All I Ever Wanted
Part Eight: Heroes
-Mike-
It takes me seven and a half minutes to run from the bridge of Terra Venture to the Megaship, but it feels like so much longer.
Karone's anxious voice still rings in my ears. "Mike, please come to the Megaship infirmary as soon as you can. Leo has been injured."
The protective older brother in me surged to life as I made a rather lame excuse to Commander Stanton and dashed to the Megaship like a bat out of Hell.
"What's his status?" I demand the second the infirmary doors part. I nod a terse greeting to the rest of the group as I approach the medical cot, where Alpha and Maya tend to my little brother.
He looks... terrible. Ghostly pale, listless, and covered with angry bruises, mostly along the sides of his torso.
"He's unconscious," Maya reports, rolling a sterile bandage around his abdomen with Alpha's assistance. "He and Karone were attacked in the Forest Dome."
I lean over Alpha's head to get a closer look. I've never seen such ugly wounds on a Ranger. "Didn't he get a chance to morph?"
I turn to Karone, who stands apart from us with her back against the far wall. "He did morph. The monster struck him with a magnet-tipped staff. It looked like it drained the power out of him. He just... collapsed after that."
"That's exactly what happened," Alpha confirms. "My analysis concludes that Leo's Ranger powers have been drained. He can't morph without them."
Maya gasps in horror. "But that's not possible!"
"Several generations of Power Rangers have encountered monsters with the ability to drain their energy," Alpha explains. "This isn't a permanent power loss, but it will take weeks for the Power to naturally restore itself. In the meantime, Leo won't be able to morph."
"We can't accept that," Kai states, folding his arms, "We can't be down another Ranger."
I frown at Kai's comment, glancing at Karone. She throws the Blue Ranger a frigid glare before finally turning away from us all. Maya gives Karone an apologetic look before narrowing her eyes at Kai. Damon just shakes his head in resignation.
What the hell is going on around here?
I realize now that I've been lax in my duty. I really should've stepped up sooner. Leo's a solid field commander for the Rangers, but when it comes to the finer points of leadership, including building team cohesion, he's inexperienced. And since we lost Kendrix, he's also been... distracted. And now he's out cold, a victim of Trakeena's latest creature.
I can't let this team fall apart.
"Is there any way to speed up the process?" I ask Alpha. "Restore his powers safely, without the wait?"
"The only way is to destroy the monster's staff. That will release the powers it has absorbed."
Kai nods once, marching to the door. "Then let's move out."
Maya turns to follow him, but Damon shakes his head warily. "But what's to stop the monster from stealing our powers, too?"
"Do you have a better idea?" Kai challenges.
Then, Karone clears her throat, gaining our attention. "I might know a way."
We turn to her en masse, and once again I'm struck by how distant she is. She's clear across the room, her arms crossed as she paces slowly along the wall.
"Go ahead, Karone," I encourage. The tension in her body is plain as day, even though she tries to keep her face neutral. Whatever she's considering is definitely attached to some bad memories.
She clears her throat, and then tells her tale. "A few years ago, I encountered a very powerful warrior."
I see Kai grimace from the corner of my eye. Thankfully, Karone doesn't notice.
"The warrior's power came from two Keys he wore on his shoulders. When they were combined, he channeled an incredible burst of power that would make him invincible."
"Invincible?" Damon repeats, a smile forming. "Sounds like the kind of guy I'd like on my side! I vote we look him up."
Karone winces, and I suddenly have a sinking feeling that I know where the story is heading.
"He can't help us," she breathes. "Back when we fought, he was reaching for the Keys, and I knew of the power they contained. If he'd joined the two halves, I never would've beaten him. So, I stopped him."
"You mean you killed him."
Kai's accusation is razor sharp, and Karone's grip tightens on her elbows. If her fingertips dig any deeper into her skin, I think she'll draw blood.
"Not exactly. He's... petrified."
Maya releases a startled gasp of horror, reminding me of her planet's grim fate. Frozen in a living death, trapped for all eternity with morbid fear carved on their faces.
I place a consoling hand on Maya's shoulder, hoping to ease some of her discomfort. Kai's eyes are daggers as he stares at Karone, his back just a little straighter, his grim smile vaguely... smug?
As for Karone, the poor girl looks nauseous.
I step between Karone and the other Rangers, hoping to draw everyone's focus back to the matter at hand. "Karone, do you think those Keys can restore Leo's power?"
She nods slowly, though her eyes carry a warning. "The Keys should still be where I left them. Not long after I... defeated him... a strange presence filled the cave. My forces were pushed back by fierce winds, and I couldn't pry the Keys from the warrior's frozen hands. I left him where he stood, Keys and all."
Her hand falls upon her wrist, absently tracing the morpher as if drawing courage from its mere presence. Perhaps, on some level, she thought the confession of her previous dark deeds had made the Power abandon her. "Back then, I didn't want to bother with the protective spirit that lingered on the planet, so I asked Dark Specter to place a strict quarantine. No one in the U.A.E. set foot on that planet since that day, and everyone else who knew what happened has died. The Keys should still there."
