EPISODE 18: BLACKENED RHINO PART 3
(Adapted from "Who To Believe")
After a 30 second recap, we cut to the living room of the Washi Residence during the afternoon and find Benny sitting on his couch, lost in thought while the others hang out around the room, including Martha, looking at their phones/having a quick snack, having a glass of water, etc. He then slowly gets up while saying…
Benny: Do you think Zoo-Killer can be saved?
This catches the others off guard and makes them confused for a moment.
Caleb: (chuckles) Good one, lad.
Benny: I'm serious though.
Caleb: …Oh come on, you've got to be joking.
Jackie: Umm, dude, he beat us to a pulp. He almost KILLED you. TWICE.
Benny: Y-Yeah, I know that b-but—
Winston: Remember what Midaria said as well. They made Zoo-Killer by merging Zooman spirits…I think he's no different than any monster those poachers send down and that we can't just bring him back to normal, because…well…that IS the normal Zoo-Killer.
Benny: But he unmorphed and he was human when he did!
This makes everyone look up slightly surprised and more confused, but they don't respond.
Benny: And…and that face…That...expression….He staggered back in pain and…h-he didn't want to deliver the killing blow…I could see it….I-If we could save him—
Sylvia: Benny, no disrespect, but if Zoo-Killer really did stop himself from killing you at only the last moment…is it worth almost getting yourself killed again just to see if he MIGHT be worth saving?... I'm not saying I don't believe you. And if a human was brainwashed, of course, we should try to save them, HOWEVER, we should about this before we jump to anything drastic.
Martha: Speaking of drastic actions…let's talk about Harris while you're all here.
Winston: Right. Look Martha, again, we—
Martha: Part of this is on me for not telling you sooner, so just…listen.
The team complies, directing full attention to their boss.
Martha: (breathes out) So, you know the basics about Harris. He's a bird Zooman, has the sixth Keeper Cube, or at least I HOPE he still does, introduced me and Randall to all of this Zooman power stuff, brought the Link Cube here, etc., but…what I forgot to mention was that…Harris didn't just own the Eagle Ranger powers Benny has…He was the ORIGINAL Red Zoo-Keeper ranger on his team, and they were tasked with protecting Zakanada…But that all changed one day and well…he uh…s-something happened, and it…uh…
Her voice is slightly shaky, worrying the team.
Benny: Mom, are you okay?
Martha: (exhales)…Harris' team betrayed him, and he was forced to…t-to destroy them.
This surprises everyone, leaving them with wide eyes.
This silence lasts for a few seconds.
Caleb: Well. That got dark.
Jackie: (whispers) Oh, yah THINK?
Sylvia: I remember now. When we met him, he said something about his ranger duties "ending in tragedy".
Winston: And us fighting probably reminded him of…(rubs his forehead/whispers)…OH JEEZ.
Sylvia, picking up on Winston's guilt, pats him on the back.
Then Caleb's phone buzzes with a text.
Caleb: (checks his phone) Shoot. Sorry lads, I gotta get back to work.
Martha: That's alright…I know we've all given each other a lot to think about so…finish up for today, go home, get some rest and we'll sort this out later.
Everyone nods and heads for the front door of the house.
Next, we cut up to the Arrow Galion. Zoo-Killer is chained back up in the shadowy area of the ship where he was "created". After a few shots showing this, we see Sagittar take 3 steps forward and come to a stop in front of the human captive and take out…5 Amoebanoid coins. Coins which then fall from his fingertips…and merge into Zoo-Killer's body as they land on his skin like there's a con slot in his neck or something.
Sagittar: It's okay. Leave everything to me.
He says this as he tosses down more coins that phase into Zoo-Killer's body.
Sagittar: (as he kneels) I understand you completely. I am your ALLY…And all you need to do is believe in me.
The last line is said as he holds up the captive's chin while he smiles in his sleep, implying he's soothed by these words, before the mighty mutant stands back up with a chuckle, allowing the captive's head to hang down again, and resumes putting Amoebanoid coins into his body. But while this happens, we hear Insidion start to speak over the scene before it transitions up to the cockpit with him having a drink near the throne.
Insidion: I'm not sure how to feel about this. A rival ranger is brilliant…But brainwashing a human for it?
Blockhead: Same. And I want nothing more than to pummel that pet straight into the GROUND.
Insidion: But you're afraid of getting in Sagittar's way, aren't you?
Blockhead: You wish! I'm not afraid of him. Just making sure I know my boundaries.
From here, the sentai footage ends and cuts perfectly to original footage.
