Chapter 10: A Chameleon in the Fold
(Red Ape and Black Frog Dojo)
"Okay the training hangar at NASADA is reaching full capacity with more Ranger compounds around the world going bust." Tommy informed while they watched Rocky and Adam run some training exercises with the Twilight Rangers. "Sooner or later if these Acadians keep on attacking the Ranger Compounds then we have to issue the contingency plan. We already lost Beijing, Rome, and Sydney. That's three Ranger Compounds and a casualty count of over two hundred allies. We got a bunch of weird items at our disposal, Rita and Zedd's spawn of Satan running a muck on us and the cutthroat bitch Progeny looking to become Lokar in the flesh."
"Don't forget that weird event with the storybook. We contacted Tanya in Johannesburg. She may have a lead so we're planning to send out Aidan and Quincy to investigate with Aisha in a few days. In terms of the destruction of the compounds we're talking about transporting almost nearly approximately about thousands of newly created Power Rangers off site," Kimberly argued. "Even with the ones who are not of age we gave them the power too. What we're talking about is a mass exodus off earth to Terra Venture or KO35. Also we have to deal with those items we found, including the storybook. What do we know about the Acadians?"
"All we know is that they're an ancient fraternity of assassins that existed since the days of the Order of Meridian time on Earth. There's a vague description about their fraternity being known as mercenaries for hire," Zack replied, "From the research Billy and Aisha dug up there's not much. Not much accounts were documented after the Seal of Talel in reference to their presence."
"So you think this Progeny is somewhat a descendant of the Acadians or a member of their brethren?" Tommy added.
"There maybe a connection to them, the Order and whatever the hell Rosaline played from the storybook," Kimberly said, "Maybe it could explain the reason for the recent encounter with the dead and stuff. Something is getting thrown out of whack here and we need to figure out what."
It's been two weeks since the attack by Thrax and the Progeny in the alleyway. The encounter left the new Rangers seeking to average another disappointing encounter with the Progeny. It was one mystery after another trying to figure out where to go from here. They suggested to do some Sunday training at Rocky and Adam's dojo since they were usually closed for business.
"Alright from the top again! Each of you are standing in front of training dummy." Rocky replied as Adam proceeded to blindfold each of the Rangers once again. They wanted to test their senses to anticipate attacks as they observed that the team's karate skills have improved.
"Now you all remember the combos from the earlier days of training watching Chan, Kenji, Virgil and Shi-Ann during exercises," Adam replied. "The object is simply hit the target. Attach to them are buzzers to indicate the correct positions to strike. It will all depend on the combos we yell the instructions."
"Is there at least one exercise that doesn't involve blindfolds?" Virgil joked.
"The blindfolds add to the challenge of it," Rocky replied. "Besides after watching the analysis of the last fight with the Progeny, cutthroat bitch ran circles all over guys. It was like with a blink of an eye she attacks. You guys want sharper moves and senses to fight at her level, then this is the way you go."
"Huh!" they all yelled in unison practicing their combos.
"Alright punch block combo!" Rocky and Adam instructed as the others followed, "Cross block kick! Punch block combo! Chamber your energy. Cross block kick! Rising sun and begin again!" Everyone followed suit listening to the instructions Rocky and Adam shouted to the Rangers.
Each combo they hit was indicated by the buzzers attached to the training dummies in front of them. Next, the two of them started handing out kendo sticks to each of the Rangers and instructed them to strike the targets on their dummies in specified areas. After achieving the second part of their training exercise they ended up taking away the training dummies as Tommy, Zack and Kimberly brought out at least four buckets full of water filled balloons.
"Water balloons?" Adam eyed them suspiciously. "You understand that we're going to have a major mop up job to do after this right?"
"Did you prefer the rubber balls?" Kimberly smirked. "Besides, judging by the position of your studio mirrors and the windows I take a wet floor over shattered broken glass any day of week boys."
"And also we need some creative way and fun way to motivate these guys," Tommy replied.
"I think I hear water filled balloons in a bucket," Quincy said holding his stick. "Are we having a wet t-shirt contest?"
"Okay I'm going to pretend I didn't hear that," Bianca replied, "You maybe a genius Quince but even once in awhile your head seems to be stuck in the gutter."
"Alright guys knock it off for second. The test is simple," Zack explained as the Rangers took the blindfolds off. "Each of you will timed for ninety seconds while each of us will simultaneously hurl balloons at you. We're not telling you how many at a time this is going to test to see how many of you can strike. For now, the blindfolds for now...will be off. We're not going to tell you what the target goal is because the rule is simple, hit every target as fast as you can. Desmond, your up first front and center."