"And the spirit is probably there too," Damon points out. He shakes his head, leaning against the door. "It's too risky."
"But it might be our only chance to restore Leo," Karone counters. "I'm willing to take the risk. It's only a short flight from here. I can leave and return within a day."
"Don't forget the spirit!" Damon insists. "If it's still floating around, then I'll bet it'll know exactly who you are. Who's to say it won't attack you to get revenge?"
Kai turns to Damon, his entire posture issuing a challenge. "Who's to say it shouldn't get revenge?"
Damon's eyes widen. "You're kidding, right? Since when did Power Rangers condone vengeance?"
Kai shakes his head sternly. "We're not in a position to 'condone' anything. Whatever Astronema did to earn that spirit's wrath is none of our business. Who are we to take her side on this?"
"We're Karone's teammates," Maya answers firmly. "She deserves our support."
An angry snort. "She's not my teammate. She just happens to be carrying around Kendrix's Saber. That doesn't change a damn thing."
That's what does it for me. That's what makes my decision. "We're losing focus, Rangers," I interrupt, my voice not quite a shout, but loud enough to get everyone's attention. "The longer we stand around and debate, the longer we leave Terra Venture vulnerable to Trakeena's magnet monster."
I let that fact sink in, and watch as Kai steps away from Damon, his defensive posture easing slightly. Damon exhales loudly before rubbing his forehead.
I turn to our newest Ranger, who remains against the far wall, her arms folded and lips curled. "Karone, you can't go alone," I state firmly. "There's too much of a risk that you'll meet opposition, and you don't have to face it alone. You're the Pink Ranger now. You're part of the team. Period."
Her eyes widen at my statement, but she shakes off her surprise to point out a flaw in my reasoning. "Mike, if we all go, then who will stop that monster if it attacks again? I'm sure Trakeena will be eager to unleash the monster that left the Red Ranger helpless!"
"You're right about that; so only two Rangers will go on this mission." I turn around to face my friend. "Kai, you'll go with Karone."
A stunned silence falls, with everyone's shocked gazes darting around the infirmary like bees in a garden.
Maya quickly shakes her head. "Mike, maybe I should-"
I interrupt before she can offer to accompany Karone. "Maya, I'll need you and Damon with me. When the magnet monster returns, we'll have to respond quickly to minimize any damage it can cause."
"I should stay here." Kai faces me with defiant eyes.
I raise my chin and clasp my hands behind my back, reminding everyone in the room that, while I'm not technically a Power Ranger, I'm definitely the ranking officer. "Kai, you'll go with Karone."
This method of invoking authority would never work with Maya or Damon. But no matter how worked up Kai can get, he never forgets his protocol. I half-expect him to salute in acknowledgement of my command, but instead he offers a shallow nod, and heads toward the door.
Karone wrings her fingers for a moment, before releasing a heavy sigh and following Kai into the hallway. I can't quite tell if she's furious, nervous, or outright terrified.
Once the footfalls of our teammates vanish into the distance, I turn to Maya and Damon. Maya's expression is one of open worry, while Damon seems confused by my actions.
"Do you think that was a good idea?" he asks me. "Chances are they'll kill each other before they get back!"
"Karone and Kai are both dedicated Power Rangers," I remind him. "They know their duty is to protect Terra Venture. We can't accommodate their mutual dislike forever. Kai needs to sort out his anger, and Karone needs to gain his trust. Or else we're all done for."
Maya stills looks dubious, but she nods, accepting my reasoning. Damon follows her example, and puts the matter to rest.
Still, I can't help but wonder if I've pushed Kai too far. I know what happened to him in the Countdown. I know how deep his anger runs. But we can't hope to succeed against Trakeena and her increasingly devious tactics with a fragmented team. There's no room for grudges among us, even if they're justified. We just don't have that luxury.
Still... I hope I know Kai as well as I think I do.
- - -
-Karone-
How dare he?
My anger simply refuses to cool, and hours of flying through the serenity of open space does surprisingly little to quell it. I can't believe he'd be so intentionally hurtful, in front of everyone!
I can accept that he hates me. He has every right to feel that way. Fine. We drew the lines in the Simudeck, and I was willing to leave well enough alone.
But his hostility is beyond reason. There's simply too much at stake! Leo has been injured, Trakeena's magnet monster is no doubt itching to trample Terra Venture, and Kai insists on jabbing me with an outright insult every chance he gets.
What should have been a discussion of strategy turned into a pointless argument in the infirmary. And while I appreciate Damon and Mike standing up for me, I wonder if it's even worth the time.
That thought brings a soft sigh to my lips. Is this what every team meeting will be like? Every time I'm in Kai's presence, will I have to weather his insults? My guilt has so far held my tongue, but I am not peaceable by nature, and my tolerance for stubbornness is fairly low. Eventually I'll begin shouting back, and before you know it, we'll be at each other's throats.
Kendrix, you've chosen poorly. I'm a terrible Pink Ranger. The Pink Ranger should be the heart of the team. She is the glue that binds it together. And you did just that, didn't you? This team was happy and whole before you... left. But now, instead of helping unify this team once again, I've divided it even worse. Maya and Kai have been at odds since I met them on Guinit... will they stop speaking altogether? Or will Damon and Kai come to blows? I'm like... a disease to this team. Withering away unity, clouding the common goal.
