Super Sentai vs Super Sentai – Another
Author's note: After a REALLY long hiatus, I'm back. Let's see how long I can keep myself away from hiatus, when I got things to do like works or other projects. At any rate, I'm not sure how much this chapter's filler plot making sense, but here we go!
CHAPTER 25: A Movie Plot Gone Awry
Once again, a clear day was in shores for the Super Sentai, leaving them in free time before they know what kind of plan Long had in his pocket. While most of the rest were doing their normal activities, at that point, Takeru and Momoko decided to go help out Jiraiya in maintaining his crepe stand.
"Come get your crepes here! Tasty, healthy and it doesn't cost a lot!"
"Banana crepe? Coming right up, sir."
"Banana crepe, huh? OK, leave it to me!"
With Takeru acting as the one who attracted the customer, Momoko as the waitress and Jiraiya as the cook, more customers came to buy the products in the stand. In other words, it's a big success, in a quick time.
As the three eventually packed up, they began to chat together. "Hey. I'm… really thankful about this." Jiraiya started the conversation, "We got a lot today!"
"Don't sweat it, it's what friends do." Takeru smiled back at him, tapping his shoulder in a friendly manner, "We help each other in good and bad times"
"Yeah, couldn't said it better!" Momoko chimed back. However, quickly enough, the smile started to fade and became a worried, "But somehow… I think we will have it tested soon."
"Huh? What do you mean about that, Momoko?" Takeru asked her, sharing her worry, "I know you have every rights to worry at times like this, but…" After all, they were still stuck in an alternate world where everything in the real world were at stake depending on their success.
"It's just that…" Momoko tried to recall what transpired in the recent past as she put her finger on her forehead, as if trying to clear her mind, "Ever since that incident with Hoji, don't you think Mele has been…"
"I trust her, Momoko. She won't go bad." Jiraiya quickly chimed in, he was quite worried that Momoko, who only had little time together with Mele, might not trust Mele that quickly. However, even he had to agree on something, "But… Yeah. Lately she's been quite grumpier than usual…"
Takeru let out a small sigh on this conversation. It's not proper to tell them to forget it, even he knew something was not right. It all began at their last battle, when Mele suddenly had a giant outburst of anger at the mere mention of her fellow Rin Jyuu Ken users being slaughtered. It was a good thing that she didn't take it out on Hoji, the one who delivered the killing blows. But even afterwards, she became more distant with the rest of the team. 'Mele…'
"AAAAHHH!"
And the silence was destroyed with a cry of help from many, from afar. "Let's go!" Takeru signaled his two friends, if any of these people perish here, they would perish as well in the real world, so they had to always keep their guard up.
As they reached the site of crisis, it turned it was just an attack by Batsuroids led by one Igaroids. "We shouldn't let our guard down, just because they're grunts." Takeru warned, as he raised his arm up to the height of his eye, "Let's go!"
"OK!" That was the signal for the two to transform, and they followed suit.
"Aura Mask!"
"Super Henge! Doron Changer!"
The three transformed and leapt right onto the battle, interrupting the Batsuroids. Drawing their weapons, the three slashed through the horde of Batsuroids. "Everyone get out of here, quick!" As usual, Pink Mask had time to get everyone out. Shortly after, she rescued a young boy by delivering a flying kick to a Batsuroid that nearly attacked him. "It's safe now!" Pink Mask held him on the shoulder, trying to assure him. However, his face seemed to look at her with shock rather than assurance, as a Batsuroid was approaching her and trying to attack her from the back…
And without even looking at it, Pink Mask just raised her hand and backhanded the Batsuroid away. "S-so cool…" In instant, the boy's face was filled with awe, and he was slowly blushing, witnessing just how this cool lady in suit just shoved away his attacker.
"Hurry up!" Pink Mask's exclamation was the thing that brought him back to senses and he complied, running away, enabling her to concentrate once again.
Just as she started knocking away several Batsuroids, Red Mask approached her, as he also got around from beating out his own batch of Batsuroids, "I bet you just got yourself a new fan, huh?" Red Mask teased, as he also witnessed the ordeal.
"You really have time for that in the middle of battle!?" Pink Mask protested, but her attempts for more was stopped the moment she witnessed Red Mask, right in front of her just raised his right leg, and then without looking behind, he just kicked an approaching Batsuroid.
"You'll get used to it eventually if you fight more. I thought we've fought enough times to make it a regular thing."
"Oh… right."
"NO! Help! Somebody help!" The two suddenly heard someone speaking with good English. They nearly thought it was Ninja Black, but quickly washed away the thought from their mind that they know he wouldn't do that. In fact, it was instead an old man, who was around his fifties, already possessing white hair and half bald, running away and stumbling as the leading Igaroid approached him menacingly.
"Nowhere to run old man…!"
And then it raised its blade for a killing blow. Both Maskmen were just ready to pull their Laser Magnums and shoot them, but…
THWAKK!
Ninja Black was first as a flying spin kick right onto the Igaroid's face knocked him away. "Sir, you may want to escape from here. It's dangerous!" As Ninja Black spoke to the old man, he slipped into speaking in his really good English. The old man's eye was wide open on hearing this, but he realized the situation quicker. After he nodded, he ran off, as Ninja Black readied himself.
"Huh… I may have completed my mission… but I won't just leave empty handed like this…! One more strike is all I need!" The Igaroid readied his sword, preparing for his attack, "Cross-"
"Kakure-Ryuu, Nagareboshi!"
But before the Igaroid could even finish his words, let alone launch the attack, Ninja Black already made the first move and struck him down with his attack, destroying it. To close the battle, he stood and put his thumb down. "Judgment."
"Nicely done, Jiraiya." As the three de-morphed, the Maskmen approached the Kakuranger, with Momoko giving the praise. "Though we nearly could have taken that with Laser Magnum."
"First come, first serve." Jiraiya answered confidently, "I was just nearby, is all."
"Uh… Jiraiya?" Takeru suddenly started tapping his shoulder while not looking at him, his gaze was instead directed at somewhere else, "I'm not sure about why just this time you speak English more often, but that old man…? I think he's looking at you…"
"Oh, really did I just do that?" Jiraiya realized his slip up, and spoke Japanese once again, he didn't mean to show off. But then, the moment he saw the man Takeru was pointing at, he recognized the man, "Uh… sir? Do you have business with me?"
"O… ooh… you were that…" The old man approached him. Judging from the look, he looked like an aged American man, "Can you repeat what you just said before? In English?"
"I… I'm not sure I follow…" Momoko commented nervously on Takeru, "I don't think I speak English that good…"
"Yeah, clearly he's an American." Takeru replied, "Don't worry, Jiraiya can take care of him, and I'm sure he means no harm…"
"Ahem." Jiraiya saw no harm in honoring his request, and after clearing his throat, he spoke in good English, though quite Japanese-accented after his time staying in Japan, "Do you have business with me?"
"Oh, wonderful! You are just the man I am looking for!" The American old man praised with such enthusiasm, "Such tenacity! Such moves! And good in speaking English too! I thought it'd be hard to find a Japanese who can speak English well!"
"Um, I grew up in America…" Jiraiya stated, "Just… what was that about, sir?"
"Oh! Well, I am looking for some people in this Land of Rising Sun for a project of mine…" The old man spoke, but then he took a look at both Takeru and Momoko. There was something in his glare that made the two nervous. Their faces looked uneasy, it was like 'I can't speak English' were written in all over their faces. The old man approached them slowly… and suddenly spoke in a casual tone, "By the way I can speak Japanese too, so don't give me that nervous faces, OK?"
