Disclaimer; I do not own the rights to Power Rangers
Chapter 2: An Officer and A Beauty
Nearly a week had passed since Liam's life had completely changed from what he was used to. He was taking the transition into Agent and Ranger life well, all thing considered. However it kept him busy. From Monday to Friday he went straight from School into Agent Training and running field exercises. On Saturday and Sunday Liam returned to the Elysian Light Realm for a few hours to meet with Tenshii and Lathi for Ranger training.
Liam believed the Ranger training proved to be the more difficult of the two training sessions he attended. After all, he was working with alien magic as a Ranger, and Liam tended to be more familiar with Earth Technology.
Which is where he was struggling today.
Tenshii had been teaching him his style of fighting. He believed it would be easier for the both of them if Liam were more familiar with the style. It would be useful to Liam in the case he was fighting against the Metalliwisps out on the field and found himself either unable to morph and have his doppelgangers come to his assistance. Or in the case they were incapable of assisting him for whatever reason.
However, Liam's form was completely off today, and he found himself constantly being knocked down into the reflecting pool.
Liam surfaced in the pond, spitting water out. His hair and clothes drenched. Tenshii let out a laugh as he helped the teenager back onto the surface of the water, allowing the mystical liquid to take on it's unnatural property of supporting their weight.
Shaking his head as Lathi, the mystical Phoenix, landed on his shoulder Tenshii looked down at his young friend. Liam was wringing out his clothes and pushing his soaked blonde hair from his eyes. The kid looked like a mess.
"The Goal of Phoenix Style is Grace, Agility, and precision. In order to achieve it, one must be light on their feet, and carry oneself as if gliding. Take inspiration from Lathi's flight and movements. Act as if you are guiding him." He explained. He then demonstrated for Liam, proceeding with a flowing amount of sweeping kicks and moving with long but sure circling strides punctuated with quick punches and kicks.
Liam heaved a sigh and let out a jovial laugh as he shook his head, "Hey, I was using Lathi as inspiration for your information. That was just my imitation of Lathi taking a bath." He said.
Lathi squawked and turned his head as if he was slightly offended by the joke. He then huffed out his chest.
"Okay, Sorry. You're a master of grace and beauty, even when bathing. Forgive me?" Liam asked the bird, in a mockingly sweet voice.
With a twittering noise Lathi flew over to Liam landing on the young boy's outstretched arm. He then began to bob his head in a bird like fashion, requesting the young boy to pet him. Liam gave a slight smile as he reached up with his free hand and gave the large white bird a scratch along his neckline. Lathi puffed out his feathers and shimmied happily, before giving Liam a tiny peck on the nose. He then flew off to his perch just above the Lotus throne.
Liam looked back at Tenshii to see if the Aether Guardian had seen the actions of the bird. He found his teacher was standing in the doorway overlooking the flowering courtyard of the temple. He had a look of longing on his face.
Liam joined him.
The courtyard, a place which Liam had not noticed on his first visit here was just located at the bottom of a small drop from the foot of the steps of the marble white temple. There were other areas just beyond the expanse. Other temples which surrounded the vast tree and flower filled field, with it's stone walkways and fountains.
The other creatures which Liam had seen on his arrival to the Elysian Light Realm, could be see among the vast field. An amazing sight out of some dream which, even a full week later, Liam couldn't believe he was seeing.
"Tenshii, what's-the matter?" he asked as he sat down on the top step of the temple beside the perplexed looking man.
Sighing Tenshii shook his head. "It's nothing. I'm fine." He said.
Liam felt a pang in his heart, and began feeling a sudden longing for friends. An accidental empathic response, which occured occasionally. Liam understood the feeling. He sat back on the palms of his hands as he looked down at the courtyard.
"You miss them. Don't you? Your friends." He said.
Tenshii tensed up. His brow furrowed before he heaved a sigh as he sat down.
"Of course I do." He said.
There was a moment of silence between the two of them. The light breeze which blew through the area ruffled their hair. Liam was hesitant to ask, but the question had been bothering him for some time.
"Hey, Tenshii. If you don't mind me asking, but how did you end up becoming the Zenith Aether Guardian?" Liam asked.
Tenshii looked down at the stone beneath his feet for a second as he thought about it. He then heaved a sigh and began to speak.
"Destiny I suppose. When I was your age, I was an orphan out on the streets. My parents died after being infected by the Pandora Mist during the ongoing war with Briezora's Army. I mean, it wasn't anything unusual. Lot's of kids my age and younger were in my position at the time." He explained.
Shaking his head he continued on with a far off look in his eyes. "It was dangerous to be living out on the streets. No one would ever known when a Wisp attack might happen, and you'd be the next one losing your soul to the Pandora Mist-that's what the Mist does, it's entire purpose is to devour the soul."
Liam shivered as he thought about it. So that's what had been happening to all those people. They weren't lapsing into indefinite comas. His stomach turned at the idea. It made him even more thankful his family had so far been lucky enough to avoid infection.
"It was difficult, I had to search for a new shelter almost every night. Having Lathi with me didn't make things any easier. There was an Eidolon hunt going on at the time, and it was dangerous for anyone to be seen with one." He explained.
Raising his eyebrow, Liam looked over, "Eidolon?" He asked. He had only heard the word in video games before.
Tenshii nodded and looked down at his hand for a second as he tried to figure out how to explain the concept to his new friend. "Beings created from the souls of individuals, whom were infused with Aether, originally to defend the world of Elysia before the Aether which flowed through it was seperated." He explained.
"They were the first protectors of the Zenith Elysian Realm. With the creation of the two realms, the Zenith Aether Crystal was created from the condensed holy spiritual energies-Aether. When the Original Guardians passed away, their souls continued to live on as the Eidolons here in this realm. Years later, their souls appeared within those who would become the Zenith Elysian Order. I guess acting with the same purpose which I act through you. Unable to leave the Zenith Aether Realm without a vessel. " He said.
"So, you, me and Lathi are like Three Generations of White Ranger in one huh?" Liam asked.
"I suppose so." Tenshii said with a laugh.
Liam nodded and let his companion finish his original story.
"When Breizora had found his way into your world, he ordered a hunt for those whom been chosen by the Eidolons. It'd been prophecied if those who had the power to summon Eidolons were able to come together he'd be facing almost certain destruction." Tenshii said.
Shaking his head he continued. "If people knew you were capable of summoning an Eidolon, they tended to fear you; because if word got out, there was a chance the Wisps would pay a visit. People didn't want their families to be in danger, and Lathi wasn't exactly the easiest Eidolon to control. Word got around the village which I lived in fast." He said.
"Long story short, one day I met the siblings Marduk and Echo; They were members of one of the Royal Families of Elysia. Rumored to be descendants of the original Elysian Guardians. They took me in, and soon explained to me they too had the same power which I did; and that they had actually been looking for me, because of a prophecy basically saying because I had Lathi's spirit; I was destined to lead the Zenith Order, and become the Aether Guardian." He said.
