Chapter 8: Danger Within

Billy led his three team mates round the back of the fortress, taking out Kudabots as they went along. Gia stood beside him, kicking and punching the grunts to the ground as they got to close. Brody and Levi brought up the rear, using their ninja tactics to take them out swiftly.

After a while, they made their way inside through an air vent, crawling through the space towards their captured comrades.

"Alright guys, get ready for a rumble. The passage ends ahead, and its too late to turn back. Whatever is down there, we need to be ready."

"Right."

"We're ready, Billy."

"Alright, here goes."

With a swift kick, the vent broke away and the four dropped into an empty hallway. Not even a single kudabot roamed the halls.

"Looks like we're in the clear, guys."

Before they could take another step, however, a figure dropped down in front of them. Before they could get in a fighting stance, however, the figure straightened up to reveal Tommy, causing everyone to breathe a sigh of relief.

"Tommy, man, you need to work on your entrances."

"Sorry, but I had to find you. Draven captured my team. I only managed to escape because they held him back."

"Preston..."

"Captured, but we can get him back, and the others."

"Have you heard from The Phantom Ranger?"

"No luck. Don't worry, I've done some recon and managed to locate where they're being held. Its just down this hallway."

"Alright, you heard him, lets head out."

Billy and his team marched on, Tommy falling back. As he watched them leave, he couldn't help but let a sadistic smirk cross his lips.

The team soon came across a large, imposing door.

"Is this where they're being held?"

"Yes, Billy, and we need to hurry. Once their connection to the morphing grid is completely drained, they'll be destroyed."

"Then we don't have a moment to lose. Get ready, guys."

Weapons drawn, they rushed the door. Strangely, it opened on its own, leaving them in a large, empty room.

"There's nothing here. Where are the captured rangers?"

"Right in front of me."

Everyone turned to see Tommy approaching them, a maniacal grin on his face. Billy just glared.

"That's not Tommy."

"Oh, I'm Tommy Oliver alright. The real one, not the fake one who joined you Power freaks. Tommy was a fool to give up such power, such potential. But now, I'm going to continue where he left off and finish the Power Rangers once and for all."

With a flash he morphed into his ranger suit, sword drawn at the ready.

"Not a chance, you fake. Ready guys?"

"Ready!"

"Its Morphin Time!"

"Triceratops!"

"Go Go Megaforce!"

"Ninja Spin!"

The four rangers stood at the ready, weapons drawn and ready to battle.

"You fools don't know what you're dealing with. Hi-yaa!"

With that, the two sides charged at each other, ready for a battle.

Billy and Gia teamed up to take him head on, Power Lance and Tiger Claw clashing with The Sword of Darkness. Even when it was two on one, however, the clone continued to match their blows, blocking and returning them with much more ferocity.

"Brings back memoires, huh Billy? You couldn't beat me then, and you can't beat me now."

"Shut up! I don't care who you are, you're not Tommy."

"You're right. I'm the new and improved Tommy."

With a swipe of his sword, he sent Gia and Billy tumbling to the ground before turning to face Levi and Brody.

"Show me what you've got, Newbies."

"You asked for it. Element Star Forest, lock in!"

Before the clone could move closer, large vines erupted from the ground, binding him in place, as the clone struggled to break free, Levi inserted his own star to his sword.

"Storm Star, Lock In!"

A thundercloud formed over the clone's head. Before it had a chance to react, bursts of lightning exploded out and struck him, frying his circuits and sending him to the ground in agony."

"Alright, way to go bro!"

"Couldn't have done it without you."

Unfortuantely, the clone pulled himself to his feet with anger in his eyes.

"You really think I'm finished? I haven't even started."

Before anyone could react, the clone shot forth, slashing at Brody and Levi relentlessly with his sword. Despite their best efforts, the two ninjas were outmatched, barely able to land any hits. With a mighty slash, Levi was forced to the ground, demorphed. The clone put his foot on his chest, pinning him.

"Say your prayers, Gold Ranger."

Before he could bring his sword down, he received shots from behind, causing him to stumble back. He turned to see Brody pointing his Ninja Blaster straight at him.

"Stay away from my brother."

"Brody, no!"

"Brody yes!"

The Green Ranger pulled out his Dragon Dagger and released a powerful blast of green energy, striking Brody square in the chest and pushing him against a wall.

"Brody!"

"Stay out of this and be grateful I decided to spare your life."

The Green Ranger pushed his foot down harder on Levi's chest, eliciting a groan of pain. The Green Ranger then rushed Brody, kicking, punching, and slashing him until he fell to the ground unmorphed. The Green Ranger held him up, ready to deal the finishing blow.

"Say goodnight, Red Ranger. You're nothing compared to Jason."

Halt, XJ9. Bring Brody to me.

"What? Are yo serious, Master."

I did not build you to question me. Now do as I say.

"Yes, my lord. Guess I'll just have to finish the rest of you off later. Ta Ta."

Before anyone could stop him he teleported away, leaving his enemies bruised and defeated. Levi struggled to bring himself up.

"No, they got Brody! They won't get away with this."

Billy and Gia limped over to him.

"We'll get him back, but we need to regroup in order to do it."

"Billy's right. Come on, we need to find the others."

With that, the three of them limped out to find the others.