Chapter 2
I
limped after my team mates, fury and disbelief roaring through
me.
"A-6, stay in the ship." I called over my shoulder.
Are
they completely nuts?
How
could they go into battle when they no longer have the protection of
their Ranger suits? Hell, they can't even morph into Rangers! I
finally caught up with them as they were running down a ramp that led
to the outside. I reached out to grab Carlos who was at the back of
the group.
"Stop! You'll get yourselves killed! You're not
Rangers anymore!" I shouted desperately as I clung to Carlos
arm, TJ and Cassie both stopped and turned toward me.
"Look,
we have to do something. He needs our help!" TJ attempting to
dash away but I released Carlos and grabbed TJ's arm.
"You
aren't going to help him by getting slaughtered!" TJ turned
toward me, there was a fire in his eyes that reminded me of
Tommy.
"We have to help him, he's a fellow Ranger!" He
twisted away from my grip and took off. After a last look at me
Cassie and Carlos followed. I saw the Ranger unleash a flying kick at
the Quantrons, the rookies charged at the rest of them. I stood for a
minute and stared at them. I shook myself, and concentrated. My sword
appeared in my hand, then I began to dash forward and joined in the
fight that the rookies were losing. Idiots.
I flung myself on the Quantrons that were beating up Carlos, I
slashed at them with my sword which crackled with energy. I
concentrated and flung them away. They exploded in mid air reaching
down I picked up Carlos roughly by the arm.
"Let's go!"
I shouted as I raised my sword and flung myself at several Quantrons
that had surrounded Cassie. Sending a flying kick and knocking the
Quantron aside. I sent it flying and turned away without even seeing
where it landed. I turned and faced another, I ducked low and my
fists began to pummel the Quantron's face and chest, with an
uppercut to the chin I sent it flying. Out of the corner of my eye, I
saw the Ranger just standing there, watching as the rookies got their
butts kicked! Fury shot throw me and I screamed at him
"DON'T
JUST STAND THERE YOU RED IDIOT! HELP US OUT HERE OR I SWEAR TO GOD
I'M GOING TO KICK YOUR BUTT FROM HERE TO ELTAR!!" The Ranger
looked startled to be spoken in such a fashion but he did as he was
told, flinging onto the next batch of Quantrons that were racing at
him. I paused for a moment to see how we were faring, this
bunch only seems to be a small attack group. But more could be
unleashed on us, and I'm not sure if the rookies can take any more.
Not too far away I saw TJ writhing as he fought vainly to free
himself from several Quantrons that had lifted him above their
shoulders while one of them was underneath him, using it's blade to
stab at TJ's back. I rushed forward, swopped low and swung my arm
out, sent the Quantron with the blade crashing into one of it's
fellows, aimed a low kick to the first Quantron that was holding TJ's
legs. It leapt over my sweeping leg, took out it's blade and began
to slash at me. I leaped back and in one motion slid my sword into
it's sheath, summoned power, brought the heels of my hands together
and unleashed it.
"Power Blast!" The other Quantrons who
were holding TJ's arms were blown back. TJ began to fall, I slipped
underneath him and caught him. I gently laid him on the ground, TJ
had pain on his face, he gritted his teeth as he looked up at
me.
"You're going to be alright TJ." He nodded, then
winced in pain.
"Sorry." I looked down at him in
annoyance.
"Hey, you may have not listened to me and you may
be an idiot for nearly getting killed but hey. You, Carlos and Cassie
are the last defense for earth right?" As gently as I could I
rolled him onto his right side.
"W---what are you.....?"
TJ stammered.
"Hold still TJ." I said as I laid my other
hand on the stab wounds in his back, my hand glowed and soon nothing
remained of TJ's wounds. I helped TJ up. He seemed surprised that he
was no longer in pain, he turned and stared at me.
"How did
you....?" I rolled my eyes.
"I told you, Zordon gave us
old school Rangers some of his power to help us in the war with Lord
Zedd." I grinned at him, patted him on the shoulder, spun around
and charged at some Quantrons that had Cassie pinned down. I leapt
up, the Quantrons abandoned Cassie and charged toward me. The
Quantrons were almost within striking distance. Even though they were
in a line, I managed to slip through the smallest of gaps, spinning
in mid-air so that I faced them I propelled my body toward them.
Ducking low, I grabbed their legs and yanked hard, taken by surprise
they released their weapons, I began to swing them in a wide circle.
