Disclaimer; I do not own the rights to Power Rangers
Chapter Four: The Indigo Empress
Silvery mist floated low on the ground. The lights of the overturned vehicle he crawled out of flickered feebly as they tried not to die out completely, bathing the rain pouring down in light. Hard to tell the blood from the mud, the boy thought as he looked down at the scratches and wounds where the glass of the shattered car's windows had cut him.
He could feel his throat producing sounds, but whatever he was saying was not reaching his ears through the roar of temporary deafness from the recent crash. His vision was blurry. He was aware of a bright Green glow coming from somewhere near by him.
The young boy entered a clearing where he saw movement coming from. Through his hazy vision he could see a bright light surrounded by silver lights. He reached his hand out towards two blackish purple lights, which intermingled with the largest of the silver lights. The light faded away into a weak glow, as he rushed towards it. His feet left the ground and he tackled the silver light which destroyed the light. His hands wrapped around whatever was inside the silver light.
Everything became blindingly bright.
"Mr. Li! Stop!" A woman's voice called out bringing the Asian man back to the present. He became aware of someone's shoulders gripped tightly in his hands. He loosened his grasp as his eyes suddenly focused. He became aware of the bamboo decorated room with it's looping serene music and the smell of aromatherapy oils wafting in the air.
An embarrassed red blush came across his face as he took a step back as he came face to face with an angry glare of an older lady. Her shoulders were bearing some deep red marks. He could practically see the outline of his fingernails having dug into her pale skin.
"Are you trying to kill me?!" The woman shouted.
"I am so sorry!" He said as he ran his fingers through his hair out of nervous habit.
He looked over his shoulder to where a woman in a bright floral bell sleeved shirt and miniskirt was standing with her bracelet laden hands resting on her hips and a serious look on her face. He knew he was in trouble.
The woman, his boss, approached the older woman. As she passed by him, she gave the young Asian a severe look. They'd have words about this incident.
"Lianjie." She said
"Ms. Bloom-I can explain." Lianjie said.
"Oh there's no need for it! I come in and pay for a massage and next thing I know, this boy outright attacks me! What sort of thugs are you hiring here, Faith? I mean if they can't tell the difference between a massage and assault-" The older lady said as she straightened out her hair. and wrapped herself up in the white robe she was wearing.
Ms. Bloom grabbed the first aid kit stored under one of the near by massage tables, and immediately tended to the older woman's wounds.
"Mrs. Lake, I apologize. I got distracted by something and I didn't realize what I was doing. I promise It won't happen again." Lianjie said grabbing a towel and drying his hands off.
Ms. Bloom looked at him and crossed her arms. "Not today it won't. Lianjie, look I don't know what's been going on with you these last few days, but clearly something has been going on and it's affecting your performance. This isn't the first complaint we've had about you this week-granted the it's the first complaint of this kind, but not the first complaint nonetheless." She said.
Looking down Lianjie heaved a sigh and braced himself for the three words he had been expecting to hear from his boss since she walked in the room.
Heaving a sigh Ms. Bloom put her hands on her hips. "Li, look. don't worry about what you've got left this afternoon because I'm taking over your appointments. Take the rest of the afternoon off and I don't know, go for a hike in the woods or go to the beach or go see a therapist, meditate or something. Anything! Just report back to my office tomorrow morning." She said.
With a grimace of disappointment on his face, Lianjie left the room.
As the door closed behind him, Joey looked around. His teammates were already there, expectantly waiting for him to join them so the briefing on their new mission could begin.
This place was always so weird to him. Even for being involved with the idea of secret organizations and Power Rangers for going on two weeks now, the mere fact this high-tech spaceship type of room even existed seemed too cool to be true.
There were no chairs in the room. Different computer consoles and screens lined the area. Along the back wall there were seven colored tubes. At the other end of the wall there was another tube, only this one of clear glass. Inside of it floated something known as the Zeo Crystal. Like their Zenith Aether Crystals it had been used as a source of Ranger Power years ago.
"Agent Winters good of you to join us." Director Stone said as the group
Joey shrugged. "Sorry I was running late. My Agent wanted to talk to me about a gig tomorrow-unfortunately the guy likes to talk." He said.
With a small nod, Director Stone looked towards Julia whom was making her way around the group handing out folders containing information on their new assignment to each of the Rangers.
"Let's begin." He said.
Dr. Blaine walked over to one of the computer displays and began pushing a few buttons. A holographic display on one of the consoles came to life and began to display a image from a photo ID-similar to the Identification photos of the other members of the United Alliance. The image was of a young woman with dark brown hair and grey eyes.
"This is Erika DeLuca. Former Member of the United Alliance's Stone Canyon Parallel Division." Director Stone began.
Jasmine crossed her arms. "Former? She retired?" She asked looking over at the grey haired director.
"The Stone Canyon base was destroyed over fourteen years ago, following a mysterious incident, which even to this day we've been trying to investigate what exactly happened. We now believe the incident may be in connection with the recent Pandora Virus outbreak." Director Stone began.
Julia crossed her arms and brought up another image, This one of a group of seven suited warriors. She could see the surprise of the Rangers in the room at the sight of another group of Rangers.
"DeLuca and her siblings possessed extraordinary natural extrasensory abilities, and for a brief time were involved in Ranger Activity about thirty years ago." She continued.
"The Esper Rangers-DeLuca's team, were from an alternate Earth Dimension much like the Rangers of the Cornith Dimension, and often fought their adversaries in spaces between dimensions. However in their final battle, in 1998, they were in such a space at the time, and were de powered within the space when their adversary was destroyed. Generally one cannot exist within the space un-morphed, and the Esper Rangers were sent to parts unknown. Erika-the Blue Esper Ranger found her way to this dimension, but was unable to return to her own dimension." Director Stone explained.
Julia continued. "Parallel Division took her in, and helped establish an identity for her in this dimension. However she went MIA after the incident in the Stone Canyon facility fourteen years ago. Most all of Parallel's agents were found dead, with the exception of Agent DeLuca." She said.
"What does this information have to pertain to our assignment?" Jasmine asked putting one of her hands on her hips as she examined the information in the folder she had been given. She'd prefer getting directly to the point. If they were handling a missing persons case and were in charge of finding Erika DeLuca, or uncovering the true events of what went down in the Stone Canyon Facility then she wanted to know right away.
Director Stone nodded, recognizing the Orange Ranger's anticipation to get the job started. "We have been looking for answers as to what exactly happened to Erika DeLuca, and the Parallel facility on the night of November 22, 2014. From our current scans of the facility, we have come across biorhythms matching those of a Zenith Aether Crystal Fragment."
"You believe DeLuca may be one of the Aether Rangers?" Jasmine asked.
"Either that, or the Zenith Crystal fragments might be responsible for the incident, and behind Agent DeLuca's disappearance." Ken said with his arms crossed as he looked over at the young woman wearing orange, before looking back at the computer console.
Director Stone shook his head as Aisha pressed a few more buttons on the console. The image of a young girl, no older than six or seven, was shown in what seemed like research footage. The young girl was being observed from behind glass in a separate room. Erika stood there with a worried look on her face as she watched.
The camera was starting to become static as it turned it's attention towards the young child. The young girl had an aura of blue around her, which played with her dark chocolate brown hair She held her arm out, lifting up a solid heavy concrete block.
The young girl clenched her fist, releasing a blast of blue from her arm, which collided with the solid concrete block. The girl seemed to be struggling with her psychic link to the block. Finally with a roar, she threw her hand up and a fissure appeared in the block.
