EPISODE 13: THE SHORT-NOSED ELEPHANT PART 2
(Partially Adapted from "The Short-Nosed Elephant")
After a 30 second recap, we start this episode off back at the Evan's Residence, text at the bottom of the screen reading, "Next Saturday" to find Winston, Hitarthi, and Tiana sitting at their kitchen table having waffles. However, it's a bit awkward given the lack of music and their facial expressions. Wanting to break the ice, Hitarthi speaks up.
Hitarthi: …So, uh…what a week, right?
Winston: Y-Yeah. It was nice to have time off with you guys.
Tiana: It was decent…At least when we weren't being constantly reminded of last week.
The parent's eyes widen a little.
Winston: (nervously jokes) What? PFT. I don't what you're talking about!
Hitarthi: Yeah, what? (nervous chuckles) I haven't noticed anything like that!
Tiana: REALLY. You two didn't notice anything.
Winston: …Uh, n-nope!
Hitarthi: Not at all!
Winston: Can't even remember being worried this week!
Hitarthi: Right! It was just nice family time with no awkward moments relating to anything from last week!
With awkward expressions now on their faces, we then get a 42-second montage of said week, showing 6 moments that are each 7 seconds long. And in each moment, when the Evans Family tries to enjoy their week, they are reminded of Insidion's attack or ranger stuff, and things are made awkward or uncomfortable. You can decide what half of these moments will be, but the other half includes the following.
Hitarthi and Winston trying to dance but stopping because he winces from a bruise.
Winston seeing the Huntroid battle on the news and looking lost in thought.
Hitarthi picking up a kitchen knife and dropping it out of brief panic.
Anyway, with that montage out of the way, we cut back to Winston and Hitarthi's faces still looking awkward.
Tiana: …Whatever you say, I guess.
Hitarthi: (shakes her head) Right, well, finish up breakfast soon.
Winston: Yeah. We gotta make sure you're ready.
Tiana: (sighs) Right. Book club day…Oh, by the way, quick question dad.
Winston: What's on your mind?
He starts to drink out of a coffee cup.
Tiana: Well, I was wondering, since we didn't read it last week, could I maybe…bring the Short-Nosed Elephant to the book club?
Her saying the book by name makes him stop his drinking.
Winston: Oh…s-sure, uh…it's still in the attic, but…yeah, I'll have it ready before we leave.
Hitarthi: Yes. Now please finish your food, Tiana.
Tiana: Right. Where were we my syrup-covered prey?
She goofily continues to eat her waffles, getting a quick chuckle out of her parents, but their smiles fade a bit as they look at each other awkwardly for a few more seconds.
But before we continue with Winston, we cut over to the zoo.
To be more specific, the Eagle dome, where we find Benny sitting at his info desk looking bored, showing he's still doing his zoo job.
However, as soon as we cut down to him, he's approached by a familiar face in blue.
Jackie: Almost forgot you were working here, dude.
Benny: Oh! Jackie! What, uh, what're you doing here?
Jackie: Got some break time, so I figured I'd stop by and see how you were doing. Especially given…you know.
Benny: (exhales) Yeah. I hope Winston's okay…I gotta be honest, a part of that kinda feels like my fault.
Jackie: (looks at him confused) …Why would you think that?
Benny: Because I was the one who convinced him to stay a ranger. If I hadn't then—
Jackie: Hey. Don't start blaming yourself like that...Look I get the feeling. And a part of me is mad at myself for not being prepared for something like this. But we shouldn't be blaming ourselves for what those monsters did. Try not to let them get to you.
Benny: …(smiles) You're right.
She smiles back at him…only for both of them to look down and realize Jackie grabbed Benny's hand while talking to him and is still holding it.
They start blushing as they look back at each other.
Jackie: (lets his hand go) UH, I-I think I hear the Aquarium staff calling me, so uh, I should go!
Benny: Uh, r-right, yes! I too have uh (fake coughs) work and…stuff!
Jackie then speed walks off as Benny pretends to look down at some notes.
Cut to Winston and Hitarthi's bedroom.
After a shot of the plushie that Hitarthi got him sitting on the bed, we see Winston also sit down on it and pull out his zord.
His cubimal wakes up and greets him happily.
Winston: Hey little guy…I need to ask you a question.
The zord "sits" down in his hand, indicating that it's listening to him.
Winston: Okay. So, you're the animal spirit in my Morpher who chose me, right?
His cubimal nods to answer.
Winston: And you being a zord is just a physical way for you to interact with me, right?
Once again, it nods.