And at that moment, both Takeru and Momoko let out a relieved sigh.
As the four now sat on a nearby bench, they became acquaintated with this American man. "So, you're a movie director, Mr. Gilleron." Takeru spoke after the man spoke about his career.
"Just Clint will do." The man, Clint Gilleron, replied back, "I have been on a project about a movie… a movie that will bridge the relations between Japan and America together." Even as an American, his Japanese language was also flawless, nothing exaggerated, even if he did have some accents, it was like he was nearly native.
"Wow, I can tell your passion from even how you speak, sir." Momoko replied as well, "Your Japanese is, shall I say, flawless."
"Oh, thanks for the praise, Miss." Clint smiled back at him, "I learned to speak like this from my teacher, a full blooded Japanese, Master Hayao Kurosawa. He also taught me about movie-making and directing."
"Wow. From one great director to another director…" Jiraiya commented. Both Clint and Hayao were known for their phenomenal works after all.
"Still, from the movies I've made… I think I haven't made one kind of movie that will serve as a tribute to honor my master and what he has taught me…" Clint continued as he looked up to the sky, "There are a lot of debates out there. Petty debates on how Japanese products are superior compared to American products. And the reverse can happen too."
"Yeah, after—" Takeru nearly spoke on how they were thrown from the real world to an alternate world, but he stopped just in time to not confuse the director, "—awhile checking things out, I did notice those things as well."
"And the thing is, sometimes it escalates to something unprecedented." Clint continued, "Right now, what we heard were just extreme bullying, but I just know it can escalate to something worse. That's why I thought I'd use my film-making skill to make a film that both sides can enjoy, both sides respecting each other."
"A cultural exchange via films?" Momoko commented as well, "That sounds like a wonderful idea. If this one succeeds, then perhaps…"
"Then maybe other directors will be inspired to make similar things, except with different countries." On dreaming the potential of what could happen if he succeeded, Clint couldn't help but smile, "Maybe one day between Germany and France? Or…"
"And somehow… I'm one of your potential actors to make this film come true?" Jiraiya tried to think of how much time he can spend, but when he looked at Takeru and Momoko, they just smiled in acknowledgement. After a few seconds thinking, Jiraiya then looked at Clint, "I'll be happy to help."
"Oh thank you so much!" Clint, in his joy, grabbed Jiraiya's hand to shake it while tapping the back side of his shoulder. "But… in order to make this film a success… I will need someone else from this country that… looks a little enthusiastic on America."
"Huh? Enthusiastic on America?" Momoko wondered, "What do you mean by that?"
"The basic of the story will be about someone from Japan who speaks English well… and his other friend who grew up in America, but a little obsessed with Japanese language in spite of his short comings." Clint explained, "In other words, a Gaijin. It's okay if the Gaijin is played by a Japanese. I can take care of that."
"Hm…" On hearing the requirement of the secondary character, someone crossed Takeru's mind. He then looked at his friend, "Jiraiya… you thinking what I'm thinking?"
"Oh yes…" Jiraiya nodded in response.
"And so, that's how the story goes." Back in Bonds, on the casual room, Takeru had explained everything to his teammates. And his eyes were looking at none other than Hoji, "You mind helping things out here?"
"What?" Hoji couldn't believe it. If it's helping others he'll happily do it. But the context just didn't seem right for him, "You're telling me to represent bad English? What do you take me for!?"
"Well, it is what Mr. Gilleron is looking for." Jiraiya added, still trying to push the idea, "Come on, Hoji. I really can't think of anyone else best for the job aside of you."
"Look, anyone Japanese can speak broken English as easy. So long as you know the words!" Hoji continued to protest, "Just… why me? Of all people. I thought there are others here who used English phrases in our battles. Even Takeru does that!"
"Yeah, of course. Thing is, I'm totally with Jiraiya here." Chisato suddenly chimed in and then stood on Jiraiya's side, "You're the one who continued to spam broken English even in daily conversation! It should come naturally for you!"
"Grr…!" Hoji bit his tongue hearing it. He has to admit, he did have that habit, he's been doing that since he's a child. But this whole thing is just embarrassing him. However, there's about another person he can turn on, and he looked at her, "Say something about this, Mei. Come on."
There was a silence as Hoji looked at Mei hopefully, maybe she'll side with him. However, she just gave a smile, and tapped his shoulder, "How about you just roll with it? It'll be a unique experience, plus you get to appear on screen!"
"Even you too, Mei!?" Hoji was severely disappointed at the response. He glanced at Momoko next, but considering she was there with Takeru and Jiraiya, he knew what her response would be. Not to mention, she was also smiling and nodding her head slowly, as in telling him to go on with it.
Only Mele, who was the last one in the room, with her arms crossed and completely not going with the conversation, has yet to give an answer. Hoji then called out, "Well… Mele…"
"Ridiculous…" Mele's disgruntled voice made Hoji regret what he would say. She instead glared at the team fiercely and started a rant, "You go on around talking about this fun 'film' project thing, and forgetting that anytime, Long can just strike and catch you unprepared! What kind of warriors are you!?"
"Mele, stop this!" Chisato was the first to approach Mele and tell her off, "Helping others have its own merits! Or have you forgotten that time with Kasumi!?"
Indeed, Mele still remembered that time she embraced being good, and inspiring a little girl named Kasumi. However, at this moment, something was clouding her that she was blinded from that, "That has nothing to do with this! You guys have your fun, while here, four students of my school get brutally killed! And this fun is supposed to 'honor' them!?"
"I…" Jiraiya couldn't even say anything more. He realized that this was a really bad timing. But when Clint gave the word, he was so filled with joy about spreading the good word throughout the world that he missed that out.
"Mele, I understand that you have that grief. It's just as I thought, you really thought of your school." Takeru tried to calm things down, "But if you don't want to participate on this, it's OK, we're not forcing you…"
"Hah! See, if Long suddenly struck you while you have fun, don't come crying to me!" Mele scolded back as she pointed at Takeru while fiercely glaring at him, "Rio-sama's school is in shambles because of him, and yet all you do is… is…" She was biting her lips as she spoke this, her words trembling. She couldn't take it anymore. "AAARRGH!" With a frustrated scream, Mele stormed off, leaving the room and everyone stunned.
"Mele…"
"Well, she's something all right…" All of the sudden, Mikoto just walked into the room, just right after everyone were recovering. "Whoa there, ease up. Stop looking like you just saw a ghost…"
'Well, you're the one to talk…' At the word about seeing a ghost, Hoji had to get reminded that Mikoto used to be dead and then now brought back to life, pretty close to a 'ghost'.
"Anyway, I'll talk her out." Mikoto suddenly offered, "You just go ahead with this kind of 'fun' about helping that director. If it's an interesting endeavor to you, you should do it."
"… Hm…" Takeru thought about that, and eventually, he realized something, "Guys, I know we meant no offense to Mele… But helping others is something we usually like, right? We consider it interesting, right? We shouldn't let this cloud our dedication. If Mikoto says he'll take care of her, we'll trust him. We should proceed as planned."
"But we shouldn't completely dismiss Mele's warnings, though. Even if this is meant to be a fun session…" Momoko added to Takeru's speech, "We should be aware to what the enemies are planning."
"Well… yeah, that sounds great." Hoji nodded, "We should do that."
"Ooh? Does this mean you finally accept the proposal and act with Jiraiya?" Suddenly, Mei teased at him, finally shocking Hoji.