With a tired sigh, the young girl in blue collapsed to her knees. Erika rushed into the room, immediately coming to the girl's side to comfort her. The camera zoomed in on the pair. A brief glimmer of a blue crystal could be seen on the young girl's hair clip. Though the image was blurry the crystal seemed to glimmer slightly in an unnatural way.
"In our investigation of the Parallel facility we came across evidence of research being conducted regarding Agent DeLuca's powers and the inherited psychic capabilities of her children, being not only of Ranger Lineage, but of parents of different dimensions. We believe Erika DeLuca's daughter, Romi may be in possession of the Blue Zenith Crystal Fragment." Director Stone said.
Micah looked at the footage and shook his head, "Romi? Where have I heard-" He asked under his breath. He bit his lip briefly trying to recall the name before nodding to himself and falling silent to listen to the rest of the briefing.
Liam crossed his arms, "Where do we find her?" He asked.
Julia pushed a few buttons on the console, bringing up a couple of maps of downtown Angel Grove.
"After the destruction of the Parallel facility fourteen years ago, Romi went missing. We've been trying to track her whereabouts for awhile. However we've only had the occasional reading on a flare up in Esper Energy, until a few days ago." She explained.
She zoomed the map in showing street views of a restaurant on a street corner downtown.
"The other night, our scanners detected a flare up of Esper Energy at the Indigo Empress Restaurant."
Amber smiled, "I heard it's really good. They've got like a global cuisine. I mean like everything. Asian, Mexican, Italian, Greek, Middle Eastern, Indian, You name it they probably have a menu for it! Excellent atmosphere, great food, like a perfect date place! I've heard from a lot of the other agents about how great it is." She said, giving her boyfriend a not so subtle hint about future weekend plans.
"Due to the hour of the flare up, we believe Romi works at the Indigo Empress. The restaurant closes around the 11pm, and the flare up occurred shortly after 11:15pm." Julia continued.
"If King Aradon was capable of sending down Metalliwisps and Cybershades to find us, then undoubtedly he'll probably set his eyes on the next holders of the Zenith Aether Crystal. It's probably only a matter of time before he attacks-if he's aware of their identities then he's probably going to start targeting them soon." Jasmine said with her arms crossed.
"So what are we to do?" Lisa asked crossing her arms.
Lianjie Li walked into the Indigo Empress and sat down at the bar. A few hours had passed since he left work. There was always something so calming about the restaurant. He wasn't sure if the fake green ivy strung around the restaurant, intertwined with dark blue lights, or the midnight blue lanterns strung about and the soft light of the flickering oil lamps at the tables which made him like the place so much.
Maybe he liked it because the food made him nostalgic. Especially the Ginseng Chicken Soup, by far one of his favorite dishes off of the menu.
"You're getting pretty brave lately. Mr. Chicken Soup and Green Tea. Normally you'd take a seat at the back booth, but today here you are directly at the bar-and only a few days after you showed up after the bar closed and ran off those creeps? You know a girl could get the wrong idea about you. " A voice said catching Lianjie's attention. He looked up from the bar-still sporting some deep scratches from the robbery which took place a few days before.
Lianjie smiled as he looked up at the woman in the blue button up shirt and black dress vest standing on the other side of the bar.
"It's not like that. The other night was a coincidence, and I just happen to like the food. I don't know what recipe you use, but it's almost exactly like how my mom used to make it." He said.
The woman laughed. "I appreciate the compliment. Anyway, what brings you in so early?"
"They told me, well rather forced, me to clock out early today." He said.
The woman shrugged before she reached underneath the counter putting a bottle of beer down in front of Lianjie. "Some people just don't appreciate it when you use your nails to give a massage." She said.
Lianjie suppressed a uneasy shiver. He'd heard a number of the waitresses and waiters talking about what they called the border line 'supernatural' aspects of their boss. One would have never been able to tell she was blind, the way she moved around unguided, and her eerie ability to know things about people without them ever having to say a word to them.
" I can see and feel auras, and yours happened to have the remnants of a particularly nervous heat to it, and I could smell the blood under your fingernails. It triggered a psychometric vision. I'm sorry. I-can't really control my psychic senses. It's sort of how I've gotten by without my sight since I was a teenager, I don't even realize I'm doing it some time. " She said a deep blush appearing on her face.
Lianjie reached for his wallet, handing the woman a couple of dollars and some change to pay for the beer. "Don't worry. It's cool." he said.
The woman pushed the money back towards him. He looked up at her in confusion.
"It's on me. Consider it thanks for stepping in the other night. If it weren't for you, those thugs would have trashed the place and I'd be having to pay to renovate the entire lower dining area rather than just replace the counter top, a few glasses and shelves, and a couple tables. " She said.
Lianjie opened the blue glass bottle and took a drink. "I couldn't help it. They probably would have killed you." He said.
The woman crossed her arms and shook her head. "No they wouldn't have killed me. They were after something." She said as she turned and pointed at the blueish triangular shaped crystal hair clip in her auburn hair.
"It looks pretty valuable-no wonder they were after it. " Lianjie said.
Scoffing the woman shook her head. "It's worthless. My mom made it when I was little. I tried to pawn it off once, but the pawnshop owner told me it was complete junk and wasn't worth anything of monetary value." She said.
Lianjie shook his head, "Monetary value no, but maybe it's got some mystical qualities. I mean this is Angel Grove, there's a history of the magical and mysterious around here. My mother told me when she was growing up here, there were like monster attacks almost every week." He said.
The woman shrugged, "Now we've got these Metalliwisp soldiers, and the Pandora Virus plaguing the town more frequently-and Power Rangers. We've got those guys again." She said.
"Maybe the Crystal has something to do with the Power Rangers." Lianjie said offhandedly.
He then laughed as he looked at the woman. "Maybe you're descendant of the Power Rangers-like your mom was one or something-and that's why they're after the crystal."
The woman's face became stern and grave. The look on her face told Lianjie she didn't appreciate the joke. Before Lianjie could ask her about it though, he noticed her blind gaze seemed centered on the entrance. Her hands clenched tightly around the empty shot glass in her hands.
Lianjie looked over his shoulder to notice a group of people walking in and taking a seat at some tables. The woman seemed to be trying to keep her cool as a brown haired woman took the empty seat next to him. The woman was wearing a orange and white stripped long sleeved shirt with a orange skirt made of corduroy type material
"Hello, welcome to the Indigo Empress. I'll be your server today. Is there anything I can get you, a menu perhaps?"She asked, the usually warm tone in her voice she carried when she spoke seemed to have been missing.
The woman shook her head, "I'm looking for someone actually." She said.
"Oh?" The woman in blue asked.
"Yeah. Her name is Romi DeLuca. We believe she may work here." The woman said.
"Why do you want her?" the bartender asked.
The woman raised her eyebrow, but didn't say much. She pulled a picture out of her skirt pocket and placed it on the table between her and the waitress.
Lianjie stole a look at the image from the corner of his eye, pretending he wasn't paying attention. The image was of a young girl and an older woman both wearing bright blue. The young dark haired girl wore the same hair clip which the waitress was currently wearing. Lianjie noticed she looked vaguely similar to the little girl and to the older woman.
"She is blind you know." Lianjie said offhandedly.
The woman in Orange's face flushed a bright red color as she pulled the picture off the table and cleared her throat.
"I'm a missing persons detective, Jasmine White of the Silver Guardians of Silver Hills California. I've been contracted by Romi DeLuca's family to find her. She's been missing since 2014, though we believe she may be working at this bar. She'd be about twenty six years old." Jasmine said.
