A Gold Power
By StraightedgeEpyon
Summary: Darkness comes over Tokyo-3 as the battle against The Angels continues. But one boy finds a golden light to cut through the darkness as he becomes the new Gold Ranger
Beta read by TOAT
I own nothing
Chapter 16
(With Delphine)
Delphine stood face to face with the newly-emerged Silver Power Ranger. She was unsure as to what to think or say. Was she a friend or foe? Delphine looked at the ranger's defensive posture and put her hands up in a non-threatening way.
"Be at ease. I did not come here to fight." Delphine assured her.
The ranger did not relax, keeping her hand on her weapon.
"Then who are you and what do you want?" the Silver Ranger demanded.
"I am Delphine of Aquitar," she introduced. "I mean you no harm."
"Aquitar? Never heard it," she replied, her grip slightly loosening on her weapon.
"That's not surprising. It's a planet lightyears away from this one." Delphine explained.
"Now, for my question, who are you? And where did you come from?" asked the White Ranger.
"Hmm…it is a rather difficult question. To be honest, I don't quite know that myself." the Silver Ranger replied.
"Hmm…"
"But I do know this: I aim to prove I'm the best around. Better than any other Power Ranger, past, present or future."
"You might have some competition with that," Delphine replied, getting a snarky chuckle.
"Competition? Meaning you? Ha! that's a laugh. You're not good enough to hang with me!"
"Oh, really now?" Delphine asked. "Care to test that theory?"
In response, the Silver Ranger took out her trident while Delphine took out her sword.
"Bring it, then."
With that, the two began to clash, exchanging punches and kicks in addition to clashing their weapons.
Delphine clashed with vertical feint, followed by a swift roundhouse kick, the Silver Ranger answered back with a quick front kick, then a quick stab with her trident, only for Delphine to block, then the White Aquitian Ranger got in close and hit a sidekick, driving her opponent to her knee.
"Gha! Lucky hit! Try this!" the Silver Ranger exclaimed.
The Silver Ranger hit a double palm strike, then hit an underhand slash strike.
BOOM SPARK!
"Ah!" Delphine grunted, being pushed back.
Delphine rushed forward with a vertical strike, only for the Silver Ranger to block with her trident. Delphine blocked a sidekick, then with a chop to the shoulder followed by two quick slashes of her own.
"Gargh!" grunted the Silver Ranger.
"Had enough yet?" Delphine asked. "You're strong, but you still have much to learn, Silver Ranger."
"I know enough. Yah!" she yelled, thrusting the bottom of her weapon into Delphine's midsection.
"Arg!"
"Kyah!" the Silver Ranger yelled, landing a double-spin kick on the White Ranger.
As Delphine set herself up to retaliate, she collapsed to a knee on the ground. She was running low on energy. She had been away from the water too long.
"No, no not now," the Aquitian groaned, her strength slipping.
"What's the matter? Running on fumes, are we?" the Silver Ranger taunted.
Delphine looked up at her opponent, feeling weaker every second. The Silver Ranger just scoffed and sheathed her trident and walked away.
"We'll call it a night. Come find me when you're at full strength. Or maybe I'll find your gold buddy. Maybe he can give me a worthy challenge." the Silver Ranger spoke before jumping off the roof.
Delphine barely staggered back to her feet to the edge of the roof to see that she disappeared.
"She's gone, and she's good. Very good. I'll need to inform-"
BUZZ!
"What?!" Delphine went, looking up at the sky, only seeing the dark, starry lights.
"I sense someone coming. Someone familiar."
Deciding that she had wasted enough time since she was growing weaker by the minute, the White Ranger teleported to the nearest water source.
Meanwhile, something large and fiery streaked across the night sky, heading towards a desolate part of Tokyo-3.
"WHOOSH!
A mantis-like ship had made its way towards Nakahara, a desolate town that was completely deserted and went into the ocean nearby. After a few moments had passed, a dark figure began to emerge menacingly toward the beachhead.
"I sense you're nearby, Aquitian. But also I sense the Gold Ranger's powers have been passed on to someone. But to who?" the figure mused, looking towards the lively city of Tokyo-3.
"Well, I'll just have to tear this city apart to find out," he growled, walking towards the city.
