Power Rangers GPX Supercharged, episode 52: That Legendary Place The End of the Map Reveals, Part 1

:-:-:-: We're the best damn chance you've got, Power Rangers GPX, let's go! :-:-:-:

The Power Rangers, Eruvanda, and 150 North Woods elves flew out of Dane County Regional Airport on 3 US Air Force Chinook helicopters heading east. The Rangers, in their own Chinook with Liz, Arquen, and less than 50 North Woods elves, sat across from each other, but Sean sat next to a US army sergeant who was visibly disappointed to be babysitting or something like that.

"So, uh, is this a bad time to ask about the glorification of the military?" Sean quipped to the Army sergeant. The sergeant grinned, rolled his eyes and ignored him. "How are we going to fly to Finland in this thing?" Sean asked.

"We're not!" the sergeant replied.

"Oh, now you answer me?"

"Time difference and flight time meant we needed to pick you up as soon as your exams were over," the sergeant continued. "At least you got to say good-bye to the other operatives."

"I wasn't going to ask, but thanks," said Sean. Jimmy and his team, as well as Kaylee and her team, had seen the GPX Rangers off at Dane County Regional Airport, where they also picked up the other 150-something North Woods elves. Sean and Jimmy said goodbye and Sean told his cousin that he loved him, just like he'd told his sister he loved her minutes earlier. Gina was also there, and she and Hitomi shared a kiss before she boarded the helicopters with the rest of her team.

Sean turned to look at Maria. She gave him an amused expression. He laughed and turned to look out the porthole. Milwaukee, still heavily damaged by the attack the previous month, passed under the helicopters, and Sean's wonder changed into confusion. He looked up at the sergeant. "Hey! Are we going to fly these things all the way to Finland!?" he asked.

"Nope!" the sergeant responded.

"Then why are we already over Lake Michigan!? And why didn't we board a plane at Dane?"

"Our transportation is waiting!" the sergeant replied, smiling.

"Is it top secret?"

"Yes."

"Well we're top-secret, why not tell us!?"

"Just wait till you see what it is!" the sergeant laughed again.

The Power Rangers exchanged nervous glances.

"Your country's military is crazier than I thought!" Aaron shouted over the din of the helicopter engines, which we forgot to mention earlier.

"You're telling me!" Sean replied. The guy whose brother-in-law is a Marine didn't need to be told that the military was crazy.

"And proud of it!" the sergeant laughed. He turned to Eruvanda and Arquen, who sized him up.

"You can cut the 'aloof elf' bit now," Sean told them.

Instantly, both sighed, slumping into their seats. The sergeant watched, amazed that some kid who'd only been playing hockey just a year ago could do... that.

"These heels are not good for my back," Eruvanda remarked.

"Preach it," Maria replied, having had to put up with high heels on more than one occasion. Goodness knows how much the Queen of the Elves, supposedly at least twice as old as Maria, had to put up with them.

"So if we're not flying by plane, how are we getting there!?" Sean continued. "Those Sconnie elves can teleport the length of the state, you guys teleported from the other side of the globe, how are we-"

"Who said we are flying all the way?" Arquen asked. "Do not tell me you merely assumed we are not teleporting."

"Admittedly, teleporting in might be more difficult than it seems," said Liz. "Elrond Day travel is the equivalent of Christmas travel, so we could hypothetically sneak in with the throngs of teleporters. However, I can only assume they assume that we are coming, and are monitoring the teleportation stations for any sign of us."

"So until we get confirmation that we may enter incognito, we will have to fly."

"Perfect," said Sean. "And what are we flying on?"

"Look out the window," said the sergeant.

Rolling his eyes, Sean followed the sergeant's suggestion and looked. The other Rangers followed him. He strained to look until he spotted a white dot in the middle of the vast blue. As it got closer and closer, the dot grew larger and changed color from white to gray, then grey to darker grey. Then they could see more. It was long, and it looked like there was a runway extending along the ship's spine, another one going over it, diagonally at the rear. It was an aircraft carrier, yes, but surely that couldn't be it, right? Right?

"Hey, there's a plane in that aircraft carrier, right?" Sean asked.

"Probably," said the sergeant.

Ritchie spun away from the window, his expression one of incredulity. "Seriously!? We're going to Finland in a fucking aircraft carrier!?"

"PLEASE tell me there's some super elf-plane that needs to be launched from an aircraft carrier and not a fucking airport!" Sean snapped.

"And risk getting seen!?" the sergeant replied.

Sean was about to point out that the Power Rangers, elves, etc, etc, were public knowledge by now but couldn't think of the right way to say it. He was, after all, still a bit tired from finishing up his finals, writing a two-page essay in his anthropology class.

Thankfully, Maria didn't have as hard a final. "But… we're not a secret anymore!"

"Not you!"