Winston: (starts whispering) Alright. Now, I know you might not be able to answer this next one easily, but…in the best way you can answer, tell me…Why did you choose me to be a ranger? What on Earth could you have possibly seen in me, an overweight dung shoveler, that made you think I should be the Green Elephant Ranger?
The little elephant moves its head back and forth like it's...thinking.
Winston: (sighs) Never mind. I'll just decide on this later.
Hitarthi: Decide on what?
He then turns to his bedroom door to see Hitarthi standing there, likely listening in on his conversation.
Winston: Uh…n-nothing! I was just—
Hitarthi: I heard everything.
Winston: Oh…W-Well—
Hitarthi: Winston, be honest with me…Are you thinking about quitting again?
Winston: …(sighs) Do I really have to say—
Hitarthi: YES. Just tell me the truth.
Winston: …Alright. I haven't made any decision yet, but…yes. I am thinking about quitting.
Cue Theme Song (1 Minute)
Hitarthi: …Haven't you done this already?
Winston: Done what?
Hitarthi: THIS. This whole "I might quit, but I haven't decided yet" thing. Didn't you already do this a few weeks ago?
Winston: That was before last week happened though.
Hitarthi: But that was my fault!
Winston: (looks confused) Wait, what!?
Hitarthi: If I hadn't grabbed that stupid blade to fight back, I wouldn't have gotten mind-controlled and turned into a monster!
Winston: But you only ended up in danger because I chose to fight!
Hitarthi: ME in danger!? Winnie, what about you!? I shot you in the chest multiple times and cut your arm with a sword!
Winston: I've taken hits like that before in fights!
Hitarthi: But those were done by me this time around!
Winston: Y-Yeah, well… all the more reason to consider quitting!
Hitarthi: So, when I hurt you, it's nothing, but when I could potentially get hurt, it's a big deal?
Winston: Are you saying I'm wrong for wanting to quit!?
Hitarthi: No! And I appreciate you for being concerned about me and Tiana, but do you seriously want to quit because we were in danger for one fight!?
Winston: Kind of, yeah!
Hitarthi: Well, you shouldn't!
Winston: (as grabs her by the shoulders) I'm not losing my family again!
Hitarthi stops talking and everything goes silent. Then in a more hushed tone, Winston says this.
Winston: …(now teary-eyed) I can't…N-Not a third time.
Hitarthi: …(exhales) Come here.
She then pulls him into a hug, their arms around the other's torsos, and Hitarthi's head resting on his shoulder.
Winston: …I want to keep you safe…But I'm not sure how anymore.
Hitarthi: You have kept us safe…You always have.
Winston: That fight, it...it sparked something...I tried reading the Short-Nosed Elephant last week, but then the next thing I know, I panicked and dropped it, and I could just hear the...the accident.
Hitarthi: ...Your memory flashes are back?
Winston frowns a little and nods.
Hitarthi: ...It's gonna be okay...Do you remember how scary it was when I got pregnant? I was so worried about what was gonna happen next, but…you were there for me…You got me through all of the pain and tears, and now, I live in a great home, I have a great job, I have a beautiful daughter…And I have the best husband I ever could have asked for…Tell you what. We'll go do Tiana's book club, and then work THIS out later…Okay?
Winston: (breaths out) ...Sounds good.
The two then share a kiss on the lips for about 4 to 5 seconds.
Tiana: (knocks on the door) Mom? Dad? Is everything okay?
As she says this, we see their daughter standing outside the door looking slightly concerned before we cut back inside to her parents.
Winston: Oh, uh, we're fine Tiana.
Hitarthi: Y-Yeah...just talking about adult stuff.
Then we cut back to Tiana.
Tiana: ...Okay, well, the book club is soon, so…do you have the Short-Nosed Elephant book, dad?
Winston: Oh, r-right, I'm sorry, Tiana…I'll go grab it.
We then cut up to the attic with a shot of the Short-Nosed Elephant, still in the exact spot Winston dropped it last week. He picks it up and looks at it for a few more seconds before taking in a deep breath, mustering a little smile, and then heading back towards the latter he climbed up.
Anywho, we now check on the Arrow Galion for some brief sentai/original footage mixing.
Blockhead: So, I take it your next hunt is that ray-headed leftover?
Insidion: Indeed. And this time, Languanta will leave the rangers SPEECHLESS.
Sagittar: (lowers his drink) Hmm.
Midaria: (whispers) He's clearly untrustworthy.
Sagittar: (whispering) Not to worry. I'll keep an eye on him.
Midaria nods and walks away from Sagittar as he continues to drink.
