, as always. We need to make a good impression instead of waging war; they're very territorial on their turf. Besides, we can't bring our hopes up too high, as they could be a threat. I tell you what, I'll send my team to the astral field and negotiate with them. My colleagues has met them a few times during the season, mostly in single games." He enlisted the usual, Razor Kidd, Blood Clot, Mo and Spew Puke, and Snake, to investigate the low gravity turf; however, they had no ways of reaching it. Instead, J.B. programmed Galileo and asked it to create a portal in the Indigo Sector, or as the Mutants call it the Void Club, which then led to their destination.
With the two links inputted, Galileo confirmed, "Portal successful, leading to Asteroid 66." The team cheered.
"Ok, the Mutants are on their way. Let's hope for the best." the General said.
The guys unanimously decided to stick together, just in case if the Techies should strike unawares. Although they needed to tread carefully since there were a few pit holes with incredible depths from many meteors that impacted the field. This also explained why the terrain itself looked so jigged as it appeared to be a shooting gallery's target as well as having some collapsible areas here and there. Although there weren't any landmines, the only hazard present was wandering off the asteroid into the intense vacuums of deep space. Unfortunately, they realized they were too late for the astral field was already barren with no members of the Techies in sight. Not even on the mint green end zones.
Kaitlin asked after several moments have passed; the team was keeping an eye on the mutants. "Find anything yet?"
"No, not yet." Snake answered.
"How's it going up there?" Ryan queried.
"This place looks deserted, and it's no wonder considering it's said to be constantly hit by space rock." Razor Kidd said.
"Or maybe it's because they can't stand their smell of burning wires, nor oil, after they'd take a dump. Bleh heh heh heh!" Mo Puke teased.
"Good one, Mo." his twin brother, Spew, commented, as he gave him a high-five.
"Oh, you and your distasteful sense of humor. You need to come up with better jokes this time around." Jeb stuck out his tongue.
Kidd spoke again, "Yeah, well... The only live thing we see is that skull goal post moving his head around, looking at us." This gave him the shutters. "This guy's really creeping me out a little."
"You sure you don't want us to come down?"
"I'm positive, J.B." Blood Clot said. "I don't want you guys to waste your time since there's no sign of intelligent life anywhere-"
All of a sudden, the goal's head fixated on the Mutants and shot some red laser beams from its eyes! They scrambled in every direction to avoid the lethal rays. But they were far from safe, as the skull later detached itself and continued its rampage. The guys at the lab were growing worried for them, and the Pukes accidentally collided with each other, stunning them.
"We gotta destroy that skull!" Clot screamed. He was about to take out some long, red grenades until Kidd stopped him.
"No we gotta get outta here! The General warned us they're territorial."
"It's trying to defend itself from intruders, we have to get going before we're churned into steaks, extra crispy!" Snake screeched.
"I'm sending the Vortex command, now." J.B. vigorously typed on the keyboard.
As they saw the Mutants escape to the Indigo Sector, Ryan then found his words, "Kidd, Mutants! Are you guys alright?"
"Yeah, that was close. But not close enough." the dragon bragged as he panted.
"We owe you one, J.B. It's no wonder the General said they were territorial." Clot huffed. The Trollz were holding their heads in anguish.
"Yeah, but, this is very unlikely. I've never seen anything like this before. It's mostly just for show." J.B. reasoned. Chita was freaked out by that stunt and she was being comforted by Kaitlin and Jeb.
"Do you think, maybe..." Kidd trailed off.
"Grimlord." Everyone looked attentively at Ryan, as if he read his ally's mind. "He must have programmed the goal post to keep some of the Mutants at bay. Maybe he has something to do with the Techies disappearance."
"If that's the case, then it's possible that they are working for him." Hart said.
That put the Mutants in a shocked silence. "That-that can't be-!" Chita stammered.
"You mean that the Techies have been working for him right under our snotty noses?!" Clot was outraged, shaking his clenched fist in his spiked glove. "That does not rock!" The other teammates held him back before he should lose his temper; he always tended to hold a grudge, especially against him.
"Hmph, more like heavy metal." Snake muttered. "The Dark Fortress must still be operating somewhere in space." She hissed at the thought.
"I'll have Galileo track its coordinates, and also the Techies as well."
"Hurry, J.B." Kaitlin said. "I don't like the sound of this." She attempted to assure the shaking Chita once more.
"I knew the battle was far from over..." Ryan pondered.
To the heroes dismay, there were Wires, Circuis, Circuit, Gil-9000, Robotus, Nitram, and Trans Shooter within the center of the stage. The other killer machines were among Doom Master and Grimlord's other cronies. Oraclon was missing from the center and all that was left was a large, deep, bright red hole in the backwall. The head of the Techies was standing in front of it, its eyes sneering a shiny cinnabar.
"So, the Mutants and the VR Troopers have fallen into my trap and discovered my plans." the evil emperor growled.
"Indeed, they have, Sire." Despera said.