(NERV the next day with Rei)
After the morning round full of sync tests with the Second and Third Children, Dr. Akagi and Rei took an elevator down to the lower levels of Central Dogma where Gendo awaited them in a large room with a cylindrical tube filled with LCL in the center of it, connected to a large machine.
"Remove all of your clothing and enter the tube," Akagi ordered Rei.
Normally, Rei would do it without question, but she hesitated, looking to the commander for a second before complying.
Entering the tube, she lets out a sigh, which could only be noted by the bubbles that came from her mouth. Gendo watched on as the test proceeded over the next hour.
'You know this is wrong,' a voice said in her head.
Rei slightly grimaced, but it went unnoticed by the doctor and the commander as they watched on.
'They only see you as an object, a specimen. You know this.' the voice continued on.
"Rei, is something the matter?" Dr. Akagi asked, noticing her readings were a bit off.
"I am fine, Dr. Akagi," Rei assured.
'You are your own person. Just because he created you, that doesn't mean he can control you.'
The First Child looked at the commander, who merely looked back at her with indifference. The voice's words getting to her.
'Freedom is the right of all sentient beings. You are more than what they made you to be.'
"I am…more," Rei repeated.
"Did you say something, Rei?" Dr. Akagi asked.
"Are we done yet?" the girl replied.
The test went on for a good twenty minutes, all the while Rei contemplated the voice's words. The truth behind them. She couldn't continue to it deny any longer, no matter how hard she tried.
The test was finally concluded as Akagi looked over the final results and nodded. She then looked up to Rei.
"Ok, we're finished," she said.
Gendo looked on at Rei and smiled.
"Let's go eat," he stated as Rei got out of the tube.
"I am sorry, but I have previous arrangements," Rei answered as she began to put her clothes back on.
"Then you will cancel them."
"I will not, Commander," she said, her voice more defiant, and then she turned around to finish dressing.
Gendo's eyes went wide when she defied him. Even Ritsuko was stunned; she had never once imagined the girl to develop a backbone.
Then again, she was living with Shinji, and he was also developing a bit of a defiant streak himself, due to him taking karate lessons, according to Misato.
He must have rubbed off on her somehow. They watched as the girl departed without a word.
"This was not in the scenario," Gendo commented as he regained his composure. "She will be punished for this disobedience."
The pair proceeded to go into the next room, where the newly-formed bronze-colored half-Angel-half mutant-now part-machine hybrid lied inactive and heavily restrained. Computer modules and tubes surrounded the hybrid, with other tubes were connected to its arms, legs, and head. Gendo surveyed the creature carefully.
"As ordered, I used Rei's brainwave pattern as a basis in order to control it. I can't guarantee that will last, though," said Ritsuko.
"Hmm…how can he be ready for deployment?" asked Gendo.
"You're planning to send him out this soon?" Ritsuko asked incredulously.
"Of course. The sooner, the better. The next Angel is coming, doctor, and I will not have these rangers interfere any further."
"We still need to run tests. We don't yet know the limits of his abilities, if he has any, or will have any."
Gendo silently grunted in irritation.
"How much longer will you need?"
"I don't know how much time it will take. The Evas, Rei, they are one thing, but this…is all new ground."
"I want him active as soon as possible. His sole mission: to kill the Gold Ranger. Make sure he'll understand that, doctor." the Commander emphatically stated.
"Understood," Ritsuko replied.
Nothing else was said as Gendo stared at the hybrid one last time before leaving the room. Ritsuko turned to see the bronze hybrid and frowned. While she used Rei's brainwave patterns, it was still delicate at best, this thing being part-Angel can still go out of control and slaughter them all without blinking.
She would need another method of control. Or rather a failsafe. With that in mind, the fake blonde went back to her office, leaving the restrained creature alone. Little did she know, the creature began to flex its hand into a fist.
"Kill the… Gold… Ranger." It uttered.
(White Tiger Dojo the same day)
Shinji, in his white training Gi, stood in apprehension opposite of the person standing across from him. Clad in a form-fitting, silver, and blue workout outfit was his roommate and fellow pilot, Rei Ayanami. He was quite surprised to find his roommate talking to his sensei as soon as he came in. Apparently, Rei had another run-in with Asuka, which ended badly, for her if the red hand mark on her cheek was any indication when he saw her earlier. For Rei, it was the push she needed to take up martial arts and join White Tiger.