Looking down he shrugged as he looked over at Liam, whom was expecting more to the story, "And that was it. I started training with Marduk and Echo, eventually the others showed up, and we fought against Briezora-and they died, leaving me alone as the sole guardian." He said.
Looking out into the distance where there were other structures just visible through the haze of light Liam braced himself for another uncontrolled empathic surge of emotion. He put his hand on his heart and could feel it beating in his chest. His breath caught in his throat temporarily. Where he seen the beauty and tranquility of the courtyard he suddenly felt sad.
It must have felt empty here for Tenshii, especially seeing the Eidolons of his friends roaming about, but his friends nowhere to be seen. But there was something about the emotion, Liam felt to be off.
Just as quick as the sensation came across Liam, it vanished leaving him with a sickening feeling throughout his body as if one had just woken from a bad dream.
"Liam. Let's call it a day. It's getting late in your time, and I'm sure your family is wondering where you are." Tenshii said, looking over his shoulder to the teenager.
"Alright. I'll see you later Tenshii. Take care." Liam said before vanishing into a white light.
Holding up his finger, as an orange monarch butterfly landed on it Tenshii smiled.
The black SUV drove along the road through the Angel Grove Desert.
The Driver of the SUV was a woman wearing a dark blue jumpsuit, with tactical gear attached to the black leather harness like holsters on the suit. Her dark brown hair pulled into a ponytail, just visible under the red beret. She wore a pair of sunglasses, to shield her eyes from the blinding midday sun.
On her chest she had her ID badge clipped, indicating her as being Jasmine White, Commander of Sigma Squad of the Silver Guardians, based in Silver Hills California. Seventy five miles from Angel Grove.
She wasn't sure why her superior officers, Directors Collins and Meyers were reassigning her from Sigma Squad Command. She couldn't help but feel bothered by it as she drove through the desert.
She received a call in the middle of the night from Director Collins the night before, being awoken from her sleep as her phone went off. He was requesting her presence in the main conference room immediately.
She had met with them, not entirely sure why an assignment would be given out this late. She felt proud she was being selected for a solo mission; because to her it meant her superiors were seeing her skill and were recognizing her merits.
Her heart fell slightly as Director Meyers explained to her about the reassignment from the Silver Guardian's Division to the Angel Grove base of the United Alliance of Hope.
Jasmine just didn't understand it. She thought she was doing so well as a commander, and to suddenly just have a transfer thrust upon her like this with hardly any warning? It didn't make sense!
"Alpha Division is having some issues in regards to the safety of Angel Grove and Stone Canyon, so the Director has made a special request of a Silver Guardian to join their ranks." Director Collins explained.
"Commander White, your outstanding leadership and impressive record have been taken into account by Director Collins and myself, and we have selected you to be this candidate whom will be joining Alpha Division. You will begin tomorrow morning." Director Meyers said.
Which is where she headed to right now. She was still trying to figure out what exactly the type of job awaited for her at the Angel Grove base if they were only requiring the contract of one single person and not her whole squad.
"Guess we'll just find out when we get there." She said.
A few miles down the road, an old white car sat on the side of the road. The hood was up and spewing smoke from the engine. it's owner, a good looking young man with neatly combed and styled dark brown hair, was staring at the smoking engine in dismay.
Rubbing the back of his neck, where a thin sheen of sweat was starting to form in the heat of the blazing sun, he heaved a sigh and looked towards the clear blue sky. Just his luck for his car to break down out in the middle of the desert, without a soul around for a few miles.
"First day in town and I get stranded." He said to himself as he batted away some of the smoke coming from the engine.
Shaking his head he looked around the area. He could see the hazy skyline of the outskirts of Angel Grove out in the distance. His cellphone had no service this far out in the desert and getting to town required a walk to the closest gas station with a phone, to call a tow truck.
He sighed and leaned against the driver side door of his car. He figured he'd have to wait for the engine to cool down and give it another shot. Maybe while he was waiting someone from Angel Grove on their way to or out of town, would notice him and offer him a ride to the nearest phone.
Laughing to himself he shook his head. Hitchhiking, sure it wasn't the safest thing, but the only choice he had. It's definitely something he'd have to leave out of his phone call back home later on. His mother definitely would flip if she ever knew her son was considering something so dangerous.
After a few minutes he heard the rumble of an engine and the roaring of a vehicle pulling off onto the fine gravel which lined the side of the dusty desert road. Looking over he saw a black SUV pulling up. The dark tinted window rolled down.
Huh, didn't take as long as I thought it would. He thought as he approached the car making sure to be careful.
As he approached he saw the driver was a brunette wearing sunglasses and a military uniform. "Hey, thanks for stopping!" He said. Casually, trying to give the most charming smile he could give to the woman.
"Jasmine White. Silver Guardians. Do you need help?" She asked. She wasn't sure what about him compelled her to put off her arrival at the United Alliance base, but there was something about the man in purple which compelled her to help him out.
"Joey Winters. Nice to meet you Miss White. To answer your question, I could use some assistance. I don't suppose you could spare some time to take me into town to call for a tow?" He asked as he leaned against the door.
Shaking her head Jasmine looked ahead, "Can't take you into Angel Grove. I'm supposed to be somewhere." She said.
With a defeated sigh Joey shrugged, "I see. Well. Thanks anyway." He said.
As he stepped away, Jasmine noticed the sun catch on the necklace he was wearing. Something seemed odd about it, and caught Jasmine's interest, though she couldn't place her finger on why the crystal hanging from the silver design was of any interest. Plenty of people had crystal necklaces.
"Wait!" Jasmine called after him, not sure why she was compelled to continue to help him.
Joey turned and took a few cautious steps back towards the car. What was it with this woman? She stops on the side of the road to see if he needs help, denies him a ride into town for said help, and then wants to help him again? So Confusing! He thought.
"Hop in. There's probably a phone where I'm heading. It'd be closer." She said hesitantly. This was a bad idea she kept telling herself. Especially as the young man pulled himself into the passenger seat of the car and buckled his seatbelt.
Liam found himself sitting before his grandfather again, shortly upon his return from the Light Realm. He wondered what his grandfather could possibly have wanted.
"What's all this about?" He asked as he sat across from the older man.
Director Stone looked down at the file in front of him which detailed the information of the newest officer whom was to be arriving soon.
"There is a new Agent who will be arriving here in a few minutes. I thought I should brief you on her arrival." He explained.
Liam looked at the picture of the brown haired woman, and scanned over the information of her military records and honors. He didn't understand. It wasn't like new Agents were a completely new thing or anything. Transfers from other facilities were common. Agents were starting to transfer from all over. News of the Cybershade attack had spread to the other bases and they had agents putting in transfers to offer assistance.
"Why?" He asked.
"Well, I'm assigning Miss White specifically to you. She'll be acting under your command and providing assistance to the Zenith Aether Ranger Team. I think you'll find her to be a great asset." Director Stone said.