"Thank you for flying Yellow Ranger airlines, I hope that
you have enjoyed your flight, please remain seated into you have come
to a complete crash." Finally I released them, they flew through
the air. I watched as they crashed a dozen miles from us. I turned
back to the battle on the ground below me, I flew through the
Quantrons that were spread out and kicking my team mates butts,
although they were
able to hold there own until up to a few minutes. Looks
like these foot soldiers are more stronger than the Piranhatrons.
I thought to myself as I unsheathed my sword and began to slash at
the Quantrons. I soon came clear of the battle, landing on the ground
I spun and was about to fly into battle again when I heard a scream
from Cassie. I saw Carlos getting kicked in the face, one of the
Quantrons slashed his leg, he went down. That same Quantron raised
its blade, but before it could deal the death blow, it was blasted
back. I put down my hands and was about to go to him, when I heard
another scream from Cassie. Turning I saw that she was on the ground
clutching her face and letting out shrieks as the Quantrons that were
surrounding her slash at her body and hands drawing blood. I looked
closer and saw that blood was seeping through
her
hands.They
must have slashed her face.
I thought in horror. I started to charge toward her but a yell from
TJ told me that he was also in trouble. I hesitated. Not sure who to
help first. Don't
think short stuff, just do. I
shot toward Cassie, slashing at the Quantrons till they themselves
fell to the ground, I looked down at her, she was whimpering and
crying. No
time.
I thought as I started toward Carlos, but I stopped when I saw that
TJ was in trouble as well. He was being beaten and slashed by the
Quantrons. I searched for the Red Ranger, wondering why he wasn't
helping, I saw that he had his hands full. There
seems to be more of them than we thought.
Panic started to rise within me but I forced myself to shove it down.
What I was going to do to save my team mates was both risky and
dangerous. I was low on power and energy and was basically running on
fumes, but if I didn't do something they would be killed right of
front of me, and I didn't want to see another person that I knew die
in front of me. I raised both of my arms above my head and began to
concentrate as power began to flow through me, I prayed for enough
power and strength to unleash this attack and hoped that it would
work and that whoever this Astronema was, I hoped that she wouldn't
come down looking for a fight. Because after this I was done. I
concentrated extremely hard and to my relief I felt power rising
within me, it was a little bit, but it was strong and hopefully it
would be enough.
"POWER BLAST ENCIRCLE!" I screamed. the
blast shot out of my hands and began to circle around, striking down
the Quantrons, around and around the streak of power flew. Knocking
down the Quantrons or shoving them away from my team mates. Soon it
was over. I was panting hard as the streak faded and vanished. The
Red Ranger was staring at me while I flopped on the ground
exhausted. I looked around and saw him coming toward me. I shook my
head, thinking that he was coming to see if I was alright.
"N--never
mind me, C–check on the others." I panted. While the Ranger
veered away from me to check on Carlos, Cassie and TJ I was busy
struggling to my feet. I managed to stand on shaky legs, relief
washed over me as I saw the others standing up, supporting each other
as they began to make their way back to the ship. My head spun with
tiredness and the Astro Mega ship seemed miles away. I'm
going to definitely take a vacation after this. I
thought as I slowly began to limp after them with great difficulty,
because my arms felt like lead, I sheathed my sword. The others who
had been ahead of me, reached the ship first. I was too far away to
see how badly injured the rookies were, but I was starting to get a
good idea what with all the blood that stained the ground underneath
my feet. The Red Ranger, I saw, was standing in front of the rookies
and I was pretty sure that he was angry at them for joining in a
battle and were nearly killed. If he was saying anything to them I
didn't hear it, but I saw him spin around and jog toward me. As soon
as he had reached me, he put one arm around my waist and while I
leaned against him, he helped me back to the ship.
"Thanks
for your help." He muttered.
"They would have been
killed if you hadn't released that...that..."
"Power
Blast." I interjected. He nodded.
"Power Blast. That was
incredible by the way, I've never seen anything like that." I
let out a weak laugh.
"Glad you liked it, I could do plenty
of those, but first I need a good long rest to recharge."
"Can
all Rangers do that?" He asked. When I didn't answer, he turned
his head toward me.
"Are you
okay?"
"E--every.....thing.....spinning........need....to...rest..."
I felt my knees give way, and fell down.
