QiRanger Episode 2 - Battlecry

***

Master Li stands in the hot Saharan sun, his armor chipped and sweat dripping off his nose. Surrounding him is his team of new QiRangers, their armor tarnished with the stains of battle. For only moments ago, they suffered a great defeat.

5000 years has passed since the Earth was ravaged by the Evil Warlord Bruch'oda. Master Li and his comrades were able to seal the five Mystic doors and send Bruch'oda and his minions to the Shadow Realm, but someone on Earth set in motion a chain reaction even the QiRangers could not stop.

With each pant, another bead of sweat drips off the elderly leader. Falling towards the earth, the droplet catches the sun and shines a rainbow of color onto the ground before imploding on the mud-caked surface.

"Now what?" Leslie asks, still panting through her red helmet. Even though he could not see her face, Master Li knew she was at a loss as to what to do. While valiant and brave, Ms. Chen had not yet cultivated her leadership skills, nor had the situation been fully explained.

"Time is of the essence young ones," Li begins as he looks up at the billowing black clouds consuming the once blue sky. "With the doors open, Bruch'oda will quickly move his forces from the Shadow Realm into this world."

"I don't understand," the Water QiRanger says shrugging his shoulders.

"None of us really do, but we've been chosen to protect the Earth and there's only one man that knows how to do it," Leslie counters.

"There's isn't time to go into details. Qual'och and Kor'digh have retreated, so I must assume they're going to begin the cross over. The only way to end this is to shut each of the Mystic Doors," Li says.

"Well, we can get one out of the way now," Luís says turning his back to the group and walking to the Earth Door.

"If only it was that simple," Li says, the words stopping the Earth QiRanger in his tracks. As Luís turns around, Master Li continues, "Each of the five doors must be shut in unison. Just as Bruch'oda could not traverse the dimensional gateway until all were opened, he and his forces can remain here until they're closed."

"You've got to be kidding," Seth says.

"If only I were. We must take this lull in the battle to strike back. You must each travel to your element's Mystic Door and shut them before it's too late," Li instructs.

A wave of fear washes over Abeu. "I don't think I'm up to this. I'm just a kid," he says trying to hold back the fear of responsibility.

Seth stands close to his protégé and places his hand on the youth's shoulder. "Abeu, you've proved yourself time and time again in our simulations back home. You proved yourself here, on this field of battle. You're ready," he says.

"Within each of us lies fear that we are not as strong as needed to accomplish this task. Even I, after 5000 feel unsure about the task ahead. But looking deep within myself, I know this is my purpose. Master Tanaka saw that you held a deep power. One of virtue and dedication. In fact, each of my fellow QiRangers chose you for this mission because they knew with out hesitation, that out of everyone else on the planet, only you can possess the courage needed," Li says while peering into the visors of each QiRanger. "Know this- if you did not feel afraid, if you thought that you were above the task, we would surely fail. It is because we are human with fears and faults that our potentials are limitless."

A moment of silence falls over the team as Master Li's words sink in.

Luís doesn't know what to make out of it, but in any case, he's here and ready to see the job through. "I've never backed down from a challenge before and I'm not about to now," he thinks.

"All right then, what are we waiting for?" Luís says.

The remaining QiRangers shake their heads. "Let's do it," Leslie says.

"Be careful my friends. Go now," Master Li instructs.

The Metal, Wood, Fire, and Water QiRangers bring their hands together as they concentrate. Within each warriors' Tan Tien, colored energy associated with their element grows until it consumes their corporeal form. A brilliant flash of multicolored light reflects in Luís' visor and then the others vanish.

"Staying with the weakest link?" he asks, still blaming himself for the defeat in the desert.

"Yes," Li simply responds.

"I knew it! He knows I'm a failure," Luís thinks.

"For until you realize that you did your best and that one can be defeated even when doing so, you put the rest at jeopardy," Li offers as he extends his hand on the Earth QiRangers shoulder. "Look deep into your soul, Luís. You know this to be true."

The words seemed to calm the Earth QiRanger and Luís' thoughts drifted back through the years to when he was in college and that fateful night when his sister died.

He had been with her in the alley when a gang from across town began harassing them. Tried as they might to get away and be free of the urban warfare at night - it was not meant to be.

Maria was only 18 at the time and beautiful beyond the dreams of men. Her flowing brown hair and almond skin shone in the moonlight. His sister's coffee colored eyes captured the light like none other. Luís has never forgotten his sister or forgotten how he wasn't able to save her from being raped and murdered that night.

"I know why you protect the innocent, young one," Li says, "She would be proud of you now. She understands that you did your best. No one likes to fail, but when we do, we must learn from those defeats to prepare for the future."

"He's right," Luís thinks to himself. "That's what I've been told all my life. The counselors, my family, everyone. I know it. I just need to do it. I can't dwell on the past or mistakes."

Master Li sees the Earth QiRanger take a deep breath and the venerable QiRanger smiles. "Good."

A loud thud is heard from behind Li. The pair quickly turns their attention to the source of the strange sound and sees a dozen Shadow Warriors and Copy Bots across the dune.

"Looks like it's game time," Luis says. "And I've got a score to settle."

***

Orbiting around the Earth is the Low Earth Orbiting Station, or LEO as it is commonly referred to. The first of several off-world platforms developed for research and commerce. While the LEO Station is the oldest of the space habitats, it is still the most frequently visited, as it is poised as the junction between Earth, the moon, and the manufacturing facility at L4. A dual torus design, one torus is 2 km is diameter and rotates at one revolution per minute, thus producing Earth-like gravity in the habitat ring. The other torus is responsible for housing docked space craft.

Mario Tarazi sits behind his desk deep within the habitat ring of LEO Station. Tarazi has lived on LEO for nearly 20 years and slowly rose up through the security ranks before becoming Security Chief earlier this year. Originally from Florence, Italy, Mario has enjoyed his tenure in space.

He sits reading the morning reports, his graying hair reflecting off the computer pads before him. "Nothing new. Nothing new.. Nothing.," he thinks. Mario puts the pads on the desk. "Thank you god for another quiet day."

The Comm-link in his console chirps. He reaches forward and activates the unit.

"Tarazi here, go ahead."

"Sir, something's going on Earth," the voice on the other side relayed.

"What do you mean, son. What is 'something'?"

"I don't know. We're getting huge electromagnetic readings. Everything's off the scale."

"Anything from the planet side governments?

"No. They're for a loss as well and asking us for info."

"Pipe the data in here and contact Commander McKnight."

"Aye, sir," the voice says.

Mario looks at a live picture of the Earth - the rolling back energy clouds have nearly encompassed the planet. "My God."

***

Li and Luís take a defensive stance. "Anything I should know ahead of time about those guys in black?" he asks making reference to the Shadow Warriors.

Master Li takes a deep breath, drawing energy to his hands. As his fists begin burning with intense flames, two daggers appear, each with fine flames burning along the edges of their blades. "They're mindless foot soldiers. They live to obey and will stop at nothing until their orders are fulfilled."

The Earth QiRanger nods and brings his hands together. Calling from deep within his body, the rising Earth Qi rages outwards and manifests as a strong, golden war hammer gripped firmly between Luís' palms. The QiRanger smiles beneath his helmet at the sight of his new weapon.

Two groups form from the oncoming mass before Li and Luís. Each equally equipped with several Shadows and Copy Bots. "You take the left, I've got the right," Master Li says.

Before Luís could even respond, Li begins racing towards his group of attackers. "Right," Luís thinks to himself. Crouching in the sand, the Earth QiRanger analyzes his foes. "Come on Slugger, let's introduce you to some of my old friends," Luís muses pushing up into the air.

His sudden launch catches the Shadow Warriors off guard. The point warrior motions for the Copy Bots to open fire at the soaring yellow fighter. Raising their arms, the Copy Bots unleash a wave of energy blasts towards the sky.

Luís easily evades each salvo, dancing through the air as a diver would before entering ht water. Still focusing on his target, Luís readies his War Hammer for action. Concentrating, he begins loading the mallet with Qi.

Two Shadow Warriors draw crimson blades from their waists and leap into the air. The two dark warriors streak towards Luís, who readies his war hammer. The first approaches Luís and extends his blade towards the QiRanger's chest.

Luís shifts his weight to the left, altering his flight path to avoid the blade. Extending his right hand, the Earth QiRanger grabs hold of the Shadow Warrior's forearm. He then pulls the flying warrior towards his hind section and lets his legs snap kick him in the torso. The speed and blow of the counter attack caught the Shadow Warrior off guard and now he falls to the sand below.

Not forgetting about the other threat, Luís re-grips his War Hammer and begins twirling. With each revolution, the power builds in his weapon. At the speed he and the other Shadow Warrior are traveling, neither can change direction now. Luís focuses on his target and hits the ascending warrior with all his might.

The resulting explosion threw Luís backwards and sent the Shadow Warrior streaming for the Saharan Desert. The resulting impact left a large crater and a cloud of dust circulating in the air.

Luís landed, his feet sinking into the soft sand. Before he could move, he's hit by four separate energy blasts. Screaming in agony, the Earth QiRanger falls to the sand. His breath heaving, Luís manages to look out the side of his visor to see three Copy Bots closing in on his position. He's just too weary to look for the fourth.

Clutching the sand in his hands, Luís struggles to get to his feet. "This is not over!" he shouts, almost as if daring the Copy Bots to try and finish him off. Their eyes glow and the X on each Bot's chest glow before the energy bolts streak through the hot air. Luís tries to get out of the way, but is too weak from the battle to move with the lightening speed necessary to avoid being hit.

The energy blasts find their mark with ease and explode against his armor sending sparks high into the air. Dazed, confused, and full of pain, Luís falls to the hot sand. Through eyes that are half closed, he tries to summon the strength to continue. He coughs blood into his visor, making it hard to see his foes. "No. It will not end like this!" he thinks. Calling forth all his strength, the Earth QiRanger manages to bring one knee up and then the other.

The Copy Bots continue moving in on his position readying to fir again. Three Shadow Warriors join their ranks to ensure this time, the QiRanger is finished. "He just won't stay down," the point Shadow hisses.

"This time he will," his comrade assures.

The Shadow Warriors draw their blades and hold them at the ready. Their scaly lips widen to show a hideous smile. The trio of Shadow Warriors charges the weakened Earth QiRanger, who simply stands before them, unmoving.

Luís begins screaming, calling forth power from the Earth. Golden energy rises from the sand, empowering its chosen fighter. Swirling about him, the energy fills his veins, rejuvenating him, healing his wounds and giving him the strength to complete his battle. Harnessing his power in his hands, Luís formulates a powerful Qi Ball between his palms as he steps into a crouched position.

"Haaaa!" he screams unleashing the torrent of Earth Qi towards his enemies. Moving with blinding speed, the Qi Strike races across the desert, before finding a Copy Bot and Shadow Warrior. The blast vaporizes each, leaving only smoking remains where each once stood. The attack completed, Luís manifests his Qi Saber, ready to take on the remaining threats.

Luís runs towards the Shadow Warriors, a move that catches them off guard. The element of surprise doesn't last, and he embraces the remaining two Shadows in fierce swordplay. No matter what attack he uses, they dark warriors counter and avoid taking damage.

"I wonder how the others are managing," he thinks to himself.

***

The lackeys sent to deal with Master Li were in for a surprise. With well over 5000 years of training, the eldest of the QiRangers was prepared for them. Making use of his fire shurricans, he quickly destroyed the Copy Bots, leaving their smoking hulks glistening in the afternoon sun. That left him with only the Shadow Warriors to contend with.

Li stands at the center of a ring of Shadow Warriors. Moving with blinding speed, the Master is able to thwart each thrust by his attackers with this Qi Saber. Time and time again, Master Li demonstrates why he's lived for so long. As each minute passes the reptilian warriors become more and more frustrated, which is exactly what Li wanted to happen.

Seeing his first opening, Li exchanged his Qi Saber for his Flaming Daggers once more. Moving swiftly, Master Li sidekicks the Shadow Warrior to his immediate left. The blow catches the warrior in off guard and sends him training backwards leaving an opening in the circle. Li back flips through the opening, trailing his daggers, allowing them to pierce through the armor of the adjoining Shadow Warriors. Their vital organs flambéed, they fall to the sand writhing in pain. The Triple Fire QiRanger ends lands straddling the fallen Shadow Warrior, thrusting his twin blades through his chest plating and killing him instantly.