Raising his eyebrow and looking up at his grandfather as he passed the file back to the older man. "If she's going to be an assigned Bodyguard why not just assign my family to that? At least that would come with the benefit of them knowing who they're supposed to be protecting." He said.
A small half laugh came from Director Stone as he closed the file and moved it to the edge of the desk.
"It's funny you say that actually, little brother. Because that's exactly what Gramps had in mind." Liam heard his older brother say as the door opened behind the two of them as five people entered into the room.
The smile on the teenager's face became wide as he saw his family enter into the room. He then looked to his grandfather as if he didn't believe what he was hearing.
"Micah and Agent Gray both have been transferred over here from Hexagon Division, upon my request and I've assigned Alice, Amber, and Willis specifically to the duty of guarding and assisting the Aether Guardian Ranger." Director Stone said.
Alice nodded as she looked down at her son. "We're to help you find the other Aether Rangers, and provide assistance to your team in any way possible." She said.
"Yeah. Consider us the official B-Squad team while A-Squad is assembling." Amber said in her normal bubbly fashion.
Liam nodded, and then looked back to his grandfather, "But what about Agent White?" He asked.
"Well, we originally were created to take care of the Cyclobot soldiers and defend Silver Hills-but there haven't been many, well any, attacks of that nature around Silver Hills, so we're often hired for other purposes. Hostage situations, police backup, traffic control. My squad usually handled hostage situation and missing persons cases." Jasmine explained.
Joey just asked her about what she did as a Silver Guardian; trying to make small conversation for the surprisingly long ride out into the middle of the desert. He had decided to make small talk just to calm his nerves as he wondered what sort of facility needed so much isolation out in the middle of the desert. Not only this but Jasmine had sworn him to absolute secrecy of what he was about to see out here.
Secret Military bases out in the middle of the desert? Now this was a conspiracy theory waiting to happen, Joey thought as he glanced into the driver side vanity mirror and checked his hair.
"What about you? What business do you have in Angel Grove?" Jasmine asked. She gave a brief glance over to the man in the passenger seat, to see him checking out his appearance. Grimacing she shook her head. So he's one of those swaggering peacock type guys, who thought the world about his looks and never caught with one hair out of place on their faux tousled head.
Before Joey could answer Jasmine piped up. "No, wait. Don't say it, Let me guess-You're a musician who just recorded his first CD, and you've left behind your childhood home of-I'm gonna say Blue Bay Harbor- where you were the big time football homecoming prom king, big man on campus superhero; and you're looking to pitch your music to a record producer in Angel Grove in hopes of making it big." She said.
Joey took note of the sarcastic tone in her voice, and he couldn't help but feel a blush appearing on his face. He looked down at his hands, folded together in his lap for a second. He felt nervous. He knew if he told this woman what he did for a living, she'd immediately begin her judgement and make assumptions about the type of person he was. Everyone always did.
With a sidelong glance Jasmine noticed the uneasiness on Joey's face. "My second guess would be your a serial killer, and your dead girlfriend was in the trunk of that car and you were driving out to the Angel Grove Desert to dispose of the body right before I showed up." She said.
A small smirk appeared on Joey's face as he heard this. He looked over to see Jasmine with a half curious expression on her face as she looked ahead.
"If I were a killer-would I have willingly jumped in a car with an officer?" He asked.
"I don't know. Maybe those are your targets and you've got a thing for women in uniform." She said in an almost deadpan manner.
Joey shrugged and looked out the window. "You're right. I confess!" He said dramatically.
He watched as she slowly reached for the holster at her hip, ready to draw her weapon. Oh shit, he thought this girl wasn't just saying it to be funny
"Woah, Woah. Take it easy Officer. I'm playing with you. Don't shoot." He said.
Taking a deep breath, but resting her hand at her side as she drove the car with one arm, Jasmine shook her head. "Didn't your mother ever tell you not to play with Police?" She said.
Joey looked over. "Sorry." He said.
"So you are a musician?" She asked.
"Model."
"Blue Bay?"
"Paradise Cross."
"California?"
"Arkansas."
"Ooh. A Southern Boy. But what brings you all the way out here? Looking to get signed by one of the big agencies out here?" She asked.
"The Vale Agency in Angel Grove hired me. They wanted me to move out here. I just got settled in my apartment yesterday and I thought I'd take a drive today to get familiar with the town. But, my car broke down. Lucky for me I'm not supposed to be at the Agency until tomorrow morning. They wanted to give me a couple of days to settle in. " He said as he checked the clock on the dashboard of the car.
Sighing he reached for the necklace hanging from his neck. Joey always wore the necklace. Though he knew it wasn't exactly the most stylish thing. There was something about it which made him feel powerful, no matter what the situation. There was just something lucky about it. Though Joey never fully believed in superstitions, he found it fun to indulge in them to some degree and the crystal was Joey's own lucky charm.
"That's a cool crystal necklace. Where did you get it?" Jasmine asked.
Joey ran his fingers across the triangular piece of crystal. "It's kind of a weird story." He said.
"I won't judge. Promise. I'll even tell you a weird story in exchange."
Nodding Joey began. "When I was a little kid, probably about six, my elementary school went on a class field trip to the Crystal Mines a few miles outside of town." He said. As he continued his story, he began to remember the whole thing as if it has just happened yesterday.
The ground was wet due to the rain the previous day. That's how it always was with the ground in Arkansas. When it rained the ground immediately soaked it up and held it for some time. Mud covered the six year old Joey's pants leg. He had just stepped in a fairly weak spot in the ground.
The event had embarrassed him and he had tried to make himself unnoticed as he stood at the back of the group of first graders as they descended into the caves. He tried to pay attention like a good student as the tour guide droned on and on about the quartz crystals which were mined in the caves, and the formation of crystals.
However something had been distracting him. Occasionally he thought he would see an unusual glimmer over his shoulder, and feel a strange ghostly presence. It creeped him out, and he was already feeling creeped out by the dark caves. The last thing he needed was some creep in the shadows with a purple laser pointer trying to lure him away from his class.
About the fourth time he saw the light glowing behind him, and he became startled by the feeling of someone's hand on his as if it were trying to pull him away from the group. He checked to make sure none of the teachers would see him leaving. Whatever, or who ever was back there the six year old knew he had to find out, regardless of how stupid the idea actually was.
He followed the light, still feeling some unseen force tugging on his hand, leading him through the slightly slippery sloping path. He started to become concerned when he found himself clearing the safety railing a few feet away. He found himself climbing precariously over the rough jagged rocks.
There was an alcove a ten foot climb in the cave against the wall of the cave, where the light seemed to have been coming from. The young Joey found himself climbing it grasping onto what footholds he could find in the occasional glimmer of the light. The guiding lamps of the cave path had long since been out of his sight.