The cockpit door opens and out steps Huntoceros.
Huntoceros: Hello there, mates.
Blockhead: Where have YOU been?
Insidion: You were completely absent from the last hunt.
Huntoceros: (as he walks to the bar) Figured I might as well work on my target practice while Zoo-Killer has his fun. I've been working on the training floor all day and just came back up for a drink.
Blockhead: Heh. I like your style.
As the monster drinks, Insidion stares suspiciously at him with curiosity.
Huntoceros: (finishes his shot/walks toward Insidion) Ah. Welp, back to scoping things out, if you catch my drift.
But then, as starts to leave, chuckling at his rather lame joke…
…he leans over to Insidion's left.
Huntoceros: (whispers) Meet me in your lab after the next hunt.
Insidion: (whispers) What?...W-Why?
Huntoceros: (whispers) I think you and I are on the same side, and…we need to talk.
The monster then resumes his walk out of the cockpit, whistling on his way out, leaving Insidion even more confused and intrigued.
Cue Theme Song (1 Minute)
Hard cut to the next day during what seems to be noon or afternoon again in downtown Dolphin Coast. People are walking around when a new hunter (Adapted from the player 'Bowlingam'), hops into frame with a devious laugh.
?: Look out, puny humans. The game has begun!
(He sounds like Swarm from 'Skylanders: Giants')
The monster walks out onto the sidewalk.
?: Ready! Set! Pins!
The first word is said as Amoebanoids appear behind him, the second is said as he does a motion with his hands that makes a symbol on his waist glow.
With a green flash, 10 people suddenly come together like their bodies are possessed and stand up straight.
Now they look like a set of bowling pins.
After a few moments of confusion from this group…
?: Here I come, humans!
With a few steps back and a push from at least two Amoebanoids, the monster leaps forward, turns into a ball, and starts rolling toward the endangered civilians, before striking them and sending them flying into the air. Now in the Sentai, it's done in a goofy manner where they go really far, so for here, original footage is used to show the people landing nearby but still landing hard enough to be in danger.
?: (as he unrolls) Haha! No one can escape Frillpin's beautiful strikes! Am I right, gents?
He says this while high fiving some of the Amoebanoids, who are cheering in the best way they can, given their voices.
Suddenly, Frillpin is knocked down by a Savage Blaster shot.
Jackie: Oh great! Now they're bowling!
The team quickly joins up with her.
Benny: Get out of our city, monster!
Frillpin: You're not striking this Frilled Lizard out that easily! Amoebanoids!
The grunts run forward as a unit and begin striking at our heroes with their blades as they in turn their blasters to their Savage Sabers.
Cut to the Arrow Galion.
Blockhead: Oh, how I've missed these hunts!
Then, an all too familiar voice catches his and Insidion's attention, as the camera pans to reveal Sagittar walking in.
Sagittar: Did somebody say hunts?
He walks fully into the room, quickly joined by Zoo-Killer and Midaria behind him.
Insidion: S-So, how's Zoo-Killer doing?
Sagittar: He should have no more problems and be ready to go.
But as Zoo-Killer steps forward to teleport down…
Blockhead: C-Come on boss! The hunt's just beginning!
Midaria: But we have to show the rangers that Zoo-Killer has no flaws in him.
Sagittar: I'd listen to her.
Blockhead grumbles for a moment and turns away frustrated.
Back on Earth, we see an Amoebanoid get thrown against a wall, followed by two being cut down by Caleb, falling in front of Frillpin, and exploding.
Frillpin: Well, this isn't good!
The team then groups up, Savage Sabers still drawn.
Caleb: You're next, pin-head!
Frillpin: Fine! Hand strikes it is!
He pulls out two black-colored pins that have a shaking sound like maracas. The hunter and the rangers then charge at each other, even getting in a quick slightly slow motion shot of the two sides about to fight as Benny leaps through the air…but then…Zoo-Killer runs in, kicks Benny down mid-air, hits Sylvia, then Caleb followed Sylvia again before pushing her into Jackie and Winston, knocking them onto the ground.
Benny: (as he gets up) Zoo-Killer.
Frillpin: Thanks for the help! I—Wait. Isn't it too early?
Zoo-Killer: (puts his hand on his shoulder) Excuse me…You're in my way!
Once again, the voice he's had in previous fights has returned.
With a strong pull, Zoo-Killer throws Frillpin into the air, sending him flying far away with great strength.
Frillpin: (as he's sent flying) What are you doing!?
The rangers look up confused.
