EPISODE 22: FISHY FEELINGS—CHRISTMAS SPECIAL
(Technically Adapted from Various Episodes of Zyuohger)
We start this special episode off at the Washi Safari Zoo and Aquarium for a quick montage showing the zoo decorated for the holidays. Or more specifically, everyone celebrating Zoolights on Christmas Eve. Lights are all around the different sectors, some of the animal holograms are made a bit more festive with hats and scarves on them, maybe a few trees for each kind of habitat decorated like Christmas Trees, etc. This montage would last for about 30 seconds before we cut to the Eagle Dome.
Benny is sitting alone at his booth, looking bored and slightly lonely.
We then see a door nearby open and out steps 4 zookeepers in red shirts who work with the eagles. They seem to be good friends with each other and through dialogue, as they all walk by, we hear they're on lunch break. Benny, seeing them, takes a gulp and looks like he's gonna say something to get their attention. But then he stops himself.
Benny: (sighs) I shouldn't bother them.
They're now too far any to hear him as Benny just sits back down in his seat.
Martha: They're nice when you get to know them.
He turns to see his mother and boss walking up.
Benny: Yeah, but I don't know what their schedules and they've probably been working hard so I don't wanna take time from their…(shakes his head) It's whatever.
Picking up on his slight sorrow, Martha comes up with an idea.
Martha: The others are helping me decorate the house. Wanna end your shift a little early? I'm making your favorite cookies.
Benny's expression perks up a little.
Martha: Come on, you know you want to.
While cheekily saying this, she ruffles his hair.
Benny: (chuckles/smiles) Yeah, okay, you got me. Let's go home.
He gets up from his seat.
We then hard cut to the Washi Residence to find Caleb and Sylvia on the sidewalk looking at the front porch, which like the zoo, has some nice decorations on it.
Caleb: I think we've done a pretty good job.
Sylvia: Same. (holds up a cord/plug) And now all that's left is to bring it together.
She pulls, but the cord stops.
Sylvia: (chuckles) I said, to bring it together.
She says this why struggling to connect the cords, gritting her teeth a little.
Sylvia: (exhales) Please don't be the wrong length.
Caleb: Let me try it out.
With a slightly stronger pull, Caleb finally connects the two ends, and in seconds, the house lights up.
Sylvia: Ooh, pretty!
Then, the two Washi family members teleport in.
Benny: Hey guys, we're—Woah, nice!
Martha: Ah, it looks great! Oh, and sorry about the cord. It always takes that one magic pull.
Caleb: No worries.
Benny: Hey, uh, I know Winston and Derrick are coming later for the party, but is…Jackie here by any chance?
Sylvia: Oh yeah. She's in the backyard taking a breather. I'll go grab her.
Benny: (as she leaves) Oh, y-you don't have to do that, I just wanted to know if…and she's gone.
Caleb: Going for a little ice fishing I see.
Benny: What?...N-No? I haven't been fishing in years.
Caleb: …Did that go over your head that easily?
Benny: Oh, I missed a joke, didn't I?
Caleb: You know what, forget it. See you, lads, later tonight!
Martha: (as he starts to leave) Gotcha! Alright, Benjamin, inside. It's cookie time AND you still have untouched ornaments.
This makes Benny smile, and he quickly follows his mother into his house.
We then cut to Sylvia stepping into the backyard to grab Jackie, but she finds something interesting. The camera cut from Sylvia's reaction to Jackie doing motions with her arms similar to motions she makes when fighting or posing. She stops and looks at the bottle as if expecting something.
She exhales and does more motions, but again, nothing happens.
Jackie: (growls/grits teeth) COME ON.
She does more fighting motions back to back.
Nothing happens.
Jackie: UGH, what is wrong with me!?
She then walks up and kicks the water bottle forward at the fence.
Sylvia: I thought Martha said no training today.
Jackie: (sighs) Hey Syl.
Sylvia: What's with the martial arts performance?
The Blue Ranger turns to see her friend.
Jackie: It's a bit of a long story.
Sylvia: I've got time. Spill the beans.
Jackie: Well, uh…remember back when we fought that plant monster?
We then get our first flashback of several for this episode.
Sylvia: The bug one with the sleeping pollen?
Jackie: Exactly. Well, at one point, when she was trying to use it on us again, and Benny was blowing it back with his wings, I helped stop it for good with a special attack.