The waitress crossed her arms.
"You know Miss White. It's not nice to lie. The only people who would have hired you to look for me, would have to be my father. However, I believe if I was really in desperate need to be found by my father, he wouldn't have waited fourteen years. Nor would he have gone all the way to Silver Hills just to enlist the aid of the Silver Guardians. Also, your information is incorrect. I don't just work here. I own here. " She said.
The calm tones of her voice sent an icy chill down Lianjie's spine.
Romi shook her head, "Miss White. What you're after is my mother's Zenith Crystal and it's power." She said.
Jasmine didn't let Romi's tone shake her. "So. You're Romi DeLuca, then?"She asked.
Looking over Romi frowned. "Yes." She said.
Nodding Jasmine casually crossed her arms and leaned on the counter. "Listen Romi. We need help, and we believe you're the only person who can help." She said.
Romi turned her gaze to the counter. "I'm not going back there. Miss White. I'm not going back there so you can just use me for research again." She said darkly. The lights behind her were beginning to flicker slightly. Lianjie could practically feel the warmth of her power radiating off her hands.
Lianjie felt his spine crawl. Was this why it seemed like so many people were after this girl as of late? Had she been apart of some top secret research facility or something, and escaped from it?
He put his hand on the woman in blue's wrist, distracting her attention back to him. He then looked severely at Jasmine, finding she was now accompanied by another individual. This man a lot taller and of a far more muscular build than the two of them. He certainly was a threatening looking man to say the least. Lianjie hoped a fight wasn't going to have to break out.
"The lady says she's not going back. Now, I'm not sure what this is about-or exactly why you're looking for Miss DeLuca. All I know is it has something to do with this crystal." He said to the two, as he motioned to the triangular shaped Crystal in Romi's hair.
He then shook his head, "You're not the first people who have come by looking for this crystal either. A gentleman and a lady were in here just a few days ago wanting the same thing. " He said.
He then let go of Romi's hand, and reached into his jacket pocket pulling out a crystal, only this one was green.
"However, if Miss DeLuca goes with you then I go too." He said, much to the shock of the group.
"You don't know what you're doing." Romi hissed in a low voice to him.
"I've got some questions to ask them about the crystals. Maybe you'd like to know what they know as well. If things get out of hand-well...I'm trained in martial arts, and I know how to utilize pressure points." He said.
Romi bit her lip. Lianjie's aura was exuding a warm confidence. However it carried uneasy underlying vibrations in regards to his own abilities should the need for escape. He wasn't going to let her go alone. He cares enough about me, even though he doesn't know me. She thought.
"Fine. Miss White. I will go with you. However only under one condition. I am not to be separated at any moment while I am in your custody from-uhm-" She began.
Her voice trailed off as it suddenly occurred to her this had actually been one of the few times which she had direct conversation with the young man. Neither of them had exchanged introductions prior to this moment. She'd only seen Lianjie around the Indigo Empress on occasions, enough for to her recognize him by his aura, they had light conversation on the rare occasion, but she didn't know his name. She'd never bothered to ask.
"It's Lianjie. Lianjie Li." He said.
"Yes of course! I will go with you and your comrades Miss White, but only under the condition I am in the constant escort of Mr. Li here." Romi said a stern look on her face as she grabbed Lianjie's arm.
Jasmine looked over at the Native American man at her side. "Seems fair, right Ken?" She asked.
Ken nodded. "Sure. If that's what will make her feel more comfortable."
Jasmine crossed her arms and looked around. "Maybe we can make this discussion a little more private? You say you own this place-so do you have like a back office or somewhere we can go?" She asked.
"Follow me." Romi said with a sigh as she motioned for the group to follow her through the restaurant, towards a door at the other end. The door lead to a set of stairs which led to an apartment above the bar.
The apartment served as the main office of the restaurant. Decorated in a homely manner, with couches and chairs and curtains. There were signs the loft like apartment was being used as more than a main office. There were blankets folded neatly sitting on one side of the couch; an obvious fold out couch. A small kitchen was just on the other side of the room against the other wall. There was even a bathroom with a shower just behind a door just off to the right of the entrance.
"Welcome to my office-also to my house. About the most private place on the premisses. Restricted even to employees." Romi said motioning to the apartment. She heaved a sigh as she asked the group if there was anything she could offer them.
Jasmine shook her head, "We won't be staying very long."
Before either Lianjie or Romi could react, Ken and Jasmine grabbed the two's arms. In a flash of bright light the four vanished from the apartment office.
King Aradon sat back in his throne, lazily listening to the sound of Senphonea playing her violin. The sound floated through the air, reverberating off of the metal walls of the room, and putting him at ease.
Briezora liked the sinister music to say the least. King Aradon noted as he took notice of a brief silvery glow in his chest where his heart should have been-if he were human. Breizora always seemed to like any of Senphonea's lower key and slower tempo songs. Which must have been why he instructed her only to play those songs.
The sound of a jaunty up beat flute melody reached his ears, making his sensory circuits ache with displeasure as he heard the noise. Now there, a happy tune, there was a awful sound which he didn't like.
Getting to his feet, he marched through the throne room looking for the source of the noise.
The noise seemed to be coming from his own youngest daughter, Karmelody. She sat perched on the railing of the balcony at the other end of the room, which over looked Earth. A decorative flute pressed to her lips as she looked towards Earth.
"Karmelody! Darling! What is the awful noise you are making." Aradon said.
Looking over at her father, Karmelody instantly stopped. "It's Maidens of Spring. Father. I was just practicing." She said.
Aradon crossed his arms and frowned. "Well, stop it this instant! It's a terrible tune and I cannot bear listening to it's screechy caterwauling for another second! I never want to hear such displeasing music ever again!" He said.
"But-father!" Karmelody began.
"You've heard your father dear-and I agree. It's an awful piece of music." Senphonea said, without even looking up from her violin.
"But you-" She began, however she saw the disapproving looks of her parents.
With a defeated sigh Karmelody got to her feet and put the flute away within a compartment at her hip. She bowed to both her mother and father respectfully. "Very well then. As you wish." She said as she left the throne room.
As the doors closed behind her she looked down, and briefly shook her head as she made her way through the empty hallway. She walked for a few seconds before she began to hear chatter at the end of one of the branching hallways. It sounded like Galexia was talking with someone.
Karmelody pressed her fingers to her head, turning on her sensors. She looked through the wall. It seemed Galexia and General Acedia were discussing something just outside Acedia's quarters.
" I shall be going down to Earth soon. A handful of Metalliwisp soldiers should be enough. Save your CyberShade." Acedia said. Karmelody could practically see the General, looking like a Earthling mob boss from the 1920s, complete with an oversized metallic trench coat and a scarf. He was leaning upon a large walking stick.
Galexia scoffed. "Why you're getting yourself involved only now, so late in the Aether Ranger hunt if you've known who the Blue and Green have been for so many years?" She asked.
"I've made some deals in the past, and let's just say, I'm simply collecting what's due to me. With the added benefit of revenge of course." Acedia said.
"Ah, I see. " Galexia said.
Karmelody clasped her hands together. Did this mean more Power Rangers? How interesting! Even better to know Acedia was going to be confronting the two with out the assistance of one of Galexia's Cybershades. She then crossed her arms in contemplation as she thought about it. If Acedia wanted revenge against them, then the two of them must have been strong. Probably the same who scarred the demon soul inside him, and dismantled him years ago.
This was going to be an interesting fight!
