EPISODE 12: THE SHORT-NOSED ELEPHANT PART 1
(Partially Adapted from "A G-G-Ghost Appears" and "The Short-Nosed Elephant")
We start this episode with Sentai footage on the Arrow Galion. But similarly, to the last episode, it's "nighttime" on there. The cockpit is shrouded in shadow as we see Insidion's left hand…reaching into the Amoebanoid coin tray connected to Sagittar's throne. He grabs about 5 to 6 coins and holds them up for a quick look.
Insidion: (whispering) These should suffice.
As he says this sentence…he also holds up something new in his right hand. It's some kind of device that he's holding like a blaster, but it looks like an injector. It's mostly silver but with gold highlights on the ends of it, mainly the "needle" part, and has an odd round red piece on top of it.
But then, after he holds up this new device…a sliding door opens revealing Midaria.
Midaria: (whispering) What do you think you're doing?
Insidion: (as she walks over to him) Just making some preparations for a more "experimental" hunt tomorrow.
Midaria: What is that?
Insidion: (as he begins to walk away) The finished prototype of an idea I came up with weeks ago.
But then, we go from Sentai footage to original footage.
We get a shot of this robotic Squidward-like monster about to leave...only for him to stop dead in his tracks at the sound of weapons being pulled out before the camera then cuts back to reveal Midaria holding up her nunchuck-like blasters and aiming them at him.
Midaria: We're not done yet.
Insidion: (sighs) Of course we aren't.
Midaria: It's suspicious of you to do this at night when you could just ask for Amoebanoids in the morning.
Insidion: I'd rather not wake Sagittar over a few coins for private testing.
Midaria: …What kind of operation are you trying to pull?
Insidion: Something "fresh". I just need a few hours and these coins. Let me have such, and I promise the rangers will pay for their victories.
Midaria: …(lowers her weapons) Fine. But if I find out you plan on backstabbing any of us—
Insidion: Very little risk of that I can assure you.
Midaria: Well, forgive me if I'm untrustworthy of a crafty headhunter whose name comes from the word insidious.
Insidion: Fair enough. Now if you'll excuse me…I have a herd to thin out.
While saying the last part of that dialog, he walks out of the room looking much more sinister as the room's shadows engulf his slow exit.
Cut down to Earth the next morning.
Instead of the Zoo or Washi Residence, we're at a brand new location this week. The Evans Residence.
Yep, we finally get to see the home of another ranger. I'll have the map layout for the house hopefully done by next episode, but for now, just imagine a three-story house in a neighborhood just outside of Dolphin Coast with an attic, a second floor for two bedrooms/bathrooms, and the first floor with a living room, bathroom, garage, kitchen, and backdoor, along with African/Indian style detailing to the walls, animal pictures, family pictures, you get the idea.
Basically, it's a mixture of Lilo's house from 'Lilo and Stitch', ad Connie Mahweswaran's house from 'Steven Universe' with some different decor.
Anywho, we see Winston and Hitarthi on their living room couch and Tiana on a chair, except instead of their usual zoo uniforms, the couple is in casual clothing. And in Hitarthi's hand is a box.
Winston: So, what's the special occasion?
Tiana: Yeah, mom. What's in there?
Hitarthi: I ordered this a while back, and after last week with that robot, I think it makes perfect sense that it arrived today. Go ahead and open it.
The chubby green ranger grabs the box, opens it, and pulls out…something interesting.
It's a plush grey elephant with dot eyes and a short trunk.
Winston: (gasps) It's…it's amazing! How did—
Hitarthi: I found this website that makes custom stuff animals. It took a little bit of extra money for copyright fees, but it was worth it.
Winston: Oh babe, this is adorable! (hugs the toy) It's just like I remember it.
Tiana: Uh, am I missing something?
Winston: Sweetie, don't you recognize this?
Tiana: Umm…I don't think so.
Winston: What? But this…OH, right, right, I forgot, you were too—okay, uh…SHOOT, it's in the attic.
Hitarthi: (pulls out her phone) You keep talking. I'll pull up a picture.
Tiana: Dad, what is it? What's that elephant from?
Winston: Okay. So, when I was little, my parents got me this one book...Did you find it yet?
Hitarthi: And…done! (hands him her phone)
Winston: It's called "The Short-Nosed Elephant". It's meant for little kids, but it's this super sweet and cute story about a little elephant in the jungle. My family read it to me whenever I was upset, and…after they passed away…it helped me out with some of the grief I was having.
He says most of this while showing Tiana a picture of the cover, which is just artwork of said elephant on a yellowish background.
Tiana: Hmmm…Wait, that does look familiar.
