Chapter 2: Who Will Be Mighty?

The green ranger stood atop his Dragonzord, the latest gift from the sorceress he served. He knows not where he is: he remembers being locked in combat with Zordon's chosen, the so-called power rangers, after they had managed to revive their zords.

There was a blinding flash of light; the ground shivered with tremors not induced by the battling mechs. A voice carried on the wind.

And then he was here. Alone. No Goldar, no Scorpina, and no power rangers.

And no Rita.

He seemed to be in a valley of some kind. Perhaps his Empress had tired of their battle, and desired a change of scenery. He looked about once more, and noticed three strangers on horseback.

One of them carried a sword; a warrior. Beneath the plastique of his mouth-guard, the green ranger smiled.

If his Empress wished to be entertained, then he would deliver.

He brought the dragon dagger to his lips, and the song that issued forth commanded the Dragonzord to continuously fire his finger missiles around the valley.

The green ranger outstretched his other arm, calling forth the Sword of Darkness from its subspace pocket.

He leapt from his place atop the zord's head and, landing adroitly on his feet, charged at the three newcomers.


Richard watched, shocked as the emerald-clad, self-styled ranger summoned a sword out of nothing; no magic he knew of could accomplish such a thing. He was more shocked still when this man jumped from the behemoth and landed safely.

There was a hiss-clang as the Seeker drew the Sword of Truth from its scabbard, and its rage-fueled magic flowed into him.

Blade, Richard intoned silently. Be true this day.

The Master of D'Hara dismounted quickly and met the stranger sword for sword.

As they lunged, parried and danced around each other's defenses, the man saw fit to crow, "Who are you, who thinks himself mighty enough to best the green ranger, Empress Rita's prize warrior?"

"I don't know this empress you speak of, but I am Richard Rahl, lord of the D'Haran Empire and the Seeker of Truth."

The green ranger laughed. "You have spirit, Richard Rahl. I will remember your name."

"Richard, move!" Zedd yelled as he conjured and set loose a stream of Wizard's Fire at the green ranger.

As Richard dove to get himself away from the fire, the green ranger turned to face it. He once again raised the dagger to his lips, and this time, played a melody that caused his golden chest armor to glow.

When the arcane flames reached him, they parted, coalesced around him, and shot from him back towards the First Wizard.

"Another wizard!" the green ranger cackled. "Patience, old man. I will soon destroy you, as easily as I destroyed Zordon."

Zedd paled. "How do you know that name!? How could you redirect my Wizard's Fire? Who are you!?"

"I am the one who will conquer all! I am the one who will destroy the power rangers, the one who will offer up this whole world to Rita Repulsa."

As the green ranger boasted, Kahlan sneaked up from behind. Once she was close enough, she spun him to face her and held him by the neck.

There was a silent blast of power, thunder without sound as she unleashed her Confessor powers on the green ranger.

For a few tense seconds, the green ranger and the Mother Confessor simply stared at one another, her hand still clasped about his neck.

Then Kahlan spoke, the command clear in her voice.

"You will answer Zedd's questions. You will answer them honestly, and you will call off your beast."

The green ranger laughed. "I don't think so."

Kahlan's eyes widened, in both fear and confusion just as one of the finger missiles struck the earth near them, sending them both flying: the green ranger back atop the Dragonzord, and the Mother Confessor sprawled on the ground.

The green Ranger kept laughing; he hoped his mistress was pleased.

And just who are you, to invoke my name so casually, stranger?

The green ranger was confused as the question echoed in his mind.

I am yours, Empress.

You lie.

This was followed by pain so great it drove the ranger to his knees.

I speak truly, Empress. See for yourself. Everything I have, all that I am is yours to command.

And so she did. And she was intrigued.

She laughed.

Enough playing, my warrior; it is time to come home.

As Richard cradled his wife in his arms, the behemoth and the man who controlled it disappaeared amidst the burning plains.

Just as five more monsters fell from the sky.