A/N: A very pleasant Thursday 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: In this one, it's the battle on Murianthias. As the chapter indicates, this is Scorpina's final fight against the Rangers.

A/N 3: Couples featured are Jayden/Mia, Memily, Jason/Kat, Adam/Tanya and a slew of other old-school pairings.

A/N 4: Usual disclaimer. Power Rangers doesn't belong to me. Used to be Saban, then Disney, then Saban, now Hasbro owns them.

Chapter 46 – Fall of the Scorpion

Friday, December 7, 2012

The Nemesis Triangle

Outside Maligore's Temple

They could all see the Temple was in ruins.

Jayden's battle with Draco, as well as his efforts to fight off Maligore's spell, had completely incinerated it. Everyone, good and evil had evacuated. None would have survived it coming down.

Now, it was just the ruined Temple, the 19 Rangers who had evacuated, and the giant scorpion monster they'd all become familiar with.

The older team had, unfortunately, been fighting her off and on for 20 years. The newer team had been introduced to Scorpina a few months ago, although they'd never fought her in her most hideous form.

Now, together with the Ninjetti and their former leader, they would. And they would try to put an end to her once and for all.

"Let's do it guys," Jayden said. "We need Ninjazord Power, now!"

"Samurai Zords, activate!" Lauren called, as they prepared to draw their kanji symbols to summon their Zords. For them, this was old habit.

"White Falcon!"

"Pink Crane!"

"Blue Wolf!"

"Black Frog!"

"Yellow Bear!"

"Red Ape!"

"Crimson Phoenix!"

"Silver Moose!"

"Orange Panther!"

"Navy Dolphin!"

"Purple Nightingale!"

"Green Dragon!"

"Turquoise Dove!"

"Turtle Folding Zord, Mega Mode!"

"Dragon Folding Zord, Mega Mode!"

"Ape Folding Zord, Mega Mode!"

"Bear Folding Zord, Mega Mode!"

"Lion Folding Zord, Mega Mode!"

"Octo Zord, Mega Mode!"

"Power Up!"

In a brilliant flash of light, the Zords descended from the Brachiozord Mark I, which had taken to the skies again by this time, and headed for the Rangers.

"Grilled scorpion, anyone?" Jayden quipped as he launched the first shots of the fight from the Phoenix Ninjazord. Scorpina did her best to block, but the Rangers noticed she definitely wasn't fighting with the same vigor. The loss of Draco clearly was having a mental effect.

"Let's not go there, dear brother," Lauren quipped back from the Lion Zord, which Lauren had, of course, been given re-access to when her spell was broken. "I've seen enough of this one to last my entire life."

"I hear that," Jayden said. "Bring em together, all of you."

"Samural Armament," Rito called. "Let's go with the Octo Spear Megazord, Lauren."

"Right. Coming up," Lauren said as the Samurai Zords began to combine.

"Ninja Megazord Power," Jason and Mia called, and those six Zords began to combine to form that Megazord.

"Ninja Mega-Falconzord Power," Tommy called, which brought those Zords together, as Jayden continued to strafe Scorpina with firepower from the Phoenix.

"Prepare to die, Rangers," Scorpina snarled as she rushed towards the Ninja-Mega-Falconzord, as that Zord held Tommy and Kim.

But she didn't look to the side until it was too late, as the Octo Spear-Megazord punched her in the face, sending her staggering back.

"Guess again, you ugly witch," Lauren said. "You best respect us…we're not the same team you fought a few months ago."

"That's right," Rito said. "Ice Breath!"

Instantly, the spear/shield weapon that represented the Octo Zord blew out a frosty breath. Scorpina was about to launch her tail at the Samurai Rangers, but was stopped in her tracks.

"She's frozen solid!" Emily said. "Jayden?"

"Coming right up," Jayden said as he pressed a button from the Phoenix Zord.

A massive torrent of fire came blazing at the scorpion warrior, who screamed in agony as the blast from Jayden's Zord easily pierced her armor and sent her flying onto the beach.

It didn't destroy her, but the Rangers could see she was reeling.

Angrily, she got up and launched a powerful blast from her pincers at the Octo Spear Megazord, but the Gold Ranger's Octo Spear weapon blocked the blast easily.

"Sorry to interrupt the fun," Adam called over the intercom to Jayden, "but I've told you and I request it again, I want a piece of that witch myself."

"Go for it, Uncle Adam," Jayden said.

Adam pressed a button on his console, and suddenly, the leg of the Megazord that held the Frog launched a tongue that completely pinned Scorpina's arms to her side.

"And now for a shocking revelation," Adam said. Scorpina screamed in pain as energy coursed through her and she seemed helpless to get out of her predicament.

"Are you at peace now?" Tanya asked Adam as they both heard the scorpion monster howl in pain. She'd worked with Adam many times over the years…there were still nights sometimes where he had nightmares about Scorpina.

"Yes. I'm at peace. I got my shot. She'll never mess with the Frog again," Adam said.