"W-wait a second!" Hoji has one last chance for this. He then turned towards Mikoto, but then realized with his smirk that he has other appointments, particularly about Mele. He eventually resigned with a sigh. "All right fine, I'll do that part."
"Great!" Jiraiya replied back in English. Even if they spoke the same word, their accents and spellings were clear that it was Jiraiya who spoke in better English. "Well, we should be meeting him soon…"
As the team continued to discuss their plan, Mikoto then slunk away from the room, on his own…
"Hah! Hyaah! Rrrgh!"
Outside Bonds, Mele, already frustrated with the current events, went to lash out on a nearby woods. With her fists, she started to punch out several nearby tree trunks. In one hit, they usually fell down. However, something felt really off to her as she looked at her fists.
'This is weird. Back in those days, negative emotions like frustration would boost up the power of Rin Jyuu Ken.' Mele wasn't satisfied with how the trees fell down. She was actually expecting that the whole tree was evaporated with her Rinki. 'But this…? I still feel frustrated, but I don't even feel more powerful…!'
"Well, the woodcutter's job got cut." A voice startled her and as she looked behind, she saw Mikoto walking to her.
"What do you want?" Mele hissed lowly at him, clearly not in the mood for petty talk, "Don't have a quip to me? If so, get lost."
"No can do, missy." Mikoto wasn't even fazed with such threat. However, for once, he was staring right at Mele's eyes as he walked to him. He seemed rather serious, "But rather… you had better get yourself in shape, this is not an easy game…"
"Game…!?" Hearing the word game riled Mele further, "You bastard! You really think the death of my fellow disciples are nothing but games!?" She grabbed Mikoto's collar and looked at him with her face filled with both frustration and anger, "How dare you! If you sully Rio-sama's legacy further…"
"And just like now you're falling right into Long's game." Mikoto did not lose his cool, but his words pierced through Mele's feeling, "Yes, everything in this life is a game. But that is why we have to keep our head cool… because we're also surrounded with people who wants to knock us out from the game. I hate to admit this, but I had a gut feeling that Long is a very tough opponent, he's got his planning ahead, backed with his immortality…"
"And what makes you think I care!?" Those were some of the things Mele could come up with, aside of that, she's drawing blank in her mind, "Immortal or not, Long WILL pay! Even if I have to go through extremities!"
"This is not the kind of extreme that's good for beating him…" As Mikoto sensed some doubts in Mele's mind, he then raised his fist and hit her arm that was holding him. Caught off guard, Mele ended up having Mikoto hold her hand in a lock. "See? If you were at least of clear mind, blocking me off would be easy."
"Arggh…! Let go already!"
"Listen up." Mikoto then got his head near Mele's ears and started explaining to her, "Like it or not, you're on my team now… and your reckless actions can throw monkey wrench into my planning and games and score victory for Long instead. So you better keep your head clear or…"
However, the actions were interrupted when suddenly Mikoto sensed something and not only released his lock, but also pushed Mele quite far they fell to the ground. As a result, they managed to dodge three sharp explosive cards that blew the ground they were thrown at. And approaching them were none other than Lijewel. "I think I now remember…"
"Lijewel…! You…" When the word 'remember' was heard from her mouth, Mikoto was shocked. Did she finally remember him? Perhaps…
"You are Mikoto Nakadai. And… yes… I think we were involved in some ways before…" Lijewel spoke as if she just lost parts of her innocence, it was still there, but she sounded a bit more serious, "And yet you…" At that point, she then quickly glared at Mele, "… Are cheating on me for this wench!" With that, she pointed her staff and let out several blasts of magic towards Mele. She only barely dodged it, but the force was enough to knock her away.
"Gah! Grr…!" Mele grunted as she tried to get up, "Cheating, my ass…! Who would enter a relationship on this jackass anyway…!?"
"Uh… she did. In the past." Mikoto corrected Mele before quickly turning back to the Disciple of Dawn, "Lijewel… this time, what kind of lies were fed to you by Long…!?"
"Really? So, you were saying that our relationship was a lie before?" Lijewel started out with a low voice, but slowly, her innocence started to show again… only this time, in form of a tantrum, "Cheater! Scum! You only say that so you could move away from me! Unforgivable!"
"I… I didn't mean…"
"What the hell has gotten to you, Mikoto!?" Mele this time scolded at him, "Don't tell me… this woman is your weak point!? You talk big about how I'm playing to Long's hand, but look at you! You're the one being played by him!"
"Tch…" At this moment, Mikoto really had no comeback at all. Even Mele had a point, it was probably why Long had a hand in influencing Lijewel, his weak point was spotted. 'I should just get rid of this useless feeling so I can get the upper hand… but… I don't know why, but I just… can't. Not to Lijewel…'
"As I have told you… this would be where they are together…" A voice, this time a male's voice, was heard. Mele's face was shocked like she recognized the voice, "The information from my fallen brethrens that we gathered proved useful."
"Fallen… brethren…" Mele's voice trembled as she saw a Rinrinshi approaching her, this Rinrinshi was bigger than any normal ones, though not into giant size, and was shaped like a dinosaur, in particular the Tyrannosaurus Rex species.
"You should have recognized me, Miss Mele, but for customaries' sake…" The Rinrinshi then performed a small kata, before introducing himself, "I am the Rin Jyuu Dinosaur Fist User, Ryuukyo."
"Ryuukyo… Do you realize what you're doing?" Mele said, a lot of emotions were filled within her, but mostly anger, frustration and disbelief, "Are you really okay with trampling the legacy of Rio-sama?"
"I do what I must." As Ryuukyo said that, he looked upwards and let out a mighty roar. With that, suddenly the woods were surrounded by both Barmia soldiers and Rinshi, "You're coming with us, like it or not. I'll give you the choice, do you want to come quietly, or…"
"Bakuryuu Change." Mikoto didn't even let him finish the sentence and transformed to Abare Killer, "That's our answer. Try and contain us… if you can avoid our rampage."
Finally the act allowed Mele to at least smirk, and silently she transformed as well. "Heh… try not to just bark so loudly, Mikoto. If it comes to striking your girlfriend, then do it without hesitation."
"I'd say the same about you and your brethren."
"Do as Long suggested, people!" Lijewel then issued her command to her soldiers, "Attack!"
And thus, the two isolated warriors ran forward and attacked the horde of soldiers, without fear of anything…
Just as promised, Hoji and Jiraiya went to the studio where Clint was located. It was a rather nice villa with several trees and a pond in its garden. In there, they were told to wait at the waiting room, where they also find the needed costumes for the shooting.
"We're setting up the props at the moment." Clint said to them, "In the meantime, you can wait here and read the scripts. Think of it like your personal rehearsal."
"Mr. Clint." Jiraiya noted, "You know... We're grateful that you picked us up, but… you do realize that we are not actors? Just because I fight and saved your life… it doesn't guarantee that I will act well."
"Ah about that, there's no need to worry, my friend." Clint smiled greatly, "I had my experiences that I made some good movies by just picking up some people that did not have any acting experience, then draw out their acting prowess as I direct them!"
"I guess the stories about this legendary director I've heard somewhere is true." Hoji noted.
"Oh you flatter me!" Clint replied back heartily, before he headed back to the door, "So anyway, I'm needed over there. Try to learn the script well!"
"Will do!" Jiraiya confirmed as eventually the director left. He then turned to Hoji, "OK, this is it…"
"'This is it' is usually said when you're about to act, not analyzing the script." Hoji corrected as he sat down on a chair, "All right, let's just get this over with…"
And the two began reading the script given to them…
"What the heck…"
In unison, they ended up saying that word in their own brand of English. The two warriors were mortified with what they just read. "This… this is just ridiculous…" Jiraiya said, trying to contain his anger, "Is this supposed to be the movie to improve between the Americans and Japanese?"
