Episode 9: The Boiling Point
Last time, on Power Rangers: Guardians!
A recent epidemic affecting only children led to the head of Virus Research Marie Frederich to be put in danger. Ken and Josh end up saving the woman, in which she had somehow recognized the Blue Ranger's true identity. The next day, the two were able to speak privately, as Ken wanted to know how she knew him. She ended up telling him that she was best friends with his mother. What shocked him even more were four words that Marie spoke of.
"You had a sister."
Will Ken find out the truth, or will it all remain in mystery? Find out...now!
Angel Grove High School, Computer Lab, June 11
This day along with the next were the last actual days of class that all students had. Wednesday would be the day Final Exams would happen. If any student doesn't make it on that day or doesn't do that great, Make-up day would be the day after. And considering how out of focus Ken was on his studies, this doesn't bode well.
Ironically enough, Ken's study hall period was in the computer lab, giving him the chance to do some research on the shocking revelation given to him by Dr. Frederich.
This whole time, he had a sister. He knew his memories before his mother's disappearance was a blur at best, but he didn't know that there was more to the story that he ever realized. But now, on a search for answers, only came more questions. What happened to his sister? Why was she so important? How does she play in the big scheme of things that was the disappearance of not only his mother, but the parents of the other Rangers?
However, there was one answer to his questions: her name.
3 days ago...
Angel Grove Virus Research Center, June 8, 12:40 PM
"Kayla Dumas." said Dr. Marie Frederich. "Your mother always told me about how close you two were. You were inseparable. But everything changed when she..." Marie was reluctant to say it, holding back tears.
Ken was anxious to know what happened. "When she what?" he asked.
Dr. Frederich took a deep breath as she spoke once again. "Everything changed...when she disappeared."
Ken froze in fear, no longer able to look Marie in the eye. If Kayla was so important to him, then how could she have disappeared? Nothing made sense. "How did it happen?"
"Nobody knows. The investigation went cold weeks before your mother disappeared. Not only did your mother seem to change tone, but you seemed to have blocked her out of your mind."
"What? No...I couldn't. Why would I? You said we were inseparable. So why would I go so far as to block her very existence from my memory?" Ken was feeling overwhelmed with everything being told to him. This was all too much to bear. He didn't want to hear anymore, but couldn't help but to listen further.
"Your mother told me that the loss of her traumatized you the point of forgetting everything about her, even your experiences of living life with her. Your mother said it was a self-defense mechanism from your psyche that only certain people have. Only you can figure out why your mind forced you to forget all about her."
That would make a lot of sense. That would explain why she couldn't remember her...at first. As Marie spoke, flashes of the past began to reveal themselves to Ken, his memories of Kayla breaking through somewhat. He can remember her face from the very last time he saw her. She had long brown hair and crystal blue eyes. But that was all he could remember at the moment.
"That's everything I know. I'm sure you'll find out the rest on your own."
Ken recomposed himself, realizing that he had learned everything he could at the moment. He would have to do some of his own investigating soon enough.
Angel Grove High School, Computer Lab, June 11, 1:30 PM
With everything that he had learned from Marie, Ken would go about investigating Kayla's disappearance himself. Maybe he can find the answers that those who took on her case couldn't. After all, he had more resources that could possibly open his eyes to the truth.
The first thing he did, was look up the news cast that broadcasted Kayla's disappearance. It was as Marie said. She had disappeared on her way to school, and nobody could testify seeing her around the time she went missing. Without a lead or even the slightest bit of evidence, the case went cold and she was presumed dead. But Ken wasn't willing to believe that at all.
There wasn't much else to go on, sadly. Well, besides something interesting that he found. While searching for answers, he had come across a blurred-out image that only barely made out the appearance of some sort of alien. Looking at the site where the image came from, it was explained that this image was found at the crime scene and eventually revealed to the public. Nobody knew what it was or why it was there, but that might be the clue Ken was looking for.
Whoever that alien was, he was the key to finding out the truth.
Soon, I'll find out what happened to you, sis... he thought.
Command Center, 4:00 PM
Ken had decided to take advantage of these extra resources by heading to the Command Center. Surely they had the technology to find more of the truth.
"Is everything alright, Ken?" asked Zedren.
"Do you have access to the earth's satellite imagery?" Ken asked.
"Are you trying to look for something?"
"Just input the time and coordinates here on this paper." Ken then gave Zedren a post-it note containing specific coordinates along with a specific date and time, which was roughly 10 days before the five ever became Rangers. When Zedren inputted the time and coordinates, the monitor zoomed onto where that location was, revealing some shocking imagery.
While it was fairly difficult to see, it was definitely something that seemed rather impossible. It appeared to be a fight between two warriors and an unknown assailant. Upon further examining, Ken realized that the two warriors were...Blue and Green Power Rangers.
But how could that be? Unless it was the team that came before them: the Samurai Rangers. But when Ken couldn't tell if they had the weapons associated with that team or not, something seemed wrong. It was then that two things had clicked in his mind: Firstly, that Blue Ranger...was him. Second, there was a Green Ranger helping him.
Was there meant to be a sixth member to the team? Was that why he was the only one with the powers of the Sea at his disposal? Were there originally meant to be two, much like the other Rangers?
Zedren sighed, expecting this day to come. "It seems as though you're now aware of an anomaly such as this."
Ken didn't understand. "What are you talking about?"
"There was supposed to be a sixth member to your team: the Green Ranger. What you're seeing has actually happened. But somehow, an anomaly has altered time to make things different, making it seem like what lead to you all becoming Rangers was what actually happened to begin with. Something caused the change. And I don't know what. But one thing is for sure. If by some chance that creature still exists and retains his original memories, then maybe he holds the key to what happened to her."
Zedren mentioned it twice already. The Green Ranger was a "her". Considering what he was biologically...no, that would be impossible. Kayla disappeared 10 years ago. There's no way that she could have been the sixth member of the team...right?
