EPISODE 26: FIREBIRD
(Adapted from "I Wanna Protect An Important Day")
We open this episode at Titanic Taste, the Aquarium Sector restaurant, at lunchtime. Given that it's a nice day, several keepers from various corners of the zoo are sitting down at different tables. At one table in particular we see the Eagle keeper group briefly seen back in Episode 23. Appearance-wise, one is a tan-skinned woman with short black hair, one is a blonde woman, one is an East-Asian man, and one is an African man. As they're eating, the tan woman looks up, and nudges the others, gesturing them to look at another table.
And at this other table, we see Benny and Jackie having a conversation.
Benny: What? No way.
Jackie: I'm telling you, the Osprey had 2 of them.
Benny: Look, ospreys can carry, but a Humboldt Squid!?
Jackie: Well, they were little ones.
Benny: But 2 of them? I-In WASHINGTON?
Jackie: You'd be surprised how far north those psychos can travel.
While those last two pieces of dialogue are said, the tan-skinned woman looks to the other Eagle Keepers, who all share a collective nod before she stands up and walks over.
Christine: Hi there. Mind if I interrupt real quick?
(She sounds like Ally from 'Amphibia')
Jackie: Oh, sup? The name's Jackie.
Christine: Gotcha. I've seen you around the booth a few times. Name's Christine Kiperman.
Jackie: Nice to meet yah. And this is—
Christine: Not to worry, I know Martha's kid. How's it been, Benjamin? Is the booth treating you well?
Benny: (swallows) Uh, y-yeah! It's uh…it's nice, I guess. M-Maybe a bit vacant but…nice.
Christine: …Uh huh. Well, anyway, I wanna talk to you about something. Recently one of our keepers just got transferred to work with Wedge-Tails back in Australia, so as of now, drum roll (rapidly taps her fingers on the table) we've got a zookeeper position open!
Benny's eyes widen while Jackie is surprised.
Jackie: (gasp) Really!?
The red ranger quickly stands up while embarrassingly speaking.
Benny: Uh, I-I appreciate the offer, really, I'm flattered, but t-the last time I even wore a raptor glove was when I was a teenager at most, I-I'm not—
Christine: Not to worry, it's just an offer. If accepted, you'd of course go through the necessary training, and we can handle things ourselves, so an extra keeper isn't a necessity.
Jackie: Sounds perfect! He'll think about it for a bit.
Benny: Y-Yes! What she said. That. PLEASE.
Christine: Say no more. If you like the idea, don't hesitate to holler out for us at the dome.
She then walks back over to her lunch table with the other keepers as Benny tries to return to his lunch.
Benny: Right, uh, let's finish up.
He's about to take a bite out of the last big piece of his food, but Jackie stops his hand before he can put it in his mouth.
Jackie: You. Me. Later. We're getting you this offer by the end of the week.
She says this with a determined smile as Benny sits frozen and a little nervous.
Hard cut to Captain Psycholapod grabbing a guy by the neck on some rocks next to the ocean.
Random Civilian: (gags) H-Help!
Captain Psycholapod: RELAX, it's just a little fishing.
While saying this, the camera zooms out to reveal that this civilian is a fisherman given we see another just like him knocked out in the background.
Anywho, Psycholapod puts his hand on the man's head and scans his mind for any clues about his target's whereabouts.
Captain Psycholapod: Nothing? (sigh) How hard is it to find one megabeast!?
He slaps the guy to the ground as we cut to a zooming-out wide shot from behind as the pirate talks to himself more with zero results around what he's after.
Captain Psycholapod: (sigh) Well, if there's no leads today…I might as well go check on those hot wings.
Next, we cut up to the Arrow Galion.
The aforementioned wide shot is displayed on the monitor of the ship with Midaria and Sagittar watching out of curiosity.
Midaria: …So…What do we think you know who is truly after?
Sagittar: (holding a drink) I'm not sure…But unpredictable pieces on the board can hopefully make the game more intriguing.
Midaria: It's just…given Insidion's recent behavior and the Captain's SPECIES—
Sagittar: Like I just said. Unpredictable pieces are intriguing…No matter the enemy or the ally.
Midaria raises her head ever-so-slightly and makes a small noise like she's about to say something, but she quickly lowers it a little and keeps the thought to herself.
Cue Theme Song (1 Minute)
Later in the afternoon, we see Benny and Jackie chilling by the Link Cube.
Benny: I'm telling you, I'm better off at the booth.
Jackie: Not with that attitude, you're not.
Benny: I just don't think I'm the right guy to go with for that.
Jackie: Nonsense, you'd do great!
Benny: Would I though?
Jackie: Tell me. What are some interesting facts you know about Bald Eagles?
Benny: …Well…I guess to start, while most people often associate them with woodlands or seacoasts, many can be found in wetlands, marshes, sometimes plains—
Cue text on the screen reading 5 minutes later.
