A/N: A very pleasant Friday from the Great State of Texas. Welcome to the main event of the Project Phoenix series. As a disclaimer, this series is inspired by Kctimes2's The Adoption. Before reading this, you should read The Crane's Destructive Path and its accompanying one shot, Granted Wishes.
A/N 2: Title says it best. Now it is the Power Rangers and Jayden who prepare to go on offense.
A/N 3: Couples featured are Jayden/Mia, Memily, Lantonio, Jason/Kat, Adam/Tanya and a slew of other old-school pairings. You'll have to read on to see if there is Tommy/Kim at the end...hehe.
A/N 4: Usual disclaimer. Power Rangers doesn't belong to me. Used to be Saban, then Disney, then Saban, now Hasbro owns them. Actually, neither is the idea for a bigger, mobile Brachiozord which is introduced in this chapter. That idea came from user lauraac2110, who hasn't posted an update in many a year. I think it's a great idea, though.
Chapter 28: Going On Offense
October 29, 2012
Power Rangers Chamber of Command
6 p.m. local time
Angel Grove, CA
After another stunning victory by the Phoenix, where all hope had seemed to be lost yet the Power Rangers pulled through once again, the Chamber of Command was buzzing once again...though there was celebration, there was also a lot of questions by most of the teams that needed to be answered.
As soon as everyone stopped firing off questions a mile a minute, Jayden first looked at Andros...there were many Rangers who had been taken into the Lost Dimension, but of all of them, Andros was the most senior Ranger...he had been involved in Astronema's invasion in 1998, and had also been to the moon with the Reds four years later.
"Before I answer the questions everyone fired off," Jayden said, looking at Andros, "I want to know. How bad was that dimension?"
"I've been in many dimensions, both good and bad. This was among the worst," Andros said. "The worst part about it is, one, we had to hear Draco running his mouth constantly about how we'd never get back, and two, none of the doorways in that dimension lead out of it. The doorways just lead to more dimensions that give you less of a chance of getting back to Earth."
"That's how I had the Lost Dimension designed in the first place," Zedd said suddenly. "I tried to put the future Ninjetti team in there with the Cannon Top monster about 18 years ago, but that plan was poorly designed and it never materialized."
"Congratulations on destroying the Wizard of Deception, also," Rita added. "I know him well. Among the many foul scum in the universe, he is among the worst. He's ruined many lives."
"Now, with regards to your questions, how are we all back here in one piece," Jayden said. "Billy, you want to tell them? This was your deal, after all, as much as it was mine."
Billy nodded and said, "Remember when we were in Panorama City a month ago for Jayden's birthday and the goons attacked the Shiba house?"
Everyone nodded. That, too, had been a sign of tremendous leadership.
"Well, as you might recall, Jayden told us to get a sample of the attackers blood and analyze it at some point. We didn't think we'd find anything, but after many sleepless nights of studying the blood of these warriors, Cam, Justin and I, we found a solution to our numbers problem," Billy said. "We killed about 400 of their goons today, and I surmise there will be many more to come."
"This substance," Cam said, taking the bucket of liquid that was now in the holsters of all the Ninjetti Rangers, and in the arsenal of others, "directly attacks their blood the second it touches the body of anyone who served Maligore. Without an antidote to what we have here, they all die on contact."
Andros and the others nodded mutely. The genius of William Cranston had been legendary throughout the galaxy but none of the teams since the first Turbo team retired had a chance to understand just how brilliant he was.
Now, they finally understood.
"What can I say, he always came through for us in a pinch," Aisha said. "Did it when we were teenagers and he does it now. It's what he does."
"We made them mad though," Lily piped up. "They're gonna be coming after us like you wouldn't believe."
"Yeah, but not when we have this," Jayden said, pointing to the bucket. "They may think twice. Oh, and one other thing, I saw Mom again."
When he said this, every Ranger stood at attention, specifically Zordon's Rangers. This was important.
"And?" Tommy and Jason simultaneously said.
"Two things," Jayden said. "First, she urged us to start being aggressive and trying to free other planets that are under Flammia's control. To take advantage of the fact that Flammia may be vulnerable after losing a lot of soldiers."