Zoo-Killer: Now that he's out of the way…let's play again.
Our heroes ready themselves with their Sabers as their adversary pulls out his Morpher.
Zoo-Killer: It's Morphing Time.
He hits the bottom button and turns the cube to the silver wolf side.
Zoo-Killer: Wolf Mode, GO.
With a smack of the button to his leg, a wave of the light, a flash of blue, and a red glow of his helmet eyes, he instamorphs with his Howl Rifle now in hand.
Zoo-Killer: Alright, prey...Let's get to work.
Everyone tenses up, and once a few seconds of buildup go by, Zoo-Killer rushes forward toward the team. He super speed kicks Benny down to start the fight before tripping Jackie with a kick to her leg. He then kicks Sylvia and hits Caleb back for a moment. Winston then tries to strike him but misses, allowing him to get punched in the face, followed by Zoo-Killer blocking one of Caleb's hits. Benny tries to get back up but is kicked down again and then leaps off Caleb's now hunched down back toward a tree. Then with one more leap off of that, he lands back on the ground, aims, and fires.
Several rapid blasts strike the team all at once, only for him to reel his rod and send out more blaster shots while saying…
Zoo-Killer: Timber Fire!
These cause more smoke/sparks and knock the team back down this time.
Zoo-Killer: Finisher already, huh? (sighs) How disappointing.
He then slowly and menacingly walks forward. Benny starts to get to his feet, his adversary getting closer even at the slow pace, and then…he demorphs!?
Benny: (standing up) Stop it!
The Others: Benny, no!
Benny: I'm not going to fight you!
Sylvia: What are you doing!?
Zoo-Killer: Big mistake.
He then slaps Benny across the face onto the ground…only for yet another face to appear in front of the team.
Midaria: (laughs) You're more desperate to end this than we thought.
Caleb: Midaria! (tries to get up and strike)
She kicks him in the face.
Benny: I don't believe you! I know there's someone in there!
He gets back up and runs to Zoo-Killer, grabbing his shoulders, but then swiftly gets grabbed and kicked in the stomach.
Zoo-Killer: Game over, tubby.
He then kicks Benny hard enough to not only send him rolling a few feet but also knock him unconscious.
Zoo-Killer: (walking up) I told you I'm the strongest.
He then aims his rifle at Benny's body.
Back over to the others, who have been keeping Midaria preoccupied, Sylvia quickly notices what's about to happen and acts fast.
Sylvia: Hermano!
She runs up quick enough to grab the Howl Rifle and make Zoo-Killer miss his shot. The two struggle for a moment before he just smacks her away. Fortunately, as he tries to take his shot again, Jackie rolls in quick enough to grab Benny and roll away before the shot hits.
Winston: (slashes Midaria) Let's get out of here!
The team quickly whips out their Morphers, yells out "Doubutsu!", and teleports away in a bright flash.
Zoo-Killer: So…They fled.
Midaria: Yes. Indeed, they have.
Zoo-Killer: Hmph. Good. I get to play more.
Hard cut to the Sanctum, where we find our team in the lounging section as Martha tends to Benny's bruises and cuts, wincing as she wraps a thick bandage around his arm.
Martha: I'm almost done.
Benny: (sighs) Take your time.
Caleb: I told you he couldn't be reasoned with.
Benny: It worked the first time, and I had to try something, okay?
Jackie: And that something was stupid.
Martha: No offense hon, but I agree with her.
Benny: I know, but we've got to try anything we can to free Zoo-Killer from Sagittar's control.
Sylvia: But what if we can't?
There's a brief moment of silence.
Benny: What are you saying?
Winston: Benny…the 4 of us were talking a bit earlier, and uh…well…we've come to a unanimous vote.
Benny: W-What do you mean? A-And why wasn't I included?
Sylvia: Latter answer, you needed to be tended to, and former answer…well…all four of us agree that we should…umm…that we—
Caleb: We might need to destroy Zoo-Killer.
Jackie: (gritting teeth) CALEB.
Caleb: Oh don't "Caleb" me, you agreed to this too!
Benny: W-What!?
He winces a bit from his injuries.
Martha: Easy now.
Benny: (exhales) Please explain!
Winston: Think of it this way. When animals break free from enclosures at zoos, it's an incredibly dangerous thing because they could hurt themselves or visitors or even zookeepers that care for them, so when that happens, while some animals can just be tranquilized…others well…I think you get the picture.
Benny: You're seriously talking down to me and treating Zoo-Killer like he's some zoo kill protocol!?