As the young child pulled himself up onto the ledge, he stopped for a minute to catch his breath. There wasn't much room here, and his head was nearly touching the top of the clearing. Looking around, the light seemed to have gotten softer. He saw it seemed to have been coming from a perfectly triangular shaped Crystal which was sticking out of the wall, just within reach of his hand.
Joey reached forward and took a hold of the crystal. He found the rock the Crystal rested in offered no resistance coming from the crystal. However as he pulled the shining stone from the crystal, the light immediately stopped, and the cave began to shake.
"It turns out the mine collapsed in further down the path where my class and the tour guide were. If I had been with them, we would have all died down there. Yet, I was able to get out of the mines and get help. Ever since then I've kind of considered this to be my lucky charm." He explained to Jasmine who was looking ahead as she drove.
He expected her to laugh. Glowing crystals? Invisible forces leading one around? He knew how weird and stupid it must have sounded. However, she didn't laugh. In fact her eyes narrowed, focused upon the expanse of desert and the hills coming into view.
"What?" He asked.
"I don't like it." she said shaking her head.
"-but it's true."
"That's what I don't like about it."
"Why not?"
Jasmine reached into the front shirt pocket of her uniform and withdrew an object from it. She herself had a similar crystal-only this one tinted a light orange color while his was more purple in color. The crystal was exactly the same shape as his.
"Because I found this one in a similar manner." She said.
Joey's eyes became wide as he felt a chill run through his body.
Shaking her head and putting the crystal back in her pocket she began her story. "Only I ended up being the one rescued."
She continued; "My family had gone on a hike through the woods one weekend. I was probably about the same age you were whenever you found your crystal. I got separated from my family, and a terrible storm blew in suddenly."
A storm beat down on the forest outside of Silver Hills. The six year old Jasmine was running through the trees, looking through the blue grey fog trying to find her parents. Anxiety was growing in her chest as the minutes passed and she was unable to see anything or anyone familiar.
Soaked from head to toe.
The sky starting to get dark.
Tears were rolling down her eyes, mixing with the rain. She was cold, wet, and she wasn't sure how long it would take for someone to find her. Wild animals had a better chance of finding the solitary child in the vast expanse of tree covered hills in the heavy rain than it would take for anyone else to.
She tripped over a loose tree root as she ran, scraping up her knees badly. Getting to her feet and dusting off the mud from the puddle in which she landed in she noticed something glimmer by her foot. As she got to her feet she picked it up and examined it. A small triangular crystal, which seemed to glow in the dark with a comforting orange light, like a campfire.
As she picked up the crystal, she suddenly saw someone approaching her through the woods. An older woman with an orange umbrella over her head wearing an orange sundress. The young child seemed to have found this barefoot woman to be an odd sight. She didn't even seem bothered by the storm.
The woman approached, speaking with a voice which seemed to calm the young child. She asked if the girl was lost, to which Jasmine replied she was. The woman remarked about it starting to get dark and the storm was getting worse. Outside was no place for either of them to at the minute. She had a cabin not too far from there.
They reached cabin in no time, and the woman started up a fire for them to sit by. They talked for awhile-or Jasmine talked, worrying about her family, while also thanking the older lady for being so nice as to take her in. Sometime during the night the six year old fell asleep.
"Two Silver Guardians found me the next morning. I told them about the woman whom rescued me-but they said there had been no one else was in the cabin. The property abandoned for years." Jasmine said shaking her head as she finished her story.
Joey shivered. "Creepy!"
"Yeah." She said.
"Do you think it was like destiny that we met or something?"
"What would make you say something stupid like that?"
Joey looked over, a small blush coming over his flawless tanned cheeks. "Well, I mean how else would you explain how two people who have never met before, and from entirely different backgrounds to coincidentally meet on the same day? Especially to learn they both kept a crystal which they received from a strange occurrence around the same age?" He asked.
Shaking her head Jasmine shrugged, "Bad auto repair." She said sarcastically.
A smile cracked Joey's lips as he shook his head and looked out the window, silence falling between the two of them.
In his palace on the moon, King Aradon was watching the scene take place before him.
"Tell me again, Father why we should care about that Agent and her little friend?" Archerina asked, in a bored voice as she watched the two humans driving along. She knew her father had to have some reason behind his focused attention on these two humans in particular, but why? They could be taken out easily.
King Aradon approached the hologram, switching it off. "If Galexia's energy readings are correct, those two are in possession of two fragments of the Zenith Aether Crystal." He said.
Karmelody was lounging in the corner reading a book. She looked up hearing this. She set the book aside and approached her father and her sister's discussion. Now this was a conversation she liked!
"So they're Power Rangers?" She asked.
King Aradon nodded, "Well, they will be Rangers if they're allowed to make contact with the Zenith Aether Guardian." He said.
"Father that is something we just cannot let happen!" Archerina said in a desperate and dramatic voice clutching her bow weapon close to her chest.
"What? Afraid you might actually have to scuff up the finish on your fake chrome nails?" Karmelody asked putting her hands on her hip. She knew her older sister was getting annoyed with her. She found joy of the whole situation. She loved to annoy Archerina and whenever it came to issues involving her husband and his family having been unable to defeat the Power Rangers.
Before Archerina had a chance to respond to her sister's teasing, the doors to the throne room opened and General Galexia walked in, followed by a Cybershade. This one looked like a pig with vacuum cleaner parts attached to him. Various hoses and wire connected to a large bag on his back.
"Ah, Galexia! What is this you have brought for us today?!" King Aradon said as he circled the Monster inspecting it, admiring it.
Galexia looked down at the computer tablet she was holding. "Another CyberShade Solider Sir. Created from a Metalliwisp." She said.
Karmelody crossed her arms, "Well, I hope you improved you cyber enhancements with this one. The last one you sent out got destroyed single handed by the White Ranger." She said.
With a scoff, Galexia waved her hand to the side as if she were dismissing Karmelody's concern. She then turned towards King Aradon, before continuing to speak. "DustGhoul will be able to take those Crystals right out of the hands of those humans." She said.
"Very Good. Very Good. Send him down right away with the Metalliwisps!" King Aradon said.
Jasmine stopped the car. She suddenly found herself overcome with a sense of dread. She didn't understand it. Something was telling her things were wrong but the desert seemed to be perfectly fine. Looking over at Joey in the passenger seat she noticed he was looking tense and pale faced. His hand was gripping the necklace he wore, while the other one was gripping the door handle ready to spring from the car at a moment's notice.
"Stay here." Jasmine said. She made her way carefully around the car, drawing out her gun. As she approached a silvery light which she had begun to see along the ground just underneath her, she felt the sense of dread growing more. A Metalliwisp attack was about to happen. She thought.
She heard about it from some of her fellow Officers whom had come to Angel Grove in the last few years on missions. They said there was sometimes a silver light seen before the Mist appeared. As soon as the Mist appeared, the Metalliwisps would make their appearance.