"That's sound," Adam said, the others nodding. No one missed that Andros eyes were misting over. Maybe KO-35 could be freed after all.
"I'm going to talk to Miss Appleby about this, and I'm going to have to speak with Ninjor also, but sometime in the near future, we're going to free your planet, Andros, and yours too, Trey and Dex," Jayden said. "When I give the word, the Ninjetti teams will be coming with me to begin to fight to crack mom's evil half's dictatorship over the galaxy. There will be several teams that will be going. I will welcome input, but Dad, Ninjor and I will be making the final decisions," Jayden added.
"She also told me one other thing," Jayden said as he looked at the original teams suddenly. "She told me, in some sort of cryptic way, 'watch out for Murianthias.'"
"That is...interesting. And maybe even a little bit scary," Diana said, grimacing as she did so. "Murianthias is one wicked place. I would know, I was there."
"That is one place you should never be, Jayden," Adam said. "That place is as nasty as the images you've seen in your dreams."
"It can't possibly be could it?" Rito asked. "They'd try to turn Jayden against us?"
"I don't know, but if we keep destroying more of their guys," Tommy said, "then I'd say yes. If the real Kim came with that message then that is no accident. It's a real possibility."
"So what do we do then?" Mia asked. "We can't keep thinking about that place all day long."
"You're right," Jayden said, "so what we do is go on with our lives. Dad has scheduled a meeting to change my name to Oliver, officially, for this coming Friday. I'd rather think about that right now. I'm not going to be intimidated by the same fiery place that took my mother."
"Everyone's dismissed," Jayden said. "This meeting is adjourned."
Right as he said that though, the transmission signal beeped.
"Goodness!" Ashley said. "What now?"
"I'm receiving something from Aquitar," Rhiannon said.
"God I hope it's not serious," Jayden said. "Answer the hail, Rhiannon."
She did so, and moments later all of the Aquitian Rangers appeared on the screen, including two leaders who appeared to be on a throne.
"Good evening, Rangers of Aquitar," Jayden said. "Is there anything wrong?"
"On the contrary, Phoenix Ranger, this is a most happy day for our planet," Delphine, the leader of the Aquitian Power Rangers, said. Indeed, the mood seemed happy, which made Jayden relax somewhat. "For the first time in centuries our two main adversaries have been destroyed."
"I am Erwina, Queen of Aquitar. It is a pleasure to meet the Power Rangers of Earth," a blonde, young looking female said. "What Delphine said is indeed true. The two main threats to our planet, for the first time in centuries, have been destroyed. This will forever be looked at as our day of independence. Thanks to you, Phoenix Ranger, and your friends."
"I am Auricino, King of Aquitar. Our two main enemies were always Hydro Hog, who had fought us for centuries, and the bounty hunters known as the Landers led by Squalus. It was a great day when they left to join Flammia but we knew we hadn't seen the last of them," Auricino said. "Now, we have. Thanks to you, Jayden. Based on what we saw and readings from the rest of the galaxy, your efforts today destroyed every last Lander there is. On behalf of all of Aquitar, we thank you for always."
Jayden's eyes misted over as he looked at the screen in awe. He had completely finished off an army of very dangerous warriors. That made him feel great.
"To show our appreciation," Erwina said, "we would like to, once again, offer you our services as we did when Master Vile turned back time. If you ever need us, you may request our services at any time."
"Actually, we could use your services in the near future," Jayden said. "I saw my mother just now...my real mother as Flammia has not regained her faculties as yet. She suggested we need to go fight Flammia's forces more aggressively, but I obviously don't want to leave this planet unprotected. Will you be ready when I give the call?"
"We can be ready at a moment's notice. Absolutely," Delphine said. "Thank you for this wonderful day. We will see you soon, Rangers. May the Power protect you all."
As the transmission ended, Jayden suddenly snapped out of his awe and turned back to his fellow Rangers.
"NOW, the meeting is adjourned," he announced.
As everyone left, Trey and Dex, who were standing off to the side listening to everything, beckoned Tommy and Jason over.
"Can he really do it?" both men asked the senior Rangers. "We've seen how good he is, but can he really free our planets from Flammia's tyranny? God, even though she lost soldiers her army is so powerful."
