QiRanger Episode 3 - Brave New World
***
The QiRangers, Michael Chen, Robert Dwyer, and Gary Staal materialized in the teleportation bay of the NASO Spacecraft Istanor. The "T-bay," as it is referred to among crewmembers, is a small rectangular room with bright white walls. Located on the ceiling and floor are matching blue teleportation units that match those in traditional pods. There are no features on the wall and their plating appears seamless.
Luís stands still as the final remnants of the transition solidify around him. The low hum of the Istanor's teleporter fades and the blue endplates dim. The Mexican quickly diverts his eyes to where Jayde was laying in the Great Vault. He breathes a sigh of relief when he realizes that he and all the others were taken together.
Robert looks over everyone with his enhanced eye, "Is everyone all right?"
Master Li looks at the tall African-American as Seth and Abeu come to his side. "I wasn't aware that NASO had developed new teleporters that no longer needed site-to-site links."
"Neither had I," Seth adds joining Li.
"It's still relatively new, but tests have been concluded," Abeu mentions before Robert can answer. A slight grin eases onto the youth's face. Long ago he had discovered many of the research projects NASO had been working on, but had been sworn to secrecy.
A bit upset that the young Jacker is aware of this highly classified information, Robert raises his voice and brings a scowl to his face, "Just how is it you know all this?"
Abeu realizes he shouldn't have said anything, but couldn't help himself. "I got bored. I wanted to see how good NASO's security checks were. I let General Abbey know all the faults. He swore me keep it quiet, but I really don't see the point of that now, since we're all here."
Abeu sheepishly grins and shrugs his shoulders.
A large clunk is heard before a motor's whine, signaling to the group that a door's lock had been disengaged. Seth's eyes dart around, trying to figure out which of the four walls will be opening. The group tears their attention away from one another to the wall opening before them opposite of Jayde. "Gary, get ready to move," Robert commands and Dr. Staal and Dr. Chen prepare Jayde for transfer.
The opening continues, but reveals nothing in this high tech room. The darkness behind the opening is overpowered by the T-Bay's bright lights. Four figures quickly step through the opening. Two North American women and an Asian man wear white jumpsuits, while the fourth wears a black jumpsuit with red markings above the breasts that form a "V" between the pectoral muscles. The red area extends past the shoulders, down the arms to the elbows.
"Help the Doctor," the man in red and black orders and the three in white comply.
Robert walks over to the approaching man, "Good to see you, Captain." He extends his hand and the Captain accepts it.
"I wish it was under better circumstances, Rob," the man answers.
The crewmembers in white unfold magnetic field gurney and assist the visiting doctors in transferring Jayde from the floor to a more mobile location. Carefully, they lift the wounded QiRanger off the deck plating onto the magnetic carrier. Jayde's added weight drops the device a few inches, but the counter force easily compensations. "We'll be in the Infirmary," Gary says as they start pushing the Wood QiRanger out of the room. Mike follows and the six men and women exit.
"Right," Robert says. The other QiRangers gather around Dwyer and their new host. "Please let me introduce Captain Jayce Lehet, commander of the Istanor."
Lehet is a Caucasian male in his early 40s. He is physically fit, although a few graying hairs appear at his temples and in his beard stubble. "Welcome aboard," he says. "If you'll all come with me, we'll be docking with LEO Station within the hour and General Abbey wants an update."
Still dumbfounded, the Earth QiRanger remains still as the others follow Master Li's lead and join Robert and Lehet as they begin walking towards the door. "Would someone mind filling me in?" Luís asks as the group exits the T-Bay.
***
The Istanor is a large multi-deck spacecraft constructed by the North American Security Organization. Comprised of over twenty deck and nearly two kilometers in length, it is the first craft of its kind. To speed internal transport among the crew, several small cylindrical tubes were seeded into the craft. The crew step into lifts and are able to program their destinations between locations. Like the old subway systems of Earth, the lifts are often crowded.
Captain Lehet exits the lift first onto the Istanor's Bridge, followed by others. The vessel's Bridge is triangular in design and hums with soft power. A half dozen displays and control consoles rest against the lateral walls or are nested into sleek seated stations. Three aft doorways grant access to the command center of the Istanor. Port and starboard lifts and a single door aft to a private war room. A large window wraps around the Bridge connecting the metal tube containing humans to the vacuum outside. Below the window's central area is a large viewing screen displaying the ship's course and speed. A pair of stations area seated in the forward section of the Bridge with a single raised seat flanked by consoles placed behind them. This central chair is different than the rest. It's sleeker and the metal accents are cushioned by black padded leather while the others are clothbound. Two men sit at these forward stations, intent on performing their duties. They also wear uniforms similar to Lehet's. Along the Bridge's other stations, a man or woman actively adheres to their roles aboard the ship.
"But the COG forbid development of strategic space weapons," Seth said confused as he exited the lift.
Lehet smiled. "Hence the Istanor," the Captain countered. "Originally this vessel was designed for deep space mission, but later refined as stability in the East declined. In space there are no rules," he offers.
"Captain on the Bridge," a bald, older officer announces to the group's left. The man in his sixties rises from his console and walks towards his Captain.
"As you were," Lehet announces walking to the center of the Bridge's rear area.
"How did NASO get away with this? It's not like you can just build a secret spaceship," Seth says. The NASO handler continues looking over the Bridge, trying to fathom the skill needed to build such a craft without anyone aware. He knows that secret weapons facilities are not new - he recalls the most famous one that was under everyone's nose in Nevada - but in this era, with all its surveillance, how can something this large be kept secret. Surely someone must have seen its launch.
"Well, actually you can," Abeu quietly mutters, again showing that he's learned the entire history.
Lehet and Dwyer look at the youth. "One of these days, your intelligence is going to get you into trouble," Robert poignantly says to the youth.
"I think it already has," Abeu says silently.
"Commander, what's our status?" Lehet asks.
The tall Caucasian male that announced their presence responds, "We're currently underway. Approximately 30 minutes before docking sequence."
"Good," Lehet says. "NASO thought just as I'm sure you're doing right now," motioning to Seth, "that if you build a space ship, someone's going to notice. Once the optical refractors were perfected and embedded into the Stealth Armor program, a larger project was undertaken. Using the same technology, they constructed a fabrication plant at L5."
Leslie stepped forward. "But the COG and LEO agreed to keep L5 unsettled. Why did the NAU just bypass their wishes?"
Captain Lehet turned his attention to the young Asian, "I can't answer that. They simply did."
Sensing that the group could quickly loose focus and begin a political discussion, Master Li interjected. "I've noticed that there's no rotational force to the ship," Master Li quietly says.
Lehet smiles, "Yes. One of the new advancements is gravimetric generators to simulate gravity. This allows us to have a more traditional cylindrical shape - perfect for space and atmospheric deployment." The Captain pauses for a moment and turns his attention to a young man seated on the left, "Open a channel to General Abbey."
