Quest 3
"TimeRed?"
Kakeru pushed himself forward, past Gaku, facing the newcomer. He looked him up and down. "Hey, I know you."
Tatsuya, TimeRed, turned his head to look at Kakeru, tilting his head in confusion.
"From before," Kakeru explained. "You leant me your powers to help defeat an Org. You were with some other Reds."
"Huh." Tatsuya nodded his head, remembering the time when he had stood on a ledge, alongside other previous Reds and how they had given the Red standing before him some of their power. "I remember."
"Where's the rest of your team?" Sae asked, interrupting the two Red's conversation.
Tatsuya looked at her. "They're not here," he said and they all detected the hint of sadness in his voice.
"Then, are they on their way?" she hesitantly asked.
"They're not coming." He turned his head away, looking at the smoking Time ship; remember how there had been another one that had crashed landed at a beach almost two years ago and the four people from the future he had met. He sighed deeply and lowered his head as memories of his former comrades flashed though his mind. Even after a year, he still missed them, though he couldn't help but wonder that, with the arrival of the new criminal, whether it would mean that they would be returning.
Sae was about to question him more about it when a hissing sound could be heard and they all turned to see Serperant getting to its feet, its tongue flicking in and out of its mouth.
"Stand back," Tatsuya said, to the Gaorangers, regaining his focus. "Let me handle this."
"You?" Gaku replied. "That's an Org. A Duke Org to be precise. I think you should let us handle it."
"Org? What's an Org?" Tatsuya asked. He pointed at Serperant. "That's a member of the Londarz Family. A criminal. It's my job to capture him."
"No, that's an Org," Gaku said, getting increasingly frustrated. He took a step forward.
"Look, I don't know what an Org is, but that's a criminal and it's my job to arrest him. So get out of my way," Tatsuya shot back.
The two masked men stared at each other, looking as though they were ready to fight each other.
"Oi, guys." Sotaro jumped in between the two, his hands held up to stop them from jumping at each other. "This isn't the time," he said, looking from Gaku to Tatsuya.
"He's right," Kakeru agreed. "Let's just defeat this guy and argue about what he is after."
"We should work as a team, since we all have the same goal," Sae added. She placed her hand on Gaku's shoulder. "Yellow?"
"Fine," Gaku replied, folding his arms and looking away from Tatsuya.
Tatsuya hoisted his VolBlaster, pointing it at Serperant. "Fine by me," he said. "The quicker we get this done the better."
Kakeru turned to the other Gaorangers. "Guys."
They all nodded and took out their weapons, joining them together to form the Evil-Crushing Hyakujuuken.
Tatsuya watched them for a moment, remembering how he, Yuuri, Ayase, Domon and Sion would join their Vol weapons together to form the Voltech Bazooka. He let out a heavy sigh. The last year he had tried to put thoughts of them, and of Naoto, behind him and he thought that he had succeed. But the appearance of Seperant, whom Taku had told him was a member of the Londarz Family, had brought all of those memories back to the surface and he couldn't help but wonder if, with the arrival of a wanted criminal, whether or not it meant that they would be returning. He focused back on the Gaorangers. He didn't know who they were, despite having briefly seen them before, but they appeared to have the same goals and motives as him in regards to Serperant and he thought it best, for now, to work with them.
"You ready?" Kakeru called to him.
"Yeah." He nodded in response, aiming his VolBlaster at Serperant once more.
They were about to fire at Serperant when they heard two voices and the sound of feet hurrying across the sand.
"Look, there he is," a female voice said.
"Tsue Tsue!" the Gaorangers cried, recognising the voice. They lowered the Evil-Crushing Hyakujuuken upon seeing the Org priestess, who was accompanied by another Org. "Yabaiba!"
The two Orgs turned to see the Gaorangers and TimeRed, their weapons poised.
"Ah, quickly Yabaiba!" Tsue Tsue cried, scurrying quicker across the sand towards Serperant.
"Yes, yes, Tsue Tsue," Yabaiba said, hurrying after her.
"What are you doing?" Gaku shouted at the two.
"Ura-sama wants this Duke Org," Tsue Tsue said.
"Yes, said there's something special about him," Yabaiba added excitedly, only to be hit by his companion's staff. "Ow!"
"You shouldn't tell them things like that," she chastised him. She stood next to Serperant and gazed at his face before taking a step back. "Hey, Yabaiba, are you sure he's the one?" she whispered.
"Of course. Why?" Yabaiba jumped in front of Serperant. "Eww. I see what you mean," he said, recoiling upon seeing his disfigured face. He looked at the Gaorangers then at Tsue Tsue and shrugged his shoulders. "Oh well," he said, "if they want him," he jabbed a thumb at the Gaorangers, "then that must mean this is the right guy."
