EPISODE 21: ENDANGERED—SEASON FINALE
(Partially Adapted from "Awakening? Misunderstanding?")
We start this episode, one which would be a 50 minute special with commercial breaks if it were real, with a 1-minute recap for the season. We cut to find Harris, sitting alone on a mountainside at dawn on a cloudy day. Text at the bottom of the screen reads "Mt Iwafune. Japan. 7 AM JST". After several seconds of him sitting in silence as the wind blows and the clouds roll overhead, he looks down to his right before reaching into his pocket and pulling out the 6th Keeper Cube.
While staring at it, a faint golden glow can be seen from its vibrant cracked patterns.
The camera zooms in on Harris' face, and then with a deep breath, he shoves the cube back into his pocket.
But then he reaches into another pocket and pulls out a silver flip phone which opens to reveal multiple missed calls from Martha.
Harris: (sighs) You can't avoid them forever, so just talk to her.
2 more seconds of hesitation go by.
He then presses a button and calls Martha.
Dolphin Coast. 11AM NZST.
We see Martha Washi stretching her arms as she steps up to her front door.
She then feels her phone buzzing.
Upon taking it out and seeing it's Harris, she gasps and looks around, quickly stepping into her house since there are visitors nearby.
As she closes the door, she holds the phone up to her ear.
Now, from here, we'll be cutting back and forth between Harris and Martha as they talk, hence why there are no dividers to signify location changes right now.
Martha: (exhales) You're REALLY late on this one.
Harris: Yeah. I know. Listen, I saw your messages, and I wanted to call you, but—
Martha: SAVE IT…I know what happened in the woods when that robot attacked, and if you got upset about the fight, then FINE. But the team and I didn't deserve to be left on our when we needed you recently!
Harris: W-Why? What happened recently?
Martha: Haven't you been keeping up with Dolphin Coast news?
Harris: N-No, I've been…traveling.
Martha: (scoffs) Well to say you have missed a lot would be an understatement. Because on Halloween, the team was attacked by a SIXTH ranger.
This makes him jolt his head up with surprise.
Harris: What!?
Martha: Those aliens took a human named Derrick Barnett and brainwashed him into being an evil ranger. They called him Zoo-Killer. He has the powers of a Timber wolf, Saltwater crocodile, and Black rhino. He also has a multi-tool staff and 3 Cubimals that can come together to form their own Megazord.
Harris: I…W-Where is this guy!?
Martha: They freed him, and he works with us. He goes by the Black Trino Ranger now.
Harris: O-Okay. I uh—
Martha: Do you know how worried I was about you, Harris!? I needed to know that you were okay, and if your Keeper Cube had been taken out not for Derrick's weird Morpher but you weren't there and I was worried that I had lost you, and…(groans).
Harris: I'm on my way to Dolphin Coast now.
Martha: Fine. But we're not done with this conversation. See you around, Harris.
Harris: You too. I'm so s—
She hangs up before he can finish his apology.
The Birdman starts walking forward with a shaky voice that sounds genuinely concerned and fearful.
Harris: So that's what breached the Rhino Nexus. They must've found the lost zords of the final warriors and used their Zooman spirits to make…(stops) Wait…If that new ranger has a cube Morpher then…(gasps)…No, not again! They wouldn't dare try to unlock the Link Cube…Would they?… I can't take any chances!
He whips out his Keeper Cube.
Harris: Doubutsu! (nothing happens) Ugh, crap. I wasted the teleport coming here!… Fine. Just recharge on the way.
While saying the last sentence, he quickly takes a few steps back, runs forward, and leaps off the edge of the mountain he's on while yelling…
Harris: Honnou Kakusei!
Red wings sprout from his back as he zooms off into the air.
Hard cut to the Arrow Galion.
Back in Insidion's lab, we get our first look at a device that's been mentioned for a while now but never shown in full. The Hunter Forge. Yep, we finally get to see what creates the "hunters" of the week. Design-wise, it's a fusion of Void Knight's Sporix Machine from Dino Fury and Mesagog's Geno-Randomizer from Dino Thunder. It has a computer and lever on the left for selecting DNA/activating it (as well as things on the side that light up to indicate power), with a circular pod on the right where the monsters emerge from.
Speaking of which, we see the device being used by Insidion and Huntoceros.
After 4 seconds of powering up and mist coming from the device, the pod opens up.
Out from it comes not only smoke for dramatic effect, but a brand new colorful headhunter with a staff (Adapted from the player "Illusion)".
King Codabra: Greetings! I am King Codabra!
(He sounds like Free Ranger from 'Skylanders: Swap Force')
Insidion: Nice to meet you. I am the headhunter Insidion, and this is Huntoceros. We'll need you for a special hunt today.
King Codabra: Excellent! I'm ready to strike down any foe imaginable with my magic performance!
The door to the lab then opens, revealing Blockhead.
Blockhead: How's the new recruit?
Insidion: Seems more ready than we are. How's the arena?
Blockhead: Set up is done and the other new hunters are in place for the fight.
Huntoceros: Excellent. Tell Sagittar we'll be ready soon. And take our new friend with you.
Blockhead: Right then. Come on, new guy.
King Codabra: Say no more, good sir.
The two leave the lab.
Huntoceros: Everything is going perfectly.
Insidion: We'll see. Good ideas aren't always executed well.
Huntoceros: Yeah, yeah, whatever…Hey, real quick? I have to talk about something.
Insidion: Better make it fast.
Huntoceros: …I know about your audio logs.
This makes Insidion jolt his head up and quickly whip out his lance, aiming it at Huntoceros' head.
Insidion: You have 5 seconds to explain why I shouldn't impale you.
Huntoceros: (whispering) I-It's how I found out I could trust you for this!
Insidion: …Go on, I'm listening.
Huntoceros: While you were watching some hunts, I was listening to these in secret, and heard everything. How you hate sending down hunters, how you regret some of these attacks, especially that one about the Green Ranger and his family…You want out of this life.
Insidion: (exhales) Yes. I'm done being a cruel poacher…But…
Huntoceros: But what?
Insidion: That's not all…There's something else. Ever since I came here, I've felt off. Something about this planet made me…reflect on everything when I made my first log. I thought about the worlds and lives I've destroyed for Sagittar's grand gruesome quest. And then that Green Ranger attack happened. When I saw him embrace his family, I didn't fire shots while his guard was down. I couldn't do it. I froze…And as I did at that moment, I felt something I don't think I've felt before…Empathy…It's as if I just knew what they were feeling. But I've never had a family…At least as far as I know.
Huntoceros: Hmm. What do you think?
Insidion: …I think I had a life before this that Sagittar took from me.
Huntoceros: Aha. You think there might be some memories you need to take back.
Insidion: In short, yes.
Huntoceros: Well. Let's get started, shall we?
He loads his green energy rifle.
Insidion: (chuckles) Let's show him what REAL headhunters look like.
The two nod and exit the lab together.
Cue Theme Song (1 Minute)
Cut to the Sanctum where we find all the auxiliary Cubimals adorably sleeping on the Lounging Section couch looking, including the new Vampire Bat zord.
Seconds later, Martha enters the elevator door, which wakes up the Cubimals and makes them hop/fly over all excited.
Martha: Woah! (laughs) Alright, alright, it's good to see you too. (chuckles/pulls out her phone) Do you want me to bring in the others?