"Alright, Ayanami, let's see what you got. Face me, bow, face each other and bow." Kenshin instructed both kids, doing just that.
"Ikari! Show her what you've learned."
"Wha-Sensei?" the boy stammered.
"Yes," Kenshin answered.
"I'm afraid I might…really hurt her."
"Yes, that's the consequence of every fight. You should know this already, Ikari. A fight is a fight, regardless of gender." Kenshin stated.
Shinji nodded, albeit reluctantly, and got into a fighting stance while Rei, to both student and Sensei's surprise, got into a stance of her own.
"This…is new," Shinji whispered.
"Hmm…Hajime!" Kenshin signaled.
Shinji struck quickly, a standing side kick to the midsection, knocking her down.
"Oh, geez, Rei, I…I'm sorry."
GRAB!
"Hi-yah!" yelled Rei.
"Wha- Whoa!"
Rei had performed a double leg takedown using her own legs, bringing him down to the mat, and then she quickly followed it up with a knee to the gut.
"Oh!" groaned Shinji.
Rei just glanced at herself and her downed opponent in total surprise.
"Huh, girl's a natural tigress," Kenshin commented, a bit impressed.
"Alright, on your feet, bow and go again."
"That was good, Rei, now I know what to expect. You won't take me by surprise again."
"Hmmm…" Rei hummed in mild amusement.
RING! RING!
"Huh?!"
The door opened and a few kids around their age walked in. One was a boy of thirteen and had spikey, brown hair with brown eyes. He wore a red undershirt with an open blue khaki shirt with shorts.
Another one was a shorter boy with glasses, light skin, green hair, bright green eyes, wearing an orange T-shirt with a light khaki shirt with brown shorts.
The last one was a young American girl, with short, jet-black, red eyes, same as Rei's, and she had a bit of a husky frame, wearing regular clothes and glasses.
"I knew it, that's him right there, the kid who beat up the upperclassmen," said the spiky-haired boy.
"So, he trains here, whoa!" remarked the glasses-wearing boy.
"Welcome to the White Tiger Dojo," Kenshin greeted them. "Are you three interested in taking martial arts as well?"
"Well…"
"Yes, yes, we are!" the girl chimed in.
"Alright, can I get your names?"
"I'm Koji Shirahama," said the spiky-haired boy.
"I'm Kenta Kitagawa," said the glasses-wearing boy.
"I'm Yakumo Akiyama," the girl introduced.
"This is a day full of surprises, fall in line, Yame!" Kenshin yelled to Shinji and Rei, halting their session.
Both proceeded to line up, with the other three new kids. Kenshin slowly observed the three new kids as he paced back and forth. They really didn't look like much, but Shinji wasn't much either when he took him on, but he was progressing just fine. His friend Rei was showing some potential. These kids not so much, but still.
'I can only go up from here,' thought the sensei.
"Okay, listen up! This is will not be an easy dojo. Nothing in life is ever easy. Here, you will learn multiple styles of martial arts. Here, you will build strength, the type of strength that isn't taught by the pansy-ass Americans, who attack others from behind a keyboard or sprout fake news, and other political garbage, or blame others for their own failings as leaders or pathetic cowards who force others to fight their battles for them. Here, you will learn to conquer your fears. Here, I will teach you to awaken the tiger and tigress within you. For you to show the world your hidden ferocity. And when the time is right, you'll strike back." Kenshin stated with absolute finality, observing his students as they remained silent, making him continue.
"Like a tiger, you will earn your stripes. It takes time to earn your stripes. My first student, Shinji Ikari, is earning his quicker because he started when I built this place. But that won't mean I won't treat him any differently. Everyone is equal here. Nothing is given and everything is earned. There are no participation trophies or awards here. And when addressing me, you will call me Sensei. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Sensei!" all five kids uttered in unison.
"Now, before we begin, let's go over the rules of this dojo. Number one: Karate is used only, and I emphasize 'only' for defense, never for attack. The second rule is to remember rule one. Rule three is to treat each other with respect. Because it doesn't matter where you're from or who you are. When you walk inside this dojo, you are part of a pack. You are all tigers, is that understood?"