Benny: …then if they're really feeling lucky they may go after skunks, armadillos, porcupines, fishers, the occasional deer faun…
5 more minutes later.
Benny: So, in actuality, you have the Romans and GOLDEN Eagles to thank for their status as the US National Bird…
Yet another 5 minutes later.
Benny: Oh, and DON'T even get me started on that stupid Red-Tailed Hawk call that stole the spotlight in the movies while the REAL Bald Eagle noises get kicked in the—!
One more set of 5 minutes later.
Benny: …meaning with said lifespan in mind, I'd…probably be dead right now if I was a Bald Eagle.
He then stops and looks a Jackie, her face both shocked and impressed.
Benny: (eyes widen) How long was I—
Jackie: 20 minutes.
Benny: AH…Uh, w-well I'm still probably a bit rusty.
Jackie: Rusty!? You just said all of that without fumbling your words or stopping for a drink! You're a Bald Eagle dictionary!
Benny: Okay, yes, I know a lot, but having knowledge doesn't mean you have experience. I know about Wolverines too, but you don't see me flying into the wild to hug one.
Jackie: Kiperman said you'll get training though. It's a perfect balance!
Benny: Yeah, but… I-I can't let more work distract from ranger duties, like-you've seen how far Sagittar and Psycholapod are willing to go.
Jackie: You've handled in the past with your little booth, and I've balanced my workload fine before—
Benny: Just because you can do it doesn't mean I will. Do you get that, Jackie?
This makes her stop and look at him a little bit disappointed.
Jackie: …So, you really won't do it? You have a once-in-a-lifetime dream job opportunity basically in your front yard, and you won't take it?
This hits Benny a bit, his expression showing total division about this decision.
Benny: …It's not that I don't want this. I just…I can't…You know why.
Jackie: (sigh) You're still upset about Buddy?
Benny: YES. Of course, I am! Why wouldn't I be!?
The blue ranger's face becomes a little more frustrated, while still trying to be as relaxed as possible.
Jackie: (sigh) Look…I know what happened was probably rough and all, and I know this is gonna sound harsh but…you HAVE to get over this. You are holding yourself back by letting those memories dominate your dreams! You can't let one pet's death ruin you!
Benny: UGH, you really don't get it!?
Jackie: What's to get!? You're upset over one dead dog—!
Benny: It's not about Buddy dying, Jackie, it's about him dying because of me!
This makes Jackie stop talking and listen.
Benny: I can accept that Goriz and Harris gave their powers for me to live, and I can accept that I didn't help drive my dad away, but I draw the line here!... I threw that ball too far out into the road! I was too stupid to see the car coming, and the first animal I ever took care of, that I NEEDED at that point in my life, passed away when he shouldn't have, in the Emergency Vet because of what I did…And don't you DARE tell me "It wasn't your fault" or "You were only a kid" because those are band-aids I'm tired of wearing!
He's not crying, but his eyes are very much teary, with Jackie just standing there looking worried for him.
Benny: (sniffle) Zookeepers help! They don't harm!... I'm not hurting another animal again…Do you understand-I just…I can't.
Sanders stands there, unsure of what to say, but then a thought crosses her mind.
Jackie: (sigh) Okay. Look, we gotta get back to work but uh…could we maybe…talk about this a little more later?
Benny: (exhales) Alright…Sure.
The two take out their Morphers and say Doubutsu.
But as they teleport out…we once again see Psycholapod hiding behind bushes near the cube.
Captain Psycholapod: Ooh. I'm liking where this is going.
He chuckles as he slinks off into the bushes again, thinking about a scheme to pull.
It's also worth noting that something must be wrong with the Cubimals since this is now the second time he's been near the Link Cube and no zords have sensed him.
We then cut to alter that afternoon at Benny's Sky Space booth.
(On an unrelated author's note, did anyone notice I finally looked back at the fanart and remembered the dome's real name?)
He sits alone, resting his head on his hand and looking a little down before his Cubimals pop up to say hi.
After making their noises, Benny quickly looks around to see if anybody's around before letting them hop into his hand for a quick chat.
Benny: (sigh) Sometimes I wish animals could defend themselves like you guys can.
The Eagle zord chirps while nuzzling his palm.
Benny: (smiles) Then again, we'd be out of a job if that was true.
He then feels his phone buzz and checks to see 2 texts from Jackie saying, "Let's talk tonight in the Sanctum" and "Mind taking the elevator so I can surprise you?"
That last text confuses him a little bit.
Benny: (while texting) Uh…sure?
He sends the text, and we linger for a moment on his expression, wondering what she has planned.
Later that night, we see the elevator doors to the Sanctum open.
Our Red Eagle Ranger steps out and stops, looking forward to see not just Jackie present, but also the rest of the team and Hitarthi chatting.