Winston: Probably because I read it when you were a baby.
Tiana: Huh. Guess I just don't remember.
Winston: Tell you what. I'll read this to you at bedtime or when we get back.
Hitarthi: Speaking of which, ready to go check out that new Ice Cream stand in town?
Tiana: (gasps) Wait. We're going out for ice cream?
Winston: Yeah. There's a new stand downtown and we wanted to surprise you for agreeing to go to the book club.
This makes Tiana remember a promise she made which we'll find out more about next week.
Tiana: …Oh, uh, I -I mean, you don't have to—
Hitarthi: But we WANT to…We know you're nervous about joining but…we're proud of you, honey…I'm sure you're gonna make a lot of friends there, this time.
Tiana: (looks slightly nervous) ...You think so?
Winston: We know so. Don't worry. I think this is gonna be the one that sticks the landing.
Tiana: (exhales) Yeah. You're right. Thank you, guys.
Hitarthi: No problem, sweetie. Now let's get going.
Winston: Just a sec. I'm gonna put this little guy upstairs. Thank you so much for this, by the way. I absolutely LOVE IT (said as he hugs it)
Hitarthi: (chuckles) You're welcome, Winnie. It's the least I could do for all the hard work you've been putting in.
Tiana: Race you to the car, mom!
Hitarthi: Oh, it's on little lady!
As the two playfully race to get their shoes on and make it out the front door, Winston chuckles to himself and starts heading up.
Hard cut back to the Arrow Galion with Blockhead slamming down an empty wine glass.
Blockhead: Hey, where's Insidion? It's hunting time and I'm bored!
Midaria: He's working with Amoebanoid coins he got this morning…and ones he stole last night.
Blockhead: Really? What stunt is he trying to pull?
Midaria: That's what I said.
Then, the sliding door to the cockpit opens behind Midaria…to reveal Sagittar, standing on his two legs, and towering over his allies. He even has to duck his horned head under part of the door to enter while saying…
Sagittar: If he stole from me to execute his plan…then let's hope he's planned something VERY entertaining.
Cue Theme Song (1 Minute)
Down in the Sanctum, we cut to the Training Section right into some action in original sparing footage session where Benny, Jackie, Caleb, and Sylvia are all morphed/except for their helmets and have their Savage Sabers out, trying to strike each other. For the most part, it's just clashing/dodging for 10 seconds before Caleb trips Sylvia to the ground and then aims his blade at her while Benny and Jackie keep fighting behind them.
Caleb: Huzzah! Sorry, m'lady, but you're out!
Sylvia: Yeah, yeah. OH, on your left!
Caleb: Huh? What about my—
Just as looks over to his left though, Caleb gets tackled to the ground by Benny, who then aims his blade down at him as he looks up.
Benny: Haha, yes! You're out, lion tamer!
Caleb: Perhaps. But now you've got HER to worry about.
Jackie: Yeah. (Benny turns around) And I'm not gonna hold back. Even for you.
Benny: Oh. (blushes a little/shakes his head) Uh, I mean, N-Noted.
The two then rush forward and spare for a few more seconds. As they do, Martha walks in through the elevator door to the Sanctum and looks up from her phone, caught off guard for a sec by the sight of her son fighting, but then sighs and gives a smile, showing she's fine with the promise she made to Benny, but just isn't super used to it yet.
Back over to the Training Section, Jackie and Benny are now at a stalemate, their blades colliding.
Jackie: Might as break the clash and let me finish this, redhead!
Benny: That's what you think! Eagle Shredder!
He says this while quickly slashing her blade aside and whipping out said Eagle Shredder to strike her in the chest, making her let out a slight yell of pain. But this makes Benny stop fighting to check on her.
Benny: I-I'm sorry! Was that too much? I-I didn't mean to hit you so—
The next thing he knows, she trips him onto his back and points her Saber at him.
Jackie: Concern appreciated. But you're out.
Benny: Ah, dang it. I almost had you. (she helps him up)
Jackie: Shouldn't have gone easy on me, dude.
Benny: Right, sorry. Just wanted to make sure I didn't hurt you or anything.
Jackie: I mean, you don't need to apologize for doing what I wanted you to, but…Whatever. Up top.
Benny: (returns the high five/spots Martha) Hi mom.
Martha: Hi hon. Good job, team. Nice to see training is going well.
Sylvia: Any luck on your research this week, Martha?
Martha: (sighs) No. I checked library books, online forums, even stuff about Ancient Universal Legends from Harvard recommended books and sites, but I couldn't find anything mentioning a "Sagittar" at all.
Benny: Well, that's okay. It's like you've said before. Zooman stuff can be very difficult to find.
