Chapter Ten
MMA Dragon Dojo
August 21, 2017
10:00 a.m
AJ and Goldar were not slowing down as they continued their duel. The sounds of blades hitting one another could be heard throughout the entire dojo even Scorpina halted her attack to take a look. Katrina used the distraction to deliver a hook kick to Scorpina's head and connecting with her jaw. Scorpina spit blood and snarled "I am going to enjoy removing the flesh from your bones." Scorpina lashed out with her golden claw Katrina was still off balance from her kick and couldn't recover in time Scorpina's claw ripped into flesh. Katrina opened her eyes and gasped as she saw Hez in front of her, he shielded her with his body and Scorpina's claw left three slashes across his back. Still in pain Hez willed his body to throw a sidekick with his heel connecting with Scorpina's stomach and pushing her back. Falling to one knee Katrina helped keep Hez up and put something in his hand, he looked down to see his morpher.
"Let's show her what the number one power couple can do" Katrina said with a smirk
"IT'S MORPHIN TIME" they both shouted
"MASTODON"
"SABERTOOTH TIGER"
Clad in their familiar black and yellow suits they feel somewhat re energized. The army of putties kept coming as Marseano and Jasmine kept fighting them their stamina was draining and they both knew what they needed to do.
"IT'S MORPHIN TIME"
"PTERODACTYL"
"TRICERATOPS"
The power team now fully assembled the rangers continued to fight their respected battles. Marseano tossed the bo staff in favor for his power lance, but for every putty he took out three more would appear. Since her power bow wouldn't be too effective in a closed space Jasmine opted to use her blade blaster in sword mode as she kept the putties from getting past her and attacking AJ from behind. Hez and Katrina were staring down an angry Scorpina who pulled out her boomerang sword and charged in. Hez pushed Katrina out of the way and ducked the slash that would have beheaded him. Scorpina wasn't finished and tried to slash at Hez with her razor sharp claws. Katrina rolled off Hez's back with her power daggers drawn as she intercepted her sharp claws. Hez rushed in at the ready with his power axe and swung at Scorpina who parried the swing with her boomerang sword causing Hez to take out a few putties. Scorpina kicked Katrina in the stomach as she pressed her attack swinging both her dangerous claws and sword. Marseano finally had some breathing room after cutting down what felt like an endless amount of putties and started making his way to Jasmine.
"Jasmine I'm on your six."
"What does that even mean" Jasmine yelled dodging a fist.
"Have you never played call of duty it means I am right behind you"
"Well to be more technical the positions are based off a clock with six being all the way at the bottom" Marseano said before being interrupted.
"NOT NOW" Jasmine yelled continuing her fight.
Switching her blade blaster into gun mode Jasmine began picking off putties as they continued to rush her eventually making her way to regroup with Marseano.
"Jasmine what's the plan" Marseano asked as he slashed another putty.
"Let's make our way to Hez and Katrina if we can help with Scorpina then we can all take down Goldar" came her reply.
Scorpina was still keeping up her assault on Hezekiah and Katrina who were starting to feel their stamina decline. Hezekiah dodged her claw, but was caught by a thundering kick to the head knocking him into a wall. Before Katrina could check on him Scorpina quickly delivered a slash with her clawed hand causing Katrina's suit to spark from the methodically made her way to Hezekiah's semi conscious body. She grabbed him by the throat and he could feel her eyes looking into his even through his helmets visor. Trying his best to reach his blade blaster Hezekiah was losing the battle to stay conscious his fatigue catching up to him from the black belt testing. Everything started slowly going dark various images flashed past him his dad, becoming a power ranger, his first fight with the putties, his best friends, and finally Katrina's face. Summoning all his strength after seeing her face flash in his mind Hezekiah grabbed his blade blaster and fired it point blank into Scoprina.
AJ was slowing down as the battle continued to drag on. Steel met steel as AJ continued to block or parry Goldar's onslaught of attacks.
"You can't keep this up much longer Red Ranger why do you keep going" Goldar asked confused.
"If I were to die right here right now you would go after my friends and Rita would have one standing in her way I can't let that happen so I will fight until my dying breath" AJ replied with a steeled resolve.
AJ charged forward adrenaline flowing as he began attacking slash after slash trying to break down Goldar's defence. Goldar side stepped and countered by slashing AJ in his back causing sparks to fly off of his suit. AJ fell to one knee and begun to breath heavier and heavier with parts of his suit flickering on and off as if it was losing energy.
"Red Ranger you were a worthy opponent it's unfortunate I have to crush you, but this is the will of my empress" came Goldar's voice.
AJ was yelling at his body to move to do something, he could still feel his sword in his hand, but his suit was gone. He was now vulnerable and Goldar knew it as his battle stance relaxed some as if he already knew victory was inevitable. Goldar came to deliver what he felt would be the killing blow, but was surprised when his sword met steel as AJ locked blades with him once more. AJ was losing ground as Goldar began overpowering him Goldar's golden blade kept inching closer and closer until the sound of a animalistic shriek caused Goldar to lose concentration as AJ capitalized and delivered a slash drawing Goldar's blood. Snarling Goldar turned and saw Scorpina had a hole in her shoulder from where the Black Ranger had shot her. She was also surrounded by the other three rangers and at that moment Goldar made a decision and hated what he was about to do.