The crewmember answers, "Aye, sir. Channel open."
A beep is heard before a holographic image of General Abbey appears in the fore area of the Bridge between the window and the twin stations. The transparent image is about twice the size of what Abbey normally appears as. "Lehet were you able to retrieve them?"
"Yes, General. They're right here," he answers motioning to the communications officer to widen the transmission feed.
Abbey looks through the holographic projection, "I'm glad you made it out, Rob. Where's Dr. Staal?"
Robert steps forward, "One of our new friends was injured. He's seeing to her wounds."
"I want you all ready for debriefing when you dock at LEO. Mario Tarazi has all the world leaders and their security advisors ready for your report."
Robert begins, "I'm not sure what I can give them, sir. We were thoroughly trounced back at HQ."
Abbey's nostrils flare, "I'm sure the Asian can enlighten us. After all, that's what was claimed."
Robert glances at Master Li, "What's the Earth's status?"
Abbey's face turns sour, "I've never seen anything like it. Virtually all habitats have been conquered."
Everyone on the Bridge of the Istanor gasped; with the exception of Master Li. Luís' eyes begin to tear as the forward monitor begins showing signs of Earth's destruction. "How widespread is it?" Luís asks.
Abbey's face deepens, "Worldwide. Not one country escaped."
Luís' face drops even more. He had always planned on traveling the world some day. Now all the wonders he wanted to see are gone. As he watches the monitor before him, all he can think about is the loss of life among the smoldering ruins.
General Abbey looks to sternly at the men and women on the Istanor Bridge, "Be prepared to share all your information Mister Li. We'll be planning our counter attack on your intelligence. Abbey out," the General pauses a moment before his image fades.
Robert turns to Master Li, "I hope you have an idea."
***
Dra'isod kneeled before the grand staircase in the Throne Room of Bruch'oda's Fortress. The venerable warrior bowed before his lord and master, closing his eyes with respect. "It is done," he thinks to himself. "The Earth is ours for the taking. No one can stop us now," he concludes. Taking a deep breath, he slowly rises to his feet and looks up at Bruch'oda perched on the edge of his mighty chair.
Gone are the amassed armies of Shadow Warriors that crowded the hall hours before. Now only Bruch'oda, Xantia, Qual'och, X-Bot, and he remained. As always, the fair Xantia stood by her father, guarding her inner most thoughts, but it had always been clear to Dra'isod where her loyalties laid. The Wizard stood to Dra'isod's left, calm and distant.
"What news do you bring me, Dra'isod?" Bruch'oda booms from above.
A wicked smile creases the left fanged mouth as the other speaks. "The humans are all but extinct. Your armies have overrun their cities and demolished their armies. There is little they can do, but die."
Bruch'oda rises from his seat and slowly walks down the stairs as Xantia positions herself behind the throne. As the Evil One reaches Dra'isod, he beings staring into eyes of the dragon's head that spoke. "Really. And what of the QiRangers?"
Dra'isod remains silent, knowing that in this one aspect, he's failed his mission.
"Where is Master Li's head?" Bruch'oda asks.
The dual dragon heads arc up and turn to follow Bruch'oda as he circles, "We're still looking for them. After the initial battle, they retreated and we've been unable to locate them."
"That's because," Qual'och quickly added, "they're no longer here." A glimmer shines in the Wizard's eye, beamed directly at Dra'isod. The intent was clear - a stab at the General to let him know that there were still things he knew nothing about and this was a simple jab at his leadership.
Dra'isod's eyes narrowed and filled with disgust. "Hare dare he withhold information!" he thought.
"Then where are they?" inquired Bruch'oda.
"They've left the planet."
"I doubt they'd abandon something they've sworn to protect," Dra'isod stated.
"Correct. Our new friend," Qual'och says, pointing to X-Bot, "informs me that the humans have mastered the art of off planet residence."
"Explain," Bruch'oda says with a puzzled look.
Qual'och motions to the X-Bot. Stepping forward, X-Bot's central panel depresses and then slides away revealing a holographic projector. "In the late twenty-first century, man began settling space," it says using Jeffery's perfect English accent. The project begins glowing and provides an image of the LEO Station under construction. Astronauts and robotic construction crews link scaffolds to build the Station's foundation. "Once the initial facility was complete, more were built."
The image changes to show the L4 facility and then fades to the Lunar Colony. Bruch'oda walks around the hologram stroking his scaly chin. "How many can survive up there?" he asks.
X-Bot pauses before answering, "Roughly one million can inhabit the three facilities. The Lunar Colony, of course, holds the majority. It is reasonable to assume that many humans may have entered the teleportation stream to one of these locations."
"But what of the QiRangers," Dra'isod asks while his other head breathes a light steam towards Qual'och.
"Recent C-Net transmissions," X-Bot begins, "indicate that a team of humans were rescued from the planet and taken aboard a NASO ship."
Bruch'oda quickly turns to Qual'och for clarification.
"I could sense their presence on the Earth, but then something grabbed them. From what I've learned, the humans have created artificial means to teleport from one location to another. That's the only way I can explain the QiRangers' sudden disappearance from my view."
Bruch'oda huffs, sending chills down Qual'och's spine. "Very well. Destroy the mechanical contraptions, Wizard." The warlord turns his back on the cleric and begins his ascent to his throne.
X-Bot ceases the display and replaces his torso.
"I cannot," Qual'och states.
Refusal of an order is something Bruch'oda takes exception to. The Evil One quickly turns to face the purple robed cleric. "What?"
"Without the access to the Ru'dth," he says and a look of shock and concern washes over Xantia's face, unable to hide her fear, "it will take some time for me to gather my strength and have enough power to accomplish what you ask. The bridging of the Shadow Realm depleted me."
Bruch'oda thinks for a moment, looking at the Wizard. "Can he be trusted?" he thinks. The conqueror of Earth turns away and resumes his climb as everyone looks on in silence. "That power has been locked away for eons. All that have possessed it have gone mad and ruined civilizations. Is it worth the risk?" he asks himself securing his throne. "If we wait, will the QiRangers strike and take away all that I strive for?"
Leaning back, Bruch'oda makes his decision, "No. That is not a risk I am willing to take."
Qual'och bows, accepting his master's wishes. "However, if the time comes, you will use it to our advantage," Bruch'oda adds brining a smile to the Wizard while concern mounts in Xantia and Dra'isod.
***
Unlike other ships that traveled between Earth and the Moon, the Istanor was equipped with a complete Infirmary rather than just a triage area for crew. Nestled deep within the central portion of the ship's primary hull, the healing facilities were a stark contrast to the white-walled hallways and public areas. The designers knew that perception affects health, so they took time to soften the light and paint the walls a pleasing taupe.