Jackie: Yes!...Because he's trying to kill us, and you keep getting yourself hurt…We're tired of fighting him and you getting hurt.
Benny: I…I can't believe this! You're really just okay with killing somebody!?
Winston: No, you're not listening—
Benny: I mean…Winston, how is this any different than what happened with Hitarthi when she was brainwashed!? Did you even think about her once!?
Winston: Of course, I did! The second mind control was even a possibility, I thought of her! But do you know what it took to bring her back? A bunch of slashes and blasts to my torso and Tiana endangering herself. Plus, Hitarthi was a loved one who recognized us, but…unless Zoo-Killer is someone we know, I don't think it'll work the same way.
Sylvia: Look we're not saying this will happen, just that it might, and we need to be prepared for the option.
Benny: (stands up) No! I'm not gonna be a part of this!
Jackie: Dude, if it comes down to you or him, are you really willing to die to save him!?
Benny: Yes I am!
Jackie: Why!?
Benny: Because I'm not gonna lose anyone again when I don't need to!
Silence occurs as the young red ranger catches his breath.
Everyone looks confused and no one speaks up.
Benny: (realizes what he just said) I…I-I mean…ugh, f-forget it.
He takes out his Morpher
Jackie: Dude, wait—
Benny: Doubutsu.
He teleports out quickly.
Jackie: (sighs) We shouldn't have told him like this.
Martha: I'll go talk to him. Just…do what you need to do.
As their boss quickly runs toward the elevator, we cut a few moments later to them teleporting out.
…But then we cut to…the Grizzly Bear cubimal, watching them teleport out nearby.
It then turns its attention toward the Link Cube and hops over to it. Cut to the mini zord "standing" in front of the massive Morphing Grid-powered device before it goes cubic, floats up, and starts to spin.
From there…a thin gold energy tether starts to connect the little bear and the Link Cube.
It's as if the cubimal…is drawing power from it.
Up in the Washi Residence, we see Benny sitting in his bedroom, hunched over, looking both tired and a little guilty.
Martha: (knocks on the door) Can I come in?
Benny: S-Sure.
She opens the door with a worried look.
Martha: Do you uh...want me to make you some dinner?
No response.
Martha: ...I'll just leave you to it.
Benny: Mom?
Martha: (turns around) Yeah?
He then stands up looking at her, with tears forming in his green eyes.
Benny: I'm not gonna do it! N-Not after Buddy a-and dad going missing, I won't kill Zoo-Killer! I can't!
Martha instinctively pulls him into a hug.
Now the waterworks are really going as she pats his back.
Benny: I-I shouldn't have yelled at dad that night.
Martha: Oh sweetie—
Benny: I-I know he could still be alive, but if I hadn't…maybe he'd be home sooner, a-and I shouldn't have thrown that stupid ball in the road for Buddy, and...
Martha: (in a soothing voice) No, no, no, no, no, listen to me…Randall vanishing was NOT your fault. Same with Buddy's death. You're beating yourself up over something that was outside of your control, you understand? Look at me…I know your father and I fought a lot…And we've said things we can't take back. But know this…Your father and I NEVER hated you for that night, Benjamin, and any time we fought, it was NEVER because of you, not once, ever…And one last thing...I don't want you to destroy Zoo-Killer...I know that you're gonna save him somehow...Okay?
Benny nods…but then goes straight back to crying into his mom's shoulder.
Martha: (shushes) It's okay…It'll be okay...I'm here.
The scene ends on this while also fading into the first shot of our next scene which is…
The Washi Residence in the morning. Back in his bedroom, we see Benny pulling his shirt on, wincing a little as he gets it halfway before pulling the rest of it over his stomach and putting on his belt. He then looks at his phone and sees a text from Martha which says, "The others want to talk to you in the Sanctum".
Hard cut to him teleporting into the Sanctum with a yawn only to find Jackie, Caleb, Winston, and Sylvia are all present.
Benny: …Good morning.
Jackie: We just want to chat.
Benny: (exhales) I'm sorry about being reckless yesterday, a-and I—
He's then shushed by Sylvia with a finger to the lips.
Sylvia: You still insist on saving Zoo-Killer, right?
Benny nods, a little confused.
Winston: Honestly, we don't know if we can save him…But like you said…We have to try something. Right?
Caleb: We'll try your idea only strike killing blows if we have to.
Jackie: It's better than you being reckless alone.
She says this while placing a hand on his shoulder, making him smile.
Benny: Thanks, guys. Sorry about my attitude last night.
Winston: It's okay. We understand.