"Yeah, I agree with you, it's disrespectful on both sides!" Hoji was on the verge of slamming his script to the ground, "The American I'm supposed to portray is this… obnoxious, boorish and trying to emulate the Japanese language way too hard it's getting silly. It's like he heartily abandons his nationality just to worship Japan! That's… just… insulting!" He then looked at Jiraiya for quite some time, as the ninja was quite in shock after hearing what the character was about.
"… What? It's my turn to describe my character?" He finally realized that it was his turn, "Let's see. On the surface, my character is this Japanese gentleman. But something feels really off…"
"What do you mean off?"
"I don't know. This character is too perfect. Like there's no flaws at all!" Jiraiya explained, "He's got everything going his way, friendly with everyone, girls swoon at him, at the expense of this American friend, when he spoke American phrases, he's considered cool… I'm not sure, but this is too much of a pro-Japanese, anti-American propaganda! This is not going to make peace, this is going to be so controversial that it might ruin the relationship of both countries!"
"Oh my God…" Hoji muttered in disbelief as he realized what he has been roped to, "That the legendary director is… THAT…"
"That, what?"
"Oh you did not hear before?" Hoji's face turned serious, "It's just lately, but there has been a case of Alienizer crime spree that the modus operandi seemed familiar when it comes to culture and film. Many planets turned into a war zone because of this Alienizer's way with culture and film."
"He made films and culture into reasons for war!? That's just sick!" Jiraiya exclaimed in disgust before inquiring further, "How did he do that?"
"According to the database, it was by creating such controversial film that hit two big major power countries in their most sensitive spot, and then letting the pissed off audience escalate that into war." Hoji then explained what he has learned so far, "The modus operandi of this Clint might be similar that… I think there is a chance that he's either that Alienizer in disguise or his lackey…"
"So now you're accusing him!?" Jiraiya then raised his voice as he got up from the seat and approached Hoji, "Do you really distrust him that much, Hoji!? You easily got suspicious on others like that!" Jiraiya then grabbed Hoji by his collar, showing his anger, "What if he's innocent!?"
"Ghk…! Hands off, Jiraiya! I… I learned my lessons from past experience!" Hoji tried to defend himself.
"Past lesson as in people cannot be trusted!?" Jiraiya shot back at him, "I thought you nearly blundered after the incident with Michael. So I guess you have learned nothing from it!"
"No, that's wrong!" Hoji's next explanation turned out to be quite life-saving as it was what calmed Jiraiya down, "I was talking about that incident with Michael as my past lesson! That I still need to trust others!"
"Oh…" With that, Jiraiya then let go of his hold, "But what do you mean suspecting then, if you learned your lesson?"
"I want to believe Mr. Clint. His dream is not one to be dismissed like that." Hoji explained, "But I think there could be a chance that this Alienizer has had a hand in this… I'm not sure, either a dead person impersonation or the real deal is imprisoned somewhere. You tell me Jiraiya, is this the kind of script such person would write? Even kids can write this!"
"… Yeah, you've got a point. This is a very unprofessional one." Jiraiya noted, and as he went back to his seat, he began to wonder, "But how are we going to get out of this thing? I just can't picture myself acting as this character."
"I know it might come to this. Hey, wanna hear of a plan?" Hoji gestured his hand, as in trying to get Jiraiya close to him. He then whispered something…
"All right, actors, time to shine!" From the outside, eventually, Clint signaled the two actors that they should get to the area where they can shoot their acting in a scene which took place in Japanese school. However, something about the rest of the crews were not natural. It wasn't because they were monsters in disguise, but somehow, they seemed overtaken with some sort of fear. Clint just looked at them, even he was fighting to face his own fear… for something. "It's… going to be all right." That was all he could say to assure the team.
Eventually Jiraiya and Hoji came out. But their costumes weren't as expected. While Jiraiya wore normal clothes, he roughened up the wig he was supposed to wear. The wig used to be perfect, but it now looked a little too rowdy, though not to the extremes. Meanwhile, Hoji's wig were more neatly combed, it was like he looked a bit more proper, for an 'American'.
"What was the makeup designer doing?" One of the cameraman asked Clint, "If this goes on."
"Uh…" Clint was also surprised at this change, but he decided to trust something about his instinct, as well as how he has witnessed the bravery of at least Jiraiya, "Let's just roll with it. Who knows? Maybe this could turn out better…"
"We're ready, Director." Hoji confirmed, with a thumb up.
"Okay then, you know what to do. Camera rolling! Aaand…" Finally Clint raised his voice to the megaphone in front of him, and put his hand forward, "Action!"
Hoji and Jiraiya walked towards each other, but even then, when they walked normally, some of the crew members expressed worry, "Huh? Isn't the American one supposed to be drinking heavy coke and looking…" He was silenced when Clint just raised his hand out of instinct.
'It's going to be OK… It's going to be OK…'
"Hello, Tony. How did the convention go?" Jiraiya's character spoke in English. Apparently, it was meant to be that he's a Japanese student who did know how to speak English, even with an accent, while Hoji was supposed to play as the American transfer student who was supposedly just too obsessed in Japan culture that he forsook the American culture, looking like an obnoxious foreigner. At least in paper.
"That was really wonderful, Shiro. I really enjoyed the tea party. The animation showcase is pretty good too." Hoji's manner of speaking shocked even Jiraiya. It was actually pretty good! It was very unusual as Hoji was known for his broken English, but for this occasion, he actually spoke very good and proper English.
'When did you learn things like that, Hoji? So all along you've been just… pretending?' Even Jiraiya was wide-eyed for a moment, until suddenly something ran into his mind. He could salvage this scene, "Wow, your English has improved greatly! You've been training?"
"Yes, learning the language is hard, but I do my best."
"Th… that wasn't in the…" The crew members were trying to protest because of the script, it was apparent that the two were deviating greatly from the script, Hoji's character, who was supposed to be boorish, was played to be more noble, while Jiraiya's character didn't come off as an overly perfect man, but eventually… something caught on to them and they started instead watching. Clint did not even stop them, he was too caught up with the flow and acting.
But eventually, as the scene ended with the two characters walking together as friends, they were still silent. "Mr. Clint, isn't this where you say 'Cut'?" Jiraiya's reminder was the one thing that brought them all to reality.
"… Oh! Right, Cut!" Clint commanded, and everyone wrapped up, "That was just… perfect."
"Perfect? But we deviated from the script!" Hoji reminded him, "Even so… after hearing what you aimed for, we have to do it. We cannot just act out of the script… if we want your dream to come true."
"Something bugs me, Mr. Clint." It is Jiraiya's turn to ask questions, "Why would you accept such ridiculous script? You know from the first glance it is not one to promote peace between America and Japan, but will instead create controversy."
"I guess I've been caught up." Clint then hung his head low, "See… my team used to be a lot more than this group of people. However, I made a fatal mistake…" He recalled his past, about the one time he met the 'producer' who offered him the chance to make the film of his dreams. However… "When the executive producer finalized our deal… he told me that I must obey the script given no matter what. Otherwise… my friends that he held…"
"Will die." Suddenly a cold voice was heard and a sinister looking man walked towards them. He did not raise his voice, but it was clear that there was anger within him, "Mr. Gilleron, I watched the shooting, you know. And not even once you said 'Cut' even as your chosen actors did not act like the script."