"I only retain the memory of the anomaly happening. Everything else, including what the anomaly is and such, remains a black void. As if the memory was stripped from me, and possibly everybody on the face of the earth. Find this creature, if he is still alive, and you might just find her."
Ken was still wondering about one last thing. "Do you still have her Morpher?"
Zedren was reluctant to respond. "...no. Her energy signal along with the Morpher are nowhere to be found, and I was unable to retrieve it."
"Why did you keep this all a secret?"
"Had I told you earlier, you would have been left unprepared for the events that would unfold. It was either wait until the opportune moment, or risk the lives of one of my Rangers."
Ken didn't like what Zedren said, but he was right. The fact of the matter is, Ken was not ready to know such crucial information. While he hated that Zedren had kept it a secret to the Rangers, he had no choice. He knew of the risk it would bring if brought up too early. Ken's not sure if he's even ready to deal with such an issue right now. Regardless, he now had an objective: Find the alien alive, and he might find out who this Green Ranger is.
Ernie Jr's Residence, 5:00 PM
Ken had returned to Ernie's home to recollect his thought up to this point. He had learned so much. It was surprising that he didn't take more time in between learning all of this to let it sink in more.
The others were busy watching what seemed to be a movie. It recently was released on DVD so that decided to give it a watch. It was about two soldiers who had recently been honorably discharged and were now forced to lead a team against a country-wide invasion of North Korean soldiers.
Ken walked in when a certain scene happened, one that hit him hard in a different way then what's been eating at him for the last few days. Ken was the only user of the power of the Sea. As such, he felt alone in that regard. The fact that there was supposed to be another wielder of the powers saddened him.
The scene in the movie showed one of the soldiers making himself clear that he wasn't going to leave his own partner behind.
This hurt Ken very much. Not only did he not have someone he could call a partner, but he also lacked any actual biological family, as far as he was aware. As such, he proceeded to walk out of Ernie's home.
"Hey Ken, where are you going?" asked Sean.
Ken turned his head slightly to Sean, not wanting to look at him in the eye. "I'm going to get some fresh air. I'll be back in a little bit." He then opened the door and left without another word.
Sean had a worried look on his face, as did the other Rangers. They decided to pause the movie for the time being and keep an eye on Ken without him seeing them.
Angel Grove Beach, 5:30 PM
Ken had went to a secluded part of the beach where nobody was around. In fact, this is close to the coordinates that Marie gave him. He wanted to be alone, thinking long and hard about what could be out there for him to find out. He didn't want to believe that Kayla was dead, but he didn't have a reason to deny it either.
A lot was still left to be answered. And maybe he had found the key. But he wasn't sure.
He took a deep breath, preparing to speak from the heart about something that nobody would potentially hear. "I don't know what happened to you, or why you're not here anymore. I just hope I can find some closure and continue on the path I'm on. I wish it were me instead of you. Either way, I hope to see you again, either in this life, or the next."
It was then that suddenly, dark clouds began to form above Ken. What seemed to be heat lightning struck down into the water, as if to be a cause for some kind of effect.
And he was right. After the clouds faded away as fast as they appeared, Ken looked at the ocean in front of him again. Suddenly, one spot began to boil almost immediately, creating an explosion of steam. When it cleared, Ken's eyes were shocked by what he saw. "It's you..." Ken's suspicions were correct. The alien in the photo he found was very much alive, as far as he was aware. "I finally found you...I knew you were alive."
The creature was confused for a moment. "What are you babbling on about?" It was then he recognized Ken's face. "Wait...I remember you. You're that idiot from before."
Ken's eyes widened. Did the alien know who he was? Zedren was right. This guy was the key to finding out the truth.
However, what he would say next would change Ken's outlook on this situation entirely. "To think your poor sister and partner gave up her life to do away with me. Sad to say that I'm very much alive and well."
Ken's heart skipped a beat. It can't be. Was Kayla truly the missing Green Ranger? Was she truly dead? He had no choice but to believe him, but in the process, rage fueled his mind. He was no longer himself at that point. "You...are so DEAD!"
He proceeded to morph up, taking the fight to him. He tried to gain the upper hand, but was knocked down within seconds.
"Your sister's sacrifice was for nothing. Go and join her!" he yelled as he unleashed what seemed to be heat rays towards Ken, knocking him back a fair distance.
As he closed in on Ken, Sean and Josh full morphed appeared, blasting the alien back to help Ken. Ken, however, had different plans. "Stay out of this! This is my fight!" he yelled as he pushed Josh away.
He then summoned his Wave Bowgun and charged towards the alien, who brushed off Ken's blast like it was nothing. As the two continued going back and forth, Josh and the other Rangers prepared to aim their blasters at the alien. However, Ken was at the risk of being shot at. None of them could get a lock.
Josh then attempted to jump in. However, Ken was knocked back once again, crashing into Josh in the process. Sean tried to help him up, but Ken didn't let him. "Get off me!"
"I have better things to do than waste my time with you weaklings!" The alien then launched a meteor-like projectile at all the Rangers, incapacitating them momentarily as the alien departed.
Josh was too late in making chase with the alien, kicking the sand in anger. He then looked at Ken with rage, confused by what just happened.
Ernie Jr's Residence, 5:55 PM
The Rangers were all recovering from the events that just transpired. Ken seemed rather composed compared to all the others. Josh was the most infuriated and confused. What was Ken doing? Why did he start acting like how Jamie did at one point?
"You better start explaining what's up with you, and I mean right now." growled Josh.
"Josh, don't-" said Sean before he was rudely interrupted by Josh.
"No, Sean! This time, we're not playing by your rules! It's my turn to take the mantle!"
Sean didn't know what to say at first, but eventually let Josh do his thing. "Just don't get carried away."
Josh nodded. But before he could begin, Ken stood up and proceeded to leave Ernie's home again. Josh, however, had other plans, as he placed his hand on Ken's shoulder. "You're not going anywhere until you explain yourself."
"I don't need to explain anything. This is my problem, and I'm gonna fix it." explained Ken.
"Is that what you think?" asked Jamie suddenly. "So you're going to break one of the rules of the Ranger Code?"