The zords hop up and down, basically giving their approval as she texts something to the team.
This leads to a montage showing what everyone is up to today.
First, we get several seconds of Jackie feeding Sharks at the Aquarium before feeling her phone buzz and pulling it out to read the text. Then we get several seconds of Caleb a Lion training exercise at the Savannah Sector before the same happens to him. Next, we cut to the Rainforest Sector to find Winston and Tiana, reading a book together on a bench inside the Elephant House as Hitarthi cleans one elephant pen in the background before he checks his phone as well. Following up on that, we cut over to the Tundra Sector, where Sylvia is taking notes on a Tiger whose foot is in a cast, likely after it hurt itself somehow, and then of course her phone buzzes just like the others.
Then we cut to Benny over at his booth next to the Bald Eagle dome (a plotline which has sadly taken a backseat due to the other stuff going on). Currently, he rests his head on his left hand, looking bored while eating crackers. Like everyone else, his phone buzzes and he checks the text which reads…
"Meet me in the Sanctum for big news"
This makes Benny perk up a bit as looks around for a second before pulling out his Morpher.
Finally, we cut to a brand new location this time around. Derrick's House.
Since there's no map of this one, just imagine a one-story house with a garage, and instead of having a car inside it, this garage is like a mini dojo or gym.
In this garage, we see Derrick looking pumped up with confidence as he lets loose on a training dummy he has.
The Black Rhino, Timber Wolf, and Saltwater Crocodile Cubimals watch as he does.
Once again, he hears his phone buzz.
He quickly stops and runs over to it, almost tripping.
After reading the text, he smiles confidently, whips out his Morpher.
Derrick: Alright, boys, it's game time!
His zords hop on over.
Derrick: Jambo!
With a flash, he and his zords teleport out of the garage.
Cut back to the Sanctum with Martha and the other Cubimals waiting before the main 5 teleports in.
Caleb: Good day, boss!
The auxiliary zords happily head over to them as the zords rest of the Cubimals (the Eagle, Shark, Lion, Elephant, Tiger, and Gorilla) pop up from behind the team's backs to go say hi and play together.
Sylvia: (chuckles) Aww, I love that they get along so well.
Benny: Ah, there's no place like the Sanctum. Good late morning Training Section, good late morning Lounging Section, and extra good late morning Link Cube!
Naturally, the camera cuts to the aforementioned 2 sectors/1 power source as this is said.
Winston: Hey, where's Derrick?
Martha: Hmm. It says he read my text.
Then, on command, Derrick teleports in doing a ranger pose.
We even get 3 quick, back-to-back cuts showing him from different angles like he just got a new Battlizer or ranger mode to show off.
Derrick: The final goat has arrived! Thank you very much!
Winston: I'm sorry, "the goat"?
Derrick: Yeah. You know, "greatest of all time?"
Winston: Oh, okay.
Caleb: Someone's picked up some dramatic flair recently.
Derrick: You bet. Ever since the last battle, I've been feeling all pumped up in here! I got more training in at the gym, I've been getting outside more, eating healthier, getting in good jogging time; I-I just feel so alive right now! Low key, I can't wait to get back out and fight something!
Benny: Nice to see you a lot happier.
Jackie: Anyway, what did you call us down for, boss?
Martha: (exhales) Well, slightly big announcement…Harris is coming back.
The eyes of everyone widen.
Benny: OH…O-Okay, well uh, good to know!
Derrick: Is that the Bird Zooman you were telling me about?
Winston: Yeah. The one we…well—
Jackie: Fought by accident?
Winston: UGH, you had to remind me.
Sylvia: Yeah, we definitely owe him an apology.
Caleb: I still wish he could've been helping us with some things but….yeah, he deserves one.
Martha: Tch. You have NO idea how much I agree with that statement.
Then, the Cubimals start freaking out like they usually do.
Only this time it seems more urgent as every one of them, including Derrick's, are panicking simultaneously.
Derrick: Woah, a-are they okay!?
Winston: They do that when a monster attacks.
Martha: Well, you know what to do. If you need me, I'll be working for a while.
Benny: Alright. You guys ready?
Derrick: Bruh, I've been ready! Let's go!
The team pulls out their Morphers and spin their cubes while yelling…
The Rangers: It's Morphing Time! Zoo Mode Go!
But then, as they wave their Morphers and the hollow energy closes around them quickly, they all shout their teleportation calls.
The Main 5: Doubutsu!
Derrick: Jambo!
Cue a big flash of light that transitions right into our next scene as it fades.
Now we're back on the Arrow Galion.
Specifically, the Throne Room where Sagittar sits on his throne.
Sagittar: Alright, gentlemen. This better be good.
Huntoceros: Everything is in place! Our special hunt will bring you face to face with the ranger action you love to witness!
Sagittar: Interesting. Is that why the Hunter Forge has been used so much lately?
Insidion: Indeed. Some of the hunters are already down in the arena, but the one I just down onto Earth will be acting as our…" secret weapon."
Midaria: Just so we're clear, no backstabbing with any of your stunts.
Blockhead: Not to worry. This is simply to entertain.
Sagittar: Well in that case…(stands up) LET THE HUNT BEGIN.
Cut to a small bridge in downtown Dolphin Coast.
People are running away screaming from King Codabra as he hops forward, chuckling to himself, and firing purple lightning energy from his staff, causing small explosions.
King Codabra: Yes! Yes! Fear my magic talent!
Suddenly, a teleportation sound is heard from behind.
The monster stops and turns around.
In a great shot, the Zoo-Keepers come running through smoke caused by one of his bigger blasts, fully morphed.
Benny: You're done scaring these people, monster!
King Codabra: Bravo! What an entrance! I, King Codabra, am proud to be your opponent for today!
Derrick: Well, if you're so happy to see us, then let's go!
King Codabra: Right to the chase! I like it!
Benny: Power Rangers! (waves arms around in greenscreen footage with wind effects)
The Rangers: Zoo-Keepers! (cue Sentai team pose, now with Derrick)
King Codabra: (chuckles) Marvelous! Now then! Let's get on with this battle of nature and wizardry!
Benny's about to say his catchphrase but is interrupted by Derrick.
Derrick: Couldn't agree more! If you wanna go ballistic, then I get to go ANIMALISTIC!
He rushes forward, leaving the team confused.
Benny: Uh, D-Derrick?
Derrick starts throwing his fists at Codabra, landing at least one good hit that smacks him back for a moment, before throwing more bare-handed hits, and then landing a kick which sends the colorful monster over a nearby railing. Wanting to keep up momentum though, Derrick quickly changes his mode.
Derrick: Wolf Mode Go!
With a quick Morpher change, he leaps down to Codabra's level with his Howl Rifle.
As soon as the monster gets back up, Derrick tackles him onto the ground while landing and fires 2 shots into his chest. After both are direct hits, he turns the crank of his weapon and yells out "Timber Fire!", sending multiple rapid blasts into Codabra.
But Derrick isn't done yet as he whips out his Morpher again.
Derrick: Croc Mode Go!
With an excellent edited shot, he taps the light on his leg, and in a seamlessly edited arm wave/flash of his Morpher, transforms into Croc Mode. He then starts battling the red and blue snake with his Scaly Staff. Though not as many hits are landed as before, he manages to get Codabra out into the open on some grass nearby, where the others can actually see them from up on the bridge, and briefly comment on the fight.