Martha: Exactly. And as long as you're ready to fight this Sagittar and his goons, then that's what's really important.
Caleb: Couldn't agree more. Especially after that Huntroid mess.
Jackie: Yeah. This is why I recommend we need to be on high alert going forward.
Sylvia: Oh, speaking of us, where's Winston?
Martha: Right, I forgot to mention. I let him take a day off with the girls.
Suddenly, their zords pop up, making panicked noises as usual.
Sylvia: (sighs) Like clockwork.
Caleb: We just dealt with their biggest weapon yet, and now they're back only after a WEEK!?
Jackie: Like I just said. High alert going forward.
Martha: Alright. Stay safe out there.
The team then nods, whips out their Morphers, yells "Doubutsu!", and teleports.
We then cut to a rather empty area of Dolphin Coast where we see Winston, Hitarthi, and Tiana throwing some cones into the trash can, showing they've finished the ice cream they mentioned earlier, but one key detail to note is text in the bottom corner of the screen that says… "Moments Earlier"…AKA right before the team teleported out.
Tiana: DELICIOUS. We gotta do that new stand more often now.
Winston: Yeah. I would've gotten another cone if I knew they were that good.
Hitarthi: Probably best that you didn't. Don't need any more of this slowing you down.
The second sentence is said as she pats his stomach.
Winston: I thought you liked me the way I am.
He says this while pulling her into a side hug that catches her off guard.
Hitarthi: (chuckles) Exactly. No need for more, no need for less.
Tiana: If you're gonna kiss for several minutes, I'll just find a bench.
Winston: (chuckles) No, we can keep walking.
But out of nowhere, once he finishes that sentence…Insidion teleports in with a group of Amoebanoids several feet away.
Tiana: Ah! Monsters! (she and Hitarthi get behind Winston)
Insidion: Good afternoon, Green Elephant Ranger.
He says this while whipping out a familiar-looking, white and grey device which we actually saw back in Episode 3, and it's quickly revealed what the function of it is as the cyber invader fires a circular blue energy blast from it right at Winston.
Winston: Savage Saber!
With a slash of his blade, he thankfully deflects the blast in time.
Insidion: What surprising reflexes.
Hitarthi: (as she grabs Tiana) Who are you!?
Insidion: I'm glad you asked. I am the strategic cybernetic headhunter, Insidion.
Winston: (saber still out) Ah. So, you're one of the generals.
Insidion: I suppose that label is also accurate.
Tiana: W-What do you want, Squid head?
Insidion: Simple, little one...I want HIM for today's hunt.
With a snap of his fingers, a dome, similar to the one from last week, is summoned before camouflaging itself to act like a one-way mirror over the area.
Hitarthi: What the…?
Tiana: Oh no! Not another force field!
Now even more worried, Winston whips out his Morpher and tries to call the others.
Winston: Guys! I need your help here now!... Guys!?
Insidion: Hmm. It appears your Morpher communications are offline. Oh, by the way, don't try teleporting unless you want a shock.
Winston: Gah! G-Girls! Go hide!
The two girls nod and run toward a building right next to them with pillars to hide behind or something along those lines, as Winston then puts away his Savage Saber, presses his Morpher buttons, closes it, and starts turning the top to the animal side.
Winston: Zoo Mode Go!
Insidion: Seize him.
The Amoebanoids by Insidion's side run forward as Winston finishes instamorphing as he starts to charge.
We then hard cut to a shot of a new monster's (Adapted from the player "Hattena") feet landing onto the ground before the camera cuts back to reveal it in full. It's blue in color with dark red + gold highlights, wearing a "hat" that looks like a Manta Ray, and wielding a staff that almost looks like a pen. With a tap of its staff to its head, the aforementioned shot change as this monster chuckles reveals both that this location is a parking lot, and that a man in a suit is on the ground, looking in fear at the monster before he starts to get up to leave. But right as he does, and the new monster starts to walk away…
Sylvia: Over there!
This gets the monster to turn back around and see the other rangers arrive with their Sabers out, their helmets now on.
?: Are these the Zoo-Keepers?
(He sounds like Cobra Cadabra from 'Skylanders: Trap Team')
Jackie: Sir, get to safety!
She says this while helping up the man in the suit that the monster landed in front of. He nods and runs away from the fight as Benny makes the first charge forward with the others following behind him, the four each trying to slash at the monster. First Benny, then Caleb, then Jackie, and then Sylvia. But all their hits are deflected by the monster's staff while it chuckles to itself. Then, after a slightly odd, almost slow motion shot focusing on the monster's "hat", Benny gets a quick torso slash in, followed by two from Sylvia on the side, then a quick one from Caleb, and then two more from Jackie.