"Yes, Sensei!"
"If any of you, have reservations about my dojo. Feel free to come speak to me, one on one. Or if you don't have the set for this dojo, then feel free to leave. I will not hold it against you. Now, are there any questions?" the man finished, looking around.
Yakumo raised her hand, much to her classmates' surprise.
"Ms. Akiyama?"
"You're with the police force, aren't you?" she inquired.
"I am, is that it?"
"Yes, Sensei," Yakumo answered.
"I have one," Koji added.
"Yes?"
"Were you there the night the bus was hijacked?"
Kenshin's face was stunned.
"Yes, I was on the scene, attempting to negotiate. Why?"
"Oh, 'cause I was on that bus when it was taken. All of us would have been goners if it wasn't for the Gold and White Rangers."
"You saw them up close?" Shinji asked.
"Yeah, it was awesome! They saved us all." Koji said.
'Except for the person who got killed,' Shinji thought sadly.
"Alright, that's enough. Any more questions can wait till after class. Now, are you ready to learn the ways of the fist?"
"Yes, Sensei!"
"Alright, fighting positions!" Kenshin said, getting into a stance with his students copying him.
(The next day at Tokyo-3 Jr High)
"Do you think those new students will do well, Shinji?" Rei asked her roommate, walking alongside him on the way to school.
"I think they'll do well. Even though Kenta has asthma, if he takes it slow enough, I think he'll be alright." Shinji replied.
"Indeed, and what is your opinion of the other two students, Akiyama and Shirahama?"
"Shirahama's got a lot of energy, I'll give him that. And Akiyama, I don't know, I wonder if she's related to the news lady, Miyu Akiyama."
"Hmm…"
"Hey, Shinji!" a familiar voice called out.
Coming up from behind the pair was Toji Suzuhara.
"Good morning, Suzuhara," Rei addressed.
"Morning, Ayanami."
"Hey, Toji, what's up?" greeted Shinji.
"I was wondering if I could have a quick word with you…alone? It's kind of important." Toji requested.
"Whatever you have to say to me, you can say in front of Rei," Shinji stated.
"Are you sure?" asked Toji.
"Yes," the Third Child nodded.
"Alright, it's about NERV. I don't think I'm supposed to say anything, but they approached me, about being one of their pilots. They said they would give my sister better medical care if did." Toji revealed.
Shinji stared at Toji with wide eyes. Rei didn't show it, but she was both surprised and a bit troubled by this revelation, a deep something was telling her, only pain would come from this.
"A-are you s-serious?"
"Yes, it was quite a shock, they told me to think it over. I…I…I just…don't know, my sister's needs the care, but…"
The trio had reached the gates, and soon school had started. While the teacher droned on about the effects of Second Impact and pre-Second Impact, both Shinji and Rei sat in their seats, their thoughts consumed with Toji's announcement.
'I don't know what to do, Trey. I know the type of pain piloting the Eva will bring, but he wants to help his sister. 'Cause it's my fault that she's in the state that she's in.' Shinji thought to his predecessor.
'Was it really?' Trey thought back.
'What?'
'I searched through your memories. You were unconscious the entire time, and Unit-01 activated itself and fought the Angel that night. You didn't know what was going to happen, but your father and NERV might have known and didn't care. You should not feel responsible for their actions.'
'They created that monstrosity, not you, so, in hindsight, they are responsible for his sister's condition. Feel bad about it if you wish, but don't feel guilty.' Trey said.
'You were forced to into Eva, yes, but you had noble intentions to help your friend. It was the right thing to do. It proves who you really are inside, Shinji, and why I chose you. For the goodness in your heart. As Rangers, our duty is to protect the innocent, but sometimes that means doing it both inside and outside the suits. You were not able to save the young man's sister, but you can try to save him from making a potentially fatal mistake.' the lord of Triforia finished.
Meanwhile, in Rei's thoughts.
'You know the commander will not keep his word. He is a selfish, cruel man,' the voice said in her head.
The girl turned her eyes away from the window and on her desk in contemplation.
'The burden of a pilot of Eva should not fall upon anyone else. It is not a privilege, it is a curse, and you know this.'
'Piloting Eva is…all I know,' Rei thought back.