We then cut to a park in Dolphin Coast where we see some kids at the playground's center. I don't have super specific designs for them, but let's just say there's an African boy with white and red clothes, an Australian (Caucasian) boy in blue and purple clothes, and a slightly taller East Asian girl with yellow and orange clothes. The camera then pans back to show the Evans family walking up, with Tiana holding both the Short-Nosed Elephant book and a backup animal encyclopedia in case she stays longer.
Tiana: (exhales) I'm really doing this.
Winston: Hey. Don't panic, it's just reading a book with 3 kids.
Hitarthi: Plus, this book club is from the zoo, and their parents work at the other exhibits. You'll fit right in with them.
Tiana: I sure hope so…Thank you for being here.
Hitarthi: Of course. We'll be listening nearby.
Winston: I know it's a big choice…but you'll do great.
With that, Tiana smiles, takes a deep breath, turns around with a more confident face, and goes for it.
We then cut to her introducing herself.
Tiana: E-Excuse me? This is the young zoologist book club, right?
Raya: Oh, you're our new member! My name is Raya.
(She sounds like Candy Chu from 'Gravity Falls')
Mason: I'm Mason. And this is Jude.
(He sounds like Wade from 'Kim Possible')
Jude simply shakes her hand with a smile and nods, implying that he's mute.
Tiana: M-My name's Tiana. I-I'd like to read this book to start.
Raya: Sure. What do you have?
She says this as they all sit down on the ground.
Tiana: It's a book my dad read as a kid called the Short-Nosed Elephant. I haven't read it yet because I wanted to save it for today.
Mason: Well then, read away, new girl.
Raya: Yeah. Show us what you got.
She then opens up the book, revealing its cute art style as her parents watch on a bench nearby.
Hitarthi: (whispers) Here she goes.
Winston: Come on, you got it.
And with that, she finally reads the book this entire two-parter is named after.
Tiana: …Long ago, in a deep green forest, there lived a little forest elephant.
Only he was different as most elephants go, for you see he had a very short nose.
(Page turn)
The Short-Nosed Elephant always had issues with his oddly shortened proboscis.
From lifting rocks to just drinking water, he felt so very odd with it.
(Page turn)
One day, when he tried to make new friends, it didn't exactly work out in the end.
He didn't fit in like the rest of the herd, who made fun of his nose and made him feel hurt.
(Page turn)
The next day, his mother took him to a shore, hoping to try this out again.
She told him "It's okay, little one. This time I KNOW you'll make friends".
(Page turn)
But the Short-Nosed Elephant didn't want to try again. He thought his hopes were doomed to the end.
He cried "No mother, it's not gonna work! I'll just end up being mocked and hurt".
(Page turn)
The Short-Nosed Elephant laid on the beach, crying as he hanged his little head down.
But then his mother approached him kindly and tried to talk his worries out.
(Page turn)
She tells her calf with a calming voice "listen for a moment, my dear sweet boy".
Raising his head, eyes still a little teary, he looked at his mother as she spoke softly.
Once again, Tiana turns the page, but this is the part where things get interesting. While she says the words on the next few lines, we're going to show some key imagery.
"Everyone has at least a day where something makes them sad or tired.
We zoom in on Winston's face, his smile turning slightly into a frown as the camera gets closer.
Sometimes a moment can spark a mind badly like wildfire.
Then…we see a memory. A memory of him as a teen…at his adopted parent's funeral, holding back tears. We even finally get to see what his adoptive parents look like (both being African with his father being bald and his mother having hair similar to actor Lupita Nyong'o) via a photo in his hand, looking happy with Winston as a baby.
But no matter what life throws your way that ends up being difficult,
Half of this is said as we see a teenage Hitarthi and Winston arguing with her parents, who we only see as shadows, while the other half is said as we see them in a different location, hugging each other and crying…with a positive pregnancy test towards the bottom of the screen in what appears to be a cluttered apartment.
it doesn't mean all hope is lost or that it can't become beautiful.
As she says this, we get a flashback to Winston sitting next to Hitarthi while she's in a hospital bed; a tan-skinned baby girl wrapped in a blanket being cuddled in her arms.
(Page turn)
I know this hasn't been perfect so far, and parts of it have felt vicious.
This is said as we see flashes of the fight with Insidion from the last episode, including Hitarthi attacking Winston, and Tiana stopping her from firing at the end.
But I have a good feeling if you keep trying, you'll be glad you made this decision."
For our last memory shot, we see either Winston morphed and posing at the end of his Morph Sequence or a shot of him and his team doing their sentai pose (you decide).