The Infirmary itself was divided into several areas. One served for emergency and triage and was designated as such by a large plaque on the wall. Several portable monitors stood next to two SmartBeds. These devices were quite common in hospitals and revolutionized care in the late 21st Century. Each bed contained sensors that could accurately monitor the patient's vital signs and overall health. The information was then fed to a large black display mounted on the wall behind the bed. The multicolored display made it easy for caregivers to immediately identify the status of their patients. Recent developments also incorporated Somatic Imaging into the SmartBeds, allowing physicians and staff to examine patients on the cellular level.
The Infirmary also housed a Therapy Room, complete with diagnostic equipment. Should any of the crew become injured in flight and need rehabilitative care, treatments would be given here. Two SmartBeds were placed here so that staff could monitor the contractile strength on muscles and connective tissue.
The Chief Medical Officer's working office is located in the Infirmary, but has been left vacant. Since the Istanor was not scheduled to be underway, the position had not been assigned and the office not cleared. Dr. Staal has moved a few items into the small office, and despite the cramped feeling, has made himself home. Gary carefully observes data being fed from a SmartBed a few doors down on his computer pad. He sits on a portable exam stool that uses magnetic fields to provide support. He rests his forearms on the cluttered desk before him. A steaming cup of coffee sits on a heat source, keeping it warm. "Festinating," he says quietly.
The remainder of the Infirmary is divided into a dozen private rooms - each one identical. The only difference is that one of these rooms actually has a patient in them today. Each is equipped with a SmartBed, exam chair, and portable stools, similar to what's in the CMO's office.
The room where Jayde rests not only has her, but Seth Goldman and Michael Chen as well. Both have a fresh set of clothes on and their wounds treated. The dirt and grime from Beiging has been washed away from Mike, while the abrasions Seth received covered with NewSkin. Seth clears his mind, allowing only a single thought to enter - that of water. With each breath, he feels his Water Qi grow. As he exhales he softly makes the "whoooo" sound for water, enabling him to grow stronger. Goldman sits on the standard exam chair, covered with cotton fitted to a set of aluminum feet. As he continues to build and exude his Water Qi, Seth turns his attention to his teammate.
The Wood QiRanger lies in the SmartBed, only a few feet away from Seth. Still unconscious, Jayde's unaware that the team has left Earth, that she's on a spaceship, and that she is not alone. Jayde's Gi has been stripped and she rests under a soft white sheet. Green, red, blue, and yellow markers streak across the display above her. Dr. Chen monitors her progress as he oversees Jayde's care.
Michael walks around the SmartBed and positions himself at the foot of the bed. He uncovers the QiRanger's feet and begins assessing the Liver Meridian at her great toe. After a moment, he walks to Jayde's left and checks her pulses in her wrist. Using varying pressure, he assesses the Liver and Gall Bladder pulses. "Still weak and thready," he thinks. Situated on a small shelf next to the SmartBed are three flowering plants. Mike closes his eyes and concentrates on the Wood Qi within them. "OK Seth, now," he instructs as he returns to Jayde's feet.
Seth extends his hands, joining his thumbs and index fingers, creating a diamond shape. Concentrating, Seth sends his gathered Water Qi into Jayde's fallen body. Blue energy waves oscillate from his hands and wash over Jayde. The water energy begins feeding her latent wood energy, enabling Jayde to heal faster.
Mike pinches the innermost portion of Jayde's great toenail, site of Liver 1. Mike consciously draws Wood Qi in from his surroundings through his mind's eye as he inhales. As he exhales, he pushes the energy through his arms and out his hands into Jayde Liver Meridian. The plants begin glowing green and transmit faint energy to Mike. The doctor continues filling Jayde with much needed Wood Qi as her wounds begin healing - a large gash on her shoulder is reabsorbed and her vital signs begin normalizing.
"Just a little more," Mike says moving away from the Liver Meridian. He moves towards the head of the bed and accesses the Gall Bladder Meridian at the outside corner of her eye. Using more Wood Qi from the plants, Mike infuses Jayde's body with additional energy.
Jayde takes in a large breath, surprising Seth and breaking his concentration. "Could it be?" he thinks. "Is she OK?" Seth eagerly asks Mike.
Mike removes his hand and breaks the link with the plants. He looks up at the data on the screen, carefully making sure he doesn't presume too much. "It looks like she's out of the woods, but I'd feel better about things if she would come out of the coma."
A wave of relief comes over Seth and he sinks into the chair. "Thank you," he says though heavy breaths.
Mike turns to look to him as footsteps approach, "No need to. You did as much, if not more work than me. We did this together, but her health is her hands now."
Gary walks into the room puts his hand on Mike's shoulder. "I wish I understood your medicine more. I can't explain it, but what ever you did worked."
Mike turns, "If things ever settle down, I'd be happy to show you some more," he says with a grin. The two doctors continue to look at Jayde's vitals on the display, making sure that nothing is missed.
"So now what?" Seth says rising from his chair.
"We wait," Gary answers, not taking his gaze off the screen.
"There's little more we can do. She's stabilized and her body is on the road to recovery, but only she can come out of the coma. She'll do that when she's ready." Mike adds.
For someone he just met, Seth felt a strong bond to Jayde. Maybe it was the new powers that he had or maybe it was that every human life was just a little more precious since the war began. Regardless, he felt much better knowing that Jayde was on her way to recovery.
Additional footsteps are heard outside the room. Mike turns around to see the other QiRangers approaching. "Good," he says.
Leslie is first to enter, carrying a small fern. She's followed by Abeu and Luís, who each have bamboo plants. The three QiRangers stand just inside the doorway, "This is it. All we could find on board," Leslie says.
Seth can't control is joy and a smile graces his face.
"What are you smiling about," Luís asks.
Gary and Mike reach out to take the plants from the QiRangers. Taking them into their hands, Mike begins overseeing their placement in the room. "She's stabilized. I hope it's only a matter of time before she wakes," Mike responds. The two doctors place the bamboo near the foot of the bed while Gary hands the fern to Seth to set near Jayde's head.
"Are you sure?" Luís asks, not wanting to get his hope up too high.
"Yes," Gary confirms.
The QiRangers all rejoice with a sigh of relief and smiles. Tears begin forming in Luís' eyes as he lets go of the burden he's been carrying. The feeling is so powerful, that his legs go weak and he falls back against the room's walls. Leslie reacts quickly and steadies the Earth QiRanger.
"Take it easy," she says.
Luis feigns a smile and nods.
"Anyone heard from Master Li or Rob?" Abeu asks.
"For such a bright kid, he really doesn't have much tact," Seth thought as the conversation quickly turned. "No," Seth replied. "Perhaps we should take this conversation out of here and let Jayde rest."
"Excellent idea," Gary added.
***
The QiRangers sit around Mario Tarazi's desk at LEO Security Operations. Abeu's the lone exception as he stands looking at a live video feed of Earth. All the QiRangers' attention is fixated on the display. Slowly the image pans over what was New York City. Miles and miles of rubble stretch from the sea inland. Smoke and ash fill the night's sky with a blood-red glow while Bruch'oda's forces rummage through the remains.
"This makes me sick," Seth says turning his gaze away from the monitor.