Sure enough as she approached the line of silver light, it exploded upwards and outwards before settling like steam low over the ground. From the mist, came the strange Metalliwisp creatures. Human in appearance, except for the machine parts, and the black soulless eyes, leaking ugly black tears like oil from their eyes.
There were at least thirty of them. Jasmine looked around the area finding the fog had snuck up behind them as well.
"What are those things?!" Joey shouted. He was outside of the car, and only a few feet away from Jasmine. He heard Angel Grove had it's monster problems, but he didn't expect nightmares like these things.
Seeing Joey away from the vehicle, Jasmine bit her lip. "Get back! These Metalliwisps are too dangerous for a Civilian!" She shouted. The Commander tone in her voice starting to come out.
Joey hesitated for a second. Jasmine was clearly outnumbered. Even if she is a member of an elite fighting force he couldn't just leave her to fight alone. He had to help her some way! He began rifling through the car, opening whatever he could find to open, hoping he would find a weapon or something. She's practically military for crying out loud she's got to have something! He thought.
Finally his hand came in contact with the holster of another blaster. He felt a slight wave of relief come over him as he grabbed a hold of it. Already loaded! Good!
As he got out of the car, he noticed the battle between Jasmine and the Metalliwisps had gotten far out of hand. Her hat had been knocked off in the scuffle, and she was engaging in hand-to-hand combat with a few of the creatures, trying to get away just far enough to shoot.
Here goes nothing Joey thought as he let out a yell and rushed in to help Jasmine, knowing a few of the Metalliwisps back with the blasts from his gun.
Tenshii looked up from the scene he was watching in the reflecting pool as he heard the exotic cawing of the violet peacock. The crowing and the sound of rustling feathers seemed to be more frantic than what he was used to hearing.
He turned to see the purple peacock circling frantically trying to get his attention. He approached the bird and knelt down to it. Carefully he set his hand on it's back. He was staring at the frantic bird for a second.
"Nabu, what's wrong? What has happened?" He asked as he looked down at the bird.
The bird began looking over its shoulder and shaking it's feathers. Tenshii felt a twinge of frustration as he tried to understand the bird's frantic dance and song. Lathi was the only one of the Eidolons which he understood. He could only communicate with his own Eidolon.
After a few more seconds trying to understand the creature Tenshii shook his head and sighed, "I'm sorry Nabu! I just don't understand. Oh-I wish Marduk was here. He'd understand you."
Nabu darted over towards one of the lights which floated on the surface of the water near the lotus throne. The peacock began to squawk and circle the violet light, and shake it's feathers as if it were expecting the light to do something. Near by, it appeared that the Butterfly was circling the orange light which was glowing and pulsating with energy.
Tenshii looked curiously at the lights. "Marduk, Echo?" He asked as he slowly approached the lights.
The Alarm went off in the base, catching the attention of Liam and his family.
"Our sensors have picked up an appearance of Metalliwisps a mile out from our facility. It seems like a relatively small number. " Director Stone said as he looked at the information appearing on his tablet.
He looked up at the six in front of him. "Seems like Aradon must have figured we were expecting a special guest."
Willis stepped forward. "If it's a few number of Metalliwisps, then our squad will take care of it sir. After all, if they are attacking Agent White then it is our duty to protect one of our own squad." He said.
Amber nodded and hit her fist against the open palm of her hand in front of her. "Dad's right! Besides what better way to get to know your teammates than out on the battle field!" She said. Her voice energetic to almost frightening levels.
Liam felt a twinge of concern in his heart, as his mind flashed back to the incident nearly a week ago against the Genjester CyberShade. If King Aradon felt it necessary to attack a solitary Agent on the way to the base, then Liam knew there was a CyberShade not too far behind.
Getting to his feet, Liam got ready to armor up as the Elysian Zenith Aether Guardian Ranger. However before he could make the motions to activate the Crystallizer, he felt a firm grasp on his shoulder. Looking up, He saw his older brother's hand. He was looking sternly down at him.
"Liam, it's just Metalliwisps right now. Save the Morphing for if and when a Cybershade shows up." He said.
"You're right." Liam said. He then followed the others out of the room to head out for the battle.
They were surrounded.
Jasmine winced as the sharp claws of the Metalliwisp tore through her uniform. The bitter chalky taste of dust filled her mouth as she collided with the ground. She had thrown herself in front of Joey whom battled with a Metalliwisp solider.
"Jasmine!" He said as he saw the woman hit the dirt. He kicked at the Metalliwisp which was close to her. As he took down this one, he lost track of another one which managed to sneak up behind him, hitting him squarely in the middle of the back. Pain racked his body and he felt the wind leave him as he fell to the ground.
Through his blurred vision he was only half aware of being surrounded by the creatures. They forced him and Jasmine to their feet, holding their arms behind their backs. As he vision began to clear up, he noticed the Metalliwisps seemed to be awaiting something which was coming at them from the distance.
An unbelievable ugly pig monster with vacuums and tubes all over it's body was approaching them.
Joey heard Jasmine let out an audible gasp as she saw the monster approaching. "Is this what Director Meyers was talking about? Enhanced Metalliwisp soldiers?" She said.
"Let us go you creep! We've done nothing to you!" Joey shouted as he struggled against the Metalliwisps' grasp.
The Dustghoul Cybershade snorted and shook with laughter. "I guess I could make a deal wit' you!" He said his words punctuated with a whirring snort like air sucked in through a stuffed up nose. He then held out his hand towards the two of them. "If you give me those pretty little crystas y' got there. I migh' let you go."
Joey and Jasmine exchanged a look with one another. By the look on their faces the other knew they were thinking the same thing. What was so special to this monster about the crystals?
"Forget that. You want something shiny, you can have my watch! But there's no way I'm giving a monster like you something so important!" Joey shouted. His response only made the Metalliwisp strike him on the back again.
The Dustghoul laughed. "Alrigh' if you ain't gonna give me th' Crystas, I'mma just havta take um from ya'll." He said. He then held out his arm towards the two. His arm was a vacuum cleaner. He hit a switch on the object and suddenly the arm came to life, creating a strong current of air which was pulling the two closer. It seemed attracted specifically to the crystals.
A streak of fire suddenly came through the air, shorting out DustGhoul's arm.
Jasmine and Joey looked around as the Metalliwisps let go. The Metalliwisps seemed to be as confused and concerned about the abrupt occurrence as they were.
However it didn't take long for the group to find the source of the fire, as two people made their way into the group. Two people dressed in biker gear. One in mostly red and the other in black. The Red Rider had flames around his gloved fists, while his female companion wielded swords.
"Y'all gonna pay for messing up my dust-busting arm!" DustGhoul shouted as he rushed at the two riders. The Black rider looked at her companion tilting her head towards the charging monster as if telling him to go ahead. After all, the CyberShade was more mad at him and his flames than he was at her. She hadn't even done anything yet.
The Red Rider nodded and met with the DustGhoul. Engaging in hand-to-hand combat with the creature.