"Hurry QiRangers, time is running out. With each passing moment, more Warriors of Doom will cross over. You must close the doors," he imparts on each of his teammates.

***

Seth Goldman stands at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean. While normally any human at this depth would either be dead or contained in a massive pressure suit, Seth Goldman is the one true exception. For he, as the Water QiRanger is perfectly at home in this environment.

"This is so cool," he thinks to himself. "I don't know which is better. The fact that I'm breathing or that everything is as clear as day down here, despite that it should be darker than the blackest night."

As one of the Newest QiRangers, Seth hasn't seen much combat, only the skirmish at the Earth Mystic Door that resulted in failure. "I've got to focus," Seth remembers. "As many times as I've told Abeu this, I need to keep the operational mission in mind."

For the past four years, Seth has been a handler for North American Security Organization. His specialty has been working with young Jackers. Those kids brought into the cyber culture and tempted to bring a life of crime. It was just over two years ago that he was introduced to Abeu Basbakar. At fifteen, the kid had potential and was already showing up on the C-Net as a leading contender for recruitment by the Syndicate. By some miracle, God had installed a conscious in Abeu and he chose working for NASO rather than the Syndicate.

Since the boy joined the ranks of NASO, he and Seth had been training. Simulation after simulation was crafted for his first mission. Seth always knew the day would come that he would bring Abeu into the line of fire; he just never expected it to be in this way.

"Focus," he tells himself. "No thinking about Abeu now. He knows his mission and he'll do the job. You pay attention and take care of yours."

Moving effortlessly through the deep sea currents, The Blue QiRanger darts behind the outer ruins surrounding the Water Mystic door. Peering through the watery site, he sees two figures guarding the entrance to the Door's chamber.

The pair of Shadow Warriors floats in front of the main entrance. Wearing their distinctive black armor, the two demons have been genetically altered by Qual'och to survive at the depths. Cut-outs have been made in their armor to make room for their gills. On their chest plates, bright blue slashes mark their status as sentries for the Mystic Door.

"Something tells me that there's more than just a pair here. Let's see if I can smoke them out."

Seth begins spinning his hands in the water, creating a strong current around him. The surrounding silt and plant life begin inching their way to the new channel. With his hands moving at a blinding pace, the Water QiRanger pushes the current towards the guards.

Like any phenomenon in water, the change in kinetic energy left a trail from the source, something Seth should have thought about before hand. The wave of current quickly traversed the distance between Seth and the ruin's entrance. The two Shadow Warriors were stunned to see the approaching wave. Each pushed off from the sea's bottom, but could not escape the current and were taken away.

"Let's see who comes out to play now," Seth says to himself.

No sooner than the Shadow Warriors had been whisked away, seven more appeared along with a full complement of Copy Bots.

"Shit," he says. "Saddle up, Goldman. Take them just like in basic," he tells himself, trying to boost his courage.

The Shadow Warriors and Copy Bots easily trace the current's origin and spot the Water QiRanger behind the ruins. The lead Shadow Warrior thrusts his right arm toward Seth and the Copy Bots and four Shadow Warriors begin heading for his position.

Taking advantage of their weaponry, the Copy Bots unload a volley of energy towards Seth's hiding spot. Crackling through the Pacific, the energy beams hit the ancient ruins vaporizing them instantly. The ensuing explosion also kicked up a dust cloud, occluding Seth's attackers' view.

Blown back about 100 meters, Seth was thankful he summoned his Qi Shield. Unscathed, the Water QiRanger plans to make the most of his cover. Holding his Shield in his right arm, Seth extends his left out into the sea. Blue energy swirls about his hands and finally manifests as the Water Warrior's Qi Disk. This hollow weapon with deadly blades on its outer edge can seek out and destroy prey in any environment. and in the water; it will be the swiftest of allies.

Seth peers through the dark cloud and spots his first target. Crossing his chest with his left arm, he brings the Disk to his right shoulder. The Water QiRanger focuses on his target and quickly unleashes the Disk.

Spinning through the water, the Qi Disk zips through the dark cloud from the energy strike, towards the lead Copy Bot. Before it could react, the spinning blades pass through the creature's torso, causing it to explode.

With their attention, diverted, Seth stealthfully pushes off from his current position to his left and secures a new hiding place.

The Qi Disk circles around, heading towards the remaining Copy Bots and Shadow Warriors. This time Seth's foes are ready for his attack. The Copy Bots begin firing energy bolts, but the Qi Disk zigs in and out of the path as if it were alive. As it approaches the group from the Shadow Realm, the Shadow Warriors bring their arms in front of their bodies.

Seth hadn't noticed it before, but these Shadow Warriors' armor has been strengthened to deflect blows. Attached to each forearm unit was also a device housing shurricans.

The Qi Disk rips through another Copy Bot, but the Shadow Warrior behind it easily deflects the spinning blade aside. While it didn't penetrate the armor, it did take a knick out if it.

"If this is the way it's going down, it will take for ever," he thinks catching his Disk on the return trip. His position exposed, Seth pushes off again.

The four attacking Shadow Warriors each fire two shurricans at the QiRanger. Charged with dark Qi, the stars quickly slide through the water towards Seth.

Using his arms for fins, he's able to avoid the first few stars, but he just isn't fast enough to escape them all. One by one, they impact his armor, exploding in a burst of fire. The five explosions throw the Water QiRanger towards the sea bottom, crushing him against the fallen stone ruins.

Seth opens his eyes to excruciating pain and sees himself covered by debris. Seth's right leg is pinned beneath a column and if it wasn't for his armor, his limb would be severed. "God. Fucking-A. I've got to get out of here. They'll be on me any second," he thinks to himself.

Despite the pain he's experiencing, Seth manages to concentrate and begins absorbing Qi from the surrounding water. The energy accumulates in the QiRanger's hands and enables him to push the water around him. The surge of power lifts the rubble off the fallen warrior, allowing him to move free and clear of the ruins.

Just clear of the ruins, Seth is pushed forward by a wall of water that was a result of a tremendous strike by the Copy Bots at his former position. The Water QiRanger spins around and let loose his Disk towards the source of the blast. The mighty blade travels through the watery distance only to be knocked aside by a Shadow Warrior's shurricans.

The Disk begins its return arc as the Copy Bots fire again at Seth. Using his Qi Shield, he's able to deflect the blast, but as each second passes, the Shadow Warriors and Copy Bots encroach on his position.

"There's got to be a way past them," he thinks as he catches his Disk, but before he can wield its might power once again, the Water QiRanger is struck from behind by a shurrican. The Dark Qi impales his body and sends him towards the sea bottom once more.

***

"This is Carol Manning with an update to the breaking news encompassing the globe," the image of a middle-aged woman says on the holographic viewer. "Scientists around the world have yet to publicly state what they think the phenomenon is that's quickly circling the skies above, but a source close the North American Science Registry confided with CNNA that no one understands what is happening and that all scans cannot penetrate the cloud."

"Standing outside the COG headquarters in London is Timothy Southerby," Ms. Manning states as the video feed is switched from her studio to a live shot of Southerby standing outside a grand hall in downtown London.

Like everywhere else on the planet, the skies have grown cold and black as the thunderous clouds consume every inch of space above the skylines. Wind blows through the streets of the city chosen to house the main building for the Counsel of Governments. The building's main entrance is laden with reporters from various agencies, in hopes of getting a sound byte or some semblance of information as to what's causing the blackout.

Timothy Southerby has been a reporter for years. Growing up in the EU, he made his rounds in the lesser network broadcasts before landing his current job as field reporter for the largest news organization in the world- the C- Net News Agency. While only in his early forties, Southerby often has been chosen by his network for his cool, calm, and collected approach to handling the great disasters of his day.

His graying hair flapping with each gust of wind, Southerby takes the feed, "Thank you Carol. No word yet from the COG as to what they think is happening world wide. What we do know from atmospheric mapping from the LEO Station is that there appear to be five epicenters. The dark clouds appear to be emanating from these locations: The Pacific Ocean, the Saharan Desert, Mt. Fiji, the Amazon, and Central China."

"Both LEO and COG studies have proved inconclusive as to the source of the clouds; however, the latest estimates puts total coverage at ninety percent," he ends.

With the image still focusing on Southerby, Manning adds, "In New York, we're starting to see signs of panic. Doomsayers coming out of the wood work calling this the apocalypse and inciting fear in the general public. Are you seeing any of that in London?"

A deep look of fear briefly flashes over Southerby's face, but he quickly masks it. "Unfortunately, that behavior isn't isolated to New York. Here in London, the general feeling is of concern, but I fear that a full-blown panic state is only hours away. Governor Caine has called for the assistance of the EUG to ensure public safety and that utilities are not interrupted."

"Even with that added protection, there may not be enough to control the public, many of whom have decided to take no chances and leave the Earth behind," Timothy says. The image wipes to recorded footage from earlier that day.

"Becking Station," Timothy Southerby begins, "in the heart of London has seen a five thousand percent increase in travel requests to the moon and LEO Station in the last hour." As Southerby continues to report the image zooms in on frantic Londoners racing through the gates to various teleportation modules. Not wanting to take any chance that this is the end of the world, these men, women, and children are placing their hopes that teleporting to the LEO Station or the moon colony, Luna, will spare their lives.

One by one, individuals step onto glowing pads and then are encircled by protective shielding. The technicians enter the destination coordinates and FLASH, they're whisked away to the receiving platform at the other end.

"What I've been able to gather from briefing talking with those traveling is this: they truly believe that this is the end of the world, as proclaimed in the bible and they are going to do everything in their power to survive," he concludes as the image returns to the live shot.

"The Roman Catholic Church is holding prayer vigils at this vary time, as many believe they can turn back the perceived evil with the help of God. Live in London, this is Timothy Southerby for CNNA."

Michael Chen turns off his video viewer in disgust. "Great," he thinks to himself, "Things go from bad to worse." Walking over to his Beiging apartment's window, he picks up a silver picture frame. He lets his thumb caress the glass covering an image of his sister, Leslie.

Only hours before, he had been watching the holoviewer with his sister, now Mike wanders aimlessly around the apartment reeling after the events of the previous night. The explosion had been so violent, authorities investigating the incident found no trace of her. "Now look at them," he thinks to himself, "climbing over one another, trying to get food and supplies. Basic social structures are starting to fall apart."

As Mike overlooks the city, his Comm-link starts beeping on the table positioned next to the apartment's door. "I might as well get it over with," he says walking to retrieve the unit. Picking up the unit, he touches the receive button. The unit comes to life and the image of a staff nurse appears on the unit's screen.

"Dr. Chen," she says.

Sighing heavily, Mike responds, "Yes?"

""I'm sorry to bother you, but we need you here at the hospital. Riots have started downtown we're starting to get casualties. Dr. Zcago needs everyone on-site to prepare for the worst," the young woman says.

Mike holds the wrist unit between his fingers, thumping it against his other palm. "All right. I'll come in. See you when I get there."

***

Deep within what was once the United States Pentagon, sits the North American Security Organization's Tactical Operations War Room. This facility serves as the nerve center for all of NASO's police and military operations. The man in charge is named Abbey, General Milfred Abbey. For over twenty years, he's served as its leader and the situation facing him now will be his gravest.

Wearing his standard uniform, General Abbey bursts into the War Room far beneath the first floor of the building. The command center for Abbey overlooks the Tactical Operations Center, a large room filed with massive computers, monitors, and skilled technicians dedicated to protect the North American Union.

At the center of the War Room is a circular table. Standing next to the table is Major Chol Lee. "What's the latest, Chol?" booms the General.

"It isn't good, sir." Major Lee activates the table's holographic projector and an image appears over the surface projecting three drones flying over the Pacific Ocean. "This is the latest feed. Each sortie had the same result," he adds while watching the slender drone climb in altitude as they approach the black clouds surrounding the planet. "Each time they break the cloud's leading edge, something destroys them before they can relay any data."

"Damn," Abbey says. "What about the surveillance ships?"

"They're still grounded. Ops didn't want to risk the crews since all the drone have been destroyed."

"Get them in the air. We need information and we need it now."

Lee snaps to attention and salutes, "Yes, sir." The Major quickly deactivates the table's holographic emitters and walks to a Comm-link situated on one of the far walls.

Abbey leans forward and punches the Comm-link embedded on the conference table. An image of a man with red hair and a beard flickers before the General. "Captain, what's the status of the President?"

The man on the opposite side of the screen responds quickly. "The president has been transported to Luna and the Vice President has been moved to the bunker in Calgary."