Liam paced the Aether Temple nervously. Each footstep making a ripple in the mystical surface of the water like reflecting pool. Jasmine and Ken should be back soon with the Blue Zenith Aether Ranger. He was nervous. What if she didn't want to join them? What if King Aradon had already found her before Jasmine and Ken had a chance to get there.
What if those motorcycle people found her first?
Joey looked up from where he was gently petting Nabu the Peacock's head, to see the nervous teenager. Liam had been like this for the last few minutes. Pacing back and forth.
"Calm down man. Stress releases chemicals in the body which cause premature grey hairs and wrinkles. You're going to look pretty weird in about six years when you're my age and your hair is as white as Tenshii's." He said as he scratched the purple peacock behind the ear, making the large bird ruffled it's feathers and release a squawk as if in agreement.
Tenshii ran his hand through his hair. "My hair has been this shade since I was born. It is very common for Elysians to have natural hair colors unlike those of Earthlings." he said.
He then looked reflective at the green light bobbing on top of the water some feet away which recently been releasing bursts of pulsating light. "Though, Riza-our Green Ranger-did have the ability to change appearances at will. He'd been doing it for so long since before we met him that I don't know if even he remembered if his eyes and hair were naturally green or not." He said with a slight laugh.
Shaking his head he looked towards the Bull Eidolon which was staring at the pulsing green light, with an expectant look. Every few seconds it would look over towards the Blue Sphinx whom sat close to him, next to the Blue orb of light, as if asking why things were taking so long.
The Sphinx was sitting calmly in front of the blue light. It sat with regal posture as it waited patiently. Every few seconds, it would look towards the impatient bull, and move it's paw toward the green animal's back pushing it back down every time it began rearing up on it's hind legs impatiently as if to tell it to calm down.
Lisa laughed as she saw the display between the two. She was sitting atop the Pink Scorpions' tail. "Liam. You should take some lessons from Libera over there. She seems calm." She said.
"Libera is a Sphinx. Who knows what she's thinking." Liam said as he crossed his arms.
Just then, Orange and Yellow lights appeared on the water, forming up into a group of four people.
Lisa leapt from the tail of the large scorpion, giving it a slight pat on the head which it snapped it's pincers and lowered itself for a second as it acknowledged the affection and attention. She then quickly paced over to her husband who was currently petting a zealous bear, which was nuzzling it's snout into his chest in greeting.
"C'mon now Callistus. Don't hog him all to yourself." She said as she ran her hand through the yellow fur of the bear, scratching it behind the ears. The bear swatted at it's own nose before walking away.
"How'd it'd go? Did you find Romi Deluca?" She asked.
Ken embraced his wife briefly, giving her a brief kiss on the cheek. He then motioned over his shoulder with his head, where a couple was standing. Lisa noticed a young woman and man were standing there. The young woman in blue had her eyes shut tightly and her hands over her ears. She seemed absolutely terrified.
"Yeah, and it seemed we were treated to a two for one deal at the Indigo Empress. Not only did we find her, but then we find the Green Zenith Crystal as well." He said.
Lianjie was looking around the temple in wide eyed wonder at the majesty of such an unusual place. They've got to be Aliens he thought. Extra terrestrial beings from outer space and this was their space ship. They had abducted him and Romi for the purpose of conducting experiments on humans. Romi had already been kidnapped by them once, and that's where she had gotten her power from. Yes. It seemed like a logical explanation enough-given nothing about this place seemed logical.
Before he had time to react however he took note there was a large green bull charging at him. He braced himself to be run over by the large green horned bovine, readied himself to feel it's strong sharp hooves tearing into his face, and easily stomping all of his bones into dust.
However, this did not seem to be the case. Lianjie soon came to realize this as he felt warm breath on his neck. He heard the loud snorting of the creature, as it recoiled briefly. He felt something warm and slimy on his head.
"Aww. how cute! Tau likes you-and here he was worried that he wasn't going to like you at all." Joey said with a smile as he helped the young Asian man to his feet.
"-or he just happens to like the taste of lavender massage oil." Lianjie said as he tried to clean the bull's spit from his hair.
Romi slowly opened her eyes as she felt a calming presence surrounding her. As she opened her eyes, she came face to face with the aura-image of a Sphinx. The creature sat before her with an expectant look, as if it didn't know what to think of her, and was waiting for her approval, but letting the woman take her time.
"Tenshii, this is Romi DeLuca and Lianjie Li. The holders of the Blue and Green Zenith Crystals." Ken said as the white haired Elysian approached the group.
Tenshii had a warm smile on his face as he acknowledged the two newcomers, welcoming them to the Aether Temple and introducing himself and the others to them.
"Why are we here?" Lianjie asked as he took a step closer to Romi.
"Why do you think you are here?" Tenshii said.
Slowly Lianjie held up the hairpin and looked at the green colored crystal. "It's because of this. Right?"
"Yes. The Zenith Aether Crystals." Tenshii said with a smile. He began to explain to the couple the origins of how the Zenith Crystals came to Earth, and the Zenith Elysian Order and their battle against Briezora. He explained to the two of them how now they have been chosen to inherit the powers of the Elysian Zenith Aether Rangers.
As Tenshii finished his story, Lianjie's brow furrowed. Power Rangers huh? He thought. He'd only been joking whenever he made the suggestion to the Crystals linked to the Power Rangers, to find out he was right? Disturbing.
"This is so cool!" Amber whispered as she looked over the top of her menu. She leaned closer to Matt whom was sitting in the booth next to her.
"It's like we're basically being paid to be on a date!" She said.
"-with your brother sitting at the bar, and your mom and dad across the room-and having to keep an eye out for any of King Aradon's troops. Reminds me of our first date." Matt said. His voice was full of sarcasm as he looked down. A small smile crept on his lips as he looked over at his girlfriend.
Amber suppressed a laugh as she playfully elbowed Matt in the side. However her laughter and playfulness was quickly extinguished as her eyes travelled to the front doors. A male robot wearing mobster clothing entered. Accompanying him was a handful of Metalliwisp soldiers, which flooded into the building like mist making their way around the restaurant.
"Hmm. This can't be good." Amber muttered out of the corner of her mouth to Matt as they watched the Machine enter.
Acedia cleared his throat, bringing the entire restaurant to silence. Only the sound of music lightly being played through the speakers floated through the air. Tension hung heavy in the air He made his way towards one of the tables and took a seat.
"Wel-Welcome to the Indigo E-Empress. H-How c-can we help you to-today?" A nervous waitress asked as she slowly approached the table.
Looking up at the nervous waitress, Acedia held up his hand, rejecting the menu handed to him. He looked directly at the terrified woman. His eyes flashed. "Yes. I would like to speak with the owner of this establishment." he said.
"Bu-But Miss Deluca...she-she's in her office in a meeting." The waitress said.
Acedia crossed his arms, "Then go get her."
The waitress staggered backwards for a second, defensively clutching the menus to her chest as if to protect herself. She quickly darted through the crowd towards the door leading up to the office of the restaurant.
Amber frowned as she looked over at Matt. "This is going to turn bad. We both know DeLuca isn't upstairs. When Acedia realizes it, he might order the Metalliwisps to attack." She said.
Matt squeezed his girlfriend's hand. "You remember what your grandfather said. If the Machine Empire shows up, we're to hold our position until absolutely necessary." he said.
"Right." Amber said, though her voice faltered.
"I'm bored already of this waiting." Acedia said as he tapped his foot impatiently.
The waitress returned a few minutes later, her face red with tears and her hands gripping the menus in her arms as she approached the machine.
