Chapter 6: Valle and Aquitar
A.N.: Sorry that this chapter took a while! Between the holidays, too much stress, work and serious problems with my neck (all muscles went too tight, needed medicine for it), I haven't had time. There will be more chapters down the road!
Valle
Right after the door rolled shut behind him, Billy and the two guards ahead of him walked straight into a room on the left. Inside were other beings that wore the same outfits, including the firebird insignia. He could also see consoles against one of the walls, and to his mind, they looked very futuristic. One of the people was taking out a small disc from one of the panels.
That disc looks a lot like the one that Zordon-
He quickly pulled out his own disc from his shirt pocket and inspected it carefully.
There doesn't seem to be any damage from the sandstorm outside-
The male guard from before turned around to address the Earther when he saw the object.
"Hey, kid! What's that you've got there?"
"This? It's some kind of communications media. It contains a message from-"
That was when another of the uniformed Vallans turned towards the trio.
"Hey now, Karin, Bein, what've you got there?"
Karin saluted, the side of her hand hitting her chest squarely. "Sir! This is a human from the infant world Earth, or so he says. He said he's here to see the Lady." Her tone was derisive.
The new person hit his insignia a few times, then spoke. "An Earther, with knowledge of our sovereign? What's that he's got? Looks like either a incendiary device from that monkey Goldar's planet or an Eltaran communications disc."
"If you ask me," Karin replied, "He's some kind of spy or assassin."
"Hey, I'm not a-"
"Quiet, you!" she snapped.
"Both of you, quiet!"
After a moment passed, he turned directly to Billy and asked, "To find out whichever it is, I'd have to take it apart. Mind sparing us that and telling me what this thing really is, boy?"
"It's a communications media. On it is a message for Phoenix Llyra from Zordon."
He stiffened at that. "Zordon? As in from Eltar?"
"Affirmative."
"How does an Earther know of him?" he peered at Billy closely, then asked, "Are you one of his?"
He stared right into the native's eyes as he answered,"I don't comprehend what you mean, but if you are asking if I am a Power Ranger, then yes, I was. I stepped down and now work in a support role."
Karin looked right at him and asked with a sneer, "Him, one of the Chosen? He's too young! Surely you're not fooled by this!"
"Stand down, soldier, and be silent!"
She blinked and then nodded. "Yes, sir."
"You two return to your post. I'll take care of him."
The two saluted, then left, going back outside.
The remaining man removed his head gear and set it on a nearby table. In the regular light, the closely cropped brown hair was noticeable, and so were the brown eyes that peered at Billy, hard as steel.
"Get this young man some water immediately!" he ordered and gestured for the younger man to sit down before picking up a small item that looked almost like the kind of thing that shone a light into the nose and throat. In the hands of the muscular guard, it looked almost tiny. He walked over to Billy's right side and rolled up a sleeve before pressing it against his exposed arm and pressing a button.
There was a hiss and a second later, Billy jerked away.
"Ow! What was that for?"
"Subcutaneous translator," was the gruff reply, "Now the others won't need to re-adjust their devices all the time and you can understand us easily. Considering who you are, I'm surprised this wasn't done already. Then again, you are from an infant planet. What's your name?"
"Billy. Billy Cranston."
"Short name. I'm Gharme, commander of the Arkhaida South District guards. Now, you said you need to speak with our Lady?"
"Lady?"
"That's one way that we Vallans address the Phoenix."
"Yes, it's urgent, a matter of life and death."
"I see." He saw one of the guards come into the room with a pitcher and a glass, both full of water and on a white tray.
"It's for him."
"Yes, sir!"
Gharme then walked into an adjoining room, where communications were held. He tapped at the keyboard in front of him, making sure that he was in front of the monitor. A few moments later, there was a beep and one of the speakers came to life. On the other end was the voice of a young woman.
"Yes? Who is this?"
"Commander Gharme, Arkhaida South District. A young man from Earth has arrived and he seeks an audience. He says it's urgent."
"An Earther?" the voice sounded puzzled, and a little annoyed.