"Good work Aaronson. Keep me apprised of any changes."

"Yes, sir," Captain Aaronson replies as his image fades off the Comm-link.

Major Lee returns to General's side. "They're up and will be at the leading edge in five."

"Good. Where's Alpha Team?" he asks.

Major Lee answers his superior, "The team's in Toronto finishing the last training sim with Basbakar."

"Activate the cell and have them report here directly."

"Sir," Major Lee says after receiving an update in his subcutaneous Comm- link, "Delta Flight is ready to enter the cloud's outer margin."

General Abbey taps the Comm-link in the conference table and the table's emitters create an image of a winged craft soaring over the Pacific Ocean. "Approaching target. No echoes, no penetration on all frequencies. Distance seventeen clicks."

Seconds later a burning wave of fire shoots out the cloud and incinerates the aircraft. Garbled screams for help could be heard from the plane's crew, but it was for naught.

"Get me Dwyer, now!" Abbey yells.

***

The swirling masses of energy have intensified above the rocky ground of the Shadow Realm. Bright red and white swirls thunder across the sky, igniting the darkness before crashing into the soil below. A chilled wind whisks through landside and the ground quakes with power as it merges with Earth.

Standing on her Father's balcony is Xantia. The only daughter of Bruch'oda and future ruler of all he commands. The slender woman has soft white skin, something very different from the other natives of Bruch'oda's command. This is because Xantia is not a pure blood, but rather a half-breed - the offspring of Bruch'oda's tryst with a human long ago.

She wears silver armor over a snow white Gi. Her amber eyes highlight Xantia's pale skin, which is covered with small scales, a sign of her reptilian heritage. With long, flowing red hair, she's the envy of all her father's warriors; however, her heart belongs to the one true intellect among them - Qual'och.

Looking down from the Palace's balcony, Xantia witness something her father has only talked about - the amassing of troops on the grandest of scales. Battalion after battalion stands in the parade grounds with her father's newest weapon, the Copy Bots. The roar from the troops is almost deafening. As each second passes, the merger with Earth nears completion.

A sleek smile crosses her face at the notion that she'll finally be able to see the world her mother called home. Xantia turns from the balcony and regions her father's side at his throne.

Seated in all his glory, Bruch'oda's gaze is transfixed on Qual'och. The wizard stands below his ruler fixated on a large blue energy ball. Qual'och's four arms are spread wide with electrical streams lashing out from each of his claws, penetrating the orb. The hall's tapestries flap in the windstorm Qual'och's created by using the dark magic, only he's familiar with.

"MaxGhe udHrty daPqi," he repeats over and over. His only concern is the orb and his eyes beam with intensity Xantia has never seen. Each phrase uttered channels more power from the Shadow Realm through the wizard. Forcing the collective energy from his world into the blue sphere, Qual'och widens the doorway between the two realms.

"Almost, my dear," Bruch'oda says to his daughter taking her hand in his. The glee in the Warlord's eyes was unmistakable. "At long last we will have our revenge on those who banished us to his world."

Xantia leans forward and kisses her father's cheek, "As evident by our latest encounters, they are no match for us. You will crush them quickly and enslave the humans to serve us."

Xantia and her father return their gazes to Qual'och to finally see that they've been waiting for. the blue energy sphere bursts releasing a cascade of power over the Shadow Realm. The torrential wave flows over the landside enveloping the troops, weapons, and buildings.

"It has begun," Qual'och calmly states, his voice echoing above the swirling energy and wind.

Bruch'oda stands from his seat, embracing the wind. Raising his voice he hollers, "Dra'isod, ready your troops for deployment!"

With twin dragon heads, Dra'isod is the most feared of all Bruch'oda's warriors. Covered in dark blue armor, he moves forward and his thundering steps echo in the great hall. Dra'isod's armor glistens in the electrical storm, highlighting the coverings on his shins, thighs, and arms. The same strong armor surrounds the warrior's chest. A flash of electricity impales the wall near the demon warrior. The eerie light highlights the engraved image of twin dragons on his breastplate. Wearing a simple silver chain- linked Gi under his armor plating, this General is a force to be reckoned with.

Dra'isod's deep, booming voice rivals the thundering energy swirling about as he replies, "Yes, my Lord," each head taking a phrase. The head of Bruch'oda's forces bows before leaving.

Descending the steps, Bruch'oda and Xantia walk to Qual'och. Smiling widely, Bruch'oda looks the wizard in the eyes, "You did well, Sorcerer. I will not forget your efforts on this glorious day."

Exhausted, Qual'och feigns a smile before answering, "Thank you, my Lord. I live to serve."

"Now let us see this new world," Bruch'oda commands.

The trio climbs the steps to the top tier and makes their way out to the balcony. Casting his gaze out over the compound wall, Bruch'oda sees the lush, green countryside of China he knew thousands of years ago. Looking at the sky, he no longer sees the familiar energy storms that have tormented him, but rather blue skies piercing through fading darkness.

Inhaling deeply, Bruch'oda begins laughing as he experiences the first fresh breath in eons.

Standing below and looking up at his commander is Dra'isod. He marches between regiments ensuring the squad commanders are ready for the command that will send them into battle.

They didn't have to wait long.

"Now go out and conquer!" Bruch'oda yells.

***

New York City is easily one of the most populous cities in the world. After the North American Union formed in 2072 and the borders town down between Canada and the United States, this prominent city grew to enormous proportions. New York City had always been a destination of importance to the business community, but now it was the economic center of the west. The influx of commerce brought millions of new residents to the island area. Growing quickly to surpass twelve million new members by 2083, city planners began instituting new tiered designs to house its many inhabitants and business parks.

In 2143, the final tier was completed, bringing the total city elevation range from sea level to 3000 meters. Each level was interconnected with trains and lifts to ensure quick transportation for the City's thirty-five million residents. Gone are the old parks and easements. New York City is now on congealed mass of steel.

By far the most panic stricken of the City's residents were on the lower levels. Not even being able to see the sky, the threat of global darkness was not the factor installing fear, but rather that should there be an apocalyptic occurrence they would be first casualties when the upper levels fall.

Frantically gathering belongings from the small residential hotels and packing them into hover cars - or simply leaving them behind, millions of terrified people began their mass exodus from Old New York City.

Those that could afford the teleportation stations made their way to distant regions - LEO, Luna, Montana, BC, etc. However, the residents on this level held the more menial jobs, so the high tech solution of being dematerialized to avoid the feared impending doom simply wasn't an option.

What was the more common solution was to board the many super trains going outbound or placing what one could carry onto a carrier and ride with hundreds others to escape the reach of the highest levels.

Fear was not an exclusive emotion felt by the men, women, and children of the lower levels. New Yorkers on the middle and upper levels also feared the unexplained incursion of the Dark Cloud quickly encircling the globe. With the advancement of the clouds, these residents had a first row seat, for what many thought was the end of the world.

Like those on the lower levels, many opted to leave before any signs of danger manifested. They believed that since they were closest to the sky, that any moment all hell would break loose. What they didn't realize was how accurate their deeply laden fears really were.

Scrambling for the teleportation stations, the affluent residents made their escape plans. With so many people racing to enter the pods, the system overloaded and sent all teleportation pods crashing. NASO Civil Officers tried to control the panic stricken inhabitants, but as each cloud grew, so did their panic.

The riotous uproar created by the closure of the pods climaxed when a thunderous boon echoed throughout the sky. In that instance, everything stopped.

People who had been yelling, shoving, and pushing their way out of the city froze in their tracks. Officers paused in their duties to look up. Throughout all three levels of the city, no one spoke, no one move, no one breathed. For the first time, New York City was quiet.

That momentous quickly ended as cheers began erupting from the upper levels of the City. What ever had occurred began clearing the dark clouds, and the residents could now see their familiar blue skies. Smiles covered the faces of men and women on each of the three levels, for they believed that what was just happened was only mass hysteria gone wild.

This was not to be the case.

Barreling through the last remnants of the dark clouds, Bruch'oda's forces make their first appearance to modern man. Streaking through the sky are not the standard foot soldiers employed by the Dark Warlord, but rather his elite aerial attackers, the Dragon Riders.

Each Rider, is covered in the same strong armor as Bruch'oda's other forces, except their color is that of a bloody crimson. Black boots and gloves accent armor and a large dragon head is etched into their chest plates. Dragon Riders' helmets are also same color as the armor's body plating with black streaks in the shapes of wings extending out from a darkened visor. Each Rider's armor is identical, except for the leader's, whose accents are gold.

Each Rider firmly grips the reigns of the huge flying beasts they control. The Earth hasn't seen dragons in eons, but in the Shadow Realm, they are as common as household dogs and cats. Dark greenish scales cover each magical beast. The dragon's head rests atop a long, slender neck and has two pits that cradle hidden amber eyes. Harnesses are attached to the mouths of the creatures, whose fangs glistens white against the Earth's blue sky.

The Lead Rider orders his Dragon to begin its dive towards the upper regions of New York City. The dozen other Dragon Riders and their beasts of destruction follow suit and form a flying V.

Every Dragon spreads its wings to full extension. Much like flaps on aircrafts, the increased lift slowed the beasts' descent but had an extra effect - that to install unprecedented fear on the humans below.

The dramatic effect of dragons worked perfectly. The New Yorkers, who were only panicked before, were now responding to emotions of pure terror began running for their lives. No matter what they would do, the end was certain.

The Lead Dragon Rider telepathically communicated with his steed and ordered it to open fire. Deep within its belly, the creature creates a firestorm of power that quickly explodes out its mouth in the form of a molten ball of fire and Dark Qi.

Leaving behind a path of putrid smoke, the fire ball flies towards one of the uppermost buildings reaching into the heavens. While the structural engineers thought to design a building strong enough to withstand every disaster, no one could conceive of a weapon like this. Striking the north side of the building with the force of a fusion bomb, the structure and every living creature in a six block radius was vaporized.

The blast impaled the surrounding buildings, weakening their struts and cracking their foundations. Out of the blast site rose a huge mushroom cloud and the stench of death filled the air. Those below could smell the burning flesh of those above as flames consumed building after building.

With the initial attack begun, the other Dragon Riders commanded their flying weapons of mass destruction to open fire as well. Each blast further reduced the city to a smoldering mountain of ashes.

NASO forces attempted to mount a counter offensive, firing their handheld side arms at the great beasts. Officers commissioned to "Protect and Serve" were now trying to simply survive.

A few blasts managed to hit the armor plating of the Dragon Riders, but did nothing but to illuminate the flying warriors. Those hitting the Dragons themselves only served to incite them further.

The Lead Rider commanding his Dragon to fly into the heart of the City. NASO Officers fired bravely at the oncoming attacker, but to no avail. Just as before, each blast had no effect.

Atop the Kijorah Corporation Building, or more accurately, what remains of it, a lone NASO Officer tries to save humanity from certain doom. Locking on his firing scope to the Lead Rider's Dragon's eye, she squeezes off a round. The energy blast races through the air and impacts the creature's orbit.

Reeling in pain, the Dragon lashed about.

Almost loosing control of his steed, the Lead Rider quickly guides his beast to recover.

Another blast is fired from an alcove formed of steel beams and concrete. The blast barely misses the Lead Rider himself, brushing against his shoulder plating.

Beneath his helmet, the Lead Rider smiles, "Good. At least there is one who is not afraid to die."

Kicking the ribs of his Dragon, the Lead Rider ascends to the NASO Officer's position.

Realizing her cover's been blown, she begins racing for the building's escape slides, hoping she can find cover.

Seeing his prey scurry, the Lead Rider stands in his saddle. The wind braces against the agent of destruction and he jumps off the back of his Dragon towards the Officer.

With her back towards the sky, she didn't see the Lead Rider soar over her. The only thing she saw was a crimson flash land before her.

Caught dead in her tracks, with no clear path to the escape slide, she opened fire.

A smirk appeared beneath the Lead Rider's helmet. "Good," he thought to himself. "This one will die fighting."

Pressing his legs in the flooring, the Lead Rider ran towards the Officer, who kept firing.

Readying her self for the impending attack, she secured her footing and focused her fire at the building floor, hoping it would crumble and give her an extra few seconds.

Each step brought the Lead Rider closer to the Officer, but just as he was about to reach her, the flooring began to give way. Quickly realizing what was happening, he leapt up and over the Officer.

Landing behind her, the Lead Rider swept her feet, sending the Officer face first into the concrete support slabs. He then kicked aside her weapon and rolled her over.