The sergeant's secrecy was enough for the Rangers. Unable to say anything else, they turned around to watch the aircraft carrier get bigger and bigger until they were right on top of the diagonal flight deck. The command tower looked very different from the command towers they'd seen in books. Flight deck crewmen gathered around, directing the three Chinooks until they safely landed. Then the rear hatches of all three Chinooks opened, and the occupants, mostly the North Woods elves, streamed out of the helicopters as the flight crews looked on in amazement. The Power Rangers exited last. Kevin was the first to come off the loading ramp. Sean and Maria followed closely. Sean went first and held her hand as she came out. Then Aaron, Hitomi and Ritchie followed. Lastly, Arquen stepped out of the helicopter, holding Liz's hand to help her down.

A woman wearing a UN jacket approached them. "Welcome," she said.

"Hi," said Sean. "Where's the plane?"

"You're standing on it!" she laughed.

"Is it in the carrier?"

"It is the carrier," she said. She must have expected their disbelief, because she kept smiling, even as they all looked at her, and amongst themselves, incredulously. The sergeant approached, saluting her, allowing her to turn her head and move some of her hair out of the way. The Rangers and queen all gasped when she revealed the pointed ear of an elf. "Now do you believe me?" she asked, not even turning her head.

"No!"

"Then you might want to step inside soon," she chuckled.

The flight deck shook. It was followed by a muffled whirring that sounded like it was coming from all four corners of the ship. The Rangers and elves all looked around for the source of the sound but couldn't find it. Gradually, the sound got louder, prompting the Rangers to run over to the port stern to look, flight crew running around. The lake was churning into a large whirlpool, unheard of in this lake except maybe in one of the famous "Witches of November", but those would probably pale in comparison to this. However, it soon dawned on them that the water wasn't churning, something was lifting out of them. A giant rotor emerged from the water, folding up until it was perpendicular with the rest of the ship and started spinning. Then the carrier slowly lifted out of the water.

The Rangers had been watching, amazed. They turned to the elf lady. She was gesturing them to follow her inside. They did, as flight crew were fastening fighter and transport jets to the flight deck and the Chinooks took off. More flight crew emerged from the ship, carrying oxygen masks.

They were led deep into the bowels of the ship. It mostly looked like a regular aircraft carrier on the inside, just sleeker and more sci-fi. UN insignias were all around them. The elf lady eventually led the Power Rangers to a large room with a just-as-large window with a 180-degree view of the lake. Here, personnel scurried about in front of flat, holographic computer screens, giving orders or relaying information back to the man at what appeared to be the helm, in the middle of the, well, bridge. A female officer announced to the man at the helm that they were "at level", and the man gave an order to "vanish". The Rangers couldn't see it, but large refracting panels on the ship's hull had just turned them invisible.

The Power Rangers were amazed. They were even more so when the man at the "helm" turned. "Well?" Tom Maelstrom asked.

The Rangers looked between each other, then finally Ritchie scoffed. "This comes right out of a comic book!"

"Yep!" Maelstrom replied. "Welcome to the SWORD helicarrier Excalibur."

"Okay, I'm… I…" Sean tried to find the right words again. "This is unbelievable."

"Five giant cars turning into a giant robot is okay for you, but this is too much?" Maelstrom laughed.

"Okay…" Sean had to concede that one.

"But how many schools did this divert funding from?" asked Maria.

"None," said Maelstrom. He turned around. "Navigation, set a course to the coordinates Queen Eruvanda provided."

"Yes, sir!"

Maelstrom gestured to the table behind them. "Please, have a seat." The Rangers, Eruvanda, and Aengus, leader of the North Woods elves, sat down at the table. "We'll provide air support."

"Against an entire air force?" Kevin asked.

"We have enough fire power," Maelstrom answered. "Any more questions?"

"Did the elf lady design this?" Aaron asked.

"Yes," she answered. "My name's Karol. Like others, I had to hide my identity, even as we used elven technology for most everything. It wasn't until Ragnar showed up, blowing the lid off everything, that we've had to come out of the woods, so to speak."

"Even I didn't know we hired elves!" Maesltrom laughed. "No offense."

"None taken."

"Isn't SWORD dead?" Ritchie asked.

"Yes and no. We're under UN control now, and Col. Greene is still your commanding officer."

"Yeah, we knew that part," Sean said, referring to Greene. "I like Col. Greene. He's a nice dude."

"Well, he's not here right now," Maelstrom continued. "So, to repeat; what's your plan?"

"Uh, go into Alfheim, find the student resistors, help them overthrow the government, then take down Ragnar," said Sean.

"You make it sound easier than it might be," said Maelstrom.

"It's Power Rangers," Sean replied. "There's always a big, final battle at the end; bad guy tries to execute their plans, the Power Rangers show up and in an epic showdown, take down the bad guys. That's pretty much what's 'bout to happen."

"And what else?"