Sylvia: Oh, look who he's here!
Jackie: Hey, babe!
Winston: There he is.
Derrick: Alright, let's get it.
Benny: Oh, h-hey guys? What uh…what's going on?
Sylvia: So, correct, me if I'm wrong, you wanna become a zookeeper but you're worried you'll do poorly?
Benny: …That's one way to say it. I just…don't want any animals to get hurt.
Jackie: (smiles) Good…That's the job.
Benny looks on in curiosity.
Hitarthi: Being nervous for an animal's well-being isn't a bad thing.
Caleb: Precisely. You know, when I got attacked, I wasn't just worried about myself. I was worried the keepers may have to kill the lions to get them away from me.
Winston: As gross as it can be, I always check elephant dung for any signs of sickness or infection.
Sylvia: I get a little nervous when we sedate a tiger for certain check-ups.
Derrick: And I'm no zookeeper, but…I can't tell you many times I've been afraid of the idea that…I don't deserve to be here.
Caleb: And to think that's just our day jobs.
This gets a small laugh out of everyone.
Jackie: See? Some of it's irrational, but some of it's healthy.
She puts her hand on his shoulder.
Jackie: Hear me out for a second; fear is like fire. Sure, fire can scorch, burn, spark, singe, and whatever, BUT fire is also warmth. It can boil your food, protect you from the cold, light up the night via lanterns or stars, and the thing I wanna focus on, keep predators at bay. Fire doesn't just destroy. It can defend. And whether it be through fighting monsters or saving us or helping animals like that puppy you saved a few fights ago; I've seen you do nothing but defend as a ranger…It's just one of the reasons I love you.
This of course gets a small blush out of Benny who lets the encouragement sink in.
Benny: …So…you all really think I can do this?
Derrick: I'd say so.
Caleb: Not a shred of doubt.
Winston: And no matter what you choose, we'll support you.
Sylvia: Anything for our Hermano in arms.
The red ranger smiles at this and then takes 3 more seconds to ponder everything just said.
Then, with a bit more confidence, he speaks up.
Benny: Well…if you're all that confident in me…you know what, yeah. Yeah! I-I'll do it!
This gets cheers and pats on the back from the crew.
Martha: Glad to hear it, egghead.
The red feathered ranger sees his mother speed walking over from the Lounging Section where she's been chilling at the table…with a box in her hands.
Benny: Hey, mom! (notices the box) Wait. What's up with that?
Martha: I've kept this under my dresser for years. Go on, open it, open it!
He takes the top of the box off and stares down with wonder before pulling out…
Benny: (gasp) A raptor-training glove?
Martha: Had it made around your 18th birthday.
He slips the glove on, it slipping onto him with little to no trouble, and not being too snug.
Martha: Was planning on giving it to you earlier but…I'm kinda I waited.
Benny: (chuckles) It fits perfectly.
Jackie: Well then…how are we feeling?
After staring at the glove, a bit more and letting all the support sink for a few more seconds, the young Washi says his answer with a lot more confidence than earlier.
Benny: (smiles) …Like I wanna try tomorrow morning.
Martha offers a high five which Benny quickly returns with his gloved hand, cutting perfectly as we start the next scene.
Our next scene opens the next day around noon. It's finally time as a few yards away from the Sky Space, Benny stands with his glove ready and his friends/family by his side.
Benny: (exhales) This is it.
Jackie: Don't back down, you got this.
Caleb: Don't overthink it.
Winston: Just stay calm and follow the instructions you're given.
Sylvia: Nothing to worry about.
Martha: We'll be nearby if you need any help.
Benny hugs his mom, takes a deep breath, and starts walking on over.
We then cut a few moments later to him reaching his destination where Christine is waiting, now having a little grey box strapped to her belt.
Christine: Ah, there we are. Morning Benjamin!
Benny: Hi. So, uh (ahem) did my mother tell you I accepted the offer?
Christine: Yep. And if you wanna start right now, we're ready.
Benny: Great!... Oh, but, before we do, I have a suggestion…Look, if I'm being honest, I haven't been 100%...confident about this. And it got me thinking about something last night so, I have to ask…could I maybe start by just…having one of the eagles out by the booth and then go from there?
Christine: …Huh. You know, it's funny you mention that.
She then pulls out a walkie-talkie clipped onto the back of her belt and talks to a team member.
Christine: We're ready for yah, Dane.
Dane: Got it. Coming around as we speak.
(He sounds like Min-Gi from Infinity Train Book 4)
Christine: We uh…may have thought the same.
She says this while pulling out a clicking device from her pocket.
And then, Benny hears a call coming from around the corner behind Kiperman.
His eyes widen as he looks behind Christine and sees Dane, the one East-Asian zookeeper mentioned earlier…walking over with a Bald Eagle perched on a raptor glove.