Jackie: There they are.
Sylvia: Nice! It's cool to see him so confident.
Winston: Let's just hope that doesn't turn into recklessness.
Back on the ground, Derrick lands a hit with his staff, then uses it as leverage to sort of leg scissor Codabra's neck. While positioned like this, he kicks him twice with his right leg, then breaks the hold with a kick to the face that knocks the monster down.
Derrick: Rhino Mode, Go!
With one last Morpher pull out and a seamless transition, he transforms back into his base look.
Derrick: Are yall gonna help or what!?
The others quickly snap out of it and run down to join him.
Derrick: Rhinoceros Rod!
He lets out some slack from the fishing rod-like weapon and lassos Codabra up in one quick thwip of his arm.
Codabra: I-I didn't agree to an escape act—Gah!
He's interrupted by Derrick pulling him to the left as the others appear.
Benny: Eagle Shredder!
The Red ranger lassos his chain blade around the monster.
Caleb and Sylvia: Savage Sabers!
The two cat rangers summersault in and slash the monster 4 to 5 times each.
Winston and Jackie: Savage Blasters! Fire!
The two somewhat cartwheel in while saying this, aim, and blast straight into the tied-up hunter.
Derrick and Benny then let out frustrated grunts as the two lift Codabra up together with their lassoed weapons, worrying the monster.
King Codabra: H-Hey! These are the kind of wires I'm used to in my magic acts!
Derrick: Wild! (waves his Rhinoceros rod)
Benny: Final! (waves his Eagle Shredder)
Benny and Derrick: Strike!
With the two simultaneous yanks from the only rangers with other forms, the two slash right through the cobra creature, causing him to burst into flames with a yell.
Derrick: (rests his weapon on his shoulder) I knew we'd put him in the ground.
The team then groups up and starts high-fiving each other.
Benny: That was probably our quickest fight yet.
Caleb: No doubt about it! We took him down like he was nothing!
Jackie: I don't know. This seems a little too easy.
Sylvia: Probably cuz Midaria hasn't shown up to make the monster grow yet.
The team looks around.
Winston: Actually…wait, yeah, is she late?
Derrick: Well, whenever she shows up, I'll be ready! In fact, Wolf Mode Go!
He instamorphs into his Silver Form and waves his Howl Rifle around.
Derrick: Come on down, Midaria! Right now, I'm speaking a special language called Timber Fire, and I'd love to teach you some!
Suddenly, we cut over to Codabra's body…as his eyes flash indigo, and he springs back to life. But instead of growing, he's just alive again!
King Codabra: Tada!
Derrick: What the freak!?
Benny: W-Wait, why aren't you growing giant!?
King Codabra: Because I have more magic tricks to show you up close! For instance, Lightning Lock!
He fires energy forward at the rangers, who can't dodge it in time, and as they're hit, cuffs form around their wrists and lock their arms together.
The rangers are now trapped in red and blue handcuffs.
Winston: What the heck is—
He's cut off by electricity zapping/demorphing everyone, with only Caleb not falling onto his knees, likely because of his Primal Power to channel Lion Lighting.
King Codabra: (pulls out coins) We're going on a little tour! Amoebanoids!
He throws out the coins, the grunts are summoned, and together the monsters rush over to grab the rangers.
As the team is grabbed, Codabra spins around with a laugh, and in a green flash…every monster and the entire Zoo-Keeper team…is teleported out of Dolphin Coast.
Hard cut, yet again, to the Arrow Galion.
Everyone teleports in and falls to their knees in the now dark cockpit.
The Amoebanoid group who grabbed the team is still behind them with their weapons out.
King Codabra: I'll be taking these for the time being.
His staff glows while this is said, and in a blink of an eye, the Morphers of the rangers fly into his hands.
Caleb: Release me, you grubby—
One of the grunts quickly shuts Caleb up by putting its blade to his face.
Benny: Where…are we?
Sagittar: I thought it was pretty obvious.
Everyone's eyes widen hearing this voice as they slowly raise their heads. In front of them stand 5 shadowy figures, some with glowing eyes. The lights turn on to reveal Sagittar on his throne with Blockhead, Insidion, Huntoceros, and Midaria standing by his side.
Sylvia: OH SHOOT.
Jackie: Is that…
Winston: It IS.
Benny and Derrick: …Sagittar.
One Commercial Break Later (5 min)
Sagittar: Greetings, Zoo-Keepers. And welcome to the Arrow Galion.
Caleb: Excellent. All the big villains in one place. Why don't you let us loose so we can talk face to fist?
Insidion: I wouldn't do that if I were you.
Blockhead: Yeah. He could launch you across this room with the flick of a wrist.
Sagittar: There's no need for that yet. I simply figured we could take advantage of this time to have a little…chat. This way, I could get to know you all….Benjamin Washi, Jacklyn, Caleb, Winston, and Sylvia…The humans who somehow bare Zooman Morphers.
Sylvia: So. You do know what Zoomans are.
Sagittar: Know what they are? (chuckles) I lived AMONG them.
We then get an animated segment as he keeps talking that's meant to showcase his backstory.
Think moving ink drawings on paper textured like an old map or ancient scroll.
Sagittar: Over 10,000 years ago, I was born. A creature nobody loved…One that was hunted by both Zoomans with their Morphing Grid gifts, and humans with their spears, guns, fire, etc. After being hunted for so long, I eventually fought back. I channeled a power I didn't know I had and used it to wage war on both species in secret by making monsters to attack Zakanada's people. In fact, the animal DNA used to make the hunters you fight are trophies of war.
Winston: What about the Zoomans you killed to power up Derrick?
The animation continues, showing the deceased creatures.
Sagittar: Ah, yes. The final warriors. 3 Zoomans who were said to be "unbeatable"…At least until I mortally wounded them and forced Zakanda's greatest protector at the time to seal them in stasis, so they'd heal. And yes, the Cubimals came with them as well. The new designs are my doing however as they were damaged when found.
The artwork animation comes to an end.
Sylvia: Okay, that makes sense. And the flashlight Morpher?
Sagittar: A magician never reveals his secrets…But enough about Zoo-Killer—
Derrick: (trembling voice) That's not my name and you know it!
Sagittar: Why should I respect you enough to call you by your name when YOU betrayed ME?
Jackie: That's enough! Are you gonna kill us or what?
Sagittar: I don't want to kill you. You've been so much fun to watch. And you're the closest thing I have to my enemies.
Benny: That's what I don't get though. The Zoomans are gone. And so are the people who hurt you.
He stands on his feet, making the Amoebanoids ready their blades.
Benny: Why take it out on Earth when everything that hurt you is no longer here?
Sagittar: …Simple. (stands up out of his throne) Because you 5 and that Gorilla from a few months are proof that Zooman powers are still alive. Destroying Earth is a side project to me right now because I want to take my time. I want to watch you fight, struggle, spark, bruise, bleed, etc., until I am BORED.
He kneels in front of Benny and looks him in the eyes.
Sagittar: That's why I haven't blown up your zoo, Red Eagle Ranger…Because I haven't had my fun with you Zoomans yet.
Benny: We. Aren't. ZOOMANS.
Then…Sagittar's eyes focus a little more…and then flicker gold for a second.
Sagittar: …Are you sure about that?
Benny's face looks confused by that response.
Sagittar: (rises) That's enough chit chat. I'd now like to turn the mic over to our newest headhunter, Huntoceros.