"I take back control of the government," Eruvanda answered. "Suitroops, and I assume the weapons Ragnar will be using, can be deactivated only by the Monarch. And since Ragnar does not know the code, and neither does my king-playing cousin Earello, it will be easy for me to deactivate them."

"How do you know about Earello?" Arquen asked.

"Tiris told me," she answered. "He says Ragnar has been letting him play King, even though that is all he is doing. Everyone in Alfheim knows who the tyrant is."

Maelstrom was visibly unhappy with everything, like he'd assumed they had a more complex plan. "Do you know what the students will do yet?"

"No, but we have an idea," Sean sighed.

"They're probably going to pull some Les Misérables nonsense at the parade," said Maria.

"Look, we already know what kind of Leeroy Jenkins, gung-ho bullshit we're getting into," said Sean, "We've already accepted the fact we're probably gonna die, so might as well go out in a blaze of glory."

"So you're just going to go by the TV show's rules?"

"Hey, I challenged an intergalactic conqueror to a duel and won," said Sean, "Ain't gonna happen again, but you know what? Might as well! Could ya blame me? I was desperate!"

"That is how you defeated the Zordonians!?" Arquen sputtered, stupefied.

"Yep! Like I said, I was desperate, and outta nowhere, thought of one of my favorite Doctor Who episodes, so I was like, 'fuck it!' and challenged him to an honor doo-ell!"

While the elves stared at him, his team was doubled over in their seats, unable to control their laughter, and he gestured with his arms wide open, unable to stop himself from grinning. The only Ranger not laughing was Maria, but she was looking at him like she'd fallen in deeper in love with him.

"And that excuses not having a plan?" Maelstrom's subordinate, apparently named "Lewandowski" asked.

"Are you kidding? You have any idea how many victories we pulled out of our ass early on?" Sean asked. "I lost count!"

"So your plan… is to disrupt a parade and try to capture Ragnar while the Queen and some unarmed students try to overthrow the government," Lewandowski sighed. She looked visibly Done right now. It's not her fault, she's just in the wrong mindset for this type of story.

"Well, when you put it that way," said Sean.

"It's a good plan," said Maelstrom. He didn't even look at Lewandowski glaring at him. "What? It's not like they can just invade with such a small force."

"Well, that's nice," said Lewandowski. "And what if he escapes!?"

"He won't go far," said Ritchie. "He knows how this works as much as we do; he wants a final battle, a glorious showdown to decide what he sees is a battle between good and evil. And if he tries to hide, we'll force-and-or-goad him out of hiding."

Irritated, Lewandowski turned, glaring at Maelstrom.

"Think it over," said Maelstrom. "You're dismissed." The Rangers, Queen and Aengus stood up and left. Maelstrom turned to Lewandowski, internally processing her disapproval. "They're not military," he said.

"No, duh."

"Where's the mess hall?" Aaron asked.

"That's not what they're called on ships," said Kevin.

"And how would you know?"

"I was in the army," Kevin answered.

"The galley's down the hall," said Maelstrom.

"Perfect!" Aaron hopped out of his seat and ran out of the bridge.

Maria watched him go. Sean caught her watching from the corner of his eye. "You hungry?" he asked.

"No, I'm just going to watch over here," she said. She walked over to the big viewing pane and looked out over the scene below. They were above land, probably Michigan or Ontario. No, it was probably Michigan. America was big, as she'd learned the hard way. A rainbow appeared.

"Sooome-wheeeeere ooooo-ver the rain-bow… way uuuuuup hiiiiiiiigggghhh," she softly sang. She stopped when a pair of arms softly encased her shoulders. Knowing who the only person would do this was, she relaxed as he pressed his soft, freshly-shaven cheek against hers.

"Are you nervous?" he asked.

"Terrified," she answered.

"Me too," he said.

Footsteps clamored up behind them. Hitomi was giddy with excitement. Or fear. Or both. "They're playing One Piece in the rec room!" she said, positively giddy. "This'll be just like it!"

"Yeah, except for the fact that we could die," Sean remarked.

Hitomi huffed. "No, we're going on an adventure and we're going to be the first humans to see something new!" She ran off, singing, "ARITTAKE NO YUME OOOOOO, KAKI ATSUMEEEEE!" She ran past Arquen and Eruvanda, both of them approaching the human couple.

"Sean," Arquen said, grabbing Sean's shoulder, "We need to do some swordsmanship sparring."

"Been learning fencing?" Maelstrom asked.

"Arquen's been helping me all semester," Sean answered. He turned back to Arquen. "Sure, why not?" Then he followed Arquen out of the bridge. Maria and Liz were quick to follow, eager to see their respective boyfriends hot, sweaty, and maybe even shirtless.

After that, they would probably hang out with the sailors… airmen?...

"YAR, SHIVER ME TIMBERS, MATEY!" Sean bellowed as he departed the bridge.