'It is all you think you are. You are more than that piece of scrap, more than Gendo's tool.' the voice said. 'Do not let that boy become another one of his disposable tools.'
"Hmm…"
'The Eva is the doll, not you, Rei, no matter what Gendo or the Second Child say.'
RING-RING-RING
The students departed for their break, and Shinji asked Toji to meet him on the roof. Rei curiously followed far behind. Shinji and Toji met on the roof away from prying ears.
"Toji, I'm going to be honest with you. I was shocked that NERV came to you. They didn't come to me. Gendo just ordered me to come. But thing of this is…"
"Yes?" the jock urged.
"I can't lie to you, Toji, piloting Eva…is not pleasant. In fact, it's the furthest from it. Getting in that thing is a walking hell. Every inch of your being, in anguish every time you're forced into a fight. The Eva does not protect you at all. In hindsight, it is you. And in the end, when it's finished. With the exception of Misato, all they care about is that thing at end of the day, a stupid piece of machinery, making sure it's still functioning, while you could lose a limb, and NERV wouldn't care, and neither will my father." Shinji spoke emphatically and truthfully.
Toji just stood near the wall, remaining silent as Shinji continued.
"I have regrets about getting into that thing. Now, I'm stuck with it. I didn't have a choice. I know you want to help your sister. She's your family, and nothing is more important than family. Something I wish I had. I can't make your choice for you. But ask yourself this: Would she want to get better quicker, or would she rather have her big brother with her? "
"I…I…" Toji stammered.
"Shinji is correct," a monotone voice said from behind the door.
"Huh?" uttered both of them.
From behind the door came Rei Ayanami. Shinji himself was flabbergasted; the entire time he had known Rei, she always said her sole purpose was piloting the Eva and nothing else. Could she be making a change?
"I was…raised to believe that piloting the Eva was…my only purpose. But now, I see it as more of a burden. No one else should have to carry it." said Rei.
"Rei," Shinji whispered softly.
The jock looked at both pilots. He briefly wondered if they would get in trouble for speaking out against NERV, the organization they work for.
"You…two have certainly given me a lot to think about," Toji said. "Honestly, it feels like I'm talking to my parents."
Both kids looked at each other with light blushes on their faces. Then, the school bell rang, signaling the end of the break period. The trio went back inside to their respective classes.
(Elsewhere)
BOOM, BOOM, BOOM, BOOM!
Various explosions were happening near a lively town far from Nakahara, and people were running scared, their homes, cars and property were being destroyed by an unknown evil force.
"What the hell is happening!?" one man yelled.
"It's a monster! Run!"
ZAP! ZAP! ZAP! ZAP! ZAP! ZAP!
BOOM, BOOM, BOOM, BOOM!
"Ah!" people screamed.
"Where are the rangers?! Where are the rangers?!"
VHOOSH!
A white, electrical field suddenly came down from the sky in midst of the chaos and devastation. It dissipated to reveal the White Aquitian Ranger, Delphine.
"By the oceans of Aquitar," the Alien Ranger gasped, looking around and seeing the damage.
"I've been waiting for you, Aquitian Ranger," a metallic voice echoed through the smoke and fires.
"That voice…no, it cannot be! No, not you!"
Through the smoke, a figure emerged. The figure was clad in thick, dark blue and purplish armor. He wielded a golden, double-edged spear with a pincer-like shield on his right arm, and his head was shaped like a serpent mixed with a dragon with piercing, yellow eyes.
"It is you, Hydrax!" Delphine called.
"It is good to see you again, my old friend," Hydrax addressed mockingly.
"How did you manage to find me?" the White Ranger demanded.
"I went to Triforia first to claim the Gold Ranger powers, only to find that they had found their way to your homeworld. So I paid Aquitar a visit. Your team fought well, but I defeated them just as quickly, then I tracked your energy signature through a time/space wormhole, although it took several tries." Hydrax explained.
Delphine unsheathed her sword, ready for a fight.
"You've traveled here in vain, Hydrax. The Gold Ranger powers are lost to you. Trey of Triforia has already chosen one who is worthy." Delphine informed him.
"Ha, ha, then I'll just have to take the powers from him, but for now, I'll settle for destroying you first!" Hydrax declared, charging towards the ranger.
"Bring it,!"