(Page turn)
A few minutes later, the Short-Nosed Elephant met other young animals of different elements.
The first half of this is said as we cut back to Winston in the present, a small tear stream running down from at least one of his eyes, the second half being said as we get a shot of the page Tiana is on, showing a Bald Eagle, Shark, Lion, and Tiger, greeting the Short-Nosed Elephant happily. After that, we just watch Tiana finish the story.
They greeted him kindly and let him know that'd be happy to be friends, despite his nose.
(Page turn)
And so, the 5 wild young beasts ran along the beach to play.
And despite what happened earlier, the Short-Nosed Elephant got back his day.
(Closes the book)
Tiana: So, uh…d-did I do okay, or do you want me to read my other—
Raya: That was such a cute story! Good choice.
Mason: Yeah. If you didn't earn a spot before, you have now.
Tiana: R-Really? You want me in!?
Raya: Absolutely.
Mason: Welcome to the club.
Jude then offers Tiana a high five, which she returns.
Back over to her parents…
Hitarthi: Aw, that's my girl.
She then looks to her right and sees her husband has tears streaming down his face.
Hitarthi: Oh, Winnie, are you crying?
Winston: N-No, I just (sniffle) forgot how much I liked the story.
But as he starts wiping his tear streams away, a green flash appears, and in front of the book club, Languanta teleports in (without his staff) scaring the kids.
Languanta: Hahaha! (they scream) Yes! The cries of these children should give me great readings!
Hitarthi: (gasps) Tiana!
Winston: Oh no you don't!
While saying this, Winston rushes forward out of his seat, and catches Languanta off guard, punching him away from the kids.
Winston: Get away from them, blueberry!
Languanta: HA. As if I'm going to run away from a human who looks like a watermelon on legs.
Winston: You're not exactly the slimmest creature in the sea either, blue belly.
Fortunately, the other rangers teleport in behind them.
Sylvia: Alright, let's do this!
Caleb: Yeah! Bring it on you…
The Others: Winston!?
Winston: Guys!
Jackie: Dude, what are you doing here!?
Winston: Well, it WAS a book club.
Languanta: Ooh, I like books!
The team then whips out their Morphers simultaneously.
Benny: Winston, get the kids out of here.
Winston: R-Right! Okay, this way, everybody!
As he and the kids start running over to Hitarthi to leave the playground, the team starts to morph.
Benny: Zoo Mode Go!
As per usual, they turn their tops, wave the Morphers, open them up, and morph.
But while we get a split-screen 4 shot of them as they morph, we don't do greenscreen roll this time. Instead, it's on location and mixes things up a little.
Benny: Keeper of the Sky!
Jackie: Keeper of the Ocean!
Caleb: Keeper of the Savannah!
Sylvia: Keeper of the Tundra!
Benny: Red Eagle Ranger!
Jackie: Blue Shark Ranger!
Caleb: Yellow Lion Ranger!
Sylvia: White Tigress Ranger!
Benny: Power Rangers!
The 4 Rangers: Zoo-Keepers! (cue sentai pose with their CGI animal symbols)
Languanta: Finally! Now the hunt can truly begin!
Benny: (as he slicks back his helmet) You go ballistic, we go animalistic!
The 4 then rush towards the indigo invader, Benny landing a good kick on him to start, but Languanta dodges other attempted hits. Then, thanks to a really bad sentai jumpcut, we are now in a lusher area of the park next to a river and stone sidewalk. Caleb leaps at Languanta, tackling him onto the ground, but instead of getting back up on his feet, he allows Sylvia to quickly leap off his back and try to grab Languanta. But he's able to grab her instead as she gets close and shoves her aside. Thankfully, the two cats are then joined by Benny and Jackie. They surround Languanta on all sides and each delivers a kick at the same time.
Benny then throws another kick which makes Languanta stumble back and roll across the dirt.
Languanta: (as he rolls/recovers) Right in the gills!
Benny: Savage Blasters!
He of course says this as he and the others whip out the aforementioned weapons, and quickly fire into Languanta's chest all at the same time. We a groan, he falls forward onto the ground a plays dead for a second. But as we saw last time, Languanta seems to have some bizarre healing factor, meaning the holes instantly heal as he stands up.
Languanta: (as he stands up) I see you haven't learned your lesson.
Caleb: Crap! I forgot he can do that!
Jackie: Stupid healing power!
Languanta: Stupid huh? Well lucky for you, I still have my TRUE power to reveal!