Abeu enters a command on Tarazi's desk and the image sifts to Mexico City. While the geographic location has changed, the destruction hasn't. The once great city lies in ruins with troops surrounding what little remains. Deep within Luís' gut a pain grows as he sees his home destroyed. So many lives lost, so needlessly, the Mexican can't comprehend why anyone would have such hatred to cause so much harm. The pain is so great, he can no longer look at the screen and gets up from his seat and turns his back. "How long has it been?" he asks.
Leslie looks at the clock - 22:43 it reads. "Six hours," she says devoid of emotion.
Seth hits the arm of his chair and bolts up. "I can't just sit here any longer. I want to throttle them," his voice full of rage.
Leslie stands and faces her teammate. "To what end? They outnumber us."
"So what," Luís jumps in.
"If we go down there, we'll just be added to the carnage. Unless there's some sort of plan, it would serve no purpose," the Fire QiRanger concludes.
"I know, but to just sit here! We've got to do something!" Seth utters with a slightly elevated voice.
Before Leslie could respond, the door to the office opens and Master Li, Rob, and Tarazi enter. The three men show signs of fatigue and deep concern hidden deep in their eyes. "Get ready to move out," Rob says sternly. "We're going to take back our home staring in an hour."
"What about Jayde?" Abeu asks.
"We will have to do this without her," Master Li consoles.
Robert looks at the QiRangers, hoping they can pull together as a team, even one member short, and get a foothold down below. "Meet on the Istanor in thirty minutes for mission briefing."
"What do we do until then?" Seth asks, shrugging his shoulders.
"Meditate. Build your Qi. We will need it," Master Li offers as he exits.
***
Luís Mendoza was the last to arrive in the Istanor's War Room. The other QiRangers sat quietly at the large oak conference table placed in the center of this small room. Like he, the others had spent much of the past thirty minutes meditating and practicing Qigong to build their inner strength. The efforts showed, as all five QiRangers appeared refreshed and ready for the task at hand. Gone were the cuts they received earlier and the deep purple bruises had almost vanished.
Unlike the others, Luís took a side trip to the Infirmary to check on Jayde before he rode the lift to the Bridge. Unfortunately, there was no change in her condition and she still lay unconscious. Luís felt a little assured, since Dr. Chen was staying behind to watch over her.
The Earth QiRanger took the last seat at the conference table, which just happen to be sandwiched between Master Li and Abeu Basbakar. The seats each had tall backs and were covered in brown suede. Mendoza's body slips into the seat and the cushion conforms to his body. "Where are they?" he asked. He was so worried about being late; Luís never took a moment to look around the War Room.
"They should be here in a moment or two," Master Li responded, allowing Mendoza the opportunity to review his surroundings.
The War Room behind the Istanor's bridge was small and rectangular. There was barely enough room for the QiRangers to sit at the table and have a small walkway behind them. Overhead a small portal shows the LEO Station fading into the distance. As with other areas of the ship, the walls are painted in a metallic white and two displays are mounted on opposite ends.
Each of the QiRangers looked nervously around at one another, with the exception of Master Li. The eldest and original member of the team sat quietly, preparing for the mission. He was privy to what was about to take place, and while he knew it was a necessity, was not comfortable with the risks that were about to be taken. Li's thoughts were broken when the War Room's doors slid open again. Robert Dwyer entered, dress in gray combat fatigues. He was quickly followed by Gary Staal.
"Master Li has assured me that you're all up to the challenge before us," Robert begins with a cold, deadpanned expression. "Over the past few hours things have deteriorated beyond what we imagined. Any hope of trying to gain hold of a major facility was crushed as we looked over the incoming feeds form LEO Station."
"Do you have any good news to share, Rob" Seth asks.
The tall, dark NASO Operative looks at his teammate, "Actually I do. Thanks to Master Li's description what's transpired in the past, they reluctantly agreed to solidify the COG into the new governing body of Earth. Not that they had much choice. In any case, our first order of business is to collect arms for the new Earth Militia being formed on LEO, Luna, and L4."
"Militia?" Leslie asked.
Master Li turned to the Fire QiRanger. "Yes. Each of the governments realizes that only together can we secure a foothold on Earth and seal the Mystic Doors. An enormous out pouring of requests has been received to help in any way possible."
"Right," Robert continues, "Unfortunately, LEO doesn't have the weapons needed to really put forth the needed assault, which is where we come in."
Dwyer reaches into his pocket and retrieves a small handheld remote. Pressing the main button dims the room's lighting and activates the table's central section. The surface splits and reveals a holographic generator. Power hums through the device and an image of Earth appears.
"LEO Security Forces are currently screening those aboard and beginning rudimentary combat training drills. What we need is to secure weapons for them." The display begins rotating and zooms in on the North American Union. A bright dot appears in the southwest. "Outside Phoenix NASO had an R and D lab deep within the Superstition Mountains. While we've lost contact with base, we hope that the lower levels are still in tact. The weapons stores were housed there."
The image shifted to the European Union and a similar dot appeared near Berlin. "Likewise the EU's weapons development site went dark after the first attacks." We'll split into two teams and enter each facility. Master Li, Gary, and I will take the NASO plant, while the rest of you will set the targets in Europe."
Abeu raised his hand timidly, "Why can't we just teleport the weapons out? The Istanor doesn't need a pod at the other end. And what about L5?" The young Metal QiRanger quickly looked around at his peers, making sure his questions weren't off-the-mark.
"If only it were that simple," Robert answered. "The teleporters on board lock onto specific frequencies in C-Net enabled devices," he said while pointing to his wrist computer. "We can enter these facilities, but to get the weapons out, we'll need to place target enhancers for the sensors to lock onto."
"How can you be sure," Leslie asked, "that the bases' are structurally sound?"
"L5 was a ship building facility. Unfortunately, there's little we can use there. However, the Istanor will be able to provide support from above when the time comes," Robert says.
He pressed another button on the control pad, ending the presentation. The table and room reverted back to normal. "We'll scan the area from above using EM arrays. If it's a no go, then we'll abort. Each of you will be assigned a targeting computer for deployment. In addition, you'll be outfitted with a transdermal communicator so Captain Lehet can track your movements. The devices will also tie you into the C-Net and allow open lines of communication."
"Once we've retrieved the caches, we'll return to LEO," Robert concludes.
"What about the Mystic Doors?" Luís asks.
"The time will come soon enough," Master Li utters. "Bruch'oda's forces are far stronger than last time. We must make sure we present a force strong enough to not only take the door, but hold it."
A boatswain's whistle is heard over the ship's speakers. Lehet's voice is then heard, "We're in position. Team One report to the T-Bay."
"Showtime," Gary says as he walks out.
***
Three glowing figures slowly materialized in the lower levels of the NASO Research Facility designated "Dutchman's Mine." The men completed the transition from the Teleportation Bay aboard the Istanor to the dark and powerless room they now reside.