The clash began, with Delphine parrying a quick, vertical feint, then an underhand strike, which Hydrax blocked and performed a front kick on the Aquitian Ranger.
"Gah! Yah!"
Delphine landed a jump kick in response, taking Hydrax off balance briefly. Delphine quickly followed up with a quick slash on Hydra's side.
SLASH!
"Argh! I see you haven't lost your touch." the armored warrior commented.
"I can say the same for you!" Delphine replied.
Hydrax, twirled his double-edged spear skillfully, charging it up with lightning, then slammed it to the ground, creating a large shockwave that sent Delphine flying into debris.
BOOM!
Crash!
The White Ranger hopped back to her feet to continue the fight. She twirled her own sword, charging it with energy, and clashed with Hydrax, who powered up his staff again. This time, the dueling energies from both weapons began to go out of control, sending sparks all over the place, causing further collateral damage.
SPARK! SPARK! SPARK! SPARK!
The rivals separated, then clashed like rams again.
"Ready to yield?" Delphine asked.
"Choke on a harpoon!" Hydrax spat.
They both separated again, gaining distance from one another, so far the battle seemed a stalemate.
"I must say, you're putting up more of a fight than your team on Aquitar did," Hydrax said.
Delphine gave a growl behind her helmet.
"Don't worry, I didn't destroy them; I was just on the hunt for you and the Gold Ranger's powers. But now, that's changed entirely. Now, I will hunt for the new Gold Ranger." Hydrax stated with extreme determination, clenching his fist.
"No, you won't," Delphine said to him.
Before she could charge, her old enemy vanished in a flash of light. Delphine surveyed the damage from Hydrax's attack and their battle. She silently cursed herself for not getting here faster. Still, what mattered was warning Shinji that Hydrax would be after him. The Aquitain would need to prepare him, and she quickly teleported out of the vicinity.
With Shinji and Rei, after school)
"So, what do you want to eat tonight, Rei?" Shinji asked as they walked home "It's my turn to cook, so what's your preference?"
"I…would like-" Rei started to say.
"You should be asking me and Misato that, stupid!" Asuka exclaimed in fury, coming up from behind them.
"Asuka," said Shinji.
"Pilot Sohryu," Rei addressed with a hint of annoyance in her tone.
"I don't have to ask you a damn thing," said Shinji irritably. "What's wrong? Run out of instant noodles? Or has Misato bought too much beer again?"
"A person of my status shouldn't be living on instant or take-out food!" Asuka shouted in indignation. "You-"
"You should learn to cook your own meals!" Rei interjected, having heard enough.
"Rei, calm down."
"Mind your own business, Wonder Doll!"
Asuka stepped in front of the First Child in a challenging manner, only for Shinji to block Asuka and slightly shove her.
"Back off, Asuka!"
"You spineless worm!" the German screamed and threw a punch to his face…
Only for Rei to catch it, and then kick the girl straight to the ground, and then took a fighting stance in front of her roommate, in a form Shinji hadn't seen before. Rei had her left leg lowered, spread way out, she balanced herself perfectly on her right knee, and she had her right hand pulled back into a fist, and her left hand into an open palm strike.
'That stance! I…have seen it before.' Trey said within Shinji's mind.
Before Asuka could get up and attack…
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
Random explosions happened around the area that sent everybody in the area running. The cause of the sudden event was a bronze and beige-armored humanoid creature. Firing blasts of bronze-colored energy at random civilians and destroying property.
BLAST! BLAST! BLAST!
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
"Come on! We have to run!" Shinji urged.
"You don't have to tell me twice, stupid!" Asuka replied, getting up and running from the creature.
Rei said nothing but also ran alongside Shinji. The large crowd came up from behind and began to part the trio as everyone fled from the monster.
"Rarghh! Where are you, Gold Ranger?! Come out and face me!" the creature shouted.
The creature then spotted the trio as they were running and sent an energy blast in their direction, separating them.
BLAST! BOOM!
"Gah!" Shinji grunted, rolling to the ground.
"Argh!" Rei grunted in pain.
"Uhgh!" Asuka grunted, tripping on the ground.
"I got to get to a place and morph up," Shinji muttered, getting up.
Shinji then saw a vacant space.
ZAP!