As the two say these lines of dialogue, we get the footage she just described from back in Episode 9.
Jackie: Splashing Spray!
She of course waves her hands and sends out a water attack that combines with Benny's wind gusts and gets rid of the pollen.
Cut back to the present.
Sylvia: Ah, so you've been trying to practice it?
Jackie: Yeah. I've only used it like once since that fight, which is pretty stupid….Ever since we got off that ship and the Link Cube was damaged, I've been trying to train a bit more at home and use the attack more, but…while it worked a little at first, eventually, it just…stopped working.
Sylvia: Huh. Well, that's strange.
Jackie: Right!? And what's weird is, every time I've tried this, even just a few seconds ago, I could…I can still feel the water, but I can't HARNESS it. (sighs) It feels like something's "blocking it" from working I guess. But I don't know what it could be.
Sylvia: Hmm. Maybe it's emotional.
Jackie: What do you mean?
Sylvia: I mean if training doesn't seem to be an issue, you could be having something going on that's stressing you out and screwing up this power of yours.
Jackie: But I've been feeling fine for weeks.
Sylvia: Any family trouble?
Jackie: Nope.
Sylvia: Body pains?
Jackie: Nothing I can't shake off.
Sylvia: Aquarium issues?
Jackie: Zero.
The White Ranger ponders this…and then…her eyes widen with an idea.
And she turns to her friend with a very cheeky grin and says…
Sylvia: I think I got it.
Jackie: Really? O-Okay then, tell me what you—
She stops and notices her friend's face, and within seconds, her face goes from inquisitive to terrified with her eyes widening.
Jackie: OH NO.
Sylvia: It might help.
Jackie: Nope, not a chance!
Sylvia: It's the only thing I can think of, and if it helps your powers—
Jackie: I-I'm not ready for that at all! A-And it might be super awkward, and we're at his house, and HIS MOM is here, I—NO, no, no, out of the question.
A few seconds go by of Sylvia still grinning.
Jackie: (Sighs) You're not leaving me alone until I do it.
Sylvia: All I ask is that you try.
Jackie: …(sighs) Alright…Ugh, I can't believe I'm doing this today.
Sylvia: (patting Jackie's back) I'm sure it'll be just fine.
Jackie: (inhales/exhales) Okay, you win…I'm gonna go talk to Benny.
Hard cut straight up to the Arrow Galion.
Obviously, because of the finale, Blockhead and Insidion are no longer together in the cockpit.
This just leaves Sagittar, sitting alone on his throne. We don't see what's on-screen yet but for 6-8 seconds, we see Sagittar is looking at the ship's monitor. Then, the cockpit door opens, and with a snap of his finger, he turns off the screen as Midaria enters.
Sagittar: (coughs) Alright then, what do you wish to show, dear?
Midaria: Something that I hope can bring you a similar level of joy to what the Earth is experiencing today.
She then turns her attention to the door…and coming from the hallway steps a familiar face.
Puncherfly: Greetings, my mighty master!
Sagittar: Wait a moment. Aren't you one of the hunters from the arena?
Puncherfly: Indeed! In case you forget, I am Puncherfly!
Midaria: He was the only one to survive the strike those rangers dealt, so I healed him, kept hidden, and waited for the right time to bring him out.
Sagittar: Hmm. I am somewhat bored…Very well, Puncherfly, you may go hunt and whatnot.
Puncherfly: Excellent!
Sagittar: On one condition.
Puncherfly: Huh?
Sagittar: Should you go down, keep it between you and the rangers. I think I'm burnt-out on widescale destruction.
Puncherfly: Even better! I was hoping to get a one-on-one ranger rematch today! Fair well, my friends.
He teleports out in the green poker chip effect as this is said.
Sagittar: He's a creation of Huntoceros, and therefore, very untrustworthy.
Midaria: Indeed. Which is why I'm getting him off this ship to be taken down by the Zoo-Keepers. That way, the work of said traitor who I shall not name is gone for good.
Sagittar: Hahaha, I LOVE the way you think, darling.
Cue Theme Song (1 Minute)
Back down at the Washi Residence, we see Benny and Martha finish decorating their Christmas tree near the front door.
Martha: (sighs) There's not like a complete tree.
Benny: Oh! Real quick, almost forgot one.
