Chapter seven

Truth hidden in myth

It was midday when each of the young adults managed to arrive at the lake. Their mutual confusion showed through their faces, none of them quite understanding the supernatural circumstances that led them all here.

"Huh… I guess we're all here for the same reason?" Zack asked aloud. He scanned over the perplexed group with a hand to his chin.

"You mean you all saw a weird spider too?" Mutabae asks.

"Well, not really a spider." Zack said, pulling out his crystal dagger that had been given to him by the Red Lion Zord. "More like... a big cat."

"Mine was feline, too... But..." Emily adds in- the events leading up to her getting her crystal dagger rings clear in her mind. Her father, and those strange monsters… "I think there's something sinister going on here..."

"Huh. You all sure don't have a problem revealing things about yourself. No sense of secrecy?" Pavel asks dryly to the others, quirking his brow.

"We all saw a bunch of weird animals. Nothing really to hide." Sammy said with a roll of her eyes.

"Don't be so sure." Pavel growls, his expression turning to a sneer.

Zack takes a deep breath, before stepping between the two hostile ones of the bunch. "Hey, that's enough. We won't figure anything out just by fighting with each other."

Emily nods her head a bit to what Zack and just said before adding in "Yeah... There's probably something more important out there to fight."

Pavel's sneer slowly changed into a kinder half-smirk as he recalled the circumstances that led him to be where he is now. "Whatever. Let's just get this over with." He says, shrugged his shoulders and stuck his gloved hands into his coat pockets. Sammy only gives his tough-guy attitude another eye-roll.

"Right!.. And, uh... How, exactly?" Mutabae asks.

But before anyone could give an answer to Mutabae's question, the animal crystals began to glow. There was a bright flash, and suddenly, they were no longer in front of the lake, and had been teleported to the Animarium.

There seemed to be a long wooden table and on top of it were jackets and what appeared to be strange-looking cell phones on top of them, each one matching in color. Red, Blue, White, Black, and Gold. Just behind the table looked to be a fountain of some type.

Emily slowly looked around, honestly quite impressed by the decor. "It looks like something out of a fairy tale…" She breathes out, in awe, slowly approaching the fountain.

Pavel only sighs. "More like an overblown set piece." He says, tapping on the table impatiently.

"Our ray of sunshine." Zack says, an attempt to lift the mood. He opens his mouth to continue, but a sudden yelp from Mutabe takes his focus.

The smaller teen was staring at a glowing light that was emerging from the central fountain. The light flickers, and strangely, it takes the form of a human. Princess Shayla overlooks the new quintet standing in front of her with a face full of glee.

"Welcome." She begins, a warm smile on her face. "I am Princess Shayla, and this is the Animarium." She approaches the visitors- the first in 6000 years- at a slow saunter. "You five have been chosen to become inheritors of the Wild Force, Keepers of the Animal Spirits… The Power Rangers."

She looked as though she wanted to continue- but she glanced towards the fountain she had just emerged from. It was bubbling and sizzling, as if it were beginning to boil.

"Does it… Usually do that?" Mutabe asks. But, the pace at which Princess Shayla reapproached the fountain answered the question for him.

The sovereign peers into the boiling fountain, observing the world below through its waters. An Org had caused the fountain to react, one with a stocky body that resembled a giant, leatherbound book. It had clawed hands, and gnarly talons, with a slobbery blue bookmark that acted as its tongue, another as its horn. Rather than words, only multicolored eyes rested within the many pages that made up its face and body.

"There is an org that has invaded the city." Princess Shayla says, now sternly. "You must go now, and save your people." She turns from the fountain now, and back to the young adults that inherited their sacred duty.

"I'm sorry…" Sammy cuts through the stunned silence, an incredulous look on her face. "We have to do what?"

The princess walks towards the young adults, and reiterates- "There is an org that has invaded the city." She says in a tone that borders on annoyed. "You must go and stop it."