"I-I-I'm s-sor-sorry! Miss D-Deluca-isn't here right now. D-Do you wa-want to come back some other time, or w-wait until she-she comes b-back?" the waitress stuttered out.
Acedia crossed his arms. "I'll wait. She should be back soon." She said.
Someone approached through the crowd, coming towards Acedia'a table. Their leather gloved hand placed a deck of cards down on the table across from the mobster robot.
"Hey, It's them! The Red and Black Riders!" Amber said in whispered surprise as she saw the two of them. With their faces still obscured by the helmets.
"Of course. You find Aether Crystals, and those two aren't too far behind." Matt said.
"Ah. Yes. If it isn't you two." Acedia said as he looked up at the two standing across from him.
"Hello Acedia. It's been a little while." The Black Rider said crossing her arms.
Acedia eyed the deck of cards on the table. "Do I know you?" he asked.
"One could say so. If you think hard enough." The Black Rider said.
A flash of recognition appeared in Acedia's eyes and he leaned on the table, resting his elbows against the table. He made a deal for this woman's soul some years ago, but he'd been unable to take her soul.
"Here to allow me to collect on the debt you owe me? After all, I've kept my promise, even though you lacked the full payment owed." Acedia said.
The Black Rider shook her head, and sat down. She picked up the cards and began shuffling them. "Maybe. If the cards are in your favor. " She said.
Looking down at his companion the Red Rider made a slight movement to reach out and stop the woman as she shuffled the cards. He then crossed his arms and looked down, remaining silent.
Acedia smirked. "Risk what's left of your soul on a game of cards?"
"Black Jack. I'm sure you know how to play." The Black Rider said.
"We play until Miss Deluca shows up. One with highest score at the time is the winner, and has their demands met."
"I agree to this. If you win, I'll let you collect the rest of my soul, to use in any way you wish, and I won't stand in your way trying to collect the Zenith Aether Crystals. Also, you can have everyone's souls." The Black Rider said.
"In the unlikely event you win. I'll leave this place alone, and I'll even give you back your complete soul." Acedia said.
Amber had been so distracted by the tense situation and trying to anticipate where things were going to go, she didn't notice her boyfriend leave the booth, and make his way over to the card players.
"I'm dealer." Matt said as he took a seat, picking up the deck of cards and beginning to shuffle them. He had a determined look on his face which sent a chill down Amber's spine as she heard her boyfriend speak.
"Ah, an Alliance Agent. Now this makes things interesting. Neither one of us have anything to benefit from losing to the dealer." Acedia said with glee in his voice.
"-and the dealer has nothing to gain from either one of us. A fair game, where neither of us have opportunity to cheat as dealer." The Black Rider said.
Matt began shuffling the cards and dealing out the cards to the two. "If dealer wins. You're both under arrest." He said.
The reflecting pool in the Aether temple rippled and the reflections changed to show the scene in the restaurant to the Rangers.
Romi clenched her fist as she felt a chill in the air around her. "Acedia." She growled. A blue aura was starting to form around her fists. Her eyes flashed with a glowing blue energy briefly as her anger rose.
Lianjie felt a chill run down his spine, and a knot twist in his stomach as he noticed the robot. Though the last time he had heard the name, he had been young, the name had stuck with him. He'd never spoke the name to anyone.
"How do you know his name?" Lianjie asked as he looked over at the woman in blue.
"Acedia was responsible for an incident when I was twelve. My memories are rather blurry, but I remember sensing his presence. His aura was freezing cold-and mom-." She said. She couldn't continue on as she wrapped her arms around herself as if she were experiencing the whole incident again.
The hallways of the Parallel facility were dark, only the feeble flickering light of busted out wall fixtures provided light. Ice covered the walls, and the fourteen year old could see her breath as she stumbled along the halls, searching for her mother. There was blood on the floor. She had to suppress a scream as the worn rubber sole of her sandals caught a slick patch of half frozen blood next to a dead body of one of the researchers.
There was commotion going on at the end of the hallway. Mist hung low in the hallway, and she could feel a strange aura in the air. As she made it to the end of the hallway, she saw her mother, glowing bright blue with her psychic energy. She was battling against Acedia. However it appeared Acedia seemed to have the upper hand.
The teenager called out for her mother as she watched the woman in blue being smashed against the wall. Acedia turned his attention to her, a glow of delight appearing in the robot's eyes.
Everything became a blur of blue to the teenager, and the next thing she remembered was being only vaguely aware of being carried out of the facility in someones arms. She wasn't sure who is was, but they seemed concerned about her.
"I don't remember how I got out of the facility. and awoke in the hospital. But, my mother was gone. Acedia was the reason I'm blind, and the reason mom disappeared." She said.
Lianjie put his hand on the woman's shoulder.
"If it's any consolation. I know exactly how you feel. Acedia took my parents from me when I was younger too." He said.
"Oh?"
Lianjie nodded, "Yeah, about sixteen years ago-when I was eight. I was in a car-wreck when I lived in Japan. I survived, probably because of the Zenith Crystal's power. My father had gone looking for help, and a few minutes later my mother had followed. She told me to stay close to the car so I wouldn't get lost-but...I didn't. When I found them, I found Acedia as well. Next thing I remember I was waking up in a Japanese hospital, and my parents were gone-and I was sent to live with my sister here in America." He said.
Liam crossed his arms as he approached the two of them. "Acedia is one of King Aradon's Generals." He said.
Lisa nodded as she held onto Ken's hand. "You both have reason to fight against Acedia." She said.
Tenshii nodded as he held his arm out. Lathi landed on his outstretched arm. He put his hand on Liam's shoulder as he looked at the group. "I cannot promise this, but if Acedia has taken your family's souls, there still may be a chance to bring them back. This is why we need you to join us."
Lianjie looked over at the green bull which was looking at him with large shining eyes like a puppy in an animal shelter adopted by a loving family. Lianjie could almost imagine the strange creature's thoughts. If it could talk. 'Please say yes! I'll be your best, most loyal friend in the whole wide world and I'll do everything I can for you if you say yes!' Lianjie couldn't help but smile.
"Mom always said going to Angel Grove was only going to get me mixed up in something unbelievably crazy. I guess she was right. But, if there's a chance of helping her and my father, then I have to take it. They didn't give up their souls to Acedia for me to just stand by and do nothing." He said.
He looked over to Romi who was petting the large blue Sphinx behind the ear. She seemed deep in contemplation about the offer being made to the both of them. After a few seconds she finally spoke.
"My mother used to tell me a bedtime stories when I was a child, about a princess who wore a magical crystal in her hair, which she was given by her mother, the Indigo Empress. One day when she was grown the princess went on a quest. On her quest she encountered others with crystals like hers, and they brought her to a magical realm of light, where she would meet with the Grand Phoenix King and a Blue Sphinx. They told her of an evil which had appeared in her homeland. They gave her a choice to join with them and unlock the Crystal's full power, and become a Knight of the Crystal Lotus." She said.
Joey clasped his hands together and looked at the woman in blue anxiously, "Well? Did she?" He asked.
Romi shrugged, "I don't know. Mom never had any more stories of the Princess or the Knights of the Crystal Lotus. I asked her about it-because I really enjoyed the stories. Mom would just smile and tell me it was up to me to decide what happened to the Princess afterward. Those were my stories to tell her." She said.
With a slight smile, she let her hand drop back to her side as she stopped petting the Sphinx. she shook her head. "I'm sure the stories were based off of a premonition she had of me when I was young. It seems those premonitions have come true."