This is it. No turning back now.
Dane: (walking over) We'd like you to meet Maverick.
Benny: He's beautiful!
Christine: So, a few quick notes, Maverick was found with a broken wing and rehabilitated.
Dane: His first home in Canada tried returning him to the wild, but he was too attached to people at that point, so we've been taking care of him ever since.
Christine: He's our most well-behaved Eagle without a doubt.
Benny: Okay…So, targeting first, right?
Christine: Yep. Just some basics to ease us in.
She says this while pulling out a piece of meat from the box on her belt.
Christine: Maverick!
After her gloved hand clicks the tool twice, Maverick flies over to it with no hesitation, Benny backing up a tiny bit as he lands, not wanting to be hit by the wings.
Once he lands, he's of course given meat as a reward.
Christine: Good work, as usual, buddy.
She quickly picks up on Benny's amazed gaze at the bird of prey.
Christine: Amazing, huh?
Benny: Yeah…I-I remember being close to as a kid…(chuckles) it's been a while, you know?
Christine: …You wanna hold 'em?
Despite feeling like his heart is racing, Benny nods and holds out his arm. With that, Christine uses her clicker while putting Maverick close to him. The bird quickly spreads his wings slightly and hops over, landing right on Benny's glove. The second he does, subtle but emotional music begins to play in the background, slowly building as the scene continues. Benny can't even utter a single word as he stares at the Avian creature perched on his arm; Christine walking up to give him another piece of meat and link a little strap on his foot to Benny's glove, so he doesn't fly off.
Christine: If you want, you can pet him.
Benny: Really?
She nods and Benny slowly raises his hand, gently rubbing the bird's torso up and down.
The red ranger's face is a perfect balance of joy and sadness.
His eyes widen with emotion at what he's finally doing…and then something really interesting happens.
We get brief cuts to other points in Benny's life.
First, we get footage of when he saved that puppy during Episode 23.
Then we get footage of him from all the way back in Episode 6 when he briefly encountered a deer in the woods and tried to feed it.
Next…we get some next footage of when he first got Buddy, picking up the dog, and letting it lick his face.
This is followed by a few more pieces of footage from his time playing with the dog.
Finally, though…we get something even more gut-punching.
We see a teary-eyed younger Benny…laying his head on a vet's desk… staring at Buddy and petting his head…as the little dog closes his eyes one last time.
This all happens really fast, but it's clear what's happening.
Moments from his life of caring for animals are flashing before his eyes.
Cutting back to reality, Benny's eyes are just flowing with tears, still amazed that this is happening.
Benny: Is…(sniffle) is this okay?
Christine: …Yeah…Are…you okay?
He doesn't say a word but with his facial expressions, a nod, and a shaky smile, he communicates all the sad and happy cathartic feelings at once.
We cut nearby to the others watching. The boys are giving high-fives to each other while Martha films the whole thing, also having tears in her eyes, as Jackie and Sylvia pat her back to comfort her. But then, the music dies down as Jackie's shark Cubimal pops up and makes mini hushed chomping noises
Jackie: (whispers) NOW? SERIOUSLY? (sigh) Guys, we have to go.
Winston: But what about Benny?
Martha: I know you can handle yourselves out there…Please let him have this.
The others nod in agreement and silently leave in the background of a Benny close-up shot, him now calming down and feeding the Eagle a piece of meat.
Hard cut downtown to Captain Psycholapod walking down some building steps with an empty box of chicken wings.
Captain Psycholapod: That was delicious!
Caleb: Hey, squid brain!
The team comes running up the stairs ahead of him, Savage Blasters aimed and ready.
Winston: We won't let-…Are those wings?
Captain Psycholapod: Just having a snack before the big event.
Jackie: …What event?
Captain Psycholapod: Duh! Your boyfriend finally manning up for the birds. Heard you talking about it by your precious Link Cube.
This catches everyone off guard.
Derrick: How do you—!?
Captain Psycholapod: I'm on a mission involving your destruction and Benjamin Washi is part of it. He's more important than he knows (laughs) and I like messing with him.
Caleb: ENOUGH. Tell us your plan or we open fire!
Captain Psycholapod: Well, since I wasn't able to cut the connections of his memories, I'll just do so in reality. I think I'll start by…clipping some WINGS.
The music cuts out as we quickly cut between everyone's reactions.
They know what he means by this.
Whether the Captain knows it or not, he just struck a deadly nerve with these animal lovers.
Winston: Hutaishi kujaribu!
(Swahili Translation: You won't live to try it!)
The Rangers: Zoo Mode Go!
Now they're REALLY fired up, wasting no time to whip out their Morphers and quickly start to morph.
We get an on-site transformation leading right into the roll call.
Jackie: Keeper of the Ocean! Blue Shark Ranger!