Tsue Tsue nodded eagerly in agreement. She waved her staff and the three of them disappeared.
"Oi!" Tatsuya shouted, rushing forward as they disappeared. "Damn it." He kicked the sand in frustration.
"Thanks for that," Gaku snapped at him. "If you hadn't gotten in the way then we would have had him."
"Me?" Tatsuya turned around. "How is this my fault?"
Gaku took a step forward. "If you hadn't been so adamant that that Org was a member of the Lordis family–"
"Londarz family," Tatsuya hissed.
"Whatever. If you had just listened when we said that was an Org, then we could have defeated it before Yabaiba and Tsue Tsue got here."
Tatsuya shook his head. "That was member of the Londarz family."
Gaku groaned. "The fact that Yabaiba and Tsue Tsue, two Duke Orgs, were here is proof enough that it was a Duke Org. Why else would they be here?"
Tatsuya turned his head away. The yellow-clad Gaoranger had a point, but Taku was never wrong. Could it be possible that Serperant was both a member of the Londarz family and an Org? He sighed and made to leave the beach and report back to Taku when both the white and red Gaorangers stood in front of him.
"Where are you going?" Sae asked.
"I need to report back," he informed her.
"Report back to who? You said your team weren't here anymore," she said.
"They aren't. But I have a…" he thought for a moment, thinking of the best way to describe Taku without revealing that he was a robot from the future, "friend," he decided on.
"A friend? You let a civilian get involved?" Kai asked in surprise.
Tatsuya shook his head. "He's not a civilian. He's a… it doesn't matter." He pushed past Sae and Kakeru.
"Wait," the other Red called and he turned back. "Why don't you come with us?"
"What?"
"What?" Gaku gasped. "Red, you can't be serious. We can't."
"Why not? We could do with the extra help." He turned to Tatsuya. "What do you think? You could even bring your friend."
Tatsuya thought for a moment. He liked being back with a team. He knew that Taku wouldn't approve, but he missed being around others who weren't a robot. Eventually he nodded his head. "Okay."
"Great!" Kakeru clapped his hands together.
"Wait," Kai called, "we haven't introduced ourselves properly." He ended his transformation and held his hand out to Tatsuya. "Hi, I'm Samezu Kai, GaoBlue."
Tatsuya also ended his transformation as he shook Kai's hand. "Asami Tatsuya, TimeRed."
Kai smiled before stepping aside, allowing the others to introduce themselves as they also ended their transformations.
"Just so you know," Gaku said once he had properly introduced himself, "while we're on missions, we refer to each other by our colours, but since we've already got a Red, we'll just have to refer to you as Tatsuya."
Tatsuya nodded. "Okay, fine." He lifted his wrist and pressed his Chrono Changer. "Taku," he said speaking in to it.
"Tatsuya," a voice could be heard through the device. "Did you manage to capture Serperant?"
"I ran into a little bit of trouble," Tatsuya quickly explained. "Can you get down here?"
"I'm on my way," the voice of Taku replied and Tatsuya lowered his wrist.
"What's that?" Kai asked, pointing at the Chrono Changer.
"What, this?" Tatsuya lifted his wrist again and Kai nodded eagerly. "It's my Chrono Changer. It allows me to transform into TimeRed and also acts as a communication device."
"Wow."
"What about you?" Tatsuya then asked. "What do you use?"
Kakeru stepped forward, holding out his G-Phone, ignoring Gaku's warning look. "It's called a G-Phone and, from the sounds of it, works in the same way as your Chrono Changer. It allows us to transform into the Gaorangers and communicate with each other."
Tatsuya took the G-Phone and studied it, turning it over in his hands before flipping it open and then closed again. "It looks like a mobile phone," he commented, handing it back.
Kakeru nodded as Gaku said, "It's more subtle then your Chrono Changer."
Tatsuya's hand instinctively went to his Chrono Changer and he sighed.
They all stood in a tense silence, unsure of what to say to each other as they waited for the newcomer's friend. After a few minutes, a shout of "Tatsuya" was heard and they all looked to see a small robotic owl flying through the air.
"Taku," Tatsuya said, as the owl flew into his hands.
"Tatsuya, what's going on? Who are these people?" Taku asked, looking at the Gaorangers, who had their mouths open in surprise.
"They're the Gaorangers," Tatsuya said. He looked the six people, their mouths still ajar. "This is Taku."
Sotaro slowly pointed at Taku. "You have a Power Animal."
"Eh?" Tatsuya looked down at Taku confused. "What's a Power Animal?"