Huntoceros: Rangers? You're all in for a treat! Time to participate in a very special show! All of you, powerless, against 6 monsters each, myself included. You may use weapons, but you must win your powers back. We'll be teleporting you down there now.
Blockhead: (chuckles) This is going to be so much fun!
Caleb: Ugh, just you wait! When we get back up here we'll shred you to pieces like a pack of hyenas!
Sagittar: Thank you for proving that destroying your violent species is a good thing.
While saying this, King Codabra hands Sagittar their Morphers.
Jackie: You're gonna regret this!
Midaria: SILENCE.
Sagittar: (mockingly waves) Have fun, rangers.
With another green flash, the team and Huntoceros teleport down to another level on the Arrow Galion as Sagittar sits back down.
Insidion: Care for a drink?
Sagittar: Sure. I can't wait to see what you have planned.
Insidion: Trust me, master. This will blow you away.
Hard cut to the Arrow Galion arena. In terms of design, it has a dark ceiling and patterned floor esthetically similar to the cockpit with slant walls making it feel like a pit.
The Rangers fall to the ground on one side of the arena while Huntoceros stands at another.
Huntoceros: On your feet, Zoo-Keepers. This is where the fun begins.
Derrick: Just get it over with already so I can crush Sagittar!
Huntoceros: Can do. The rules are simple. 1 monster per ranger, no helping friends.
He then quickly whips out his rifle and fires a blink and you'll miss it rapid shot, which breaks the chains on their handcuffs.
Huntoceros: If you help each other, the cuffs will still shock you. Now then, let's meet your opponents.
With a snap of his fingers, 5 new hunters teleport in. (Adapted in order from the players "Mantle", "Omoteuria", "Sumotron", "Killmench", and "Gakkarize")
Hunter 1: Mantidor! Praying Mantis Hunter! I choose you, Red Ranger!
(He sounds like Rattle Shake from 'Skylanders: Swap Force')
Hunter 2: Mr. Howl! Maned Wolf Hunter! I choose you, White Ranger!
(He sounds like Jet-Vac from 'Skylanders: Giants')
Hunter 3: Swine-Fu! Wild Boar Hunter! I choose you, Yellow Ranger!
(He sounds like Krypt King from 'Skylanders: Trap Team')
Hunter 4: Puncherfly! Monarch Butterfly Hunter! I choose you, Blue Ranger!
(He sounds like Spy-Rise from 'Skylanders: Swap Force')
Hunter 5: Brush-Bite! Spotted Hyena Hunter! I choose you, Black Ranger!
(She sounds like Bad Juju from 'Skylanders: Imaginators')
Huntoceros: And then there's me. The White Rhino Hunter.
Winston: Call it a hunch but I think I know who you're gonna choose.
Huntoceros: Weapons out and let's get started!
The rangers then pull out their Savage Blasters/Sabers while Derrick pulls out his Rhinoceros Rod and Benny whips out his Eagle Shredder.
Each of the hunters raises their weapons and with quick poses from both sides, they charge forward.
First, we get several seconds of Benny and Mantidor clashing with their blades. Though both are strong, Mantidor lands more hits.
Over to Jackie, she rushes forward-firing blasts at Puncherfly, who deflects the shots with a few quick punches before getting into hand-to-hand combat with her.
Over to Caleb, he quickly slashes at the thick-skinned Swine-Fu. Despite hitting him four times directly, the monster doesn't even flinch. He simply laughs and slaps the yellow ranger aside.
Over to Winston and Huntoceros, the two run back and forth firing blasts at each other with neither gaining any ground.
Then we cut over to Sylvia and Mr. Howl.
The lanky yellow and white monster dodges every attempted slash she makes.
Sylvia: Hold on a second. Why aren't you trying to fight me?
Mr. Howl: You WANT to fight? Well, if you insist…
Then…his eyes flash, and he turns his body around to reveal a monstrous, more werewolf-like form.
He's literally a two-sided, two-faced enemy.
It lets out a mighty howl, spooking Sylvia for a second before it rushes forward.
She lets out a quick scream and dodges an attempted claw slash, and backs away as it keeps slashing, he Saber still up and ready.
Derrick: Timber Fire!
His Howl Rifle fires multiple blasts into Brush-Bite.
As she collapses, it's revealed the shots left holes in her body!
Brush-Bite: Ah! You got me!
However, with a flash of her eyes, much like Languanta back in the Shot-Nosed Elephant two-parter, he body instantly heals and she laughs.
Derrick: Oh, you gotta be kidding me!
Brush-Bite: Let's see how my work favors against yours! Color sphere strike!
While saying the first sentence, she waves her sword in a circular motion similar to how Tommy would use his Brachio Staff to fire energy orbs in Dino-Thunder, and on the second sentence, she launches out a rainbow orb of energy forward. Derrick narrowly avoids it, but the explosion from the blast throws sends him flying back for a moment.
But wanting to get back in the fight, he quickly growls to himself and runs forward while changing his Howl Rifle to his Scaly Staff.
Then, we briefly cut to Sagittar, watching the fight in the cockpit.
Sagittar: (swallows his drink) Ah. This is better than I could've anticipated.
Blockhead: Well, buckle up, 'cause it's about to get better.
Sagittar: What could possibly top watching my 6 favorite enemies dueling unmorphed against such a variety of foes?
Insidion: How about said foes using info on previous hunts we taught them for some "conversation".
Cut back down to the arena as we quickly see what Insidion means by this.
Starting with our Yellow Ranger, Caleb's getting tired as he keeps swinging his Savage Saber at Swine-Fu., but all his can attacks muster are a few sparks one the monster's thick hide. Then, the monster grabs Caleb by the throat.
Swine-Fu: The headhunters told us a lot about you.
Caleb: (struggling) Oh yeah!? Like what!?
Swine-Fu: Like how on Halloween, you were hanging around some red-haired girl at the zoo.
Caleb: (his eyes widen) You keep Frida's name out of your mouth!
Swine-Fu: So her name is Frida? Thanks for the tip.
Caleb growls and breaks free of the monster's grip, but Swine-Flu quickly grabs him, gut punches him and throws him against a wall.
Over to Sylvia, Mr. Howl is now back to his lanky yellow form and pinning her against a wall with his right leg.
As he does this, she loses her grip on her Saber and drops it next to her.
Sylvia: (struggling) Well, somebody didn't skip leg day.
Mr. Howl: And somebody didn't let her brother get some money that he needed.
Sylvia: Huh!? How do you know about—
Mr. Howl: Poor Hector. He just wanted his fiancé to walk again, and YOU, his SISTER, stopped that from happening.
Sylvia: I…I-I know what you're doing, and it won't work!
Mr. Howl: Are you sure? Because you seem pretty angry right now, and that's exactly what I wanted!
He laughs as Sylvia then shoots a death glare and grits her teeth with a subtle growl. She then grabs onto the monster's leg and leans forward just far enough to bite him.
Mr. Howl: Ow! (pulls his leg back) Hey! Watch the calves!
She then grabs her Saber while saying.
Sylvia: ¿Quieres jugar? Bueno. ¡Vamos a jugar!
(Spanish Translation: You wanna play? Okay. Let's play!)
She then rushes forward and lands three good quick slashes with her Saber.
But before she can land a fourth, Mr. Howl spins around to his monstrous form and slashes her back hard.