This moment of understanding amongst the team is cut off by their Cubimals popping up to make noises, surprising the team given how early it is.
Hard cut to a power station in Dolphin Coast.
Frillpin: Ready! Set! Pins!
Like with the citizens downtown from the day before, the monster's belt flashes green, and the workers in the area are forced into possessed movements until at least 10 of them at lined up together like bowling pins, their faces confused and scared.
Frillpin: Alright! Round 2! Here I go!
Just like last time, he says this as Amoebanoids appear behind him, followed by him stepping back, and with a push from some of the grunts, jumps forward and turns into a ball form, rolling forward at a quick speed before knocking into the lined up workers, sending 6 of them flying away (in a way that's less goofy than the Sentai of course).
However, as just stated, this time it's not a "strike".
The 5 Amoebanoids act like a disappointed sports team at the sight of this.
Frillpin: (unfolds by the workers) Huh? Gah! How lousy of me! Well, let's see if I can at least get a spare!
As he runs back to his team, once again, a Savage Blaster shot knocks him down as the team comes running up, only unmorphed this time.
Benny: Get to safety! Go!
The freed workers comply, running for their lives.
Frillpin: What!? No! Not again! Ugh!
He says this while flailing on the ground like a child throwing a tantrum before the Amoebanoids help him on his feet.
The team whips out their Morphers and presses the correct buttons while yelling…
The Rangers: It's Morphing Time! (they close the tops) Zoo Mode Go!
As per usual, this is said as they spin the tops to the animal side, wave them around for the hollow cube transformation, and then hard cut to the end of the morph sequence.
The Rangers: Power Rangers! Zoo-Keepers! (cue sentai footage team pose)
Frillpin: Fine! No matter the case, I won't stop until I strike all humans down in my games! (laughs)
Benny: (Eagle Shredder now in hand) Time to go…animalistic!
The team then charges forward and both sides begin to fight each other.
Hard cut to the Arrow Galion.
Midaria: You know what to do, Zoo-Killer.
But as he walks forward…Blockhead's arm stops him.
Blockhead: Please. Let me have this. Just a little longer is all I need, okay, Sagittar?
Sagittar: Very well. As you wish.
Blockhead then turns to Zoo-Killer before scoffing as he turns away.
Back on the ground, we see Caleb cut down 3 Amoebanoids on the back of a truck before leaping off. Sylvia then leaps off closer to the front of the truck and engages 3 more of the grunts. We then see Jackie taking on 4-5 Amoebanoids, mainly showing her swinging her blade a bit before doing a head-scissor move to bring one down before the camera pans back to Winston as he clashes with/strikes to Amoebanoids. Then we cut to Benny jump kicking two Amoebanoids in their faces before slashing at some more while he lands with his Savage Saber…Even though he had his Eagle Shredder out...Because production errors happen in Sentai footage.
The team then groups up to fight the 5 remaining foes as Frillpin chuckles to himself nearby…and then does this.
Frillpin: Ready! Set! Pins!
The green flash occurs once again.
And this time, the rangers and Amoebanoids are caught in the shine.
The two groups then group together by force and stand at attention like bowling pins in a moment that's meant to be comedic given that both sides are affected, made even more evident when one of the Amoebanoids off to the side bounces away despite being so stiff.
Caleb: (struggling) Well, crap!
Frillpin: Here I come!
He turns into ball form and rolls right into everyone, knocking them into the air, and this time we keep the Sentai footage looking a little goofy because as they all fly into the air and start falling to their deaths…
Benny: Primal Power!
Our Red Eagle Ranger breaks free of his stiff state.
Wings now fully out, he dives straight down and slashes Frillpin up off the ground 3 times. The third time knocks him a bit higher up into the air, allowing us to see the other rangers falling out of the sky, Savage Sabers in hand, straight down toward Frillpin, ready to have their own strike. Despite this being a perfect time for a finisher, the footage doesn't show them using the Zyuoh Slash so we're sticking with a basic 4 member slash with a few colored strike effects thrown in for flair.
The team lands on the ground safely while Frillpin lands with a thud.
Jackie: Hold up. Incoming!
Comedically, the 4 Amoebanoids fall and land as well, with the last bouncing off Frillpin as he stands up.
Frillpin: Ow!
Benny: Finisher time!
Our heroes switch their Sabers to their Savage Blasters.
The Rangers: Wild Final…Strike!
For the first time in a while, we see the 5 colorful shots fired out, hitting all 5 Amoebanoids and Frillpin at the same time.
Frillpill: Augh! Strike!
BOOM. The monster and his minions explode.