The second she's done slashing, we quick cut to Benny changing his saber into the Savage Blaster, and then firing several point-blank shots right into the new monster which are so effective...that they leave HOLES in the monster's torso as it stumbles back from the surprise attack.
Benny: (as he flips his blaster) Take that!
?: I've been shot!
But as it says that final word…the eyes on its "hat" flash yellow and the monster then stands right back up…as the holes in its torso instantly heal!?
?: Haha! Languanta lives!
Benny: What!?
Caleb: Ew!
Jackie and Sylvia: How the..!?
Languanta: (as he fights Benny a little more) Sorry, rangers, my job is done!
He says the last half of this while pushing Benny aside, then poking him so hard with his staff that he pushes Benny into his team as they try running forward to help, only to get knocked over onto the street. Meanwhile, Languanta, who is now several feet away, looks back at them, before leaping into the air and spin flying away as he chuckles, only for a green flash to appear (one that would be edited in mind you as it was not in the Sentai) and the monster to teleport out.
Jackie: (gets back up) Stop right—Gah!
She trips over Benny's leg and falls onto the ground.
Caleb: Ugh, that blue bugger got away!
Benny: (sits up with an exhale) …That could've gone both better and worse.
Jackie: (now standing back up) Wait. Do you hear that?
Benny: (as he stands back up) Hear what?
Suddenly, we go from Sentai footage to original footage as the team is caught off guard by Amoebanoids with jetpacks landing in front of them.
Jackie: Oh great! These punks!
Caleb: So, the regenerating ray is too afraid to fight his own battles now.
Sylvia: Uh, does anyone else think this feels off?
Benny: Hmm…I suppose. But we can't let these things run wild.
The Amoebanoids fire laser blasts at the team, who quickly deflect them with their Sabers.
The team then charges forward with their blades…
…unaware of what's really going on.
We cut back over to Winston, still in the middle of fighting Amoebanoids via Sentai footage where he punches one grunt in the chest while grabbing it, then kinda pushing it out of the way behind him. He then smacks another one coming at him in the face, grabs its left arm, and flipping it over his back onto the ground before hitting two more Amoebanoids with one being kicked, and the other being punched down hard.
While this is going on, Hitarthi and Tiana are hiding nearby behind a building corner, Hitarthi having her phone out.
Tiana: Do you think your text to Martha will get through, mom?
Hitarthi: Just a sec, Tiana. Come on, come on…(the text is sent) Yes!
Tiana: You got it?
Hitarthi: I did. Now, all we should have to do is wait for the other rangers to get here.
Tiana: Good…I just hope dad will be okay.
Hitarthi: I'm sure he'll be fine, but...I'm worried too.
We then see Winston pull out his Savage Saber again and start slashing back at the Amoebanoids before the camera zooms back to Insidion.
Insidion: Just grab him! It's not that hard! (sighs/draws his weapon) Must I do everything myself?
He then fires a blast right into Winston's hand, knocking his Savage Saber out of it as he raises his hand. But on top of this, it ends up being strong enough to send his Saber flying over to where Tiana and Hitarthi are. He spots where it lands, but before he can make any moves to grab it, Amoebanoids start trying to grab him, forcing him to push them back or kick them away.
Tiana: Mom! How is dad gonna get his sword back!?
The ponytailed mother ponders this while looking at the Saber across from her…and gets a risky idea.
Hitarthi: Don't worry sweetie...I'll go give it to him, myself.
Tiana: Great! Then—Wait, what!?
Hitarthi: STAY here, okay? (kisses her forehead)
With that, she makes a quick dash for the Savage Saber, leaving Tiana confused and surprised. She grabs it as we cut to Winston, who punches away one Amoebanoid before getting hit in the torso by another's blade. But right as they start trying to drag him over toward Insidion…
Hitarthi: Get away from him!
She says this while running up to the Amoebanoids and slashing two of them, allowing Winston to get his arms free and shake the others off.
The couple now stands back to back as their enemies surround them.
For the next few bits of dialog, the two will say it while doing kicks and jabs at Amoebanoids who try getting closer as they talk.
Winston: Hitarthi, w-what are you doing!?
Hitarthi: Helping you, of course!
Winston: B-But you're not—
Hitarthi: I know! But I have to help you with this! For your safety and Tiana's!
Winston: No, for your safety, you need to hide or leave!
Hitarthi: I got a text through to Martha! The others should be on their way! We'll be fine as long as we work together!
Winston: But you could get hurt—
Hitarthi: You've BEEN hurt! So don't play that card!
Winston is about to say something but gets cut off by an Amoebanoid charging at them ready to strike.