Liam and his team had arrived just in time to see the battle recommence. The Red Rider fighting against the CyberShade and the Black Rider engaging in combat with several of the Metalliwisps.
"It's them again!" Alice said as she noticed the two helmeted warriors.
"What do they want?" Micah asked as he fired a blast towards some of the Metalliwisps near by, to clear a path to the two people in the middle of the group. One whom was laying on the ground, while the other was trying her best to protect him.
"Don't know. Don't care." Matt said as he punched one of the Metalliwisps.
Liam was the first to reach Jasmine and Joey. He knelt down beside them.
"I'm Agent Liam McKenzie, Commander White are you okay?"
"Yeah. I'm fine." Jasmine said. "You guys must be from Alpha Division. thanks for your help." Surprised to see the armored agent in front of her was so young.
Joey pushed himself up into a sitting position. "Yeah, seriously. We'd have been dead meat if it weren't for you guys showing up." He said.
Liam raised an eyebrow as he looked over at the other man. His information had not stated Commander White was to be accompanied by anyone else. From the look of the man's purple button up shirt jacket over a T-shirt and blue jeans combination; Liam knew this man wasn't an Agent.
This was going to make things complicated; as he was only allowed to reveal his identity as an Aether Ranger to those associated with the United Alliance. Though he didn't know if it would result in a loss of power or not. If a civilian knew of his identity and relation to the Alliance then it would become likely word would get out, and the upper ranks of the organization would take notice.
"That pig nosed creep seemed really interested in these crystals." Jasmine explained showing the orange crystal to Liam. The teenager's heart jumped as he saw the crystal. He quickly reached into his backpack. In the past week, Liam spent part of his time building new Crystallizers.
"Liam. Get to the Aether Temple immediately!" Tenshii's voice rang in Liam's head. Nodding Liam placed the Crystallizers in their hands.
"Yeah. There's a good reason for that too. I'll explain when we get somewhere safer. Just hang on." He said. He grabbed a hold of their wrists and concentrated. A white light surrounded the three and they disappeared from the battlefield.
Jasmine opened her eyes as the light cleared. She couldn't hear the rush of the battle anymore, or feel the chalky dust being kicked up and chocking the air. In fact she heard water, and peaceful calm nature sounds.
Getting to her feet she found Joey and Liam getting to their feet as well beside her. While Joey was looking in wonder at the new and mysterious place. Liam was already making quick strides towards a giant lotus on the other end of a large serene pond.
The teenager's feet didn't even break the surface as he walked across it.
"Wow, Jasmine! You didn't tell me that you guys' base was this cool! I mean I was picturing something cool, but not this." Joey said as he slowly walked around admiring the high gleaming marble walls.
Running her fingers along the nearest column Jasmine shook her head. "This isn't one of our bases. I don't know where this is." She said.
"Well, what should we do?" Joey asked as he looked around.
"Follow Agent McKenzie's lead. He seems like he knows what's going on." Jasmine said.
The two proceeded across the stone floor, towards the reflecting pool. Jasmine and Joey were both cautious as they stepped on the water. This seemed like some crazy dream.
They approached the white Lotus, finding a throne of some sort. Liam was kneeling before a white haired-though youthful looking man and three animals. He got to his feet as they approached and looked back at them.
"Greetings to the Elysian Zenith Aether Temple." Tenshii said as he approached them. "I'm Tenshii, the Aether Guardian."
Jasmine shivered as a fairly large monarch butterfly floated gracefully towards her. "I'm...Jasmine. Jasmine White of the Silver Guardians-and this is Joey Winters. Uhm. Why are we here?" She asked.
Her mind only picked up half of the explanation. Evil Demon King Briezora, possessing the Machine King Aradon. The Crystal she and Joey held were both part of a larger Crystal called the Elysian Zenith Crystal. Liam apparently held a piece of the same crystal. They were being offered to choice to become Power Rangers.
Joey bit his lip as he listened to the whole situation. Tenshii was saying something about the colorful lights being the souls of his previous teammates, whom given up their lives to fight against Breizora. These souls would help them become the next Aether Rangers.
"Look, I know it sounds really scary and unbelievable weird. I thought the same thing; but trust me. It's super cool, and you get used to it quickly." Liam said seeing the look of confusion tinted with terror on the two other people's faces.
"I'll do it!" Jasmine said as she took a step forward.
Joey stared at her in surprise. Jasmine seemed completely confident about the whole situation. Was she even paying attention to what she was being offered? They didn't even know these weird people and now they were being told, because of freak accidents in their past, these people had watched and monitored them since they were kids, and now they were being chosen to be superheroes?
"I feel this is what I was being drawn to all these years. Ever since I found this crystal and was rescued from the woods. I just have a feeling this is something I need to do." Jasmine began, before looking down at the crystal in her hand.
Joey crossed his arms. He knew all eyes were on him awaiting for him to answer. It sounded crazy to him.
Heaving a sigh he shrugged, trying to put on a casual aloof manner, though on the inside his heart raced. "One thing. If I agree, and I don't like it then can I quit?" He asked.
Tenshii nodded. "Of course."
Joey reached into his shirt and withdrew the necklace, slipping the crystal out of the sliver design. He gave the crystal a glance for a few minutes. He'd always known there was something special about it, but something like this definitely wasn't what he expected.
"Then, what the hell. I'm in." He said.
He and Jasmine looked at each other for a second, silently promising they were in this together. They put the Crystallizers on their wrists, and placed their crystal shards inside the empty chamber, the covering of the chamber clicked shut with an almost determined sound.
"Alright. follow my lead." Liam said.
"Crystallize Soul!"
Jasmine and Joey nodded as they readied themselves for what was about to happen. Following the teenager's movements as he raised his arms above his head, connecting the two devices, and bringing his crossed wrists down to his heart, before pushing them out towards the glimmering light in front of them, which had formed up into the spectral appearance of a human.
The Peacock and Butterfly circled them becoming pure light, and joining with them,
As the light cleared, Jasmine found the familiar sounds of the battlefield reaching her ears. Looking around she found the three of them; Liam, Joey, and herself, were back in the desert, resuming back where the battle had left off.
Only things were different. She looked down to see herself decked out in a shiny orange suit, similar to the two boys. The neckline of her suit similar to the two boys; a triangular pattern trimmed with gold, over white sleeves and under-arms with additional gold stripes looping along her shoulders, and a color coordinated cape on her back. Like the boys, she had two gold bands around her upper arms. Unlike the boys however hers had an orange skirt complete with gold trim.
"So ya'back, and you activated those purty crystas." DustGhoul said as he looked at the rangers.
"Yeah, had to leave for a minute to bring back some friend's of mine. How about they introduce themselves." Liam said.
"I protect the Elysian Realm of Light with the Majestic Flair of the Peacock! Aether Ranger Seven: Violet!" Joey called out, as he fell into a kung fu pose. He was balancing himself on one leg, while the other suspended in the air ready to strike. His arms outstretched on either side of him for balance.