"Yup. We got that part, princess." Pavel gives an exaggerated sigh. "But how, exactly?"

Deep in the concrete streets, perched atop a building was a figure clad in pitch-black, gripping a crescent-shaped blade. Their golden eyes watched the civilian panic caused by a single Org through a ragged, white mane. But, something mulled in their mind, a reminder of battles past.

'What's taking those blasted Rangers so long?' Thought Zen-Aku. 'I'm itching for a decent fight…'

But, a quiet, half-whisper of a voice speaks within the Duke Org's mind. 'Don't say that.' The voice was weak and subdued. 'It should only be a matter of time…'

The beast's golden eyes roll, letting out a low growl. 'Quiet.' They bark at the internal voice. They could all but feel their host let out a sigh.

'It's not like I have anything else to do here. Not with this mask on-'

"Quiet." Zen-Aku hisses, this time aloud, and the voice fades away.

Their golden eyes glance over the chaos once more. No sign of opposition, but the Org looks to be intriguing fodder. An appetizer before the main course. Zen-Aku leaps off of its perch, landing directly in front of the book-faced org. "You feast on the fear of the mortals, do you not? A simplistic way to trap them within the pages in your head."

"Eh?" The Org turns from its soon-to-be victim to the black-clad Duke Org. "Oh, you're that halfling she keeps around…" Its pages flip from a grin to a disappointed frown. "You look all tough, but I'm more brains than brawn." The org's ink-drawn eyes analyze Zen-Aku's figure, almost hungrily. "I'd say the weaker half of you's trembling in their boots. And their fear… It smells delicious."

The org grins once again, and a large slice of paper is sent flying towards Zen-Aku. The Duke Org dodges with ease, before sighing, raising its crescent-shaped blade, staring at the bookly beast through the weapon's three holes.

"You can call me Vexbook!" It speaks over its slobbering tongue, pointing at Zen-Aku with a clawed, gnarled finger. "And I'm going to spell out your doom, you overgrown mutt-"

They were getting annoyed with this textbook mook. Zen-Aku raises a foot and kicks the Org square in its paper jaw- it goes rolling back, rumbling through pavement and finally halting at a wall.

"Mouthy." Zen-Aku scoffs, disappointed. It raises its curved blade, stepping towards the downed Org. "And weak, at that."

Vexbook's "face" shifts to a panicky grimace, and it quickly shuts its pages, cowering at the Duke Org's murderous aura.

But, before Zen-Aku could deliver the finishing blow, a swarm of bats flies between them and Vexbook. The bats merge into a single entity, almost human, clearly feminine. Her black and red armor resembled an A-line dress, a black cape clasped to one of the shoulderplates with a winged medal. Her heeled black boots clicked against the concrete walkway, as she continued her slow saunter between the two. She had long, blonde hair, pale skin, and eyes as red as blood.

She sighs, adjusting the winged headband that parted her hair, using her free hand to stop Zen-Aku's crescent blade without a drop of blood spilt.

The black-clad org lets out another growl. "Chiropetia. You're in the way of my hunt."

Chiropetia merely gives an amused laugh, pushing Zen-Aku's sword away. "I'm afraid you'll have to find another meal." She speaks, not even bothering to sound sincere. "I've been sent by our great Master Org to recruit this… Lowly piece of literature for our cause." Her clawed hand moves from the blade to the top of Zen-Aku's head, and she pets the top of their head. "Be a good dog and head back to our lair, will you?"

She spoke as if they had a choice. Zen-Aku rolls their eyes, blade vanishing, and turns away.

"Good boy~." They hear her coddle as they leave.

It doesn't take long for Zen-Aku to reach Master Org's lair. Fittingly, it doesn't take long for them to become irate once more.

Irawulf stands in front of the entrance, arms crossed, as if waiting for them to return. "What do you want now, mutt?" They growl.