Desmond was the first person to be tested while Kimberly timed them for ninety seconds. However, the new Rangers didn't expect the veterans to have fast throwing arms as he found it difficult to burst every water balloon with his stick. Instead, he ended up being pulped with them instead of breaking them. Overall, he only managed to bust thirteen balloons. Penny and Aidan were much worse trying to nail every target when it was their turns and scored less than twelve.
Christian performed at the typical novice level as he was still trying to adjust to the whole Ranger business and only managed to hit eight. When Bianca's turn came up she performed at an average level until the guys figured out she was trying to perform a stop spell to make it easier for her to hit the targets. Unfortunately, Tommy told her that it constituted as cheating and disqualified her. Quincy and Virgil managed to tie with the same score of eleven but it still wasn't enough while Chan and Shi-Ann managed to get the first sets of targets when their turns came up.
The last training exercise so far wasn't coming to what Tommy and the others expected. The result left their Rangers soak and wet and a pile of discarded balloons broken and the floor of the dojo wet. Rosaline was the last person up to attempt the exercise as Kimberly started the stopwatch. It went normal being tossed one balloon at a time, then two and three. By the time the guys started hurling at the same time, it was then when Rosaline's reflexes started working and she managed to hit every single balloon being thrown, shocking the others when she wasn't completely soaked as the rest of the team.
"Well it looks like we got a winner," Virgil replied as the others smiled. "Next to the Beijing duo there, you're the next person that almost scored perfect. Imagine what it's going to be like with the blindfolds the next time."
"The problem is we're thinking too much, you have to anticipate and strike at the precise moment," Shi-Ann suggested. "The way the Progeny moves it's like a swift gust of wind. She moves silently and with haste and strikes in the blink of an eye. We have to work on our senses and reflexes."
"Shi-Ann is right...we all have to match the same level as her in terms of our abilities, endurance, basically go beyond our limits," Rosaline added. "Cutthroat bitch maybe always one step ahead of us but she isn't the sharpest tool in the shed. Look just because one of us did well, this is a team effort."
"Rosaline makes a point, this is a team effort," Tommy replied, "Don't worry although this wasn't the best performance for you guys the team building is getting there. Know that as a team, the bad guys don't stand a chance against all of you combined. By any means do not let them break your team apart. Alright guys, we'll end the training for today. Hope you guys brought a change of clothes so you all don't arrive back later at the boarding house soak and wet." After they were dismissed, they headed to the changing rooms to dry off and change into a new set of dry clothes.
(The lobby)
After Tommy and Kimberly helped the others clean up the dojo, they waited in the lobby for the Rangers to finish changing. Rosaline came out first as she started talking with her parents.
"Hey mom, dad, do you mind if I could meet you guys later?" Rosaline asked, "I was going to spend the afternoon with Virgil after our last date got cut short."
"Well you're a young woman in love it's no problem," Kimberly said, "Besides we left the twins and Gabriel with your grandparents for the day. Just make sure you get Virgil to drop you off later."
"Or you could bring him over for your grandparents could meet your new boyfriend," Tommy slightly smiled.
"You're serious? You want me to introduce Virgil to grandpa James and grandma Melissa?" she pouted jokingly. "Knowing you guys alright fine I'll convince Virgil to come with me later to dinner. Besides, I already met his family so it's fair he meets the rest of mine."
"Are you still planning on visiting Beaufort this summer?" Kimberly asked.
"Amanda there in town and my Aunt Marine moved back to town." Rosaline said recalling her time in Beaufort. "She was...well she was my adopted dad's sister and technically one of the only few biological relatives Elena and Hayden have left. I mean it's been a little over 2 years since their grandparents died and almost 3 years since their parents died. Aunt Marine was actually considered the next in line to look after us but she too supported..."
"Listen just because you're back home with your real family, the Bennetts are also your family too," Tommy said, "Unless something is stopping you from..."
"I got a call from Amanda last week," Rosaline sighed looking at them, "Her dad, Colbert was released from prison six weeks ago. He got approved for parole and he's back in town. Aunt Marine found out because my cousin is helping Aunt Marine and her family resettle so she's been staying with them. He...came by to visit Amanda but she didn't want to talk to him. I don't blame her after the hell he put me and her through as kids. When he asked how I was doing, they flipped and Marine snapped."
