Note: It's been ages since I last posted my most recent chapter. Rereading my fanfic once again brought back my motivation to continue this "what if" scenario had Cassie became the Pink Galaxy Ranger. I hope to finish what I started with this story and expand on Kendrix's death and how that has affected the rest of her teammates both during and outside of ranger battle. Needless to say, enjoy.
The Power of Pink: Alternate Cut
1.4
Power Outage, Part One
The Galaxy Rangers arrived to confront the menacing Magnatox once more. Causing uproar within the confines of Terra Venture, he couldn't resist causing mass chaos among the space colony.
"Hold it right there!" Leo shouted. Along with the rest of his team, they carried their respective signature weapons into combat.
"Just as I suspect to figure you five would interrupt my moment," said Magnatox.
"You may have gotten the better of us but you aren't going to put other lives at risk."
Cassie bantered. Immediately she leaped up towards Magnetox's shoulders firing shots of her Beta Bow at him. Magnetox stood tall resisting the amount of damage he endured.
"Is that the best you can do? Well think again." To counteract Magnatox channeled the power of his staff sending Cassie flying hard onto the ground.
"Cassie," Maya cried as she rushed over to her fallen teammate. Kai and Damon avenged their comrade by stacking the odds against the machine based creature. Along with Leo, they continuingly assault Magnatox using their Quasar Sabers to finish him off. Despite these attacks, however, not a single blow was able to undermine the seemingly immovable object.
"You have to do better than that, Rangers. Not even your weapons are capable enough to destroy me!" Magnatox cackled.
"Cosma Claw!" With his weapon equipped, the Blue Ranger plunged his claw towards the targeted creature. The rest of the team chimed in to assist their teammate pulling out all the stops against such a formidable foe.
Cassie pulled herself back from her feet. Swiping the ground with her hands, she used her cat claw-like ability to thwart him off. Magnatox retaliated clubbing her with his signature staff at hand.
Maya stepped in to provide her aid. With her Quasar Saber equipped, she channeled in as much energy possible to unleash her signature technique.
"Thunder Saber," the Yellow Ranger shouted swinging her weapon at the intended creature. Despite the direct hit, Magnatox managed to resist the attack.
"We've got no other choice. Lights of Orion activate!" With Leo's cue, the Galaxy Rangers would be covered in shiny gold armor strapped with arm bands, knee pads, and a buckle to coincide with the enhancement mode. A color of golden energy enveloped around their bodies as they directed their target at Magnatox.
"Power up mode" They plunged their attack towards the designated foe. However, despite their attempt, the attack deflected back at them negating any chance of the foe's comeuppance.
"No way how can this be?" Damon wondered clearly frustrated.
"Let me remind you that I'm more of a machine than a human centipede," Magnatox said raising his staff comprising of a magnet shape object attached to it. "With this staff, you're going to experience the electricity that'll be running through your veins."
Utilizing his weapon Magnatox lured the Red Ranger towards him. Leo screamed in agony struggling to free himself from the hands of the creature.
"Leo, hang on!" Damon exclaimed encouraging his teammate. Summoning his transdaggers, the Green Ranger did all he could to assist him. Despite his efforts, the problem remains the same.
"In just a few moments, your ranger powers will no longer be of use," Magnatox cackled. The energy surge deriving from his staff began to sap the life force of the Red Ranger suit. By the time the process completed, Leo reverted back to his civilian form.
"Leo!" Kai shouted. Along with the rest of the rangers, they hurried over to check on their fallen comrade.
"You power punks realize not even the Red Ranger can't withstand what I am capable of." Magnatox continued to monitor the incident by the sidelines as the Power Rangers approached a severely injured Leo. His face met with despair enduring heavy damage leftover from his morpher.
"You're not going to get away with this," Before Kai could make his move, Magnatox fired his staff towards the Blue Ranger. Sparks of pyrotechnics erupted on his suit as he fell back first onto the ground.
"You're wasting my time ranger. I wouldn't mind pulling off the same stunt like I demonstrated to your fellow leader," Magnatox bantered.
"It's no use Kai. We better head back to the Megaship," Damon instructed. Kai nodded while directing the team out of the fight scene.
"I look forward to destroying you Power Rangers!" Magnatox mumbled.
The Galaxy Rangers returned to the Astro Megaship following a struggling bout with one of Trakeena's monsters. Alpha stitched up some small bandages on his forehead as well as sporting an arm bandage to prevent potential blood loss.
"You're going to be okay," Maya assured to the Red Ranger.