The couple dodges the blue grunt as it brings its blade down/blares out a terrible noise, but in doing so, the Amoebanoids kind of split them up to fight on their own before the camera cuts to Insidion.
Insidion: (talking to himself) Hmm…Wait…Maybe—(gasps) N-No, NO. The mission is for the green ranger, not…But then again…It wouldn't be the worst thing I've done on this world, and…I need to make sure I still have Sagittar's trust; and the only way to do that is…UGH, I'm gonna regret this, but…whatever it takes.
We then get 8 seconds of Hitarthi fighting, which is mostly her trying to mix slashing with spinning and kicking.
Due to her inexperience though, she only really pushes the Amoebanoids back a little.
And once those 8 seconds are up, a voice addresses her nearby.
Insidion: Excuse me, madam. Care for a duel?
He then whips his blaster device toward the ground, and with a quick blue flash at the tip, a long thin, fencing-style blade extends out.
Winston: Hitarthi! Don't!
She hesitates but then raises the Savage Saber to fight.
Hitarthi: Let's dance!
Winston: No! Stop!
Insidion: Keep him busy.
The Amoebanoids that Hitarthi was fighting then rush over toward Winston as she and Insidion begin to fight. For 5 seconds, Hitarthi tries striking at Insidion as he takes a more defensive approach, blocking her attacks without even flinching or moving in any surprising way. The two then clash their blades together for a moment, before the cybernetic foe quickly steps back and with a wave of his hand, flings the Saber out of Hitarthi's grasp.
Hitarthi: No!
Insidion: Sloppy.
Hitarthi: Oh, you slimy little—
She then tries kicking him, but he simply moves aside a punches her shoulder, briefly throwing her off balance.
Hitarthi: Ow!
Insidion: And reckless.
Then, with another quick wave of his hand…he strikes her back. She's not cut up or anything, but it does tear her shirt and make her fall down.
Winston: Hitarthi! (gets blocked by Amoebanoids) Get out of my way!
But as he says the second sentence, two Amoebanoids pick Hitarthi up and hold her by the arms.
Hitarthi: (as she struggles) What do you think you're doing!?
Then…Insidion pulls out his new device.
Insidion: Something very risky.
He then places the golden needle end of it around her neck/shoulder area.
Hitarthi: G-Get that injector away from me!
Insidion: Relax. You won't feel a thing…Because this isn't an injector.
Hitarthi looks up confused, but before she can fully process what he just said…Insidion turns the golden knob on the device's other end and pulls it back…And with one more confused scream…Hitarthi glows white…And as Insidion pulls back on the knob…she gets sucked into the device like a needle quickly drawing in blood.
Tiana: (gasps) Mom!
Winston: NO! (punches back the last two Amoebanoids near him) Give her back!
Insidion: As you wish. But first…
Then, in another surprising move, Insidion aims the device…at one of the two Amoebanoids next to him.
With a quick blue flash on the grunt's skin, the needle goes in. Insidion gently but quickly pushes the knob forward…and the glowing that seems to be Hitarthi…gets pushed out and now covers the Amoebanoids body. And if that wasn't enough… its head then retracts into its body. Only for it to sprout back out…and for it to be HITARTHI'S HEAD.
Winston: …H-Hitarthi!?
Insidion: (chuckles) This, Green Ranger, is my "Amoebanizer". It has warped your wife's mind and body…into this Amoebanoid.
Winston: This…this can't be real.
Insidion: Show him what you're capable of.
Hitarthi's eyes then flash/stay red as she jolts her head up toward her still shocked husband.
Winston: N-NO.
Insidion: Enjoy your hunt.
He says this as he offers her his blade blaster which she grabs without hesitation.
She looks back over to Winston, gives an evil smirk, and charges forward.
Winston: Hitarthi, wait! D-Don't you recognize me!
But his words do not affect her. The second she's close enough, she tries slashing at 3 times. He dodges the first 2 and blocks the 3rd attempt with his arms, but she kicks them out of the way, and we go for another closeup slash now that he's wide open...only for the camera to transition perfectly away from the fight with a jumpcut.
We cut back over to the other rangers as they each strike down an Amoebanoid with their Sabers all at once.
But after the grunts quickly blow up…
Jackie: Boom! Take that!
The team then turns their Morpher tops and powers down.
Caleb: Nice to have a fight that's quick for once.
Benny: Hmm….I don't think we're done yet.
Sylvia: Yeah. Not only did that blue monster escape, but…why flee at all? Seems a bit suspicious.
Jackie: And it didn't really seem to do anything here.
Caleb: Maybe we got lucky?