We then get a wide shot of the team getting in battle stance, ready to keep fighting as Languanta does a little turn and takes off his "hat"…only for the music to comedically cut out as he finishes the twirl…and just kind of anti-climactically drops his "hat" to the ground while saying…
Languanta: BEHOLD.
Naturally, the team looks confused.
But then the music kicks right back in as the "hat"…comes alive. And right as the rangers look up even more confused, it fires a yellow energy beam at all 4 of them which knocks them on their backs. As soon as they hit the ground, their bodies start to glow yellow, and the next thing they know, …multi-colored CGI words start to radiate off their bodies and fly into the "hat" before tentacles come out of it to reattach with Languanta's body?
Languanta: I have now taken your words! You can't read, write, or even so much as talk!
Of course, the team tries speaking, but as he says, it doesn't work. All that comes out of their mouths is muffled noise.
Languanta: Hahaha! This planet's culture is finished!
The rangers try to rush forward but end up tripping onto the ground.
Languanta: And now, for the word hunting scattershot!
While saying this, his "hat" disconnects from the body and floats up again giving us a view of the city, but once he says "shot", its eyes glow bright yellow before it starts flying and spinning off in direction of the city, firing its beams all over the place as Languanta laughs. And it's not just firing at them one at a time, no, it's going off like a machine gun.
We then cut around the city to see what effects these beams have around the area.
Multiple signs get hit and words written on them float up into the air.
What looks like a protest or community gathering gets hit by the beams, leaving them mute with the words on their signs gone.
In another area of the city where people are out and about, their words are also taken as well.
And then we cut over to Winston, Hitarthi, and the kids.
Winston: Okay. I think we're—Look out!
Everyone quickly looks away/backs up as two of the fired beams land close to them, but in doing so, Tiana, the Short-Nosed Elephant book on the ground, and gets hit directly by the second shot, of course meaning the words fly off the cover/from between the closed pages into the air.
Then we cut up to the Arrow Galion.
As the words cluster together over the city, Blockhead watches it via their monitor.
Blockhead: That's a lot of words! But why steal them, to begin with?
Insidion: Not just words; LANGUAGE. Without any form of communication, Dolphin Coast can't contact the outside world and it will fall into chaos. Zoo-Keepers included.
Sagittar: And should this plan go global, the Earth will be left a silent stone floating vulnerable.
We then cut back to the Evans family + the book club.
After quickly grabbing the Short-Nosed Elephant, Tiana flips through some pages, confirming there's nothing left in it but pictures.
Tiana: …T-The words! They're gone!
She hands the book to Winston, who skims through it, confused.
Hitarthi: Why would a monster steal words?
Naturally, given that these words belonged to a family heirloom, we see Winston's face go from confusion to anger.
Winston: OH, IT IS ON. (closes the book) You kids either stay here or go find a place to hide.
Mason: M-My house is nearby. We can camp there for a bit.
Raya: Alright. Let's go while we can. Stay safe, Tiana.
Tiana: (as they run off) Yeah! You, too!
Hitarthi: So…You still wanna fight?
Winston: (exhales) …For the moment, yes…Because this just got personal. (kisses her cheek) Stay out of trouble.
He then starts running back toward the playground, leaving Hitarthi with a nervous/worried expression.
Tiana: Mom? I know it's dangerous, but…I want to make sure dad will be ok this time.
Hitarthi: …I do too…But let's see what he's up against first.
The two nod and then follow after him.
We then hard cut back over to the fight to see Languanta, who now has his staff out, fighting the Rangers, who have their Savage Sabers out. First Jackie and Caleb are hit in the chest, followed by Benny getting a small hit from the spear and being shoved to the side. Sylvia runs up, but Languanta yells "Boo!" which spooks her/stops her in her tracks and then bonks her head with his staff 4 times like a whack-a-mole game. Caleb grabs onto the monsters' back but is quickly shaken off, allowing Languanta to block a shock from Jackie and kick Benny back. Then after quickly bonking Caleb, Sylvia, and Jackie, he smacks everyone with his staff back hard enough that they fall to the ground in slow motion and are forcibly unmorphed.
Benny whips out his Morpher ready to morph again, but in opening it up, he and the others learn how thorough Languanta's blast is, realizing that the numbers on the Keeper Cube's black transferred buttons they use to Morph have completely vanished.
Languanta: You can't even morph without your numbers? (chuckles) It's almost too easy!... Huh?
He says the last part while turning around…to see Winston running up.
Morpher in hand, he presses the buttons and closes the top.