"So what did your aunt say to her brother?" Kimberly asked.
"Marine was still pissed off at what Colbert did. My Aunt Marine has four kids and after the whole thing about him being a pedophile was out in the open, she wanted nothing to do with him. According to Amanda she told Colbert that he should be lucky that at least Marigold didn't kill him after learning what he's been doing to his own daughter for years. Marine went on to say that at least when Patrick and their parents died, they ensured if he ever got out that the twins and I were faraway from him. She mentioned that my adopted grandparents relinquished their guardianship rights and she said that Rosaline and the twins are with their rightful family.''
A few minutes later, Virgil and her friends came out of the changing room all dried off and ready to leave. "Hey Rosie, some of us are heading to the mall, you coming?" Virgil called out.
"Hey go on ahead and have fun with your friends," Tommy smiled, "We'll talk some more later at my parents' place. Just be there for seven o'clock okay?"
"I know dad and at least I don't have the Oliver tardy gene," she slightly teased her parents leaving with her friends. A few moments later Rocky, Adam and Zack finished bagging the last remains of the discarded water balloons and drying off the floor of the dojo.
"Everything is well with little Oliver junior?" Rocky asked.
"Yeah just some personal stuff like her debate of whether or not she wants to visit Beaufort this summer," Kim sighed. "Her cousin Amanda called and told her that her Uncle Colbert was released from jail six weeks ago. He's on parole but know the situation Rosie is doubting whether or not she wants to see the Bennetts again."
"I don't blame her and I understand where she's coming from," Tommy replied, "The last thing she doesn't want is to stir up some painful memories. She still tells us that if she ever confronted Colbert she will tell him that she never will forgive him for what he did to her as a child. She's moved on but still it stays with her. All we want is for our daughter's happiness...and thank goodness she is slowly finding it."
(Scott Residence)
Later that afternoon Bianca, Desmond and Penny headed to Kat and Jason's house. Kat called Bianca after the training session at the dojo as she wanted to teach the necromancer witch a few new spells. She dragged Desmond and Penny along with her. Once they arrived, Kat and Jason's kids were thrilled to see the trio as Aaron wanted to show Desmond a few new soccer moves. Penny and Bianca were busy helping Kat inside while Desmond and Jason were outside with the kids.
"So you're keeping a watchful eye on them huh Katherine?" Penny asked watching Kat feed Sophie.
"After what happened two weeks ago Jason and I aren't taking any chances leaving the kids alone," Kat replied, "Rita and Zedd's little spawn and cutthroat bitch threatened our son. Gosh I'm suddenly talking like Kimberly for a moment. Usually, all the research stuff Trini would help me with this but she got called to work at the hospital today. Besides, I want to teach you a trick that is most commonly used by necromancers Bianca."
"Well you know the visits with the spirits aren't stopping right now as long as cutthroat bitch is around," Bianca said. "Just out of curiosity, since your kids will one day become part of the Power Ranger legacy, do you think there's a chance they could also possess magic powers too and become witches?"
"It's a thought that always dwell in my mind and Jason's," Kat replied carrying Sophie and burping her, "My mother, her side of the family were practitioners of the occult and that of wicca. When I was little, my grandmother told me that every once in awhile, a member of my mother's family will inherit Wicca abilities. My mother, she practiced white magic, mostly that of the healing type hence the reason why she opened her own physiotherapy clinic. She had the ability to heal injuries and ailments."
"Did she ever practice magic or was she part of a coven?" Penny said.
"My mother's Wicca ancestry traces back to two hundred years of binding in the Westbury coven," she added, "My father is Australian, my mother's British but mostly for me I've been influenced by my Australian side of my ancestry. My father encourages me to get in touch with my mother's side. My dad is aware of my mom's family history and association with Wicca. It's just the fear for him was wondering if one of his children will inherit mom's family legacy. If it could happen to me, then my kids..."
"But you won't know yet and that's the beauty of the unknown," Bianca replied. "We know you and you're a powerful Wicca who uses her magic to protect the people she loves. I'm sure whatever happens, you're not alone in this."
"Thank you for the reassurance girls," Kat said as she handed Sophie over to Penny. "Hey Penny, you think you could take Sophie outside in the backyard with Jason, Desmond and the kids. I don't want my daughter around for this stuff and besides, she's way too young to know about magic." Penny nodded taking the toddler in her arms as Kat kissed the top of Sophie's head and watch them head out into the backyard. "Now mommy has to work a bit of magic here first okay?"