Over to Jackie, she and Puncherfly punch at each other for 2 seconds before they grab each other by the throats.
Puncherfly: You're not strong enough to beat me!
Jackie: (struggling) I may not have my powers but I'm not powerless!
Puncherfly: Says the girl who holds back.
She kicks him back, breaking their holds on each other.
Jackie: …What do you just say?
He continues to taunt her while cracking his knuckles.
Puncherfly: I know about your fight with the Yellow Ranger in the arena that one time.
Jackie: I didn't want to hurt my friend!
Puncherfly: Neither did he. And yet…you got angry at him for that.
Jackie: I wasn't gonna hurt Caleb in an unfair fight!
Puncherfly: He held back on you, and you snapped at him for it. Some friend you are.
Jackie: S-SHUT UP.
Puncherfly: I wouldn't be surprised if they only worked with you cause you're a ranger.
Jackie: (pulls out Savage Saber) I said shut up!
Puncherfly: Or maybe you're just a pathetic, friendless, fish out of water.
Jackie yells as she rushes forward, striking more ferociously than she ever has before, but Puncherfly is still able to block dodge her moves, even chuckling as he does.
Over to Benny, he and Mantidor swing at each other for 2 seconds before clashing their blades together and chatting.
Benny: Is this the part where we banter?
Mantidor: That depends. Got anything I can exploit?
He breaks the clash and jabs at Benny twice, even though he thankfully dodges the hits, before he brings his Eagle Shredder down into another clash.
Mantidor: You know, you're lucky we haven't paid your mother a visit to that zoo.
Benny: And YOU'RE lucky I can't crush you with my Morpher right now.
He breaks the clash and lands a good strike on the monster's torso and whipping at him with his blade twice.
Mantidor: (now on the ground) Impressive.
Benny: (approaching him) You're the first to go down.
Mantidor: On second thought, don't stop to talk!
The monster then slashes at Benny's stomach as he tries to dodge the hit, bit still gets a cut in his shirt. The two then swing at each other for a few more seconds.
Cut to Derrick, aiming his Timber Fire with an annoyed expression.
Derrick: Timber Fire!
The shots are fired at Brush-Bite, but they do nothing as she has now surrounded herself in a thick pink energy bubble.
Brush-Bite: It's no use! My orbs are unstoppable attacks and unbreakable defenses!
Derrick: UGH, Scaly Staff!
He rushes forward with his new weapon and strikes it the shield hard.
Brush-Bite: Looks like you're just as weak as Sagittar said.
Derrick: Oh, NOW you've done!
He strikes forward again with a yell, but right as it's about to hit, the bubble is popped by Brush-Bite. Because his momentum is still in the attack, he finishes the swing and steps forward looking confused/surprised. But he's thrown back into the fight as the colored monster slashes him in the back with her fang-like sword, knocking him down.
Derrick is now on the ground, hissing in pain with an energy mark on his back.
Over to Winston, still caught in a firing match with Huntoceros, fires more shots, but then sees his friend hurt and lets down his guard.
Winston: (gasps) No! Derrick—Augh!
He's cut off by Huntoceros firing a blast into his right bicep.
Winston now lays on his back with a hole in his shirt and a wound on his chest.
But as he gets back up, straining slightly from the shot, Huntoceros, who likely ran up to him quickly while he was down, aims his rifle right down at him.
Huntoceros: Sorry. You can't help him right now.
His voice sounds a bit less boastful and excited compared to when he introduced the new hunters.
Winston: You're…MONSTERS.
Huntoceros: Clearly. (loads his rifle) You know you can't do it all. You can't fight for others without putting scars on your loved ones.
Now out of options with his blaster out of his hands from being knocked down, Winston sighs.
Winston: …You're right.
He then puts his hands up, stands on his feet, and puts his hands behind his head.
Huntoceros: Huh? What are you—
Winston: I can't keep everybody safe whether I'm a ranger or not…You win…Just make it quick, and…(he tears up) please don't let Sagittar hurt my girls.
The pith helmet monster then lowers his fire.
Huntoceros: …It's time!
He then aims the gun at Winston's wrists and blasts the cuffs off.
Then, in a slow-motion shot, he whips around, and we see him aim as his scope selects multiple targets at lightning speed.
The slow-motion ends with him yelling out.
Huntoceros: Scattershot!
With that, multiple green blasts are fired that knockdown every monster onto the floor and hit all the ranger's cuffs, breaking them.
This naturally confuses everybody as they look toward the headhunter.
Huntoceros: Rangers! Finish them off as a team, now!
Benny: Uh, y-you heard him! Together!
The monsters all back against a wall and the team groups up.
The Rangers: Wild Final Strike!
Everyone then either slashes or blasts energy forward, slamming right into the other 5 hunters.
Sparks fly and yells are heard as a big explosion occurs, and we get our first explosion pose where the team is unmorphed.
Huntoceros: (aims up) See you soon, "boss".
He then fires a shot into a camera on the ceiling which has been watching the whole fight.
Cut to the cockpit as the shot is fired and the monitor goes out.
Midaria: That traitor!
King Codabra: What a trick! I'm almost jealous.
Suddenly, Sagittar "glitches" again, making him grunt in pain.
Midaria grabs onto his arm for support.
Sagittar: It's...It's nothing! Midaria, go block their way up with some Amoebanoids.
Midaria: Understood!
She quickly grabs some coins from his throne and rushes out of the room.
Sagittar: King Codabra? Take this down to Earth.
He holds up an Amoebanoid coin, turns it into a Continuation coin, and tosses it to him.
King Codabra: What for?
Sagittar: If things go south, I'll want the rangers to get off my ship. Preferably so they can witness a magic trick.
King Codabra: Ha! Now you're speaking my language!
With a spin and a green flash, he teleports out of the cockpit down to Earth.
Cut back down to the arena.
Jackie: We're alive!
The two hug, but then quickly blush and back up.
Jackie: Um, (fake coughs) are you okay?
Benny: I'm fine.
Jackie: Dang, look at your shirt.
Benny: I-It's whatever.
Winston: Derrick, you're back!
Derrick: I-I think I'm fine. (strains) Ight, I take it back.
Winston: It's alright. I gotcha.
Sylvia: (rubbing her stomach) UGH. Gonna feel that tomorrow morning.
Caleb: Hey you! What was that about!?
Jackie, Benny, Caleb, and Sylvia aim their blasters at the headhunter.
Huntoceros: Easy now, rangers.
Benny: Kind of late for that, don't you think?
Huntoceros: I'll make this quit cause we don't have time. I want to kill Sagittar, and I need your help. At the very least, I can get you back your Morphers and off this ship.
Winston: And you didn't tell us that before shooting me in the chest because…?
Jackie: He shot you in the chest!?
Huntoceros: Yes, but in a way that wouldn't kill you.
Winston: You still shot me!
Huntoceros: I needed to convince Sagittar I was on his side by fighting you, and—Look, that's not important right now.
Sylvia: UM, YES IT IS because, after all the trash talk your friends did, we can't trust you.
Caleb: Yeah, for all we know, this is another mind game to trick us.
Huntoceros: True. But I just freed you with a super precise shot, and I'm the only one who knows enough about the ship's layout to get you all out of here.
There's a brief moment of silence between the rangers.
Winston: …If you backstab us—
The headhunter raises his hands in the air, making sure his rifle is aimed at nobody.