"With the Graceful Agility of the Butterfly! Aether Ranger Two: Orange!" Jasmine called out. She found herself compelled to strike a pose as she introduced herself. She made several windmill motions with her arms, before holding her hands out to the side, slightly bent in mimicry of the a butterfly flapping it's wings. Even though it seemed absurd to her it made her feel stronger.
Liam took his turn for the roll call now. "With the Mystic Radiance of the Phoenix! Zenith Aether Guardian Ranger!" He shouted as he struck a phoenix pose.
"Together we are the Guardians of the Light of the Elysian Realm! Aether Rangers! Ready!" They called out in unison.
The three rangers faced down the Cybershade, ready to rush into battle at any second.
"Haha. I wouldn't get too comfortable in those costume's there now. 'Cuz, those shiny lil' crysta's of y'alls aint gonna be y'alls for much longa." The Dustghoul said. He let out a snorting laugh as he looked at the three rangers standing before him.
Joey put his hands on his hips and shook his head as he took a few steps towards the monster. "Dude, like seriously? I'd be happy to give you my crystal if only it was some sort of beauty enhancing thing. Like, no joke, I've seen pigs back home that don't look as messed up as you-and we lived near a nuclear plant." He said casually, motioning with his hands as he talked.
The Dustghoul shot a blast of energy from his arm towards the Violet Ranger, nailing him square in the chest and sending him backwards.
"Joey!" Jasmine shouted as she rushed over towards the fallen ranger, and helping him to his feet.
"I'm cool. Don't worry about me. Nice to know some beings around here can't take a joke." He said dusting himself off.
With the combined efforts of the three rangers, it didn't take long to damage the Dustghoul.
The metal plate on his chest exposed. He stumbled back from the strike of the Orange Ranger's twin ax weapons, and the Violet Ranger's fan weapons.
"Damn!" The DustGhoul growled as he put his hand over the exposed metal plate. One more attack like this and he'd be done for.
"His heart is exposed. If we strike together with the Eidolons, We should be able to destroy him." Liam shouted as he got close to the two other Rangers.
Jasmine and Joey both nodded. They had been thinking the same thing. The three lined up next to each other, Jasmine and Joey standing on opposite sides of Liam. The three of them brought their hand up to the metal design on their helmets, which glowed in their colors briefly. An Aura of energy surrounded them, as the light shot from the design. It joined with the colored auras temporarily forming a Phoenix, a Peacock, and a Butterfly, before becoming beams of light, which intertwined and circled each other as they dashed towards the DustGhoul.
"Eidolon Strike!" The Three Rangers called out.
A large explosion filled the area, and the light evaporated. DustGhoul's metallic parts left behind. The chest plate cracked, and the defeated monster's metallic canister heart exposed. With a click the canister fell from the now fully metallic creature. Landing with a soft thud upon the dirt of the desert before the remains of the creature fell backwards into a pile of scrap metal.
Matt walked up to the canister left behind, picking it up and looking at it. There was something glimmering inside of the canister. it's faint light just visible through the clear top. "Now you, I'm taking back to the base to have analyzed." He said.
With the complete decimation of the Genjester's heart when the Cybershades started to appear last week, Liam's final blow to the creature had decimated the creature's core. Now this one still being in tact was of some help to figure out what Galexia had done to create these things.
Liam looked at his new friends. He could see the excitement on their faces as they came out of their morphs, returning to their civilian clothes.
However, it wasn't the end of the battle for the Rangers. Liam noticed the Red and Black Riders approaching them through the now vacant field. His family and the two riders had dispatched a majority of the Metalliwisps in the battle, the resulting explosion of the combined attack had wiped out the rest.
"Hey, thanks for your help-I mean not only today, but last week too! It's good to know you guys are on our side!" Liam said with a smile as he approached the Red Rider, holding out his hand. The Red Rider didn't make any movement towards him, and shook his head as if he didn't understand.
Liam retracted his hand and rubbed the back of his neck.
"The Zenith Aether Crystals." The Black Rider said as she approached Jasmine and Joey, "Hand them over."
"What?" Jasmine asked.
"Why? Aren't you guys Agents? Aren't you supposed to be on our side?" Joey asked as he moved his arms back further to protect the Crystallizers on his wrist.
The Black rider tilted her head. "Agents?" She asked as if she didn't understand.
Micah stepped forward, "No they definitely aren't agents. They must be with King Aradon." He said getting ready to fight.
The Black rider shook her helmeted head, and withdrew the swords on her back. "It is my purpose to seek out the pieces of the Zenith Aether Crystal." She said.
Amber took a step forward, but found herself blocked by a line of fire at her feet.
"...and we are to eliminate all those who would stand in our way." The black rider said threateningly as she held out her blade towards Jasmine and Joey.
"Yeah, well, you're going to have to find a new purpose, because the two of you are outnumbered and the Crystals aren't going no where.." Amber said cutting into the helmeted rider's speech.
The Red Rider approached his companion, holding up his hands as they stood back to back. The agents surrounded them; Liam and Jasmine included, and they had their blasters trained on the two.
The Black Rider gave a brief glance over her shoulder to the slightly taller Red Rider and whispered something to him. She then nodded and sheathed the katana on her back again.
"You two are under arrest by the Alpha Division of the United Alliance of Heroes. For threatening a Power Ranger, and the assisting Agents. " Willis said as he slowly made his way towards the two, being careful not the let the aim of his blaster slip.
However before he could get close enough to the two, a blast of fire came up and knocked the circle of agents back. Forming up into a spectral Red Horse.
"An Eidolon?" Liam thought as he saw the creature forming up from the Flames. The two Riders got on the horse and immediately flew up into the sky.
Willis got to his feet and heaved a sigh. "Looks like they got away." He said.
"They'll be back." Alice said putting her hand on her husband's shoulder.
Liam crossed his arms as he approached his father, "On the bright side, they didn't get the crystals-and neither did the Cybershade. We should consider ourselves lucky." He said.
"So Joey, think this is something you want to do, being a Ranger and all?" Jasmine asked as she looked over at her new teammate.
Putting his hands in pockets, Joey shrugged and took a few steps away. "I don't know. It was pretty cool and all." He said, his voice full of indecisiveness.
"But-" Liam asked. He was nervous. What if Joey said no? They could use all the help they could get, and Joey seemed like a nice guy, like they'd get along.
He looked around at the disappointed faces of his two comrades, before running a hand through his hair. A smirk broke across Joey's face, dispelling the concern as he laughed. "Don't look so gloomy. I'm just joking! I'm totally in." He said.
Jasmine half glared and half smiled as she playfully punched Joey in the arm, making the man wince, and rub his shoulder.
"We should probably head back to base. Grandpa is expecting Commander White's presence, to brief her on her inclusion as a part of the squad. We can do formal introductions when we get there." Micah said as he gave a glance over to Jasmine and then to his family.