This just isn't going to work. This team can't seem to function with me on it.
Soon, the planet of our destination comes into view, a deep green sphere hanging fairly close to a small sun. I push aside my somber musings and hold on tightly to the steering of the Jet Jammer, waiting for the gravity of the planet to pull me down.
- - -
-Kai-
The jungle is as dense as a rain forest, with steam curling between the thick plants. The heat is unbearable, making my GSA uniform remarkably uncomfortable.
But it's not just the weather that's stifling me.
My eyes linger on her as she leads the way, hacking at low-hanging branches with Kendrix's Saber as she follows some sort of overgrown path. A space of only a few feet separates us, but despite that physical proximity, we are miles apart. We couldn't be further apart.
I want to ignore her. In fact, I'd already decided to spend the rest of Terra Venture's journey ignoring her, until Kendrix finally comes back. Because I can't stand looking at her.
When I look at her, I see that university building crumbling like a house of cards, smothering so many lives in an eye-blink. I thought I had gotten past the horror of that day, but it hit me like a freight train when I met Astronema on Guinit. Since then, the memory repeated like a reel of film, triggered whenever my eyes fell upon the woman whose continued existence is a mockery of all that is good and just in the universe.
But now, my vision isn't quite so simple. The monster isn't all I see. I also see her staring at me, challenging me. And I see my fist fly into her face. I feel her blood on my fingers, and it makes me sick.
Now I also replay that scene on the Simudeck in my mind, over and over. Me, the Blue Galaxy Ranger, chosen to protect Terra Venture from evil. And her, the former Queen of Evil. And as I imagine the two of us nose to nose, I can't honestly tell who was the monster at that moment.
I shouldn't have punched her. That fleeting moment of satisfaction is nothing compared to the confusion I felt when she just took my abuse. She didn't try to block or retaliate. She just... took it. She tried to reason with me, and I shut her up with my fist. Does that make me the monster?
Thanks to Alpha's care, her wounds are long gone. Split lip healed, bruise faded, face good as new. And a little soap and water washed her blood from my hand. But the image has been carved into my brain. I've never hit someone in a blind rage like that. I can just imagine what my mother would say to me if she saw that.
I feel guilty, and that just makes me angrier. In my own mind, I was justified in my utter hatred of the murderous witch I saw lurking behind her eyes. But now, I'm just... confused. I thought I knew her, but I can't easily reconcile my first hypothesis with her behavior so far. I'm not as sure of her intentions as I was before. And that's much more unsettling than when you know your enemy stands right in front of you.
It's better just to ignore her. Avoid her altogether, bury all the contradictions she embodies in the back of my mind, and get on with my damn life. But Mike won't let me.
I am sane enough to see his point. A house divided cannot stand. I can't just pretend she doesn't exist when the fate of thousands of lives rest on the Rangers' shoulders. If it ever comes down to just her and me, will I trust her enough to fight by her side?
Well, it looks like I have my answer. We've been on this planet for almost an hour now, and I haven't turned my back on her once.
I... need to make more of an effort here. For all our sakes.
"We're here."
I blink, shaking off my reverie as she pauses at the edge of the forest.
- - -
-Karone-
Kai doesn't respond with words; instead, he only nods curtly. I find I'm not surprised. Since I met him, the only words he's spoken to me were laced with acid. I prefer his silence.
I duck beneath the last few branches, and emerge from the forest into the quiet clearing. I will the Saber back to its inter-dimensional pocket, and approach the solemn cave unarmed. It feels like sacred ground, and I find I can't bring myself to carry a weapon here.
I straighten my shoulders as I march along the path to the former sanctuary of a great warrior, and prepare to face this demon from my past.
I deeply wish Andros or Zhane were with me. Or even Leo. But I know I need to find my own strength if I am ever to come to terms with my other life.
I pass a large boulder, and a sudden chill makes me hesitate. There, propped on the sun-warmed surface, is a human skeleton. Patches of armor and rags of leather hang from its structure, and its empty eyes seem to stare at me.
My throat tightens as I realize I'd forgotten all about him. He was the warrior's apprentice, a youth with fierce determination and courage. He faced me to defend his master, and I killed him with one blast of energy. It was almost negligent, like swatting a fly. And now, years later... I can't even recall his name.
I can't justify my cruelty that day. And as I stare at this proof of my wickedness, I feel so foolish for coming here.
I hear the sound of dirt crunching underfoot, just behind me. Kai has caught up with me, silently observing like a judge upon a dais.
My discomfort grows with his proximity. Gods, I wish Kai wasn't here! That accusing stare chills my blood each time I feel it on my skin, but here, in this very spot where I committed great evil, where I can't blame Dark Specter for outright manipulating my mind... I feel a desperate need to hide in shame.
But I know I can't, no matter how much I want to. I can't let Terra Venture fall because of my guilty conscience.
I decide to disperse the consuming quiet. "In there," I tell him, stepping past the skeleton as I resume my purposeful stride, "The Keys are inside the cave."