:-:-:-: PRGPX :-:-:-:

Disappointed that Sean and Arquen's sparring session never got as hot, sweaty, nor shirtless as hoped, Maria had stood up to leave before the sparring session was over, and Sean didn't seem to mind a whole lot. But Eruvanda lingered until she too got impatient with the disgusting lack of manservice and stood up to leave, but almost ran into Aengus the North Woods elf. She assumed that he was just there to watch, or spar with Arquen, if his sparring session was almost over. Then Kevin O'Donnell poked his head out from behind Aengus, awkwardly waving. There was only one conclusion to be made about Aengus's intentions, and he wasn't going anywhere until it happened.

He sized her up like she was an enemy. Maybe he thought she was a potential enemy. For now, she had to be diplomatic. "Stand down, Arquen," she ordered. The general lowered his wooden sword. Sean, still there, flipped his head between his sparring partner and the queen, realized what was going on, and scurried from the training room. Kevin sighed.

"Let's get this over with," he sighed again. "I'm not your translator machine."

"Is there anything I can do for you?" Eruvanda asked, Kevin translating.

"I need to tell her that I am already facing dissention within my ranks. They want to know if we can trust her."

"Oi! Ask politely! I already said, I'm not a machine!"

Aengus growled. "Very well. Please ask her how I know I can trust her," he said.

Eruvanda listened to Kevin's translation, and was visibly taken aback by Aengus's confession. She must not have known it was coming. But she kept her composure and diplomatic attitude. "Do you trust me, Aengus?" she asked.

"I do trust her," Aengus answered when Kevin translated, Kevin pointing at her so he could direct the question to her. "I do trust you, Your Majesty… to an extent."

"I will take that as a compliment," she said, even though she knew that he had a reason to be skeptical of her.

"It is my comrades who are the most skeptical," Aengus continued. At this, Liz made an "Ah" shape with her mouth, nodded, and looked aside, first to nothing, then to Arquen.

"I must speak with them," she said.

"I shall accompany you," said Aengus.

Aengus's entourage mingled in the ship's main hangar, under the curious and confused gazes of the heli...air?... carrier's crew, seated, and not caring about the curious stares. The elves in question didn't notice Aengus, Arquen and Eruvanda at first, but gradually, they started noticing the trio, coming in waves, sparked by a single elf noticing them, or seeing the expanding waves coming towards them. The waves grew and grew until all the North Woods elves had their eyes and ears on Aengus, Arquen and Eruvanda. And Kevin. He was a bit visibly nervous, laughing and waving at their interested audience.

Aengus made an announcement first, then stepped back so Eruvanda could step forward herself to make her announcement.

"I understand there are some of you who are questioning the mission," she said. "Speak now or forever hold your peace."

The elves listened while Kevin translated, even laughing at some of Kevin's stumbles and stutters, because people make mistakes. When he finished, some of them were visibly taken aback, but others weren't. Eruvanda focused on them. It was likely they were the ones questioning this mission, but she needed to be sure.

"Um, what were you trying to do there, Your Majesty?" Kevin asked quietly, leaning into Eruvanda.

"You learn these things as a politician," she answered. "You, there!" She pointed at one of the elves who was visibly unsurprised. Well, now he was surprised, surprised to be called on. What's more, the eyes of the other elves were all on him. He gulped and stood up. He spoke, and Kevin translated that he was just acknowledging her question.

"I saw you were not surprised to hear my words earlier," she continued. "Why?"

The elf nervously gulped again, nearly withering under the gaze of the Queen, his leader and comrades. After several moments, he finally summoned his courage, straightened up and spoke firmly, with a defiant undertone. When he finished, some of his comrades murmured their agreement, turning their eyes at her.

"He's askin' why they have to fly halfway around the world for your ego," he said. Eruvanda was visibly taken aback but had to hold Arquen back from confronting the other elves. A few more voiced their agreements with the elf who just spoke.

"What should I do?" Eruvanda asked.

"Look, I understand why he's askin' this, maybe you should try the same," Kevin answered.

Eruvanda turned back to the elves. "What do you expect? For Ragnar to ignore you?" Some of the elves said somethings that answered Eruvanda's question without Kevin's translation. He didn't even bother to translate for them. "Is the liberation of Alfheim not enough for you?"

An elf angrily shouted at her. "He says Alfheim turned its back on them," Kevin answered. "And, I assume you can guess his—"

"I figured that much," she said. "And what makes you assume Ragnar would not come for you?!" Eruvanda asked. "This is your opportunity to prevent such a thing!"

An elf stood up in the back, shouting something that made the others voice their agreements. "He thinks they could hold off Alfheim," Kevin told the Queen.

"Oh, God," Eruvanda groaned and rubbed her face. "And what makes you think you could last?" she asked.

The elf was about to say something. Then his mouth closed, gradually. His comrades, visibly disappointed at his non-answer, turned away from him.