"M… Mr. Producer! I can explain!" Clint sounded desperate as he approached the producer and was begging him, "You can punish me if you like, but please, spare my friends!"
"Don't be ridiculous." Without even raising his voice, the producer then grabbed Clint on the neck and slowly lifted him up. "I am always a man of my word. You will know what it means…" As the producer spoke, suddenly his body transformed into some sort of alien, with silver body and megaphones attached on his chest, while his eyes were formed in circles similar to film rolls. "… To oppose Xalzer!"
Upon witnessing the form of the producer, the other crew members started panicking. But the panic was subsided when they heard the sound of gunclip and…
SHUU SHUU SHUU!
"Gurk…!" Xalzer then saw his hand getting struck with three shurikens, causing him to let go of his grip on Clint. He used his chance to move away, as eventually Jiraiya and Hoji covered him.
"Nice for you showing your face here… Xalzer of Planet Berfry." Hoji said, showing his badge, "You do realize that you have been marked for Deletion by the SPD for long?"
"That badge… SPD!" Xalzer then started to lose his cool as he raised his voice a bit, "So you were disguising as actors, trying to ruin my masterpiece!"
"I'm not an SPD, but that script of yours, you call it a masterpiece!?" Jiraiya shot back at him, "It will never go down as a masterpiece, but a horrible script that will be mocked at!"
"You really don't understand the quality of such script!" Xalzer protested, "If such script is finalized, then imagine the sparks that will fly! Films under it will go down in history as one of the greatest films, a film so good it becomes a reason why a planet goes boom in civil war!"
"Your definition of 'beauty' is something we cannot let to happen!" Hoji declared further, "There's only one action for a criminal like you: You will be eliminated!"
"Eliminate me!? Hah, try me… but before that happens, I have my means to access my hostage and kill them…" Xalzer regained his composure as he pulled a one hand machine gun and put his hand on the air. A dark circle appeared and he inserted his hand to it.
"Wait, that…!?" Clint was shocked to look at it, "Please, no!"
However, the shots were fired several times. Thankfully, Jiraiya managed to hold Clint down and whispered to him with full confidence, "We got this. Calm down." As much as Clint was panicking, when Jiraiya said that, he felt at ease. He didn't even scream anything. And true to his words… Xalzer was the one who started to once again lose his composure.
"… Why was there no screaming in pain…!?"
All of the sudden, the back door opened, and several people came in. "You guys! You guys are safe!" The crew members were ecstatic on that. It turned out they seemed to be the hostages.
"Because we already got them out." Coming along with this group were none other than Takeru, Mei, Chisato and Momoko. They were the ones rescuing him, "Looks like the hint from Hoji was right on mark."
"You…! You're the ones that Agent Abrellar told me about, aren't you…!?" Xalzer cursed, "But how…!"
"Oh, that. Let's just say it pays off to be extra aware." Momoko explained, "Before we departed, Hoji showcased us about your case and his suspicion that maybe you're on the loose."
"And from the case, we know one of your habits as well…" Chisato then added, "You take hostages on people you coax! That way your films will come to fruition, with that ridiculous script and characterization!"
"There is absolutely nothing good that will come from scripts like that, and those people from those planets engulfed in war that you captured…" Mei then started pointing out just how vile his acts were, "They suffer because of the film you made with that script! Films are supposed to entertain, not destroy!"
"Oh they certainly are enjoying my movies." Xalzer then used his twisted logic to justify his actions, "There were debates, rivalries that span beyond the world! Isn't that a sign of popularity? And if a movie's popular, it means it's good!"
"You dare make a mockery of what is 'good' movie!? Only you think like that! A movie that destroys others cannot be good!" Takeru shouted at him angrily, films were also part of his childhood, no way in hell he's going to let anyone make a mockery about it.
"Leave the rest to us, everyone leave this place!" Hoji commanded at Clint and the rest to get away. Knowing that there was at least Takeru, Jiraiya and Momoko, Clint knew that they could be trusted so he led the others to get out. This enables the team to prepare themselves.
"Aura Mask!"
"Emergency! Dekaranger! Face on!"
"Dino Buckler!"
"Super Henge! Doron Changer!"
"Install! Megaranger!"
And even with the team incomplete, they transformed anyway, ready to face their foe without mercy.
"Red Mask!"
"Pink Mask!"
"Hikari Sentai! Maskman!"
"Pursue mysterious cases! Deka Blue!"
"Ptera Ranger! Mei!"
"Ninja Black! Jiraiya!"
"Mega Yellow!"
"Super Sentai! Don't think that I will go down this easy!" Xalzer exclaimed as he threw several pills to the sky, as they became Batsuroids.
"Oh, you already know us. No matter!" Red Mask quickly got into his fighting pose as he signaled the rest, "Let's go!"
Though only with five members, the team charged forward and fought against the Batsuroids bravely. These minions certainly had power in numbers as they quickly swarm the Super Sentai, but the five did not falter.
However, even these oddities were noted. "Is Mikoto and Mele back yet?" Ninja Black asked his friends as he beat through the numbers of Batsuroids, even as he elbowed a Batsuroid without even looking.
ZOKK!
"Not yet!" Mega Yellow replied just as she swiped several Batsuroids with her Blade Arm, "Just let them solve their problems at the moment, they'll be back!"
"Oh, that reminds me!" Ptera Ranger chimed in while sweeping a Batsuroid, "Will we be able to unleash the Super Sentai Ball this way?"
"We'll just have to make due, with or without it!" Red Mask answered while striking one Batsuroid with a palm strike, and then kicking another behind him, though he did look at this one at that moment, "Think about that later!"
"We better hurry, guys. This swarm doesn't seem to be normal." Deka Blue added right as he slashed several of them with his D-Rod, "Knowing an Alienizer like this, he might have something in plan!"
"I know that already! That's why… Masky Ribbon!" Pink Mask then unleashed her Masky Ribbon. However, when she lashed it forward, it did not bind a large group of Batsuroid, but rather, it fell onto the ground circling around it. Then she generated spark around it, leveling the ground they stood at, making them stuck on ground.
"Great! Now I can bury them!" Ninja Black responded with quickly getting into a hand seal position, "Ninpo: Rock Fall!" With that, boulders were summoned and they buried the group of Batsuroids in one swift technique.
"Mwa ha ha ha!" However, as the dust cleared, Xalzer was seen spreading his hands, and there were portal-like holes he put his hands onto. In addition, he seemed to have regained his confidence, "Those minions bought me enough time! Now, witness one of my finest masterpieces!"
With that, he pulled his hands out of those holes and unleashed four figurines. The figurines, shockingly enough, resembled Deka Blue, Ptera Ranger, Ninja Black and Mega Yellow. "Voodoo!?" Ninja Black made a guess
"Huh? You skipped us out?" Red Mask noticed that there was no figurines for the two Maskmen, "If you're doing voodoo, you should be doing a complete set."
"Stop giving him ideas, Takeru." Pink Mask corrected, "Though at this point, probably too late and he'll be paying for that mistake."
"This is more than voodoo, for grudge matches!" Xalzer exclaimed and also corrected, "And those who are not involved… can go take a hike!" All of the sudden, there was a lot of gas coming out from the figurines. The gas seemed damaging towards the Super Sentai, but not the surrounding. It was still enough to knock away the team. However, as they got up, they found out that both Red Mask and Pink Mask have been frozen solid.
"Takeru! Momoko!" Deka Blue called out to his teammates, until he realized something, "Wait, who's carrying the Super Sentai Ball this time?"