"With the Turbo Techies under our control we shall triumph over our enemies, and soon rule all of reality!" Doom Master pumped his fist.
It turned out that they beat the heroes to the punch, and through reprogramming by Icebot, they were subordinate and loyal to him and his warriors. The Virtual Dark Fortress wasn't moving before, though it was conveniently above that asteroid field. His troops saw the wandering bots then descended and abducted the Techies with little effort. The dark lord may not need Oraclon after all, since he claimed they're far better with having knowledge of the Mutant League and were more versatile; "Without their mutant army, the Troopers will be defenseless and easier to defeat." As usual they cheered for their master, while the Techies raised their bionic arms in unison and chirped as their eyes glowed as red as the goal post's.
Back at the lab, The General heeded to the heroes because the Techies were the least known and their attacks were lethal to organic mutants, the Troopers might not be ready and Prof. Hart added it'll make the infiltration to Grimlord's space craft difficult. J.B. even tried not just to look for it, but also hacking in for a weakness or a breakthrough, though his attempts were useless thanks to the Techies' protective firewalls. Chita weakly asked how they're going to find and penetrate it. And there was only way to resolve this issue... The group dreaded this but they had no choice, they must let the eggheads, Tyler and Prof. Hart, do the upgrades.
"Wait, you really think my dad can do it?" Ryan asked excitedly.
"I'm positive, Ryan. He does still have the knowledge and resources of advanced virtual technology." Hart stated. It was no surprise since Tyler Steele claimed he was trekking around the world for more highly-advanced technology in order to turn the tides of the battle. He did create the Troopers, after all, and he gave his son a redesigned virtual suit. That alone raised Ryan's and Chita's confidence, although he was held back on the possibility he could get captured again.
A few days later, as the experts were doing their own thing, the Troopers and Chita were relaxing at a nearby park. Their minds weren't completely at ease, however, as they couldn't get the Mutants' fate nor the anticipated plans, nor Grimlord's new agenda with the Techies off their minds; they were also curious as to who they were and what they were capable of, even Chita. While they were discussing, she was easily distracted by her schoolwork; late grammar school was not so easy. J.B. volunteered to help her understand her reading assignment, about answering some questions that required "Critical thinking." Soon, they were ambushed by Skugs who were disguised as park attendants, one of them holding a rake, and the quartet were getting tired of them.
"We'll deal with this later. We got a struggle of our own." the black Trooper stated. Ryan ordered Chita to hide with Jeb, which wasn't really a surprise.
"Come on, Jeb, let's go." she said as she led him away to a hiding spot by which she had trouble finding. It was easy for the hound, as he scurried into a fallen trash can; Chita refused to go in it, gagging all the while. During the fight, one thug eventually fixed on the single target.
"Jeb, run!" The canine actually obeyed her.
She avoided its advances on her using her evasiveness. "Get away from me, you stupid lunkhead!" She actually managed to kick the goon in the chest, forcing it back. He collided toward a bench then pummeled on the pavement on its back. She then marched up and gave it another kick to its head, and while he saw an opening, Ryan gave a strong kick to another Skug backing it toward the other, and they both dissipated when their bodies made contact. Meanwhile, both Kaitlin and J.B. got their hands full as the remaining pair transformed into Ultra Skugs. They strenuously finished them as one of the pseudo-monkeys' bodies got caught in between the two intersecting tree trunks. Chita was quite excited this was the first time she ever confronted the foot soldiers, and the trio couldn't be more prouder.
She wished she could've finished a whole legion of Skugs that'll surround her, then she would knock one into the other and the remaining thugs would follow suit, resulting in a "domino effect."
All of a sudden, there was a chirp coming from Ryan's VR-T, interrupting the brief congratulations. It was the General again and this time, both he and his soldiers looked as if they were loaded for bear, they were also very frantic.
He informed angrily the anxious mutants couldn't wait forever, as each one of their domains was being bombarded by Grimlord's assaults. All their home fields and stadiums were devastated as he shown him screenshots, only a small handful of lucky survivors from every team survived from his wraths, including Clot, Kidd, himself, as well as others. All of virtual reality was destroyed except for one single area, Asteroid 66.
The General rallied up his teammates. "Listen up, slimebuckets. You no longer hold that rancid rank anymore, you've now evolved into Troopers, just like them. Grimlord may kill us all as well as our homes, but he can never break our spirits. I keep telling my colleagues back here that these warm feelings of peace and serenity wouldn't last; no matter how many times we have won, he'll always sprout out from the ashes of failure. And so will WE! WE should let Grimlord know who's boss! And we shall show him that he won't live long enough to be the master of the virtual world. This is our domain! We should let our rage fill our heads, no matter how much space there is up there. If we win this one, you shall expect me to treat you all with the utmost respect, but don't count on it. Now, don't try to change our one-tracked berserker minds, we are going to fight in his final war, with you, or without you!"