Huntoceros: This may be your only chance to take him down like this and I want to help you do it…Please.
Benny: …Okay. Deal. But you're in front.
He says this while putting his Savage Blaster against the monster's back.
Benny: Now take us back to the cockpit so we can end this.
Cut back to the cockpit, where we see while Blockhead and Insidion standing next to Sagittar as he sits in his throne, stiff as boards.
Sagittar: Hmm. I feel like I'm forgetting something.
Blockhead: Now?
Insidion: NOW.
With a quick spin, the two headhunters whip out their blades and aim directly at Sagittar.
Sagittar: Hmph. Pay day already?
Insidion: SILENCE. Tell us about the glitching.
Then, on cue, Sagittar's body quickly glitches again like earlier.
Sagittar: I have no idea what you're talking about.
Blockhead: FINE. If you want to play dumb, then you asked for it.
He then raises his blade over his shoulder, and it starts to glow, indicating it's charging up an energy attack similar to ones we've seen in previous Blockhead fight scenes.
Sagittar: WAIT.
The echo of his blunt voice fills the room.
Blockhead stops himself.
Sagittar: (exhales) You're right….You deserve to know the truth.
Cut to the rangers running upstairs to a hallway on another level of the Arrow Galion with Huntoceros leading them.
Jackie: Okay, where to now?
Huntoceros: The next flight is at the end of the hall!
Suddenly, Midaria rounds the corner of this hallway with a group of Amoebanoids and her nun chuck guns out.
Midaria: I knew you were up to something the moment I stepped in that lab.
Caleb: Get out of the way, witch! This isn't about you!
Midaria: It absolutely is. Stand down and I promise a swift, painless—
The Main 5: Savage Blasters!
Benny, Jackie, Caleb, Winston, and Huntoceros all fire shots from their weapons, that take out all the Amoebanoids and knock Midaria back.
Huntoceros kicks her weapons aside as she tries to get up and then aims his rifle at her.
Midaria: Go on. Do it.
Huntoceros: …You're in luck. This isn't my style.
He then kicks her in the head with enough force to knock her unconscious.
Huntoceros: Quickly now! We're almost to the cockpit!
Speaking of which, we cut back to the headhunters, still keeping Sagittar locked in his chair.
Insidion: Well? Elaborate?
And thus begins another monologue.
Sagittar: (exhales) The reason I started fighting all those decades ago, back when Zoomans roamed the Earth in large numbers…is because of an injury…I had taken hits before but this one…This one was different…It's both a wound and a scar. Internal and external. Physical and ESPECIALLY mental. Every now and then it acts up, and when it does, it leaves my brain scattered…It's as if a million buzzing bees are swarming in my skull. And every time it happens, my mood changes on a whim. Sometimes, I'm angry, sometimes, I'm fearful, sometimes I can keep it under control and remain calm. It's a plague on my existence.
His body glitches again slightly.
The generals look at each other and then lower their weapons.
Blockhead: Why didn't you just tell us?
The mutant speaks up again, only this time with a tone that sounds…sad?
Sagittar: Because…I'm ashamed of it…I never want to go back to being the weakling…The one who's hunted…The one everybody hates because he was never given a chance to be more than a monster…Gentlemen, I don't seek to end this world, I seek to TORTURE it for as long as I desire…To make others feel as afraid as I was.
Blockhead: …We had no idea.
Sagittar: (soft chuckles) That was the point.
Insidion: Well, uh, regardless, everything feels answered EXPECT for one final question I have.
Sagittar: (head hanging down) You have, but to ask.
Insidion: How did you find us?
This question makes Sagittar stop and raises his head.
Sagittar: …I'm…sorry, I don't follow.
Insidion: Where did Blockhead and I come from?
Sagittar: …Ah. Well, you see—
Blockhead: Oh, and on that note, why is it that when I first reformed on Earth, you asked me how it felt?
Sagittar: If you two just listen to me—
Insidion: You haven't given us the full story, have you?
Blockhead: Plus, I have a lot of questions about these Zoomans and why you didn't lose your mind when that Gorilla showed up and—
He's then interrupted as Sagittar answers with a sentence that makes any music in this scene cut out completely.
Sagittar: You're starting to remember.
Blockhead and Insidion: …Huh?
Sagittar: I…I'm sorry gentlemen…but…this conversation is over.
Insidion: What do you—
And then, before he can finish his sentence…Sagittar pushes his arms forward and blasts Insidion and Blockhead with massive amounts of his yellow lighting! This attack occurs for 6 seconds as the two scream, with Insidion shutting down at second 4, then falling over at second 5, before Blockhead explodes into cubes again at second 6.
Once that's done, Sagittar lays back against his throne with a sigh.
Sagittar: Finally. (glitches) Some peace.
2 seconds of silence later, the cockpit door is blown up as the team comes rushing in, guns aimed.
Jackie: Did you miss us!?
The epic moment is stopped as everyone then notices Blockhead's cubes and Insidion laying on the ground in front of them, smoking and sparking.
Benny: …What happened up here!?
Sagittar: It's a long story.
Caleb: Whatever! This madness ends now!
Sagittar: I agree…Congratulations.
The Rangers: Huh?
Sagittar then pulls up a bag from next to his throne with the Morphers inside it and tosses it to Benny.
The team takes their gear back, rather confused.
Sagittar: Thank you for being such entertaining guests, and as promised, for defeating the hunters, there are your Morphers. I hope we can play like this again soon.
Sylvia: OH no. We're not leaving until you've been destroyed!
Sagittar: You WILL leave if you don't want King Codabra to destroy your city.
The Rangers: What!?
Sagittar: Better hurry just in case. He's been down there for a few minutes.
Winston: I hate to say it, but…he's right.
Huntoceros: Go. Sagittar and I have a lot to talk about.
Sagittar: What he said.
Benny: (stares at him) This isn't over. We're going to destroy you, someday.
Sagittar: (in a playful tone) Not if I destroy you first. (laughs)
Derrick: (angrily yells) I'll make you pay for what you did to me!
Sagittar: Whatever you say, ZOO-KILLER.
He snaps his fingers, and the team is finally teleported off the Arrow Galion via the green poker chip effect.
Sagittar: And then there was one.
Huntoceros: Before we get started…wanna watch them win?
Sagittar: …Sure. Might as well be entertained before you die, right?
One Commercial Break Later (5 min)
Hard cut to the team teleporting back to/landing with a thud in the grassy Dolphin Coast public area where the opening fight started.
Caleb: (groans/stands up) Well that sucked!
Everyone then helps each other get back on their feet.
Sylvia: Don't get too comfy. We still have that snake charmer to worry about.
King Codabra: Ah, you're returned for an encore!
Benny: That's one way to put it. Ready!?
The Others: Ready!
They pull out their Morphers, press the right buttons, and of course, spin the cubes while yelling out…
The Rangers: It's Morphing Time! Zoo Mode Go!
With a wave of their arms, they instamorph and begin a quicker, on-location roll call.
Benny: Red Eagle Ranger!
Jackie: Blue Shark Ranger!
Caleb: Yellow Lion Ranger!
Winston: Green Elephant Ranger!
Sylvia: White Tigress Ranger!
Derrick: Black Trino Ranger!
The Rangers: POWER RANGERS. Zoo-Keepers! (Cue team pose with helmet eye's glowing)
King Codabra: Bravo! Excellent! And now to take this on tour via the macro scale!