"Okay so what's the hocus pocus trick you're going to teach me today?" Bianca smiled asking while watching Kat set up. However, when she produced Aaron's storybook, the crown and ocarina on the table she was starting to feel on edge. "You know when I said I'll touch any magical objects, that's not included! Not any of those weird freaky things that we found like a crown or the ocarina. The storybook, no way!"
"I got a read and a vibration from the crown and ocarina," Kat argued, "Unfortunately, there's a sort of enchantment that is preventing me from knowing the origins of these items. However, I found a spell, but it requires a majority of energy to be drawn from a necromancer. That's where you come in Bianca."
"So what do I need to do?" she asked.
"It's known as a memorium spectrum astro illumination," Kat explained. "In other words, it's nicknamed the material contact spell. It will only work if a witch who specializes with association of the dead, or spirits can pick up the energy left behind on enchanted or supernatural objects. Physical contact with an object will cause the person to know the origins of where it came from. Are you up for it?" Reluctantly, Bianca nodded her head in approval as the two began prepared to start the spell.
Kat and Bianca started chanting the spell from one of her spellbooks as the candles started flickering and Kat started glowing channeling her energy. Bianca concentrated as she saw the objects in the center of the circle glowing. Kat then instructed Bianca to place her hands on top of the objects and focused.
Suddenly, Bianca started seeing a glimmer of flashbacks witnessing a battle somewhere in a field, a ritual going on, a strange symbol and glimpses of multicolored flames. She saw a group of warriors from different times and how the objects were used to channel a passageway to an unknown destination. However, the overload of flashbacks was becoming overwhelming for her that Kat ended up breaking the connection after seeing that Bianca's nose started to bleed.
"Gosh my head feels like it's on fire and pounding like a drum," Bianca said breathing heavily. Those items, they belonged to the Denizens of Twilight, the original Twilight Power Rangers. They're used...to bridge a way between here and the realm of Twilight. I saw weird things like a battle, something that looked like a rite of passage trial, and a ritual of some sort. There was two people standing there but I couldn't see their faces. I felt something strange also."
"What did you sense?" Kat asked.
"Something, or more like someone is making their presence known," Bianca added, "But they're not suppose to be here because of whatever they're up to. It's like there's a major shift in nature and the balance of the supernatural that is colliding throwing everything into chaos. Our powers, they're more than just average Power Ranger powers are they? This is olden stuff, like Lokar, or Source olden."
"The big mystery now is to figure out what happened in the past," she replied, "Because somehow whatever happened once upon a time is trying to repeat itself now. This isn't going to get any easier. Someone has decided to shake up the game and change the rules. Times like this Bi, you have to trust your instincts and sense the true danger."
(Meanwhile)
About two hours after shopping at the mall, Rosaline and the others decided to head to Angel Grove Park to relax the exception of Bianca, Penny and Desmond. The seven of them enjoyed watching a peewee soccer game occurring in the park. After a little while, they decided to take a detour with Virgil to check up on his parents' house. Usually Virgil would alternate between staying at his house and staying at the boarding house. They hung out for a bit at Virgil's house and decided to walk around the nearby neighborhoods in Virgil's area.
The seven Rangers came upon a street that was usually occupied with large model homes and mansion like houses. Down the end of the street, they notice the large house with the gates at the end of the driveway opened up and saw a couple of people moving in. One of the new residents was a girl with shoulder-length black hair, brown eyes, she was wearing white shoes, blue jeans, a grey t-shirt and headband. She noticed the group staring at them as she decided to formally introduce herself.
"Oh we're sorry," Virgil replied, "Are you new to the neighborhood?"
"Pretty much," the girl said, "My family is heading up a new division of a company known as the Asukai Food Corporation. It specializes in food products and stuff. A pretty big multi billion dollar food company in Asia."
"I've read about it in a Fortune 500 article being one of the top ten food companies in the world," Rosaline added, "Usually most of the products aren't available in the North American market yet. It's owned by a man known as Tanaka Asukai. Top internet food company and ranked top ten in the Asian and Pacific food market."
"Wow it's nice to meet valued customers who know about Asukai food products," the girl replied.
"The desserts the company created last year sold out like hotcakes in Beijing," Shi-Ann added, "Especially the the moon cakes that was distributed last year during Chinese New Year."