"GAH!"
The laser blast came from none other than the White Aquitarian Ranger. Shinji glanced at Delphine, thanking God for her arrival. Delphine glanced at the Third Child and nodded while Shinji nodded back, knowing that he needed to assist her against this new foe.
"If the White Ranger's here, where's her gold boy?" huffed Asuka while she ran steps ahead of the others.
"Just keep going! She can handle whatever that thing is!" said Shinji, purposely slowing down in the crowd.
'We could handle it better,' said the voice in Rei's head.
She had glanced back at Shinji, only to find he had disappeared into the growing crowd, and Rei bared her teeth as she was forcibly pushed forward.
Meanwhile, Shinji was trying to weave his way to a vacant area to morph. Luck seemed to be with Shinji for once, as he slipped into an alley to an abandoned building near him. Going through the side door, Shinji dropped his bag.
"I gotta hurry. It's Morphin' Time! Gold Ranger Power!" Shinji shouted, transforming into ranger form.
And in a flash of gold, Shinji vanished. Meanwhile, Delphine was having a difficult time with this new monster; either she was still fatigued from her encounter with Hydrax or this creature was more powerful than she thought it was. From its hands, the creature formed energy whips and began whipping them around.
CRACKLE!
CRACKLE!
SMASH!
SMASH!
"Ky-ya!" Shinji shouted, appearing from high in the air, staff in hand.
Shinji landed in front of the creature, smashing its abdomen with the butt of his staff, then hitting a high knee, then a swift kick pushing it back.
"Gargh!"
"Sorry, I'm late. Hit a little traffic." Shinji said. "Any idea what this thing is?"
"I don't know, it's unlike anything I've ever encountered before, and it keeps going and going," Delphine replied, feeling her fatigue increase.
SNAP! WHIP!
Shinji quickly pulled his friend out of the range of the bronze-colored monster's whip. The Gold Ranger noted his partner was getting weaker and weaker.
"You've spent too long away from water. Get yourself to the lake! I'll handle this creature!" Shinji told her.
"Alright, be careful, my friend," said Delphine, teleporting away, leaving Shinji alone with the rampaging creature.
"Rargh! Gold Ranger, I have been created to kill you!" the creature roared.
"Bring it, then."
With that, the fight was on. Shinji charged forth, ducking the creature's energy whips, and straight-kicked it in its chest. The creature retracted its whips and responded in kind with a claw strike from its gauntlets.
SLASH!
"Argh!" Shinji cried out in a little pain.
The creature went for another slash, only for Shinji to block it, and then hit a high knee, to the face.
"Hi-yah!"
Clash! Clang!
The creature and golden Power Ranger were deadlocked, but both managed to separate.
"Yargh!" the creature yelled, firing a laser to the ground, the blast hitting Shinji, sending him flying into a lamp post.
"Argh! Take this!" Shinji yelled, jumping back to his feet.
Shinji raised his staff and slammed it to the ground, hurling bolts of golden-colored lightning at the bronze creature.
ZAP! ZAP! ZAP!
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
The creature was severely damaged from the Gold Ranger's attack, but it remained on its feet. Shinji readied himself to keep. Unbeknownst to the two combatants, a dark blue, armored figure armed with a double spear was watching from a rooftop in the distance.
"This could work to my advantage," he mused.
End chapter
Endnotes: Here's chapter six of AGP. I'm sorry this took a while, I'm going through a very very personal loss, Shinji is having some trouble with NERV's own monster. It's about time Shinji starts to struggle, as all heroes do. Also by Zordon, I couldn't come up with a name for the creature, he's basically a psycho ranger, mixed in with an org from wild force. If any of you can come up with a name please tell me. And yes, Rei seems to be making a complete turn around because of the little voice in her head and getting close to Shinji. Also, how did you all like that I gave Delphine her own adversary? I felt she could use something all her own. Big time shout out to TOAT for beta reading. There's a poll on my profile regarding KHITC. Now what might happen (Depending on suggestions or Ideas I'm given) on AGP:
"I can't let this thing beat me!"
"Who are you?"
"I've come for you Gold Ranger!"
"The stronger person knows when not to fight lady."
"Rei, I... like you, and I want to see where this goes."
"Shinji I may need to return to my home planet."