"What are you talking about?"
"'Never use your powers for your own personal gain.' Isn't that what Zedren said?"
"That's not what I'm doing."
"Then what is it, Ken!? Tell us! We've all seen enough to relate to you, so don't go and tell us that we'll never understand!"
Ken went silent. He wasn't sure what to say. Jamie had a point, but he wasn't willing to open up, at least not completely. "Have you ever forgotten something so important to you that you spend years on end trying to find out what it is? Have you ever forgotten about someone who left your life suddenly and you still search for her day in day out?"
The Rangers were all silent. While they did all lose their parents, they've never forgotten about it. As such, this was something that only Ken could understand.
Ken then looked at Sean coldly, looking between him and Josh for a moment. "At least you don't have a sister to lose, Sean..."
This shocked the Rangers. They couldn't believe what they just heard. Ken had a sister? Considering what he said, they realize that maybe even he didn't know at first. But that doesn't excuse him to keep what he remembered to himself.
Either way, before Ken could leave, Zedren showed up on a video feed once more on Omega's screen. "Rangers, it's time I explained something to you that you deserve to know."
Ken knew what Zedren was gonna say, but just continued listening.
"There was supposed to be six of you." The Rangers were surprised by what was just told to them. "The sixth was supposed to be a Green Ranger, and she would have been the other wielder of the power of the Sea alongside Ken. However, something happened that not even I could explain. I do not know if she is still alive. But I know that if there's any chance of learning what happened to her, it's through Brakal."
"Brakal?" asked Ken, not recognizing the name.
"Another member of the Raikon Fleet. He must be dealt with before he could do any harm to the planet."
All of the Rangers nodded, except for Ken, who was more focused on his plans on getting rid of Brakal himself.
"Ken. You still know the right thing to do, don't you?"
Ken became angered at Zedren's words, as if he was insinuating something. "Of course I do. One way or another, I'm going to make sure Brakal pays for what happened to Kayla!"
"Is that your answer?" asked Zedren suddenly. Ken was shocked by this. He didn't expect such words to be told to him of all people. It's as if he knew what Ken was thinking, which he didn't. This angered him. He wasn't about to let anyone get between him and what needed to be done. "Go ahead and think it over. Nobody's stopping you."
Ken stormed out of the house, wanting to be alone as always. Considering what was revealed to by during the fight with Brakal, he had to think over what has just been unveiled in his own mind.
"Kayla? Is that...?" asked Sean.
"Ken's younger sister, and wielder of the Green Ranger powers." The Rangers all looked at Zedren in shock. It didn't make any sense. "She disappeared months before all of your parents disappeared. Nobody knows what happened to her."
This brought even more shock to the Rangers. To think that not only did Ken's mother disappear, but his sister on top of that. That was a whole other level of despair. "That still doesn't explain how she could be a Ranger. None of this makes any sense."
"Sean, you should understand Ken's confusion more than anyone." Zedren continued. "Levir knows you, but you don't recall him. The same thing applies with Ken. Somehow, Brakal recalls memories with Ken that nobody else knows. Something happened 10 days before you all became Rangers, something that changed the entire course of history as we know it, to the point where what we know to have happened shouldn't have to begin with."
"What do you think caused it?" asked Sarah.
"I don't know. But maybe these satellite images from where and when the incident happened might shed some light on this situation."
Zedren then sent not only the satellite images that Ken saw, but images that put Sean on edge in particular. It was hard to see, but as they started to denominate who were in these pictures, Sean's heart started racing faster and faster. Could it be? Was that...him fighting Levir? But what did he attack that caused Sean to retaliate? There was only a patch of clouds where he was aiming at. However, as they went through the images, they noticed one was completely blank, as if the lens was not working when it took a picture. However, the next image showed the area that Levir and Sean were at being completely empty. This was definitely an anomaly unlike anything Zedren's seen before.
"The images from both locations were taken at around the same time, indicating that the Fleet was already on earth before you all became Rangers." explained Zedren. "Or, in the case of the images, around the time you all were already Rangers. It would take hours to determine if the rest of you would show up on the satellite in Angel Grove, especially if you weren't morphed."
"You don't have to do that Zedren. I'm sure we'll figure out the truth one day. I'm in no rush to find out how that happened. We have a job to do as Rangers. I won't compromise that for anything." said Sean.
"Well said. But I think it's only fair that you knew of what happened to Kayla, at least based on what I have deduced up to this point."
Raikon Fleet Main Warship, 6:30 PM
The one known as Brakal had returned to Dragun to update him on what had lead to his sudden disappearance. Dragun does not recall ever sending Brakal, but Levir does, as what they both experienced happened at the same time.
"Around the time Levir destroyed the Great Gateway, you were given the task to boil the oceans of this planet until they were completely dried up?" asked Dragun.
"Correct, Lord Dragun. However, much like Levir, someone had gotten in my way." responded Brakal.
"You encountered one of the Rangers, I take it?"
Three and a half weeks earlier...
Angel Grove Beach, May 18, 4:00 PM
Through the perspective of both Brakal and Ken, the story of what happened on that fateful day came to the light.
"I actually faced two Rangers that day." said Brakal through his perspective.
Ken attempted to blast his Wave Bowgun, but Brakal was too quick, being brutally pummeled to the ground, causing him to demorph. Being too injured to stand up once again, Brakal took this opportunity to take out Ken for good. However, as Brakal launched his solar beam, the Green Ranger, who was now revealed to be Kayla became a shield for Ken, taking on most of the damage that Ken would have and falling to one knee.
"And now you've come crawling back, tail between your legs..." taunted Levir, who was still listening to Brakal speak.
"That fight put me in hypersleep, it seems." continued Brakal. "The Green one was not without skill herself."
Kayla was forced to demorph, rushing towards Brakal once again. She fought hard, but it was to no avail. He ended up grabbing hold of her, intending to do away with her for good. Ken attempted to get up to help his sister, but still struggled from the assault given to him earlier.
