CHAPTER VII

KARONE

I found Andros' Spiral Saber in my quarters aboard the Mega Ship. Inky had been here. After a quick look around, I deduced that Rorschach had not touched anything.

Huh.

De-morphing, I collapsed onto my bed and breathed a heavy sigh of relief. The first free breath I had taken since fighting my way out of Zendorr's tower with Rorschach. I had to hand it to him: he fought very well, albeit ruthlessly.

And Leo seemed happy to see us when we got to him. Maybe a little grossed out when Inky speared Iron Man, but happy nonetheless.

"Knock knock."

Oh, speak of the devil…

I nodded and Leo entered the room.

"Hi, Leo."

"You got a minute?"

For you, anytime.

"Uh, yeah. Sure."

He sat across from me.

"How are you?"

"Better," I said, smiling.

"Good."

"Glad you got there in time."

"What?" he asked. "We didn't. Kortan kept us busy."

"Okay," I agreed. "Let me rephrase. I'm just glad you were there to help. Dan told me that you insisted on volunteering."

"You're my partner, Karone."

"Just a partner?"

Damn!

"What?"

"Yup!" I said. "A partner."

Leo smiled.

Nice recovery.

He rose.

"Well, I'm glad you're okay. I'll catch you later."

He turned to leave.

Go on. Tell him!

Tell him what?

How you feel, dummy! Let him know!

You know I can't do that.

"Leo."

Too late.

Screw it.

I rose as he turned to face me.

"What's up?"

Prepare to dock in three…two…

Oh, shut up!

I put my arms around his waist and kissed him.

He was warm.

After a moment, I pulled away, embarrassed. I pulled a string of hair out of my eyes.

"Sorry."

He held me this time, and returned the kiss.

*****

RORSCHACH

Rorschach's Journal Date Unknown

Returned from tower. Dan sent a rescue party. Turned out to be unneeded. Even so, helped a bit getting out.

That drill had come to Astronema somehow. Still don't know the exact method she had used, but I guess she has her ways. Important thing is she didn't kill me. I wonder why. Not like she owes me anything or would stand to gain anything by letting me live. Not that she could have hurt me much anyway. Even so.

Found some new napkins in the airship. Writing on them now.

Remembered what I thought a while ago about corrupting this planet's virgin soil. Lies. This planet isn't innocent. I've seen the truth. Zendorr's power, his fortress, his army… This planet isn't virgin… This planet was raped. Raped by evil, just like Earth has been raped by evil. It's all the same. Always has been, always will be. Always good and evil, and evil must be punished.

I still refuse to compromise in this.

Familiar noises coming from another room. Sounds like my mother at the peak of her indecent career. Not Dan and Laurie. They're with Veidt, sorting through everything they've seen and heard. Manhattan's on the roof, thinking over something useless, like turning seaweed into a computer or something like that. Kai and Damon are teaching Maya and Mike how to play poker.

Which leaves Leo and Karone.

Hm.

The gallant Red Ranger and the Princess of Evil. What a cute couple.

A foul stench fills my nostrils, and I realize that I've regurgitated something on the inside of my face.

Must remember to clean that at some point.

The Comedian would have found this funny. Sadly, I didn't share his sense of humor.

Oh well…

*****

ZORDON

The final battle draws near… Zendorr has reactivated Krakentonn, an eight-limbed leviathan of a Zord created after Lord Zedd's Serpentera and with a much greater power supply. When it reaches full power, it will destroy this world.

I must act quickly. The fate of the universe now lies in the balance.

I will contact my comrades, and reveal to each of them their part in the upcoming conflict.

Dr. Manhattan will be first.

May the Power protect us...