Chapter 11
Jason smiled brightly as he walked into the main part of the loft. He was the last one up today and everyone was going about their mornings. Lily and Theo were dressed in their JKP uniforms and were heading downstairs with RJ. Casey and Jarrod were on the training mats performing a Kata that Jason recognised, just not exactly where from. Jason also spotted Camille, she was looking at Jason from the other side of the room. He didn't quite know why but he got a bad feeling from her, he guessed it was just his life's experiences getting the better of him. Choosing to ignore his bad vibe he went to the cereal packet and pile of bowls that were lying on the table to get some breakfast.
Camille slowly started to walk over towards Jason, her steps were always silent; like a hunting Panther. Her human clothing had taken some time to adjust too but she was confident that she knew what affect each piece of clothing had on people around her. She smirked a little as she passed a mirror. Her choice of attire was different from normal, she liked experimenting and Jarrod had noticed her current choices. While she still sported her usual blue jeans her top was short, showing off her slender stomach. Her hair was also let down for once, it flowed down her shoulders and her upper back, shimmering whenever the light touched it.
"Sleep well?" Camille asked as she approached Jason.
"Yup." Came the reply.
Camille perched herself on top of a stool next to Jason as he began to eat the food he'd poured out.
"So got any plans today then?" she asked casually.
Jason glanced at her and shrugged.
"Not yet, I might end up visiting Kira. She always enjoys the company."
Camille nodded.
"Well in that case how about you and me take a walk? I can show you around the place better than anyone else."
"Sure, ok then. So long as you don't mind if Kira tags along at some point." Jason replied.
Camille shook her head in response.
"Not a problem, by all means bring Jarrod along as well if you want."
Jason stopped eating, swiveling around on his stool, he looked directly at Camille.
"Why Jarrod and not Casey?" he asked.
"Well, Casey has to work. Besides you two aren't exactly getting on at the moment."
Jason's eyes lowered a little, revealing the sadness that lurked within him.
"Yeah, well, that is his choice." replying in a lower tone than normal.
Camille sighed.
"Well I guess it's up to you to fix it?"
"True, but I will do it in my own time." Jason replied, finishing off his breakfast.
"So when do you want to go?" he asked.
"Depends, are we bringing Jarrod along?" Camille asked.
"Yeah, why not."
Jason and Camille moved to the balcony and saw that Casey had already gone down to work. Jarrod was wearing black trousers with a black T-shirt that had a design drawn in yellow of a Lion's face roaring.
Jason and Camille both shook there heads at him.
Jarrod looked perplexed.
"What?" he asked.
"You haven't quite mastered the art of subtlety have you dear?" Camille said.
Jarrod realised what she meant and waved her comments away.
"We're going for a walk you want to come?" Jason asked.
"Where to?" Jarrod replied.
"Well we may meet up with Kira again but other than that no idea." Jason said.
"Ok then," Jarrod replied with a grin.
The three exited the pizza parlour and began to walk through the city.
Jason was in the middle with Camille and Jarrod on either side of him. Him and Jarrod were discussing various martial art techniques while Camille was observing the look that various guys and some women and were giving her. As they turned another corner Jason realised that they were heading in the same direction that he had been the night before.
They walked around for a while, chatting among themselves. As they moved underneath a large building they came to the place that Jason had been last night. There were people in fluorescent jackets clearing up rubble and inspecting damage to the place.
"Wonder what happened here?" Jarrod said out loud.
"Yes, I wonder what." Camille said while looking in Jason's direction.
Jason nodded his head in realisation. Giving a smirk to Camille he replied.
"I don't know Camille what do you think happened here?
The three moved away from everyone to continue the conversation without letting everyone else overhearing it.
"Well since she was here last night she should know." Jarrod said.
"As were you, since you were what happened here last night." Camille said.
Jason sighed and folded his arms. His leather jacket folded with his arms overlapping each bit leaving a V shaped hole just under his neck that let his red shirt shine through.
"So you were cloaked watching me then?" Jason asked.
"Yes."
"Thanks for the help." Jason said sarcastically.
"You didn't look like you needed help from where I was stood." she shot back.
Jarrod stepped between the two and put a hand on Camille's shoulder.