A sudden gust of wind sweeps through the clearing, making the nearby trees dance and tearing leaves off their branches.
"Astronema," a cold voice growls, "you struck down the Warrior and dare to return?"
I recognize the presence... only without Astronema's powers, I feel much more vulnerable. This is the spirit that kept me from the Keys years ago.
But this time, I feel a flash of insight. Perhaps it is because my perspective has changed so much. Before, I was the arrogant Princess of Evil, so consumed with the prize before my eyes that I saw nothing else. Now, I notice things I didn't see before.
I remember the face of the apprentice that I casually murdered. And I recognize the spirit that lingers in this clearing, to this day protecting the Keys as he did in life.
Bracing myself, I whirl around to the skeleton just in time to see the ivory bones move, rising beside the boulder against which they'd been propped. I'm stunned to see brown eyes within those large sockets. Without the surrounding skin, they are truly horrifying. And the anger and contempt they carry petrifies me.
I stare into those wide, hateful eyes, and I see my death.
I open my mouth, but my mind whirls with fear and shame as I face the fallen apprentice. My tongue won't cooperate. I can't speak... I can't think!
Then, to my endless astonishment, Kai stands beside me. "We're Power Rangers," he declares, "and we're here on a mission to save thousands of lives! One of our member has been stripped of his power, and Terra Venture, the vessel we protect, is under attack! We need those Keys to-"
"I recognize Dark Specter's princess," the ghost hisses, "I am not deceived by her disguise."
After a few moments of silence, Kai gives me a sideways glance. "If you want to save Terra Venture, I suggest you speak up."
The tone was sharp, but not as malicious as most of his comments. But it does help me focus on my goal once again. I know I am unworthy... but this isn't about me. This is about the people I've sworn to protect.
"I wear no disguise," I state, my voice surprisingly steady given the height of my anxiety. "I am as you see before you. I am no longer a servant of the Darkness. And I've sworn to make amends however I can, and it is that which brings me to your planet."
The ghostly voice chuckles. It's a chilling sound devoid of humor. "So you claim to have reformed, Astronema?"
I take a breath. "I've been purged of the evil that once ruled me. I am no longer Astronema."
"Then you must prove it," the ghost decides. "Prove you are worthy of the sacred Keys! Face your past, princess."
Before I can even question his meaning, a flash of purple assails my peripheral vision. For a moment, I feel the world spin as cool, mocking laughter greets me.
I barely hear Kai's startled gasp, because my heart pounds frantically in my ears.
"So," Astronema mocks, aiming her Wrath Staff directly at me, "Do you have the backbone to face me?"
I can feel the air sizzle as energy gathers at the tip of the staff. I dive at Kai, throwing us both to the ground just in time to let the lavender blast pass harmlessly above us.
Sacred ground be damned. The apprentice has decided to spill my blood here, and I won't just bow my head and let him. The Pink Saber materializes in my hand, warm and pulsing with power.
Kai and I both roll into a crouch, holding our Sabers to block whatever Astronema might hurl at us next. Then we trade a single glance, and nod. For once, we are of one mind.
"Go Galactic!"
Yet the Power doesn't come to us. I scowl at the illusory sorceress as she mocks me with her clicking tongue.
"So sorry," she chides, "but that's cheating. You can't hide behind the Power, dear. You have to face me as yourself."
She then lifts her palm, and a chain of purple magic swirls around Kai, locking his arms to his sides. With a snarl of outrage, he struggles against the confining magic, but to no avail.
"And no help either," Astronema finishes with a smirk.
My teeth grind in frustration as I stand up straight. I turn to the skeletal ghost, and meet his vicious eyes steadily. "I agree to your terms. However, you must swear that, whatever the outcome of this duel, Kai will be released. This is..." I smile ruefully, "..none of his business."
My eyes widen as the ghost shakes his weathered skull. "No. He is your ally, so he will share your fate. You showed me no mercy when you stormed my Master's sanctuary to steal the sacred Keys. You and those who serve you will not see any today."
I want to shriek my outrage, but I bite my tongue as I desperately rein in my frustration. I take a breath, meeting the doppelganger's arrogant smirk with hard eyes. I will not be intimidated by this charade.
The witch begins her assault with a series of short energy bursts that fly like a barrage of baseballs. However, even without being morphed I can still tap into the Power. I still have the Quasar Saber, and the enchanted blade is a match for the Wrath Staff despite my inexperience using it.
I dodge most of the blasts, until one flies at just the right angle. I brace myself, measure the speed and target, and then smash my Saber into the energy sphere. The burst shatters into a million fragments of light, glittering faintly like the stars in the night sky.
The witch snarls at me as she lunges, settling on a physical attack. My blade clashes with hers, forcing her blow to glance harmlessly to the side. We continue our macabre dance, thrusting and parrying, neither one so much as tearing the leather of our garments.