Benny: Aliens, zero. Animals…
The Others: WON.
Hard cut to the Arrow Galion as Sagittar chuckles over this defeat.
Midaria: So, what now, Blockhead?
Blockhead: Continuation time!
Hard cut back to Midaria standing right over Frillpin's body with a continuation coin.
Midaria: Not the strike you expected, huh? Let's hope your game's better on the macro scale, Frillpin.
She then inserts the coin into his head's slot.
With a flash of his eyes and a burst of fire, he grows giant.
Frillpin: Hahaha! Time to strike back!
He says this while growing big and then shaking his maraca pin weapons.
The Rangers: Megazord, activate!
Hard cut to the Cubimals coming together.
The Rangers: Zooman Fusion Megazord, ready!
Benny spins his command cube, sending the Bear zord in ax form straight toward Frillpin, who blocks the attack. But it doesn't matter as not only is he dwarfed in size by the mech, but it quickly hits him again with a downward slash and kicks the Frilled Lizard monster in the chest, followed by another chest slash.
Frillpin: Gah! I'm out of bowling puns!
Cut to the Arrow Galion.
Sagittar: Thank you Blockhead, but we'll take it from here.
Blockhead grumbles to himself.
Sagittar: Zoo-Killer.
The evil ranger steps forward without another word.
Back with the heavyweights, The Zooman Fusion Megazord lands another big slash on Frillpin's chest.
Caleb: Alright! Let's—
He's interrupted by the sound of a horn.
The team looks to their left…only to see the Black Rhino zord coming in hot. It rams right into their left leg from behind and trips the Megazord over against a building.
Zoo-Killer: Goodie. More playtime. (hits his Morpher's button) Megazord, activate.
Like in his debut, he turns the cube to the triple animal side.
With a wave of his hand and a flash of the Morpher's light, the Rhino, Crocodile, and Wolf zords come together.
Zoo-Killer: Safari Shadow Megazord. Ready.
Benny: …This is it.
Caleb: It's go time, lads.
Frillpin: Haha, yes! The mighty Zoo-Killer is here to save me!
He says this while hopping up slightly and grabbing onto the wicked Megazord's shoulder.
Zoo-Killer: Tch. This guy again?
With a flick forward of his Morpher (now back in lever form), he shakes Frillpin off and starts walking forward toward the team.
Frillpin: Gah! S-Sorry! (nervously chuckles)
Zoo-Killer spins his command wheel and throws the first punch, beginning their second round with zords. The right arm punches the Zooman Fusion Megazord twice in the chest and blocks an attempted bear ax strike with its left, quickly brushing it away and ramming its right shoulder into the rival mech, knocking it back for at least a moment.
Frillpin: Well, I'll leave you to it. Bye-bye, rangers!
He says this while just skipping away.
Winston: Hey! Stop!
The Safari Shadow Megazord then launches the Saltwater Crocodile and Timber Wolf zords forward; the Zooman Fusion Megazord blocks the attack with the bear zord. But as the 2 mechs hit the ax, they start spinning and pushing back against the weapon.
This makes the rangers struggle to hold their command cubes steady.
Benny: (straining) Come on, COME ON.
…And then…a weird noise is heard…One from the Grizzly Bear zord…as its eyes flash green.
Zoo-Killer: Huh?
The Rangers: Huh?
Sylvia: Was that the bear zord?
Suddenly, the bear ax smacks the crocodile and wolf zord's back, leaps out of the Megazord's hand, and flies forward, turning back into animal form…then turning black and white for a moment before turning black and gold!... The Grizzly Bear zord…is now themed after a Giant Panda! (Adapted from "Cube Panda").
Naturally, given that this comes straight out of nowhere like the Sentai, the key difference being we had some sort of an explanation for the audience earlier as to where this came from, the rangers are pretty dang confused.
The Rangers: A Giant Panda!?
Our new/old friend makes a happy noise before going cubic.
Zoo-Killer: What in the—
This Panda zord then tries a fun little trick where it lands in the left shoulder of the mech, throwing it off balance, then landing in the right shoulder.
Zoo-Killer: Gah! Why you little…!
The bear gets two bites in on the Safari Shadow's chest before turning back into ax form, and landing in the Zooman Fusion Megazord's hand for a pose in front of new greenscreen footage of what seems to be mountains overlooking a bamboo forest at sunrise/sunset with cubes decorating them.
Benny: Uh, okay then!?
The team gets back to spinning their command cubes like normal.