"Disgusting creature," he thought to himself as he laid his eyes on his first human.

The Officer's eyes widened with terror as she saw her assailant standing over her. Immobilized by fear, she did nothing but scream.

Reaching for the human's neck, the Lead Rider lifted his prey by the throat. Demonstrating his strength, the Lead Rider easily lifted the Officer over his head.

As she struggled to breath, the Lead Rider marveled at the choking sounds coming from one of the only inhabitants of this world to put up any resistance.

Closing his fists around the neck of the Office, he began squeezing the life out of her. A second later, the gasping and choking stopped and he tossed her lifeless body aside like the trash she was.

***

The power and force of the attack weakened the support structures of the upper tier and within minutes, they began to crumble to the ground below. Millions of people were not killed by the Dragon Riders, but by falling debris.

In futile efforts, people began climbing over one another, trying to escape as if they were rats vying for freedom. It did not matter, for in fifteen minutes, New York City was no more. It was nothing but a pile of rubble, smoldering against Earth's blue sky.

This city wasn't alone. Around the globe, Bruch'oda's forces began systematically sending humans to their graves.

***

"Jesus Fucking Christ," General Abbey exclaims looking at the viewers surrounding him at the NASO HQ War Room. Each image depicts roughly the same thing: massive destruction in every major metropolitan center within the North American Union. The District of Colombia was no exception.

Abbey sees the White House leveled, the Washington Monument in pieces, and what's left of the Capital Building crumbling under intense flames.

"Tell me what the fuck those things are," he orders.

"Something out of a bad science fiction movie, General," Gary Staal offers, trying to find some levity to ease the situation.

"More like a nightmare, Doctor," he responds turning to see Robert Dwyer enter as well.

The room shakes as the Pentagon take another direct hit. Dust falls from the ceiling and the rumbling can be heard deep within the bunker.

"What can you give me General?" Dwyer asks.

General Abbey motions for Staal and Dwyer to join him around the main conference table.

Stepping up to the table the two operatives barely comprehend the massive destruction they see displayed before them. City after city has been laid to ruin. Corpses lay burning in the streets while the mysterious attackers continue to move unopposed.

"No much, other than it's bad Rob. All of this happened in less than fifteen minutes," General Abbey begins. "DC, New York," he continues pointing to each city's image, "LA, Toronto, BC. You name it. They were hit."

Abbey taps a few commands into the control panel on the table and the images shift to display that of Mexico City, London, Pairs, Moscow, Beiging, and Tokyo. "And it just wasn't us. They hit everyone."

"What about counter attacks?" Robert asks.

"We're preparing the first wave now, but we're not exactly hopeful. Drones met with disastrous results before this all began."

Captain Aaronson joins the trio at the table. "Delta Wing is set to move in, sir."

"Very well. Give them the green light," Abbey grimly states.

"What do you want us to do, General," Robert asks.

Abbey looks his old friend," Rob you've got to buy us some time and find out what the hell is going on. Where's your Jacker?"

Robert's face can't conceal much from the man he's served with for so many years, "I don't know. Goldman and Basbakar didn't make the rendezvous and we've been unable to contact them."

"Keep trying. We're going to need that kid's brain to make sense of the C- Net. Every world power is struggling to get on top of the situation and your boy's our only chance of understanding and hacking into their systems."

Robert nods.

"All right boys, let's see you put your toys to the test and clear us some room above," Abbey says.

A smile comes over Gary's face, "I thought you'd never ask."

Gary and Robert race out of the room, as Aaronson switches the main viewer to display Delta Flight's attack.

***

The Pentagon lays in ruins, its steel girders bent over, concrete in piles, and flames licking the sky. Robert Dwyer pushes aside the last bit of rubble to reach the surface. The resulting fine dust covers the NASO operative, causing him to cough as he clears the debris field.

A second later, Gary Staal pulls himself out of the hole. "Really," he says between breaths, "I need to get me some of those," pointing to Robert's legs.

"No time for envy, we've got work to do," Dwyer responds.

"Tell me about it," the Doctor says surveying the battlefield.

The pair had been in countless battles all over the world, but neither had been up against an enemy displaying the firepower unleashed on the world. Nothing of what they new to be the District remained.

Coursing through the city's streets were thousands of Shadow Warriors. To make matters worse, the skies were filled with Dragon Riders. Gary and Robert turned to one another and readied their armor. Before they could activate the Stealth Armor, Robert spied a new threat churning down Jefferson Davis Highway.

The two friends see a squadron of Shadow Warriors marching beside new beasts of destruction. Roughly the size of a small passenger bus, maize colored creatures marched on the street with long, flowing fur. Their legs were strong and powerful ending in razor sharp claws that left marks deep in the concrete where they had come.

The creatures' heads were collared by a burnt umber mane that made the animal's emerald eyes seem even more terrifying. Four elongated fangs covered with the blood of man extrude from the beasts' horrifying mouth. The animal is known in the Shadow Realm as a gUmaN. Riding the backs of these creatures are the gUmaN'JO, a fierce breed of warriors as tightly bonded with their companions as the Dragon Riders are to theirs. Each gUmaN'JO wears yellow armor, styled like their Shadow Warrior escorts, but with a few exceptions. First, each wears a golden gauntlet extending from their wrist to elbow. Second, matching boot tops extend to each rider's knee. Finally, the gUmaN'JO's helmets have a flowing burnt umber mane cascading backwards from top. Each warrior carries as sword strapped to a black belt around their waist.

If the sight of these creatures wasn't bad enough, the following sight put things into perspective for Robert and Gary.

The gUmaN at the head of the convoy let out a horrendous roar. Following the deafening display of power, its rider aimed its mouth at a pile of automobiles displaced on the side of the road. All ready in bad shape, the hulks of the metallic transports were now to be permanently disposed of. Hot masses of glowing fluid spewed out the creature's mouth. Everything the mysterious fluid touches instantly burst into flames and began melting.

"I need to get me some of that," Gary says readying his computer interface.

Robert nods with a sly grin. "Let's do it."

"Energize," they shout, activating their stealth armor. A second later, both men stand covered in their dark body armor comprised of billions of nanobots.

Through the Comm-link in each suit's helmet, instructions came in from General Abbey, "Those Dragon creatures have our boy in the air well occupied. They can't get close enough for a strike. See it you can lure their forces into Arlington. The wide open spaces should allow them to drop on top."

Robert raises his right hand and places it next to his right ear. "Will do General."

The pair activate their cloaking devices and vanish from sight.

Moving quickly, Robert utilizes his cybernetic enhancements to close the distance between the Pentagon and the oncoming squadron in less than a second. The NASO operative stands next to a hollowed out car frame roughly ten meters from the advancing party. Soon enough Gary would be joining him on the opposite side, if only his cover could hold.

As the creatures approached, the gUmaN began growing uneasy. No matter how much technology covers a man, animals can always sense danger. The gUmaN'JO atop the first beast stops and begins looking around.

"Someone is here," he says.

The Shadow Warriors begin fanning out searching for the hidden attacker. Staying motionless, Robert watches three Shadows walk harmlessly past him before he got the signal from Gary he was in position.

In the years he spent in the Special Operations division, Dwyer never faced opponents like this before. He figured he might as well give it all he has to see what kind of damage he could inflict and evaluate afterwards. Targeting the lead gUmaN with his scanner embedded in his left eye, Robert began charging his plasma weapon lodged into his reconstructed right arm. From deep within his body, he could feel the power hum.

Robert quickly deactivated his cloaking mechanism, causing all of Bruch'oda's forces to look his way. With their attention drawn, Robert pointed his arm at the target and fired. A stream of blue-white energy left his first and sailed towards the gUmaN. Its master attempted to move the lively beast out of the way, but the particle beam was too fast.

The weapon bore deeply into the creature's torso, vaporizing everything in its path. Wounded, the creature let out an incredible yell filled with pain before it fell to the ground dead, oozing its destructive fluid everywhere.

Struggling to stay atop his ride, the gUmaN'JO ordered the Shadow Warriors and his fellow JOs to attack the dark armored assailant. The command sent the Shadow Warriors into a frenzy, each drawing their swords and running towards Robert.

Moving with lightening speed, Robert was easily able to avoid the Shadow Warriors attempts to cut him down with their swords. Building frustration in his opponents, Robert sought just the right moment to begin his counter - and that moment was just about to manifest itself.

Gary leapt through the air, uncloaking in the process, and tackled the de- saddled gUmaN'JO. Clutching the yellow warrior firmly in his black armored hands, Gary drove the warrior to the ground. While Gary has had many years of martial arts training, he was no match for the cunning of the JO that he attacked.

On the ground, the JO easily broke free of Gary's grasp and kicked the Doctor's lower abdomen. The force of the impact lifted Gary and sent him back a few feet - enough for the JO to regain his stance and turn to face the second black figure.

"He hits about as hard as Rob does," Gary thinks to himself. "Makes no matter," he continues while rushing his foe. The Stealth Armor greatly enhanced Gary's abilities, enabling him to move significantly faster than a normal human and adding tremendous strength to his body. Had any mere human attempted to fight the JO, they would surely be torn to shred by the first punch.

The pair continued to trade blows, moving about in circles as Robert dealt with the Shadow Warriors. Slowly but surely, the NASO team members were able to draw the scouting party away from the debris field of the Pentagon to Arlington Cemetery.

Now in the open fields, Gary and Robert would cement their plan. They each began loosing their respective battles, luring their attackers into a false sense of security. Robert feigned running out of power and began taking more hits from the Shadows. His armor plating holding strong, he still attempted to further protect his body by letting his right arm and legs take most of the cuts.

Gary carefully took each hit, pulling back just before contact to minimize the blow. Before long, the JO had Staal surrounded by his compatriots. Racing towards Gary, the JO unleashed a furry of kicks and punches that Gary could not have countered even if he'd try. Falling to the ground, his Stealth Armor deactivated, leaving the human laying on the grass before the mass of gUmaN'JO.

The JO Gary had been fighting lifted his arm high and then slammed it towards the earth. Gary looked up to see the gUmaN filling their mouths with their caustic fluid.

Gary was able to get to his knees before the first blast consumed him. Covered completely in the glowing fluid, the attacking JO relaxed his stance, for nothing could survive the sputum of his beasts.

He was wrong.

While Robert's body was enhanced by nanobots that supplanted his human limbs and organs with robotic attachments, Gary's body was vastly different.

Several years ago, he had been working on new nanobots to assist him in his medical studies. He crafted a series of bots more advanced than anyone had developed to date. Following a terrorists attack on the LEO station his body was in bad shape. He laid near death with no hope of recovery.

Gary had been instrumental in the design of the nanobots that saved Robert's life following a botched mission early in his career and his long- time friend wasn't about to let Gary die.

Injecting Gary with his nanobots saved him and also gave him new abilities. The nanobots not only were able to repair the damage tissue, but they augmented his natural immune system. This gave Gary the ability to adapt to any threat to his body.

As the pool of fluid ate its way into the earth, Gary stood up. His body changed to a stone-like appearance housing dark eyes and little else for features.

"I wish I could see his face," Gary thought to himself."

With his body immune to the gUmaN's attacks, Gary was also able to draw upon the antigens to construct new weapons. Drawing saliva into his mouth, Dr. Staal spat at the JO he had been fighting.

Still stunned from the turn of events, he didn't move and let the glowing green blob of spit eat right through his head.

Their plan in place, Gary and Robert quickly made sure other regiments of Shadow Warriors and Dragon Riders came to Arlington. just in time for Delta Wing's attack.

***

Hot, humid, lush, beautiful. All words that have been used to describe the Amazon, Earth's last bastion of old growth forests. Nearly forty percent of the planet's uninterrupted forests reside in this narrow region in the southern hemisphere.

Jayde Yee rests atop a tree branch, high above the jungle floor, trying to catch her breath. Her armor is covered in stains from the slain Shadow Warriors that litter the dirt below and etched with scorch marks from Copy Bots slain in the progress. The Green Wood QiRanger rests her hands on the tree limb supporting her, balancing her twin axe blades over them. Dark visceral remains coalesce at the blade's edge and drips below.

"Just how many are there of these things?" she thinks to herself referring to what appears to be an endless army of Shadow Warriors and Copy Bots. Through her visor she surveys the battlefield to see corpses and hulks all around. Blast impacts marred the surrounding bush and many of the thousand year old trees have fallen.

Spying her objective, Jayde collects her strength for one last assault on the Wood Mystic Door. The only thing in her way- a dozen Shadow Warriors and four Copy Bots guarding the portal itself.