"Yes. He's one of Zordon's Chosen, sent by the sage himself, with a message."
"I see. Bring him to me immediately, fastest transportation."
"Understood!"
"And Gharme...this Chosen and things on him, including that message, are to pass unmolested. Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes, ma'am!"
"Good. I will make the necessary authorizations with the transportation facility. Out."
Gharme waited until the Earth man was finished drinking the water before entering the main room.
"I have orders. You and I are going to the Tower in Aeria'Edea. From there, you'll get your audience."
"I understand."
"Now, let's get going."
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Aquitar
Shortly after the Rangers started walking towards the mountain, Adam asked, "Do you really think the Machine Empire will strike while we're here?"
"Why not?" Rocky said, "Knowing our luck, they'll probably have a bunch of Cogs ready to attack on our way to get those Prisms."
"Hey, don't even think about it," Tommy replied, "Last thing we need are those metalheads to show up. Clairie's depending on us."
"Yeah, I guess you're right."
"How long until we reach the mountain?" Adam asked.
"We will arrive in one hour," Delphine answered, "From there, we'll enter and begin searching for two perfect prisms."
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Machine Empire's Earth Base
King Mondo was doing something that he rarely did ever since arriving at what was now their Earth base: watching the planet below using the old telescope that Rita Repulsa had left behind. Suddenly, he saw the tell-tale signs of Eltaran technology. The multi-colored grouping left the planet, and a few moments later, a second pillar of light had departed, but in another direction.
"Your Majesty!" Clank called out moments later, hurrying into the chamber along with Prince Sprocket as quickly as a machine like him could allow, "The Power Rangers have left Earth!"
"I noticed that, you piece of junk," he snapped, "But the question is, where did they go?"
"That's what I was going to tell you, sire. The first group went to Aquitar, and someone else went towards the planet Valle!"
"Did you say Valle?"
"Yes, sire."
"This would be a good time to strike Earth, daddy!"
"Not just yet," Mondo replied, "This situation doesn't call for such actions just yet."
"But why? I want to take Earth while they're gone!"
"So do I, but why would they go to Aquitar and Valle, of all places?"
"D'you think they're calling in reinforcements?" Clank asked.
"Might be...or they're looking for something that's important to them. Let's watch the Aquitar group for now, since that's where most of them went to. Send a message to our operatives in that area immediately!"
"Right away, sire!"
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Valle
Gharme and Billy walked through the South District of Arkhaida, towards the center of town. As they passed by several of the Vallans, the young Earth man felt many eyes on him, something that unnerved him a little.
"Aeria'Edea is the capital of Valle, and for good reason," the guard said, "Normally transportation is by shuttle. Transporters to and from the city is restricted to the capital's citizens and traders, while the only ones that can use transporters to the Phoenix Tower are those that live there or given permission by the Phoenix herself."
"I can understand the restrictions on the Phoenix Tower and to the city itself, but why do we need shuttles to get there?"
"You have no idea, do you? Well, I'll give you a hint: Aeria'Edea, in your language would translate into Sky Eden."
His eyes went wide at this.
"I see you understand now."
"Affirmative."
"Now, I know you'll be authorized to go directly to the Tower, but there's a chance that it won't extend to me. Before we go, I'd better teach you the proper salute, so you don't make a fool out of yourself."
"This one?" Billy asked and copied the move he had seen the guards use: a hard, sharp movement to the chest with the side of his hand.
Gharme groaned and replied, "No, that's just for the military or the guards. The one for the Phoenix is different. Just watch."
He put his hand over his heart, then bowed as the hand moved from his heart to his side in a controlled, sweeping arc to the left. He then ended with kneeling, hand on the floor.
"You try it."
Billy nodded and took a deep breath before putting his left hand over his heart, then moving the hand in the way he had seen as he bowed, controlling the sweeping arc carefully. As he knelt, his hand was on the ground.
"Good, very good. You're a quick learner."
"Zordon did teach us to have the utmost respect for fellow comrades and sovereigns on the side of good."