"Great," Gary said in the pitch dark mess he stood in. Taking only a few steps to his side, Dr. Staal bumps into a hard object. The skin around his thigh automatically hardens as he shakes his head from side to side. "Really, we've got to do something here."
A smile passed over Robert's face. While Gary was ill equipped to see in the dark, his optical enhancements made it quite easy. "Lehet, we're good down here."
"Acknowledged," the Captain responded through Robert's Comm-link.
"You could just use your armor, you know," rob said to Gary.
Gary readied his computer pad for activation when a warm red light filled the room. Turning to his right, he saw Master Li's hands filled with red energy that shone throughout the room they had just entered. "That will not be necessary," the QiRanger said.
"Full of tricks you are, old man," Gary responded with a smile.
Each of the men wore black canvass backpacks containing the Target Enhancers. With the added light, they could easily survey their surroundings. Each if their eyes scoured the room, trying to make sense of it. Support beams had fallen through the upper levels, crushing floor plating and computer terminals. Little remained intact as the trio began making their way through the remnants of the facility.
The Fire QiRanger smiled and walked towards Robert. "Shall we continue with the mission?"
Robert looked at the old man trying understand his power. The sensors read off the scale and blurred his imaging software. "Yes, let's get in and out."
***
Deep in his meditation, Qual'och focused on rebuilding his power. Pure energy from the cosmos entered his body, slowly recharging his being when a sudden realization came bursting through to his consciousness.
"They're back!" he shouts as his eyes flash open. An evil grin slides across his lips. The old Wizard rises from his seated position allowing his robes to fall around him. Qual'och's room in the castle is expansive and lit with numerous gemstones filled with energy. Like the Great Vault, this room's light intensifies as the Wizard approaches the gemstones.
For 5000 years, Qual'och has spent most of his time here. Every inch of the room is cluttered with bookcases and tables filled with binders and maps. Rather than sleeping on a comfortable bed, the Wizard meditates on a soft cushioned mattress positioned next to an ornate shrine on the far wall. Since their banishment, the pale Mystic studied the powers of the Five Elements, the Mystic Doors, and the hidden powers of the universe hoping that one day he would serve his Lord far more than the armies could.
"I must alert Bruch'oda," he coldly says. Qual'och quickly leaves his room and the light fades as darkness falls.
***
Seth, Abeu, Luís, and Leslie walked down a darkened corridor deep within the EU Research Base. Like the others, each wears a dark backpack containing their targeting computers. Each QiRanger holds a light stick in their hand as they sift through the dilapidated structure.
The QiRangers fan out in a "V" formation, sifting through debris as they make their way to a set of steel doors. Seth and Luís each set their light stick on the dusty floor and grabbed hold of a beam that crossed their path. "This should be it," Abeu said looking at his wrist top computer.
The two men bend deep in their knees and wrap their arms around the structure. Seth's breath kicks up minute dust clouds with each exhalation. They grunt and groan focusing power in their legs. The skin in their fingers grows pale as the force from the support presses into their hands as they lift it off the ground. Slowly they remove the obstacle from their path, leaving doorway clear.
Seth bends over, resting his hands on his knees. Luís does the same as they pant in unison. "What about the door?" Seth asks.
Abeu quietly walks up to the dull steel door and places his hands against the cold metallic surface. Wiping away the dirt from the door seams, Abeu analyzes the structure. "That shouldn't be too hard." The young QiRanger takes few steps backwards. "You'd better clear back," he says.
"Just what do you have in mind?" Leslie asks.
"Just watch," Abeu replies, closing his eyes and stretching out his arms. White energy collects at his hands. Taking deep breaths, the Metal QiRanger focuses his mind on the large doors before him.
The massive slabs of steel begin shaking as the white energy transfers from Abeu's hands to the steel frames. The Metal Qi slowly begins pushing the doors apart, causing a warbling sounds to permeate the hall. Sweat begins beading on his forehead and while his arms struggle to move the door apart.
After a minute of focus, Abeu falls to one knee, sweat covering his body. When he looks up he sees the doorway open and his fellow QiRangers standing around him. Seth extends a hand down to him, which he readily accepts. His former handler pulls him to his feet, "Good work."
"Now let's finish this," Leslie says walking past the doors.
***
In the bowels of Bruch'oda's fortress is an endless catacomb of corridors. Barely lit, except with the trace energy in gemstones, very few possess the courage to venture into these halls, the darkest abyss of evil. Qual'och quickly maneuvers through the darkened hallways. His purple cloak flowed past him with each advancing step.
The catacomb's walls were carved out of the blackest of granite native to Earth and the Shadow Realm. Its edges were left rough giving great texture and depth as they arched up from the dusty floor and arced overhead. Gemstones were placed in sconces ever few hundred meters, creating pockets of darkness between them.
The Sorcerer's eyes darted in front, making sure he was taking the right route. As he neared the next junction, he sensed something. something not right. someone was there. Qual'och came to a halt and peered into the darkness while drawing upon his senses to expose the hidden threat. Slowly the figure came into view. Nestled against the wall was a large figure resting in the dark space created by the absence of emitted light.
Qual'och moved forward, preparing himself for what may come. That's when he saw it. Two blood-red eyes pierced through the darkness followed by two more ice-cold blue orbs of sight. "Dra'isod," he thinks to himself.
Realizing that the supreme leader of Bruch'oda's military forces stands before him, Qual'och drew more energy from his surrounding causing the gemstones to dim. The ensuing darkness highlighted Dra'isod's even more and from his vantage point, Qual'och could see soft streams of steam sliding past the eyes in the distance. Gathering his strength, Qual'och resumed his course, keeping his eyes on Dra'isod.
With each step, more light entered that area of the catacomb, finally casting definitive illumination on the dual headed Dragon Warrior. Neither spoke, but before Qual'och could pass Dra'isod, he lifted his darkened blade and held it outstretch, blocking the corridor, preventing Qual'och from passing. As the tip of Dra'isod's sword rested on the opposite wall, it slow dug into the granite under his impressive force.
"Just where do you think you're going, Wizard," the icy cold breath of Dra'isod's Ice Dragon said, sending chilled air over Qual'och.
Not flinching, Qual'och turned his head slowly to Dra'isod's Fire Dragon head and looked it squarely in the eyes. "That is none of your concern. I don't answer to you."
Leaning in, Dra'isod arched his necks so that each head was placed on either side of Qual'och, "Last time I checked, I didn't care." To drive his point, the Dragon Warrior put more force into his sword, sending the blade deeper into the wall. "Now, what are you doing?"
The Wizard's eyes narrow and turn white. "You will step aside," he says fighting back the urge to grin. "I have information for our Lord."
"Then you can give it to me," responded the cooler of the two heads.
"No," Qual'och spoke with a closed jaw. Summoning Dark Qi, he threw back Dra'isod with an energy blast. He kept sending Dark Qi towards the Dragon Warrior, enabling the physically weaker Wizard to pin the massive Warrior against the catacomb wall with out even touching him.