In her element, the surrounding Wood Qi fills the green warrior with extra power and strength. The Wood QiRanger wraps her delicate fingers around the axes' leathery grips and leaps into the air.

Traveling past the tree's leaves alerted the Shadows and Copy Bots to her location and they make sure to take advantage of the information.

The Copy bots unfurl a volley of electric blasts towards Jayde's last location. A split second too late, the energy beams tear the tree to shreds. Exploding into a million pieces, timber shards are sent hurling through the air.

Yee twists her body to avoid the flying debris, but can't avoid the many pieces. A large section of truck knocks the QiRanger out of the air, sending her to the floor below. Turning her head towards the dirt below, Jayde sees that she's headed right for a collection of dead Shadow Warriors.

She hits the fallen warriors, pushing their lifeless bodies deep into the Amazon soil. Pined beneath the tree trunk, the Wood QiRanger struggles to get free.

While the Copy Bots secure their position in front of the Mystic Door, the Shadow Warriors carefully surround the fallen QiRanger. Each knows the green-clad female is a force to be reckoned with, a simple fact exemplified by their fallen comrades.

Pressed hard into the ground, the pressure continues to build across Jayde's backside. Pushing into ground, the QiRanger tries to lift herself out of her sticky situation, but to no avail. Each attempt only serves to push her arms deeper and deeper into the soil beneath her.

Through a slim opening in the corpses around her, Jayde sees the feet of approaching Shadows. Still pinned, her mind begins racing, trying to think of a way out. "There's got to be a way!" she exclaims.

Each Shadow Warrior steps slowly towards the pile of dead warriors and the Wood QiRanger. Swords drawn, they make sure they can strike at any sign of movement. The Platoon Commander points his crimson blade towards the pile and two of his regiment begin clearing bodies away. A wicked grin eases over his face, "We have you now."

The Shadow warriors pull the first body aside, revealing a chamber directly to Jayde.

"Get her," the Commander yells.

The two that had been clearing bodies drop to their bellies and reach into the mess of tangled flesh, jabbing their swords and hoping to draw blood. Feeling the pressure mount, Jayde rolls to her right, gaining an extra inch or two of leeway under the trunk- just enough to avoid the Shadow Warriors' blade.

The Shadows stand and shake their heads in defeat.

"Very well. Continue," the Commander orders and the pair returns to removing bodies. Pulling their comrades free of the congealed mass before them, the two Shadow Warriors retrieve another body and place it next to the first.

Jayde Yee feels the pressure mount. Sweat forms underneath her helmet, caressing her face and dripping into her eyes. The salty sting blurs the QiRanger's vision, forcing her to close her eyes and block out everything. The pain intensifies as Jayde squeezes her eyes even tighter, in her attempt to move past the discomfort.

"Time is of the essence, Jayde," she tells herself hearing the Shadows move closer to her. Each footstep seemed to echo for an eternity, kicking up dirt and slowly moving it towards her. The combination from the stomping feet and shuffling dirt calmed the Wood QiRanger.

Jayde could feel herself drifting away from the extraneous sights and sounds. She no longer could feel her heaving chest. No longer did the tree truck pine her down on the moist jungle floor. She didn't notice the dead bodies huddled up beside her.

What the QiRanger did notice was the forest. She felt at peace with it. She could feel the nurturing Qi embrace her body, filling it with strength.

Jayde opened her eyes and began channeling Qi from the surrounding trees. Absorbing it through her back and letting the energy pass out her hands into the soil below.

The Shadow Warriors kneel down on one knee and easily seen their prey before them. Drawing their swords from the scabbard affixed to their waists, the sound of sliding metal drew Jayde's attention.

Turning her head, Jayde realizes her time's up. Using all her strength, she pushes the Wood Qi through her system. Green energy exits her palms and sends the QiRanger into the air, free and clear of the tree trunk and dead Shadows.

She somersaults backwards and lands on her feet, catching the Shadow Warriors unprepared. Using her connection to her axes, she summons them from the pile before her. Whipping through the air, the twin blades rush to her hand and the QiRanger is once again ready for battle.

Through her darkened visor, Jayde begins sizing up each of the remaining Shadow Warriors. Each stood strong and with their crimson blades drawn and fixed towards her. As the Shadows slowly dispersed from their collected mass and began circling her, Jayde moved her weight to the balls of her feet and prepared to pounce.

The Shadow Warriors complete their entrapment of Jayde.

Looking around, the QiRanger begins shifting her body side to side while twirling her axes in her hand.

Suddenly, the Shadow Warriors drop their swords and start retreating from their position.

"This can't be good," Jayde thinks to herself.

Jayde focuses in on the leader's eyes and realizes that someone is behind her. Clutching her axes tightly, she prepares for the right moment to begin her attack. It was then she was truly caught unprepared.

"It's time to die, Sapling," a raspy voice from behind said. The words drew a smile from the lead Shadow Warrior before Jayde.

The Green QiRanger slowly turned around. Luckily she wore a helmet that obstructed her face, for her enemies would sure know the fear she now felt as her mouth dropped open.

Standing before Jayde was a battalion of Shadow Warriors and several hundred more Copy Bots. But that's not what really got to Jayde. Leading them all was a nine foot tall creature named Man'uL'o. Hunched over and wearing amber armor, this troll of a soldier's emerald eyes peered through her soul.

His size wasn't the only thing awesome about the warrior standing before Jayde. Man'uL'o's extremities were rippled with muscles pressing against their armored containers. His face is that of a seething snake, complete with forked tongue. A staff affixed with a spear and a scythe is held in his right hand and cradled under his arm.

The monstrosity motioned for the others to give him room to fight the QiRanger and they were quick to comply.

"Show me what you've got," Man'uL'o says.

Jayde swallowed her fear and cautiously approached her opponent. Man'uL'o didn't move. He continued to hold steady with his bladed staff in position.

The Wood QiRanger flung one of her axes up, towards the sky. Man'uL'o glanced at the spinning weapon, taking his eyes off the QiRanger.

Seeing an opening, Jayde quickly rushed the large troll.

Sensing her approaching, Man'uL'o spun his staff around, the scythe's blade leading the way. Jayde sees the curved blade arcing towards her, but she can't get out of the way. Rather than trying jump or duck, she brings her remaining axe to her side to block the scythe.

Crash! The two curved metal blades connect, releasing electrical sparks. Man'uL'o struck with such ferociousness, that the blow threw the QiRanger to the jungle floor. Reeling in pain, Jayde was unable to hold onto her axe, as the collision's vibration shot through her body.

Man'uL'o swung his staff again, and with both hands gripping the staff, commanded it to carry the scythe overhead and into the QiRanger.

The scythe struck the Wood Warrior's armor, chipping away at Jayde's protective lining. The weight and force of Man'uL'o's weapon drove her deep into the ground, forming a small crater. To make matters worse, the young woman's head bounced about in her helmet and on the earth, giving her a near concussion.

Man'uL'o stood over the QiRanger smiling. His forked tongue slithering in and out of his mouth as Jayde tried to collect her thoughts and escape death.

"I've got to push him back," she thought to herself. Collecting Wood Qi again, Jayde forces a Qi Strike. Powerful green energy pulsated out of the QiRanger's hands. The twin beams of green energy light up Man'uL'o's chest plate and drive him back a few meters.

Standing dazed, Man'uL'o tries to shake off the blast. This little push was all that Jayde needed to dig herself out and reclaim her axes. Merging them into her Battle Axe, Jayde Yee swings her mighty weapon at Man'uL'o.

Still recovering from the Qi Strike, the large warrior let out a roar as the Battle Axe's blade tore through the armor plating near his knee. Red blood began spewing from the wound as anger and determination filled his eyes.

Spinning around, Man'uL'o lands a reverse roundhouse kick. Taking the full brunt of it in her chest, the force sends the Wood QiRanger flying through the air. No doubt she would still be flying if she hadn't slammed into a large tree.

The collision knocked the breath out of Jayde as she fell limp to the jungle floor. Each breath was now a struggle. Every muscle cried out for oxygen. Each molecule in her body felt the pain of a thousand needles.

She looked and saw Man'uL'o standing a few meters away. He still had that grin on his face.

Man'uL'o summoned a Dark Qi Ball in his left hand and threw it at the wounded QiRanger.

Too tired to move, Jayde felt the Dark Energy rip through her body. Screaming as fantastic explosions consume her, the blast reveals chunks of her armor vaporizing. Lying on the floor, Jayde's bare skin is riddled with bruises and blood pours from deep wounds.

Each breath becomes more labored for the embattled QiRanger. She pushes up with her tattered gloved hands until she rests back on her heels. Woozy from the blast, Jayde sees the world spinning around her.

Man'uL'o runs in a side kicks the QiRanger squarely in the head.

Snapping back like a baby's toy, Jayde falls to the Earth helpless.

"Easy," Man'uL'o says lifting his scythe high in the air.

Taking firm hold of his staff, Man'uL'o swings the mighty blade to crush the QiRanger. As the blade travels through the air, green energy cascades over the Jayde's body. Before the blade and sever Jayde into two pieces, she dematerializes and scythe sinks into the Amazon floor.

***

The Great Vault glowed dimly with the absence of the QiRangers. Gone are the fine details once illuminated by the bright gemstones. The great chamber containing the last resting places of the original QiRangers seem vacant and devoid of life.

A bright green flash erupts near the tomb of Master Kahn, the first Wood QiRanger. As the bright light fades, a lone figure rests on the stone and dirt floor of the Great Vault. Jayde Yee lays before the stone tomb unconscious. Her black and green Gi is torn to shreds, revealing numerous cuts and bruises.

She lays slumped over on her side against the support for Kahn's tomb. One arm is extended overhead, while the other falls helplessly to her side. A deep laceration pours a steady stream of blood from her forehead, which is matched by another wound in her abdomen. The blood coalesces in a pool beside her body.

Jayde Yee is dying.

Her mind wanders in the blackness of her unconscious thoughts; reliving old memories as well as frightening new recollections. A day on the beach with her family fills her head. Not more than six years old, Jayde recalls the joyous day her mother's boyfriend proposed. Blue skies, squawking seagulls, white clouds, and the beautiful salty air fill her senses.

Peace. Tranquility. Happiness. All words that describe that wonderful moment when her mom accepted the pledge and Jayde once again had a father.

However, in this version of the proposal, something changed. A deep rumbling was heard. Young Jayde looked around, thinking that another California earthquake was about to strike, but she quickly realized that it was only her that could hear the troubling undulating noise.

The rumbling continued to grow in intensity and in volume. Franticly, Jayde searched for the source of the disturbance - but no one noticed. No one even batted an eye. Jayde tried to ask her mother and new fiancé about the noise, but they ignored her - didn't even acknowledge her existence.

Louder and louder the noise got until it sounded as if epicenter was directly beneath Jayde, her mother, and the fiancé. All of a sudden it was quiet. The breeze returned and squawking sang into her ears.

Dark hands began rising through the sand. Hands made of decomposed flesh. Rotted scraps of flesh hung from the bones as they pushed up through the sand. Young Jayde let out a terrifying scream, but no one paid attention or even noticed the arms clamoring over the young girl. She struggled to break free, but the grotesque arms were too powerful and began pulling the young girl deep into the subterranean abyss.

***

Jayde continues to drift away into the unconscious world that is a coma. The Great Vault seems hollow with the absence of her spirit.

In the center of the Great Vault, a yellow and red flash of light burst to fill the room and then fade out, revealing Master Li and Luís Mendoza wearing their Gis. Both stand clutching their chests, gasping for air. Battered and bruised, the two fall to their knees in the safety of the Great Vault.

"What. happened?" Luís gasps while taking in his surroundings.

"Look," Master Li manages to get out as he comes to his knees.

Luís focuses his eyes ahead and sees Jayde lying motionless before him. "Jayde!" he screams, his voice echoing throughout the chamber. The sudden burst of energy from the Earth QiRanger brightens the room as he scurries to asses his team mate's condition.

Tears fill Mendoza's eyes as he cradles his fallen companion. "Come on Jayde. Come back to us," he says holding Jayde tightly in his arms.

Master Li quietly assess her wounds, trying to see how badly she was hurt. Concern races across the Master's face while he tries to halt the bleeding. Ripping his Gi, Li formulates a makeshift bandage for her.