She removed the crystal hairpin from her hair and removed the Zenith Crystal from it. She felt it's smooth glass like surface underneath her fingertips for a few seconds, feeling the latent energy within it. For a brief second she held the crystal to her chest. A small smile appeared on her lips. "Personally, I think the adventures of the Princess as the Blue Knight of the Crystal Lotus, is a far better story to tell my mother if I ever see her again."
Joey let out a loud cheer as lights appeared on Lianjie and Romi's wrists, forming into their Crystallizers.
Liam smiled as he felt his heart beating fast in his chest. He wasn't sure if empathic emotions from Tenshii, or his own joy over the fact two more Rangers were now joining them caused this.
He looked at the group around him. "Alright Rangers. We've got a card game to crash and a General to fight. Let's do this!" He said with a wide smile on his face as he readied his Crystallizers.
The six Rangers readied their Crystallizers, as their Eidolons began to glow. The lights floating on the reflecting pool began to glow brightly, while Tenshii himself became pure light. All of the Rangers went through the motions of their morphing call.
"Crystallize Soul!" they called out as the light surrounded them.
"Dealer has Nineteen. Dealer wins." Matt said as he flipped over the card in front of him. Sweat was on his brow. The game had been tense for the last few minutes. So far both Acedia and the Black Rider were tied with an equal number of wins.
He glanced across the room to his best friend and future brother-in-law Micah. The sandy blonde haired man had his finger pressed against his ear as if he were listening intently to something and trying to block out all sound.
"Liam just contacted me. They're outside the building, and about to come in. Mom, Dad, Amber and I are going to try to clear the restaurant. Lisa, Jasmine, and Ken are going to help us. Liam, Joey, and the two new Rangers are going to help you. It's about to get crazy in here...so whatever you do...don't let Acedia out of your sight." He could hear Micah's voice faintly in his ear coming over his earpiece communicator.
This wasn't a good time for the Rangers to be bursting onto the scene, but Matt knew this was probably to his best advantage of ending this game; without any further consequence. Acedia would probably attempt to flee from the scene when he saw Rangers arriving; before even thinking about taking the souls of anyone.
Taking a deep breath and hoping for the best, Matt dealt out the cards for the last game.
"How about we make this particular hand more interesting-as it will be our final hand. Your Ranger friends are outside and about to storm the building in a few seconds. All cards face down. no calls." Acedia said.
The Black Rider and Matt looked at each other for a second, before both nodding. Matt dealt out the cards.
"Dealer reveals hand first. Then Acedia. Then me." The Black rider said crossing her arms.
Matt nodded and flipped over his cards. "Dealer has Nineteen."
Acedia tilted his head and shrugged as he flipped over his cards. "Ace seven. Eighteen."
"Black Jack." The Black Rider said turning over her cards, an ace and a ten.
A green arrow landed on the table, spearing Acedia's cards, and turning the entire restaurant's attention up to the upper dining area of the place. Standing up there was the Blue and Green Zenith Aether Rangers. The Green Ranger holding an bow in his hands, ready to shoot another arrow down into the crowd.
"You've got a lot of nerve showing your face on Earth. Acedia. After everything you've done." Lianjie said.
He mimicked the motions of a bull charging, holding his fists out to either side. "With the spiritual determination of the Bull! Aether Ranger Four: Green!"
"Preying upon the desperation of humans, making promises you don't intend to honor, showing no remorse for who's lives you ruin, or who you hurt as long as you get what you want. You are the worst kind of being, deserving of every ounce of karma due to you!" Romi said, with tones of disgust and distaste in her voice.
Romi fell into a stance similar to a lion bearing it's paws and about ready to pounce on it's prey, before throwing her arms out as to have one arm close to her head with her palm turned outward, and her other arm slightly bent outstretched out ahead of her with her palm turned outward.
"With the Disciplined Serenity of the Sphinx! Aether Five: Blue!"
Together the two spoke in unison as they looked down at Acedia. "We are members of the Zenith Elysian Order, protectors of the Aether of the Elysian Light Realm! Your judgement has come Acedia! Prepare to fall before the power of the Zenith Aether Rangers!"
The other rangers appeared behind them, and the group leapt down from the upper area together, before spreading out to take care of the chaos which had broke in the lower dining area. Liam, Romi, and Lianjie surrounded Acedia and the two riders; while the other rangers started taking care of Metalliwisps and helping evacuate the people from the restaurant.
"Ah, Blue and Green. It's so nice to see you again. Say-Blue, how is that mother of yours doing?"Acedia asked crossing his arms as he got to his feet.
Romi's fists began to glow with a blue aura. She took a step forward, but Lianjie put his arm out to hold her back.
"Hold on. Don't let him get to you."
"Green is right. Attacking me directly is his job. Of course the only way you'd get him to attack is if you were his mother or something- " Acedia said.
Looking over at Romi, Lianjie stepped to the side. "Yeah okay. Now he's ready to get his ass kicked." He said drawing his bow.
Romi nodded and summoned her weapons to her hands; A pair of chakram blades. She rushed at Acedia, swiping at him with the blades. Acedia used the walking cane he had to swipe away the attacks.
Lianjie began firing arrows, and using his bow as a sword to attack Acedia.
The two engaged in battle for a while, Acedia exchanging blows with them, which flew off in sparks. In one swipe he knocked Romi back, sending her flying over the counter of the bar.
Romi caught her fingertips on the counter before she completely cleared the counter, using her grip to gain balance in a handstand. However a group of Metalliwisps swarmed her, trying to climb the counter and attack her. She kicked at the creatures, using her arms to try to spin herself around. She hooked her leg around the neck of a Metalliwisp, in a lock. She pulled herself up landing a few punches on the Metalliwisp, before flipping him over and slamming him into the ground and rolling to her feet.
Acedia locked blades with Lianjie's bow, the two battling for control for several seconds, the strength of proved to be equal keeping them locked together and unable to move for several seconds.
"Don't think just because you've got a fancy new suit it's going to make you any stronger." Acedia said as his eyes flashed as he looked at the Green Ranger.
"I'm not a scared kid in the woods this time." Lianjie said.
Acedia reached into his hip holster and pulled out a blaster, taking aim at the Green Ranger, knocking him back as he shot the gun. Two electrical barbs shot from the gun, latching on to the Green Ranger's suit.
A white hot pain shot through Lianjie's side, causing him to drop his bow as his muscles contracted from the surge of electricity coursing through his body.
The Red Rider caught the fallen Green suited warrior. He noticed the wicked metal barbs sticking out of the Ranger's side. Without a word he grasped the sparking barbs. He winced in pain as the electrical surge bypassed the leather of his gloves and entered into his own body. He let out a pained grunt as he ignited his hand setting fire to the metal. In a few seconds the barbs began to glow molten red and the Red Rider pulled them from Lianjie's body.
Lianjie took a breath as the pain subsided as the electricity died down, leaving nothing but a tingling sensation and acute numbness in his side. The Red Rider gave a thumbs up while tilting his head, as if asking him if he were okay.
"Y-Yeah. I'm okay. Thanks."Lianjie said as he got to his feet.
The other Rangers rushed to Lianjie's side, leaving the remaining Metalliwisps to Liam's family to take care of, now the restaurant patrons evacuated from the premises.
Liam stood in front of the group. "I think it's time for an Eidolon strike." He said.
The group nodded and fell into formation behind him. Jasmine and Joey lining up slightly behind Liam, and Ken and Lisa kneeling down slightly off to the side in front of Liam, while Romi and Lianjie were close to each other kneeling down on the ground directly in front of Liam.