Caleb: Keeper of the Savannah! Yellow Lion Ranger!
Winston: Keeper of the Forest! Green Elephant Ranger!
Sylvia: Keeper of the Tundra! White Tigress Ranger!
Derrick: Keeper of the Ground! Black Trino Ranger!
Derrick: Power Rangers!
The Rangers: Zoo-Keepers! (cue on-location team pose with logo graphics)
Captain Psycholapod: Well, I was gonna save you all for later, but…Nah! Let's just fight instead!
Caleb: Let's go…!
The Rangers: Animalistic!
Our 5 rangers yell this out with great ferocity as they charge forward!
Cutting back to the zoo, we see Dane standing a few feet away from Benny with Maverick on his gloved arm.
Dane: Remember. Just call him and double-click.
Now seeming more chilled out, Benny nods before holding up the clicker in his gloved hand and a piece of meat in the other.
Benny: Okay. Maverick! (double clicks)
The bird flies over and quickly lands on Benny's arm, which takes him a second to get used to, but he quickly balances out and feeds him his meat.
Martha: (now closer to the booth) Haha, yeah, that's my boy!
Benny lets out a chuckle at how well that went as he pets the bird of prey…but in doing so notices his friends are nowhere nearby.
Hard cut back to the fight where we get some original fight footage.
Caleb clashes blades with Psycholapod before getting smacked aside, followed by Derrick, and Sylvia hit him in the back with the former delivering a punch strong enough to make a mini shockwave and the latter getting in a slash with her Savage Saber. The two are quickly slashed back by a wave of his anchor, however. Jackie and Winston take smart defensive positions and blast him with their Savage Blasters a few times in the back, but the Kraken captain is able to deflect their blasts and sends an energy slash which forces Winston and Jackie to hump out of the way.
As he starts to walk forward again, Caleb leaps in front of him and starts swinging his Savage Saber again. His hits are blocked but it doesn't stop Caleb as when Psycholapod strikes back, it leads into both a clash and a seamless Sentai footage cut as the Yellow Lion Ranger holds back his enemy's blade with great strength.
Caleb: (straining) We won't let you through!
He says this while pushing with his feet, pretty much running in place.
Captain Psycholapod: (laughs) Is that all you got?
He breaks the clash, knocking the saber out of his hand, but Derrick quickly leaps in with a little somersault over his back.
The two quickly work as a team and grab Psycholapod by the waist, trying to push him back.
Captain Psycholapod: Why you—!
Winston: Together!
He, Sylvia, and Jackie quickly join in, everyone pushing with all their might.
It's not the smartest way to fight of course, but their basic attacks have been deflected so far, and given how riled up everyone is, poor decisions aren't an impossibility.
Then, with unified screams, the rangers manage to push Psycholapod back several while running forward.
Hard cut back to the zoo as Benny keeps staring at the spot where his friends were, Maverick now perched back on Christine's arm.
Christine: Is something wrong?
Benny: I…don't think so….N-Never mind.
He turns his attention back toward Dane and Christine.
This hard cuts right back into the fight perfectly however as Psycholapod slams his anchor behind him, trying to stop himself from being pushed any further by the Zoo-Keepers.
Captain Psycholapod: (grunts) Perhaps I underestimated you five!
Jackie: We won't let you near our zoo!
Captain Psycholapod: Tch. You're loss!
He then shoves everybody off of his waist, smacks Derrick aside, and kicks Sylvia back. Winston tries to punch him but gets hit back by the anchor, Jackie tries to land a hit but gets smacked by his hooked arm, and Caleb gets pushed back by the anchor when he tries running up for a quick hit. Derrick gets up and grabs his arm in hopes of pushing it aside to land a punch, but he misses and gets smacked to the side again.
With a hearty yell, Captain Psycholapod lifts his anchor into the air and unleashes a shockwave of blue lightning that strikes everyone back.
Caleb: (getting back up) We're not done yet!
Caleb and Winston: Primal Power!
The Yellow Lion Ranger leaps in with a lion lightning slash, which is blocked by the Captain's arm. He keeps lashing about 3 to 4 times, and when Psycholapod tries to swing his anchor at him, Caleb kicks the swing away from him before landing two more big slashes that Psycholapod barely deflects before Winston comes in, and lands a fast Elephant Earthquake kick. The two then knock the insane cephalopod back with a joined slash and kick but he quickly whips around and delivers an energy slash strong enough to send them flying back and demorph them onto impact with the ground.
The girls quickly check on the guys before getting in front of them.
Jackie and Sylvia: We won't let you through! Primal Power!
In a jumpcut, they summon their suit upgrades and jump immediately into their greenscreen finishers.
Sylvia: Tigress Snow Strike!
Jackie: Shark Spin Dash!