Despite everything that hangs in the balance, I can't help but enjoy the confrontation. This fight is something that I've dreamed about, with a mixture of fear and exhilaration, ever since I first shed the armor of Astronema. I've wanted to know which "me" was truly stronger. As Astronema, I had powerful magic, but I have skills of my own. Ever since Zordon purged me of the evil energies Dark Specter cultivated, I became more reliant on my natural abilities. I am more efficient a hand-to-hand combatant than I was before, when I had Ecliptor at my side and the Darkness augmenting my body.
Also, I have a new source of strength. I have a family now, friends, and a desperate need to make recompense for my former life. Then, I only fought for selfish conquest. I was almost nonchalant in my battles, since for the most part they didn't really matter. My early attacks against Earth were almost a game to me, as I lined up my Quantrons and varied monsters as pawns to use against the Space Rangers. When I lost, I simply reset the chessboard and played again.
But now, I don't fight for myself, or for shallow aspirations like ruling the galaxy or showing up Divatox. I fight to defend. I fight for the very tangible lives of thousands of people. I know there is no room for failure. If I lose, they all die. There is no second chance.
I let my determination fuel me, and the adrenaline lends me a burst of strength that startles Astronema. Is it my imagination, or is the Saber glowing as I swing at my enemy? Steel screeches against steel as the Wrath Staff snaps right down the middle.
I stare in shock at the smoking remnants of the Wrath Staff. Did I really do that?
Astronema snarls, delivering a sharp snap kick I really wish I'd seen coming. It hits me in the gut, startling me just enough for Astronema to retreat to a safe distance... right to Kai, who still struggles futily against the magical coils that restrict him.
"No!" I gasp, mortified. "What are you doing? I won!"
Her smug smirk makes me shiver. "Oh, I still have a trick or two up my sleeve." She reaches out, grabbing Kai by his collar. He moves to kick her in response, but the magical coil suddenly stretches, binding him neck to toe.
Her free hand draws closer, glowing a vivid, deadly purple.
"Let him go!" I plead, turning to the ghostly skeleton. "Please! This isn't fair!"
"Is this not the same tactic you used against my master?" he counters. "Killing me to infuriate him, and force him to attack with his heart instead of his head? Admit it – if you hadn't murdered me, my master would have beaten you in a fair duel."
I... I can't respond. I close my eyes, trying to remember the battle precisely. I don't think I consciously killed the young man simply to anger the warrior, but it did have that effect. His attacks became desperate, his fluid, disciplined form dissolving into erratic strikes as tears for his fallen friend blinded him.
"You set the rules for this confrontation the day you murdered me, Astronema. Now you cannot live by them?"
No. No... he's wrong! This is not what happened that day! He can't compare me with that illusion he created! That Astronema was born of his bitter memories... I was never this cruel! At least, not before the Countdown...
I shake myself, and stab my finger at the witch holding a burning sphere of energy near Kai's head. "I was never like this!" I glare at the skeleton. "When I killed you, Apprentice, you were an armed combatant. I confess that I shouldn't have killed you, and I regret it deeply, but I have never hidden behind a bound prisoner when pushed into a corner."
My words seem to fall on deaf ears, because "Astronema" doesn't loosen her grip. Instead, her smirk deepens, the fierce lines in her face emphasized by the increasing brightness of her gathering attack. She looks like a demon, and I can even see smoke rise from Kai's hair! If she draws her hand any closer...
"You win!" I shriek, the words so raw they sound like they were torn from my throat. I can't stop from trembling as I throw the Quasar Saber to the dirt. "You win."
Kai's eyes widen in shock as Astronema casually drops him to the ground. Then, shock gives way to anger. "What the hell are you doing??"
"I'm losing, obviously," I snap, frustrated.
Astronema's laugh is high and piercing, and suddenly she raises her charged hand to me. Light blinds my vision as sharp, burning pain explodes below my ribcage, throwing me off my feet.
- - -
-Kai-
I hear her body hit the ground in with dull thud, and then that shrill laughter returns above me.
"And there you have it," Astronema chuckles, taking a gallant bow, "Winner take all!"
I would love to punch that evil smile off her face, but I can barely move. The magical chains burn where they touch my skin, and the heat only increases when I struggle against them.
Then, suddenly, Astronema disappears in a flutter of lavender light, and with her go my bonds.
I jump to my feet the second I realize my freedom, bending to lift my fallen Saber. But as soon as my fingers touch the gilded hilt, the wind picks up, trapping me where I stand.
"I am the victor," the ghost gloats, his mocking tone making me see red. "Your life is mine."
I face the bleached bones of the warrior's apprentice. "And you'll really take it, won't you? And you think she is the monster??"
The wind begins to howl, its bite forcing me to close my eyes. Is this his way of showing his anger? Or will he use the wind to throw me off a cliff somewhere?
Maybe I hit a sore spot. Maybe I can reach him... after all, it's not like I can't understand what he's feeling.
"In your life, you were the apprentice of a great warrior!" I shout over the wind's cries. "You were learning the ways of a hero, weren't you? To fight for justice, and protect the innocent! To defeat evil in all its forms!
"But look at you now! You want to kill me, a stranger who has never done you harm! And you cheated to beat Karone, just because you lost your own game! And to top it off, because you'd rather kill us than hear us out, thousands of innocent people will die! Have you forgotten what being a hero is all about??"