He says the second half while pulling out his continuation coin.
The Rangers: Huh!?
He slides the coin into his slot in his chest.
With that, his body stiffens, as his eyes flash, and like magic, he grows in a large burst of fire as usual.
King Codabra: The biggest anaconda could only dream of such a size!
The rangers, who shielded themselves as he grew, now look up at the monster.
King Codabra: And now, behold my newest spell!
He says this while whipping out a giant piece of cloth with one side red and the other blue.
Derrick: Uh, what the freak is he doing now?
King Codabra: See for yourselves!
He holds up the cloth with his left hand and starts waving his wand as it glows.
King Codabra: Ahem. Quadruple Triangle Hunter Power!
He pulls the cloth back to reveal 5 Tri-Star Ships stacked up like a tower.
The Rangers: Woah!
King Codabra: But why stop there? FUSION Illusion! (laughs)
While saying the second sentence and, laughing, he levitates up into the air while twiddling his fingers, glittery energy surrounding his feet.
And then…the Tri-Star ships fly up, glow, and MERGE WITH HIS BODY.
King Codabra now has armor on his chest and arms made from the ships (Adapted from Illusion's "Triangular Body").
Caleb: They combined!?
Sylvia: B-But how!?
King Codabra: Hahaha! Good luck breaking through my brand new scales!
Derrick: Guys, I have an idea! If he's gonna pull out something new then so should we!
Jackie: And that would be what?
Derrick: Let's try combining ALL of our Cubimals!
The Rangers: Really!?
Benny: Uh, o-okay.
Everyone quickly pulls out all their zords and comes together in a circle.
This leads to one of my favorite scenes in the Sentai footage. The team sits together on the ground, stacking the mecha to figure out a new combo.
First, they try balancing the Rhino Zord on some zords while it holds up the others.
Next, they stand the Rhino zord up diagonally with the cubes next to it stacked up as pillars of 4 with 2 auxiliary zords stacked on each end, but it quickly falls over.
Then they try just laying the Rhino Zord back on its wheels and stacking the zords up as one big tower on its back end with the auxiliary zords off to the side, but once again, that quickly falls over.
King Codabra: Um, are we doing are this or what?
Derrick: Man, screw this! I'm just gonna…
He says this as he starts juggling the Cubimals altogether. And then, FINALLY, the zords come together.
So much so that the mini version of this new combination glows for a moment.
Benny: Woah! Derrick, you did it!
Derrick: Alright. Let's get it!
Benny, Jackie, Caleb, Winston, and Sylvia: Cubimals Go!
Cue their zords grow giant in the CGI rainbow tunnel Sentai footage.
Derrick: Cubimals, go!
And now, we get new footage of Derrick's Cubimals growing big through the rainbow greenscreen, only with the colors changed to match his aesthetic.
Everyone then lands in their zord cockpits.
Benny: (grabbing his Morpher) Come on, please work.
He opens his Morpher…and then all the buttons glow for a moment.
We then see a massive CGI sentai footage shot of all the zords running together through a massive rainbow tunnel. And then, as if that wasn't enough…13 cubes of fire appear in the sky, and all of the Cubimals, both base and auxiliary, lunge through them like a herd.
The Rangers: Megazord! Activate!
Derrick presses his Morpher button and spins his cube, and then we see everyone press their signature Morpher button before a split screenshot of Derrick waving his Morpher and Benny sinning his occurs, with both sides ending their animal logos flashing on-screen with glowing eyes.
Cue a big split screenshot of every Cubimal folding up.
The Black Rhino Zord's legs stack on top of the African Lion and Pygmy Elephant zords.
Next comes the top half, which sees the Siberian Tiger and Reef Shark zords sitting inside of the shoulders.
Then the Saltwater Crocodile and Timber Wolf zords connect as arms.
The Bald Eagle and Mountain Gorilla zords sit right next to each other in the top space.
Shortly after, the Reticulated Giraffe, Star-Nosed Mole, Grizzly Bear, and Vampire Bat zords connect to the sides of the legs.
And finally, a new black headpiece with red and gold highlights and a white horn in the center, lands on top, with the long pole piece used to lock in the Zoo King Megazord's head connects with the right arm to form a lance, and the golden canon used to make the Wild Kong Megazord attaching to the left hand as an arm blaster.
The Zoo-Keepers have formed, the last new Megazord of this season.
The Rangers: Nature Defender Megazord! Ready! (Adapted from "Wild Tousai King")
King Codabra: What magic is this!?
Cue an epic downward angle shot of the Megazord as dirt comes off of it like its Zooman Fusion predecessor.
Caleb: This is our biggest combination yet! Good juggling, Derrick.
Derrick: Thanks. But we're not done!
Cut to the Nature Defender Megazord turning its head toward its enemy…as the theme song starts to play in the background.
King Codabra charges forward and we get our Mecha battle.
The colorful hunter strikes first, landing two hits from its sharpened fists on the giant's torso. The Nature Defender then tries to strike with its lance, only for Codabra to block the attack just in time. Fortunately, it quickly makes up for the miss by raising the lance back and punching the monster's side with its left canon arm. It throws the monster off long enough for the Megazord to strike him with the lance. Benny and Derrick spin their command cubes and jab the monster in the chest, forcing him to step back.
King Codabra: Tri-Star Summoning Spell!
With a flash of his eyes, about a dozen or so Tri-Star ships appear out of nowhere.
They all fire green energy blasts at their towering target, but no blasts land and just shake the mech at most.
Sylvia: Ha! Didn't even hit us!
Derrick: Let's make sure WE don't miss!
He spins his command cube again.
The Rangers: Kong Canon!
With its left arm raised, the Nature Defender proceeds to fire a colorful energy beam at the ships in the sky, destroying all of them.
King Codabra: No! My beautiful illusions—Augh!
He yells in pain as the beam is redirected at him for a few seconds.
Derrick: Alright. Let's put him in the ground together!
With a spin of Benny and Derrick Morpher cubes, the Nature Defender Megazord begins charging a new attack by aiming its lance arm forward. It looks as if the animal spirits of the Cubimals themselves are being channeled into the attack. Once it's done, it pulls its arm back slightly.
King Codabra: OH CRAP.
The Rangers: Nature Defender Final Strike!
Energy pours over them as they spin their cubes forward, and with that, the lance arm of the Nature Defender Megazord launches out in a glowing golden form that impales straight through King Codabra like an energy beam before retracting.
King Codabra: Oh dear! This revival has come to an end!
He falls forward, and BOOM.
The newest mech poses as the colorful snake monster explodes, leaving cubic debris and smoke.
Our heroes celebrate inside their cockpit.
Benny: Up top!
Derrick: Heck yeah!
Cue one last shot of the Nature Defender Megazord posing victoriously after the final Megazord battle for this season…
…while being shown on the Arrow Galion's monitor.
Sagittar: And then, there was one.
Huntoceros: I agree.
As he says this, his back is turned to Sagittar, and the camera focuses on his front. On top of this, he holds something up in his hands.
They appear to be specially made bullets that are glowing…purple.
Huntoceros quickly loads up his rifle with these special-looking bullets and turns around.
Sagittar: (chuckles) How do you know this is going to work?
Huntoceros: I don't…That's the fun part.
He aims the rifle at the Shooting Star Poacher on his throne…and then the barrel begins to glow blue.