Cut a few moments later after he grabs a small box on the couch. While walking up to the tree, he opens a small square ornament. He hangs it on the tree, and we quickly see why it has that shape. It's not just an ornament, it's one with a picture in it. A small picture of a young Benny in a Santa hat and his Huntaway puppy Buddy. His pet mentioned back in Episode 6, who we have sadly not been able to give enough focus too much lately due to other things going on in this story. Regardless, he hands the ornament on his tree, and the two smile.
Martha: (pats his back) I'll never get tired of looking at the picture.
Benny: Yeah. Me neither.
He says this with a slightly sad tone, but it is still earnest, and he does seem happy.
Martha: (hears a beeping sound) And that's the first batch of cookies. Wanna come help with the next batch.
Benny: Yeah, in a minute. I just wanna look at this more.
Martha: Fine by me. (starts walking) I think I'll put on some tunes while I work.
She walks to the kitchen, leaving Benny on his own, as Sylvia and Jackie, who have been chilling in the tv room with some hot cocoa, take a peek around the door.
The two then start whispering with each other.
Sylvia: Go on. Now's your chance.
Jackie: No, I can't do this.
Sylvia: Based on what?
Jackie: Uh, this being the first time I've had feelings like this?
Sylvia: Jackie, like you said. His MOM is here. If you don't do this now and quickly, it may get more awkward.
Jackie: …Okay. But if this backfires, I BLAME YOU.
With an inhale, she awkwardly walks toward the Red Ranger, trying her best to look confident.
Jackie: (coughs) Uh, hey, Benny.
Benny: Oh, Jackie! You're uh, (fake coughs) you're here!
Jackie: Y-Yeah, I've been uh, you know, helping with lights, and then I figured I'd chill.
Benny: Oh yeah, thanks for that. The front of the house looks great! Just like you—I MEAN, just like I'd expect you to…make it look great?
Awkward silence occurs as they start blushing.
Jackie: Right so, uh…OKAY, here goes everything. I umm…(inhales) There's something I have been meaning to tell you.
But naturally, with the worst timing in the world, the zords start acting up and making noises.
This gets the attention of everyone, Martha included.
Benny: Oh, come on!
Jackie: OH, thank goodness.
Sylvia: I guess evil doesn't take a holiday.
Martha: Tch. I thought Halloween was proof of that enough.
Benny: Mom, I'm SO sorry, but—
Martha: There's still plenty of time till Christmas. GO.
The three rangers nod as Benny opens the front door ready to rush out into danger.
Hard cut to a small cliff overlooking a river next to some woods as Benny, Jackie, Sylvia, and Caleb teleport in, fully morphed.
Caleb: So, what are we looking for?
Jackie: I'm not sure yet but STAY ON ALERT.
Puncherfly: Greetings, Zoo-Keepers.
The team looks up to see Puncherfly quickly floating down with arms crossed.
Of course, the rangers take defensive positions as he does.
Once on his feet, he continues to speak.
Puncherfly: What did you think of my entrance?
Jackie: (gasps to herself) YOU.
Caleb: Identify yourself!
Sylvia: Wait a second. You're one of those monsters from the arena!
Puncherfly: Indeed. The only one to survive your final strike. I am Puncherfly—
Benny: Save it! We're done with Sagittar's games! Let's just get this over with so we can enjoy Christmas.
Puncherfly: Relax! I'm not like the other hunters you've fought and Sagittar is being rather generous to you at the moment.
Sylvia: Tch. Define that maniac's definition of "generous".
Puncherfly: No big monster battles today. He's grown rather bored of the wide-scale chaos.
Caleb: Sounds all fine and dandy, yet I take it there's a BUT with that sentence.
Puncherfly: Well, he still wants a fight, and I intend to deliver one, BUT, in the spirit of your holiday, why not make things simple? I want a rematch with…the Blue Ranger.
Benny: What!?
Jackie: OOH, I like the sound of that! Let's go, bug boy!
Benny: A-Absolutely not!
Sylvia: Yeah. Why should we trust a member of a monster group that's tricked and attacked us multiple times this year?
Caleb: Not to mention one with a leader who hates us specifically.
Puncherfly: Because if you don't, I may damage this city to get your compliance.
Benny: (sighs) …Okay. We'll CONSIDER it—
Jackie: Forget consideration! Where do you wanna fight?