"Rangers I will leave this place right now if you allow me to take Scorpina with me and go"
The rangers were all shocked that Goldar cared about anyone other than Rita as they all remember him leaving the Minotaur to his fate. As much as the rangers wanted to continue the fight they were all painfully aware that AJ, Hezekiah, and Katrina were already past the point of exhaustion and they were pushing their limit as well.
"I accept" came AJ's voice as he swung his power sword sending Goldar's blood to the floor.
"Goldar this is your chance you can kill him" came Scorpina's confused voice.
"I will kill him another time this is not over, but I can't lose you not after all that has happened" Goldar replied sheathing his sword and walking up to Scorpina.
There was a blaze of fire as Goldar teleported himself and Scorpina back to Rita's Moonbase. The rangers watched as Rita's top two generals retreated and after confirming they were alone all powered down with AJ and Hezekiah falling face, Hezekiah was caught by Marseano and Katrina, AJ unfortunately was the farthest away and wasn't so lucky as he hit the floor.
Beth Israel Hospital
August 21, 2017
1:00 p.m
AJ blinked a couple times and tried to rationalize where he was. He tried to move and felt immense pain and noticed an IV drip was in his arm. Looking over to the bed next to him he saw Hezekiah was also waking up. Sitting up Hez did the same thing as AJ trying to process what was going.
"Rise and shine bro."
"My body feels like a truck hit it how long have we been here AJ?"
"Beats me I just woke up a few minutes before you."
The duo tensed up as the door to their hospital room opened and a doctor walked in.
"Hello gentlemen I am Dr. Kelly"
"You both were suffering from extreme exhaustion as well as a few strained muscles and you Mr. Cook had some severe bleeding from what looked like a sword wound."
AJ noticed he was taped up and could feel a few stitches along his back.
"Oh great my mom is going to kill me" AJ thought.
As if on cue Mr. Moore, Mrs. Cook, and Mr. Nichols walked in all wearing faces of extreme worry.
"I want to start off saying you both are incredibly stupid for fighting those monsters, but I have never been so proud of you both" Mr. Nichols said beaming with pride.
"Your friends told us how you both held off the brunt of them so they could escape" Mr. Moore added smiling at his son.
"You all fought hard to protect one another and for that I am proud, but please if there is ever a next time run I don't want to lose you" Mrs. Cook added.
"Welp there will be plenty of time for lectures later rest up boys" Mr. Nichols said as he gestured their parents out.
"Oh before I forget you were passing before those clay things attacked, but you didn't finish your self defense portion, then again I think you both proved you can handle that easy so congratulations on becoming third degree black belts."
Beth Israel Hospital
August 21, 2017
1:30 p.m
Half an hour has gone by since their sensei and parents left the hospital and the duo were growing bored as time went on. The duo were both clad in hospital gowns lacking any of their personal possessions so they don't know what was going on outside the hospital or more importantly they had no contact with zordon or the rest of their team.
"Yo AJ."
"What's up?"
"Do you think their alright out there?"
"Damn right they are I hate to say it, but recently you four have all been working together the most I don't think I've been a very good leader."
"You're doing your part man we didn't ask for this and you didn't ask to lead us in small war don't worry you doing fine."
"So you and Katrina huh finally."
"Oh screw you anyway how are things with you and Mo?"
"Things are tight right now she won't stop hanging with Davon until I stop hanging with Jasmine which is never going to happen."
"Listen bro we've been cool forever so when I say you need to seriously reevaluate your options in the relationship department I'm saying this with a lot of thought behind it."
"I know Monique and I argue alot, but she isn't as bad as you guys think she is."
"Then where was she during your black belt testing bro?"
"Maybe she got held up I don't know I was gonna text her, but everything went to hell remember."
"Bro she knows how important that was to you and she didn't show up come on man I know you're smarter than that what's really going on?"
"We're on a break right now."
"What do you mean on a break?"
"After the whole picnic thing happened things were better for a bit since Goldar had Rita stop attacking us, but then I had to get ready for black belt testing, and she complained about me neglecting her for training and then Jasmine came up in the conversation again."
"I don't know Hez things are just not looking too good right now ya know and to make things worse I don't know how I feel about Jasmine anymore."
"What do you mean?"
"Through this entire thing she has been by my side no offense, but you've been preoccupied with a certain asian beauty, but just from checking in on me to the picnic idea I don't know man I'm confused."
Before the conversation could continue Dr. Kelly walked in with their martial arts bags. "Sorry to interrupt gentlemen, but your bags have been making beeping sounds and it's disturbing the other patients." After Dr. Kelly left the room the duo quickly dug into their bags and pulled out their communicators hoping they haven't missed to much.