"We're almost
there. You can rest in the ship." I nodded even though I wasn't
sure my legs could carry me any further. I just wanted to sleep,
anyplace will do. The Ranger helped to my feet and attempted to walk
me the rest of the way, my feet dragged in the dust. He stopped for a
minute, he put his other arm underneath my legs, picked me up and
carried me the rest of the way to the ship.
"I....in the
last fight.......used too much.....power..."
"Don't
talk. I'm taking to get some rest now." We entered the ship, the
others steeped back to let us pass and followed us as the Ranger took
me to the second level of the ship.
"Is she okay?" asked
Carlos as he limped after us. Without turning his head the Ranger
assured him.
"She's fine, she's just tired." Turning to
one of the doors that lined the wall, the door opened to reveal a
room. The room was fairly large, with indentations that had beds
along both walls. On the far right of the wall there were a table
with one chair. On the far wall, facing the rookies was a closet, big
enough to hold a large amount of clothing. To the left and right of
the closet were two dressers. The rookies all looked around the room
while the Red Ranger took me to the bed on the right. I let out a
sigh as my tired body touched soft mattress.
"Thank you."
I muttered as I took one last look at the Ranger that was bent over
me, before I gave in to the blissful darkness that was sleep.
I'm not sure how long I slept, felt sure that is was more than a few days, given the amount of power and energy that I had used during the battle in the Power Chamber and during the battle with the Quantrons. I opened my eyes and saw a gray ceiling above me. I blinked and looked up at it for a few minutes. Sitting up I looked around, momentarily confused at my surroundings. Then it all came back to me, I buried my face in my hands as my mind played back the destruction of the Power Chamber, and the knowledge that Edenio had fallen. Will it ever end? I hope to god it will. I raised my head and took a look around the room. Hmmm....not bad. Could use a bit of color though. Slipping the covers off of me, I slid off the bed, and began to make my way to the door, which slid open at my approach. I stopped in surprise, then continued out into the hall. Need to find the rookies and see if they're all right. And then I'm going to kick their butts. A flash of annoyance went through me as I remembered TJ and the others flinging themselves into battle. They had nearly gotten themselves killed, even when I begged them not to. I stopped and looked around, the hallway was empty, I glanced through the door of the room that I had just left. I glanced at the chair that was before the desk. It looked as if it hadn't been moved. I gritted my teeth. One of them could have at least stayed with me until I had woken up, to make sure that I was okay. I let out a sigh, a sense of loneliness settling over me. My friends would have done that.....and they also would have helped out a Ranger who was in trouble even though they no longer had the power to morph. I smiled to myself. And they have. I looked left and right again, struggling to remember which way was the bridge and also wondering where the hell did my team mates go? I blinked as I looked up, a little camera, with one eye, which was glowing red, was staring down at me from the ceiling. I looked at it for a moment. Then it hit me. My computer. I could preform a quick scan of this place and find my way to where everyone is. I felt in my back pocket. It wasn't there! I spun back to the room, the door slid open and I limped inside. I began to look underneath the cover and underneath the bed and on the floor thinking that I must have dropped it. An unpleasant thought entered my mind, maybe I dropped it during the battle! I began to panic, if I did it could have been smashed by those Quantrons or in one of their hands? Oh man, for all I know whoever their master/mistress is, they could be in league with Goldar! He'll know that dad had left earth a long time ago and has gone after him!
"Amy?" said a voice behind me, I let out a scream and jumped about a foot in the air, spinning around I came face to face with...
"Cassie!" She looked worse for wear. Her face had bruises and cuts but they had been cleaned, her hands were bandaged as well.
"Sorry about that. But DECA told us that you had woken up."
"Who's DECA?"
"You remember that voice that we heard in the engine room when we crashed?" I nodded.
"That's DECA. She's been keeping an eye on you and to alert us and Andros when you woke up." I stared at her.
"A—andros?"
"He's the Ranger that we met, he was a little freaked when he saw us on his ship, yeah this is ship, anyway, he thought that we were a couple of spies sent by Astronema, that's why he attacked us. But since we helped him fight those Quantrons, those things that we fought? He knew that we're cool." I still looked blankly at her, my head spun with this new information and because of hunger. Cassie was already walking out the door and turned back to face me.
"Come on, everyone is waiting for you on the bridge." She began to tell me about how Andros apologized for attacking us and took care of their wounds and fixed A-6 right up, and how he was an actual human, who lives on a different planet.