"Look, Jason, if it wasn't for you that tentacle thing would have crushed me to death. You fought like no one I've ever seen. I believe that your a good person but it's clear that you are hiding something from us. You know our secret, and we know something about yours. We trust you with ours, you can trust us with yours."
"You have no idea, you could never understand. Just like Casey can't."
Jarrod and Camille both looked at each other a little shocked.
"You mean Casey already knows?" Camille said, sounding more surprised than she had intended.
"No he doesn't, I took an oath. A vow that I personally have never broken. This issue is a hard one for me. On the one hand I vowed never to tell anyone my secret but I think you guys are an exception to this rule."
"Why?" Jarrod asked curiously.
Jason shook his head, "Can't tell you until I make up my mind."
"Well you have to tell us something, at the moment I don't even know if you're human." Camille said, she wasn't trying to hide her annoyance at all.
"I'm human." Jason said.
Before anyone had time to say another word Camille and Jarrod both sensed something appear not too far from them. They also felt the other rangers power up their animal spirits and morph.
"I think we are needed." Jarrod said turning away from Jason.
"I agree, but this isn't over." Camille said.
"Spirit of the Mighty Lion!"
"Spirit of the Chameleon!"
Jarrod's armour appeared around him and Camille transformed into her true form. Then the two jumped onto a nearby building and out of sight.
Jason took in a deep breath and started a brisk jog in the direction that they had headed. They hadn't gone too far since he could hear the screams of people off in the distance.
*********
Jarrod and Camille arrived just in time to see the rangers go crashing into the floor. Jarrod looked at the advancing Rin Shi and the advancing 3 monsters.
The one on the right was General Scorch, he looked revitalised and just as dangerous as ever.
The one on the left looked similar to the thing that had attacked Jarrod and Jason the other night. This one however did not seem as corrupted. It was gold instead of black and seemed more complete. While it was still covered in tentacles one eye was clearly visible in the center of the creature.
The monster that stood between the two had a deep blue face, large pointed teeth, fiery red eyes and a horrifying look about it. His body was clad in gold. His muscles were visible through the armour with a tail wrapped around his waist and a jagged edged sword clasped tight in his right hand.
The rangers picked themselves up off the floor as Jarrod and Camille joined them increasing their odds.
"Boy am I glad to see you guys." Casey said.
"No problem, now what on earth is going on here?" Jarrod asked.
"No idea, one minute the place was quiet and the next the alarms went crazy. I hope Flit is as good at running the place alone as Fran is." RJ said.
The Rin Shi formed ranks a few feet from them, cornering them against the wall.
"Looks like the want to have a rumble." Lily said throwing her arms out into their positions.
Theo followed suit and the others all assumed their stances in order.
"Then lets give them one." Casey said.
They all charged forward and the Rin Shi flying and somersaulting backwards.
A large fight ensued, however the Rin Shi proved to be no match with the bolstered ranks of the rangers.
As the Rin Shi were dealt with they all confronted the three monsters that had seen fit to simply watch.
"I think these guys combined may be a little tougher than we are expecting, let's not take the chance." Theo said.
"Right," Casey said while pulling out his Claw Booster.
"Jungle Master Mode!" Screamed Casey, Theo and Lily.
The transformations took place and the teams power raised greatly.
"Impressive," The middle one said, his deep growling voice sent shivers down the rangers spine. "Unfortunately I'm afraid it won't save you."
Raising his sword into the sky it glowed a dark shade of orange. Lighting seemed to course through and over his body and weapon. When it finished he shot the sword forward and let out a charged burst of energy. The rangers never stood a chance at reacting. Casey and Theo took the worst of the blast and were knocked back a few feet and slammed into the floor while RJ and Camille were only blasted they managed to stay upright.
"Who are you?!" RJ demanded.
"Insolent fool, I am Goldar! The most powerful warrior in the universe!" As he said that he flicked his arms and let out a mighty roar. He also unfurled that were hidden on his back showing just what an imposing creature he was.
"Goldar huh?" Jarrod said.
"Well let's see what you got, Black Lion Claws!" Jarrod flew forwards as his hands surged with energy.
Just as he was about to hit Goldar the gold tentacle monster stood in front of his master and took the blow for him. Jarrod was surprised. Despite how much damage he had caused the creature was still stood. Unfortunately for Jarrod it also found the strength to fight back.