"Well Tanaka Asukai...he's my uncle," the girl said, "He was invited by a bunch of these top business executives on a venture to expand business to North America. He has my father running the international division here in California. Pardon my manners. I didn't ask for any of your names."
"My name is Rosaline Oliver," Rosaline replied introducing herself, "These are my friends: Aidan Sloan; Christian Artino; Quincy Reid; Shi-Ann Wei; Chan Hue; and Virgil Vallertes. How about your name?"
"My name..." the girl hesitated before smiling at them. "The last name is Matsuki. My name is...Satsu Matsuki. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Listen, in a few days my uncle will be throwing a party, a very high class and formal ball as part of a welcoming or introduction of our family business to the Angel Grove community. My parents are planning on inviting the most well known families in the city to the house. I imply that you attend as guests. Well being new to the city it's hard making new friends."
"It would be an honor for us to attend," they all replied, "You know it's kind of a obvious that you guys made it known you're family comes from money. I mean look at the size of the house."
"It's my family's nature to do things big and extravagant," Satsu replied before hearing some of the staff call out, "Well I need to get back in helping the family unload the trucks. Our family assistant will have the invitations ready in a few days and personally deliver them to your resident addresses. I should be heading off then. Have a good day then and hopefully see you at the ball."
"Okay it was nice meeting you and welcome to Angel Grove," they replied as they left to head back to Virgil's house.
Satsu watched Rosaline and the others leave as she picked up the last box from the truck and walked into the mansion. She handed off the box to one of the staff members taking it into one of the rooms. She stood in the main floor marveling at the size of the house. She smiled seeing her uncle Tanaka come down the stairs followed closely by a few familiar faces.
"I see you didn't waste time making some new friends didn't you Satsu?" Tanaka asked smirking.
"Just thought I get to know the locals better," Satsu smirked suspiciously, "If you know what I mean. You were very convincing on persuading grandfather Asukai on expanding the family business here in America uncle."
"Well you understand this is their wishes to expand their enterprise," he said sternly. "You know both you and I have much respect for them. Do you understand that?"
"I do uncle and I know this business enterprise will not fail. Aunt Michu will be pleased to know of the process and she ensured that I will be well guarded and protected under your sanctuary. Also, I am aware of the task at hand as well with the house of Asukai/Matsuki and their lineage to the Acadian Fraternity. It was a noble honor for years our family served. I will not disappoint our family knowing my destiny."
"I ensured our guests in the study room that everything will begin to play out. Remember what the Acadians taught you about blending into your surroundings? Do not draw any suspicion or your allegiances to the Acadians as our order has been long deemed as abominations to both humanity and that of the balance of nature and beyond. Can you believe that propaganda Satsu?"
"There nothing but old wives' tales, Grand Praetor. And people don't suspect that the CEO of Asuaki Food Corporation is one of the Grand Praetors of the Acadian Fraternity. These people...they have friends in high places which is going to be a challenge. But you know me uncle, I'm always game for anything."
"Five by five as you say my dear?" Tanaka smirked wickedly leading Satsu into the study room and opening the double doors. "Well, your audience awaits young Progeny." He opened the doors to reveal Thrax, Zedd and Rita in their human forms waiting for them. Tanaka smiled along with Satsu at the sight of their guests. "My Lords, the chameleon has entered the fold. In a few days the debut of the real games will soon begin. However, I got whim of the new Power Rangers, successors of the powers bestowed upon the original Denizens of Twilight."
"Yeah but these not your typical teenagers Tanaka," Rita screeched eerily. "These particular teenagers' predecessors are those from the line of the Great Power, the Line of the Wings of Fate. They are the Order's chosen warriors. We've got our hands full dealing with two fronts and that is why we switched up the game plan."
"We trust you Tanaka and the fraternity with your mission at hand?" Zedd ordered. "We need that scroll translated, the keys to Twilight found and the right tools needed to complete the ritual. I trust the task will be accomplished then?" Tanaka nodded before Zedd turned his attention to Satsu. "I must compliment you on your stellar performance there young Progeny. Remember, the key is to blend in and when the time is right, attack them when their all vulnerable. We must remind you to keep your composure in tact at all times seeing how combustible of an adversary you turned out to be for these Rangers."
"Don't worry my lieges you can count on me to do my job," Satsu replied evilly before changing her tone in a settled innocent voice. "It's like they always say, keep your friends close and your enemies closer. I'll bind my time with them. However first, I want to see what these Rangers are like beyond the suit. Hey, nothing beats throwing a little fancy shing ding ball to bring together guests."