Kayla...Sis, my best friend...Why didn't you let me help you? thought Ken through his perspective.
"No!" Ken yelled as he tried to get up.
Kayla, however, had other ideas. "Stay back!" Ken was shocked by her words. This wasn't like her. It was as if she was growing desperate to defeat an enemy that couldn't be so easily.
You grabbed him...and then you... Ken couldn't even think of saying it as it hurt so much.
Brakal then attempted to blow her away at point-blank range. When she noticed it, she attempted the unthinkable, which brought Ken back to his feet in an attempt to stop it. "Don't do it!"
By that time, though, it was already too late, in two regards. The first was that Kayla had already thrown her and Brakal off the edge, leaving Ken to uselessly reach his arm out over the cliff. "KAYLA!"
The second was what happened after that. Brakal had disappeared possibly into the water where he would remain asleep for the next three and a half weeks. Kayla was laying in the shallow water on the shore, her fate sealed. Ken had gotten to her to hear her speak for only a little while longer. "Kayla...? Come on, stay with me!"
Kayla had opened her eyes weakly, her life slowly fading away. She looked at Ken with a chuckle and a smile. "Hey there, big brother..."
"Don't talk, Kayla. Please, save your strength."
"I'm sorry. But I'm not gonna live through this."
Ken didn't want to believe that, and was on the verge of tears. "Don't say that...! You're gonna be fine."
It was at this point where the last sentences that Kayla would ever speak would cut off specific words somehow, as if the memory was not all completely there. Something was wrong.
"I knew that I wasn't going to survive this . This was something...that not even the two of us could handle. You did everything you could to protect me, Ken. But...there is something that you must do from now on. You must _."
"Please, don't leave me Kayla. What would mom think if I found her and had to tell her that she's gone for real this time? I can't do it!"
"You have more power than you think, big brother. You have the whole planet by your side...never forget that."
"Please, just stop. You're going to be fine...! You're going to..." Tears were now starting to flow out of Ken's eyes.
"I won't be gone forever. I love you..."
Ken could barely get words out with how much he was crying, but he forced himself to. "I...I love you, too sis..."
And it was at that moment, that the last of Kayla Dumas' life had finally faded away. Ken screamed as loud as he could, knowing that he couldn't protect his little sister. He held her lifeless body in his arms, trying to hold on to whatever sanity he had left.
Was sacrificing yourself really the only way...? I couldn't even save you...! How can I live with such a burden? First mom, and now you.
Angel Grove Beach, June 11, 7:00 PM
Ken looked at the sea once more, having been the one to bury her in the ocean like she would have wanted. It was a suitable funeral to prevent the world at the time from knowing that Kayla was still alive.
Ken had suffered more than the Rangers could possibly imagine. He's lost his entire family: his mother and his sister. He doesn't even know if his mother is still alive. He's lost too much to allow Brakal to repeat history. I promise you, sis...Brakal will pay for what he has done. he thought to himself, clenching his fist.
After being there long enough, Ken decided to leave the beach, not having a reason to be there anymore besides recollecting the past over and over. He now had a goal in mind. And as always, it blinded by his will for vengeance.
Ernie Jr's Residence
Sean now realized what it is that Ken was suffering with. While they all have lost the one who made them, the thought of losing one of the closest people in your lifetime, your sibling, was in a league all of its own.
"I...can't believe it." said Sean, who was still surprised by all this.
"To lose a partner who was your own sister to someone like that..." said Jamie.
"Of course you'd want payback. It's starting to make more sense now." responded Josh.
"This cannot go on for Ken. If he goes through with taking his vengeance, it's a point of no return. He has to realize that-" Before Zedren could fully explain, the video transmission cut out once again.
"Oh, not again." complained Omega.
"I think we all know how he feels. He wants to avenge Kayla so her death wouldn't be in vain. But revenge isn't the answer!" explained Sarah.
"I'll go talk to him." suggested Jamie as she attempted to go out and find Ken.
"Hold on." Sean inserted. "Give Ken some time. He'll come around. I just know it."
"Telling someone to stop won't solve anything. In any case, that'll only motivate him more. This is Ken's problem. Let him battle his own demons." explained Josh.
Jamie sighed at this. She didn't have the intention on telling him to stop, per se. But rather, just having a talk with Ken in an attempt to redirect his reasoning to something more important. When she had the time, she'll have that talk with him. She feels as though if she doesn't it'll be too late to save him.
Raikon Fleet Main Warship
Brakal had finished explaining the story through his perspective and allowed Dragun to think over the next plan of action. And after some deep thought, he knew what he wanted Brakal to do. "So, Brakal...if you are still able, I would like you to continue where you left off."
"I understand, Lord Dragun. I will not fail you." responded Brakal as he left the Warship to finish his mission.
Levir looked as Brakal left, having no pity for him. "To think a Ranger could get the drop on him like that. My expectations are fairly low."
"I have to wonder about that." responded Budon. "At least he was able to get rid of one of them."
Levir looked at Budon with anger. "What are you insinuating!?"
Budon chuckled. "Nothing."
Levir scoffed at this. "Whatever you say."
Later that night...
Angel Grove Beach, 9:00 PM
The beach was fairly quiet, the waves calm enough to soothe anyone's minds, had anybody been there. However, something strange was happening. If anyone were actually there, they would feel a slight rumble underneath their feet. It was as if something was going on in the ground below, which there was.
Suddenly, from out of nowhere, something that could only be seen by the naked eye as a bright green light rocketed out of the ocean. It seemed to be launched fairly deep into Angel Grove. Wherever it landed, the Rangers might have to face whatever it is sooner or later.
The next day...
Ernie Jr's Residence, June 12, 5:10 PM
Ken had been on edge since he came back last night, still thinking of a game plan to get rid of Brakal. He hasn't come up with much at the moment, but since more memories began coming back to him, he was starting to figure things out. As such, he had remembered tracking Brakal for a fair amount of time, keeping trends in mind to determine where he would go next.
To do so, he would need Omega to siphon through all the data he would be inputting into him. The Rangers were very much still worried by all this.