"Uh, it's usually Takeru…" Ptera Ranger answered, which was met with much disappointment on Deka Blue's case, that they won't be able to use the Super Sentai Ball.
"Goddamn."
Suddenly, two portal holes opened and hands grabbed the frozen Red Mask and Pink Mask, dragging them in, and they reappear right in by Xalzer's side. "Oh God! Takeru and Momoko…!" Ninja Black exclaimed.
"Damn it, now using hostages!" Mega Yellow lamented, but at that point, she also noticed that the figurines started to glow and the glow grew bigger and bigger, "… Wait, what?" And eventually, as the glow vanished, they turn into extra copies of the remaining rangers.
"Knock offs? Are you trying to fool us?" Ptera Ranger exclaimed, as the sight of the knock offs reminded her that one time Bandora unleashed a set of knock-off Zyurangers to make people lose trust on them. Only this time, there probably won't be such plan, "Because this won't trick us, you know!"
"Of course you're the real deal, Super Sentai. And so are they! In a sense." Xalzer's exclamation brought shock to the team, "In their homes, they used to be heroes… But then, war engulfed their home and there's nothing they can do except witnessing their home burn!"
"And you… enslaved them!?" Deka Blue called him out.
"With a bit of some good drugs provided by Agent Abrellar, it just smoothen things out. But what do you think makes them easy preys to me?" Xalzer's explanation then brought further shock to the team, "Sorrow! Sorrow over how they were used as the basis of why the war erupted! Sorrow because people from various countries in their planet trying to imitate them, and then erupted in war over petty arguments about which version is real and which one is the imitator… especially when they became popular throughout the media like television!"
"Wait… media… Oh God, are you saying that…" Mega Yellow tried to deduce things, "They were heroes from that planet's television show!?"
"Yes, that's why I said 'in a sense', a real deal. People say that fictional characters are unreal, but not to me! I sense some reality within them, and with that, I could feel what they feel over transpiring events…!" Xalzer explained about how he perceived things and how he came this way, "And yet, these former heroes… they KNOW sorrow over how their existence caused a destructive war to the planet they were created! And that's why they now feel like they're nothing better than the villains they have fought… Isn't that right…" He then started calling out the names of the knock off, starting from the Ptera Ranger knock off, who seemed to have the oldest and more worn-out suit, "Code: X-KH…?"
Then he turned towards the Ninja Black knock-off, "Code: X-C…?" Followed by the Mega Yellow knock-off, "Code: X-AH"? And lastly, the Deka Blue knock-off, "Code: X-ST…?" The latter knock-off he mentioned, the shinier their suits were, though not so much, as it seemed that their 'sorrow' showed that they were still worn out. And by the look of it… it looks like X-KH was the oldest amongst these heroes.
"Nothing better than the villains… No…! That's not…!" Ptera Ranger shouted out in both defiance and distress, "That's just part of your drugs, I'm sure!"
"You do know that sometimes people in despair and sorrow turn towards drugs?" Xalzer pointed out, before he noticed that Deka Blue was aiming his D-Sniper at his head. "Oh go ahead, try to shoot me! I've told these guys that any funny moves, they'll break these two dead!" And at that moment, Deka Blue noticed that these 'heroes' have pointed their weapons, even similar to what the Sentai had, towards the frozen blocks of Red Mask and Pink Mask, even without moving their inches.
"Bastard…!"
"There's more than mere hostage situation. See… when they face similar enemies…" As Xalzer once again opened two small portals to his sides and put his hands onto it, dark aura started to engulf these knock-offs, "They fight better! Enough talk, then… Strength Knights, destroy these knock-offs!"
"Knock… off…!" On hearing the word, like it was a trigger word, it was X-C that was the first to speak, and his voice was filled with rage. "RRRAAARRGH!" And he was the first to dash forward and tackle his counterpart, Ninja Black, pushing them away from the team, whereas the other Strength Knights also rushed forward to attack their respective counterparts.
And not satisfied with just knocking him to the ground, X-C didn't even draw his weapon, but with his fists clenched, he delivered a series of savage punches right onto Ninja Black's head. It was only after Ninja Black kicked his bottom from the ground that he let off. "What strength…! You're not joking, calling yourself Strength Knight…" Ninja Black commented as he rubbed his head while preparing his Kakuremaru. However, he didn't even bother to call him by the code name, but rather something else, "Strength Knight… Black…?"
"We are not knock offs… we are not knock offs…!" Continuing to mutter the word like mad, X-C then readied his own version of Kakuremaru-lookalike, and lunged towards Ninja Black further.
In the meantime, Deka Blue and X-ST were locked in a clash with both his D-Rod and the latter's lookalike. "Tch…! There's no knowing which is going to be the better one… to come out of this…!"
"Better… BETTER…!?" X-ST were similarly triggered with that word, and suddenly, he lessened his pushing force, causing Deka Blue to overpush and as he pushed himself forward, X-ST put his palm onto Deka Blue's head, holding it in extreme grip and lifting him forward, "NO ONE'S BETTER!" With a maniacal scream and mighty force, he threw Deka Blue away with just one hand.
"Wait, what did I just…?" Deka Blue wondered if what he said meant something. But his line of thought were cut short as suddenly, X-ST activated his own version of SWAT Mode, and began gunning him down with his version of D-Revolver, causing Deka Blue to concentrate on dodging.
"No one's better…! This is real…!"
In the meantime, Mega Yellow already armed herself with Mega Sling and shot several times towards X-AH, but the latter just ran through it, closed in and delivered a cross chop, one of her arms obviously using her own version of Blade Arm, to knock away Mega Yellow. "Rats…!" Mega Yellow cursed, as she rolled away and tried to hide, "This is going to suck, she's really tough…! Not just copying my moves, but she really got better experience…"
"Co… py…!" And a trigger word were pressed again, X-AH's words were not only containing anger, but were also on the verge of breaking. "COPIES SHOULD DIE!" In a yell, she drew her version of Mega Sniper and accurately shooting the place where Mega Yellow hid, forcing her to run off, and she also started shooting at her in great accuracy, making Mega Yellow's efforts to dodge harded. "NO MORE COPIES!"
'Geez, what's with these guys…!?' Mega Yellow thought as she tried dodging. She also felt how Deka Blue and Ninja Black fought their counterparts, 'I know about this… trigger-word, but just how many trigger words do these guys have!?' As Mega Yellow looked at Xalzer, she was reminded at something, 'This bastard said they were former heroes… just what happened to them if they have so much trigger words…?'
In the same time, however, without drawing their weapons, both Ptera Ranger and X-KH were locked in hand-to-hand combat. However, Ptera Ranger knew something was really wrong, so as she continued to block off X-KH's strikes, she tried to appeal to her enemy, "Aren't you heroes!? Is this what heroes do!?"
"Heroes…!?" Such word once again triggered something within X-KH, and in instant, her strikes became quicker. Unlike the others, however, she was more coherent, but no less angry, "And where does that take us!? Our homes were still destroyed, even with our heroism! To hell with that!"