But before they knew what was happening, with all her strength, she pulled her scimitar sword out and slashed the tongue, causing it to return to the Megazord and freeing her in the process. The impact also sent the Ninja Mega-Falconzord down on its rear.

Scorpina wasted no time in attacking her old rivals as she reared back and punched the Megazord in the face. The Megazord's cockpit lights were flashing as they'd taken a serious power hit.

She went in for another punch but didn't see the attack coming as the Phoenix Ninjazord's wings suddenly clipped her arm, causing her to screech in pain. The attack gave Jayden's parents and uncles much needed time to regroup.

"Jayden, I have to disengage," Kim called. "That attack did damage on the Crane and I don't want to take chances!"

"Got it. Go back to the ship, Mom. We got this," Jayden called.

With that, the Crane disengaged from the configuration and flew out of sight.

"Damn. Now we can't form the Megazord," Rocky said. "Damn that witch."

He said that right as Scorpina came at the Ninjazords again with Rocky shielding them.

"Not so fast. Get ready to form again. Ninja Mega-Falconzord, begin sequence!" Jayden said as he began pressing controls.

When the sequence was complete, the Ninja Mega-Falconzord stood reformed and unfazed, only the Phoenix was once again where the Crane usually was.

"So what, I beat you once and I can do it again!" Scorpina shouted as she charged the newly formed Megazord but she was suddenly caught in a gust of wind.

That's because Mia, from the Ninja Megazord, had pressed a button which sent tornado force winds blowing in Scorpina's face. She struggled to keep her footing but eventually could not as she was blown back and crashed against the rocks which buffeted the beach and the ocean.

"Nice, Mia," Jayden called. "My turn. Fire Blast!"

The head of the Phoenix perked up, right as Scorpina was getting back to her feet, and launched a massive blast of fire that caused pain in every part of her body. She couldn't move which gave the Rangers time to breathe.

"Holy shit, look at that," Jason said when the attack was over. "I never thought I'd ever say this but I think Scorpina is about cooked."

"Yes and I think it's appropriate that our leader finish her off," Kat said.

"No. That's where you're wrong," Jayden said, to the surprise of everyone. "The Samurai Rangers are going to finish her off."

"Us?" Emily asked with much surprise.

"Yes. After all, she attacked you guys first when Flammia and the gang got here. I think it should be you guys that finishes her off for good," Jayden said.

"I can't argue with that," Lauren said. "She beat us pretty good the first time but maybe in the afterlife she'll respect us…if she has any at all."

"Besides, while I'm a Ninjetti I'm still a Samurai at heart. We're still Rangers together…" Jayden said.

"Samurai forever," Lauren finished. "And I think Rito and I know just how we're going to finish her off. Rito?"

"Yeah, she's been grandstanding this whole time," Rito said, as he touched his communication device.

"Justin, send out the Samurai auxiliary Zords by remote," Rito said. "We're going to form the Gigazord. I'm tired of this witch grandstanding – we're gonna show her not to ever mess with the Power Rangers."

"Agreed," Lauren added, after which she mumbled, "For you, Antonio. Here's to justice, in our name."

The death of Antonio still hung heavy in the cockpit as Lauren made the call.

"Ultimate Samurai Combination. Gigazord Power!"

In moments, the rest of the Zords were on their way and began to combine. The OctoZord disengaged from the Samurai Megazord – it was replaced by the ClawZord, which formed the Claw Armor Megazord.

The Bull Megazord's cart opened up for the Claw Armor Megazord to stand on as the Samurai Battle Cannon was attached. The Megazord's arms attached to the Bull Megazord, with the Tiger Zord's drills attached.

Ape and Turtle attached to the axles of the cart, after which Octo Zord's legs attach to the front of Claw Armor, with Bull Megazord's chest on top of it all. Finally, the Lobster Swords attach to the Zord's helmet, and Bull Megazord's cannon above the helmet.

"Symbol power?" Rito asked Lauren.

"Yep. I wanna go home. Everyone agree?" Lauren asked.

Everyone nodded.

"Lion Zord, Tiger Zord, Bull Zord!" Lauren said.

"Dragon Zord! Swordfish Zord!" Kevin said.

"Ape Folding Zord!" Emily yelled.

"Bear Zord! Beetle Zord!" Mike shouted.

"Turtle Zord!" Myakka called

"Octo Zord! Claw Zord!" Rito finished.

"Symbol Power! Mega Strike!"

By this time Scorpina had got back up and was charging the Samurai team again, but it was right into the Gigazord's attack.

She was weakened and never had a chance.

It was unfathomable. Three months ago they were nowhere close to her league. Now, they were the reason for her demise.

"You will pay for the events of this day, Power Rangers! One day, darkness will rule your world!" Scorpina screamed.

But the last thing she thought as she fell to her final death was, 'Kimberly Ann Hart, I love you forever and will never forget what you did for me. My word means nothing in the end but I hope you are protected always.'