"Ken, maybe you should take a break." suggested Sean.
"I have to determine Brakal's location. Be prepared to head out in a little bit." explained Ken.
"Ken..." said Jamie before being interrupted by a discombobulated Omega, on the verge of data overload.
"Too much data...too much data...!"
"Stay with me, Omega! I'm almost done!"
"I can't handle so...much...data..." It was then that Omega had immediately shut down upon too much data being loaded into his system, falling to the ground as a result.
Sarah ran over to Omega, who was out of commission at that moment. "Okay, now you've gone too far, Ken!"
"I have a few words to say, too!" said Jamie.
"Knock it off, both of you!" yelled Josh suddenly, putting the girls on the spot. They realized what they tried to do and stepped down.
Suddenly, the phone had went off. The Rangers all wondered what was up as Sean picked up the phone. "Hello? Oh hey Ernie, what's up?" Sean then looked at Ken ominously, as if he was mentioned in the call. "Really? Is it important? Well, is he on his way right now? How long before he gets there? ...Well, alright. If it's that important, we'll wait. Alright. Thanks for letting me know. Talk to you later, Ernie." Sean then hung up the phone, seemingly confused by the whole ordeal.
"What's going on, Sean?" asked Sarah with a little worry.
"Ernie said that someone was coming over. He didn't tell me who he was, but that he needed our help in particular. I don't know for what."
"Well, that can wait." suggested Ken. "What we're doing right now is more importa-" He was immediately cut off from the moment they heard someone knocking on the door.
"Well, not anymore." said Sean as he walked over to the door, looking through the peephole. It was definitely someone they've never seen before. But since they didn't expect anyone else to be knocking at this point in time, it had to be the guy, right? Sean opened the door and was introduced a man of japanese descent dressed in what looked to be a lab coat. "Can I help you?"
The man looked past Sean and noticed the other Rangers inside. He then looked at Sean again. "You're Ernie Jr.'s friends, right?" Sean wasn't sure about what this man wanted. He seemed rather suspicious. He nodded regardless. "My name is Chad. I'm an ichthyologist looking for some help with a recent phenomenon, and I was told one of you could help."
"Well, what's the problem?"
Chad seemed a little reluctant to explain the entirety of what it is that's going on. Ken, however, was wondering what he could possibly need help with, so much so that he walked up to the door himself to listen in on what Chad had to say. "I'll just keep it simple for now. Recently, there's been odd changes in seawater temperatures. It's got me and those I work with very much concerned. Ernie figured at least one of you could help."
Sean and Ken looked at one another, thinking about what to do. "Could you possibly wait out here for a moment?" asked Sean.
"Oh, sure. Take your time." responded Chad as the door was closed on him.
Sean didn't even have to think about the course of action. However, Ken wasn't as sure. "So, what do you think?"
"I think you should go with him." suggested Sean.
"Why? We have more important things to deal with."
"Look, he might have some information you might need. Plus, it could get your mind off of everything for the time being. We'll find Brakal and hold him off until you're finished."
"I agree." said Josh out of nowhere as he placed his hand on Ken's shoulder. "You are a Guardian of the Sea after all. It only makes sense."
Ken sighed, not liking the plan initially. But he might not have a choice in the matter. As such, considering what Chad mentioned, Sean very much had a point. Him and Sean then walked back to the door and opened it.
"I think he can help you. Or at least try." suggested Sean to Chad.
"Oh, great! Come with me." said Chad as he walked back to his car, Ken following behind. "What's your name, by the way?"
"It's Ken. So do you want to explain what's been going on?"
"I'll explain in more detail when we get the facility."
Sean then closed the door, realizing that the girls were complete and utterly confused by what he just did. "Are you sure it's okay to leave Ken with that guy?" asked Jamie.
"I'm glad he gets to talk to someone, but why a stranger like him?" asked Sarah.
"He's a stranger, yeah, but he's special. As if, him and us are connected somehow. You don't feel it?"
The ladies looked at each other with even more confusion. Sean sounded like he was talking crazy. However, Josh did feel the same thing. As such, he had faith that his brother knew what he was doing. Something about Chad might bring Ken back to his senses. Either that, or make things worse. They wouldn't know until later.
Angel Grove Marine Life Research Facility, 5:25 PM
A few blocks away from the beach, but still on the shore technically, was a research facility with a goal of keeping the balance of the oceans in terms of its ecosystem and its inhabitants. It was also apart of the Angel Grove Aquarium as well. Any animal that would have a performance one day or another were transferred to this facility to be fed and taken care of health-wise until necessary practices required transporting them to the Aquarium. It just so happened to not be a day for any of the sea life to have any particular shows to practice in. Chad was tasked with keeping any sea life within the facility in working condition. However, when not taking care of the animals, he goes into fairly extensive research to determine and possibly prevent possible unnatural phenonenons. However, in this case, he was only capable of realizing it was happening.
"So I've been fairly worried since yesterday. I have been getting constant reports about fishermen catching fish from both cold and warm currents, which shouldn't be possible under normal conditions. As such, this is effectively dangerous for the ecosystem as whole. Warming seawater can lead to what's called a jellyfish phenomenon. See, there's a balance between jellyfish, fish, mammals and plankton. Warming seawater erodes that balance. And as such, the population of jellyfish end up increasing at a fairly rapid rate. The warmer the seawater gets, the more jellyfish will begin to appear, and possibly end up overpopulating the planet's oceans."
This was definitely a lot for Ken to take in. But if Sean thought this would be helpful, there had to be some truth to his words, right? "Why not just reduce the jellyfish population to return the balance?
"If it were that simple, we would have already started on that. But of course, it isn't."
Ken was a little bit surprised by this. But Chad most likely had a very good reason for not doing something so crazy.
Angel Grove Beach, 5:30 PM
Brakal had done what Dragun instructed him to do, which was continue his operations of boiling the oceans until the planet was dried up. And for a good while, it seemed as though he would be able to do so without interruption, or so he thought.