Puncherfly: There's a warehouse by the docks. Meet me there in 1 hour for the fight. I'll be training on the ship until then, my pathetic fish friend.
Jackie: (growls) DONE. I hope you're ready to have your wings clipped.
Puncherfly: What was that? I couldn't hear you. I was thinking of all the ways that I could make SHARK FIN SOUP out of you in that suit.
With a knuckle crack and green flash, he teleports out.
Jackie: This is great! I'll finish that Mothman off in no time!
Then, Winston teleports in, fully morphed.
Winston: (panting) I'm here! What's happening!? Did someone get taken again!?
Caleb: EASY, lad, it's alright.
Winston: What the heck did I miss?
Sylvia: I'll explain it when we get back to Martha's house. Let's go.
Cut back to the Washi Residence couch.
Winston: (sitting) This doesn't make any sense. Weeks off from attacking and they come back with…a one-vs-one offer?
Sylvia: You'd think given everything that happened last time they ended a break it'd be something bigger.
Jackie: Might be a strange offer but I'm going to take it.
She opens the front door, her water bottle from earlier in one hand.
Martha: Wait a sec, where are you going?
Jackie: The warehouse by the docks.
Caleb: But the fight isn't going to start for a while.
Jackie: Even better. Means I get a lay of the location and fit in some training.
Benny: (walking over) But, Jackie, you could be walking into a trap.
Jackie: Maybe, but I gotta take this guy down before he tries to hurt someone.
Sylvia: But are you doing that because you have to or want to?
Jackie: Well…uh…I mean, can't it be both? Look, I'm going to fight this guy and I'm gonna win. That's not up for debate.
Benny: (walking up to her) Jackie, the last time you fought this guy—
Jackie: I was UNMORPHED. And if a simple team strike could at least knock him down, I should be able to take him on with my powers.
Benny: Not alone you won't. I'm coming with you.
Jackie: (now slightly annoyed) Dude, I appreciate your concern, but I have to—
He then grabs her arm while saying…
Benny: I'm not letting someone I care about go alone on the holidays to fight a monster. THAT'S not up for debate either.
After a few seconds of hesitation, she begrudgingly accepts his…well, not even really an offer; It's more like her accepting the fact that he's coming along.
Jackie: (Sighs) Alright. But it's JUST YOU and you only fight if I'm outmatched.
Benny: Fine by me as long as you don't go in alone.
The two look down at his hand still grabbing her arm which makes them both blush again slightly, and he quickly lets go of her.
Martha: In that case, take some of these.
She hands Benny a small bag.
Benny: Ooh, snacks! Ok. We'll be back when that monster is gone.
They open the front door and walk out, with Jackie having a slightly worried look on her face.
Winston: (getting up) Right, welp, I'm gonna head out. See you guys back here later.
Martha: Bye, Winston.
As he walks to the front door, we see Sylvia and Caleb chat again.
Sylvia: Hmm. I really hope Jackie does okay.
Caleb: I'm sure she can take whatever punches this new guy has to throw.
Sylvia: Huh? Oh yeah, that too.
Hard cut to the warehouse by the docks of Dolphin Coast, with its door wide open and it's inside abandoned. Speaking of which, all that remains on the inside are some wooden crates and barrels. Anywho, we see Jackie in the center of the building, practicing some of her moves while Benny sits up against one of the aforementioned boxes. While doing so, he's having some of the snacks in the bag Martha gave him, which are the cookies she mentioned earlier.
Text at the bottom of the screen reads "20 Minutes Until The Fight."
After a few more seconds go by of Jackie making fighting motions before we hear something.
Puncherfly: You're not strong enough to beat me!
A certain monster voice in her head.
While still training, she starts to act more annoyed as the punches and karate chops she throws seem more aggressive.
Dialogue from the monster spoken during the finale starts to play in her head.
Puncherfly: You got angry at him for nothing.
Her face turns into a scowl.
Puncherfly: Some friend you are.
She lets out a small grunt, which makes Benny raise an eyebrow while his mouth is full.
Puncherfly: Pathetic, friendless, fish out of water.
Jackie lets out another growl and ends up kicking a barrel a few feet away across the room before stopping to catch her breath.
Now Benny is worried.
He quickly walks over to her.
Benny: Are you—
Jackie: I'm FINE. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to keep training until he shows up.
Benny: Hold a second. What's got you so upset right now?