Three bursts of multicolored light illuminate the Great Vault for an instant. Following the flash, the other QiRangers appear laying flat on the Great Vault's floor. Each of the QiRangers' Gis are stained with their blood and faces marked with scuffs. Their eyes are half closed as they recover from the teleportation. Shaking their heads and coming to their hands and feet, the three QiRangers slowly realize they're back in the Great Vault.

"Wha? Where are we?" Abeu asks.

Leslie comes to one knee and looks through her bobbed hair. "The Great Vault? But why?" The Fire QiRanger glances around and sees Master Li kneeling beside Luís. Fear grips the QiRanger, for she expects the worst. "No!" she yells standing and running to Master Li. Seth and Abeu follow a few steps behind.

Abeu's eyes grow with shock as he witnesses his fallen comrade. Even though he never met Jayde before today, his heart is filled with sorrow that he's losing a teammate.

"How is she?" Seth asks.

Luís turns to face his team, eyes full of tears. "She. she's.." he clutches her tightly and buries his face in Jayde's body.

Master Li stands with a somber look on his face, "Not well. I fear that she will die soon if she does not receive medical attention."

"What happened?" Abeu asks.

Master Li looks down at the fallen Wood QiRanger, "Judging by the resistance Luís and I saw, I can only imagine what she faced."

"Is there anything we can do for her?" Leslie asks.

Master Li turns to his fellow warrior of fire, "She needs Wood Qi to grow healthy again. Until her body absorbs enough, she'll need a physician. That's something we don't have here. Seth, if you give her some of your Qi, that should stabilize her for the time being."

The Water QiRanger nods and kneels beside his new friend. He places his hands on Jayde and beings sending Water Qi into her body. Within seconds, the wounds begin healing and the blood stops flowing.

Leslie's mouth drops as a stunning revelation courses through her body. "Michael," she says.

"Who?" Seth asks standing up.

"My brother," Leslie answers. "Oh my go. I bet he thinks I'm dead from the explo." she tries to say, but drifts off.

"Say again?" Abeu chirps.

"My brother, Michael, and I were in Beiging when I received the medallion. But there was a fiery explosion. I bet he thinks I'm dead."

"What does that have to do with Jayde?" Seth inquired.

"He's a doctor. Neo-traditional Chinese," Leslie says excitedly. "I bet he can treat her and get her Wood Qi up in no time."

Master Li places an arm of caution on Leslie's shoulder. "True. But be sure Bruch'oda didn't limit his attacks to the Mystic Doors. Beiging and your brother may be no more."

Leslie closes her eyes. "No, I know he's all right."

"Your heart will lead you to him. Go now and bring him before we loose her," Master Li quietly says.

Leslie brings her hands together in front of her chest. "I'll be back as soon as I can," she says as a fiery red column of energy envelops her, whisking the Fire QiRanger away.

"Now what?" Abeu asks.

"Shit!" Seth mentions under his breath.

"What?" Abeu asks.

"Look at your Comm-link," Seth quickly mentions while logging into his wrist computer.

"Crap!" the young QiRanger exclaims.

"What is it?" Master Li inquires.

Seth lowers his arm, "Abeu and I are part of a NASO Strike Team. They called up the unit, probably to protect the city."

"Rob's not going to be too happy about this," Abeu says lowering his gaze.

"If your team is still active, we can use their help to launch an offensive against the Mystic Doors. See if they're still in tact," Master Li instructs.

Seth nods and opens the Comm-link channel to NASO Headquarters. A small image of General Abbey appears on the small video screen. "Identify yourself," the General says, his voice filled with anger and concern.

"Seth Goldman and Abeu Basbakar reporting in," the Water QiRanger says.

"What in blazes took you so long? The whole world has gone to hell and you're just now calling in?" the Abbey blasted.

"I know. We were caught up in the fireworks," Seth answers. "We've learned what's going on. What's our rendezvous point?"

"The only place that's remotely secure is NASO HQ, son. The NAU and most of the world have fallen to these creatures. What intel can you give me?" Abbey asks.

"I have to show you. We'll be there in a few minutes. Goldman out."

Seth closes the Comm-link. "You're going to have to explain it to them. There's no way a General's going to believe this."

"Agreed," the elder QiRanger concedes. "Watch over her, my friend," he says placing a comforting hand on Luís.

"I will," the Earth QiRanger says holding Jayde.

Master Li, Abeu, and Seth clasp their hands, summoning their respective energies and vanish in bright flashes of light.

***

Streaking through the air above Washington, DC was Lt. Timmons. The young Officer sat tucked into his Mitsubishi Mark-9 Aerofighter, the backbone of the NASO Tactical Forces. This sleek and small aircraft had everything a military force could wish for. With its delta wing design, the craft was able to produce sufficient lift at low speeds, perfect for supporting ground operations. Furthermore, the added fuselage enabled the designers to pack in additional weapon bays.

Each pilot controlling these single seated weapons knew how to use them beyond the architects' specifications, for Delta Wing was NASO's best group of pilots. Time and time again, they were called in for strategic missions. They would strike down from above in a wave of fury, hitting their targets, and heading off into the sunset without ever looking back. Today was no exception. NASO ground forces were quickly overwhelmed by the attacking monsters. Most of the country had fallen prey to their superior strength, but Alpha Team was able to put up a strong defense around NASO HQ.

Drawing the enemy out into the open, Delta Wing was able to easily dispatch of them. at first. After the initial clearing out of Bruch'oda's forces, they returned with a vengeance. gUmaNs and their JO riders widened their rampage, causing more destruction. But of more devastating news was the addition of Dragon Riders to the battle fray.

One by one, the mighty monsters tracked down the fearless pilots of Delta Wing. Riding up behind them, the Dragon Riders would command their beasts of destruction to hurl their molten balls of Dark Qi toward the small fighters.

Despite their advanced armoring, the Mark-9s were no use against the Dragons' attacks. The molten fireballs easily ate through the protective skins encapsulating the aircraft. The powerful blasts consumed the munitions and created terrible explosions in the sky.

Everywhere Lt. Timmons flew he saw huge pockets of black smoke in the air -signs of his wingmen sent to oblivion. He edged his controls to arc his craft left. Swooping around a dark cloud, he ascended into the heavens.

"Damn," he thought himself, looking at the tactical display on his left. Timmons couldn't believe what he was seeing: only three Delta Wing Mark-9s remained and there was another wave of flying creatures approaching from the north.

"Casper, watch your six!" he yells through his Comm-Link, but it was too late. As he flew his Mark-9 away from the battle arena, he watched helplessly the blue dot on his screen faded.

"Shit!" he yelled pulling the stick backwards, sending his craft into a tight loop.

"Witchdoctor, get your ass out of there!" boomed Timmon's squadron commander, but the Lieutenant ignored the order and dove his Mark-9 into the heart of the battle.

Locking on his plasma cannons, Lt. Timmons fired the energy weapons at the beastly pair that just killed his wingman. The green plasma streaks thumped through the air and connected with the Dragon and its rider. The energy tears through the outer layers of the Dragon's scales, causing the beat to howl in pain. Its Rider quickly tries to soothe his beast by connecting with its mind.

Tumbling through the sky, the Dragon's wings fold under as the Rider grips the reigns with all his might.

Timmons continues to bear down on the falling creature, never ceasing to stop firing on his prey.

The green blasts continue to pour through the outer layers of the Dragon's hide and each blast elicits more and pore pain. The Rider's control of his beast falters as the pain begins creeping into his mind.

Every fiber in the Dragon Rider's body screamed with an intensity never before known. Closing his eyes, he tried to sever the connection but can't concentrate with his skin boiling. Weakening, the reigns slip past his fingers and the Dragon Rider falls free of his giant beast. The pain he feels from his Dragon forces the Rider to close his eyes as the pair fall helplessly towards the Earth.

A grin creases across Lt. Timmons' face as he noses the craft into a steeper dive.

"Witchdoctor, fall in. That's an order!" squawks his commander, but Timmons continue to ignore the instructions, consumed with anger at the loss of his wingman and fellow pilots.

The Mark-9's afterburners ignite, thrusting the craft faster through the air. The twin plasma weapons continue to pumping out blasts of energy as Timmons sits on the firing controls. "Die.. Die. Die." he mutters, completely oblivious to everything around him.

Timmons' focused only on the creatures in his crosshairs and nothing else. As his speed increased, his vision narrowed and obstructed his sense of danger. Riding in on his right was another Dragon Rider.

This new threat barreled through the sky, not only coming to the aid of his comrade in arms, but to kill the last remnants of Earth's resistance. The Dragon's wings flapped with an intensity never before seen, propelling the beast as fast as the Mark-9. Leaning forward, the Rider huddled close to his partner's neck, producing a streamlined profile, enabling the pair to travel even faster.

Faster and faster they rode, tearing through clouds until the moment came.

The Rider commanded the Dragon to unleash its furry and the creature was more than happy to oblige. The fiery molten ball of Dark Qi slipped past the Dragon's teeth and smoked through the sky.

Proximity alarms fired in the Mark-9's cockpit, alerting Timmons to the advancing threat, but it was too late. The Lieutenant tore his gaze away from his target just in time to see his craft impacted by the firestorm. The searing heat and energy obliterated the NASO aircraft and its pilot.

Still not giving up on his fellow Rider, the Dragon Rider and his beast strove to save their brothers. The Dragon let out a terrible roar that sent sounds waves deep into the souls of their partners.

The secret language of the Dragons instantly calmed the falling pair and re- established their link. Quickly the Dragon put the pain past her and spread its wings, gliding below its Rider, who landed back in his saddle again. They rejoined the Dragon Rider formation and began the final assault on the Pentagon.

***

General Abbey and Captain Aaronson stand next to the conference table in the War Room. Their hands grip the circumference of the centerpiece as the room shakes violently, sending dust and debris raining down from the ceiling. The table's holographic display shows the current tactical status of Bruch'oda's and NASO's forces. Depicted in blue, NASO's forces are hastily retreating towards the Pentagon after facing an upsurge in resistance from hordes of red dots closing in on their position.

"That's it, General. Delta Wing's been destroyed," Aaronson announces.

General Abbey slams his fist into the table as another blast rocks the War Room. "Shit!" he yells. Fixing his gaze on the information before him, the General continues, "We're going to have to pull out of here." He points to the display showing a new regiment approaching from the south. "There's no way we divert enough troops to hold them back."

"What about Alpha Team?"

"Even those two can't be everywhere. Issue the retreat," Abbey orders.

Captain Aaronson taps the Comm-link, "All NASO Forces: Fall back. Full retreat to the Pentagon Bunker."

"Ready to teleport pads, Captain. We've got to get as many troops out as possible," General Abbey somberly says walking away from the table.

"Yes, sir," the Captain replied, running to the computer console on the wall. Hovering over the keyboard, Aaronson quickly input the commands to activate the devices. "Sir, only levels six and eight are responding."

"See if you can get them online," Abbey says turning to face Aaronson.

"It's no use," a voice calls from behind the General.

Abbey quickly turns to see Robert and Gary entering the room, their clothes covered in blood. "The main power grids are starting to short out. We'll be lucky." Robert begins but is interrupted by a thunderous crash that sends one of the lighting elements rocketing to the floor.

The four NASO officers scatter as Dwyer continues, ". to get enough personnel out to mount a counter offensive."

Three flashes of light fill the room, causing the men to take a defensive posture as Li, Seth, and Abeu appear.

"Better late than never," Seth quips as his blue energy cocoon fades.

Robert rushes his friend, but stops short, taking a good long look with his eyes. The cyborg is dumbfounded by the appearance of Seth and the others in traditional Gis, each roughed up, and appearing out of nowhere. "How did you get here? And what happened to you?"

Seth and the other QiRangers form around Robert, who's quickly joined by Gary and General Abbey.

"You wouldn't believe me if I told you, Rob," Seth says shaking his head.

"Who's this?" Gary says pointing to Master Li.

"I am Li," the elder QiRanger says, bowing.

"That explains a lot," Gary mutters.

"Who?" Robert asks.

"You wouldn't know it by looking at him, but he's the only one that really knows what's going on here," Seth says.

"I'm glad someone knows what the hell those things are," Gary adds.

A thunderous crackle is heard sending debris across the room and filling it with fine dust and sends the men to floor. Captain Aaronson grabs hold of the conference table and pulls himself up as the QiRangers help the others to their feet. Alarm klaxons begin sounding throughout the bunker.

"General, our defenses have been breached. Enemy forces have entered Level One are making their way down," Aaronson yells.