Jarrod took a hit to the chest and was sent hurtling back at the rangers.
"Jarrod!" Camille cried.
"Attack! Came the bloodthirsty cry from Goldar.
Scorch and the tentacle monster both streaked across the floor and delivered a quick blow to a ranger.
"RJ! You Jarrod and Camille take on Scorch we'll handle this thing.
RJ nodded and flew at scorch his elbow charged up with his wolf energy, as it connected Scorch staggered backwards and prepared for battle.
Casey dodged left and right as tentacles came flying at him from all directions. As another one came directly at him he flicked his arm up and used his Claw Booster to cut away part of the tentacle. The monster didn't seem fazed by this move at all.
"Interesting move, but you won't have seen this one coming." Came the psychic voice of the monster.
"It talks?" Theo said as he batted away his own tentacle.
"Quite the observant one aren't you?" it replied, sending a bolt of electricity at Theo.
Theo took a direct hit, sparks flew as landed backwards.
Casey couldn't believe it, the tentacle simply reattached itself it was as if he hadn't even attacked it.
Lily used her speed to get in close to the monster and attempted to use her cheetah jabs. Unfortunately the monster drew it's tentacles around it like a shield and her effort was futile. As she stopped the monster used the opportunity to reverse the positions. It wrapped all of it's tentacles around Lily and started crushing her.
"Wrong move" The creature said dryly.
"LILY!" Theo screamed. "Unleash the Jaguar!" he cried. A large Jaguar spirit flew at the monster. It was far more corporeal than Casey had ever seen it, as it made impact the monster let out a psychic scream as the claws dug in, forcing him to let go of Lily.
Theo ran to Lily's side as Casey went in to keep the monster occupied.
"You ok?" Theo asked.
"I've been better, but I can still kick his creepy butt." Lily replied getting to her feet.
"Theo, Lily, I think this has gone on long enough. Summon the claw cannon."
"Right!" Theo and Lily started to summon it, however before they could finish it a large explosion erupted from underneath them. Causing them both to be flung high into the air and come crashing back down to the ground.
"I don't know what your silly claw cannon is but I have a fair idea. You won't be summoning it today." Goldar said with a snarl on his lips.
Casey had been distracted by what Goldar had done that he turned his back on the creature.
"Wrong move"
Casey felt his body wrapped up very tightly, his frame was being tightened, his muscles were shaking from the pressure. He let out a scream of pain as his bones started to feel the pressure.
"Game over" Came the dry voice of the monster.
"I don't think so Pipebrain!" Came a loud voice.
"What!? Who knows my name!?"
"ME!" Right on cue Jason performed a spinning kick maneuverer and slammed into the main body of Pipebrain.
Casey looked at Jason.
"Thanks, but you need to get out of here. It's too dangerous."
"Well well, Red Ranger. Seems the team is falling apart how about me and you settle this matter ourselves? Eh?" Goldar said laughing manically.
"Your on freak!" Casey said.
"Not you worm!" Goldar replied. "Him." Pointing at Jason as he did so.
"What!?" Came the unanimous response from the rangers.
"Goldar, I don't know how you came back, or why you here, but I do one thing."
"And what's that powerless ranger? That you don't have your powers anymore and you are powerless to stop me!"
"Actually no, that I don't need to worry about weather or not to tell these guys who I AM anymore."
"Don't you mean who you were, Jason?" Goldar said. Sending Theo and Lily flying towards Casey as he did.
Jason smirked and started to focus his energy.
"No I don't." Jason said as his power started to build.
"Well then Jason, show me this power then, after all fighting these new rangers is no challenge at all!"
Jason let his anger bubble to the surface. He didn't know how in hell Goldar had come back to life but no one was going to hurt his friends.
"You want a fight!? You got one!"
His body glowed a dark red, an aura encased him and he drew his left fist up to his chest. As he did so a bright flash of red light sparked from his hand. In it's place was a small device.
Swinging the device out in a clockwards motion, everyone saw what it was. Casey and Theo's jaws dropped.
On the top and bottom of the front of it, it read 'Power Rangers.
In the center there was a shining coin with a Tyrannosaurus emblem on it.
As Jason made the motions he said three words that send fear into the heart of Goldar.
"It's Morphin Time!"