"I don't get how he could manage to sabotage his powers like that. We've faced tough monsters before but Magnatox is something else," Kai said wrapping his head in regards to their fight with the latest entry of villains.
"You say he's even stronger than Chameliac? He knew every one of our techniques to the point that he nearly annihilated us," Damon alluded to their encounter with the aforementioned creature.
"We need to come up with a game plan if we're going to stop Magnatox," said Kai pacing back and forth across the ship headquarters.
Mike approached towards his little brother monitoring the injuries Leo sustained. "How are you doing little brother?"
"I'm pretty banged up but it could've been a lot worse," he spoke with the benefit of the doubt.
Maya took an opportunity to set the score straight. "Guys let's not get carried away. After what happened with Leo, Magnatox is likely going to come after us too."
Over by a table, she flipped over the pages of the Galaxy Book containing a reptilian warrior holstering grey body armor.
"I was skimming through the book the other night. The armor can be activated with a piece of stone hinge keys that can further enhance a person's human energy tenfold. When two halves of keys combine, together they form the Reptilian Galaxy Armor," Maya said. "During battle, a warrior named Tritor assembled a pair of armor keys to activate the Battlizer, channeling its power to successfully defeat his enemies in the process."The person in possession of the body armor resorted desperately to thwart off formidable enemies willing to get a hold of the power enhancement," Cassie summarized based on the anecdote depicted.
"From the looks of the armor, it looks like he may have had a hard time carrying all that weight," said Damon.
Maya continued. "Tritor ruled the planet known as Hogarth, a world populated by a group of reptilian humanoids that lived life in an agricultural society. One day, the Machine Empire invaded the planet, provoking a war between opposing sides. When they destroyed the rest of his colony, Tritor would be the sole survivor to be enslaved."
Kai spoke up. "If this is legit, how do we know if the armor exists? Where are we supposed to find the owner who has access to the keys?" His response raised a number of questions his teammates were also wondering.
On the dashboard, Cassie keyed in data looking to retrieve additional information of the aforementioned warrior.
"After the fall of the United Alliance, he began to readjust his life by relocating in his new home of KO-35," she clarified. "We should set a course to the Karova System. We're going to need the information we can get about that Battlizer, and restore Leo's powers ASAP."
Maya addresses her concern. "But what about Terra Venture? Magnatox may come back and continue to stir havoc. We can't just leave the colony defenseless."
"She's right. We have to have some backup to make sure he doesn't harm any more people," Kai took into account.
As Leo continued to clutch onto his bandaged arm, he stepped forth to finalize a common ground idea.
"Kai, Maya, Damon, & Mike - you four stay on Terra Venture and monitor any suspicious activity you find. Cassie and I will take the Astro Megaship to KO-35," he instructed to his teammates.
"Let us know when you're on your way back. We could use some extra help in case we need the both of you," Kai said.
Mike chimed in skeptic regarding to Leo's potential well being. "Are you sure you can manage with that ruptured arm?"
"I'll pull through," his younger brother assured. "We'll definitely let you know when we're finished. We'll be back in one peace."
Mike nodded. He directed the rest of the three Galaxy Rangers out of the Megaship into the corridors of Terra Venture's headquarters. Alongside Alpha 6, Leo and Cassie prepare to set their course back to a familiar planet - a planet in which she helped her closest companions ban together to thwart off the now fallen United Alliance of Evil.
"DECA, set a course to the Karova System," Cassie instructed.
"Affirmative," spoke the Megaship's artificial intelligence.
The Astro Megaship made its descent on the home planet of humanoids - the planet known as KO-35. Immediately the hatch opens allowing our travelers in Leo, Cassie, and Alpha 6 to arrive in an established civilization that is not just their living planet Earth. As they exited from the ship, a pair of familiar civilians chimed forth to provide their greetings.
"Cassie, how has it been? Long time no see," spoke a young man coated with short blond hair sporting his signature black jacket he would wear on a daily basis.
"It's good to see you guys again," said Cassie amazed to see her companions for the first time in awhile. She hugged Zhane along with his girlfriend and the former princess of evil.
"Ayeyeye I was going to say the same thing," Alpha mumbled.
"It was nice of you that we got a chance to do a little more sightseeing on Earth," Karone complimented. It had been a little over a year since tragedy spread in the city of Angel Grove. A six year war between the Power Rangers and the United Alliance of Evil erupted not only on Mother Nature's soil, but the entire galaxy involved in the debacle.
"I take it you must be Leo? Andros and the gang told me about how you and the Galaxy Rangers helped defeat the Psychos," Zhane told him lending out with a greeting hand.