The wind suddenly pushes me, throwing my face into the dirt. I cough on the dust I've inhaled, propping myself up with my Quasar Saber. Squinting to see through stinging eyes, I watch the skeleton slowly approach, walking on bony feet with outrage boiling in his enormous eyes.
I hold my Saber with both hands. "I am a Power Ranger, defender of Terra Venture. I don't want to fight you, but I'll do it to save the lives I've sworn to protect."
I swallow, biting down my pride. "Please help me save my people. I didn't come here looking for an enemy."
Those creepy eyes impale me a few moments longer, but I refuse to break eye contact. When a bony hand reaches toward me, I hold steady, lowering my Saber.
The hard fingers graze the blade of the Saber, and I watch in fascination as the steel gleams blue in response.
Then, he jerks his other hand. A gust of wind carries the Pink Quasar Saber, drawing it slowly into my reach. "I sense your heart is noble, Power Ranger, and so I grant you your life. You may take her Saber, and you may present yourself before the sacred Keys."
I blink in surprise at the capitulation. I didn't expect it, and for a moment, I consider it. I can't deny that it's tempting... I can save Terra Venture myself, and at the same time be rid of Karone and all the anger and confusion she stirs in me. I'm sure we'll be able to find someone else to serve as the Pink Ranger. Anyone would be better than the murderess of millions of humans and creatures. Maybe I can convince Hannah to take up the fight? I think she'd be more than willing, and definitely preferable to our current incumbent...
But... if I agree, what does that mean for Karone?
I find the willpower to face the spirit again. I can see the hunger in those eyes, the grotesque anticipation. Whatever he plans to do with Karone, it won't be right. It won't be just. Justice and vengeance are not synonymous, and this ghost has already shown me where his intentions lie. The simple fact that he used me as a bargaining chip proves that he's lost himself. He is no longer the pure-hearted hero he must've been in life.
If given the chance, he'll torture Karone. He'll try to win peace of mind through blood and pain. It doesn't even make sense, when you stand back from your feelings and think about it.
It's almost like a light switch flipped on in my mind, as comprehension dawns on me. This creature has truly become a hateful monster. Is this what lies in my future, if I don't come to terms with Karone? How far would I go for vengeance? For hate? Would I sacrifice innocent lives for them?
I wouldn't think so... but my behavior so far makes me wonder. If a single person dies on Terra Venture because I can't fight with Karone, then it's my fault. And if Karone herself dies because I refuse to help her, then her blood will forever be on my conscience.
If I agree to this devil's bargain, I'd be betraying Karone, whose life is in my hands now. And Mike, who trusts me enough to send me on this mission. And Kendrix, who chose Karone to hold her Saber.
No way... there's no way I'd do that!
I shake off an icy fear... a fear of myself. I see where the line is now, and I won't cross it. I'm a Power Ranger! And I'm a human being. I won't barter with my fellow Ranger's life.
"I won't leave without Karone."
The determination in my voice startles me, but nowhere near as much as it startles the ghost. His wide, lidless eyes slide to the right, where Karone lies motionless on the bloody dirt. "Why?" he suddenly demands. "Why do you care for this evil princess?"
My eyebrow rises at his choice of words. "Don't misunderstand me. I know she has killed countless living creatures, and I hold her accountable for their deaths. But it isn't my place to kill her to avenge the fallen. And it isn't yours either."
The skeletal fist clenches. "Don't tell me my place, Power Ranger."
I know I'm pushing my luck. This creature has the power to kill me, and here I am, provoking it. But I won't shut up. I can't. "You aren't much different from a Power Ranger; or at least you weren't in your lifetime. And Rangers fight to protect the universe from evil. If she were still a threat to the universe, then we would have to eliminate the threat. But... she's changed."
I reach out, taking the hovering Pink Saber into my hand. "When you touched my Saber, you were able to tell that I had noble intentions. Will it work for this one as well? Can you see her heart through this blade?"
I study his face carefully, hoping to see if anything I've said sinks in, but it's hard to see emotion on the rigid surface of a skull. However, I do notice him take half a step backward, his hands far from the Saber.
He won't touch it. Which leads me to believe that he can determine once and for all if Karone is unequivocally evil. He just refuses to do so.
Hn... and they say I'm stubborn.
- - -
-Karone-
That terrible ringing sound finally fades, allowing me to sense something beyond its cold drone. I hear a clashing sound, rapid and irregular, accompanied by gasps for breath and snarls of anger. The familiar accompaniment to a sword fight.
"Surrender, Astronema!"
a deep voice demands, "Dark Specter will never have the Keys."I feel the heat of anger as my voice snaps, "Never is quite a long time, Warrior. How long do you think you can stand in my way?"
The swords clash again, and I can feel the burning in my limbs. His strength is tremendous! Each blow makes my arms quiver. And momentum is on his side. My heartbeat quickens as I take a step backward, then another, and then another. He has me on the defensive, and I can't get a decent attack in to throw off his concentration.
I snarl. I am Astronema, one of Dark Specter's most capable warriors! I will not lose to this reclusive barbarian on a backwater world!