With that, there was a huge explosion as the island shook.

The impossible had happened. Scorpina was dead once and for all…the only thing that remained of her legacy were ashes.

"Power Rangers…." Lauren said

"Victory is ours," Jayden finished.

"Let's go home guys. I'm tired of this stinking place," Rito said.

"You and everyone else here," Tommy said.

One hour later

Brachiozord, Mark I

The mood, needless to say, was celebratory back on the ship as the ship started to pull back towards the real world and away from the Nemesis Triangle.

A place none of them ever hoped to visit again. This time had turned out better than the last when Kim had been turned, but the fact is, they had been here twice too many and never hoped to come back.

Kim was crying with joy. She had, of course, watched the last part of that battle on the ship.

Though her son was not technically a member of the Samurai team any longer, it was clear they were still his family and it showed.

For being the bookends of the Ranger legacy, the two teams had worked together seamlessly and had overpowered a being that had hurt people for many thousands of years, including Earth's Rangers themselves.

Kim and Mentor Ji were having a massive hugfest. She couldn't thank the mentor of the Samurai Rangers enough for doing what he'd done with Jayden while she was dealing with her problems.

At the very least, if worst came to worst, the Earth would hopefully still remain under good's command, and Jayden would have a strong support system. Ji was part of that, she knew.

The Samurai team was no less impressive too. She could tell that battle was personal for them – the death of Antonio and the fact that Scorpina had made them look like a JV basketball team early in the saga were clear motivations.

They had done the universe a great service.

And the kids of the older Rangers had done their part too. They had remained out of sight while, unseen by anyone, not allowing any further footsoldiers to come into the arena to mess up the rescue mission.

She teared up again as she watched her Handsome and her son – Tommy and Jayden both – embrace as a father and son should.

They'd been through a lot in this saga and Kim hoped, when it was all over, that she'd be there to complete the trifecta.

And she really teared up when she saw Jayden and Mia share a massive hug. The two had been through a lot on their journey and this had been the biggest test of all.

Those two were meant to be, just on this journey alone, Kim thought. There was just no doubt at all. They were much like she and Tommy were at their age.

Her thoughts were broken when she heard, "Excuse me, can I have everyone's attention?"

She knew the voice. It was Ninjor, and he wanted to talk to everyone.

Everyone else, too, was standing at rapt attention.

"I want to say to everyone how proud I am of you today. This day had potential disaster written all over it, and yet, in the end, it was one of the universe's greatest enemies that died on this day," Ninjor said.

Everyone cheered, the loudest of those cheers being the older Rangers. At long last, the dangerous scorpion femme fatale was dead and gone.

"Ranger kids," he said, first addressing the young kids of the Ninjetti who had played a big role, "your journey is just beginning but today you were fantastic. You did your job and you did it to the best of your abilities. You all should feel good today."

"Ninjor, I was wanting to ask," Matthew said, "when Scorpina was destroyed, I felt a power surge inside of us. What is that about?"

"That is not coincidental. You got a power boost when that happened, as Scorpina was Flammia's top general. Both her top generals are dead, so that's why you feel a stronger connection to the Grid," Ninjor said. "It will still take Flammia herself being destroyed to unlock the powers fully."

"Veteran Rangers, you all were exemplary," Ninjor continued. "But the real credit goes to the team I mentored, as well as Jayden's young Samurai teammates. Samurai team, I am proud of you especially."

"The highest level of praise. Thank you, Ninjor," Lauren said, bowing in respect to the legendary Ninja Master.

"We overcame a lot, beat a nemesis today and as much as I disagreed with Antonio when we were teammates, I know he would be proud of us today. We did the universe a great service," Kevin said.

"You did indeed. Also, Diana, Ashley, Cassie and Karone," Ninjor said. "The move to use the Zenematars to nullify the threat of the natives was a brilliant idea and was a huge factor in our success today. You four have come a long ways in the last 15 years also."

"When do you think Flammia will attack again?" Kira asked.

"It won't be for quite a long time. Possibly months," Ninjor said. "They could attack quickly, but complicating matters is they control other planets which spreads them thin. Without Flammia's two top generals they will have a tough time mounting an Earth invasion quickly."

"But, I'd add this," he continued, "Flammia is no dummy. When she attacks, it's going to be bad. And I suspect not just in Angel Grove."

"You're talking cities around the world," Tommy said.

"Yes, and in particular I'm worried about cities that hold the Ranger Keys that will belong to the next team should we prevail," Ninjor said. "Draco and Scorpina's destruction enhanced the power of those Keys and might make them easier to find."

"I don't think that's going to be for a while yet though. If we're lucky we'll get through the holidays without another attack," Ninjor finished. "Right now, we get the hell out of here, go home and relax."

Right as he finished, there was turbulence on the ship.

They had just passed back through the Triangle to the real world.

"Goodbye Murianthias, and good riddance," Kimberly said.

"I'll drink to that, Beautiful," Tommy said.

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