Sagittar: (focuses on the rifle) Wait a second—
He's interrupted by Huntoceros firing then energy blast right into Sagittar. And not only does it make a small explosion…but it seems to work as Sagittar yells in pain!
On top of that, when fired, the blast sounds more like a firework launching than gunfire.
Huntoceros: (gasps) It actually worked!
Sagittar: (growls) How did you—
He's cut off by his body starting to glitch violently.
Huntoceros: We used Blockhead's power to give Codabra his second life, and there was some leftover. So, I decided to put it somewhere more LETHAL. And I'm glad I did because now I see it. YOUR WEAKNESS.
He fires another shot into Sagittar, making him scream more.
Sagittar: (glitches more) Stop that!
He then grabs his head in pain from another glitch.
Huntoceros: That's why you took out Blockhead when he stepped out of line. His power can damage you, can't it?
Sagittar: Be…Be quiet! (winces)
Huntoceros: It all adds up. Erase whoever they were before and put them under your control, so you don't waste their power or put yourself in danger.
Sagittar: I will spread your ashes to the wind like that worthless Scattershell!
Huntoceros: If you didn't earn this last bullet before, you did now.
He aims the gun at Sagittar…but the mutant quickly strikes it out of his hand with a lightning blast.
Still, in pain, the leader of the Shooting Star Poachers slams his hands on the arms of his throne and rises onto his feet.
He now towers over Huntoceros and looks down at him.
And as he does…something appears around him. His body is now glitching all over, and next to his head… appears white glowing eyes, floating in the air with energy surrounding them that's almost identical to that of the Rinzin energy used by the Phantom Beast generals from Power Rangers Jungle Fury.
Huntoceros: W…W-What….are you?
Then the towering mutant speaks.
But as he does…it sounds as if multiple Sagittars are talking all at once.
Sagittar: YOU DON'T WANT TO KNOW.
Lightning channels in his hand as Huntoceros backs up.
He launches the energy downward, yellow light eclipsing the entire screen in a white flash!
…Cut moments later to Midaria, now woken up, running through the cockpit door, only to stop and gasp at what she sees. Sagittar, a glitching mess, panting in his chair with the bodies of Insidion and Blockhead's cubes still on the floor. And in the spot where Huntoceros stood…is nothing more than a burning pile of ashes.
Maybe as a bonus, the monitor is still showing the Zooman Fusion Megazord.
Midaria: (running up to him) What did I miss!?
Then, in a frightened tone, he says…
Sagittar: I…I…Help me get them to the lab…We have a lot of work to do.
That last sentence is said almost like he's about to start crying.
She looks down and takes his hand. The two look up at each other in total silence before pressing their foreheads together.
The violent glitching of Sagittar's body finally subsides.
We then transition to our final scene. After a long day of trials and treachery, our heroes finally get to teleport back to…some area in the woods?
This bizarre change of scenery makes the music of this episode cut out once again.
Winston: Ah, there's no place like the—(looks around) What the heck?
Jackie: Dudes, why are we in the woods?
While the team continues to chatter, Sylvia walks around a little confused as to what's going on.
Caleb: Did one of us not think of the Sanctum when teleporting?
Derrick: Oh no, I probably screwed something up again!
Benny: Woah, Woah, Woah, let's not panic. I don't think this is you at all.
The team then hears Sylvia gasp.
They then turn their attention to her direction…and when looking past the edge of the trees, they see why she gasped.
In front of them lies a river coated in giant rocks with more woods on the opposite side.
…And sitting in the river…is the LINK CUBE.
It's not glowing anymore, there's massive damage to the top corner facing the team's direction, and standing down in front of the Link Cube, a Feather Shredder in hand with smoke still coming off of it, panting as if they had just finished this is none other than…
Benny: Harris!?
The Birdman's head jolts up and he looks behind him to see every member of the team walking down toward him/taking their helmets off.
Harris: I-I know what you're gonna say!
Caleb: Oh, do you now!?
Harris: Your powers still work! If they didn't, they'd be gone right now!
He then takes notice of the newest member of the team, helmet off, and Morpher in hand, ready to change modes.
Harris: …You must be Derrick. I heard about what happened and you have my apologies.
Derrick: Tch. Do you think I trust that right now!?
Harris: Your Morpher. Have you tried connecting it with the Link Cube?
Derrick: N-No, I haven't—Hey, don't change the subject!
Harris: (sighs with relief) Thank goodness.
Jackie: No, this is NOT a time to be thanking goodness!
Sylvia: Yeah, more like WHY WOULD YOU DO THIS!?
Harris: I'm…I'm sorry, but…this was a long time coming.
The Birdman then notices Benny's torn expression.
Harris: (sighs) I recharged my Morpher before I did this, so…I'll go now.
Winston: You're not going anywhere!
Harris: Good luck, rangers. Doubutsu!
Caleb: Stop him!
He teleports out quickly.
And all our heroes can do is stand there for a few more seconds, gobsmacked, surprised, shocked, worried, you name it.
Now for the true last scene of the episode. At sunset, we see Martha walking up to the damaged Link Cube, shivering a little bit, before placing her hand on the device, closing her eyes, and letting a tear stream down her face as her hand tightens into a fist.
And while this entire ending scene occurs, a sad version of Harris' theme plays in the background.
Martha: I should've been there to stop him.
Benny: It's okay, mom.
Martha: No, it's NOT, my team nearly died in space, and I wasn't there to talk him out of this.
Benny: (sighs) It'll be alright, it's just…been a long day, that's all.
Caleb: No need to tell us twice.
As this is said, we see the others sitting together with their helmets off, either looking at the ground or staring at the cube.
Winston: I was ready to apologize to him for what we did, and…he does THIS?
Sylvia: It's not all bad though. We still have our powers, and zords, have a new combination—
Jackie: But our enemies know more about us than we thought.
Benny and Martha then sit down next to them.
Derrick: Guys? Can we say "Aliens zero, animals, won" now?
And that's it. The team ponders Derrick's last words, and the episode ends with one last shot of the Zoo-Keepers Rangers and their boss from behind, staring at the now damaged Link Cube as the sad Harris theme comes to an end with a hard cut to black and text on the screen that reads 3 words we know very well by now.
TO BE CONTINUED
Tune in next time for "Episode 22: Fishy Feelings"
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Thank you all SO MUCH for reading what is technically the finale for the first season of Power Rangers Zoo-Keepers.
HOWEVER, season 1 is not done quite yet.
Next Saturday, I get to ut out a holiday special on Christmas (best coincidence ever, I legit didn't plan for this at first)!
And please keep reading when that happens because while there are clip show elements here and there like Power Rangers has been doing for the past decade now, it's also going to have some key character interactions and set up things that will lead directly into season 2. Especially involving Benny and Jackie ;).
I REPEAT. DO NOT MISS THE CHRISTMAS EPISODE BECAUSE IT IS IMPORTANT.
Again, I can't stress this enough, thank you to those who've read up to this point so, so, SO much for reading this, it's great to know that people are liking this even if it isn't perfect, and let me know what you want to see in the next season below because while some plot points are set in stone, not everything is finite yet so there's some wiggle room for me to make changes. Also, feel free to tell me in reviews if there's anything I can improve here; I am VERY open to critical discussion on this.
See you around, and remember, as always, Go, Go, Power Rangers.