"He's a good teacher...and you're still a quick study. Now, let's go. The transport facility's downtown, near the Square."
Billy remained quiet for the rest of the walk to the facility. Once they entered, he saw a group of people, milling in and out. To his eyes, it almost looked like a futuristic subway station, with the guard station just off to the right.
"Commander Gharme," one of the guards with a uniform similar to Billy's guide called out and saluted, "we've received authorization for you and the Earther to proceed to the transporter. We'll take you to the Tower in Aeria'Edea."
"Good. Thanks a lot."
"Once you arrive, the two of you will wait for the Lady. However, once she comes, you will have to return to Arkhaida, sir."
"As expected," he replied, "Very well. Let's go."
Billy nodded and followed Gharme and the other soldier towards the transporter platform that was close by. Currently, there were a group of what looked like, to his mind, desert traders, and they were stepping onto smooth, silver discs that were on the floor. He watched as silver and white pillars of light enveloped the group, shimmering downwards. Within seconds, the traders had disappeared.
"You're up next, sirs," the transporter's guard spoke up.
Gharme nodded and led the way through the crowd. Some people muttered angrily, while others quickly cleared a path. The transporter operator, a young woman with dark hair, saluted and asked, "Destination?"
"Aeria'Edea, Phoenix Tower, Reception area," the second soldier replied.
"Sorry, but that area is restricted to Tower residents. Only exception is with the Phoenix's authorization."
"The Lady's authorized these two here. Send them over immediately."
"Yes, sir! Reception Area 5 is where you'll arrive, then. Just inform the receptionist once you arrive."
Gharme nodded and said, "Thanks for everything, Sharn."
"Not a problem, sir." He then turned to Billy, saluted and said, "May the Power protect you."
"And you."
"Onto the platform, please," the operator spoke up.
Billy and Gharme took their positions on the discs. As they did so, the former asked, "Anything I should know about Vallan transporter technology?"
"Why?"
"Eltaran technology causes small amounts of nausea."
He laughed and replied, "Same as ever, I see. Well, you will be a little disoriented for a few seconds. Stand still for one minute before stepping off and you should be fine."
"No talking, please, I don't want any accidents," the operator said crisply, "Energizing."
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Aquitar
"So far so good," Rocky commented, "No interruptions, and we're just about to the mountain."
"It's going too smoothly," Tommy replied, "You'd think that we would have seen at least one set of Cogs by now."
"Yeah," Adam agreed, "I wonder what's going on with that."
Kat shook her head and said, "Guys, why not just think of it as catching a break? Ever since that stunt with Master Vile turning back time, we've been needing some good luck."
"That's for sure."
Within mere minutes, the two groups of Rangers were standing at the mouth of one of the tunnels that went into the mountain. On the sides of the walls, they could see light twinkling, and on the rocky ground were containers full of diamond-shaped gems.
"Whoa...how are we going to find the-"
There was a sound from behind the group, that of a weapon powering up. Right after that, Tommy and the others heard the distinct tones and watery sounds of an Aquatian as someone shouted, "Hold it! Turn around with your hands up!"
Aurico said quietly, "Turn slowly," to the Earth Rangers, then as he moved, he said in a louder voice, "Greetings, Ontol."
As Tommy and the others complied, he saw someone as tall as Delphina, wearing black Aquatian garb, with brown in his tunic insert. He was holding what looked to be a laser weapon, pointed right at the group. His eyes widened and he put the weapon away.
"Aurico! You should have told me you were coming."
"My apologies, but this is an emergency," was the reply, "These beings are Power Rangers from the planet Earth."
"What emergency would bring them to the mine?"
"A parasite monster is on their world, destroying any child that may become a Ranger in the future."
Ontol let out a hiss of breath. "An abomination!"
"Yes, it is," Tommy agreed, "Can we have a couple of Essence Prisms? There's a little girl who needs them desperately."
"A girl?"
"Yeah. She's the only survivor of that monster, and she's dying."
The brown-garbed Aquatian growled, then said, "You will need more than the Prisms to drive the monster out of that child."