Jackie: Nothing! Everything's fine!
Benny: Okay, that might get the others to back off, but you're not pulling that trick around me!
Jackie: Dude, for the last time, I'm perfectly fine!
But Benny just stares with a face that sees right through her, and she quickly realizes she can't fool him.
Jackie: …(exhales) Okay, you got me, I'm frustrated, alright?
Benny: Care to tell me why?
As she talks, she walks back over to where Benny was leaning up against.
Jackie: (sighs) Because of that stupid Butterfly monster! When we were fighting in that arena, he was taunting me over and over! He called me weak, pathetic, powerless; and now, he comes back to fight me over the holidays, while making a SHARK FIN SOUP joke to my face!? It's like he's asking for it! Which, he probably is, and…UGH.
She sits down and lays against the shipping crate.
Jackie: And on top of that he… brought up something that I really wish didn't happen.
With a more softened expression now on his face, Benny sits next to her.
Benny: If you don't mind me asking, what was it?
Jackie: Well, r-remember when Caleb and I were captured by that Viking monster and forced to fight a wrestling ring?
Benny: Yeah, I do. Why?
Jackie: During the fight, we were forced to have, Caleb was doing something that I got annoyed at. He was holding back on me. He did it a lot when we were first training together and I didn't want him to do it anymore, because…I don't like hurting people unfairly…Fighting people who pull their punches doesn't feel right.… But I got that across in the stupidest way possible, and I basically got mad at him f-for not wanting to hurt his teammate!
She starts to tear up a little.
Jackie: I was such a jerk to him, and even apologizing didn't make it feel much better…Maybe I just suck when it comes to friends.
Benny: Well, h-hang on, that's not too bad. Like you said. You didn't want to hurt Caleb if it wasn't a fair fight. That's still technically looking out for one of your allies.
Finally, we get another flashback to Episode 5 as Benny keeps talking.
Benny: Plus, you both got your payback. Remember how you finished that guy off?
While this is said, we see the climax to that episode's ground fight with Jackie and Caleb switching to their Sabers while the others fire blaster shots. Once those shots hit, we see Jackie and Caleb come down from the sky to perform a Wild Final Strike, but of course, the footage showcases it looks like blue and yellow carnivore fingers chomping down onto Varnacle before Benny continues speaking.
Benny: That Fanged Final Strike was one of the best finishers I've seen all year!
Cue the rest of the footage showing Varnacle blowing up into flames.
Cut back to reality.
Jackie: Huh…Yeah, I guess that's true.
Benny: Here. (reaches into his bag) Have one of these. I think you need one.
He offers her a cookie.
Jackie: Oh. You sure you don't mind?
Benny: Yeah, of course. Mom made extras and I've already had 2. No need to get any bigger, right?
He says this while patting his stomach, which gets a slight smirk out of her.
She grabs it, takes a bite, makes a satisfied face, and swallows.
Jackie: Wow, these are great! Snickerdoodles?
Benny: Family recipe. (whispers) Just kidding, she byes them from the store.
The two have a quick chuckle.
Jackie: Well, the way your mom bakes them is AMAZING.
She takes another bite out of the cookie.
We then cut several minutes later with both rangers still sitting against the wooden crate looking, somewhat bored while Benny eating more of his cookie.
Benny: (mouth full) That monster should be showing up here soon.
Jackie: Yeah, I hope so. I'm ready to get this over with.
Benny: (swallows) Anything else you wanna talk about until then?
Jackie: Hmm…How's your job going?
Benny: My what?
Jackie: Your job at the booth.
Benny: Oh! Right, right, umm…y-you know, it's okay I guess.
Jackie: You guess?
Benny: I mean, it's fine? It's a nice spot by the dome, and everything's usually chill over there, but…it's just…kinda…boring.
Jackie: …Oh…Don't you get visitors though?
Benny: Not really. A few people come by every week and sometimes there's a family or two but usually, the focus is on the Eagles in the dome.
Jackie: …Well, have you chatted with any of the keepers at it?
Benny: (sighs) No. I've just been keeping to myself so I'm not in their way or anything.
Jackie: I'm sure they'd be happy to chat.
Benny: Maybe…I don't know. Probably best if I just stay in my corner for a bit.
She starts to feel a bit sorry for him.
He continues eating the rest of his cookie, looking a little more bummed out now…and then Jackie looks down at his hand. This gives her an idea that makes her blush.