"Well I got to tell you. They weren't the type of creatures we couldn't take lightly." Leo responded with a firm handshake of his own. "Even though they're out of the equation, I feel like we lost more than we won."
Karone took a moment to step in while moving along with the conversation.
"Andros told us what happened. I understand what it feels like to lose someone close to you," she said calling back to a time when a particular alien took the former Astronema under her care - like a father figure she never had. Ecliptor had been her biggest even at times when her insecurities brought the worst among her. Whether it would be a single tear drop, he wiped off the dampness of sorrow from her eyes. When she felt neglected he'd provide comfort with a heartfelt embrace. In the aftermath of the war, Zordon sacrificed himself using his remaining energy wave he had to destroy the numerous foes plaguing most of the galaxy. This included the death of the alien she considered to be her father.
"So what exactly brings you here? I wasn't informed about any disturbances happening in our planet," Karone asked.
"We were wondering if we could get in contact with Tritor," Cassie spoke out of curiosity.
"He is meditating by the temple nearby our hut," Zhane explained. "I wouldn't interrupt him if I were you."
By unveiling his damaged Transmorpher, Leo further elaborates Cassie's question. "My morpher was destroyed during a monster attack on Terra Venture. I was hoping to find the owner of the armor keys that could help me restore my powers."
"Look, we don't mean to be rude but there isn't much time. If we don't act quickly, everyone's lives will be at risk. That includes the rest of our team," Cassie convinced the two humanoids.
"My friends are currently monitoring the attack. We're going to need all the help we can get to defeat Magnatox." Leo continued to clutch onto his left bandaged arm, his face continuing to swell with pain.
Meanwhile, Karone and Zhane remain on the fence deciding on a route to follow.
"We'll direct you to his location," Karone concluded. Along with Leo and Cassie, she and Zhane followed them towards the temple in which Tritor resides. As they arrived, the gang would come across a temple guard.
"Hi how may I help you?" He provided them with a warm greeting.
"We were just wondering if Tritor is here at this time," Zhane responded politely.
"Absolutely, right this way sir Zhane." With the gatekeeper's signal, the gate automatically opened allowing the four civilians access. As they entered the lobby, they spot a room filled with flower decorations and picture frames attached against each wall. A notable frame includes an image of Tritor's alliance with a familiar duo in Bulk and Skull. Another picture also includes Tritor standing next to a throne while accompanying King Sprocket inside his coliseum.
"This is surreal," said Leo fascinated in awe of the displays he observed.
"Ayeyeyeye I don't want to think about the Machine Empire." The overwhelming reaction to Alpha 6 caused a malfunction in his circuits going haywire.
"Alpha, it's okay. We're only glancing at the pictures. It's not like they're going to harm you," Cassie assured. With minor adjustments to his circuit panel, she successfully managed to repair the robot in good condition.
"I know. I'm quite relieved we don't have to relive those nightmares all over again," said Alpha. Fortunately, despite losing a friend in Zordon, he pressed on knowing how it would mean for him to continue monitoring unusual activity in his surroundings.
"Tritor is at his shrine meditating," Karone informed. Along with Zhane, they continued to direct them to the location of the warrior's presence. Not a single person stood in sight the instant they arrived.
"Where could he be?" Leo wondered. As everyone gazed at their surroundings, a humanoid clad in reptilian green armor emerged in the room startling the gang.
"Who dares infiltrate my property?" Spoke an infuriated Tritor.
"Look, we don't mean any harm. We had permission from a gatekeeper of yours," Karone tries to reason.
"After all the hell you and the rest of the Alliance put me through, I never thought you and I would even see eye to eye," he said glaring at the once princess turned queen of evil. Zhane stepped in to restrain both humanoids.
"I know what Karone did was out of her control. Please, if we could just-get along," he pleaded.
Despite Zhane's insisting, Tritor refused to take his message seriously. "It's going to take more than 'getting along' to convince me otherwise." Provoking physicality Tritor and Zhane sparred back and forth on the open yard. Despite Zhane's fortitude, Tritor managed to gain the upper advantage in the bout. By channeling his strength, the green armored warrior grabbed the ranger by the arm, flipping him back first onto the ground.
"You've made a big mistake barging in without my consent," Tritor threatened him. Immediately, Zhane uses a gut kick stunning the warrior as he clutched onto his abdomen. The instant he regained his footing, he positioned out his morpher before shouting his morphing call.
Let's Rocket!
In a silver glow of light enveloped among the humanoid. The Silver Space Ranger stood up close much to Tritor's astonishment.