I dodge a heavy swing, turn, and dig my sword's edge into his side. He manages to twist just enough to protect his vitals, but a long ribbon of blood pools on his bronze skin.
He stumbles slightly, but quickly recovers his balance.
"Master!"
We both turn, and I stare in surprise as a tall, slight man races toward us from the misty jungle. He tears through my escort Quantrons, brandishing a thin saber as he hurtles toward me.
The closer he gets, the clearer I see him. Dark skin, fierce snarl, a wild mop of rich brown hair hanging over dark brown eyes. I had thought he was a man, but his full cheeks and thin musculature prove he is still young.
He means to save the warrior. Distract me and let him recover from his flesh wound more fully. He runs at full speed, no fear in his stride.
Foolish boy. Your master should have taught you better than to run headlong into a confrontation with an opponent you do not know.
I raise my hand and casually toss a flare of energy. My attack is so sudden and unexpected, the boy can't dodge, and the warrior can't stop me.
"Beruch! NO!!"
the warrior screams, rushing to intercept the sphere. Of course, even his incredible speed cannot carry him fast enough.The howl of pain rips through my ears, and the stench of burnt flesh soon follows.
I then shelf the distraction into the back of my mind. "Shall we finish this?" I demand of the warrior.
He turns at me, and it almost looks like his eyes are bleeding. Tears and anger darken the whites of his eyes, and for a moment, I feel like I'm staring directly at his broken heart...
No!
I close my eyes, suddenly ashamed of myself. And then, agonizing pain and sudden determination draws me to another place altogether.
Beruch. His name is Beruch.
The pain makes me dizzy, and I feel my body begging me to stop trying to wake up. But I persevere, cutting through the cobwebs as my eyes finally open.
At first, I see the clear blue sky, with the sun shining brightly over the deep forest. I groan sharply as I try to move, my hand immediately cradling my left side. I hiss in pain, instantly regretting that decision.
I swallow down my fear. Fight passed my pain. Muster my strength. And force my eyes open.
Kai stands only an arm's length from the remains of Beruch, holding both our Quasar Sabers. What intrigues me is that he seems to be holding the blade of my Saber toward Beruch, only his posture is far from threatening. It is almost... pleading.
"I'm not convinced she is still evil," Kai states, his voice firm. "If I'm wrong, you have the power to show me the truth."
Perhaps it's a result from the blow that knocked me unconscious, or maybe the pain that dulls my senses... but I could swear I just heard Kai give me the benefit of the doubt.
I watch in fascination as the face-off continues, the two contenders squarely meeting each other's gaze, neither one moving.
Then, incredibly, I see the bony fingers reach toward Kendrix's Saber.
A rush of panic sweeps over me, lending me strength. What will he do? Steal the Saber? Attack Kai with it? Break it? I cannot guess what Beruch is capable of in this otherworldly form.
"Kai!" I croak, wincing at the pitiful sound of my voice.
He turns toward me for a brief moment, and then resumes his challenging stare at Beruch.
"Stay down, Karone."
I bite my lip to silence a squeak of pain as I try to sit up. "This... isn't your business."
If he is at all affected by my throwing his words back at him, he doesn't show it. Rather than spare me another glance, he inches the Saber closer to Beruch. "I need to know if she is a wolf in sheep's clothing, or a true penitent. You can tell me."
The skeleton hesitates a few moments longer, before finally touching the blade. The enchanted Saber reacts with a flash of pink energy, and suddenly, the winds pick up around us.
"What did you see?" Kai shouts, barely loud enough to penetrate the howling wind.
An infuriated roar. "Her disguise runs deep, but I will not be deceived!"
His hands flash with power as they turn in my direction, but Kai bodily tackles the spirit, sending the energy blast screaming way above my head.
"Then you're only deceiving yourself!" Kai grunts.
The dust flies wildly, and the sting of it entering my open wounds makes me grind my teeth. My body wishes nothing more than to drop back into a numb sleep... but I won't let it.
Instead, I drag myself along the ground, slowly but steadily approaching the fighters. My vision clouds and my every muscle screams protest, but I ignore them all. Discipline forces my gaze to the skeleton, and I refuse to let my pain hold my tongue.
"Beruch! Please, stop this!"
The skeleton falters at the sound of his name, and the howling winds begin to ebb. Perhaps it is the first time he's heard it since his... death.
"I know who you were! You were brave, and you were heroic! You loved your master, and were willing to die to protect him! What would he say now, if he saw what you've become?"
"He can't see me," Beruch snaps bitterly. "He is still bound by the spell you cast, Witch."
I nod slowly, ignoring the throbbing in my head. "I am truly sorry for wronging you, and the warrior. But please... don't let your anger darken the heart of a hero. Don't let your hatred of me stop you from saving lives."
I swallow, trying to moisten my parched throat. "Please, don't let your hate consume you."
Complete silence falls, and it lingers for a long, long time. I feel my body slackening, and I fight with all my might to keep from falling face-first into the ground.
Kai inches toward me, holding the blades of both Sabers at the unmoving spirit as the latter stands in contemplation.