"The pot calling the kettle black." Irawulf's voice drones beneath his heavy armor. "Might I ask what you were up to this time?"

"None of your concern. What do you want?" They repeat. Now, they were truly annoyed.

Irawulf scoffs- "I knew idle chat was pointless." He utters, shaking his head. "Master Org has been looking for you… Dear Olivia."

The armored wolf pretends to ignore the way Zen-Aku's eyes widen, if only for a moment. But, they give Irawulf another curt growl, and a nod as thanks, before walking inside.

"... Y'know…" Olivia's voice pipes up once more. "You could really stand to be more kind to your allies."

"Tch… Don't you have somewhere else to be?" Zen-Aku mutters to themself, to the human voice only they could hear, pulling open the door to Master Org's chambers.

Emily cautiously reaches towards the table, picking up one of the strange, phone-like devices offered by the so-called princess. The gold color in particular spoke to her. "So, uh… What's these things?" She asks, flipping it over in her hand.

"Those are your Growl Phones." Princess Shayla explains to the group. "They will allow you to morph."

"... Growl Phones… Right…" Sammy mutters. While no one's looking, she swipes the green one off the table, quickly pocketing it. 'This lady's nuts...' She thinks to herself, 'But at least this could fetch a good price.'

"This chick is absolutely insane." Pavel says aloud, staring at the coats in disdain. "I'm not wearing that."

Sammy would roll her eyes at Pavel's comments again, but she's done that enough times today. "What, it's not tough-guy enough? All you've done is bitch and complain."

"Yeah, why wouldn't I? We're all "power rangers", we gotta go fight demons, I'm surprised I'm the only one that has the balls to say this lady's on a bad trip." Pavel says, very bluntly. "And I'm not going to be caught dead in a jacket that tacky."

"Wanna bet on that?" Sammy asks. She'd swiped the white phone already, and she cautiously shakes out the matching coat. It was pretty close to her size…

"H-hey, come on, now…" Mutabe speaks up between the two, a vague attempt to emulate what Zack had done earlier. "He's right to be skeptical, and you're right that he's a bit… Tactless, but-"

Pavel effortlessly nudges the smaller boy aside, picking up the blue-colored Growl Phone, but ignoring the jacket. "Bug off, manlet. You can't add to this conversation or your height."

Zack pulls out his animal crystal, pushing the bickering youths to the back of his mind… A crimson lion, and a so-called team made up of misfits… If no one else was going to take charge… Well, he wasn't a team captain for nothing.

"Come on, guys." He grabs the red jacket off of the table, sliding it on, and pocketing his animal crystal. "The world needs our help, the princess needs our help. We have to act now!"

Emily nods- "He's right." She takes the jacket and rolls up the sleeves. 'But, I'm not fighting for the world… I need to find my father!'

Mutabe gives a nervous nod. "Well, uh… We have strength in numbers, right?" He asks, gulping as he grabs the black jacket and Growl Phone. 'The coats aren't that bad!... Can't be worse than fighting monsters…"

Sammy shrugs, hanging the white coat over her shoulders. "Got nothing better to do. Could be fun." She says, with an impish smile.

...

"... You're all mad." Pavel almost laughs. "I'm not going to go fight demons with a bunch of- ghk!" Sammy kicks him in the back of the leg, sending him forwards and towards the jacket. He grunts, and begrudgingly grabs the blue jacket, and ties it around his waist, crossing his arms.

"There, are you happy now?" He asks, as Sammy gives him a deadly glare. "A bunch of jackasses in tacky coats, is this what you wanted?"

Princess Shayla gives a beaming smile. "Thank you, everyone. Now, head to the city, and stop this org!"


Author's Note: I would like to thank my beta reader NitroTheKidd88 for helping me get this chapter and the rest of this story to a quality that I hope my readers will enjoy. Now, onto a quick legend for the main cast of rangers and a few of the duke orgs that will be important to the story.