"Eidolon Gravity Strike!" Romi and Lianjie shouted as spectral images of the Bull and Sphinx Eidolon rushed at Acedia. The Sphinx let out a roar and unfolded it's wings, letting out a orb of blue from the jeweled circlet on her head colliding with Acedia and lifting him into the air and float. The Bull Eidolon's horns began to glow with green energy, and the two beams connected at the tip of it's curved horns forming up into a large orb, which it tossed towards Acedia causing him to crash into the ground, struggling to get to his feet, as dents began to appear in his tough metal.
"Eidolon Ground Strike!" Lisa and Ken shouted sending the Scorpion and Bear Eidolons towards Acedia who was staggering to his feet. The Scorpion wrapping it's tail around the machine man, and the Bear Eidolon clawed at him, squeezing him in a tight grasp before tossing him back up into the air.
"Eidolon Air Strike!" Jasmine and Joey shouted, the Butterfly and Peacock Eidolon teaming up flying in circles around Acedia, creating a vortex of air around him and attacking as they flew around him.
"Phoenix Charge!" Liam shouted sending the Phoenix Eidolon flying towards Acedia.
As the light from the attack cleared and the Eidolons disappeared. Acedia crashed into the ground.
He stumbled back to his feet, grasping at a particularly nasty gash across his face exposing the wiring underneath. His body smoking for the heat of the energy. He touched his face, feeling the jagged edges of the torn metal. He let out a small laugh.
"As in the art of gambling, the best player knows when to walk away and place his bet on another day." He said. He reached towards his forehead and a brief silvery glow appeared soon engulfing his body.
Lianjie rushed forward reaching out to try to catch Acedia before he completely disappeared. However his fingers grazed the light, and only grasped some of the mist in his fingertips which quickly dissipated at his touch. He let out a frustrated grunt, looking towards the sky where Acedia had vanished.
"It's warming back up. He's gone." Romi said as she wrapped her arms around herself taking a few steps forward.
"He'll be back." Liam said as he looked around at the destruction which had occurred around the restaurant.
The Black Rider looked over at the Red Rider. The United Alliance Agents and the Rangers seemed to have let them slip from their notice. The two of them nodded in silent agreement to leave while they still had the chance.
In the Aether Realm a few hours later Tenshii paced the reflecting pool of the temple. His arms crossed and his brow furrowed in serious contemplation. Lathi flew down onto his arm as he looked around the garden's from the top of the temple steps.
"There is only one more piece left Lathi, before the Zenith Crystal is complete. I'm sure even Breizora knows this too. I can sense it in the vibration of the Aether." He said as he turned back towards the inside of the temple. His eyes focused on the Lotus like throne at the other end of the room.
Crossing his arms as Lathi crawled up onto his shoulder, Tenshii sighed. "Of course I'm nervous, Lathi. I feel there is something wrong-there's something different about the energy of the Zenith Crystal now I can't quite explain. It's not like it was before." He said.
He knelt down and dipped his hands into the reflecting pool's water. As he brought his hands up he let the water flow back into the reflecting pool from between his fingers and off the sides of his cupped hands. The falling water caught in the glimmering white light permeating through the realm creating a rainbow light as the droplets fell back into the water creating ripples throughout the water.
The Black and Red Riders had set up camp in the woods just outside of Angel Grove. The small camp area lit by a small fire. Over the fire was a small kettle which boiled some soup. The Black Rider knelt beside the fire, stirring the soup, a contemplative look on her lightly lined face.
The Red Rider's suit lay off to the side near his helmet. He was away having gone to a truck stop a short distance away from the campsite in order to grab a quick shower, dressed in more civilian attire.
He won't say it, but he's angry, The Black Rider thought as she looked down into the kettle. She heaved a sigh as she stirred the liquid inside. She knew he wasn't happy about her almost risking the remainder of her soul in a game. Sure she had won, but he had berated her for the whole situation the entire way back.
The sound of footsteps echoed through the air. The Black Rider got to her feet and drew out the blade on her back. Her partner should not have been back so soon. She could feel a cold chill in the air around the camp; even though she was standing close to the fire.
The firelight and moonlight fell on the metallic form of a large robot which had the appearances of a masked wrestler. He was not alone however, at his side was a more human sized machine, whom had the appearances of a cyber ninja. Complete with a body suit which had lights running through some of the detail. He carried a sword on his back.
"Hey, Look at this Noh! Acedia was right on where we'd find her." The larger robot said.
"Ah. I remember you-Invidia right? Surprised something with as many bolts loose and dings in his skull managed to obtain the rank of General? But I suppose Aradon-or rather Breizora-finds his uses out of you...though far be it from me to ever understand them." The Black Rider said as she readied her blade in defense.
She looked over to the other robot accompanying the wrestler. "You-I've never seen before. You a Cybershade?" She asked.
"Even the Cybershades have a chance to become Generals if King Aradon sees them fit." The Cyber Ninja said as he drew out the blade on his back.
The Black Rider shrugged, "Sure. I get it. Send the new hire to back up the clumsy brute. If the mission succeeds-it'll look impressive to your superiors. If you fail, you can put the blame on him being new. Make yourself look better." She said.
Invidia let out a booming laugh as he bared his fists at the Black Rider. "Actually, we're here to collect on the debt you owe Acedia. He'd come do it himself-but he's currently having to recover after those Rangers tore up his face pretty bad. So he asked us to collect on it."
"Acedia must have been hit harder than we thought. He seems to forget I won." The Black Rider said.
Another booming laugh issued from Invidia.
"Easy to win, when the cards were being dealt within your favor." Noh said as he took a step forward, causing the Black Rider to take a step back in defense.
"I can't be blamed for what that boy did." She said.
"Heh. See that's not it. This has nothing to do with that silly game." Invidia said clasping his fists together, cracking his knuckles.
The Black Rider tilted her head in confusion.
"Seems Acedia doesn't even have the small fraction of your soul, he thought he had. Seems in all the confusion of the night. Your soul slipped right out of his hands...somehow. He doesn't have a clue what happened to it." Invidia said.
A slight chuckle issued from Noh's mouth as he nodded to himself, "Except I know, and I think you do to." He said.
The Black Rider reached into the pouch at her hip and pulled out an eight pointed star shaped black crystal, which glimmered with an internal light. Flecks of rainbow colors moved like liquid across the surface, appearing from and sinking back into the dark abyss.
"Crystallized Nadir Aether, tinted with Zenith Aether and part of a human soul. Your soul. Whatever the hell it was which appeared the night Acedia tried to take your soul, created such a crystal. " Noh said as he looked at the crystal in the Black Rider's hand.
The Black Rider looked at the crystal. She was well aware of the properties of the crystal-and even a few she was sure neither of then were aware of. It's part of what led her out in search of the Zenith Crystal Fragments.
"Both Acedia and Galexia want you because of it. After all it's the first Aether Crystal produced in over 200 Millennia." Noh said.
"200 Millennia, now don't I feel special?" The Black Rider said as she pocketed the crystal again.
"Look, little lady, let's just put it this way. You're going to come with us."Invidia said as he approached her.
The Black Rider scoffed.
"Noh. I think you know what to do. " Invidia said as he looked over at the smaller machine.
With a nod, Noh swiped at the Black Rider with his sword. In a quick motion the Black Rider blocked the sword with her own blades, and deflected them. The two engaged in combat, trying to strike each other with their weapons, only to find the other dodging out of the way.