"Yes, we know," Cestro agreed, "The child's brother is an ally and he's gone to Valle to get the rest."
He nodded and said, "Follow me then, all of you. You're lucky that we haven't been able to send our shipment of prisms to the cities yet. We should easily be able to find two, and in perfect shape."
As the group followed, Rocky asked in a low voice, "This Ontol guy...wonder who he is? I mean, is his boss going to just let us take the Prisms, just like that?"
Adam scowled at him.
"Yes, the mine's daytime shift leader will 'just let you take the Prisms, just like that'," Ontol replied, "I have excellent hearing."
"How would you know, sir?" Tommy asked.
"Aurico?"
The Ranger nodded and said with a little smile, "Ontol is what you would call the shift foreman and the mine's owner."
Rocky's mouth dropped open, which made the others laugh as they walked along.
"Careful, you'll draw in flies," Adam said to him.
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Valle
A dark-haired woman heard the tell-tale swooshing of the teleporter and looked at the list in front of her, frowning.
As far as the schedule stated a few minutes ago, there is nobody scheduled to see the Lady until evening...
She then saw, at the end, something new that made her eyes widen.
Cmdr. Gharme from Arkhaida's South District is escorting one of Zordon's Chosen, a young male from Earth, to Reception Area 5 for an emergency audience with the Phoenix. Notify her upon arrival.
Isn't Earth one of the infant worlds? Why would someone like Zordon get mixed up with a planet like that?
She composed herself, putting her questions aside, while waiting for the teleportation to be completed and the doors to open, admitting the unexpected visitors.
In front of her was the familiar face of Commander Gharme, who had been to the tower when escorting an important guest merely three days ago. At his side was a young man with hair that could easily be light brown or dark blonde and blue eyes, wearing clothing that was very alien in appearance.
This must be the guest from Earth. May as well go through the formalities.
"May I help you, sirs?"
"Commander Gharme, Arkhaida's South District guards, escorting Zordon's Chosen, Billy Cranston. Emergency audience with the Lady."
"I'll contact her at once, sirs." She then tapped at the keypad, then waited for a certain young woman's voice.
"Yes?"
"My Lady, this is receptionist Merren from Area 5. Commander Gharme and the Chosen have arrived."
"Excellent, Merren. I'm on my way."
Gharme said in a low voice to the Earther, "Remember what I told you, and the bow, and you should be fine. Just remember to relax."
"Affirmative."
The room remained quiet until they heard a male's voice shout, "Attention!"
Immediately after that, three Vallans, in outfits similar to Gharme's, walked into the reception area. Between then was a young woman, as tall as the Earther visitor, and, judging by appearances, as young as him. Her hair, fiery red with orange in the center, waved as she walked, making it seem like her hair was truly a flame. She looked at everyone with sharp, dark green eyes.
Before the receptionist or anyone else could move to salute, the young man in alien clothing asked, "Are you Phoenix Llyra?"
Merren gasped in shock, which was echoed by the others. One of the woman's escort, a tall woman with short, cropped hair, snapped, "Watch your mouth! How dare you show such disrespect to-"
"Silence!" The flame haired woman cut in, words sounding like the crack of thunder, "Need you a reminder of our customs?"
The female guard turned red and murmured, "Forgive me."
The young girl nodded and turned to look directly at the young man who had spoken. She said to him, words firm and gentle at the same time, "Llyra passed a fortnight ago. I am Phoenix Namarri."
He blushed with embarrassment and bowed elegantly in the manner of the Vallan people as he spoke, "My most sincere apologies and condolences, Lady Phoenix. I meant no disrespect."
Namarri smiled and replied with, "My, my! A Chosen with elegance and good manners. I'm impressed." She then said, "Come with me. Gharme, you may return to your post."
"Yes, Lady Namarri."
00000
Billy walked over to Namarri and the guards that had come with her. He saw Gharme giving a quick military salute, which he returned before following them. He remained silent, not wanting to cause any more faux pas than he had apparently done already.