"A Power Animal is a physical manifestation of our planet's life-force. They're a holy power that protects the planet," Kakeru explained. "Each of us has a Power Animal and a Gao jewel for our respective animal, which they've entrusted to us." He held out GaoLion's Gao jewel for Tatsuya to looks at. "This is GaoLion's, my Power Animal," Kakeru stated.
Tatsuya looked at the Gao jewel before letting out a small laugh.
"I am not a Power Animal," Taku said disgruntled, as Tatsuya continued to laugh. "I am a navigator robot, designation Taku."
"A navigator robot?" Kai asked, curious.
"I have a database of all of the Londarz family in my database and I use this information to help the Timerangers re-capture them," Taku explained.
"But, you said you were a navigator robot, not a database robot," Kai pressed.
"That information is classified," Taku quickly responded and Kai frowned.
"So, you're the one who told Tatsuya there was a, what was it, a member of the Londarz family here?" Shirogane questioned.
"Yes. I have a database on all of the Londarz family."
"So, that Org that was just here, that was a member of the Londarz family?"
"I do not know what an Org is, but you are correct. That was a member of the Londarz family. Prisoner #5823, Serperant to be exact."
"Serperant?"
Taku looked at Tatsuya. "The question is, what is he doing here, now?"
Tatsuya turned around to face the Time ship. "We should check inside," he said. "See if we can find any information and to see if there were any more of the Londarz family inside."
"I agree."
Tatsuya headed towards the Time ship, Taku still in his arms when Kakeru called out to him and he turned around.
"Let us help you," Kakeru said. "We're working towards the same goal remember. We should work together."
"This is classified," Taku said.
"Let them," Tatsuya cut in. "Without the others here we'll need all the help we can get and they're another Super Sentai team."
Taku let out a reluctant sigh which Tatsuya translated as him giving his agreement and he led the Gaorangers across the sand and into the Time ship.
"What kind of ship is this?" Gaku asked as they approached it. "I don't recognise it."
"You wouldn't," Tatsuya replied.
Gaku reached out and grabbed his shoulder, forcing him to stop and turn around. "But you do. You recognise this ship, don't you? You've seen one before."
Tatsuya sighed. He didn't want to reveal too much. He didn't want them to know that this ship was from the future, but he knew that, if they were to work together, they would have to know. "Yes, I've seen one before," he eventually replied and started to walk back across the sand, back towards the ship, the Gaorangers quickly following.
Tatsuya led them to the entrance of the ship, opening the door, which slid open, allowing them access into the ship.
The Gaorangers were in awe as they quietly followed Tatsuya and Taku through the dimly lit corridors. They didn't ask Tatsuya anything about the ship or where they were going, having realised that he appeared reluctant to discuss it and they had all come to a silent agreement that if they were to all work together, then they shouldn't do or say anything that would result in him not wanting their help. They also realised that with Tatsuya knowing where he was going, it was evident that not only had he seen one before, he had also been inside one and they all wondered what had happened to him and his team if he was so familiar with the layout of a criminal's vessel.
They had reached the end of the corridor and Tatsuya slid the door open and they followed him inside. The room was large and circular; five seats were placed around a circular consol table with a round podium at the end. Sae let out a small gasp upon seeing another robotic owl sat in the middle of the podium. It looked identical to Taku, except, instead of being a blue and white colour, this one was green and silver. Tatsuya walked straight over to it as the Gaorangers stood back and watched, not wanting to touch any of the equipment without knowing what was going on.
"Why are you here?" Tatsuya asked the new robotic owl.
The owl opened its eyes and blinked a couple of times. "I am navigator robot Hibiki."
"Why are you here?" Taku repeated Tatsuya's question.
Hibiki shifted its eyes, looking at Taku. "That information is classified."
Tatsuya let out a groan and placed Taku down next to Hibiki. He walked over to one of the consoles on the table and studied it, looking for information.
"What does it say?" Kai asked, unable to contain his excitement.
Tatsuya didn't respond, continuing to press buttons. A frown appeared on his face and, ignoring Kai's question, he walked back over to Taku.
"What is it?" the owl asked, seeing his expression.
"Do you know what today is?" he asked.
"February the third 2002."
Tatsuya nodded. "And do you remember what happened this time a year ago?" His voice was now hushed and the Gaorangers were straining their ears trying to hear what was being said.
The owl was silent for a moment as he closed his eyes and searched his database. His eyes suddenly opened. "Don Dolnero died."
Tatsuya nodded again. "I found information relating to his death in the ships memory. I'm guessing Serperant was sent back to ensure he didn't die, except he arrived one year too late."
Taku nodded. "How could the Londarz family make a mistake like that?"
Tatsuya shook his head. "I don't know, but now Serperant is with the, what the Gaorangers call, Orgs. I doubt he even realises he's in the wrong time."