As the transmission ended, they were going back to the lab via Kaitlin's red automobile. Razor Kidd soon snarled over the display, "Ryan, I've never seen The General like this. He may be angry and crazy, but this is just beyond insanity here! I always had a desire on dominating my own world, not let MINE be dominated by that maging monster! We're the only ones who can prevent all this, and we can both rule it together with absolute valiance! You and I, and your old man, have suffered enough. This is not a game anymore. It's WAR!"
"We're on our way now, Kidd." Chita said.
"This truly is a battle to the end." J.B. realized with awe.
"Well, if it's a fight he wants, it's a fight he'll get. We should never let Grimlord rule all realities. We're right with you." Ryan cried with determination.
As they were heading back to base, the War Slammers led the invasion in the Indigo Sector. "This is it my loyal and trusted subjects. If we won't live to see another dire day, just remember, we are the War Slammers, and this is what we do! Yaarrrgh!" With their guerilla and sharp weapons drawn, they rushed in and tackled some of Grimlord's Skugs down so deep that even the grave diggers would have a hard time finding their scrap metal. The Slammers were joined by the weaker teams, including the Road Warriors, Rad Rockers, Killer Konvicts, and the Vile Vulgars. They're might and blood were boiling as hot as magma despite the henchmen's lethal tactics, including Despera's staff! That alone caused the armies to scramble, and their numbers dropped drastically.
The human quartet made their entrance, and Tyler was awaiting them.
"Professor, the Mutants are going on a full-scale assault on Grimlord and his armies!" Ryan reported.
"It has been confirmed. The Mutants have declared war; knowing them, they won't stop until all their blood has been shed."
"This is not good. My friends are out there!" Chita pointed out.
"They'll never stand a chance as long as they charge into battle this way; we need strategy, tactics." J.B. reasoned.
"They could be done for if they continue to be so reckless, even against Despera and Grimlord's other generals, even the Techies." Kaitlin added.
"Which is why we may need you." Tyler spoke to the junior trooper, putting the late teens in an awkward silence.
"Dad? Are-are you sure about this?"
"Definitely, Ryan. Her time is now. It is true we need to plan our strategies accordingly, otherwise we cannot win." He switched on a translucent wall capsule containing a yellow armor suit that's about four feet tall, has a hungry face and spots related to a wild cat's, complete with a long, curly tail.
Through all of Chita's valiant efforts, directly and indirectly, Tyler demonstrated her the new Virtual Reality suit, which had similar traits to a cheetah despite the arm and leg blades. It even came with her own whipping tail designed for offense and balance. Her outlook was the first of its kind being enhanced with animalistic abilities, though it was experimental, as she may not be as powerful as the other Troopers. She was still a beginner after all, especially in combat where she could barely hold her own.
"Wow, Tyler, this is great! Thank you!" she beamed, her face lighting like a Christmas tree. She thought she could never have that golden opportunity, and literally so.
"Oh, I almost forgot. You're own Virtualizer." He dangled it in front of her, and it illuminated in a bright electrical banana hue, including the topaz. "Do you accept the responsibility that has been given to you? The choice is yours, Chita."
She looked at her friends, who were wearing both expressions of disbelief and admiration. She then gave a salute, "Yes, sir!" The Virtualizer was placed into her small, but tremoring palm.
"Are you ready, Chita? Just say the magic words." Ryan encouraged her.
Everyone stood back as she told them do, took a deep breath, and raised her pendant proudly as she shouted, "Trooper transform. We are VR!" In a flashy display, Chita gradually changed into her cheetah-esque armor; the spectators could've sworn it let out a purr, like a wild cat about to claim its prey.
This was truly the first time that Chita has proven her worth as the fourth Virtual Reality fighter! And the VR war itself is only the beginning.
A/N: If there's any species of the Mutant League that'd be my absolute favorite, it's gotta be the Aliens! I always liked these dragons from the Psycho Slashers, or any other team I'd see them in. They look, perform, and even sound awesome. And I'd always considered them to be great allies to Ryan since they both are great! Also, from a guide I found, each species has certain characteristics that can be similar to every Trooper; for instance, the Aliens are considered as wild cards, I'd probably pick the same for Ryan since you never know when they're gonna get out of a jam. J.B. and the Superhumans are both well-rounded, and perhaps the strongest offensively, while Kaitlin and the Skeletons are nimble and quick, and the Trollz are just brutes on the field.
Speaking of which, you gotta admit, the dialogue in Mutant League Football is so hilarious, as graphic as it may sound!
Also, when the Troopers fight the Skugs, one of my favorite songs from the toku itself would play here, "C'mon, Let's Save the World." I also had a theme song in mind for Chita, from an ad of sorts way back in '94-96, but I can't seem to find it. I kinda want this fic to be in a movie-like format, instead of the usual as a syndicated series.
Anyway, the VR war has begun! This time, it's personal as the Mutants have finally desired to bring Grimlord to his knees, as the series itself failed to do. But, they're currently fighting a losing battle using brute force instead of tactics, and that's when Tyler and Chita would come in. What will happen next, well we'll find out next time.