Captain Psycholapod deflects all 3 energy slashes however and when Jackie comes flying at him, he pushes the broad side of his anchor against her long enough to push her into the air and then slashes downward, slamming her into the ground and back toward the others. The octopus pirate then launches a blue anchor slash at the girls. Sylvia quickly tries to check on Jackie/get her on her feet, meaning as the blast flies at her, she isn't quick enough to Tigress Snow Strike in time. Thus, both girls are struck by the strike and demorph as they fall to the ground. Derrick, now waking back up from the blast to the side and holding onto a stair railing, says "No!" before starting to get back on his feet.
Hard cutting back to the zoo, Benny is still distracted as the two Eagle keepers are ready to take Maverick back inside.
Christine: So, what do you think? Feeling more up to a look inside the dome?
But Benny isn't even paying attention to her anymore.
Benny: …(to himself) I don't like this.
Christine: Benjamin?
Benny: Huh?
Dane: Care to tell us why you're distracted?
Benny: S-Sorry. I just remembered something important I need to do at home. I-I'll be back when I can! Thank you for all this!
He says the last two sentences while running off, leaving the two Eagle keepers more confused.
Christine: But r-right now?
Dane: Where do you think he runs off to every day?
Christine simply shrugs in response while Martha sighs to herself.
Hard cut to Benny teleporting to the top of s skyscraper in Dolphin Coast that's closer to but still away from his friends, meaning only one thing has occurred.
Benny: Ugh. Teleportation glitch!
But then he looks at one side and notices the main out-of-the-city root he would've come from if he ran.
Benny: Wait, this isn't that far from the zoo…Come on, they gotta be nearby.
He then focuses and uses his Eagle sight for the first time in a little while, scanning the surrounding area for any of his friends. Fortunately, he does spot them on the stairs but unfortunately what he sees is them on the ground as Derrick, still morphed and still fighting, gets struck back by a blue lightning energy slash from Psycholapod's anchor.
Benny: (gasp) Oh crap!
He holds up his Morpher to teleport again.
Back with the team, our 4 original rangers try standing on their feet with their Savage Blasters and fire all at once in some original footage.
Winston: F…Fire!
But Psycholapod deflects their blasts right at them in one slash.
Captain Psycholapod: (laughs) It's almost too easy!
He keeps cackling over their pain as we cut over to Sentai footage of our Black Trino Ranger hanging onto the railing once again, but not done yet.
Derrick: (straining/grunting) TRIPLE…PRIMAL POWER!
With a scream of those words, he summons his suit upgrades and rushes into battle once more. He wastes no time by unleashing a Saltwater Trash and two back-to-back Timber Slashes on the blue beast. He gets a third slash blocked before smacking back Psycholapod's hook-hand, and then charges forward with another yell, grabbing onto his waist.
Captain Psycholapod: Nice try. But you're too erratic to subdue this squid!
Derrick: I'm done yet! I—Huh!?
While saying this, Psycholapod's belt begins to glow blue. The Kraken Captain unleashes multiple blue energy ball blasts all at once while swinging Derrick in front of him, meaning he gets blasted by every single shot 3-4 seconds. Derrick demorphs by force via a blue explosion, almost looking like his suit just got blasted off him into pieces before he falls onto the ground in slow motion. As for Psycholapod, he just walks around him while chuckling.
Captain Psycholapod: Does anyone want a rematch?
But then, he's knocked back by some surprise shots to the chest from another Savage Blaster.
Across from him, Benny has arrived, rushing up to his friends.
Benny: Guys! I-I'm here!
Jackie: You shouldn't (winces) be here.
Derrick: (straining) We're sorry!… This was a mistake!
Sylvia: We thought…w-we could stop him but…(winces).
Caleb: (groans) Lad! L-Listen! He wants to go to the zoo and attack the Eagles.
Benny is shocked by this before looking up at his oceanic adversary.
Captain Psycholapod: Guilty as charged.
Benny: …Oh-ho-ho. (gritting his teeth) You are going BURN for what you just did.
He whips out his Morpher and presses button #6.
Benny: Zoo Mode Go!
He quickly changes into Red Gorilla Ranger mode and rushes forward, charging a strong energy punch.
Benny: Don't target anyone but me!
The punch is thrown but blocked by Psycholapod and his weapons, even if it causes him to shift his feet for a second.
Captain Psycholapod: I would, but you wouldn't break if I just beat you up. No. I wanna see you in despair when I cut your precious connections!
He spins around, throwing Benny off, and pushes him aside.
He then rushes over, grabs Caleb, and puts his hand on his head, his knuckles flashing blue.
Caleb: Gah! N-Not again!
Captain Psycholapod: (lets him go) Play with this guy while I'm gone.
While saying this, his yellow eyes flash.
In a mere second, he summons another hunter memory clone, this time of Motorslug from Episode 8.
Captain Psycholapod: See ya later, Benny Washi.