Finally, Beruch responds. "You... you have proven yourselves worthy," he murmurs softly. "Both of you."
And with that, the skeleton clatters to the ground, lifeless and empty.
Kai blinks owlishly. "We... did it?"
I respond with a weak smile. "Let's find out."
He nods as he turns his full attention to me. A grimace tells me quite eloquently how bad my injuries appear.
"You're a mess," he comments, his voice clinical as he kneels to inspect my wounds. "It looks like second, maybe third degree burns." He then rolls up his sleeve, and presses several buttons. "I'm calling the Jet Jammers to our location. They have to travel through the jungle, so it'll take them a while. You wait here, I'll get the Keys."
My eyes narrow. "I need to go in that cave. My test isn't over yet."
He meets my stern glare with one of his own. "If you go in that cave, you'll probably wake up another vengeful ghost. We'll never get back to Terra Venture at this rate!"
I bare my teeth and lurch forward to snap at him, only a tearing feeling in my side makes me shudder.
Pride makes me swallow a yelp of pain, and tears cloud my eyes before I can hold them back. I bow my head, my breaths coming in shallow puffs as I struggle for the strength to stand on my own.
Then, to my astonishment, his hand takes my wrist, carefully draping my arm around his neck. His other arm holds my side, distant from the charred mess Astronema made of my flesh, and slowly draws us upright. "I shouldn't have said that," he murmurs. "It was uncalled for."
I stare at him, too stunned to acknowledge his pseudo-apology with words. Instead, I nod once.
We stumble our way into the mouth of the cave, where an almost consuming blackness swallows us. But there is enough light to make out the stone statue, covered in dust and cobwebs, his arms forever holding the Keys four inches apart.
My heart wrenches as I absorb the fierce determination in his face. He would have beaten me, had I fought fairly. He should have beaten me. He was only protecting his sacred weapons, and I mercilessly trapped him here, a fate worse than death...
I turn to Kai, my sorrow written plainly on my face. "Can you bring me closer?"
He nods, and we approach the stone husk that was once a great warrior. Shaking fingers reach out, touching the porous cheek. I close my eyes, forcing the tears that gathered there to drip to the statue's feet.
"Can the spell be broken?" Kai questions.
I shake my head sadly. "I cast the spell, and I no longer have the power to break it. I... don't know if it's even possible anymore, given how many years he's been enchanted. I don't know of any magic that can free him."
I sniffle like a small child, the guilt of my actions knotting in my stomach. Suddenly, I can hardly breath anymore. I stare into granite eyes, searching for the merest flicker of consciousness. I know his soul is still trapped in this shell... can he possibly hear me?
Even if he can't, I must get this off my chest. "I'm... so sorry," I sigh, my voice hitching on my silent sobs. "I know words sound so hollow, but I don't know what else to do. By trapping you and killing Beruch, I rid the galaxy of two great heroes, and I bathed my soul in your blood. I... I wish I could take your place. I wish I could free you..."
Through my watery eyes, I see a flicker in that stone gaze. Did I just see that? Did I just feel that? Or is it only my imagination?
"Kai," I whisper, "please, help me to that boulder?"
Together we move to a boulder sitting near the mouth of the cave. He slowly lowers me, and I try to settle as comfortably as possible on the cold, hard surface.
"Are these the Keys?" Kai asks, pointing to the two gleaming triangles in the warrior's hands.
I nod in response, and Kai easily pulls them from the loose granite grip. Without the ghost, there is nothing holding the Keys back.
"Kai, I have to ask you a big favor."
He glances at me, his eyes overtly wary. "What?"
"I would do this myself, but..." I wince as my movement causes another shudder of pain, "..I don't... have the strength."
The world begins to spin dizzily around me, and the throbbing in my head becomes audible. I think... I've used up all my strength.
"Kai, I need you to shatter the warrior. Free his spirit."
"What??" Kai shouts. His voice is shocked and appalled, but oddly enough, not as loud as I would've thought. I'm... I'm slipping...
I'm desperate to get this final deed done, and I speak as clearly as I can. "Kai... please. We can't break the spell. He's been trapped in this stone coffin... for years." I pause to try and catch my breath, but my lungs won't cooperate. "Break it... spirit can escape... leave this world behind... find Beruch."
Exhaustion makes my eyelids impossibly heavy, and I just can't keep them open anymore. But I hear Kai's morphin' call, and the flash of bright blue power pierces the veil before my eyes. I struggle desperately, and manage to open my eyes just in time to see the Blue Quasar Saber crash into the stone statue at the base of the neck.
A single tear escapes as the statue shatters into a pile of rock, just as ordinary as the other stones that litter the cave ground. For the briefest moment, I'm saddened that the monument had to be destroyed, but it's the only way to free the spirit within.
Then, I see energy coalesce above the stones. I hear a soft voice, and I'm thrilled that I am privileged to hear it one more time.
I forgive you. Now, you must forgive yourself.
I want to thank the warrior for his mercy, but when my mouth finally opens, all I can do is exhale. And then, the weight of my body becomes so great I can't hold it up any longer.
To Be Continued...