"That could make this situation even worse," Taku said.
"I can't do this alone," Tatsuya muttered. "Without Yuuri and others here…" He looked over at the Gaorangers. "I'm going to have to work with them. They know about these Org creatures."
Taku nodded. "I agree." He looked at Tatsuya. "You must not let them know anything about the future."
"I know."
"But, with a member of the Londarz family loose in the past again, I am positive that they will send reinforcements."
"I hope so. But for now, I suggest we go back to the Gaorangers base." Taku nodded and hopped off of the podium, flying beside Tatsuya as he picked up Hibiki."You're coming with us." He then looked over at the Gaorangers.
"What's going on?" Gaku asked.
"I have a clearer understanding of why a member of the Londarz family is here," Tatsuya told them. "I will tell you more later, but for now I suggest we head back to your base. I will fill you in then." This gave him time to think about what he was going to say.
The Gaorangers nodded in response and were about to leave the room when a loud voice could be heard from outside of the ship.
"Londarz family!" the female voice shouted and they could all hear her voice clearly. "You are under arrest and are ordered to leave your ship. You have a minute to reveal yourself before we open fire."
Kakeru approached Tatsuya. "Who are they?" he asked. "They know this is a member of the Londarz family on this ship."
Tatsuya looked over at Taku. "They must be my reinforcements." He had recognised the voice, but couldn't place where he had heard it before.
Taku nodded. "They soon got here."
"What should we do?" Kai asked, running over to them.
"I suggest we leave the ship," Shirogane replied, looking at Tatsuya, "show them that we aren't who they are looking for."
"You have thirty seconds left!" the female voice shouted.
Tatsuya nodded and they all quickly left the room and ran down the corridors towards the exit of the ship. The sun blinded Tatsuya for a moment, making him stumble back, shielding his eyes. He heard Sae gasp.
"Identify yourselves," another voice called to him. As with the female voice, Tatsuya also recognised this one.
Tatsuya slowly lowered his arm and blinked a few times as the figure before him came into focus. The person was wearing a black leather jacket with a dark blue t-shirt underneath with dark jeans. He had brown hair and was pointing a gun at them. Tatsuya swallowed. Beyond the male in front of him, he could make out three other figures. One was dressed in a bright orange hooded jumper with khaki trousers and light green hair, another wore a pale yellow long sleeved top with brown trousers and had short brown hair, while the third was evidently a woman by the face the she was wearing a black leather skirt with a black jacket and white t-shirt with long dark brown hair, falling just below her shoulders with a fringe. He couldn't make out her face, but she appeared to be staring directly at him. He swallowed again, his breath caught in his throat as he began to realise who the newcomers were.
"Who are they?" Tatsuya heard Kai ask.
"T-Tatsuya?"
Tatsuya's eyes shifted away from the woman, back to the male in front of him and he let out a gasp. "Ayase?"
Ayase lowered his gun, a broad smile appearing on his face.
"Tatsuya-san!"
He turned to see two of the three other people running over to him, recognising them as Sion and Domon. "Sion! Domon!"
"Tatsuya-san!" Sion cried again, running into him and giving him a hug, making him nearly drop Hibiki.
"Tatsuya." Domon nodded at him, a smile on his face.
"Sion, Domon, Ayase." Tatsuya couldn't keep the smile from his face as he was reunited with the other Timerangers.
"Taku!" Sion suddenly cried, seeing the robotic owl.
"Sion." Taku flew into his arms as he let go of Tatsuya.
"I've missed you, Taku," Sion said.
Tatsuya smiled at their reunion, forgetting about the Gaorangers, who were watching the reunion with a mixture of emotions. Relief that Tatsuya knew the people who had momentarily threatened them; happiness at the reunion before them and confusion to not knowing who the newcomers were.
Tatsuya let out a laugh and shook his head. He couldn't believe that they were back. The Timerangers, they were all back together. Sion, Domon, Ayase. They were all here, which meant…
He lifted his head, remembering the fourth figure. She was now standing just before him, a nervous expression on her face.
"Tatsuya," she said softly, inclining her head slightly.
Sion stopped talking to Taku and turned around.
There was silence. Everyone, including the Gaorangers knew that this was an important moment between the two.
"Yuuri…"
My apologies that it's taken me a while to get this chapter up, but I got distracted. I have started chapter 4 and I have a week off (gotta love half term), so hopefully the next chapter will be up a bit quicker.
So, there were a lot of characters introduced in this chapter and the Gaorangers have met up with all of the Timerangers. Hopefully things won't get too confusing with all of the characters that are going to be in this - there's going to be a lot, but most of them have been introduced.
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