Under the weight of the Dark Qi, Dra'isod struggled to break free from his bindings, but to no avail. Still writhing, Dra'isod's eyes burned with energy. "How dare you!" his heads cried out in unison, sending the sound waves echoing down the hallways. "I will kill you for this!"
"As if that wasn't your intention all ready?" Qual'och asked. "Don't ever try this again. I may not be the most brilliant strategist, but I can take care of myself." He leans even closer to Dra'isod, "Or if you feel brave enough, I dare you to try it again," Qual'och boasts while his eyes flash a brilliant white light.
Smiling, Qual'och continues on his way, leaving Dra'isod pinned against the wall. Enraged by the taunting, Dra'isod flexes his muscle trying to break free of the Dark Qi mass holding him back. With each use of force against the Dark Qi, the mass doubles in opposing force against the Dragon Warrior. Suffocating under the pressure, it finally releases when Qual'och vanishes from view.
Dra'isod falls to the floor landing on his hands and knees. The fall knocks the wind out of the might fighter and small clouds of dust rise from the granite flooring as Dra'isod's massive weight depresses the stone. Each of his scaly heads peers into the darkness, trying to trace Qual'och's path. "Watch yourself Wizard. No one belittles me." Dra'isod takes a deep breath, "No one."
He slowly pushes himself up and stands alone in the darkness. With each breath, his anger grows and he clenches his fists in rage. Dra'isod begins breathing heavier and heavier, drawing his tighter. His strength is unmatched by anyone and the force of his fists begins driving his nails into his flesh. The pain fuels his hanger and begins turning his dislike for the cleric into hatred. Blood begins oozing from the punctures in his palms and drops onto the floor. The thud from drop echoes in the darkened hall, reverberating throughout the catacombs.
"I will have my revenge," he vows, withdrawing his impaled blade from the wall next to him. Defeated, Dra'isod quickly begins retracing his steps through the catacombs. "I must find out what he knows," he thinks to himself.
***
Off center of Bruch'oda's Palace is a small rock garden. Measuring thirty meters by thirty meters, it is the most serene place in the Warlord's domain. Small pieces of granite and other precious stones are arranged in intricate patterns mixed among small shrubs and trees. A winding path traverses the gardens entering from each of the cardinal directions. The center area is a large rectangular piece of flagstone. Marble benches have been placed on either side of the paths' entry locations to this slab to provide visitors with meditation locations.
Today the garden is visited by two - Bruch'oda and his daughter Xantia. Both are no longer wearing their armor, but simply their Gis. Xantia takes a defensive stance, squaring off against her father. Her pale skin blends into her snow white Gi, creating a seamless transition between flesh and fabric. Opposite Xantia, Bruch'oda mimics the moves of his daughter as the pair moves in tandem in a clockwise circle. Bruch'oda's Gi is gold with black dragons crisscrossing his body. The dragons' heads peer over his shoulders and meet at his pectoral girdle, slide over his back, sending their wings down his arms. Their bodies slide around his and send their tails wrapping down each of the Warlord's legs.
Bruch'oda's eyes are intensely focused on his daughter. "I wonder what she'll try this time," he thinks to himself, trying to sense what his daughter is thinking.
He didn't have to wait long. Xantia moved with speed matched by few and charged her father. Seeing the advancing attack, Bruch'oda stepped back, readying his defenses. Xantia leapt forward, bringing her body parallel to the flagstone and focusing her energy into her outstretched hands. Her long and slender form raced through the air towards the gold-clad warrior before her.
Bruch'oda sidesteps the maneuver by swinging his right leg backwards. As Xantia passes before him, he counters by thrusting his left arm towards her form. Gathering his strength, Bruch'oda's arm begins glowing brightly, but rather than striking down his daughter, it passes through her.
Surprised, Bruch'oda quickly regains his balance and darts his head around, trying to find his daughter. His search did not last long, as her foot impaled his back with the force of a well trained master. The blow sent the Warlord flying through the air, landing just short of the first set of benches marking the perimeter of the flagstone.
Xantia crouches into a defensive stance, preparing for her father's counter offensive. "Steady," she thinks to herself. "Focus."
Bruch'oda picks himself up from the flagstone flooring and faces his daughter. A grin flashes across his face. Not one of evil or slyness, but rather that of pride. "You've master the technique very well, my daughter," he says. "But," Xantia hears her father utter before vanishing and reappearing behind her, placing her into a submission hold, "you have much to learn."
Bruch'oda releases his daughter and the pair faces one another. Looking into the other's eyes, they bow and end their sparring practice. "I'm impressed by the way you've embraced the ancient teachings, my daughter," Bruch'oda says, not trying to boast too much.
Xantia lifts her torso and resumes a more relaxed posture. "Thank you father."
Before another word is spoken, the bond between the two is broken by the presence of another. Qual'och approaches from the East, his footsteps echoing in the courtyard. Bruch'oda turns to see what infidel had disturbed his session with his daughter. Rage begins to fill the evil warlord, while love swells within the heart of Xantia as she gazes upon her beloved.
In his thunderous voice, Bruch'oda commands, "Why have you disturbed us?"
Cowering ever-so-slightly, Qual'och responds, "The QiRangers," he begins, sending his voice even higher," have returned." The sorcerer extends his left arm through the cloak and creates a two glowing orbs. In the left is an image of Robert, Gary, and Master Li setting up the targeting sensors, while the right depicts Leslie, Luís, Seth, and Abeu deploying theirs.
Bruch'oda walks closer to the images and inspects the closely. As he peers into them he realizes one is mission. "I believe Man'uL'o was more effective than we thought." Bruch'oda changes his demeanor towards Qual'och. "You did well," he says to the wizard. "See to it they do not get the opportunity to leave again."
A sense of pride washes over Qual'och as he is tasked with destroying the QiRangers, rather than Dra'isod. "It will be done," he swears.
***
Deep in the Dutchman's Mine, Gary, Robert, and Master Li set the last of their Targeting Sensors. The meter-squared devices flash alternating blue and green as they begin taking measurements in the room. One device is placed in the four corners of the Armory. This area, one of the most secured, housed pulse rifles and plasma launchers that were stored in rows of racks.
Master Li completes securing his device and looks to the others. "I believe that's it."
Robert looks around and scans the room. "This should provide them with a large enough target.
Each of the four devices begins emitting a blue-green beam. It passes though any object it comes into contact with and merges with beams sent out from other units. The beams completely encompass the Armory and enclose all the weapons.
"All right," Gary says, "Let's call for our cab."
Robert activates his Comm-link, "Istanor, do you copy?"
A crystal clear reply is heard as Lehet's voice comes through, "We copy. Are you ready for teleport?"
"Yes," replies Robert.
"Standby," Lehet's voice commands.
But something's wrong. Robert and Gary look at one another. "Why's it taking so long?" they each think.
"Jayce, what's the hold up?" Robert asks, focusing more attention on his Comm-link.