"Hold it right there!" yelled Sean, getting Brakal's attention from behind.
Brakal wasn't that surprised. He expected someone to find him eventually. "You found me again, I see. What a nuisance." He then noticed something in particular. "I see the Blue Ranger isn't with you? Has he finally given up like the worm he is?"
"You don't need to worry about him. You have us to deal with!" yelled Sean as the Rangers proceeded to morph up, summoning their Guardian Arms as well.
They first attempted to blast Brakal, but to no avail, as he shielded himself with his solar powers. The girls then attempted to do a dual ranged attack, which failed miserably, leading to a counterattack that knocked back the girls. It was the Sean and Josh's turn to take him down. "Solar Tornado!" yelled Brakal as he unleashed a tornado of solar energy that countered the melee attacks from the brothers, knocking them back as well.
"Hm. Looks like all that big talk was for nothing!" Brakal then summoned meteor-like projectiles that rained down on the Rangers, dealing massive damage to them in the process.
Angel Grove Marine Life Research Facility
"Our goal is to keep the balance of the ocean as a whole. Adding or subtracting a number of species won't fix the problem. Chances are, it probably would make things far worse. It's a matter of all the sealife needing to live in harmony. Protecting the planet's oceans is our job, and we have no reason to stray away from it all. There always comes a time where we have to make our responsibilities our top priority, taking whatever has come before in our and letting go."
It was those last two words that got to Ken the most. That's what Kayla was trying to say to him. He remembered now. Ken had been holding Kayla so tightly to him for so long, and all she wanted was for him to let her go. He's still alive. There's no reason not to keep living for her sake. He then looked at a large display of fish that the facility was taking care of the time. The beauty of it paled in comparison to the beauty that the ocean has. "Protecting the ocean, huh...?"
"I've been working hard to keeping the oceans clean and making sure no species go instinct. There's no reason to lose something so precious in nature. It's our job to protect it at all costs." explained Chad.
Ken placed his hand on the glass, thinking hard about what he was doing, and how he has been acting for the last few days. Why did it matter what happened in the past? Why bother with fighting just to ensure the past has a purpose. What's done is done. He can't change what has already come to pass. This is something has is only now beginning to realize. Vengeance won't change anything. It'll only blind him from his responsibilities as a Ranger. He needed to stop acting like an spirit of vengeance, and act as he should. Once again, he's reminded of who he is and what he should do. He had only recently realized that the voice that called to him suddenly during their second ever battle with the Fleet was in fact Kayla. What she had said was right. You're a Power Ranger. Act like one!
"All this time...and I only cared about beating him...how can I be so stupid?"
"Who are you talking about?" asked Chad with curiosity.
Ken looked at Chad with a smile. "It's nothing, I promise. It's just that I remembered what the right thing to do is. I need to put my heart and soul into protecting this planet and its seas. We all have our roles in protecting the earth. And I only just remembered what it is now. I have my role. I need to be responsible about it and follow through." Ken then shook Chad's hand. "Thank you, Chad. I know what I can do to help. I'll be going now."
"You're welcome." replied Chad as Ken made his way out of the facility. "Good luck, Blue Ranger!" Stopping in his tracks, Ken was surprised by what he just heard. How did Chad know he was a Ranger. It was then that he revealed a mysterious device on his wrist. Recognizing what that device was, Ken left with a smile on his face, and renewal of his spirit.
Angel Grove Beach
The Rangers still attempted to take down Brakal, without much success. As such, he unleashed a wave of fire at the Rangers, knocking them back once more. "Fun time is over, children. Time to say goodbye!"
They all looked at Brakal, feeling helpless in their situation. He then unleashed the meteor shower once again on the Rangers. However, something else happened. "Spirit Card! Activate!"
"NEPTUNE'S GEYSER!" yelled a familiar booming voice as a wall of water protected the Rangers from harm. Brakal was utterly surprised by this.
It was then that he along with the Rangers looked at where it came from. It was Ken, who had finally come to join the fight. "Ken..." said Sean to himself.
"Care to embarrass yourself again!?" asked Brakal with curiosity.
"Not this time! I know what the right thing to do is now!" responded Ken.
"The right thing? I doubt it. How is vengeance considered the right thing to you?"
"It isn't. But that doesn't mean you'll be spared. As a Power Ranger, it's my job to protect this world from scum like you at any cost. I have no reason to let my emotions get in the way of my mission!"
Josh was shocked, but proud to know that Ken had finally come to his senses.
Ken opened his Morpher, placed the Morph Card inside, and closed it, the same booming voice issuing the same command as always. "GO GO GUARDIANS!" He was then encompassed in a bright light as his Morphing sequence began.
Within the light, he had immediately dawned an incomplete suit without the helmet. Suddenly, wings sprouted from Ken's back, folding over his torso to form the Sea Tribe insignia. A silhouette of what looked to be the Shark Zord encompassed Ken's head forming the helmet and completing the transformation.
Brakal wasn't impressed. He then attempted to literally blast Ken off his pedestal. However, he wasn't quick enough to do so, as Ken had launched himself into the air towards Brakal, landing a single punch to push him back a little. Unlike before, Ken was able to fight back and not get knocked down. However, Brakal wasn't about to let up on this fight one bit.
"Solar Tornado!" yelled Brakal as he did just that.
"Neptune's Twister!" yelled Ken in response to Brakal's attack, which was a tornado made solely out of water. After a few clashing hits, Brakal was overwhelmed and knocked out of his own attack. The other Rangers regrouped with Ken, glad to see him back to his old self.
Brakal recovered from the onslaught, now actually furious. "Curse you all...Mantisites! Take them out!" From out of nowhere, the Mantisites came out of nowhere, preparing to charge at the Rangers.
"Sean, Josh, you two take point. Jamie, you're on support. Sarah and I will hold the rear line." explained Ken. The Rangers all did as they were asked, with Sean and Josh taking the fight to the Mantisites, Jamie supporting them, alone with Sarah and Ken to hold back in the rear to fire from long range. With the targets in sights, Sarah and Ken proceeded to fire. Sarah was focused on taking out any unoccupied Mantisites, while Ken swerved the blast around them to get a sneak attack on Brakal, which succeeded.
