Chapter 8: Treasure Hunt
The next morning, Gosei called the rangers into the command center to discuss Alpha's latest discovery. To say they were confused would be an understatement.
"Okay, you lost me. What's with the big dot?"
"Its got to be something important. But the question is what?"
"The key to our victory."
Everyone's heads turned to Gosei, his solemn expression evident even through his visor.
"Long ago, when I was still under the tutelage of my wise mentor Zordon, I was studying the Morphing Grid and how to harness its power. During my long hours of reading over scrolls and tomes, I found a passage that describes The Morphing Grid's greatest power. With it, one could change the fate of the entire universe."
This got the rangers' attention. Definitely don't want that to fall into the wrong hands.
"For years, I dug through scrolls and tomes trying to figure out how to access it, to no avail. When I brought this to Zordon's attention, he two had no answer. The only clue I could ever find is a single line of text: "Prove yourself worthy and the key to your desires shall reveal itself."
"Alright, but what does all this have to do with this map?" Jakes asked, the other nodding agreement. None of this seemed to add up. Alpha 5 stepped forward to provide the answer.
"I'm detecting a large energy signature coming from this location, larger than any man made source possible. If its anywhere on this planet, it's there."
The rangers stood there for a minute, taking it all in. If what Gosei was saying was t:ue, and it was as powerful as he said it was, could it really be that easy to find? And even so, what qualifies as being worthy?
After several minutes of silent debate, Troy spoke up.
"Where to?"
"To the city of Briarwood, home of the Power Rangers Mystic Force."
A half hour later, the team was in the Sky Ship making way for Briarwood. Troy was at the helm, while Noah and Emma were at the crow's nest watching for any signs of trouble. The last thing they wanted was The Armada taking advantage of an unguarded city.
"See anything, Emma?"
"Nope. So far, so good."
Noah fell silent, his mind wandering to other matters. Emma took noticed, and gently tapped him on the shoulder.
"Penny for your thoughts?"
"Its just...I've been studying the Mystic Force Rangers. Their powers come from the belief in magic, and well..."
"You don't believe in magic."
Noah nodded.
"Its just, I believe in science. Cold, hard, undeniable facts. Magic is... unpredictable. Logically, it shouldn't exist."
"Says the guy wearing spandex while riding a floating Pirate ship."
Noah chuckled, conceding that Emma had a point. But before their conversation could continue, their transport was bombarded by fire from encoming Armada warships.
"Uh oh, this is bad."
"Quick, inside!"
By the time they reached their stations, the Sky Ship had already taken heavy damage.
"I thought you guys were on watch! What happened?"
"Long story."
"Never mind that, we need to shake them and fast!"
Thinking quickly, they spun their steering wheels hard, opening return fire and taking out several ships. But every time they took out one, another two swooped in to take its place, quickly overwhelming them.
"This is bad. Anybody got any ideas?"
"We need to form the megazord! Its the only way we can get them off our tail."
But before they could get the chance, a lucky blast hit their engines, sending them to the ground.
"Aw man, we've been hit!"
"Everyone brace for impact!"
With a loud bang, the ship landed, sending plumes of smoke into the air while the warships returned to the fleet. From a distance, a cloaked figure watched the scene.
"So it begins. Be careful, rangers."
With that, the figure turned and walked back into the forest, a very familiar looking cell phone in hand.