"Amazing," Leo muttered standing along the sidelines with Cassie. As the waging bout between Tritor and Zhane escalated, Karone couldn't withstand their quarreling.
"Zhane," she pleaded.
"Don't make this harder than it is. We didn't come here to destroy you," Zhane continued to reason. Despite acknowledging the comment, Tritor shrugged it off further advancing the battle. An exchange of back and forth ensues between both competitors. Eventually, Zhane turns the complexion in his favor nailing Tritor with a Sidekick to the face. As he collapsed on his knees, the warrior embraced himself within anticipation for his demise. The Silver Ranger prepared to fire his signature weapon until Karone chimed in at the last moment.
"Zhane no," The young woman pleaded once more. She grabbed onto his weapon convincing him not to pull the trigger. The immense beat that pounded Tritor's heart gradually declined.
"Karone, he was threatening to destroy all of us," Zhane retorted. "What do you think I'm supposed to do? Throw in the towel and accept my defeat?"
Given the circumstance, Leo along with Alpha 6 and Cassie intervene in the conversation that unfolded.
"Ayeyeyeye, I don't like to take sides but neither you nor Tritor should resort to violence like this," said Alpha.
Zhane paused and reflected on his action. Under reconsideration, he lowered his weapon aside as he watched the defenseless Tritor cowering in fear.
"Thank goodness," Karone sighed in relief lending out a hug for the Silver Ranger.
"You have quite a nerve to visit my shrine." Tritor regained up from his feet still hammered from the attack.
"I'm sorry, we didn't mean any harm. We just like to wonder about an artifact you carried ages ago, and whether you still happen to be carrying it," Zhane reasoned.
"I do not know what it is you ask of me. As far as I know, the armor keys have been dormant for a long time," Trider said.
Meanwhile, Leo stepped forth to further explain their purpose of their presence. "One of Trakeena's monsters sabotaged my morpher. We've tried to stop him but his power is off the charts. Not even the Lights of Orion can stop him."
Cassie reached inside her pocket of a torn page from the Galaxy Book regarding information of the Battlizer. "Awhile back you used an enhancement armor as a last ditch effort against Prince Gasket. But he retaliated before you had a chance to activate it. Do you remember what he may have done to the keys?"
Tritor took a moment to glance at the illustration of the said artifact Cassie had mentioned.
"When Gasket imprisoned me, he sold the Battlizer to another intergalactic warrior during an auction. I was told that the keys have been preserved inside a cave to prevent intruders from retrieving the artifact," he explained.
"Why haven't you convinced them that the armor keys belong to you?" Leo asked.
"In regards to the Battlizer, let me assure you that armor contains immense power it can severely hinder the human body," Tritor elaborated. "My experience using the Battlizer nearly destroyed me. Now that the war is over, after all the years of torment I've endured, I can freely enjoy life to the fullest capacity once more."
"The colony of Terra Venture is at risk. Our team won't be able to defeat Magnatox as long as he tries to strip away all of our ranger powers," Cassie explained. "We're going to need all the help we can get. Do you know where we can find the armor keys?"
Tritor commented in regards to her response. "The cave is located just a few blocks from this site. Since it does prohibit trespassers, an ordeal must be completed before they could proceed," he confirmed. In addition, Tritor took out a folded map that provided a visual direction of the site's location. He handed the map over for Leo and Cassie to examine as they prepare to set a course.
"The choices are yours alone. Once you agree to the ordeal, I won't be held accountable as far as everyones' well being is concerned," Tritor clarified on his behalf. Along with Karone, the Power Rangers were left to finalize their decision. They approached the warrior for the verdict.
"We've thought about it, and we've decided we'll be willing to take that ordeal," Leo concluded. As concerned as Tritor's face signified, it was up to the gang whether to consider the proposition.
"I see - very well then. I recommend you bring a flashlight the instant you enter the cavern. I've seen trespassers make it in only to never return. Stay safe my friends." Following his speech, Tritor escorted Karone along with the Power Rangers outside his temple.
Mike accompanying the three Galaxy Rangers continued to survey separate junctions on Terra Venture. After witnessing the intensity Magnatox possesses from earlier, the gang took precaution on what potential threat the creature may have in store.
"How's the area at your place?" Mike spoke through his wrist mounted morpher.
"Based on the looks of it, I haven't found a single disturbance," Kai replied before transferring his communication over to Damon. "How are you and Maya doing?"
The Green Ranger spoke up. "It's about the same. Nothing out of the ordinary so far," he answered gazing at his surroundings.