Jackie: (inhales/whispers) It's worth a shot.
She turns back to face him.
Jackie: You know…if it doesn't bother you or anything…
She then boldly grabs onto his right hand, making him start to blush as well.
Jackie: I-I could come to say hi on my breaks more often.
Benny: Uh…uh…if it's okay with you…sure. That sounds nice actually.
The two keep starring at each other while smiling, but then it goes on for just a second too long, and they turn away blushing with Jackie releasing his hand.
Jackie: Y-You know, there's something I've been uh, (coughs) meaning to say, actually, and when I tried earlier, I got interrupted by the zords.
Benny: R-Right, I remember. And speaking of which, I, umm…may or may not have something to say as well.
Jackie: Ah. Cool, cool, cool, very cool (nervous chuckles).
The two rub their arms, more afraid than ever.
Jackie: UGH, that's it! I'm done being worried, and I'm done holding this back, so I'm just gonna come out a say it! (inhales/exhales)
With that, the glass ceiling is shattered.
Jackie: Benny Washi, I—
But suddenly, she's interrupted by him blurting out what he wanted to say quickly.
Benny: I like you!
He covers his mouth with his hands.
Jackie: …WHAT?
Benny: I…I LIKE-like you!
He slams his hands over his mouth again after saying that quickly as well.
Jackie: (blushing/smiles) You…you like me!?
Benny: Y-Yeah? Is that bad!?
Jackie: No, no, no, in fact…so do I! I LIKE-like you too!
Benny: You do!?
Jackie: Yes!
Benny: S-Since when!?
We then get our last flashback footage...from Episode 1.
Jackie: I mean, p-pretty much since we first met, and you saved me from that one energy blast!
The footage we see as she says this is when Jagged blasted team along with his jetpack Amoebanoids and almost destroyed them. Then, before he could fire, Benny came rushing in and grabbed Jagged's arm, throwing off his big shot.
One which narrowly misses Jackie as she lays on the ground during the fight.
Cut back to reality.
Jackie: Plus, you're nice and brave, and...and uh...c-cute.
Benny: I...I feel the same way.
The two keep smiling at each other in the most awkward but adorable way possible.
We then briefly hard cut to outside the building.
Puncherfly finally teleports in with the poker chip effect.
Jackie: (hears this) Puncherfly just arrived.
Benny: (grabs her hand) Wait. I have to help you. Especially now.
She smiles and grabs his shoulder.
Jackie: Make some calls, then wait for an opening.
Benny smiles and nods to her request.
Cut a few moments later to Puncherfly walking into the warehouse to find Jackie, standing in the center of the building with her Morpher out.
Jackie: About time you got here. You owe me some clipped bug wings.
Puncherfly: Not if I crush your fins with my fluttering fists, first.
Jackie: Zoo Mode Go!
She turns the top and instamorphs.
The two opponents let out quick battle cries as they charge forward, thus beginning original fight footage. Jackie whips out her Savage Blaster while running forward, but like in the finale, her shots are deflected by his tough fists. This leads to the two trying to hit each other with a hand-to-hand combat exchange that lasts for about 8 seconds before she leaps over the monster towards the warehouse entrance.
Puncherfly: Flopping away like a pathetic fish I see.
Jackie: Nope! Just taking it outside! I like the weather right now.
Puncherfly: Very well then! Hah!
He rushes forward before as she runs around the building corner, and we cut moments later to Puncherfly exiting the building and looking for her.
Puncherfly: You can't run forever, you know!
Jackie: You're right! But who said anything about running!?
As she says this, the villainous insect looks up to see Jackie has leaped up to the top of the building.
Jackie: Savage Saber!
She then leaps down ready to deliver a nice clean strike…but is stopped right at the end of her jump by Puncherfly quickly grabbing both her blade as it comes down and Jackie by the neck with his other hand.
Puncherfly: A fish out of water is as good as dead.
He punches hard in the helmet, causing some sparks to fly and her to yell.
Then, once he gets a tighter grip on her, Puncherfly, with all his strength, tosses Jackie over nearby railings…and into the cold dock water.
Puncherfly: Ha! Let's see her try to surface from that one!
Benny: No!
Puncherfly: Huh!?
BOOM. Benny comes falling out of the sky, fully Morphed with his Eagle Shredder in hand, and lands a big strike on Puncherfly's torso, knocking him back.