A blast of fire soared through the area forming up into a flaming spectral horse, which reared back on it's hind legs, breaking the two battlers apart as they both rolled out of the way in opposite directions to avoid being trampled.
All eyes turned towards the source of the spectral stallion as it disappeared. A young asian man with long hair tied back in a ponytail, stood there with his hands outstretched, both glowing red and surrounded by brightly glowing flames. His eyes seemed to flash with an internal fire, and he was breathing heavily.
"You stay out of this!" Invidia shouted as he turned his attention to the young man.
The Red Rider staggered backwards for a second as the large machine approached, before taking a deep breath and reigniting his bare fists. With a shout he charged at Invidia, striking him against the chest.
Invidia grasped the young man's fist when he stuck at him again. The flames surrounding the Red Rider's fists didn't seem to bother the large robot. With a growl the Red Rider attempted to push back on the wrestler android. The action only caused the machine to laugh and push the young man to the ground. Invidia lifted up his leg to stomp. As he was about to bring his foot down on the Red Rider, the young man threw his hands up, creating a barrier around himself which protected him from the heavy footfall, allowing for him to roll out of the way.
Noh swiped at the Black Rider again, cutting through the covering of the tent they were near. The sharp blade tore the thin tarp like fabric, and slicing through the metal reinforcements which gave the tent shape. The Black Rider dodged out of the way of the blade with a cartwheel. She was heaving heavily as she returned the attack, locking swords with the Cyber Ninja.
"You're every bit the fighter he said you would be." Noh said.
The Black Rider tried to catch her breath, as she swiped at Noh, "He?" She asked.
"Your husband." Noh said.
The Black Rider stook a step back, before asking; "What do you know about him?"
"A lot more than you do."
"Tell me, where is he?"
"Drifting in a dream I suppose? It's hard to say. However If you give us the crystal and join with the Machine Empire, I can arrange a meeting." Noh said.
"Forget it." The Black Rider said.
Noh swiped at the Black Rider again and locked blades with her. "I don't think you're quite understanding me. If you want to see your husband again-You'll come with us." He said. The Black Rider swiped at him, again, but he caught her wrist in his arm and looked down at her.
The eyes of his mask began to glow, and his arm began to glow. The Black Rider's fist unclenched in his grasp, and her hand began to shake, causing her to drop the swords she was holding. Her breathing became shallow and quicker as images passed through her mind in a complete rush. Noh let go of her hand, shoving her backwards, causing her to fall to her knees.
"You-bastard." She heaved out, her voice choked with sobs.
Noh put his blade back in the sheath on his back. He knelt down and picked up the Black Rider's blades. He examined the blades in the firelight, running his hand over the smooth metal. He studied the blade curiously for a few seconds before holding his hand out to the Black Rider.
"You will come with us?" He asked.
With a frustrated grunt and a shake of her head the Black Rider batted Noh's hand away, and got to her feet. "Yes." She said, getting to her feet and removing her helmet. tossing it to the side. Her face completely obscured by the heavy darkness of the trees they stood under.
"Thank you." Noh said, as he handed the blades back to the Black Rider. He then turned towards Invidia whom engaged in battle with the Red Rider. He held his hand up and motioned towards himself, to signal to the larger robot they had come for what they were after.
The Red Rider rolled to his feet after avoiding another stomp from Invidia. He was breathing heavily. He tried to make a move towards the Black Rider who's hands were being bound together by glowing silver rope-like light. He shot a blast of fire towards them, but it collided with a silvery barrier from Noh.
"Invidia, I'll take care of her. You handle the boy. " Noh said.
Invidia nodded and cracked his knuckles as he approached the heavily breathing young Asian. He was going to enjoy dismantling this tiresome human. Now with his support gone, Invidia thought, he wouldn't dare even try to attack. Not if he cared about her and her safety.
The Red Rider closed his eyes as Invidia came closer. He took a few deep breaths to try to calm his breathing. After muttering something under his breath, he looked back towards Invidia, with a renewed fire in his eyes. He held his hands out igniting them, the fire began to condense in his right hand, forming up into something solid. In a few seconds the bright light of the fire cleared forming up in something which looked like a large zippo lighter with a design in the center which displayed a triangular pattern.
He flicked the lighter open, where a red light displayed. He drew the triangular symbol on the ground in front of him. The light trailed behind leaving the glowing red symbol on the ground. He took a step forward to position himself in the center of the symbol.
"Shokan! Mugen no orora!" He shouted, his voice echoing through the air, as he closed the lighter, and pulled the arm he had the device in up, the light followed surrounding his body. As the symbol rose up it covered the Red Rider's body in light, a trail of flames floated beneath the light, burning it away and revealing a shiny red spandex like suit. As the symbol reached the Red Rider's head it formed up into a red helmet not unlike a motor-cycle helmet. On the sides of the helmet was a design of a horse emblem in white.
Across the chest of the suit, were three gold bands which wrapped around the suit. in the center of the chest the lines formed into a triangular pattern, similar to the one drawn which formed the suit.
"Hi no shokan-shi! Minami Ororarenja!" He shouted.
Noh tilted his head as he looked at the Red Rider. "South Aurora Ranger huh? This makes things more interesting."He said.
Invidia cracked his knuckles and approached the now transformed Red Rider. "Eh. Doesn't matter if you've got a shiny suit or anything. I'll still crush you like the little bug you are!" He said as he threw another punch towards the Red Rider.
The Red Rider dodged out of the way, returning the hit with a whip of fire. He wrapped the whip around Invidia pulling on it to try to force him off balance and knock him to the ground.
The wrestler android wrapped his fist around the flaming whip, and held tight to it. His fist became surrounded by silver light. The flames of the whip began to turn silver and freeze solid around the fire. The Red Rider let out a stunned gasp, and quickly released the whip, as the cold Silver flames touched his gloved hands.
Invidia approached, charging up his fist with the silvery fire he summoned. He drew back his fist before swinging at the Red Rider with all his might. The hit collided with a fire shield which surrounded the Red Rider's arms, the Red Rider gritted his teeth as he tried to keep Invidia's flaming fist from breaking through the barrier between them.
However with his guard placed solely against Invidia in front of him, he was not aware of the spectral silvery fists which appeared from seemingly nowhere. The fists collided with the middle of the Red Rider's back repeatedly. Each blow from the ghostly fists landed on the young man with the force of a boulder. The final hit, as the fists hit together, he let out a roar of pain, as his suit glowed and the light dispersed leaving him in his civilian clothing once again, as he fell to the ground.
Invidia grabbed the Red Rider around the collar as he pulled him up off the ground, holding him up by the throat effortlessly with one arm. The device the Red Rider used to transform was loosely grasped in his hand. As he tried to flick the device open again. Invidia used his free arm to take the device out of the young man's hand. He held it up for the young man to see as he crushed it like an aluminium can in his hand, tossing it aside onto the ground.
"Stop!" The Black Rider shouted as she watched Invidia hold up her young friend by his neck. The young man's face was already starting to turn blue from lack of oxygen getting to his airways. Invidia let out a laugh as he looked at the Red Rider, slamming his silver flamed fist into the young man's gut, and knocking what wind he had left in him out. He then tossed the youth to the ground, leaving him sputtering, coughing, and gasping to regain breath as he lay clutching his stomach.
"Not worth my time anyways." Invidia said as he turned and walked away, joining the other two, the three of them vanished.
The Red Rider lay on the ground, slipping from consciousness as the pain became too great. The campfire extinguished itself as a blast of cold air came through the camp.