"And if you do survive," she continued, "Are you willing to live with the deaths of 7 billion people that could have been prevented, had you done something?

"… Besides the ones ruining everything for everything!"

With that caveat, the elves looked around, at each other, because there was no one else to look at, considering the situation. Kevin cleared his throat, getting the elves' attention, pointed at himself, and gestured at the flight crews, standing over the elves with their arms crossed like stern teachers after their students say something stupid at the school assembly.

"Your Majesty," Kevin said, in a way to add to Eruvanda's argument, "What about the people of Alfheim?"

"Ah, yes, Alfheim!" she said. "Do you not care what happens to the people of Alfheim? Do they not deserve to be free?"

"Pretty words from a deposed Queen!" a warrior shouted. Eruvanda snapped her head at the warrior, but Arquen held her shoulder. After sharing a glance with him, she turned back to the warrior.

"If I recall correctly, you volunteered to ally yourselves with us and call me the rightful Queen of the Elves." An elf smacked his forehead after Kevin's translation. "Now it is my turn to ask you why you volunteered to join us."

Aengus remembered the incident that caused them to break with Alfheim, specifically Ragnar.

"It was while the Zordonians were invading our world," he finally said. "My chief—I am not my people's chief, I just lead them into battle—tried to contact Alfheim, but they blew us off, at least that is what he told me. We were relieved when the Power Rangers defeated the Zordonians, even though we would have preferred to form a coalition with Alfheim. That is not the reason why we allied with you, Your Highness, but it is important to remember.

"Finally, when Ragnar attacked the Power Rangers, we contacted you again, but this time, we were finally able to get through to Ragnar—after he took over Alfheim. I was not in the room when my leader had the fateful conversation, but when he emerged, he looked like a ghost and was sweating heavily. I have never seen him so scared. Then he told me that Ragnar threatened us, once he was done with the humans. We fought one battle with the Suitroops, and that was what prompted him to send us to contact you."

There were no words to describe Eruvanda's anger, but she only showed it by clenching her fist. "I am filled with righteous anger," she said, "But I am not surprised."

"Your Majesty, I am honored to fight by your side," Aengus said, promptly kneeling in front of her.

"Arise, Aengus," she said. He rose. "But you should not be honored. I am honored to fight alongside you."

Flabbergasted, Aengus stuttered and stammered until he finally said, "Y-your Majesty?"

"Please, do not be so formal," she said, smiling.

"Oh, thank you," said Aengus.

"May I go, now?" Kevin asked. "I have to make a call to Ireland."

"Very well," she sighed. "You are dismissed, Kevin." Kevin turned around and left the room. Aengus turned to Arquen, pointed at him, and drew his sword. Grinning, Arquen raised his sword, too, bowed, and took up a defensive fighting stance. Eruvanda moved out of the way so they could spar.

Twenty minutes later, Sean emerged from the helicarrier's showers, fully dressed, but with a towel around his neck, his hair still wet and messy. He found the Rangers' bunks empty. Everyone else must have been in the carrier's rec room. Oh, well. No big deal. He sat down at his bunk, drying his hair, then combing it. It had grown a little bit, now going past his earlobes and almost touching the bottom of the neck. But he never put any product besides shampoo in it, so he left it as is.

As he stood up, he heard a voice on the other side of the door. Since he was going that way anyways, he didn't think about it, and left the bunk. He was a bit surprised to see Kevin, though. He almost walked away, ignoring him, but caught the tail end of what he was saying.

"Yes, I know it's been a year, but—Matt, I'm sorry, but—You don't care, do you?"

Stone-faced, Sean eavesdropped until Kevin seemed to turn his way, so he scurried away from Kevin.

Sorry for everything, Kev, he thought as he left Kevin alone.

:-:-:-: Power Rangers GPX :-:-:-:

Sean found his teammates where he thought he would find them, hanging out in the carrier's rec room. Ritchie sat away from everyone else, talking to a sailor. Walking past, Sean caught some of Ritchie's conversation.

"No, my dad made me use a bow because he was worried about me using a gun," Ritchie insisted. "I didn't complain."

"Hey, the deer didn't complain!" the sailor chuckled in a southern drawl. Ritchie laughed with him.

"But yeah, the only time my dad took me out of school for deer hunting season was the first year I was able to go on a hunt. After that, we just went on the weekends. And I had a lot of fun."

Sean shook his head. These country bumpkins and their huntin' season. He imagined Ritchie dressed like Elmer Fudd, going, "Be vewwy, vewwy, quiet. I'm huntin' wabbits, donchakno?" The image made him laugh.

"Something funny, O'Callahan?" Ritchie asked.

"Yeah, but I'm not telling you," Sean laughed.

He turned away. The others sat on the couch, watching One Piece. The FUNimation dub, judging by Hitomi's groaning and moaning. They (by which we mean Sean and Maria) had heard of the show and comic before, but it wasn't until they went to Japan that they really got into it, since it was everywhere. Hitomi took it more seriously, obviously.