As soon as they stopped in front of a door, she said, "Now, return to your posts. I will speak with this man alone."
The woman that had taken umbrage before replied with, "Lady Namarri, that really isn't wise. We need to be on the lookout, in case this Earther is a spy-"
Before Billy could retort, the Phoenix crisply asked her, "What is your name?"
"Milel."
"Milel, an Earther he may be, but he is one of Zordon's. Or are you insinuating that the sage has no sense nor is a proper judge of character?"
The female bodyguard paled at the question.
"I expect an answer out of you, immediately," Namarri replied with a casual expression mixed with an icy tone.
"N-no, my Lady, I make no such presumptions."
"Then obey my orders, to the letter."
"Yes, Lady Namarri."
She then opened the door and nodded for Billy to follow her inside. Once the two had crossed the threshold, Namarri added, "And Milel, I will be having a word with your superior about your conduct and apparent lack of respect around Chosen."
Before the guard could say anything, the Phoenix closed the door.
"I'm very sorry. The fault was mine," Billy said.
Namarri shook her head. "The Phoenix is not only a position of power, it is also a entity of good. In words you may understand, it is a symbiotic relationship between the Phoenix and the host. A successor is always chosen and marked, on the back of the left hand. When the current Phoenix passes, the being immediately fuses with the successor."
He decided to remain silent, not wanting to cause any trouble.
"Also, at that time, news of the passing is kept from the outside universe for an entire fortnight, partly to give the new Phoenix time to fully adjust. There was no way that you could have known this. The fault is with Milel, not you."
"I see."
"Now, I'm told you have a disc on you."
"Yes, it's from Zordon."
"Do you know its contents?"
"No."
"Hand me the disc."
Billy then took the disc out of his pocket, checked it carefully, then handed it to Namarri. As she walked across the room, he took the time to look at his surroundings. Unlike the rest of the tower corridors, which looked to be made of nothing but cold steel, the walls here were red in color. When he moved to touch one of them, Billy was surprised to find that it felt hard, like stone, but also as smooth as silk. In the rear of the large room was a large, green desk, with the now-familiar symbol on the front, facing the door. Behind the desk were four windows, looking out into the sky outside.
"Curious?" she asked, bemused.
"A-affirmative," he replied, slightly startled.
She chuckled and smiled. "I don't blame you. I pretty much did the same things when I first laid eyes on this room a fortnight ago. The walls are made of a special red stone, and the desk is made with everwood. No matter what spills on it, wear or tear, it maintains its original condition."
"I see."
"Take a look outside."
Billy walked towards the windows and did as she said. As he looked, his eyes widened with surprise.
Outside, he could see an entire city, almost as far as the eye could see, complete with round buildings and tall spires in some places. A thick, white cloud passed close by the window. There were some places where, as he looked down, he could see the desert far below.
"So Gharme was correct. Aeria'Eade is a city in the sky."
Namarri chuckled and nodded. "Half of Vallan civilization is on the desert land, and the other half is up here."
"This is amazing..."
That was when he heard a click and a small hum as she placed the disc into a small slot that was on the left hand side of the disk. Within seconds, a very familiar voice was heard, distracting the young man from the view.
"Greetings, Lady Llyra. It has been a long time. This is Zordon, of Eltar. As you may know, I am the Sentinel of the infant world Earth. The bearer of this message is Billy Cranston, one of my Chosen."
There was a small pause as Billy looked at Namarri and nodded.
"The situation on Earth is very dire. It has been discovered that a parasitic monster has been targeting and killing children that are between the ages of 6 and 11 and contain power signatures. Billy's sister, Clairie, is currently the only survivor, and she is dying."
Namarri hissed in anger.
"If we are to have any chance of saving Clairie, much less put an end to this monster once and for all, we need Essence Prisms from Aquitar and Extraction Fluid from your world. If any other way were possible, I would have done so already. For that, I am truly sorry. As Earth's Sentinel and as a being on the side of good, I humbly ask you for your help in this matter. May the Power protect you."