"It's going to be tough, but I have no question he can do it," Jason said. "You heard Delphine, just now. He has obliterated an entire race of evil, ruthless warriors. I have hope for the first time in a long time."
"Good bloody God, did the Aquitians ever stroke Jayden's ego though. If they threw rose petals at my feet like that my ego would be out of control," Kat said.
"They sure did, but I think we all know Jayden from some point in his life and the last thing he'll do is let that sort of praise go to his head," Ji said. "He should enjoy this at least a little but knowing him he's probably heading for his GED studies right now."
"I'd still like to see him have some more balance," Jen said. "He's better than he was in the summer, but at some point, if he doesn't have enough balance he's going to go crazy in the toughest moments and all will be lost."
Thursday, November 8, 2012, middle of the night
Rangers Chamber of Command
Angel Grove, CA
For the next week and a half or so, things quieted down somewhat after the Wizard's plan was foiled and he was destroyed.
In the last week and a half, Jayden had successfully changed his name back to Oliver...Jayden David Oliver, how he'd originally been. That had come with a big celebration, which Jayden didn't doubt was being watched, but he didn't care.
Other than that, the routine for most of the Rangers was get up, go to work...or in Jayden's case, study, come home, rinse, repeat.
However, Jayden had a more difficult time sleeping this night because he was having one of those weird dreams again.
Visions of fights on Edenoi, Triforia, KO-35 and beyond, and of course, the future final battle that would take place on Earth.
Now, he was before the temple in which he claimed his powers before.
'It is time, Jayden,' the haunting voice of Atsila said. 'It is time to extend this fight and to chop away at Flammia's tyranny.'
'When do you suspect she will awaken?' Jayden asked.
'I suspect that by no later than this coming Monday, she will be fully awake and ready to fight again,' Atsila said. 'If I had to guess, probably even sooner than that.'
'OK, I have an exam tomorrow,' Jayden said, 'and either before or right after, I will tell Miss Appleby we must leave town for an indefinite period of time.'
'That sounds perfectly fine to me. Focus on your studies, but when that exam is over you must go on the offensive, Jayden.' Atsila said.
Then, suddenly, the dream ended. But, when he got up hours later, Jayden knew exactly what he needed to do.
Later that night...
"Another of those weird dreams again, huh?" Aisha said as they all sat in the main command room, at Jayden's request.
"Yep, another one of them," Jayden said. "Atsila says it's time to go on the offensive. I have an exam tomorrow so I can't miss it, but after that, Friday night, we're leaving. The only question is, where do we go?"
"This is my opinion, but it's only mine," Ninjor said. "We should save Eltar for last...maybe even after Flammia is beaten. The only thing that makes me reconsider is those poor people on Eltar who have resisted that dictatorship have been imprisoned or killed. The situation there is akin to a kangaroo court."
"I think it's like that everywhere," Jayden said, "except for here. And I agree. When they're all beaten, Eltar is where what remains of her army will congregate for a last stand, I am sure."
"I really, really, really want to go free Zordon and Rhiannon's planet first, but I think I agree. The control is pretty strong there. It's strong elsewhere too, but from what I understand we have people on other planets who can help us. Then, when those planets are freed, they can help us on Eltar and Earth," Billy said.
"While you're speaking, Billy, did you get a hold of the Aquitians?" Jayden said.
"I did. They will be here by the time we leave Friday," Billy said.
"I hate to agree with you, being the former ruler, but yeah, it would be pretty tough to free my planet right now. They've got it on lock right now," Rhiannon said.
"I talked to our King back home," Trey said, "who has gone in hiding. They are willing to give any information which will help free their planet. We have enough sources on the inside that can help."
"OK, then we will send a team or two there," Jayden said. "Does anyone have any other information?"
"I have informants too. It's tough, but Edenoi can be freed. I may have to wear a mask though. I am quite sure the quality of air is awful," Dex said.
"OK, so a team there too," Jayden said.
After an hour's debate that included good arguments on all sides, Tommy and Jayden looked at each other, then finally stood up.