This time, the Zooman Fusion Megazord lands two good slashes on the Safari Shadow Megazord's chest.
Zoo-Killer: Gah! How!?
Jackie: Awesome!
Sylvia: Why'd it turn into a Panda though?
Caleb: Uh, don't know, don't care! Let's end this!
The Megazord lands another good swing down with the giant golden ax.
Zoo-Killer: UGH. Enough!
With a good spin, he sends the right arm with the croc's mouth forward right as Benny makes the Panda ax swing forward. Now caught in the jaws of the opposing Megazord, the 2 giants are at a stalemate, neither gaining nor losing ground.
Winston: Benny! Go! Now!
Benny: Right! (takes out his Morpher) Primal Power!
With that, he leaps out of the Megazord and flies over to the cockpit off the Safari Shadow Megazord. Once inside, he catches Zoo-Killer off guard, grabbing his shoulders.
Zoo-Killer: Gah! What are you doing!?
Benny: You're coming with me!
Taking him with his momentum while grabbing on, Benny lunges out of the cockpit with Zoo-Killer down to the ground.
Now near a harbor or dock, the two quickly get up with Zoo-Killer kicking Benny back down.
The two take a moment to be set back on their two feet.
Zoo-Killer: You and your death wishes, huh? Triple Primal Power!
Cue footage of his armaments appearing.
With a loud, yell, he charges forward toward Benny, who's standing in front of some crates and barrels, who gets out of his way and avoids two hits and grabs onto the crocodile tail as it's swung at him, then pins Zoo-Killer up against the aforementioned creates.
Benny: (struggling) Stop it! You…don't want to fight me!
Zoo-Killer: Ha! Of course, I do!
He headbutts Benny back.
Zoo-Killer: Because that's what Sagittar wants!
He says that while delivering two quick Timber Slashes to Benny's chest and almost crushing him with a Saltwater Thrash.
Zoo-Killer runs at Benny with his horned shoulders, but the Red Ranger stops his mini charge.
Benny: (struggling) What Sagittar wants…has nothing to do with you!
Zoo-Killer: (looks up) Excuse me!?
We then get a super quick flashback to the earlier scene of Sagittar in the shadowy room with Zoo-Killer when he said…
Sagittar: I understand you completely.
Back in the present...
Zoo-Killer: Sagittar gets me…You…would never understand!
While saying this, his clawed hand tightens into a fist before delivering another Timber Slash that sends Benny rolling onto the ground. Then, to add insult to injury, he strikes the red ranger while he's still on the ground with a Saltwater Thrash twice in a row, only to deliver yet another Timber Slash.
Zoo-Killer: And because of him, I'll NEVER be WEAK ever again!
Benny tries to stand up after all that while Zoo-Killer catches his breath, but with another scream, he punches Benny back hard with his right arm, forcing him to demorph.
The others arrive a few feet away, blasters in hand.
Caleb: There he is!
Winston: Wait!
The team stops as Benny struggles to stand.
Benny: (straining himself) I-If you're not…weak anymore…
Zoo-Killer: (grabs him by the shirt) Keep talking, Red!
Benny: …then why let Sagittar order you to do terrible things?
A few seconds of silence go by as we zoom in on the fist clenched around Benny's shirt…but then we hear a quiet gasp from Zoo-Killer.
He lets him go, stepping back in fear as he looks down at his hands with fearful body language.
Benny picks up on this as he lays on the ground…And then Midaria appears.
Midaria: Zoo-Killer. (he turns around) Don't let him confuse you.
The twisted ranger turns his attention back toward Benny.
Caleb: Stop!
…Then the team runs up.
Demorphing as they do and standing in front of Zoo-Killer with serious looks.
He looks at them, his body language seeming confused and intrigued for about 5-6 more seconds while panting a little…but then he snaps back into danger mode.
Zoo-Killer: Get out of my way!
He runs forward, first punching Caleb in the face.
Winston and Jackie try to restrain him, but he kicks Sylvia down while they do, before breaking their grips and punching them back too.
Caleb tries one more time to grab him by the waist and hold him back but Zoo-Killer punches him down with his elbow.
Benny: I don't know who you really are or know what you're truly like under that helmet!
Zoo-Killer pulls Caleb up, punches him aside, and grabs Benny again.
Benny: But what I do know is…
Zoo-Killer goes for it! He's about land one last punch!
One more hit to shut the Red Eagle Ranger up!
His fist goes forward, and…
…he stops…His left fist is mere inches away from Benny's face.
Benny: …the real you…doesn't want to fight or kill us.
The "evil" ranger lets out another soft gasp.