Wild Force Rangers:

Red Lion Ranger: Zack Calvin (Submitted by zackattack1)

Zack is the "leader" of the New Wild Force Rangers. A former quarterback and loving father, he sees the team as a chance to prove himself worthy. His daughter, Riley Calvin, is the light of his world, even though he only gets to see her on occasion.

Black Spider Ranger : Mutabae Ganaza (Submitted in by Mikq)

Mutabae serves as Zack's right-hand man. Or, at least, he'd like to think so. Although insecure and scared out of his wits, he tries his best to push past his thoughts and do what's right, and prove that there's more to him than his height would suggest.

Gold Jaguar Ranger: Emily "Emmy" Baliton (Submitted by Sophiemacyd)

Before becoming a ranger, Emily was a normal kid with an estranged relationship with her father. She has a jock-like personality, a determined nature, and an immense desire to see her father returned home safe.

White Fox Ranger: Sammy (Submitted by zetsunaflames)

Despite her childish personality, Sammy is incredibly resourceful and very clever. After her mother fell on tough times, she resorts to theft in order to provide for the both of them. Though she doesn't have much interest in this "saving the world" business, she's more curious about the other weird occurrences in this small town.

Blue Vulture Ranger: Pavel Ruxembur (Submitted by NitroTheKidd88)

Pavel is the final member in this group of misfits. A mouthy misanthrope and former delinquent, he's dry and rude to everyone he meets. He keeps everyone at an arm's length, and can't bring himself to care about their opinions, with the exception of his little sister, Lily Ruxembur. Forced onto the team, he has little choice but to open his heart, a fact that he despises.

Org Army:

The Reincarnated Master Org

After suffering a humiliating defeat at the hands of the original Wild Force Rangers, Master Org has returned to complete his goal of conquest and destruction. But, things seem different this time around- his former Dukes have abandoned him, and others are reluctant to join him.

Chiropetia (Created by rosaline gold)

After the defeat of Master Org, this temptress has gone into hiding, gaining the resources needed to resurrect her master. After 6000 years, it seemed she succeeded, not only revving her fallen master, but also the powerful Duke Org Zen-Aku.

Olivia Whitmore/The Reincarnated Zen-Aku (Created by rosaline gold)

Olivia used to entertain the masses in a circus with a pair of former Duke Orgs, Toxicia and Jindrax. However, these happy times wouldn't last. She came into possession of her third animal crystal, and was captured by Chiropetia. She's forced to serve under them, wearing the Mask of Zen-Aku, which contains the soul of the fallen Wolf Duke Org. Zen-Aku seems to have taken a level in bloodthirst and rebellion since they were seen last.

Irawulf & Luxwulf (Submitted by NitroTheKidd88)

These so-called "twins" used to be the Wolf Animal Crystal. However, they got into a huge fight over strength, morals, and philosophy. The dark Irawulf came out victorious, and forced Luxwulf to join the army of Master Org with him, and create a world ruled by strength and fear.

Tricky (Submitted by Monsomako)

Tricky is a Duke Org that tried and failed to fight Master Org. A member of the rare breed of Orgs called Shadow Copiers, Tricky enjoys inflicting pain on others, and watching people suffer for his pleasure. However, he's willing to be humble when it comes to his superiors for the sake of survival.

Salazar (Submitted by Sophiemacyd)

Salazar had been sleeping in an ancient Org Temple in South America since Master Org's first defeat. However, a sudden earthquake awoke this serpentine org from his slumber, sending this serpentine fiend to find his leader and master. He has taken a particular joy in tormenting Oliva with his venomous, slithery minions.

Avarice (Submitted by Zetsunaflames)

The final Duke to join Master Org. Avarice is greedy and power-hungry, but turns into a whimpering coward whenever he's met with someone stronger than he. However, he is not to be underestimated- Avarice feeds off of mortal fear with his special insectoid brand of corruption, and collects "trophies" from his prey that decorates his quarters.