The Rangers then regrouped for one last attack. "Great job, guys." complemented Sean.
"You guys ready?" asked Ken.
"Why wouldn't we?" asked Sarah.
"Yeah!" yelled Jamie.
"Let's just finish this guy, shall we?"
The Rangers then proceeded to combine their weapons once again. "Divinity Crossbow!" Placing their respective cards on the bases of their respective weapons, the Crossbow proceeded to charge with the booming voice giving out the correct command. "DYNAMIC PUNISHMENT!"
"Fire!" yelled the Rangers as the fully charged Crossbow fired off the one shot it had, leading to Brakal's destruction.
Dragun was beyond dumbfounded. To think that someone as powerful as Brakal could be defeated by the Rangers. "How is this possible...?"
"This battle is far from over." explained Budon as he sent out the bat-like eye creatures towards Brakal's body to make him grow.
"This time, I'll turn your planet into a charred lava rock!" yelled the newly revived Brakal.
Knowing very well that this would happen, the Rangers all summoned their Zords, proceeding to form the Megazord the moment they entered their respective cockpits. "Guardian Megazord! We are united!"
Brakal was able to get a few hits on the Megazord before it was able to retaliate itself. "You all don't stand a chance against me! Time to burn you all alive!" yelled Brakal as he unleashed high temperature heat waves at the Megazord. While the Megazord itself can't overheat, the Rangers themselves were on the verge of suffering heat stroke if exposed to such high temperatures for too long.
"I won't...no...WE won't...let you win!" yelled Ken with all the effort he had. He then proceeded to summon the Brothers of Neptune to support them in this battle.
The Manta Ray Spirit Beast blasted at Brakal, knocking him down and giving the Rangers ample time to come up with a counterattack. And that came in the form of combining with the Brothers of Neptune. "Neptune Megazord! We are united!"
Upon completion of the combination, Brakal was surprised by what he was seeing. Regardless, the Rangers activated the Binding Finisher card, preparing to strike down Brakal once and for all. "Those who do evil works, shall receive Divine Retribution!" yelled Ken as the Rangers gave out one final command. "Neptune's Fury!"
With two strikes from the final attack, Brakal was destroyed. This time, he would not come back.
When the battle was over, Ken looked towards the ocean once more, and possibly for the last time. He was ready to let go of the past and move forward with the present and potential future ahead of him. He could do nothing to save Kayla, and that's something he has to live with for the rest of his life. He would also have to live with the fact that sometimes people have to make sacrifices for the greater good. Kayla sacrificed herself to ensure that Brakal would be dealt with permanently. It gave Ken far more understanding of what he's truly fighting for, along with the motivation to back it up. In a sense, protecting Kayla was a setback to prevent Ken from reaching greater heights. Even though Kayla not around anymore, he knows that she's rooting for him in the next life, whatever that may be.
"I understand what I have to do now. Sis, I hope you're watching. I won't lose myself again. I'm a Power Ranger, after all. I need to act like one. I have a job to do. So if you're watching, you'll know that I'll do everything in my power to ensure the five of us follow through with protecting this planet.
After some time has passed, Jamie walked up to Ken, who was still enjoying the view while it'll last. "Glad to know you're back to your old self again."
Ken sighed at this. While Jamie was right in certain regards, he still felt like a different person overall. The last few experiences he's had changed him in one way or another. He's now stronger with what he's dealt with for the past day. "Well, I wouldn't say that."
Jamie then gave Ken a light punch on the shoulder. "What do you mean?"
"I'm back to how I was, sure, but I've grown from all of this. I know for a fact that I won't make the same mistake twice. And even if I did, I know better now than to bring myself back down to that level again. I have no reason to hold grudges anymore. I still gotta wonder how anything I 'remembered' actually happened. Maybe something happened on that day that acted like a big reset button. Or maybe these are just false memories put into us by something much bigger. I don't know. But what I do know is, I don't have to worry about it anymore. I can focus on my duties again."
Jamie wasn't sure how to respond to all that. In a way, Ken made a few good points about what he supposedly remembered. But if that's the case with Ken, then why doesn't it apply to Sean? With Levir claiming that he first met Sean on that same day, it's hard to believe that the memory of that wouldn't come back to him. Maybe Sean just doesn't have the memory of that happening. Either way, Ken had finally received some closure, and he was glad for that. "Promise me one thing, will you?"
Ken looked at Jamie, curious as to what she was going to say. "What is it?"
"You don't want to lose anymore people you love, right? Well, you now have another reason to fight the good fight."
Ken chuckled. He knew this already, having kept this in mind for a while. "Yeah. I guess you're right." He then unconsciously placed his arm around Jamie's shoulder, the two looking out into the ocean without a care in the world. "Such a nice view."
"Sucks that the sun isn't setting, though."
"Hey guys!" suddenly yelled Sarah from a distance. Her, Sean and Josh were all waiting for the two. They weren't sure how much longer they'd be out there, but it didn't hurt to check up on them.
Ken and Jamie then turned to look at them, realizing what just happened. It wasn't a big deal, but it did surprise them when they noticed it. They then walked over to the other three, glad to see them.
"So, how are you feeling?" asked Josh.
Ken sighed before responding. "I know that getting my vengeance wouldn't bring Kayla back. I was stupid to act that way."
"Well, at least you admit it." Josh then chuckled.
Ken raised an eyebrow at Josh's response. "And what's that supposed to mean?"
"Nothing, relax. I'm just glad to see your mind is clear again."
Ken gave Josh a light punch to the shoulder while giving a smile. "Whatever you say."
"Well, are you ready to go?" asked Sean.
"Yeah. Let's go home."
And with that, the Rangers headed back to Ernie's house, ready to kill time for the rest of the day however they can.
Later that night...