The disc stopped playing. The Phoenix was silent for long moments before she finally spoke.
"This monster...how long has it been attacking potential Chosen?"
"From what we've been able to tell, four years."
"Four years and none of you knew of its existence all this time?" Her tone had a slight edge to it that made Billy slightly defensive.
"No, we didn't. From the clues we've been able to put together, the mother parasite has the ability to stay unseen for long periods of time."
"And off of Eltaran scanners...I see." She sighed and said, "I can think of only one being capable of creating a monster like this: a master life-giver named Finster."
"Finster! Then that means..."
"Yes, I'm afraid so," she replied grimly, "This is Rita Repulsa's handiwork. I have to admit, I didn't think she'd stoop so low."
He felt anger building inside him where there had been sadness. Rita did this...she killed so many children and caused this to happen to Clairie...!
"Do you know why Earth is classed as an infant world?"
"Is it because of the civilization or technology level?" he asked.
"You're rather intelligent. I can see why Zordon chose you. Yes, you're exactly correct. Like newborn and small offspring, infant worlds need to be watched over. However, there is a strict rule observed by the side of good: no interference is permitted with the development of infant worlds. The only exceptions are the existence of a Sentinel and his Chosen," she paused, "or if interference has already occurred, especially by the Alliance of Evil."
"Lady Namarri, are you saying-"
She did not reply but tapped at what looked to be a keyboard of light, hovering above her desk. Within moments, the voice of an older male was heard.
"Aeria'Eade Medical Center, Director Keim speaking."
"This is Phoenix Namarri."
"My Lady! To what do I owe the pleasure of this call?"
"Business, I'm afraid," she said grimly, "An emergency has occurred on the infant world Earth. Direct interference has occurred on the side of the Alliance of Evil."
"What?"
"Earth's Sentinel, Zordon, is in need of 5 medium sized beakers filled with Extraction Fluid. Prepare them, then send them to Reception Area 5."
"Yes, Lady Namarri. It'll take about two hours, but we'll get them prepared as fast as we can!"
"Good. Phoenix Tower out." She then turned to Billy and added, "The process will take, as you heard, two hours. Once it's ready, we'll get going."
"Excuse me...we?"
"Yes. I'm going to Earth with you."
"Begging your pardon, but as you said, it's an infant world."
"Yes, I know. However, as I said, direct interference has occurred. In addition to that, that monster of Rita's cannot be detected by Eltaran technology, much less revealed. I, on the other hand, will be able to make him visible. Besides..."
"Besides?"
"Considering everything that's happened, I will need to visit the planet. Who knows? It may even be possible to upgrade Earth's status, depending on what I learn. Also, Earth is as good a place as any to declare Llyra's passing and my own ascension."
"If I may, won't the government have problems with the planet's sovereign leaving on such a short notice?"
"Not to worry. Valle's ruling system is close in definition to what you would call a monarchy. Though there is a council of advisors, my decision is the final one. In cases like this, immediate action is required, not deliberation."
Billy smiled. She sounds like a take-charge leader...not to mention stubborn.
That was when the familiar tones of his communicator sounded off.
"That must be..." he trailed off and pressed the correct buttons and spoke into it. "This is Billy."
"Billy, has there been any progress on gaining the Extraction Fluid?"
"Yes, Zordon. Lady N-"
She shook her head, then pointed at herself.
I assume she wants to inform Zordon about Llyra's passing herself.
"The Phoenix is getting five beakers of the Fluid put together. It'll take two hours before they're ready. Once they're here, I'll return."
"Understood."
"One other thing, the Phoenix herself will be coming along as well."
"I see. I'll inform the other Rangers of this development. Out."
Namarri nodded, grateful.
"Thank you. Now, we need to see about a meal for you."
"Well, I didn't eat any breakfast before coming here."
She laughed, amused. "Breakfast? I don't know about Earth, but here it's noon. It's time for lunch." With that, she tapped at some keys on the light keyboard again, mumbling about certain kinds of food.
Two hours until we get the Fluid...Clairie...hang on, Clairie!