But then…Benny's phone starts to ring.
Benny: Oh, just a sec. (answers the call) Hey mom. What's up?
We then get several seconds of silence as he listens to his mother talk…and his eyes widen in shock as she speaks to him.
Caleb: Lad? Are you—
Jackie pats her hand on his chest as a signal to wait for a second as Benny snaps out of it to finish the call.
Benny: O-Okay! We're on our way! (hangs up the call)
Sylvia: Is everything okay? You sound sacred—
Benny: It's Winston! We need to go! NOW!
Hard cut back over to Winston as he's slashed twice in the chest, with said strikes from Hitarthi sending him back a few feet, giving her enough time to change the blade back to its base blaster form as Winston recovers. Still staring with corrupted red eyes and not saying a single word, she fires a blast into his chest.
One strong enough to knock him onto his back…and demorph him.
As he tries to pull himself back up, Hitarthi switches the blaster back into a blast and walks forward while aiming it at Winston.
We also get a super quick shot of Tiana, still hiding but looking worried as her parents are forced to fight.
Winston: (in pain) Hitarthi! (starts to get up) We…we shouldn't be doing this!
Once again, no hesitation is even hinted at in her body language or her facial expression as she jabs the sword forward toward her wounded husband, who thankfully dodges the almost lethal impalement in time…only for it to be quickly followed by a slash to his left arm leaving a cut that makes Winston scream in pain and Tiana gasp.
Hitarthi then tries to jab at Winston again, but he thankfully moves quickly enough to avoid both it and a second slash she tries near his head.
Now on his feet, he grabs her arm as she makes another attempted to swing at him.
Winston: (struggling) Stop it, Hitarthi!
The two continue to struggle as Insidion approaches.
Insidion: Hold him there! We'll transform him so he'll destroy allies later!
Just as the headhunter aims his Amoebanizer at Winston, he shakes free from/let's go of Hitarthi, even getting her arm holding the blade to slash Insidion back for a moment, before he backs a few feet away.
Winston: (in pain/backing away) I'm…gonna shove that device…right through your chest!
Insidion: Ha! I'd love to see you try! Your weapon is on my end of this sidewalk, and I have a feeling that you wouldn't dare use Primal Power near her!
Winston: I don't need my weapons to kill you!
Insidion: True, but again. You have HER to get through, first.
Winston: I'm not leaving without her!
Insidion: If it makes you feel any better, I can turn her back in an instant…if you take her place.
Winston: …Wait, what?
Insidion: You heard me, sir. Take her place as my Amoebanoid to destroy your allies, and I will turn her right back to normal.
Winston: …I…I…
Insidion: Clock's ticking, Green Elephant Ranger.
There's a 4-second pause as Winston contemplates his option.
Tiana: (to herself) Please, don't do it, dad!
Winston: …Gah, N-No! I won't become your pawn to kill my friends either!
Insidion: (sighs) How disappointing…Very well then. I guess you'll just have to DIE by her hand.
Winston: …Not gonna happen…It's Morphing Time!
Insidion: Keeper of the Obvious, aren't you?
He then whips out his Morpher and this time turns the top 3 times before saying…
Winston: Zoo Mode Go!
He quickly waves the Morpher to the right, lets the cubic energy form around him, and then instamorphs back into his suit.
Insidion: I wish it didn't come to this, but…it's your choice.
Winston: Let's finish this!
Insidion: As you wish…Kill him.
Hitarthi, once again, with no hesitation and a flash of her eyes, blasts a shot right at Winston.
He dodges out of the way in time, but the explosion is strong enough to screw up his flip and make him land back onto the ground in the wrong way.
Winston: (as he gets back up) Hitarthi! It's me! Winston! Even as an Amoebanoid I know you remember me!
She starts to walk forward. Still emotionless as she fires two more shots.
Though he does one, Winston is hit by the 2nd in the left shoulder.
Despite the smoke made from the blast and the pain it causes his arm, Winston keeps walking forward. But so does Hitarthi, who mindless walks toward him with the blaster still in her hands, and fires 3 more blasts. Though one misses, the other 2 are hits to the belly, slowing Winston down yet again.
Winston: Hitarthi! Please wake up! Hitarthi!
But again…nothing. We don't even cut back to her as 3 more shots are fired into Winston's shoulders/chest while he struggles forward. She then fires two more shots with one missing and being close to his feet, but the other being another blow to the chest. Fortunately, Winston is now close enough to lunge and grab Hitarthi by the shoulders.
Winston: (as he grabs her) It's me! Your husband! Please!
But as he says please, she looks at him with her red eyes and aims at his chest.
This blast is even more effective than the last as the burst demorphs Winston and knocks him onto his back.