"Rob, you've got to hold them off long enough to buy us enough time to evacuate. Use the Istanor to pull yourself out," the General orders.

"The what?" Gary asks.

"I'll fill you in later, Gar," Robert says. "Captain, make sure the General makes it out."

Captain Aaronson draws his sidearm and walks behind General Abbey. "Yes, sir."

"Be safe, Rob," Abbey says, looking at his old friend in the eye as he turns to leave the War Room.

With Aaronson and Abbey gone, Rob turns to the QiRangers. "All right Mister Li."

"Master," Abeu interjects.

Rob looks at the junior member and smiles, "Master Li. What are we up against?"

Master Li looks squarely into Rob's eyes, "If you've put up any kind of resistance to date, then we will be faced with an army of Bruch'oda's fiercest warriors dedicated to eradicating every living creature in this place."

"Bruch-what?" Rob asks.

"Time is wasting, Mr. Dwyer," Master Li begins, "so I will make this brief. You've seen the enemy and know they are not of this world. While many are endowed with magical abilities, they can be killed like any other being."

"They've come to reclaim the Earth as their own. To ensure our victory, we must do as your General says and provide cover and regroup to counter the global offensive," Master Li says in a definitive tone letting Rob know the conversation was over.

The eldest of the QiRangers begins walking towards the door and is immediately followed by Seth and Abeu.

Rob and Gary look dumbfounded as the elderly Asian usurps their authority.

As Master Li approaches the doorway, he says, "Follow me."

***

Klaxons continue to howl through the darkened corridors of the Pentagon Bunker. Matching red beacons flash in the darkness, warning NASO staff of immanent danger. Master Li calmly runs through the halls, homing in on Bruch'oda's advancing army, sensing their every move. The oldest QiRanger is followed closely by Robert Dwyer and then by the others.

Gary Staal runs up next to Seth. "What gives? Where is he going?"

Without batting an eye, Seth responds, "He can sense them."

"What?" Gary mouths, full of surprise.

"We all can," Abeu adds while hastening his pace.

Robert matches Master Li's pace, slightly surprised the elderly man next to him is as agile and quick as he is. "Would you mind telling me what the hell is going on?"

"5000 years ago," Master Li begins while jumping over a support rod that's collapsed, "I fought against these creatures and banished them to the Shadow Realm. Someone let the through the five Mystic Doors and now their leader is determined to control the Earth."

Dwyer rolls his eyes and Staal can't believe a word he's hearing.

"Right," Robert mutters.

Gary taps Seth on the shoulder. "You believe this nutcase?" The look Seth and Abeu shot back at the Doctor gave him his answer with out the need for words.

The quintet continued racing down the darkened hallways, sidestepping debris, support structures, and dead bodies. Master Li abruptly stops at a T intersection in the heart of Level Three. Robert came to rest on Li's left with Gary at his side. Seth and Abeu stand to Master Li's right.

"This is it," Master Li states.

"This is what?" Gary asks looking around. "You leading us on a goose chase?"

Robert looks at the junctions ceiling, focusing his electromagnetic sensors above the fortified structures. He now understands why the Asian brought them here. "This is where we make our stand. They're right above us."

"I wish I understood how you knew that old man," he adds.

"Seth, Abeu," Master Li says pointing to opposite ends of the intersection," Position yourself there and wait for my signal."

The pair quickly took their positions as Master Li stands in the center of the hallway, fists clenched and his arms by his side. The QiRanger's gaze is firmly fixated on the structure's roof.

"I'm used to be in the tactical lead," Robert says readying his body for physical contact.

"My humble apologies. I do not mean to encroach on your command; however, under the circumstances, I think you'll agree we both have but one mission."

Rage begins to fill the Dwyer. "This little man has no idea what he's up against. I'm not some little kid who's never run an op. When we get out of here, I'm gonna give him a piece of my mind," he thinks.

Hammering is heard above them men. With each pounding sound, the ceiling shakes a little more. Bits and pieces of the constructed begin falling to the floor. "It's time," Robert says, "They've got some nasty things. You'd better sand back and let Gary and I take the brunt of the attack."

Master Li looks at the African-America with a wry smile. "Really."

Master Li summons his inner fire and red energy begins encapsulating the oldest QiRanger. His black Gi begins shimmering with bright red light and then bursts into flames. Gary and Robert stand back, not quite knowing what to make out of man before them. The flames abate revealing Master Li in his battle armor.

"What the hell?" Gary and Robert say in unison.

"As I said, I've done this before. Seth, Abeu, if you will," Master Li instructs.

The pair nod and ready their stances.

"Water!" Seth calls out sending powerful blue energy through his kidney and bladder meridians. The blue energy completely consumes the Water QiRanger and fades away, revealing Seth in his armor.

"Metal!" Abeu shouts as bright white energy courses through his lung and large intestine meridians. The bright light illuminates the hallway and then dims revealing the youth in his Metal QiRanger armor.

"Fucking sci-fi," Gary says underneath his breath marveling at the transformations he's just seen.

Before Robert or Gary could ask any questions, the ceiling caved in. Rock and cement landed with a thud against the flooring. Master Li readied his Fire Shurricans, but a blazing beam of energy shot past him and slammed into the chest of the first three Shadow Warriors that dropped through the floor.

"You're not the only ones with tricks," Robert said with a smile that was returned by Master Li.

"It's game time," Gary announces, closing his eyes. The Doctor began transforming his body into a sleek iron-like creature with razor sharp claws and huge spikes extending from his elbows.

The transformation caught Li off kilter, which brought a smile to Gary's metallic face, "Not pretty, but effective."

The levity didn't last for long as the next contingent of Shadow Warriors dropped through the opening. Robert tried to blast them, but they moved too quickly even for Master Li's Fire Shurricans. The resulting explosions caused even more damage to the hall and opened the ceiling more, allowing several more Shadows into the fray.

Master Li drew his hands together and summoned his Qi Saber and charged into battle with Gary at his side. The pair quickly met resistance from several Shadow Warriors. Master Li artfully used his blade to sever the Shadows' torsos, while Dr. Staal slammed his iron-like fists through their chests. Spinning around on his right foot, Gary drove his sword-like elbow through the viscera of another Shadow.

Robert wasn't about to be outdone by his partner and charged forward. Leaping into the air, he thrust his right arm through a Shadow Warrior and tosses it aside. Three more Shadows flanked him, and the NASO operative side kicked the nearest Warrior. The speed and force of the blow completely tore off the head of Robert's enemy.

Seth, Abeu, Master Li, Gary, and Robert continued battling the Shadows. Within minutes, large piles of corpses filled the intersection and forced the five defenders of the Pentagon deeper into Level Three. As the advancing army of Shadows picked over their fallen compatriots, the quarters got smaller and smaller and the men chosen to be Earth's last stand left a trail of dead bodies.

***

On a deeply wooded path, a teenaged Jayde Yee meanders down the winding clearing of brush. The youngster walks aimlessly through the forest gaining a sense of calm from her surroundings. Jayde leaves walkway and saunters to a nearby Sequoia.

Approaching the tall tree, she extends her arms as if welcoming it into her life in a free exchange of love. Even at this young age, Jayde practice the ancient art of Qigong and grew from the interaction between the forest and her.

Jayde enters a state of contentment that many strive for, yet few achieve. The future Wood QiRanger closes her eyes and allows the energy to freely pass between the universe, the forest, and her body. A slow breeze passes through the canopy above, brushing the leaves against one another.

***

Cradling Jayde on the floor of the Great Vault, Luís holds his fellow QiRanger with all the love and devotion a big brother would have for a little sister. The tears have faded from his eyes, but salty streaks persist down the Mexican's cheek.

Through his care, Luís feels even closer to his new friend and can sense that his presence has brought some relief to the fallen warrior. Jayde no longer labors through each breath and her wounds have stopped flowing. Luís fixes his gaze on Jayde's chest, making sure it continues to rise and fall with each breath. As each expiration fades, he adds one more count to his running total; the only way he's able to keep his mind off what he feels is ultimately his fault for failing to clear Bruch'oda's forces away from the Earth Mystic door.

He extends his arm over Jayde and brings her even closer to his chest. "Please be safe, little one," he says in a soft voice full of compassion.

As the minutes ware on, his thoughts drift to the others. Li, Seth, and Abeu have been gone for so long and he's not even felt the presence of Leslie since she left for her brother. Holding Jayde's delicate hand, he begins whispering, "I hope you can forgive me. I don't know if I'll be able to. I haven't even after all these years with my sister."

For the first time in years, Luís begins opening up about the death of his sister. While he knows that Jayde can't respond or perhaps even comprehend what he's saying, Luís continues sharing his innermost feelings and what he feels his utmost failures in life. As he expounds on his life up to this point, his inner soul begins recharging, because for the first time ever, Luís begins understanding that there are things out of his sphere of control. Losing his sister was undoubtedly the most tragic lesson learned from this, but with the new insight he begins to finally put the event past him and accept the world for what it is.

***

Young Jayde continues to meditate with the trees around her, consuming their Qi and growing from the exchange. The soft breeze begins blowing harder through the trees and the increased rustling of branches above draw Jayde out of her bond. The young woman looks around as the breeze turns into a gust of foul smelling wind.

Jayde closes her eyes and scrunches her nose, trying to avoid the permeating odors now filling the open forest. Quickly, her eyes dart about, trying to locate the source of the stench, but she cannot.

The wind continues to grow and now the upper branches flap freely in the gusting wind. The wind begins swirling over the path, lifting dirt and leaves and sending it through the clearing. Jayde tries to gain cover by standing behind the tree, but as each second passes, the intensity of the wind increases.

Gripping the tree's bark, Jayde's hair flies past her and the wind begins howling loudly. She buries her have into the tree's trunk, but the wind and dirt creep past her arms and sting her eyes. As they water from the irritants, she sees something out the corner of her eye.

Not sure what's happening, Jayde begins growing a little uneasy. Moving her flying hair out of her way, Jayde looks deeply into the forest, trying to uncover what she saw. Pushing her eyes to see past the trees, she begins making out a lone figure standing a few hundred meters away. It's dark and undefined. Jayde continues to try and make something out of it, but can't.

In fact, the harder she tries the more of these creatures she sees. First there was just one other darkened figure, but as each second passed, more and more appeared from nowhere.

Jayde could feel her heart begin to race and her blood surge through her body. The young lady's hands gripped the tree beside her tightly and her fingers grew white from the ensuing pressure.

The mysterious creatures broke free of the trees and began closing the distance between them and Jayde. Afraid, Jayde tried to run away, but her feet remain planted firmly on the ground. With each step the creatures took, Jayde's anxiety increased exponentially. Before long she began hyperventilating and the creatures covered her body in darkness.

***

Luís quickly let go of Jayde and laid her to rest of the Great Vault's floor. He leans over his teammate and tilts her head back while closing her nasal passages. Luís takes in a full breath of air while pressing his mouth over Jayde's. While he exhales, Luís carefully watches to see if Jayde's chest rises. and it does. He then kneels beside her torso and begins compressing her chest, trying to revive her heart.

***

The once great city of Beiging has fallen to the mighty forces of Bruch'oda. Gone are the historic buildings and palaces. Gone are the neotechno architecture buildings housing China's top companies. All that is left is a sea of rubble. Only the burning hulks of structures sending smoke and ash into the night's sky remain.

Tucked beside a cement girder atop the Choi-Bok Corporation building is Leslie Chan. Her almond skin transitions seamlessly against the darkened sky. Tears streak down her face as the Fire QiRanger looks at the destruction before her. With each breath, her heart sinks deeper and deeper at the loss of life.

Sifting through the ruins below, a battalion of Shadow Warriors continues looking for any signs of life that may have escaped the carnage. Shadows aren't the only ones on the lookout for survivors- gUmaN and their JO riders continue to walk the debris filled streets while dragon Riders circle above.

Jayde takes a deep breath and forces the thoughts out of her mind. Slowly she closes her eyes, trying to focus on her brother. Leslie's meditation is quickly broken by a set of screams coming from the street below. She opens her eyes and looks below, seeing several Shadow Warriors taking a young boy and girl out of a dumpster.

The youngsters, neither older than ten, scream in terror. Each tries to resist, but are easily overcome by the sheer size and strength of the Shadows. Pulled free of the dumpster, the humans are forced to their knees in a circle of Shadows. The Warriors' crimson blades poke the children, who shake in terror. The young boy huddles close to his younger sister, trying to protect her from the tormenting forces. No matter what the brave boy does, he cannot stop the Shadows from making his sister cry even more.