"We've lost Li and the others' signals."
The NASO operatives look up and see that the familiar glow provided by Master Li is gone.
"What the hell?" Gary asks.
"I don't know. The others came online right before you and all five of them just vanished. I don't like this. I'm pulling you all out now," Lehet said.
The familiar glow of the Istanor's teleportation device cascaded over Robert, Gary, and the weapons. In a matter of seconds, everything in the rooms vanished.
***
Master Li looked up to see the sun above him. Gone were the darkened surroundings of the Dutchman's mine. He was outside under the hot sun and not alone. Standing beside him were the other QiRangers.
"What the hell just happened?" Seth asked, trying to gather his bearings.
The five QiRangers quickly surveyed their location, "It appears as if our presence on the previous mission was detected," Master Li calmly mentions, as if he was expecting this to happen.
Luís quickly realizes he's seen all this before. The winding dunes, the scorched glass carved in the landscape, and the seemingly endless parade of Shadow Warriors and Copy Bots that are now approaching them. "We're back at the Earth door," he says taking a defensive stance.
"That we are," Abeu seconds.
On the top of the dune before Master Li stands a lone figure. His dark armor heightens his silhouette against the day's sun. A single blade shimmers in the sun, casting a reflected beam in Maser Li's face. "Kor'digh," he senses.
The five QiRangers take their positions against one another with the new recruits looking to Master Li for guidance. "Istanor, can you lock onto our position?" he asks, activating his dermal transmitter. When no reply is heard, Master Li realizes that there will be no easy way out. As long as Qual'och is able to sense their location, it matters not where they hide, they can be brought here or the Shadows can be taken to them. A stand must be made - here and now.
"Ready yourselves," he instructs.
Each of the QiRangers summons their respective energies. Calling out their elements, Fire for Leslie, Water for Seth, Metal for Abeu, and Earth for Luís, the accumulated Qi travels through their meridians and transforms each into their protective armor. Flames consume Master Li as the bold, red armor he wears manifests over his Combat Gi.
With an intensity not seen before, Master Li grits his teeth, "Let's retake this Door."
Grins flash across the QiRangers faces under their helmets. The four remaining new warriors have wanted to atone for losing the battle here hours before. Each relishes the opportunity to fight back Bruch'oda's forces and claim the Earth Mystic Door for the people native to this planet. "Right!" they all shout charging out from their formation into battle.
***
Captain Jayce Lehet sat in his chair, staring at the blue planet he circled. The hum of all the ship's computers and propulsion devices didn't faze him. He was lost in his thoughts. What he had seen moments ago shook his being and it took everything in his power not to let it affect him in front of his crew.
"They're aboard, Captain," Commander McCulley said from his station.
Not taking his eyes off the main window, Lehet gave the order to return to LEO Station, "Mr. Moore, break orbit and return to LEO."
The young female officer seated at the helm nodded, "Aye, sir," and entered the appropriate commands into her console. Within seconds the star field changed from a blend of darkness and the blue Earth to that of only blackness, something Lehet now felt in his heart.
As the Istanor sped away from Earth, Lehet resigned himself to silence until the aft lift doors opened. Gary and Robert stepped out and fixed their eyes on the back of the ship's Captain. "Why are we leaving?" asked Robert.
"Yeah, we've got team members down there. We're not leaving them behind," added Gary.
The pair stood there while the rest of the bridge crew looked at them and Lehet maintained his gaze on the forward window. Robert looked to his right at McCulley who simply shrugged in response. The NASO officers, not wanting to waste precious time began walking towards Lehet, who simply raised his right hand, motioning for the pair to stop.
"I've got my orders," he says. "Besides, we've got bigger problems." The tone in his voice was cold, almost non-human.
Robert activated his EM scanners and looked at the man seated before him. His energetic patter had shifted. Something was wrong, terribly wrong. The Captain slowly rose from his seat and turned to face the duo. Even without Robert's enhancements, Gary could see that Jayce Lehet was a changed man. Something happened to him, he was different.
"Come with me," Lehet says in his cool tone as he walks towards Gary and Robert. He didn't even change his gaze when he neared the pair. Lehet passed them and strode into the War Room.
Looking at each other, Gary and Robert followed Lehet off the Bridge.
In the War Room, Lehet stood with his back to the door still. He waited for Robert and Gary to enter and for the doors to close before speaking.
"Will you please tell us why the hell we're pulling out?" demanded Robert. "I've never left anyone behind and I don't intend to now. Especially when there's a whole team lost." Robert's voice inched up a bit, as he drove home his point.
This got to Lehet. He turned around, and spoke with an intensity he hadn't shown in the past few minutes. "You don't think I understand that?" he yelled, his nostrils flaring. "We're on the same team here, Robert. If I could bring them back, I would. But they vanished off the face of the Earth. We can't find them anywhere."
Gary stepped forward, "But you haven't really given it the once over. It's only been a few minutes."
"No, it's you who doesn't understand," Jayce began, dropping his voice to a more somber tone, "LEO has been giving the planet the once over. While we can't locate Li and the others, we have found survivors from the attacks." Lehet paused, "If you can call them that."
"What?" Gary and Robert said in unison.
Lehet placed his hand on the tabletop and activated the holographic imaging system. "What you're about to see hasn't been broadcast outside the COG and top NASO Command." The room's lights dimmed as the device came on-line. As the image slowly came into focus, Robert could feel his stomach churn.
The hologram above the conference table depicted a truly horrible site. Not since the Nazi Concentration Camps of World War II had humans been treated with such little respect. In the center of a destroyed city, it was too hard to distinguish where exactly, a make-shift camp had been erected. Shadow Warriors patrolled the grounds and wheeled barely alive human survivors into piles behind razor sharp wire fences.
"Where is this?" Robert asked, not taking his eyes off the images before him.
Those not succumbing to the weight placed on them pulled themselves out of the heaps they were placed in. One such human was doing so now. She couldn't me more than 30, but the pain in her aged her instantly. Both her legs were broken and badly misshapen. To make matters worse, so was her right arm. Slowly she pulled her self out of the pile with her left arm. Her body sliding over the heap of dead and barely living that was under her.
Pain expressed itself through her eyes and in every fiber of her being. Blood trickled down from her hairline and out her ears. Each bruised seemed to darken with more blood as she moved forward at a snail's pace. The woman grits her teeth as Robert slams his fist onto the table.
"Where is this?" Robert asks.
The woman finally pulls herself free and tumbles down the pile of bodies and lands in a pool of stagnant blood. The blood flew up and entered her mouth. She spits out the foul tasting fluid and falls into the pool beneath her.
Lehet closes his eyes, "It doesn't matter. This is but one camp that's been erected all over the planet. They're doing this everywhere."
A dark boot steps in the blood soaked soil next to the woman. Terrified, the woman looks up, fear in her eyes. She let's loose a horrible scream as a crimson blade is plunged into her chest. The blow arches her back and she tries to grip the blade and pull it out. This only serves to cut her free hand. The Shadow Warrior holding the sword kicks the woman aside and her body rolls next to the bottom of the pile.