With a laugh, he's teleported up by his ship which heads for the zoo.
Benny: No! No—!
His focus is broken by the Motorslug clone smacking him in the face with his bat before he grabs onto it with his hand.
Back at the zoo, we see Martha talking to Dane and Christine by the Sky Space booth.
Martha: Again, I can't thank you two enough for this.
Christine: It was our pleasure.
Dane: By the way, mind if I ask a quick question about...
His train of thought is thrown off as a sound is heard overhead covers along with screams from some nearby visitors as the trio looks up to see Psycholapod's ship flying by.
Quickly, the octopus pirate teleports down in a blue beam of light a few meters away from Martha, Dane, and Christine, his ship flying away as he does.
Captain Psycholapod: Greetings, humans!
He says this as Martha steps in front of Dane and Christina to protect them.
Back to the fight with some original fight footage, Benny grabs the bat again as the Motorslug clone swings it at him.
Benny: I don't have time for this!
He rips the bat out of his enemy's hands and with a quick motion, uppercuts the monster in the jaw with an energized punch, sending the Motorslug clone flying into the air before then blowing up in a burst of fire and sparkles.
Benny: Finally! (takes out Morpher) Doubutsu!
The music stops…as nothing happens.
Benny: Huh? Doubutsu!...No, no, no, come on, come!
Winston: (straining) You're gonna have to fly!
Jackie: (straining) Benny! Strike some fiery freak into that freak!
Benny: O-Okay! Zoo Mode Go! (said as he flips down his helmet) Primal Power!
Now back to being the Red Eagle Ranger, he sprouts his wings and quickly takes off for the zoo.
Now back to said location.
Martha: Get out of my zoo you monster!
Captain Psycholapod: If you won't let me pass, I'll just cut all three of you down first!
The Kraken Captain raises his anchor for the kill.
Martha: Run!
But before he can slash…a scream is heard from above, growing louder and louder the more it's heard.
The pirate stops, confused by the noise, and jolts his head up, only for us to cut to an upward angle of Benny, diving right out of the sky, Eagle Shredder in his hands, as he lands right in front of the Kraken Captain while delivering a massive red slash that cuts straight down the middle and sounds like an exploding firework on impact!
The blue monster is knocked back hard and sent rolling a few meters away as the Red Eagle ranger stands back up on his feet!
Benny: This zoo is off limits! May my fear defend it like fire!
As he says the second half of this sentence, we cut inside his helmet…and see the glowing red cube symbol from Episode 24 return!
With that, he charges forward, yelling with rage and determination, ready to fight!
And as he does, the spirit animal-like energy from Episode 24 also reappears, but now looking more like red fire! Through original footage, we see him slash rapidly at the Kraken Captain before running up, back-flipping off of him, and then landing on his feet to whip his Eagle Shredder around his enemy's foot! Once he has a good grip, he takes Psycholapod into the air, lifting him up and then rocketing him away from the zoo!
Civilians watching from nearby cheer with excitement as Christine and Dane look to the sky.
Dane: Wait…Was that-!?
Martha: Come on, I'll explain inside.
The three quickly head for the exhibit's entrance.
We cut to Sentai footage of Benny (whose footage is edited to give him the fiery energy effect) flying over some forest near a single tower before then flying over some clearings with small buildings and headings toward a big windmill blade which he slams Captain Psycholapod into while letting him go, breaking off the blade, and letting the monster fall hard down to the ground.
Captain Psycholapod: (getting up/coughing) I think I made 'em mad.
His break is quickly interrupted by Benny, having circled back, and leaping down with his wings retracted to slash at the captain, but missing, leading to him swinging his blade rapidly at his opponent, with some slashes missing and some being deflected, but neither giving Psycholapod enough time to fight back in the slightest against him. With a good strong kick, Benny knocks the octopuses' anchor away and whips the Eagle Shredder into his right leg, knocking him over. Psycholapod narrowly avoids getting whipped while on his back, trying to get back up as quick as he can, but he gets kicked in the face for trying such.
Benny lands a slash with his blade, but as he goes for another, Psycholapod gets up far enough to grab his head and read his memories, before tossing him aside.
The monster's eyes flash yellow and he whips his head right as an explosion is heard.
The Red Eagle ranger looks in the distance to see a giant clone of Javephant growing with a burst of fire and an elephant's trumpet.
The giant clone readies its spear for causing some chaos.
Benny: Oh, come on!
Captain Psycholapod: Goodbye!
He says this as he teleports back to his ship.
Benny: Stop!...Shoot.
Fortunately, the others arrive, fully morphed again and likely having teleported to this spot moments ago.
Caleb: Dang! You had him on the ropes!
Sylvia: Do you protect the zoo?
Benny: Yeah.
Winston: Good but we have no time to waste.