"Right." Alice said as they headed back to the vehicle which they came in.
"Wait. What do we do with him?" Amber asked, motioning towards Joey.
"Oh, don't mind me. I just need to use the phone and get dropped off at my car. I can probably get a ride back into town with the tow truck. I won't say a word to anybody about your base or anything. Though, I doubt anyone would believe me if I did say anything." Joey said, casually shrugging as if it were no big deal and he didn't want to be a burden on anyone.
Alice crossed her arms. "Unfortunately, since you're now an Aether Ranger, I don't think just letting you go is going to be an option." She said.
She then looked at her husband and oldest son, "We'll take him back to the base and let Director Stone decide what is to be done with him." She said.
In only a few short minutes, Joey found himself standing before a strange looking old man. He was definitely not the type of man he imagined hearing about Director Stone. This man seemed almost like he should have been combing the beaches of Florida or Hawaii with a metal detector, enjoying his retirement; not commanding a secret defense facility.
"So this is your grandfather?" He asked out of the corner of his mouth in a whisper to the blonde teenager standing next to him.
"Yeah, don't let his appearance fool you though. He's an ex police force Lieutenant, and former detective. I mean he ran the youth center in town for a little while, but that was before he was recruited by the United Alliance as an Agent. So, he's not as easy going as you would think." Liam explained.
Joey nodded, and turned his attention back to the old man.
"Mr. Winters. While your presence at the Alpha Division of the United Alliance of Heroes is unauthorized, and worth a reprimand of Agent White-"Director Stone began.
Looking over at Jasmine, a slight feeling of shame struck Joey. He hadn't meant to get her in trouble with them! He opened his mouth to offer an apology, but Jasmine shook her head and continued to look forward. Director Stone wasn't done speaking.
The old man continued, "However, in light of the recent revelation about you both being chosen as Aether Rangers-I have no other choice but to bring you aboard as an Agent of the Alpha's Division. That is if you will accept."
Joey crossed his arms, He was about to speak before Director Stone continued again.
"Of course, since you are employed outside of this facility, like we are doing with Liam, you will be working on a flexible schedule. You will need to report here at least three times a week for training. Should you have another priority in relation to your primary employment, Please contact me, or my Secretary Julia. so scheduling arrangements can be made should you not be able to make it to your scheduled training." Director Stone said, making indication of the sharp dressed secretary whom stood beside him.
Joey nodded, as he shook hands with Director Stone accepting these conditions.
As Director Stone welcomed both him and Jasmine into the ranks of the United Allaince Joey looked over at Jasmine and Liam. They both returned the look towards him with a confident smile.
Things might have gone far beyond what I was ever expecting when I moved out here to Angel Grove, Joey thought as he looked down at the Crystallizer on his arm and then to his new friends. Things were going to be just fine, better even. Joey knew, between Liam, Jasmine, the McKenzie Family and the other people he was going to be working with, they were going to be good friends. At least he'd have people he could rely on.
"So, like, we still haven't dealt with the real issue here. My car is still like out in the middle of the desert and-yeah." Joey said as he looked at the others.
Laughing Micah clapped the man in purple on the shoulder. "Lucky for you my friend. I happen to be a certified mechanic. all makes and models-and speaking of models, you think you might be able to introduce me to a few?" He asked. A wide smile was on the man's face.
"Well we'll see..." Joey said with a laugh.
The Aether Temple was bright with energy as Tenshii paced the reflecting pool, almost dancing with joy. The Zenith Elysian Order was being reformed, and he couldn't be happier.
He sat before the Orange and Violet lights which glowed upon the surface of the water. He could feel the spirts of his fellow Rangers within the lights. A wide smile appeared on his face as he bowed briefly to the two.
"Marduk, Echo. I wish the two of you were here to see this." He said with a wistful sigh.
The Orange light pulsed with a brighter light briefly, and Tenshii felt a reassuring warmth in his chest. He bowed his head, placing his hand on his chest for a brief second before nodding to himself. "I believe you both have chosen the successors to your powers well. I have complete faith they will be great Rangers." He said.
He then looked down at the water for a second before looking back to the two lights.
A smile appeared on his lips as he got to his feet. "One day the Crystal will be complete, and with any luck, the day will come when you, Marduk, and the others will be able to return to this plane. I look forward to the day. Until then, I shall do my best to guide the New Aether Rangers in their mission." He said.
He put his hand on his hip as he turned towards the entrance of the Temple, holding up his arm as Lathi landed on it. He gently scratched the Phoenix on the neck. "It won't be too much longer, and we'll be back at full strength. For now, It looks like we've got a long journey ahead of us training the new Zenith Elysian Order."
The dim glow of a computer filled the small room, as a Native American man in a white lab coat looked at the readout on the screen showing a number of equations and chemical compositions.
The man let out a sigh as he ran his large dark skinned hands across his forehead, as he removed his glasses and rubbed his eyes. He had been trying to make sense of the data which he had collected a few days ago. Skin samples of the patients under observation in Angel Grove General's Psychiatric ward, whom had come in contact with the Mist which preceded a Metalliwisp attack. He was comparing them to samples taken from the remains of the Cybershade and the Metalliwisps which attacked last week.
He couldn't make heads or tails of the data though. If he could, he would have been half way to reverse engineering the disease to see if there was a cure for the symptoms.
Leaning back in his chair he sighed and shook his head, and reached into the jacket pocket of his lab coat. He withdrew a triangular necklace fashioned to look like an arrowhead. The face of the locket was a yellow Crystal. Even in the dim light of the lab it seemed to glitter with it's own light.
The door opened, catching his attention. An African American woman with vibrant pink hair stood in the doorway. Her tattooed arms crossed. The woman rolled her eyes as she saw him working.
Around the woman's neck was a similar necklace, only the crystal design on hers was a pink tinted crystal.
"Hon. Come on. Mom's flight is landing in about an hour, we should be heading out to pick her up right now." The woman said.
"I know, I know it's just-"The man said as he got to his feet and approached his wife. He gave a glance back to the data on the computer.
The woman crossed her arms. "Your research is important to you I know. My mother moving back to the States and being greeted by her family and settling in to her new home in Angel Grove, after a wonderful meal with said family, is important to me." She said.
The man laughed and shook his head as he kissed his wife on the forehead. "Alright. If it means so much to you!" He said.
The woman rolled her eyes and playfully elbowed her husband's broad chest. "Hey, Don't act like it's a burden to spend time with mom. She's been dying to know all about the research you've been doing." She said.
With a smile the man shrugged, "I never said it was a burden. Your mom is great. I adore your mother. Best Mother-in-law I've ever had." he said with a laugh.
"She adores you and she's the only mother-in-law you've had. Now, come on. Let's go." The woman said, as she linked arms with her taller husband, as they both exited the room.
The man gave one last look over his shoulder to the computer as he left the room.
As the door closed behind him a screen came up on the computer, completing the analysis.