Authors Note: The story takes place during the Zeo Rangers series, nine months after Kim left for Florida to compete in the Games, and two months after she sends the letter. I'd really like to know what you all think, so if you could read and review, that'd be great. This is my first big fic – there's a whole lot to this story, so it might take me a while to complete. But bear with me; I'm not the best writer, and my lack of vocabulary can prove that. Otherwise, thanks for taking the time to read this. Enjoy!
"Now that I've dealt with you two, I shall continue with my search." The dark figure spoke calmly with a sense of power in his voice. His features were hidden beneath a hooded cloak, so that his victims were not able to identify him. Holding a tall, twisted staff in his right hand, he walked with light feet over to the balcony, and surveyed the planet below. "Baku, are you certain this is the planet that hides the crystal?"
An elf-sized being trotted over to the figure. His large eyes were shinning from the reflecting light of Earth. There were no visible ears, but instead a tiny hole on either side of the beings green-scaled head. His nose was similar to that of a human's, besides it being considerably smaller. A mouth stretched almost the length of the face, and flapped open and shut as the creature's scratchy and excited voice poured from within the toothless jaw. "Yes, Lord Darien. The crystal is hidden within the waters of the planet Earth. The exact source is somewhere within a city called Angel Grove. There are no known protectors residing on the planet, except for the crystal's own shield." Now the creature began to hop up and down frantically, still speaking with his master. "The shield! The shield! It prevents your magic, master! How shall you obtain the crystal when the shield prevents your magic touch?"
Darien smiled smugly. "Have you lost faith in me already, Baku?"
The midget stopped his bouncing, and placed the tips of his fingers into his toothless mouth. "No, no Lord Darien! Baku simply wonders what plan you have to obtain the crystal and therefore use its powers, master!"
Darien looked deviously toward his minion. "Once we have found a suitable dwelling place, and have studied the inhabitants of the city, I will select a candidate to handle the crystal's shield for me. When I no longer have a use for them, I will simply rid of them with my newly improved powers." A sly grin writhed its way across his shadowed face. "The universe will be mine to command, and there will be no one to stop me." He lowered the smile from his face and ordered his servant. "Come, Baku. There is much to be done." Tapping his staff to the ground, a purple fog erupted from the floor of the Moon Palace. Before completely disappearing from the chamber, Darien glanced back to the statues of Lord Zedd and Rita Repulsa. "I do hope my magic doesn't anchor you down." He gave a last chuckle, and then vanished with the mystical fog.