The episode ended and the theme song for the next episode started playing; Vic Mignongia sang, "That legendary plaaaaace, that the end of the map reveeeeaaallllls, is only leg-en-da-ry till someone proves it reeeaaaaalllll"

"They re-dubbed that?" he asked. Maria turned around, nodded, then stood up, walked over to him, wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. When she pulled away, he followed, half-lidded, before realizing she'd stopped. "Damn."

"Where's Kevin?" she asked.

"He needs some alone time," he answered. He wrapped his arms around her, holding her for several quiet moments while they gazed in their eyes, until Ritchie aggressively cleared his throat.

"What should we do when we get back?" Maria asked.

"From Alfheim?"

"No, from Russia. Of course,Alfheim!"

"Sorry, I couldn't resist," he chuckled. He took a deep breath and sighed. "Well… I think we could go for a little stroll in the city, or take a ride, just the two of us. Then we could even do some sparring, before getting kebabs, and going to the club."

"Did you just think that up!?" she laughed.

"Yeah," he laughed again, then kissed her forehead.

"Are you two done?" Hitomi asked.

"Yeah, now we are," said Sean.

:-:-:-: PRGPX :-:-:-:

The streets of Alfheim were in a festive, celebratory and anticipatory mood all day, for Elrond's Day was but two days away. But on the walls surrounding the city, the mood was anything but festive.

A young elf soldier sat on the wall surrounding the city of Alfheim, watching the streams of elves arriving for Elrond's Day. Clad in an olive drab gray uniform and shoulder armor, carrying an energy rifle on his back and a sword on his hip, he watched through a pair of binoculars, occasionally zooming in on the faces of individual elves who were neither in speeders nor aircraft. Just past the wall was the energy shield that protected and hid Alfheim from the humans on the outside, as it had for centuries. The physical wall was a leftover from the days before the elves' technology took a giant leap forward, but still served a useful purpose as a perch for the city guards. Elf soldiers and Suitroops guarded the walls from atop, platoons placed at ten-kilometer intervals.

A massive influx of elves from around the world—although not even close to being every single elf on the planet, just enough to swell Alfheim's population for at least a week—had turned the streets into a vast river of bodies and skin colors. There were elves from Africa, east Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas. Perhaps the best human comparison to this would be the Muslim Hajj, but without the religious significance, nor the requirement that every single elf take part in it in Alfheim at least once in their lives, for there were Elrond's Day celebrations in every hidden elf city. But Alfheim, being the capitol of Elfkind, was like Mecca, but culturally.

The elf soldier, a private, looked up as one of his comrades walked towards him, carrying a pair of lembas breads in both hands, giving him the one in his left hand, before sitting down next to him. He cursed in elvish and said, "Worst shift I've ever had. Been going on 8 hours and I'm not even done." He looked up at the sky. The sun had technically set, but the sky stayed glowing in twilight, specifically an hours-long civic twilight until the sun returned to the sky. Expanding out was the rest of the city, intermingled with the already existing tree cover, although some buildings jutted out of the trees. It wasn't quite the land of the midnight sun, at least not for another couple of weeks. The elves lived all over the world, but their capital was here, in northern Scandinavia, close to the North Pole.

Behind them, the sun shone on the metal and glass crystal-like skyscrapers that made up Alfheim's city center. The whole territory supposedly stretched for hundreds of kilometers from the "head" of Lapland up to the fjords of the North Sea, avoiding the human villages and settlements in between. Little had changed for the city over the centuries of its existence, but encroaching human presence had long caused anxiety amongst the population, making them more susceptible to Ragnar's virulent anti-human bigotry, even though it must be said that Ragnar is just one individual who holds this belief.

Ole, the private, collapsed on his back, only to get back up because he'd forgotten he'd had his rifle on his back. When her joined the military, he'd expected great adventures in the wide world of the elves, maybe even getting the opportunity to fight the Power Rangers. Well, he was disappointed when his unit was assigned to guard the wall instead of participating in the "Milwaukee Raid" as it had become known. They'd been on this assignment since April. He checked his watch. "Twelve-thirty-four in the morning," he remarked.

His comrade, Gunnar, sighed. He was looking at a few more hours of his shift. So he changed the subject. "Got family comin' in, Ole?"

"Nah, they're still in the Northwest," Ole answered, which would be around Norway. "Everything was booked."

"Ah, well," said Gunnar. "Same with mine. And I'm stuck here guardin' the walls. First Elrond's Eve on the job. At least, it's officially Elrond's Eve." Gunnar was also a private, but had been in the military just a few months longer than Ole. He too did not have the opportunity to take part in the Milwaukee Raid. Also, they were both cold, but their uniforms and armor regulated their temperatures to keep them warm enough.

"Can't wait to get back to the barracks," said Ole. "Still haven't heard from my brother, by the way. He was at that base the Power Rangers attacked—"

"Don't say that word!"