"OK, here's what we'll do. It's quite obvious we need to press the attack, yet we also need to defend home," Tommy said. "Therefore, half the teams will be going into space and half the teams will be staying here."
"Ninjetti teams, we're going. I would ask that the Space, Dino Thunder, Ninja Storm, Mystic Force and Lost Galaxy teams go with us. Rita, Rito, Zedd and Ninjor, I'd ask you to please come with us too," Jayden said.
This caused an immediate ruckus. Many were surprised that Tommy and Jayden picked a wounded team who was only now barely beginning to heal over healthier Ranger teams. The Samurai team in particular was shocked that their own leader didn't pick them for this most important mission.
"Enough!" Lauren finally shouted. "Guys, calm down. I'm sure Jayden has a reasoning."
"I do, and thank you, Lauren," Jayden said. "Here's the thing. Not all of you are experts in space travel...I know I'm not. I need all the help I can get and the teams I am taking are very powerful teams yet some of the teams, like Space and Lost Galaxy, though they are hurt, have the space experience that others of you do not. Yet we still need skill and magic and the Ninjetti and Mystic Force teams provide us with that too."
"Guys," he looked at his Samurai team hard, "I promise we will go on a space mission together. Promise. Yet I have to make a very hard decision here and going after Flammia's troops aggressively is very dangerous. I need experience with space matters, and I need you guys back home in case Flammia wakes up and tries attacks."
The Samurai team looked as if they had their egos bruised, but nodded, understanding mutely what he was saying. Yet disappointment still reigned.
"We'll come back in one piece guys, I promise," Mia said.
"You'd better," Lauren said. "You too, little brother."
"Are we going after Mirinoi too?" Justin asked.
"Maybe not full on yet, but I want to see if we can find anything we can use there. That is one reason why the Lost Galaxy teams are coming with us," Tommy said. "We need their experience. They know Mirinoi better than I."
Friday, November 9, 2012
3:30 p.m.
Rangers Chamber of Command
Angel Grove, CA
By this time, most of the Ranger teams who were leaving had been able to get off work, and had retreated back to the Chamber of Command. Jayden had an exam...though not a final GED exam...earlier that day and felt good about it. Now, it was time to get back to doing one of the things he did best...kick Maligore's butt.
Questions remained though. First off, who was going to go where? Who needed help most? Because Flammia's dictatorship was still an iron grip even though she was losing people.
Second of all, how were they even going to get...wherever the hell they were going? The Phoenix could fly in space, but no way could it hold that many Rangers. The Megaship was a fine idea as he'd never been on it, but the Megaship would surely alert Flammia's forces too much.
Third of all, could he really be turned evil, like his mother? Was that even possible? It was not something to shrug off, at the very least. He knew that he hadn't been turned by Madimot, but even the Nighloks weren't as powerful as anyone in Flammia's army.
He would have to take that up with Dulcea sometime. Hopefully he would get that chance.
In the meantime, he knew it was time. He heard noises up in the main command room and knew he had to get going. Most of the shirts and outfits he was packing were more formal...he liked to look nice when not in uniform.
With a grim look, he turned off the lights and dragged his bags down the hall into the main chamber. He could see all the other team members who were going had their bags packed too, and also noticed the Aquitian Rangers.
"Well, look who finally decided to join us," Rocky said, giving Jayden a manly hug.
"Are the Aquitians here?"
"They got here about 30 minutes ago," Tommy cut in.
"Is that the legendary Phoenix?" Delphine suddenly asked.
"It is, Delphine," Tommy said, looking at Jayden and waving him over. "Son, these are the Aquitian Rangers who you saw on the screen the other day. Delphine, the White Ranger and leader, Cestro the Blue Ranger, Corcus the Black Ranger, Tideus yellow and Aurico red. They are from a water based planet, so when they are not at battle, they will stay in a regenerative device located in the hot tub room of this chamber."
"It is a pleasure to meet you, young Phoenix," Delphine said. "Thank you for everything you are trying to do. This cannot be easy for you."
"It isn't, but it comes with the territory of being a Ranger, it's just part of what we do and you guys know that," Jayden said.
"It is, but this is unlike anything any of us have ever faced. I wish you good luck in your travels and will hopefully see you back here in the near future," Cestro said.
