Power Rangers:
Fractured Continuum
Prologue
Disillusionment
A desolate setting. Dark environment, excessive cloud cover, Thunder and lightning, hevy rain. He was used to this environment. In the center of it all, the grey ranger faced down another ranger; the purple ranger, the one and only to hold the Carnotaurus coin. They were once allies but now, they are enemines. It had been a grueling battle; The grey ranger's power scimitar clashing with the purple ranger's power kamas.
"You were Captain of the guards, and father's most trusted soldier," said the grey ranger, "You dare throw all that away Taurus?"
"If it is the right thing to do, then so be it," said the purple ranger known as Taurus, "Do you enjoy killing, your highness?"
"It's not for enjoyment," said the grey ranger, "but more of in the line of duty. I am the father's greatest protector and I must live up to that."
"Tell me something Aquaticus," said Taurus, "Are you willing to destroy women and children for the sake of duty? What if you were ordered to kill your own wife and kids, what then?"
The grey ranger known as Aquaticus froze. That struck a chord. The prince was known to be a powerful warrior but generous to the peasants much like his father and mother. However his father was not as lenient him.
"Yes, I thought that would get your attention," said Taurus, "My own wife, executed as a traitor, for smuggling food to the so-called "enemy". Outcasts who were banisheed because they spoke ill of your precious father. She was pregnant, and I was forced to stand by and watch her die. Your father is a monster."
Aquaticus saw a little red.
"Watch your mouth!" he shouted.
"You are blind my friend," said Taurus, "I pity you. You're devoted to your family, that is admirable, but you are blind of any wrongdoing."
Aquaticus lost it as he suddenly charged at Taurus, slashing and jabbing wildly. Taurus just barely dodging blocking and parrying. As Taurus swung high, Aquaticus saw an opening and went down to his knee, ducking the blade and slashing his scimitar across Taurus's chest. The blow was fatal.
When he realized what he had done, Aquaticus dropped his scimitar and cradled his fallen friend. Taurus reached up and placed his hand on Aquaticus's shoulder.
"I...forgive you...my friend," said Taurus, "I will see my family now...but please don't be consumed by the darkness. You are capable of good, use it..."
With that, Taurus fell limp in his arms. Aquaticus laid his friend down then stood, removing his helmet. He was young, handsome, spitting of his father. His long brown hair with streaks of lighter brown. His blue eyes inherited from his mother, filled with tears.
"I'm sorry..." he said.
He took the coin, the weapons and the helmet...leaving his friend in his ragged underclothes and made his way back towards the fortress...
Prince Aquaticus walked through the halls of the fortress his eyes somber and stony. The guards and servants saluting as he passed by. The big doors to the throne room creaked and slid open as he entered the spacious throne room. He kneeled down before the thrones of Lord Drakkon and Ranger Slayer with his head down.
"Status?" asked Drakkon in a cold voice.
"He is dead father," said Aquaticus.
Drakkon leaned forward from the shadows, his aged, scarred yet godlike face regarding him, the long dark hair swaying.
"Look at me when you speak," he said.
Aquaticus looked up, revealing tears. Drakkon's eyes narrowed slightly.
"Why do you cry, Prince Aquaticus?" he demanded.
"He was my friend," said Aquaticus, "and I killed him."
"Son... He betrayed us," said Drakkon, "You are not in the wrong. You did the right thing."
"Then why do I feel wrong?" he asked, "Why do I feel like a monster?"
Drakkon sighed.
"I should have known this would be a hard mission for you," he said, "You feel wrong because of your emotional connection to him. You grew up together. But in the end you were the better man."
Ranger Slayer regarded their son as the he and his father spoke. Her intense brown eyes held pity for him but at the same time she would not stand by and watch him beat himself up.
"Listen here young man," said Slayer, "I understand you are hurting from this, but I will not sit by and let you beat yourself up. You did the right thing by reporting him to us. You did well accomplishing your mission. You are a hero to this kingdom, act like it."
Aquaticus nodded.
"Yes mother," he said.
"Arise, you are dismissed my son," said Drakkon.
Aquaticus stood up, bowed then left. After he was gone, Ranger Slayer looked to her husband.
"I worry about him," she said, "This was not a good mission for him."
"He was the only one who could do it," said Drakkon, "In time he will harden and become like us. He is still very green after all."
"All the same we may want to keep an eye on him," said Slayer.
Drakkon nodded.
Aquaticus walked through the halls, tired and depressed after the whole ordeal. He was expecting his parents to knock the shit outta him, and yet they were lenient like always. They loved him and he them and he knew it. He removed his battle armor and crawled into bed. It felt like forever before sleep overtook him...