Puncherfly: Red Ranger!?
Benny: You're gonna burn for that one!
Then, Caleb, Sylvia, and Winston all teleport in around Puncherfly, fully morphed.
Puncherfly: This isn't the battle that I was promised!
Caleb: Neither was anything your bosses did!
Winston: But we're still gonna fight it!
Sylvia: No matter what!
Benny: Handle him while I get Jackie back!
Winston: No arguments there!
Caleb, Sylvia, and Winston: PRIMAL Power!
This time, instead of Sentai footage, we get an on-location instamorph of their suit upgrades.
Puncherfly: OH CRAP.
Caleb: Lion Lightning!
Sylvia: Tigress Snow Strike!
Winston: Elephant Earthquake!
The monarch monster barely guards against the lightning, but that guard is broken by the snow strike, and he's knocked back hard by the Earthquake.
Puncherfly: (on his knees) I'm not done yet, you—
Derrick: Wild Final…!
Puncherfly: Another one!?
Derrick: Crash!
The Black Trino Ranger comes charging out of the warehouse and straight into the monster, knocking him onto his back.
Sylvia: Wahoo! Nice one, Derrick!
Derrick: Thanks! Sorry, I'm late!
Back over to Benny, he's sent his Eagle Shredder into the water, hoping Jackie will grab onto it.
Benny: Come on, Jackie, where are you!?
A few more seconds go by…before he feels a tug on the blade…and sees a blue glow down in the water.
Benny: (gasps) Jackie!?
The glow gets brighter until…Jackie shoots out of the ocean in slow-motion, and lands with her Primal Power fin on her back as water flows around her with a similar blue glow.
Finally, she's gotten her watery powers back in order.
Benny: WOAH.
Caleb: Holy fish and chips!
Jackie: Good one.
Puncherfly: What's happening now!?
With a full-body spin and a wave of her glowing gloves, she launches a large amount of water at the monster.
Puncherfly: (shivers) That attack is f-freezing!
Jackie: Let's end this together!
Benny: Right! Gorilla Mode Go!
He flips up his helmet piece and instamorphs into the Red Gorilla Ranger while saying this.
Jackie: SHARK…Spin Dash!
While saying this, she leaps into the air and starts doing her Primal Power attack, as more water from the area starts to combine with her spin. Then, as she falls, Benny winds up his fist and then sends her flying forward with a red energy punch.
At a much faster speed, than usual, Jackie grinds into Puncherfly, who sparks and sparks over and over until she finally digs into him enough to make an explosion which causes him to start sparking. She lands on her feet back near Benny as the monster says his final words.
Puncherfly: I should've just migrated like all the other Monarchs! Augh!
He falls forward and explodes as our heroes pose in a cool split screenshot at different angles, with Benny and Jackie posing together.
Hard cut to the Arrow Galion.
Midaria: Finally. That was fun to watch, wasn't it?
Sagittar: Hmm? Oh, yes, o-of course.
Midaria: …What's wrong?
With a snap of his finger, the monitor changes to reveal…multiple shots of people in Dolphin Coast celebrating Christmas?
Sagittar: I was watching them all before you came in earlier. Look at them…So happy and so much more…excepting of one another at this time of year.
The way he says this, he sounds both genuinely sad and jealous.
Sagittar: …Do you think if I was I excepted…I could've been down there with them?
His beloved then walks up to his throne.
Midaria: Maybe. Maybe not…But regardless of what could have been, I love you now, and forever.
She then sits in his lap.
Midaria: As the humans say…Merry Christmas, Sagittar.
Sagittar: …Merry Christmas, Midaria.
And then…he reaches his hands around her neck…and pushes something.
There's a super brief green flash on the "jaw corners" of her head…and then a small puff of smoke as Sagittar raises his arms.
Our last scene with the villains for this season ends with a shot of the ground…
…as Midaria's HELMET drops to the floor and the two lovers embrace in the background.
Yes, it turns Midaria's face this whole time was instead a helmet.
Anywho, on that note, we cut down to the Washi Safari Zoo and Aquarium for a 40-second montage. Similarly, to previous montages in the past, I don't have tons of descriptive details to add here, so you can pretty much make this up in your head as long as the montage shows everyone enjoying the Christmas party. However, there are a few small moments I want in this. One, Hitarthi, Tiana, and Frida are part of this montage. Two, we get to see Benny and Jackie having some hot cocoa together. Three, show the Cubimals there. And finally, most importantly, in whatever way you choose to imagine it, show Derrick looking happy.