"Enough!" Leslie tells herself, but before she can intervene, a half dozen men and women clamor out from the ruins with bats, crowbars, and other household items. The mob attacks the Shadows and creates an opening for the children to escape.

The children's saviors' attack is quickly countered and they begin falling back. A young Chinese man tries attacking a Shadow Warrior with his crowbar, but the cunning dark warrior easily sidesteps the thrust and rips the human in two with his blade.

Leslie stands tall on the rubble, calling forth her inner energy, "Fire!" she yells and the bright red energy flows through her meridians filling her body with strength, power, cunning, and encapsulating her body in red armor.

The Fire QiRanger leaps into the street as another Shadow Warrior kills its attacker.

"Hey!" Leslie yells, garnering not only the attention of the Shadow Warriors, but that of the Chinese defendants as well. With the distraction in place, the children's mother manages to take them in her arms and run into another building.

The lead Shadow Warrior readies his blade and leaps into the air towards the QiRanger. The others continue their attack on the humans, who barely make a stand.

Leslie summons her Qi Saber in a brilliant flash of red energy and deflects the crimson blade of the lead Shadow Warrior. Leslie and the Shadow Warrior stand face-to-face with their inner emotions boiling over - one driven by honor and justice and the other driven by evil and hatred. The pair circled as they exchanged blows with their swords. For once, a Shadow Warrior was putting up significant resistance, something Leslie hadn't counted on.

Leslie stole a quick look out the corner of her eye and saw that the others were not doing well. In fact, the beating they were taking made her sick. Her distraction was all that the Lead Shadow needed and he landed a side kick to her chest.

Caught unready, the blow sent the Fire QiRanger back a few feet; just enough for her to realize one of the men around her was Michael.

A new sense of power filled her as she summoned her inner fire and blasted the Lead Shadow with a Qi Strike. The powerful red energy wave shot out her free hand and struck the Shadow's chest, bursting it into flames. The injured warrior screamed in pain as he fell to the ground consumed in flames.

Leslie powered up her Qi Sable, filling its blade with dancing fire. She quickly made her way through the sea of Shadow Warriors hacking them. Her fiery blade cut through the Shadow's armor as if it was butter and the dark warriors fell to the ground. The Fire QiRanger stood before her brother, who, like the other humans, stepped back and took a defensive stance.

"Michael, it's me," she said through her helmet.

Mike recognized the voice but was unsure as he cocked his head to one side. "Leslie?" he asks, unsure if he's dreaming.

The Red Warrior before Mike nodded and powered down her armor revealing a woman in a black Gi. He instantly recognized her and ran to his sister. The pair shared a warm embrace as tears streaked down Mike's face. "I thought you were dead."

Leslie pulled away from her brother. "No, but I need your help."

Mike looked at his sister again, "What's with all the weaponry? Where have you been?"

"There's little time to explain. A friend of mine has been hurt badly and needs a doctor."

Mike hugs his sister again, "Let's head back to camp; I saved a few things from the hospital."

Leslie and the others took off into the rubble, making their way to the refugees' camp.

***

Luís sat beside Jayde, exhausted. For the past hour he used every ounce of strength to keel the Wood QiRanger alive and succeeded. Seat dripped down the Earth QiRanger's face and beaded up on his muscles. "Please hurry Leslie."

***

Master Li thrusts his Qi Saber upwards, splitting an advancing Shadow Warrior from groin to crown. In a sea of dead bodies, only the five defenders of NASO's HQ seem to remain. Bits of flesh stain the eldest of the QiRanger's armor, but he is not alone, for the decaying pieces of fallen Shadows don the armor of Seth and Abeu as well.

Robert Dwyer has remained relatively clean throughout this battle, making use of his arm and eye blasters when disposing of his enemies. Dr. Staal is a completely different story. His elbow spikes drip with the blood o his fallen prey while dried spatter streak across his chest. Because of his proximity to each death, his clothes are soaked in the blood of the dead.

The five defenders have pushed back farther into Level Three. No matter how much they try to stop the advancing army, it doesn't seem like it's enough - there's always someone waiting to jump into the fray.

"Where do they come from?" Dr. Staal asks.

"I don't know, but this is getting a little tiresome," Rob responds while side kicking a Shadow Warrior in the chest with his enhanced legs. The blow cracks the trooper's armor and sends the Shadow Warrior through the air. He takes a quick look at his wrist unit and sees there's still no word from General Abbey that the bases has been successfully evacuated.

Seth leaps over a trio of Shadow Warriors, barely escaping their reaching blades. He lands crouched and sends his Disk spinning towards them. The sharp edge of the Disk makes short work of the Shadow's legs, knocking them off at the knees. The three Shadow Warriors fall to the ground and begin flailing around in pain while Seth smiles beneath his helmet.

The flooring begins buckling beneath the weight of the dead bodies and the continual assault on the Headquarters. Warping support beams can be heard giving way as the QiRangers and NASO Officers struggle to get to safety. The five defenders ran to the side of the hall as the plating beneath their feet gave way. Dead Shadow Warriors fell to the next level and the next wave of attacking troops split between them.

"We've got to hold them back a little longer," Rob shouts.

"All right," Master Li says, "You and I'll take the advancing army. The rest shall remain here."

Robert nods in agreement. "Energize!" he shouts, activating his Stealth Armor as he and the Triple Fire QiRanger jump down the open shaft to Level Four.

***

Leslie, Mike, and the others hide behind a couple of concrete slabs. Around the next corner is a gUmaN patrol. "What are we waiting for?" Leslie whispers.

Mike turns to his younger sister, "Our camp is in the station over there," he says pointing to a demolished descending staircase. "They know we're somewhere close, but we've been able to hide our location. It's the last free group in the city."

A few men and the mother with her children race across the clearing to the station's stairs and quickly make their decent. The man on point looks at Michael, "You two are next."

Leslie and Michael readied themselves. When the signal came, the pair ran across the street to the station's birth and quickly made their way inside. Leslie followed her brother down the tattered staircase to the Station's main floor. Dust and tile filled the once open area. Cracked LCD elements gave the foyer an eerie look.

"How could this have happened so fast," Leslie caught herself thinking. "It's only been a few hours." The Fire QiRanger followed her brother closely. "How did you find this place?"

Michael took her hand and began leading her down the train tunnel. "I was at the hospital," he began with a hushed voice, "when the first attack came. My ward was hit pretty bad. We tried to save as many of the patients as possible, but when they started attacking the hospital directly; a few of us grabbed what we could and took a few patients out of the hospital."

"The first place we went wasn't any better than the hospital, in terms of safety. As they starting systematically destroying the city, we fled underground. Eventually that lead us here," he said. "What I don't understand is what happened to you."

A butterfly entered Leslie's stomach as they continued walking down the dimply lit tunnel. "Inside the car was a medallion."

"I don't understand," her brother said.

"All of this," she said, waving her arms around, "started five thousand years ago - an epic battle of good versus evil. When the forces of evil returned, the last warrior from long ago, Master Li, summoned us to fight by his side."

"You can't expect me to believe that do you?"

"It's the truth. You saw my armor and now I need your help to save one of my new friends."

"Where is your friend?"

Leslie cracked a small smile, "For that, I'm going to have to show you."

***

Three Shadow Warriors raced towards Robert, whose back was turned. Master Li saw that his new comrade was vulnerable and tossed a series of Fire Shurricans at the attacking Warriors. Sending off a volley of plasma from his right arm, Robert turned to see the advancing Shadows struck down with the QiRanger's weapon.

"Thanks," he said firing another round.

"Don't mention it," Master Li said pushing through the Shadow Warriors to meet with Robert.

The two men stood with their backs together completely surrounded by an endless army of Shadow Warriors. "How many are there?" Robert asks.

"Bruch'oda has been building his army for five thousand years. No doubt, he has a supply as vast as the air we breathe," Master Li said.

"Great," Robert says locking his targeting systems onto a weakened support strut and firing his plasma beam at the junction. The strut vaporized under the intense power of the plasma beam and gave way to a large metal structure. The plate fell down and covered a dozen or so Shadow Warriors, giving the pair some extra breathing room.

***

Gary Staal withdrew his fist from the chest of a Shadow Warrior. Grasped firmly in the Doctor's hand was his opponent's heart. It beat once or twice while the last few nerve impulses completed their circuit. "Interesting."

Gary's experiment was short lived, as a Shadow Warrior pushed him over. As he fell forward, Gary let loose of the heart and extended his arms to break his fall. Lying on the floor, Gary rolled over to see himself completely surrounded by Shadows. Grinning, he thought back to his encounter with the gUmaN and commanded his nanobots to make a small change to his salivary glands.

The Shadow Warriors moved in on Gary, not sure what to do, since their blades were ineffective. Gary saw their hesitation and took advantage of it. He sprung up and began spitting at the Shadows. The corrosive saliva quickly ate through their armor, which Gary followed with thunderous punches and jabs from his elbow spike.

Gary looked up from the fresh bodies that lie beside him and saw Abeu holding his own against the dark warriors. "Got to admit, that kid's got heart," he thought as Abeu drove his Qi Saber deep into the thorax of a Shadow Warrior.

The moment was quickly broken when Gary's wrist unit chirped. "Gary. Robert. We're all clear. Fall back," General Abbey's voice commanded.

Gary held the unit up to his mouth and activated the Comm-link, "Where do you want us, Rob?" Gary paused for the reply, but there was none.

"Rob?" he asked again, but still there was no answer. Seth and Abeu overheard Gary and rush to his side as Master Li and Robert leapt up from the lower level.

Gary put down his Comm-link and ran to the pair with the other QiRangers. "Next time answer."

"Sorry," Robert mentioned while activating his Comm-link. "Dwyer to Istanor."

There was no answer, only static. "Istanor, do you copy?"

Still nothing.

"I don't mean to be presumptuous," Abeu said, "but with all the damage to the building, your Comm-links might not have sufficient range to get the Istanor."

Under the black veil of Robert's Stealth Armor, his jaw dropped. No one except a select few knew about the Istanor. "How did you. Never mind. We need to find away out."

"Allow us," Master Li quietly said as the Shadow Warriors regrouped and began surrounding the quintet.

"What's your idea?" Robert asks.

Master Li simply smiled as he, Seth, and Abeu joined hands around Robert and Gary. The Fire, Metal, and Water energies flowed between the men and around the NASO operatives creating an energy envelope around them.

Gary and Robert look around, trying to understand what the men around them are doing, but before they can, a brilliant flash of light forces them to close their eyes and temporarily deactivate the cybernetic camera.

When the flash is gone, they stand in an old cavern dimly lit by some unknown source.

"What the hell?" Gary asks.

"I'll tell you later," Seth mentions as he deactivates his armor. Abeu and Master Li do the same.

A familiar voice is heard behind Master Li. "I'm glad you've returned. I was starting to get worried," Leslie says.

Master Li turns to see the Fire and Earth QiRanger standing beside him. Over Leslie's shoulder, he sees a young man tending to Jayde's injuries. Master Li nods in his direction, "Michael?"

Leslie looks back for a second, "Yeah. I was luck to find him so quickly."

"How is she doing?" Master Li asks.

"Not well," Robert chimes in after reviewing the Wood QiRanger's vitals with his sensors.

"Has your brother been able to help?" Master Li asks.

"A little. She's just so far gone and he doesn't have the supplies he really needs. I'm not sure Jayde's going to make it." A tear begins forming at the corner of Leslie's right eye.

"Maybe I can help," Gary adds and walks over to help Michael.

"Let's see if we can get our ride now," Robert says while activating his Comm-link. "Dwyer to Istanor."

A short pause is heard over the Comm-link before a crackling male voice comes through the channel, "This is the Istanor, go ahead Dwyer."

"Jayce, can you lock onto my signal?"

"Just barely Rob. How did you get in the middle of a mountain?"

"I'll only tell you," Rob smiles, "if you can get me and eight of my closest friends aboard.

"That's a deal. Hang on," Jayce's says over the Comm-link.

The group stands silent while Michael and Gary tend to Jayde.

A strange tingling sensation begins cascading over Master Li. He looks around and notices that the others appear to be feeling it as well. While he's not sure what's happening, he begins noticing that the Great Vault is fading from view.

The nine men and women in the Great Vault slowly fade from existence, leaving nothing alive in the Great Vault. With the QiRangers gone, the gemstones fade and the cavern goes dark.

***

End of Episode 2 - Battlecry