Eventually Ptera Ranger couldn't hold up. She started to receive more hits, and before she knew it, X-KH has drawn her own version of Ptera Arrow, and started clobbering Ptera Ranger with the bow part. "There are no more heroes…" X-KH eerily said as she stood to the fallen Ptera Ranger, drawing her own bow for the finishing shot…
"Ugh…" Ptera Ranger knew she would be finished, but she still has one final gambit… one gambit that only the Warrior of Love of the Risha Tribe could pull off… She started speaking, "There is always a hero… within you…"
With those words, something triggered within X-KH again. However, she was instead shaking. Rather than taunting her shaky hands, Ptera Ranger continued to speak, "A hero is someone who willingly helps innocent people… and finds joy in it. Surely you know the times… when you were a hero…"
Mega Yellow were still dodging X-AH's shots, but at that point she heard Ptera Ranger's words. 'Maybe… maybe that could be worth a shot!' She deduced where she's going easily. Then she started speaking as well, directed to X-AH, "Do you still remember when you were being a hero, helping people, seeing their smile full of thanks to you? Didn't you feel… good with it?"
Deka Blue and Ninja Black also caught on with it. Once they had the time, they eventually continued on with what the girls said.
"That is what's great about being heroes. The good feels that comes with such good deeds."
"Knock-off… Whoever's better… Those never mattered when it comes to doing good. Even copycats can do good deeds, and feel good about it…"
The words were repeated. However, the Strength Knights started to shake uncontrollably hearing them. Ptera Ranger sensed it and pressed on, "If you're a hero… then please believe in your desire to do good! Regardless of the outcome, doing good deeds is its own reward! Nothing, no words can take it away!"
X-KH were shaking so hard that she was having trouble to stand up, as Ptera Ranger was the one who slowly got up. She didn't even draw her own weapon, instead, waiting for X-KH to stand on her own feet. However, suddenly her body stood straight, and she suddenly turned behind and shot two arrows towards the frozen blocks containing Red Mask and Pink Mask.
"Hahahaha! Fool! So you chose to kill these two even without my orders!" As the sound of shattering ice blocks boomed through the room, Xalzer laughed triumphantly, "Good work, Knights! Am I so proud of you!"
"What…!? No…! Takeru! Momoko!" Ptera Ranger shouted in disbelief, believing that X-KH didn't even listen to her and instead chose to do so to spite her, "… Why… why would you…" Beneath her mask, she felt like she's about to cry in anguish.
"Hahahaha—GURK!?" Xalzer continued to laugh… but suddenly, two fists were pushed onto his mouth, knocking him away. "W… what…!? But…"
"Oh, thought us dead, didn't you?" Red Mask exclaimed, just freed from the ice prison made him feel really great, "Let me correct that: More like being freed!"
"Takeru…!" Ptera Ranger called out to him, but suddenly another voice stopped her.
"That can wait later… Strength Knights, assemble!" X-KH suddenly exclaimed, and the rest of the Strength Knights quickly gathered in front of her, "Our enemy are not these… these…"
"If you're wondering who we are, we are Super Sentai." Deka Blue answered for her.
"Right… Super Sentai." X-KH confirmed, "Our enemy is… him!"
"You… ungrateful little…!" Xalzer was cursing as he tried to get up, "I created you all! You can say that I am your father…!"
"And yet as a father… you only created us… to cause strife between those who are watching us…!" X-C spoke next, and he was also quite angry at this, "After the importing by that country…! The strife of our watchers arguing between which one is real or not…! To the point it destroyed them…! You wanted this!"
"That's why you created us, isn't it!?" X-ST chimed in as well, "We called ourselves heroes, but you made us turn into symbols and reasons for destruction!"
"Now that I think of it… of course, it makes sense!" Ninja Black finally put the pieces together, and it became clear to him, "This is the modus operandi of that Alienizer…! Make films that hit the sensitive spots of both countries that they end up in war… These guys… are the products of those film…!"
"Yes… we are the Strength Knights." X-AH explained, "In essence… we were supposedly similar to you, heroes fighting for justice against evil. But somehow, elements of our universe were made… that it would incense those who watched from another side of the world… And it erupted into an unstoppable war that we couldn't prevent…"
"But now we remember…" X-KH finalized, "When we helped the innocents in our world… we were filled with joy, that's what it meant to be a hero. And how it should have been… and what we should aspire to be…"
"Fool, what's done is done!" Xalzer shouted angrily, stomping the ground, as Red Mask and Pink Mask already moved to their allies' side, "Nothing you can do about it! Might as well live with the fact that you are all the cause of the destructions of those world!"
"… But in fact, there is. There is one more thing we can do… as heroes" X-KH said sharply, before all of the sudden, like preparing for their own pose, "To protect the innocent!"
"To uphold justice!"
"To preserve the land!"
"To vanquish evil wherever they may come!"
"Strength Knights, assembled!"
"Wow…" Pink Mask said in awe, "They really looked like us Super Sentai… and in a way, it's really good…!"
"Our mission… your death, evil!" X-KH finished by pointing Xalzer with her finger. She then looked at Ptera Ranger, "And for that we will need your help."
"Wait, I'm the…" Red Mask tried to assert his leadership, however, in the last seconds, he backed away, knowing that it'd be probably awkward to ask a team that did not have his counterpart and felt closer bond to Ptera Ranger, "Never mind. Mei… you do what you must."
"Huh?" Ptera Ranger said, "But that means we are not using the…"
"It wouldn't be fair for them." Red Mask pointed to the Strength Knights, before looking at them, "I believe you guys can do it."
"Wait, you're the leader…?" X-C was quite surprised at hearing how Red Mask listened.
"Never seen someone like him, but…" X-AH commented, "It doesn't matter." Suddenly, however, a gunshot was heard. Once again, Xalzer fell down, apparently his leg was shot down by X-ST with his version of D-Revolver.
"He thinks he can run like a coward while we speak…" X-ST said, before turning to Deka Blue, "Then let's get down to business… partner."
"I'm…" Deka Blue was about to deny about partnership, but for this one time, he felt like it would be improper to deny, "… honored."
"Thank you, Super Sentai." As X-KH said that, the Strength Knights lined up with their counterparts, preparing to strike. "Now witness your end, evil!"
"Hiii…" Xalzer were shivering in his sitting position, knowing that his death has come.
"For the crime of the destruction of our world and those who watched over us…!" X-ST exclaimed, signaling that it's about time to strike.
"YOUR END COMES!" With that, all the Strength Knights and their counterparts ran forward with their weapons at hand and one by one slashed Xalzer, continuously draining his life.
"HIIIII!" With a shriek, Xalzer then exploded. There was nothing more that came from his mouth.
"That… takes care of the case of the destructive film maker." Deka Blue said to finish things up, "You have our thanks, Strength Knights."
"We did it!" Mega Yellow clapped and jumped in joy, before grabbing X-AH and shaking it, "You did great!" … However, all of the sudden, her joy were dashed as X-AH's hand started to immaterialize and she started to dissipate. "Wait, what…!? No…!"
"Oh… this. I knew it would come." X-AH noted sadly, "Our time in this world has expired… It was set in stone the moment our world were destroyed…"
"No… no way…!" Pink Mask voiced her worry, regardless of having no counterparts, she was adamant to say a piece of her mind, "And there… there's nothing we can do…!?"
"Unfortunately not, miss." X-C answered as he too started to dissipate, "But even then… it was a glorious end we can be proud of."
"We have avenged our world… and made sure such tragedy will not repeat anymore." X-ST also started to dissipate, but beneath his mask, he seemed to be smiling, "And we even get to partner with something similar to us… the Super Sentai."
"Back in those days, they'd call us knock offs to another thing, or copycats. But you guys…" X-KH said sweetly as she also started to show signs of disappearing too, "You didn't care… you recognized us as heroes, champions of the innocents. You let us… be ourselves."
"No… that's not true…" Ptera Ranger went to hug X-KH on the shoulder, the part that hasn't disappeared, "That's not true! If deep down you haven't held your feelings about heroism, we would have failed!"