"Right here! In space!" Cassie had an excited look on her face as I stumbled after her. I barely heard her, I was still a bit tired but mostly I was hungry. Why didn't I eat that plate of food that we found in that room? I wailed inwardly. After what seemed like days, we arrived at the bridge. TJ and Carlos all leapt to their feet when they saw me, and hurrying toward me began to ask if I was okay?, was I alright? Was I badly hurt?
"No, I'm fine Tomm—uh TJ. I was just tired that's all, I used up most of my power. I just needed some rest."
"Are you sure that you're okay?" asked Carlos. I nodded.
"Yeah, I'm fine Adam...I mean Carlos. Sorry." I said after a pause after realizing the name that I had just called out.
"Hunger must be making me delusional." Seeing an empty chair I sat down, a plate appeared in front of me. I looked up, and saw a young man, close to Tommy's age I guess..
"Here." He said gesturing toward the plate with his eyes.
"Eat, You must be starving." Without another word, I grabbed the plate and began to wolf down the food, then I saw that everyone was looking at me and I quickly switched eating habits BY TAKING SMALL BITES. The boy introduced himself as Andros from the planet KO-35. I cocked my head, making it obvious that I had never heard of the planet. After filling my empty stomach with a bit of food, I nodded to him.
"Nice to meet you, name's Amy Karmer." Andros nodded.
"Your friends told me your name." I looked over at TJ and Carlos, both of them had bandages wrapped around their arms, hands or legs. I noticed a slight bulge underneath Carlos's right pant leg.
"I'm glad that all of you are alright." I said to them swallowing the last of my food.
"Same here." said TJ. I turned back to Andros.
"Thank you for taking care of them." He nodded. I looked at him up and down.
"So you're a Ranger from another planet." I said matter of factly. Andros blinked, the others stiffened in surprise.
"You've heard of Rangers from different planets?" He asked. I nodded and said.
"Yes, in fact some of them are our allies." I looked at the others, they were all staring at me. Despite myself a smile of amusement came onto my face.
"What? Did you really think that we were the only Rangers in the universe?" I let out a chuckle as I set my clean plate aside, energy once again flowing through me.
"Thank you for the food." I said to Andros, he nodded in reply. I cleared my throat.
"I'd like to ask you a few questions, first off has anyone seen a little blue computer that I had on me? I'd hate to think that it dropped out of my pocket during the battle earlier." Andros turned to one of the consoles that was behind him, turning back he handed my computer to me. I opened my computer and made sure that everything was running correctly.. I nodded thanks and put it in my pocket.
"Second question. Who captured our shuttle? You couldn't have done it, since we would have met you the instant we stepped out of the shuttle." Andros blinked rather embarrassedly and explained that DECA was the one that had captured our shuttle, it had picked up our life forms and decided to investigate us, by watching us to make sure that we weren't a threat. I nodded.
"Well Andros, thank you for giving us rest, food, shelter and.....for taking care of our injuries. If you could release our shuttle and point us in the right direction of Edenio, we'll be on our way, we have to help out a friend of ours." I stood up half expecting for the rookies to follow my lead, until I noticed the uneasy expressions on each of their faces.
"What is it?" A part of me already began to wish that I had never spoken. It's probably worse news, but whatever it is we'll be able to handle it. Carlos was the one that stepped toward me and placed a hand on my shoulder. After a moment he took a deep breath.
"It's bad." He began. Panic began to rise within me, which turned into irritation.
"Spit it out then." I snapped.
"Zordon's been captured." Carlos blurted out. I stared at him for a full minute, stumbling back I grabbed his arm and held on while I continued to stare at each and every one of them. My mind had gone blank. From far away I heard a voice shout to let go, you're hurting me. Not really aware of what I was doing I tighten my grip. He didn't call us! He didn't call us! HE DIDN'T CALL US!!! I released Carlos and sprang at Andros, gripping him by the shoulders I began to scream questions at him.
"How do you know that my father was captured? Why didn't he call me? He promised that he would call me if he ever got into trouble. What about Alpha 5? Is he alright? Is he alive? FOR GOD'S SAKE ANSWER ME!" Andros was staring at me. God, he doesn't understand. None of them understand. This can't be happening! This just can't be happening! He said that everything would be alright! I knew that this was going to happen. Why didn't I just go with him despite his orders to stay on earth? Why didn't I follow my instinct's? If I had gone with him, he would have been safe, he wouldn't have gotten captured....IT'S LIKE MOM ALL OVER AGAIN.