Winston: Zoo Mode Go! (said as he spins the top 3 times)
With that, the hollow cubic energy quickly closes around him, allowing for a quick morph as Tiana and Hitarthi catch up a few yards away.
Winston: (running forward) Keeper of the Forest! (as he tries to land a hit on Languanta) Green Elephant Ranger!
He then punches Languanta back while letting out a battle yell.
Winston: Savage Saber!
He says this as we cut to the team, noticing him.
Languanta dodges his first slash down and blocks the second with his staff. But after getting a quick hit in (only to be briefly blocked again), Winston gets in two quick slashes to the torso and then one big slash with both hands on the saber that seems to have a bit more energy behind it given the green slash effect it creates, and the visible cuts it leaves on Languanta's body. But of course, those wounds don't last long.
Languanta: (as he's struck) Augh, my chest!...(then as he heals) Just kidding, Green-Bean!
Winston: You can regenerate!?
Languanta: I can do much more than that! On-guard!
The mutant manta then rushes forward, smacks his blade back, and gets in three strikes to Winston's chest before pinning his staff end on his neck.
Languanta: This is so much fun!
He then smacks Winston aside onto the ground with his staff.
Winston: (as she gets back up) Easy for you to say!
But as he raises his blade back up, the camera pans around him to show Benny, Jackie, Caleb, and Sylvia, now back on their feet, and up on the hill where they were just fighting, waving their arms desperately. Fortunately, Winston then turns and sees them.
Winston: Guys? (as they make gestures) Are those gestures?…(gasps) Did he take your words!?
As the others either nod or give a thumbs up, we see that Tiana and Hitarthi have moved in closer and are just as confused.
The team then starts making hand motions that look like they're firing a gun.
Winston: Okay, uh, blaster, right!?
Languanta appears from behind and tries to strike him with his staff, but Winston thankfully grabs onto it.
The team then starts waving their arms like they would a sword.
Winston: Attack?
He punches Languanta and then slashes him back.
Winston: But I am!
The team then makes motions to indicate he's wrong before we cut back and forth to each of them pointing at /gesturing around their heads.
Winston: Is it a helmet?
Once again, they signal to him that he's wrong. Benny then puts his hands together and points them upward!
Winston: Uh, up!
They nod their heads quickly and mimic someone picking something up/setting it aside.
Winston: (mimicking it) Up…side?
Tiana: What could it be?
Languanta: (as he gets back on his feet) Hey! Stop playing charades and fight!
The team panics a little seeing the monster running forward, and so they point up with their fingers again near their heads.
Winston: Horns?
Languanta catches him off guard with a hit.
Hitarthi's about to run forward and help but holds back.
We then see Jackie pointing up.
Winston: Giraffe?
He gets smacked by the staff again.
Caleb then mimics someone bowing while taking off their top hat.
Winston: …I still don't get it!
Caleb makes a frustrated face before Languanta smacks him down with a hit to the back. Sylvia then mimics someone throwing their hat into the air.
Winston: (as he gets up) I got it! Elephant trunk!
The 4 simultaneously facepalm as Winston is knocked off his feet yet again.
Hitarthi: (gasps)I got it! (rushes forward)
Winston: Come on guys!
Languanta: It's no use!
Hitarthi: Winston!
Winston: Huh? Hitarthi!? Tiana!?
Tiana: It's the hat!
Hitarthi: They're telling you to attack the hat!
Winston: The hat?
Languanta: AND that's enough!
The monster says this as his "hat" detaches and floats up ready to fire another yellow blast at him. With a quick gasp, Winston moves forward, dodging the two shots fired at him, and slashes Languanta's body. At first, it seems like a stupid move since it's the wrong part to attack, but then he uses his body to boost himself and stab the hat from underneath. Languanta yells out "No!" as the camera focuses on the hat, subtly revealing that the hat is actually his true form to the audience. With his blade still attached, Winston starts spinning the tentacled cap around, and yells out…
Winston: Primal Power!
He then slams the cap into the ground, his upgraded boots appearing on his feet.
With a quick jump pound, Languanta is sent flying into the air, followed by Winston leaping up as well to do a quick front aerial flip. With the monster underneath, he allows gravity to pull him down, his overgrown boots pushing the hat along with him. The landing is enough to cause cracks in the ground and for Languanta to scream out.
Winston: Don't mess with this Short-Nosed Elephant.
Languanta then explodes under his boots, but Winston isn't even phased. He just stands there as the burst of flames allows all the words this monster stole to escape and fly out all over the place. The camera then pans to the left as the words start to disperse out more showing the numbers returning to the other ranger's Morphers, the team's voices going back to each member, and the words to return to the book in Tiana's hands.