Tiana: No! Dad!
She runs over to him.
Winston: T-Tiana! Get back!
Hitarthi gets closer and charges another blast, but right as she does…Tiana gets in the way.
Tiana: Mom! Please snap out it!
Winston: (sounding like he's gonna blackout) Tiana, no.
Hitarthi stops, still aiming.
Tiana: Mom, it's me! Tiana! Your daughter! I know you can hear me in there!
Hitarthi stands there, still emotionless…but she hasn't fired yet.
Tiana: You have to listen! This isn't you, mom! You're supportive and nice, and you work with elephants at the zoo, and you LOVE us!
Insidion: (to himself) What is she doing!?
We then briefly cut up to the Arrow Galion as our villains watch through their monitor.
Midaria: Why isn't she just firing?
Blockhead: Looks like metal-mouth needs me to go do his hunt for him—
Sagittar: (as he raises his hand) Let the child keep chattering.
Blockhead and Midaria: What!?
Sagittar: I want to see where this is going.
Back to the Evans…
Tiana: (now teary-eyed) Whatever that monster did to you, I know you're still in there! I NEED you mom! Please!
As she speaks, once again, Hitarthi isn't emoting…but isn't pulling the trigger.
Insidion: (walking up) Little girl! Get out of the way!
Tiana: I'm not afraid of you, monster!
Insidion: Please…Don't do this.
Still a little teary-eyed, she scowls at Insidion and holds her ground by hugging Winston.
Insidion: UGH. Have it your way…Take the shot, already.
Hitarthi starts charging the blaster as Winston and Tiana hug each other tighter, prepared for the worse…
But then…with a red flash…Hitarthi's eyes return.
She quickly turns the blaster into the blade, and with a scream, spins around to slash Insidion with full force, knocking the Amoebanizer out of his hand.
Insidion: Augh! What the!?
Winston: (sounding tired) Hitarthi!?
She then catches the Amoebanizer but she accidentally drops Insidion's weapon while doing so.
Hitarthi: (catches it) Tiana!
Tiana: (her face lights up) M-Mom!?
Hitarthi: You know what to do!
Tiana quickly catches on and grabs the Amoebanizer. She sticks it to her "mom's" chest and pulls back on the knob. Once again, she glows as the parts of her inside the goon are drained, her head retracting as it does, before the head of the Amoebanoid pops back up, looking around confused. But the next thing it knows, Winston lets out a yell, tackles the Amoebanoid to the ground, grabs the Amoebanizer, and slams it into the grunt's head (offscreen for dramatic effect) so hard that sparks fly from it/the device.
Insidion: (as he picks up his weapon) No, no, no!
Tiana then aims the projector nob, and pushes it forward, finally releasing Hitarthi from the device in a white flash of light.
She shakes her head, a little dizzy, but then regains focus and lights up.
Hitarthi: I'm…I'm back!
Tiana: Mom!
Hitarthi: Tiana! (the two hug)
Tiana: You're okay!
Hitarthi: Oh sweetie, I am so, so sorry!
Winston tries to walk over but is still clearly hurt.
Hitarthi: (gasps) Winnie!
The two of them run over to help him up.
Insidion: No matter. (aims his blaster) I'll just finish this my…
He stops however upon seeing the family embrace in a big emotional hug.
Winston: (tearing up) A-Are you okay?
Hitarthi: (also tearing up) I am! I-I'm so sorry!
We then get one more reaction shot of Tiana's face, hugging her parents tightly. After a few seconds, Insidion lowers his weapon, showing subtle guilt through his body language…but the next thing he knows, a weird slash sound is heard, and with a flash in the sky, the field he had up to mess with Winston's Morpher practically shatters.
Insidion: What the!?
And then, diving out of the sky…comes Benny, morphed, and wielding his Eagle Shredder with his Savage Saber!
Benny: (as he dives) Get away from them!
He lands with a fiery burst effect and slashes Insidion so hard, he's sent flying back.
Despite being set flying and rolling across the ground from the hit, he's still able to recover quickly to his feet and whip his blade back out as the others group up.
Jackie: We have you now, freak!
Insidion: Yes. Clearly.
Benny: Who are you and what did you do!?
Insidion: I am the headhunter, Insidion. And your Green Ranger friend has ruined the plans I had for him.
Sylvia: Get out of here while you can before we slash you in half!
Caleb: Hold on now, Syl! That second one sounds FUN.
Insidion: Easy for you to say.
Benny: Whatever! If you know what's good for you, then leave now or else!
Insidion: No need to tell me, twice.
With a green flash, he teleports out of the area.