MMA Dragon Dojo
August 21, 2017
10:30 a.m
Shock was the first thing running through everyone's mind. Jasmine and Katrina were both in a state of shock seeing the men they care so much for who have always been so strong lose consciousness Jasmine instantly ran over to AJ's side and cradled him in her lap tears beginning to form. Jasmine and Katrina were in such bad shape it took Mr. Nichols and Marseano to get them to release AJ and Hezekiah to the paramedics. Seeing them both loaded into the ambulance hit home with how real Rita's attacks are and how much more they needed to train. Marseano suggested the trio clean themselves up at home and then head to the power chamber to fill in Zordon before they go to the hospital to check in on AJ and Hezekiah
Rita's Moon Base
August 21, 2017
10:30 a.m
Goldar arrived with an injured Scorpina in his arms and took her to Finster.
"Finster I need you to tend to her wounds."
"Ah Goldar I see your plan didn't go as planned."
"ENOUGH DO AS I HAVE ASKED YOU FOOL BEFORE I CUT YOU DOWN!"
Scorpina who had been silent since their arrival finally spoke "Goldar why did you save me I've been horrible to you for so long."
"Scorpina you are my lover we had a child together I understand your feelings of resentment toward me, but I still do care greatly for you I've sacrificed so much over so many centuries I didn't want you to be one of them" Goldar replied emotion in his normally rough voice.
Scorpina was left speechless as Goldar left to inform Rita of the latest developments. Goldar approached Rita's thrown and kneeled before her.
"Goldar report."
"My empress Scorpina was severely injured in the battle, so I authorized a tactical retreat so she could be healed."
"Once again the rangers managed to come on top give me a good reason why I shouldn't execute you both for failing once again."
"My queen please I know I have failed you, but we will make things right."
"Maybe it's time I take things into my own hands, FINSTER bring me my secret weapon."
After a few moments Finster appeared with a black box that had a large lock surrounding it keeping the contents secure. Rita produced a key from her robe and slowly clicked open the box. Reaching inside she pulled out her most prized possession, something that could change the war against Zordon she opened her hand to reveal a power coin.
.
Power Chamber
August 21, 2017
11:35 a.m
In a flash of colored light the trio of Marseano, Jasmine, and Katrina appeared in the command chamber.
Zordon's voice boomed loudly "rangers where are AJ and Hezekiah?"
Marseano decided to do the talking since the girls were still shaken "we were attacked during their black belt testing, Goldar, Scorpina, and an army of putties."
"Please tell me more are they alright what exactly happened?"
"AJ and Hez were a few hours into their test they just finished twelve rounds of sparring, AJ having spared his last round with Katrina and were on a short break when the putties broke in through the doors followed by Scorpina and Goldar."
"Where any innocents hurt?"
"No our sensei and a few other instructors got the crowd out during the putties attacked AJ went against Goldar in a duel it was brutal while Katrina and Hez held off Scorpina before Hez severely, wounded her and forced Goldar to retreat."
As Marseano continued explaining everything to Zordon and Alpha Katrina noticed Jasmine was slightly shaking.
"Jasmine what's wrong?"
"It's not fair Katrina why does this have to happen to us to them to AJ"
"I know Jasmine I know, but they are strong they will wake up soon I'm sure of it."
"I keep trying to stay positive, but I've never seen AJ like this, ever since this whole ranger thing began he just seems to be under so much more pressure."
"Between us Hez told me it's really getting to him he didn't go into too much detail, but I'm worried AJ might crack under the pressure.
Before the conversation could continue an alarm went off surprising the trio.
"Rangers there is trouble downtown Rita has sent a monster and an army of putties to attack the city" came Zordon's voice.
"What kind of monster did she send this time" Marseano asked.
"He is called the Knasty Knight be extremely careful rangers he is a capable warrior he defeated a handpicked warrior of mine in the past to claim a powerful weapon" Zordan responded.
The trio looked at each other and all nodded knowing that even without AJ and Hez they still had a job to do.
"IT'S MORPHIN TIME"
"PTERODACTYL"
"TRICERATOPS"
"SABERTOOTH TIGER"
Now once more clad in their colorful suits the trio took one last look at Zordon and Alpha before teleporting towards what would be the fight of their life.
New Jersey
Downtown Irvington
August 21, 2017
12:00 p.m
As soon as the rangers set foot on the ground they were immediately greeted by putties, and they saw the Knasty Knight. He was clad in jet black knight armor complete with a helmet and gold trim. He carried a shield with an image of some kind of animal that was also in gold along with a golden broadsword. The Knasty Knight drew his sword slow and methodical while sizing the rangers, he yells attack as the putties all rush forward preparing for battle. Jasmine was the first one to make a move as she summoned her power bow and began taking out putties with her energy arrows. Not to be out done Marseano summoned his power lance and began twirling and slashing various putties that got too close. Katrina summoned her power daggers and went straight for the Knasty Knight locking blades with him before breaking off contact. Katrina ducked as Jasmine shot an arrow that went over her, but the Knasty Knight raised his shield and it absorbed the arrow, Katrina stood back up confused before she could have sworn she saw the Knight smirk as he thrust his shield forward which now shoot the arrow at Katrina blasting her backwards. "Just my luck man I hope AJ and Hez wake up soon" Katrina thought to herself.