Caleb: Did it…(gasps) We can talk again!
Benny and Sylvia high-five Caleb as he yells while Jackie still flinches a little from his yell.
Tiana: Look! The book's gone back to normal!
Hitarthi: (smiles/half chuckles) And I didn't mess up the fight!
Winston: (running up) Girls! You did it!
Tiana: Dad, that was awesome!
He hugs Tiana and then gives a big hug to Hitarthi.
Hitarthi: Oh, it's weird to hug you when you're not fat, but I don't care!
The two laugh as he hugs her tighter.
Back on the Arrow Galion, Insidion shows his "disappointment".
Insidion: Oh, curse that Green Ranger! Midaria! End this!
Midaria: (sarcastically) Whatever you say.
We then cut back down to Earth as she walks up to the lifeless ray-like monster.
Midaria: I may not trust Insidion, but YOU still have potential. So do me a favor and silence the Zoo-Keepers on the macro scale, Languanta.
She slides the coin into the slot on top of his head.
Its eyes glow yellow before she then throws it into the sky only for him to explode into giant size mid-air across town.
Languanta: (as he grows/floats) Regeneration for the win!
Tiana: OK, I think we should run!
Hitarthi: Oh, there's no thinking about it!
She says this while grabbing Tiana's hand/the two start running away.
Winston: (as he pulls out his zord) Cubimals go!
After raising his upward, we hard cut to the Pygmy Elephant, Siberian Tiger, and Mountain Gorilla zords stacking on top of each other.
The Rangers: Megazords activate!
We then hard cut to the Bald Eagle, Reef Shark, and African Lion zords stacking on top of each other.
Benny, Winston, and Sylvia: Wild Kong Megazord! Mole Zord, go!
Of course, the second part is said as we see the Star-Nosed Mole zord attach to the mech.
Jackie and Caleb: Zoo King Megazord! Giraffe zord, go!
Again, the second part said as the Reticulated Giraffe zord connects as well.
The Wild Kong and Zoo King Megazords now stand side by side. They're no Zooman Fusion Megazord, but all Cubimals are here and ready for a fight.
Languanta: Two of them!?
Caleb: At least now we know what to hit!
He says this as he and Jackie turn their Morpher tops and plug them into their Command Cubes.
Jackie and Caleb: Giraffe Zord Strike!
With a charged attack, they fire multiple blasts at their flying foe.
Languanta: (dodging the blasts/floating toward them) Wait! I have a brilliant idea!
Once close enough and above them, its black tentacles quickly reveal themselves…and latch onto the Zoo King Megazord's head.
Jackie: What the—H-Hey! Hey! Get off us!
Caleb: Oh, that's just disgusting!
We then get a wide shot of the Wild Kong Megazord "noticing" this.
Benny: Jackie and Caleb!
Oh yeah, and Benny's now in his Gorilla mode because he's piloting the Gorilla zord.
Languanta: You're mine now!
The eyes of the Zoo King Megazord then turn purple. Then, the mech aims the Giraffe Zord at the Wild Kong Megazord.
Winston: Oh, come on!
Languanta: Fire!
The Giraffe zord fires more blasts at the others, causing explosions on the ground and shaking things up.
Benny: What do we do!?
Winston: Benny! Leave this to me and my zord! And go!
With a spin of his Command Cube, the Wild Kong Megazord lungs through the air toward the other mech and uses the Mole Zord to knock Languanta off.
The eyes of the Megazord return to normal.
Jackie: Yes! We're back in control!
Winston: Good.
Languanta: (floating/smoking) Right in the mouth!
Benny: Megazord, activate!
Cue all the zords coming together to form their newest combination.
The Rangers: Zooman Fusion Megazord!
Languanta: Curses!
With that, their finisher begins to charge as the red rectangular energy spikes up off their chest.
The Rangers: Wild Zooman Final Strike!
As per usual, energy pours over them until it's launched out, and the chest of the Zooman Fusion Megazord fires a stream of both their Cubimal's animal spirits and a massive beam of almost rainbow-colored energy. The blast is a direct hit on Languanta.
Languanta: (as he's blasted) Son of a cuss word—
Kaboom. The fishy flying freak explodes as the Zooman Fusion Megazord turns around, once more victorious.
We then cut back to the Arrow Galion for some original footage.
Insidion: Hmph. Disappointing, but not unexpected.
Blockhead: Nice work Metal-Mouth.
Insidion: (starts to leave) True, but anything is easy compared to your dirty work. (starts chuckling)
Blockhead: Hey! What's that supposed to mean!? No, get back here! We're not done yet!