As the team continues to monitor, Magnatox stood by making little presence of his whereabouts.
"Those pesky Power Rangers don't have a clue what I have in store for them. Now I've stripped the Red Ranger's powers, it's about time I take advantage and destroy the rest of his teammates!" He mumbled. Raising his staff, Magnatox sent lasers firing at a building. Pillars collapsed on top of one another as debris swept all across the outdoors. A crowd of civilians sped off in pursuit screaming for their lives hanging in the balance. When the dust settled, Mike and the Galaxy Rangers reunited to trace the incident that unfolded.
"Looks like we've got some company," Kai said. Suddenly, Magnatox emerged from the damaged building all of while confronting the team.
"Well we meet again Rangers. Are you ready when I strip away of your rangers powers?" He scolded.
"The only thing we'll be stripping you out of is your presence!" Damon exclaimed.
Magnatox snickered hysterically in response. "Don't think I'm intimidated by your comment."
Mike nodded giving the cue for Kai, Damon, and Maya.
"Magna Power!" With the shout of a phrase, Mike activated his Magna morpher transcending a neon light engulfed around his body. When the light disperses, he made a successful transformation into the Magna Defender.
"Go Galactic!" Shouting in unison, Kai, Damon, and Maya activated their transmorphers. Engulfed in a glow of multi colored energy, they would morph to become the Blue, Green, and Yellow Power Rangers respectively.
"It's just as I expected. But you're preparing to make the biggest mistake of your life!" The fight commenced between Magnatox and the Power Rangers. Individually, they summoned their respective signature weapons available in their arsenal, utilizing this opportunity to fend off the invading creature.
Meanwhile, Mike used his blaster sending sparks erupting from Magnatox's armor. Despite the direct shot, this assault proved ineffective.
"You have to think twice before you shoot." Magnatox charged head forth with a football tackle, sending the Magna Defender back first against the building wall. Mike made unsuccessful attempts to release himself from the creature's clutches. Magnatox tossed him to the ground as the three Galaxy Rangers came to his aid.
"Give it up you pesky punks. I have a colony to destroy right here," He scolded at the foursome. As the rangers continue their ongoing struggle, they soon realize for them to overcome this impeccable feat, it would require an effective strategy.
Together with Mike, the Galaxy Rangers congregated as they arrange a tactic to undermine the seemingly invincible Magnatox. When it came to finalizing their strategy, the rangers turned their focus back on the creature.
As they continuingly distract him, Damon and Maya held onto Magnatox allowing Mike to summon his Magna Saber. Along with Kai, the duo used their Magna Blaster and Transdagger respectively using their energy attacks to stun him. By channeling its neon energy, he leaped towards the targeted creature attempting to plunge his saber at him. At the last moment, he shoved the two rangers out of the way attaching his magnet staff around Mike.
"You've made a big mistake." With his final words, Magnatox began to absorb a heavy dose of energy from the Magna Defender. The Galaxy Rangers witnessed in horror. Despite going forth with their intended plan, once more deja vu bestowed upon them. Automatically, Mike powers down as he reverts into his civilian form.
"Mike!" Maya exclaimed approaching towards her now powerless teammate. The result of Magnatox's devastating blow leaves his morpher severely damaged in the process.
Kai and Damon picked up the slack going in their effort to thwart him off. Unfortunately for them, the song remains the same. Utilizing his magnet staff, he continued to perform the same tactics by draining out the energies of the Blue and Green Rangers. A glow of their respective colored energies disperses. Subsequently, Kai and Damon de-morphed having their transmorphers suffer the same fate as Mike and Leo's.
"Four down, two to go," Magnatox snickered witnessing the Power Rangers at their most vulnerable.
"You've got to be kidding me. Please tell me this isn't happening," Damon mumbled.
"No!" The Yellow Ranger hurried over towards her comrades. Tensions ran high leaving Maya the remaining Power Ranger morphed.
"You're going to pay for what you did." Maya and Magnatox quarreled in an exchange of back and forth. She continued to swing her Quasar Saber using numerous offensive attacks to overwhelm the machine based creature. Magnatox retaliated assaulting the Yellow Ranger with his staff. Using that advantage, Magnatox channeled his weapon once more absorbing the energy from Maya's morpher. She would de-morph instantaneously into her civilian form.
"It seems now I've gotten you rangers for lunch, the rest of Terra Venture will soon be history!" Magnatox laughed in a sinister manner.
"What do we do now?" Maya asked. With their inability to morph, the Power Rangers have backed themselves in a position they can't solve.
To Be Continued...