"What word?"

"You know, those PR—"

"That's two words!"

"It's a technicality, but it don't matter! Don't say those words!"

"Why not?" Ole asked. "I'm not afraid of 'em! I'd shoot one right now, for Ragnar 'nd all Elfkind!"

"Yeah, for the 'cause'," Gunnar scoffed. Ole's eyes widened and shifted around, looking for an officer. But none was around, except the non-commissioned ones. The military had warned him about doubters, lest they turn into dissenters, or traitors. Just being around one was enough for worry.

"Listen, Gunnar," Ole said, "Don't say that aloud next time. I don't want to get caught 'round a doubter."

Gunnar froze, his eyes widening and his teeth clenching. "Oh, right, never mind." Ole released a sigh of relief.

A ruckus caught his attention from his right. He turned and looked to see some of the other wall guards clamoring, swarming a single figure. He strained his neck to look and see what it was, then stood to get a better look. He had no luck until the central figure in this commotion emerged. Commander Ragnar looked fatigued, but happy to be surrounded by his adoring soldiers, all of them thanking him for what he had done for them, Alfheim and elfkind.

Ole's breath hitched in his throat, almost making him choke on his own tongue. He finally managed to get himself breathing again, but then he had to put up with wobbling knees. "The-the Commander's here!" he stage-whispered to Gunnar, who stumbled to his feet.

Both soldiers stood at attention and saluted as the Commander approached, shouting "AIYA RAGNAR!" in unison. The Commander smiled and saluted them, making them laugh nervously.

"How is the watch holding up, privates?" he asked.

"Holding up well, Commander!" Ole barked. "I must say, it is an honor to be in thy presence!"

Ragnar chuckled and patted Ole's shoulder. "You two will be fine soldiers, I can tell. I apologize for making you work for so long, under these conditions. However, we expect this to be the largest Elrond's Day celebration in centuries."

"Just as long as the Power Rangers do not show up," Ole said aloud, then slapped his hand over his mouth.

To his surprised relief, Ragnar only chuckled. "Worry not," he said. "I doubt they will come. They are cowards, and will not dare walk into certain death."

"Still, we are preparing for the possibility that the Power Rangers may be coming," Turelie added. "There is talk, especially after the Americans killed Osama bin Laden."

"I fear them not," Ragnar remarked. "If they want a final battle, so be it. I will give them one!"

"I was only informing them, Commander," Turelie apologized.

"Yes, of course, as you have the privilege," said Ragnar. "And if the Rangers do come, do not worry. I will lead us all against them, and we will crush them together. I am sure all of you will do your best!"

"We will, Commander!" Ole barked. "For Alfheim and Elfkind!"

"Such youthful vigor!" Ragnar remarked. "Be ready; a new age is dawning... except now. Damn, I had forgotten to order the shield dimmed. And it is past midnight." He shrugged. "What do you fellows think? Will the Power Rangers come?"

"If they do, we'll fight them to our deaths!" Ole barked, "Just like you want us!"

"Those uppity humans should stay in their place!" Gunnar added. "Also, I may have doubted you a few minutes ago!" Ole stared at his comrade, frightened for him. But Ragnar threw his head back, laughed, and patted Gunnar's shoulder.

"Do not worry yourself," he said. "It is natural to be cynical, even having doubts. What, did you think I was going to throw you in a prison camp?"

"No, sir," said Gunnar. Ragnar laughed, heartily.

"Do you fellows have family coming to Alfheim?" Ragnar asked.

"No, Commander!" Ole barked.

"A shame," said Ragnar. "Still, you could tell them you met me."

"We will, sir!" said Ole. "And we will fight for Alfheim and elfkind! Our lives are meaningless in comparison!"

"Excellent!" Ragnar remarked. He looked out over the steams of elves coming into Alfheim. "Take a look, soldiers. Soon, they will all be witnesses to history." He walked away with Turelie in tow. Behind them, the two soldiers collapsed, overwhelmed.

"It is amazing those two were able to keep it together," Turelie remarked.

"I appreciate that," said Ragnar. "If only-" he stopped and pointed at Turelie's hip. "Why are you still carrying that human sidearm?"

Turelie looked down at the pistol she'd lifted off a Milwaukee police officer the day of the Battle of Milwaukee. "It is a trophy, sir."

Ragnar paused, then continued walking away. "I wish you had not brought up Bin Laden," he remarked.

"I thought the soldiers needed to know," Turelie answered.

"As I said, I am not worried. But I do not like that someone has drawn parallels between him and I."

"We will find and arrest those student 'resistors'," she reassured him. "Tirna is handling it as we speak."

"Good. If they do not catch them, however, I may have to... let us say that I am not as forgiving as Rashon may have been. Now, remind me of my schedule for tomorrow... not this coming day, the next day."