He says this while looking up at the Javephant clone, its spear ready for combat.
The Rangers: Cubimals Go!
Cue sentai footage of all the Cubimals charging through the rainbow tunnel and them leaping through the rings of fire.
The Rangers: Megazord Activate!
And cue footage of their latest combination being formed like usual.
The Rangers: Nature Defender Megazord! Ready!
Our final battle begins with the Javephant clone raising his spear and charging forward for a swing that gets blocked rather easily before the Megazord smacks him in the side with its left arm. The team then gives their Command Cubes a good spin, leading to a good right arm slash.
Javephant takes a few steps back and then unleashes his raining spear attack, doing damage to two nearby buildings as they head for their target.
The Nature Defender blocks 6 spears coming at it, destroying them with two ways of its right arm.
It then fires 4 shots from its left and their pachyderm opponent, hitting him directly in the torso as sparks fly.
Benny: Let's show this guy how far we've come!
The Others: Right!
Everyone then grabs, spins, and plugs back in their Morphers, ready to end this.
The Rangers: Nature Defender Final Strike!
Like usual, the Megazord's spear-like right arm extends out at rapid speed as it glows, stabbing right through the reborn hunter's torso.
After a few seconds of the hole in his chest sparking and glowing, Javephant falls on his back and explodes as the Megazord turns away like normal.
The team celebrates inside before Benny says something to himself we haven't heard in a while.
Benny: Animals WON.
Cue one final shot of the Nature Defender Megazord as this is said.
Now we cut back to the Arrow Galion.
Insidion: I can't believe he attacked the ZOO.
Blockhead: Yeah. Even we were never that bold.
The two headhunters have their trains of thought interrupted by Sagittar slamming his hands on his throne and standing up.
Sagittar: Everyone leave…I need a few minutes to process this…development.
The three quickly follow his request, rushing out the cockpit door.
And once it closes…we hear this.
Sagittar: (Muffled) WHAT. WERE WE? THINKING!?
Gold light shines through the space between the door as sparks and an energy burst can be heard, spooking the headhunters + Midaria, and making them flee in terror.
Cut to the zoo later that day, where we see Christine and Dane congratulating Benny near the Sky Space for his work today with Martha behind him.
Once again, the cube mark on his forehead has completely disappeared like it never even existed.
Christine: Well aside from that scare, this was a good day. We're glad to have you on the team training or not, Benjamin.
Dane: Yeah. And uh…thanks for saving us earlier (whispers) Red Ranger.
Benny: Thanks, I-(his eyes widen) How did you—?
The two keep walking instead of answering his question.
After they walk away a bit more, Benny turns around to face his mother and they smile before laughing/hugging.
Martha: Ugh, you have no idea how long I've waited for this! I'm SO proud of you, egghead.
Benny: (smiles) Thanks, mom. By the way, did you tell them I was…you know?
Martha: Yeah, but they sorta figured it out themselves already.
Then, running up from behind him comes Jackie, who sneak attacks him with a hug.
Jackie: You did it! Told yah you could!
Benny: Well, I couldn't've without your help.
He then sees the rest of the team walking up behind her.
Benny: Hey guys!
He walks over and shares high-fives.
Benny: Thanks for having my back today.
Sylvia: Likewise, for having ours during that fight, Hermano.
Martha: Alright, alright. Look alive gang cause we're having dinner outside at my place!
Everyone happily reacts to the news before we cut to the Washi Residence.
In Benny's room, we see him set the new glove on his bed before walking toward his door and closing it. He steps out into the hallway and stops to look at the photo on the wall of him and Buddy.
Benny: I really did it today…I'm not afraid anymore.
He then places his hand on the photo and rests his forehead on it.
Benny: Goodbye old friend...I'll always love you.
He then steps back, and the camera lingers on the photo as he heads for his backdoor to join the others in celebrating his victories today.
…But the episode isn't done yet as we cut to the Nagarhole National Park in Karnataka, India.
First the first time since the finale…we see Harris. He's hunched over next to a tree and digging for something; his Keeper Cube emitting a pulsing glow, almost acting like a metal detector getting close to a treasure. As it glows for a third time, Harris finds what it's sensing as he brushes some dirt aside…It's a small Zooman cube. One emitting a golden glow. Upon picking it up, the cube shines and cracks open, revealing…a new Cubimal. An Indian Leopard zord. One with a very similar build to the Brown Bear Zord. Suddenly Bird Zooman hears footsteps approaching from behind him.
However, instead of a human or animal, when he turns around…it's none other than the Gorilla Zooman, Goriz.
Goriz: You should've told me you gave them the cubes. Not cool, Harris.
Harris: …Goriz. Long time no see.
The episode ends with the two Zoomans, standing opposite of each other in the jungle with the reveal that they know each other.
"Tune in next time for Episode 27: Ivory Rhythm"