"We will be back here," Jayden said. "We wouldn't be going if we didn't have a shot. Speaking of that, I assume we are taking the Megaship?"
"No, actually. It would be too easy to find the Megaship," Hayley said. "For many years after the Dino Thunder team beat Mesogog, Anton and I had been working on something, hoping it would never be needed. I feel it is needed now. Observe the screen."
Jayden gawked when he saw what it was. It was the Brachiozord, which he hadn't used yet, but it was decidedly bigger than his father's smaller Brachiozord.
"This is what I call the Brachiozord Mark I, Jayden," Anton said as he clapped the young Phoenix on the shoulder. "It's perfect for space flight, with room for many Rangers. It also comes with many of the amenities that the Megaship has and any Ranger who is in this ship while in flight will automatically have his or her Zord transferred in here. It also cloaks better than the Megaship, and Flammia's forces are yet unfamiliar with this ship."
"I like it," Jayden said. "Dr. Mercer, you seem to have a lot of things covered on this. Let's do that. Hopefully the dreaded queen doesn't awake very soon."
Then he turned to the other teams which would remain.
"You're not going with us, but you guys still have an important mission. Defend home," Jayden said. "Good luck."
"You better return home, Jay," Mike said. "We need you."
"Don't worry. I will," Jayden said.
Jayden then looked at Ninjor, who was nearby.
"Should we morph now?" he asked.
"I think so. If you morph in the Brachiozord, it will be much easier for Flammia to detect," Ninjor said.
Jayden nodded, and beckoned the teams that would be going.
"It's Morphin Time!"
"Let's Rocket!"
"Go Galactic!"
"Magna Power!"
"Ninja Storm, Ranger Form, Ha!"
"Thunder Storm, Ranger Form, Ha!"
"Samurai Storm, Ranger Form, Ha!"
"Dino Thunder, Power up, Ha."
"White Ranger, Dino Power!"
"Magical Source, Mystic Force!"
As soon as they were all morphed, all the Rangers who left, one by one, gave Rhiannon a big hug. Then, being led by Ninjor, they walked out a side door.
The Rangers who saw them go gulped.
"It's up to us now to defend home," Antonio said, speaking for them all.
Two Hours Later
The Moon Palace
Since the last battle, Flammia's army had gone off to lick their wounds. They walked on eggshells every single day, knowing what would happen once their Mistress awoke and found out what Draco had tried to pull. Because they knew Scorpina was the closest to Flammia and she would rat them out.
Scorpina on the other hand was relaxed and confident. She had taken the time to recharge and recoup, and was ready to get back to action.
Suddenly, the palace shook and a very loud sound whizzed by the palace at light speed. What was incredible was that no one could see what it was. It was obviously cloaked really well.
Still, it made Scorpina grow fidgety as she walked down the hall to where her Mistress was recouping still. She knew the time was close, and if there was such a thing as prayer, she prayed her Mistress would awake and once again stamp her wrath on the universe. Because things were getting worrisome.
It was probably only one team, she thought, but that sound could mean only one thing. It was a distinct possibility a team of Power Rangers had left the planet, although she couldn't be sure.
Fortunately for her, and unfortunately for the rest of the universe, her hopes and prayers were answered almost immediately as Flammia started to stir.
Opening her eyes, they flashed a deep shade of red.
"Scorpina, my greatest warrior," Flammia said as she embraced her top general and friend.
"Welcome back, my queen. You have been missed, and you missed a lot. Not a lot of it good, by the way," Scorpina said, concern evident in her eyes.
"Let us take a walk together. Tell me everything," Flammia said as the two walked the hallways of the palace.
"You see..." Scorpina began...
As Scorpina told her about events since Flammia had gone into regenerationg her strength, she grew more and more angry and her body grew a brighter and brighter red. It made Scorpina shiver just a bit.
"Worse yet, right before you woke up my queen, I heard a big sound outside the Palace. I have no way of knowing but I think at least one Ranger team may have left the planet," Scorpina said.
"We need proof, but you may be right. In the meantime, there are some individuals in our ranks who must be punished..." Flammia said.
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