A severely injured, but alive Brakal was struggling to move after his humiliating defeat by the Rangers. "Curse those Rangers! Do they...actually think...I could be beaten so easily? Just wait until next time...they'll pay dearly for this..."
The fact that he is still alive is surprising. It would be a pain to have to deal with him once again. However, they wouldn't have to. Noticing Brakal resting on a nearby rock, a fully cloaked figure walked towards him, as if it knew what it was doing. Brakal didn't notice the figure right away. However, when he did realize that it was in his presence, he was confused. "Who are you...? What...do you want?"
"I see you have survived." said the figured in a synthesized voice, as to hide its identity. "Allow me to fix that..." Suddenly, the figure materialized what looked to be either a spear or a lance, showing a rather precarious insignia. "...permanently."
"Wait...that weapon...IT'S YO-" Before Brakal could finish that sentence, the figure had already slashed through him with ease.
Walking away from the soon-to-be-destroyed Brakal, the figure deactivated its voice synthesizer for one word. "Checkmate." The voice was female. When she said that word, lightning started to encompass Brakal, who was screaming before a massive explosion destroyed him for good. This time, there was no coming back from that.
Whoever this figure was, she was special. Especially in what she knew. Whoever she was, whether she was friend or foe, has yet to be seen.
"It's almost time."
To Be Continued...
Ugh. I knew I'd have to make some difficult decisions over the course of writing this story, but this is just ridiculous. The original intent was to split this episode into a two-parter, since there's so much stuff crammed into the original episode being adapted that it wouldn't work.. However, to avoid making both episodes too short individually, I just decided to boil it all down to one episode for the sake of giving you people a lot to read as I work on the next episode. Besides, if I ever make anything out of this story than just a story, I will gladly do what I can to rewrite this little sub-plot into a balanced two-parter to pace out all that's going on. One thing's for sure, though. I plan to do some rewriting on this in the future. The way this turned out wasn't as I expected it.
To be completely honest, I actually thought I'd have fun writing this episode. While I eventually did after I made the difficult choice, it was definitely a pain. Especially since there's SO much that I had to put into this episode. I legit tried to split up this episode as best I could. But somehow, I ended up writing far less for part 1 than I anticipated. So, I had to choose to make this one episode. I don't like it, but I'd rather not give you guys very short episodes. I mean, yeah, that's what the last episode was like, but that was because I HATED trying to write that episode. I wasn't about to start cutting corners. I wanted to keep this entertaining. And as the story keeps moving forward, it's gonna get harder.
But anyway, allow me to explain some things.
First, the thing about Ken remembering what supposedly never happened. Well, I can't say that it DID happen, but I can't say it's utterly impossible either. I mean, explain Levir, then. Something happened 10 days before the Rangers became who they are now. Supposedly, they were already Rangers 10 days prior. That doesn't really make sense now, but trust me, just roll with it. A lot of the confusion that I'm adding into this story will be cleared up as best I can in the future.
Next, the Green Ranger HERself. In Goseiger, the green member of the team was a male. However, I remember looking up a custom drawn female version of GoseiGreen with her own Mecha that could transform and combine with Gosei Great. While I didn't consider implementing the Mecha in that image, I decided to give the Green Ranger Kayla some screen time. I felt she deserved it as she most likely won't ever show up as the sixth ranger in the show. She was mostly there as a means to develop Ken some more. I had been thinking of how to go about this form of development for a long time. Glad I finally stuck with something.
Third, the cloaked figure at the end. I can't say anything about her for the moment. Just know that you'll see her again.
Fourth, the start of something you all probably never expected. For the entirety of this story so far, I have not once opened up the possibility of another relationship in the team until now. SeanSarah is already something I plan to push soon, no doubt. However, I plan to make another couple happen soon. Not gonna say who or when. But just keep an eye out. Though, considering how obvious I made it, you'll probably already know.
And finally, Chad. To be honest, I contemplated whether or not to follow through with how the original Sentai episode did everything. But the original idea was just have Jamie talk to Ken, which I ended up not liking in the end. So, I changed it, and it turned out a lot better. Now, you're probably wondering who Chad is? Well, think about it. Who in the Power Rangers universe loves marine life to the point of choosing to protect it however he could, and would also know if someone was a Ranger? Some of you might never have guessed it, but it's actually Chad Lee, the Lightspeed Blue Ranger. Yep, that's right. We got Legendary cameos continuing in this story, which was something that Super Megaforce got right, but executed it poorly. There will only be a certain amount of cameos that I could put into this story, but I'll try to place in as many as I can when necessary. I mean, it only makes sense to gain wisdom from those that came before, right? Right. Oh, and the mysterious device on his wrist? His Rescue Morpher. Though, that should have been obvious.
All in all, I really thought I'd have fun with this episode. At certain points, I was having fun. But in others, it ended up more of a hassle than anything. I have a lot of plans for this story. And most of it doesn't have to do with the plot itself. Forgive all the clutter made by this episode. Hope you all understand.
Next time on Power Rangers: Guardians! Jamie is found out to have an affinity for cheerleading. It's mainly to put on a show for a cancer patient at Angel Grove Hospital and give her the courage to go through her upcoming operation. Meanwhile, Dragun is no longer taking the Rangers lightly, as he sends out a creation of his own to do away with the Rangers and the Earth by draining its energy and using it for destruction. Omega feels helpless that he can't do more for the Rangers. Will Jamie be able to defeat this enemy? Will Omega be given a new purpose? What will happen to the child undergoing surgery? Find out next time!
If you'd like to keep up with this story and future episodes, be sure to click the Follow/Fav button. Same thing applies if you want to be notified if I make a new story and such by clicking the same button on my author page. And if you'd like to give feedback on how this story and others that I might make could be improved, be sure to leave a review. Any criticism helps me make the story more appealing to you. Plus, it helps to better me as a writer and as a person. Also, thanks to Son of Whitebeard for constantly leaving reviews in the last few episodes. I appreciate your words, man. Keep them coming if you can.
Anyway, that's everything I have to say to you guys. Have a Morphenomenal day, and may the Power protect you, always! ;)