"Yes, Sir," she replied. She pulled out a data pad for examination. "In the afternoon, there will be a parade, then you will make a speech, and then... the commencement of Operation Ragnarok."

"Ragnarok, the Norse end of the world," Ragnar remarked. "How fortunate my father gave me that name. Not even the Power Rangers can stop us!"

:-:-:-: Power Rangers GPX :-:-:-:

Around the same time, Tiris was finally able to return to his apartment, completely exhausted and dreading the next day. All day, Tiris busied himself with his duties for the holiday preparations. The battalion he commanded was not among the ones picked to march in Sunday's annual parade, so they were assigned to security duty. They had their work cut out for them. And believe it or not, elves could get exhausted, as Tiris dropped his personal bag onto the floor at his apartment entrance.

He had spent the day patrolling the streets with some of his soldiers. The crowds made it extremely difficult to move, even in the side and back streets, one of which Tiris patrolled. But even though it was a side street, it had become an important marketplace almost overnight. The market stands, already regular occupants shouted figuratively and literally over the din. The items sold here were trinkets and cheap souvenirs gobbled up by newcomers desperate to see the "real" Alfheim, but a few real items, like energy crystals for powering the home, could be found at low prices. The tourists, for lack of a better term, mostly ignored them, but occasionally bought some items.

It was very difficult to move, but not impossible. As soon as someone glimpsed the olive gray drab uniforms, they stepped aside, visibly shaking, as the soldiers walked past. Tiris led a squad through the street, taking them to their command post so they could receive their individual orders. As he walked past, he could see the terrified awe and adoration of the military, which made his job easier, but his conscience guilty. It's ironic. Here he was, providing security for the very regime he hoped would fall in the next 48 hours, if all went well.

But he wasn't in the market, he was back in his apartment, to his relief. But he was still very troubled.

The apartment, in a high-rise in a middle-class section of the city with a window facing the city centre, had a burgundy color scheme with some gold trimming. It was a spacious apartment for an affordable, military officer price, with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen and a spacious parlor with the previously mentioned window to the city. He slogged over to the couch, slowly taking his jacket off. He carefully hung it on the back of a chair, then took off his boots. Then he fell face-first onto the couch, releasing a long, drawn-out groan.

"Tiris? Is that you?"

Tiris adjusted his position and sat up on the couch as his wife, Urwen, entered the room. Clad in a silk nightgown, ready for bed, she looked just like the historical princess that was her namesake, but not related to. Dark, shoulder-blade-length hair framed a soft, alabaster face. Tiris's chest clenched at her sight. Momentarily reinvigorated, he stood, crossed the room, took her in his arms, and kissed her passionately. She made a sound of surprise, then moaned, happy, returning the kiss, letting him dip her.

"What prompted that?!" she chuckled. "Although I do not complain."

"I am weary," he answered, "But the sight of you has reinvigorated me."

"I am not an object," she objected, "But please, tell me; why are you so weary?"

"Security," he said, and it was all he needed.

"Then sit!" she insisted, pushing him to the couch. He was all too eager to comply, bouncing up and down on his seat like a child, her following. They laughed and giggled, cuddling and snuggling until Tiris's fatigue could no longer be ignored. Urwen stroked his hair, but then her expression became serious. "What is wrong?"

"What?"

"Your face."

"Nothing is wrong with my face, unless... do I have something on it?"

"Only the look of internal conflict."

Tiris realized what she was talking about. "We had to arrest a boy who questioned the Commander," he said. "And yet want nothing more than to see the Commander fall."

"Tiris..." she groaned. "Do not do this to yourself. You have no choice."

"I have a choice, but..." What could he say? Could he spill the beans that the Power Rangers, Arquen and the Queen were coming to Alfheim? Could he tell her what was planned for Elrond's Day? He could, yes. But he, irrationally, did not trust his own, beloved wife, but not surprising, given what she just said. "Never mind."

He stood, groaning as the aches in his knees hit like a sledgehammer. He walked into the bedroom, and into the closet. A sword with a curved blade rested in the corner, behind his wife's gowns and dresses.

Arquen... get here soon.

:-:-:-: PRGPX :-:-:-:

Sean: "Next time, on Power Rangers GPX Supercharged!"

Maria: "I haven't felt this nervous since my last flight out of Venezuela."

Ritchie: "Where are we meeting our resistance contacts?"

Sean: "We're here!"

Student resistor: "We had a plan."

Arquen: "Ragnar may have to die."

Student resistor 2: "Get some sleep if you can. The sun will be up all night."

Student resistor 3: "They are human elves!"

Ragnar: "Our forces are in position."

Sean: "That's next time, on Power Rangers GPX Supercharged!"

In case you're wondering why most of the "next time" lines are the same as the last chapter: Did you READ this chapter? Got too long, too much content.

Also, got sick of speechifying and exposition. Hope y'all like the new dialogue better!