"And especially you…" X-KH said to Ptera Ranger, "You showered me with enough love for that I could revive that buried feelings, along with my friends. Thank you, um…"
"Ptera Ranger…" She answered, "But if you want to get personal, you can call me Mei."
"Mei…" X-KH said with great gratitude in her voice, "Thank you… I'm glad I've met you before I am gone… I am Ki—" She was about to say her name, but at that point, she completely vanished, leaving Ptera Ranger to just hug the air.
"Farewell, Super Sentai…" X-AH bid them farewell as she completely vanished.
"We won't expect you to remember us…" X-ST was next as he vanished.
"But we will never forget you…" And with X-C giving the last words, all the Strength Knights were gone… with the wind.
"Nooo!" Ptera Ranger, crushed with how she lost a new friend, shouted in anguish, before slowly sobbing while trying to resist, "Strength Knights… Ki…"
"Mei… it's all right." Mega Yellow put her hand onto her shoulder, as she was also holding her own tears behind her mask, "They passed in peace… and we helped them achieve it…"
"Strength Knights…" Red Mask then looked upwards, reminiscing the short yet beautiful friendship they had with these group of heroes, "One day… I would love to hear your tales…"
As the rough day ended, Cliff personally met the Super Sentai in order to speak with them.
"I owe you all a great deal of help." Cliff said to the team, "I don't know how to repay it."
"Oh, we don't require any payment, Mr. Cliff." Jiraiya tried to assure him, "Just keep doing what you do best: Directing."
"Oh yeah, about that…" Hoji added, "What are you going to do with this project?"
"Don't tell me you're going to scrap it!?" Chisato said, worried, "Aww, and here I thought it was a really grand idea!"
"Oh hoh hoh. You're worrying for the wrong reasons, missy." Clint assured her with a laugh, "The project will still go on. It's just that I have to start from scratch again. New scriptwriter, and hopefully, a better producer. If all else fails, I'll just start producing myself."
"Huh? If you can produce yourself…" Takeru pointed that odd point out.
"Well, the reason I was looking for a producer was because I want more people to feel the beauty of that idea of cultural unity…" Cliff explained to him, "But if I cannot, then producing it myself would be my backup plan. Regardless, the show must always go on!"
"Please let us know if your project is finished!" Mei offered with a smile, "We'd like to be the first watchers!"
"Wow, so we get to be watching premiere?" Momoko also added in, "I'm definitely in this too! Right, Takeru?" And with that, Takeru nodded as well, smiling.
"With that, I must take my leave now. Farewell." Clint then bowed his head and as the rest also bowed in gratitude, they parted ways, waving hands to each other.
"Whew. Glad that's over with…" Jiraiya commented as he stretched his hand, "Acting on impromptu takes a lot of efforts!"
"Uh huh… so you haven't been fighting on impromptu with bad guys?" Momoko then teased at him.
"Hey, those two things were different!" Jiraiya corrected as the group started walking away… And then he started another conversation as they walked, "Hoji… actually you surprise me."
"What?"
"I didn't know you could speak English normally." Jiraiya reminded him about the time he spoke actual good English as a way to act, "How come you always instead rely on the broken English?"
"Oh, so you didn't know about this, Jiraiya?" Chisato then nudged at him, with a grin, "He doesn't look like it, but in spare time, I've seen Hoji actually take training about native speaking, you know!"
"What was that, Chisato?" Hoji then asked in a slightly annoyed tone, "Were you spying on me?"
"Dunno! I was just passing through!" Chisato answered cheekily, "But I'm sensitive enough to know what's going on when I pass through!"
"I see that Hoji is a quick learner in not just fighting, but also things like language." Mei commented, "Impressive."
"Quit it, I'm not used to this." Hoji cut the constant praising, though deep down he admitted that Chisato was right, he worked hard for this. Ever since he met Jiraiya, he has deep down admitted that he might need more lessons to become a perfect cop that would be taken seriously, so took his time… And now at least he could see the fruits of his labor. But he had to remind something else, "Takeru, any news about Mele and Mikoto?"
"After this time, I would be surprised if they did not come back." Takeru answered confidently, "I'm sure that once we return, they'll be ba—"
But then, the happy conversation were suddenly cut short when they saw a familiar face. "Xalzer…!?"
"No way!" Mei couldn't believe it, Xalzer was standing in front of the team. "Didn't you die…!?"
"Wait, it could be something like a ghost." Momoko corrected, "Look at him." Indeed, while Xalzer stood, it was like his body was ethereal, like a ghost.
"If I die… I will go to Hell." Xalzer then spread his arms, creating two portals once again like when he was living. "However… Agent Abrellar and Master Long… they have granted me a chance…" As he said that, he then ran forward with a surprising speed, "… TO DRAG YOU TO HELL WITH ME!"
"Wha— !?"
"WATCH OUT—!"
But the six warriors were too late. As Xalzer's spirit closed in on them, he put his hand forward, creating a big portal and it consumed the Super Sentai. And once Xalzer's spirit truly disappeared, nothing was standing at that ground anymore… not even Xalzer… not even the Super Sentai. But wherever you are, Super Sentai… we know you won't give up. Be well, and never feel down! Fight on, Super Sentai! … We know you will.
"D… damn it…!"
"You lost this game, Mikoto Nakadai."
Both Mele and Abare Killer fell to their knees, and as they slowly collapsed to the ground, they reverted to their normal selves and lost their consciousness. In front of them stood not only Lijewel and Ryuukyo… but also Long. "The distraction of Lijewel and Ryuukyo blinded you from thinking that I would reinforce them… It costs you your game."
As it stood, the Barmia Soldiers and Rinshis surround them. "What are we to do to them, Master?" Ryuukyo asked his new master, as he has joined Long even if he still wielded the Rin Jyuu Ken.
"Shall I kill them?" Lijewel asked, still cold-heartedly, "This will solidify your victory."
"… It's all right. I am still ahead even with their lives." Long then slowly walked, and he stomped at Mikoto's head on the ground, thinking of what to do, and while still thinking, went to the other way and stomped on Mele's head. There was no reason, he just felt like thinking while stomping the heads of their fallen bodies.
Eventually, he came to a decision.
"We're taking them with us."
To be continued…
Author's note: Aand yeah, it's a frickin' cliffhanger, Takeru and the rest got sent to what is known to be 'Hell', while Mele and Mikoto got captured by Long. What a way to go from what would be a Shout Out-based filler... Did I say Shout Out?
Oh yes, for those noticing... The Strength Knights were quite based on Power Rangers (Heck, if you notice the Strength Knights' names, you'll see that after the X- part, it's actually the initials of the Power Ranger counterparts for the characters involved (I'll make this short: Kim, Sky, Corcus and Ashley), but they're different characters). In fact, this 'filler' touches on things like how fan wars erupt and tends to get not pretty. In addition of touches about the Delusional Import episode from Akibaranger about Powerful Rangers (Heck, Clint Gilleron is pretty much named similarly like George Spielburton, except this time taking on Clint Eastwood, Terry Gilliam and James Cameron). Except in the end... it doesn't matter whether you're a copycat, a knock off, or something else, what matters is you do good deeds and help people, that makes you a hero and the important thing. Well hopefully that makes sense.
Just try to stay tuned in the next chapter, or who knows what will happen to Mele and Mikoto... oh heck, whatever will happen to anyone of the heroes! (And a surprise guest that might not matter? Maybe)
... If I move my ass to work on it ASAP, that is.