Oh, and as a bonus detail, Martha is wearing a sweater that Zyuoh Eagle's uncle Mori Mario wore during Zyuohger's Christmas special.
Then, we finally get our last scene for this episode and the entire season.
We see the party end later in the night with Martha waving goodbye to everyone on the sidewalk.
Meanwhile, Benny and Jackie are by the front door.
Benny: So, I guess I'll see you around?
Jackie: Sounds good to me.
The two then share a quick hug.
And then as they break it,…Jackie lands a quick kiss on his cheek while blushing.
Jackie: See you at work, handsome.
Benny, now slack-jawed, watches as she runs down the path while saying goodbye.
Jackie: Happy holidays!
The Red Eagle Ranger snaps out of it and smiles while holding his cheek.
And perfect timing as he hears a gasp behind him.
He quickly turns around to see his mom,
Benny: I-It's not what it looks like! I—
He's interrupted by her letting out a happy squeal and pulling him into a big hug, nearly lifting him off the ground.
Martha: Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh!
Benny: Y-You're not mad?
Martha: No sweetie, this is great! Do you like her back?
Benny: Uh, y-yes!
Martha: Ah, my baby boy's in love!
This makes Benny chuckle while returning the hug as she slightly tears up.
Benny: (sighs) So much has happened this year.
Martha: I know right? Sure, some of it was bad…but I think the good outweighed it in the end.
Benny: (smiles) Yeah me too.
Martha: And I think next year will only get better from here.
Benny: Merry Christmas, mom.
Martha: (hugs him again) Merry Christmas, egghead.
The season ends with the camera zooming out as she says this, leading to one last shot in the night sky as stars form a constellation of the team's logo.
Hard cut to black with text reading…
"ZOO-KEEPERS WILL RETURN. STAY TUNED"
AUTHOR'S NOTE: If you're seeing this, it means I've uploaded the completed chapter above on Christmas Day, and it also means that officially, Zoo-Keepers Season 1 has finally come to a close. I know I already had a similar note at the end of the last episode but this still bears repeating. If you have been reading this story, thank you so much for taking the time to do so. It's been very difficult to work on this at points. My schedule has constantly changed almost every other week this year, multiple episodes came out later than intended due to either factors outside of my control or writer's block, there are plenty of ways I would've rewritten some chapters, and I've been disappointed in myself multiple times with how I managed time on some of the plot points I want to work with.
To summarize, it hasn't been perfect. But, I'm glad I'm taking this journey.
As someone who wants to tell animated stories someday, I don't just see this as a fun fanfiction exercise. I also see this as my first attempt at a story I truly care about with a narrative and characters that I want to develop. And hopefully, I can continue to do so in Season 2.
Please, if you have the time, leave me your review/opinions of Season 1 in the replies and let me know what you think.
Seriously, if you have anything to say, positive or negative, TELL ME ASAP. And that goes double if you have any thoughts as to how I can improve this story going forward.
I already have big plans as to what I want to do with Season 2, but any story suggestions you can come up with could be beneficial since at the moment, while the stuff I have planned for Benny and the villains is mostly set in stone, other arcs are currently up in the air, meaning there's still a window of time if you wanna make suggestions.
To tide you over for now, here's a list of either what to expect or at least what I hope to do.
ZOO-KEEPERS SEASON 2 WISHLIST:
*A New Antagonist
*New Cubimals
*New Power-Ups
*More Romance
*Caleb Getting More Focus
*Sylvia Getting More Focus
*More Hitarthi and Tiana
*More Backstories
*Zooman Discoveries
*Major Family Troubles
*Shocking Twists
*Two Part Team-Up
Also, keep an eye on my Deviantart page, because I've got some Season 2 redesigns cooking and there's no telling when they'll drop. ;)
Finally, I want to talk about my current starting date plan for a moment.
EARLIEST START: Spring 2022
LATEST START: Early Summer 2022
Here's hoping I can stick to this and that my dates don't get pushed back/screwed over by creative block or school.
Again, one final time, thank you to all readers out there.
May the power protect you all and I'll see you back here for Power Rangers Zoo-Keepers Season 2.