Jackie: Aliens running from the animals. You love to see it.
Sylvia: (gasps) Winston!
The team then looks to their friend and his family realizing at least one is hurt and runs over.
Caleb: Oh, L-Lad!
Benny: Oh no!
Jackie: Dude!
Winston: (looking at his arm) It's still bleeding a little bit.
Hitarthi: We gotta get that covered.
Benny: (as they all run up) Are you okay?
Caleb: Jeez, that cut!
Sylvia: What happened?
Jackie: Do you need some water?
Winston: STOP, just…(winces) please stop talking.
Hitarthi: Thank you all for showing up.
Benny: No problem. Let's get you back to the Sanctum and—
Winston: No! No Sanctum! I'm going home. (takes out his Morpher) Hold on girls. (they grab on) Doubutsu.
There's an awkward pause as the team takes off their helmets and just stays there for a moment, disappointed in themselves and concerned about their green friend.
We then cut to another quick Arrow Galion scene.
Sagittar: (now standing up) That was VERY entertaining, Insidion. Well done once again.
Insidion: Thank you, master.
Blockhead: Whatever! I could've done better than that.
Midaria: You mean by actually finishing off a ranger and making sure the device you completed with STOLEN COINS was brought back intact?
Insidion: Touché. But at least I didn't make you regret it, right?
Midaria: You're still a thief.
Insidion: We're all invasive poachers. Get over it.
Sagittar: Right then. You're all dismissed.
Insidion: In that case, time for a quick drink.
Midaria: Fine. But don't go stealing anything else while we're in our quarters.
Insidion: Understood, my friends.
After the other hunters finally walk out and Insidion gets behind the stand
…he then presses the blue glowing part on his left arm.
Then, a holographic image appears over it that looks kind of like a mix between a recording light and volume symbol.
Insidion: (whispering) Earth Log. Week 8…I…I've made another terrible mistake.
We then down to the Sanctum.
Everyone, including Martha, is sitting on the Lounging Section couch, looking like they're waiting for something. Then, Winston teleports in. Everyone leaps up and runs over to him happy to see he's back, even though now he's wrapped up with a bandage around his arm and an ice pack in his hand being held to his head.
Sylvia: How are the girls?
Winston: Oh, you know. Tired...A bit shook.
Martha: I'm just glad you're all okay.
Jackie: Mind filling us in a little on what happened?
Winston: That new general, Insidion…He turned Hitarthi into an Amoebanoid and had her attack me…Then Tiana help me get her back.
As he says this, everyone's faces get concerned than earlier.
Benny: We're SO sorry we weren't there.
Winston: …It's okay...Martha? I know I just took today off, but—
Martha: Take all the time you need…You AND Hitarthi.
Winston: (smiles just a little)…Thank you…I'll uh, see you when I see you. (holds up his Morpher) Doubutsu.
He teleports out as the team just stands there.
Staying silent...and feeling defeated.
We then get our final moments of this episode in the Evans Residence. In the attic, Winston, who's now in night clothing, opens up a dusty cardboard box and laying right front and center on top of everything else (AKA some old baby toys and a few assorted items), is none other than the Short-Nosed Elephant book.
Winston: (smiles) Hello, old friend.
He blows some of the dust off it, wanting a quick read.
But just as he's about to open up the book, he stops himself…and starts to remember something. Suddenly, we get a flash of something across the screen. A police car with its siren lights on. Winston's smile fades. He tenses up and we hear a noise in the background…A younger Winston crying out "Mom! Dad!".
This makes Winston shudder with a quiet gasp as he drops the book to the floor…It looks like he just had a mini panic attack.
Winston: (puts his hands on his face) No, no, no...Not this again.
We then get a super quick bit where he checks on Tiana in her room, finding her fast asleep.
He smiles and quietly closes her door.
With that, we cut to his house's master bedroom. Winston walks in on Hitarthi who also seems to be asleep. He breathes out and smiles, before climbing into bed next to her with his plush gift and turning off his nightstand light…only for Hitarthi to reveal she's not asleep yet as she turns over in bed and hugs her right arm around his chest.
Hitarthi: (whispering) I'm sorry I hurt you.
He quickly returns the hug, pulling her closer to him.
Winston: Ssh. (whispering) You didn't...You could NEVER hurt me.
Hitarthi: (sighs) You know what I mean.
Winston: ...Yeah. I do.
Hitarthi: (hugs him a little tighter) I love you.
Winston: ...I love you too.
The episode ends on this line while the camera focuses on the plush elephant, and as text appears at the bottom of the screen reading…
TO BE CONTINUED
Tune in next time for "Episode 13: The Short-Nosed Elephant Part 2"