Midaria: Zoo-Killer! Believe in Sagittar!
Benny: Why should believe in him at all!?
Sagittar's voice begins to echo in Zoo-Killer's head, saying the words "I am your ALLY" in an echoey manner.
Midaria: Zoo-Killer!
The echoes in his head continue as his body starts to shake.
Benny: (grabs his arms) We believe in you!
He looks down at the other rangers, noticing their faces nodding in agreement with the statement, despite being attacked by him 4 times now.
Now showing full panicky body language, Zoo-Killer smacks Benny's arms away, looking down like he has a headache.
We then look inside his mind; He's having a vision-like memory in the shadowy room.
Sagittar: (voice in his head) It's okay. I understand you completely. I am your ally.
Zoo-Killer looks down and sees an unmorphed Benny in his hallucination now.
Benny: I don't even know who really you are!
Sagittar (appearing behind Zoo-Killer) All you need to do is believe in me.
Once this is said…the suit fades to reveal the shirtless chained-up man we've seen thus far as Benny appears over his other shoulder.
Benny: We believe in you!
Now back in the suit, we see Zoo-Killer staggering in pain, the "Believe in me" line from Sagittar echoing again over and over as imagery of chains and continuation coins, along with his torture, briefly appear across the screen, ending with Benny's "We believe in you!" line echoing louder this time. We then see Zoo-Killer's chained screaming human form make fists with his hands, his body glow bright gold, and his arms pull forward, breaking through the metamorphically chains as coins float in the air.
Back in real life, Zoo-Killer's voice is changing. It sounds like the two we know yelling at the same time.
With one final yell, a large cloudy dark energy wave blasts off of him, followed by a bunch of Amoebanoid coins bursting out of his body and floating in the air.
The rangers all look up a little horrified, curious, and confused all at once.
Midaria: I-Impossible!...Enough of this! (she walks up)
The coins have now faded into dust in the wind as Zoo-Killer, still morphed, catches his breath.
Midaria: You're coming with me!
With a quick turn of the head, Zoo-Killer whips around, and the music cuts out as he punches Midaria across the face.
He then sends her flying back with a kick powerful enough to make a mini shockwave.
Midaria: Z…Zoo-Killer!?
Then, the eyes of his helmet flash red, the rest of his suit begins to glow purple, blue, and yellow all at once, and a hollow energy cube similar to the ones we see when the rangers morph appears, rotating around his body while he says…
?: That. Is not. MY NAME.
(Now he sounds like CoryxKenshin again)
The cube closes around him…and he demorphs.
This time, every member of the team sees who he really is. The curly-haired man with grey pants.
He shoots a death stare at the monster in front of him that stood by as he was tortured.
Sagittar: Midaria! Quick! Return to the ship!
Thanks to some brief original footage...Sagittar's body language and voice sound actually panicked, showing he's genuinely concerned for her safety...Odd, isn't it?
Midaria: …As you wish, my love.
She stands back up and teleports out in a green flash.
Jackie: Yes! Hahaha! We did it!
As she says this…she unknowingly hugs Benny, making the two blush before they help each other stand up with their team.
Sylvia: Went pretty good actually! I mean, as good as it could've been being punched and all.
Caleb: Aliens, zero, animals, won, two times in one beautiful morning!
Winston: Up top, team!
The team high fives each other quickly.
They then turn their attention to "Zoo-Killer" looking down at his right hand.
A quieter version of his theme plays in the background.
?: (exhales a few times) I'm…free.
He then looks in his other hand and sees he's holding his Morpher before turning around to look at the team. He then notices he has no shirt on.
?: OH, uh. (chuckles) That's…a little embarrassing (chuckles).
He tries to cover himself a little while saying this.
Benny: (smiles) I guess now's a good time to properly introduce ourselves….I'm Benny Washi.
Jackie: Jackie Sanders.
Caleb: The name's Caleb Lachlan.
Winston: I'm Winston Evans.
Sylvia; And I'm Sylvia Santos.
Benny: If it's okay to ask…what's your name?
The man in front of them becomes a little more uncomfortable, lowering his arms, then standing up straight while taking in a deep breath and making fists.
?: My name is Derrick…Derrick Barnett.
The episode ends with a cut to black with text reading…
TO BE CONTINUED
Tune in next time for "Episode 19: Blackened Rhino Part 4"
P.S: americanelephant/art/ZOO-KEEPERS-Derrick-Barnett-898464086
americanelephant/art/ZOO-KEEPERS-All-Key-Characters-870244333