The blue brute follows Insidion out.
Once they're gone, Midaria speaks to Sagittar.
Midaria: Mind filling me on your plan while we have some privacy?
Sagittar: Operation: Sixth Power? I'm keeping it a secret.
Midaria: No, not that. Your plan to deal with Insidion if he steps out of line.
Sagittar: Unless something comes up, I don't want to make any drastic decisions yet.
Midaria: Still, we can't afford to be vulnerable.
Sagittar: Relax, my love.
Then with a flick of his hand…he opens it and channels yellow lightning between his fingers.
Sagittar: I'm anything BUT vulnerable.
Now for the ending, which is multiple moments spend with Winston.
We then cut to the zoo, text at the bottom of the screen reading "The Next Day".
This time, we're at the Papua Playground in the Rainforest Sector. And it's exactly what it sounds like. A nice big playground in the sector's center themed around animals and habitats of Papua New Guinea and Northern Australia. We find Winston and Tiana standing together, her having a few books in her arms, likely for another book club meeting.
Winston: I'll come back when I'm done, alright?
Tiana: Gotcha. See you later, dad.
Winston: (as she runs off) Have a good time, Tiana!
Tiana: (still running) I will!
After a shot of her meeting up with her new friends in the park, we then cut to the Elephant Habitat and see Hitarthi is back to work with the elephants. We see her using the hose on one of them for a few seconds inside the exhibit before Winston approaches from behind as she turns it off.
Winston: I'm done dropping off Tiana if you need any help.
Hitarthi: Funny you mention that. I do actually. (picks up a shovel next to her) The elephant's just had lunch.
Winston: (as he grabs it) Ah. Yeah, I thought I smelled something on the way in here.
Hitarthi: Well, you know what to do my overweight dung shoveler in shining armor.
Winston: (cheekily says) Oh, so that's how it is?
Hitarthi: OH YEAH, that's how it is.
Winston: (chuckles) Hey, uh, while I have you though, umm…about how you helped me during that fight…
Hitarthi: Right. Look. I know it was dangerous, but I…
Winston: I couldn't have done it without you.
Hitarthi: …(smiles) Thank you...A-Are you still having any bad memories.
Winston: Not anymore. I think it was just...a quick mind flare is all.
Hitarthi: Well remember, if that happens again, do not hesitate to tell me or take a break if you absolutely need to.
Winston: Oh, definitely noted.
Hitarthi: Good. Now get to shoveling, handsome.
Winston: Fair enough.
Hitarthi: Hey...I love you.
Winston: I love you too.
He then hoists the shovel over his shoulder and starts walking away.
We then cut to later that night for the final moment of this episode where we see Winston back in his bedroom, sitting down with the Short-Nosed Elephant plushie and book sitting next to him as he pulls out his Cubimal, who of course springs to life and happily greets him.
Winston: Hey little guy. I wanted to talk to you real quick.
The zord makes a "curious trumpet" if you will.
Winston: I figured it out. (pulls out his Morpher) You chose me to be a ranger…because you wanted to help me protect my family, right?
His Cubimal then gives a little nod.
Winston: Asante. Nitahakikisha kushikilia chaguo hili.
(Swahili Translation: Thank you. I'll be sure to hold onto this choice)
He then pets the mechanical mammal's head.
Winston: You know, everyone in this house has heard or read this book…except you. Want me to read it to you?
The Cubimal hops up and down excitedly off his hand.
Winston: (chuckles) Alright, I gotcha!
The zord then sits atop the plush elephant on his side, and the episode ends with Winston opening up the book and reading the first line aloud.
Winston: "Long ago in a deep green forest, there lived a little elephant…"
Tune in next time for "Episode 14: Mountain Lion"
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Thank you all very much for reading; now for a few things real quick. Firstly, once again, I am very sorry about the 3-week delay on part one and the week's wait on this part. Writer's block was my mortal enemy when writing these episodes and I'm not happy that I had to delay them so thank you for being patient. But now for the 2nd more important announcement, which I want you all to know about in advance since I will be going back to school in a couple of weeks. Introducing the…
ZOO-KEEPERS SEASON 1B FALL/WINTER SCHEDULE:
Episode 14 and 15 (Rest of August)
Hiatus Time (September—Early October)
Episodes 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20 (Late October)
Episode 21 Finale (During November)
Episode 22 AKA Christmas Special (December)
That's my plan at the moment, so please keep this in mind going forward. Thank you all, and remember. Power Rangers forever.