The Shadow Warrior laughs as the image in the War Room fades. The lights come back up and Lehet looks into the eyes of Robert and Gary. "The COG is looking to you two to try and stop this. I don't know what you can do, but something's got to be done."
***
Luís Mendoza broke away from the other QiRangers and sped towards the first wave of Shadow Warriors and Copy Bots approaching. He saw their form crossing the hot desert sand and with each step he felt more confidence and power. This battle arena had seen him fail twice before, and Luís was determined not to give it the satisfaction of a third.
The burning sun sent heat down onto the sandy floor of the Sahara. As the Earth QiRanger stomped through the soft silicone granules, he began fueling his body with desire to defeat Bruch'oda's enemies once and for all. Drawing upon the Qi stored in the Earth around him, Luís began moving faster, swifter, and with greater power. His yellow armor began glowing a golden hue as he leaped into the air.
Soaring above the approaching Shadow Warriors, the Earth QiRanger reached out with his arms, as if he was flying. The Copy Bots approaching analyzed his trajectory and halted their progress, taking aim at the yellow warrior arcing towards them. One by one, the Copy Bots raised their arms and fired their electrical beams at Mendoza.
The QiRanger easily evaded each blast as if they traveled in slow motion. Arching his back and tucking his legs, he contortioned his body to allow each beam of deadly energy to slip past him.
The Shadow Warriors realized that something must be done. The first row of Shadows reached into their armored pockets and retrieved shurricans infused with Dark Qi. The Shadow Warriors took aim and threw the evil stars at the oncoming QiRanger.
Speeding through the air, these tiny elements of death honed in on their target, but to no avail. Luís sensed their presence, something he had not been able to do before. Gathering the Qi in his body, he directed it towards his hands and caught each of the stars.
Completing his arc towards the oncoming band of Shadow Warriors and Copy Bots, the Earth QiRanger tucked his legs in again and pulled himself down towards the sand. He landed with such force, that Luís formed a small depression in the soft sand as he kneeled on one leg. The Qi grew stronger in him and converted the shurricans from Dark Qi to Earth Qi. A smile flashed over his face as he slung his arms outward returning the shurricans to their owners, with his little enhancements.
The shurricans flew with such speed and force; they created yellow streaks in the air. Every star found a home and exploded upon impact. Each Shadow Warrior hit by the Earth Shurricans fell backwards, their chest plating vaporized with the intense energy blow. The reptilian scales were seared under the massive amounts of heat generated by the explosions.
The other Shadows looked to one another, realizing that this time, the battle may be more difficult, but knowing little fear, they resumed their charge.
Luís smiled beneath his visor, "Payback time," he thought. Standing up, he readied himself for close quarter combat. Snapping into a defensive stance, Luís continued to draw Qi in from his surroundings. As more power surged through his veins, his armor shown even brighter.
Trying to gain the upper hand, the Copy Bots and Shadow Warriors break formation and begin spreading their numbers, trying to surround the earth QiRanger. Luís smiled under his helmet, his lips almost touching his ears. Harnessing his Qi, he began forming a Qi Ball between his hands as he placed his weight on his hind leg. Drawing his hands closer to his Tan Tien, a yellow energy mass grew in intensity.
Screaming with vengeance, Luís released the Qi Strike. The powerful yellow energy beam thundered across the desert floor impaling the forces of evil. The Qi Strike tore through the armor worn by the Shadows and melted the metallic casings of the Copy Bots. Luís guided his blast until it struck down every last one of his opponents.
Their skin compromised, the Copy Bots exploded sending large plumes of black smoke into the sky. The fallen Shadows gripped their burnt flesh, trying to stop the outpouring of fluids from their newly sustained wounds. The massive energy they each absorbed was simply too much, and they passed into the comfort of darkness, never to awaken again.
The Earth QiRanger dropped to one knee following his attack, depleted of his extra energy. Luís breathed heavily, his breath fogging the inside of his visor. He felt a burning sensation in his chest- was he somehow wounded, he thought? No, it was his body crying out for oxygen. Taking deep breaths, Luís was able to calm his body and regain his strength.
Standing, he looked over the battlefield. His eyes told him the fight was just beginning. Each of the QiRangers was embattled in their own struggle against Bruch'oda's forces. He summoned up the inner courage to enter the fray once more and began running towards the others. His progress was short, as a series of explosions ripped across the sand.
The shockwaves of the blast tossed him aside and down the dune he was on. Pushing himself up with his arms, he shook his head, trying to clear the fines from his eyes. Looking up, he saw a new platoon of Shadows and Copy Bots. Needless-to-say, this group would not be nearly as easy to defeat as the previous.
The Copy Bots took aim and fired down at the fallen QiRanger. Their white- hot energy pulses stuck the desert sand again, scorching it and transforming some of it to glass. Fortunately, for Luís, he was able to roll away just before the blast hit. But once again, the force from the explosion threw him several feet in the air.
He landed on his back, which drove deep into him a burning pain. "I'm not giving in to them. They will pay," he swore.
Gathering his strength, the Earth QiRanger rose to his feet and stood tall before army above him. He reached out his right arm and commanded his War Hammer to materialize. Luís began spinning the massive weapon while taunting the Shadows and Copy bots to attack him with his left hand. "Come and get me, you bastards," he yelled.
***
Master Li let his sense of pride get the better of him, as he smiled. Each of the QiRangers was tied together, as the elements are. Feeling the sense of accomplishment Luís portrayed gave him the assurance that this new team of QiRangers could complete the task at hand. Even with one member short, they would see to it that the Earth would not give in without a fight.
His path was clear of combatants. Master Li knew the order had been given, ensuring him safe passage across the desert floor. Regardless of this "gift," the eldest QiRanger prepared himself for a deadly confrontation with Kor'digh. Years ago, the duo crossed swords many times. Each time the outcome was different. Sometimes he was the victor and others he fell under the blade of Kor'digh and was forced to retreat.
Today, retreat was not an option. No one would be allowed to wander off and return to fight another day. Today, they would finish things once and for all.
Kor'digh stood atop his dune, smiling. "Are you ready, old man?" he yelled across the sand.
Master Li came to a complete stop at the crest of a nearby dune. Fire burned deep within him, fueling his cells and giving him the will and strength to fight after all these years. "I should think it is I who should be asking you that question," he replied.
The taunt angered Kor'digh. The accomplished warrior in dark blue gripped his sword's handle tighter and focused his gaze onto the QiRanger in black and red. The pair stood at odds for what seemed like an eternity while the forces of good and evil battled to the death around them - each waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
Master Li stood fast and peered deep into the soul of his opponent. He could feel his anger, his hatred, and his disdain for all that the QiRangers and humans stood for. Master Li knew the moment to strike would come any second. and he was right.
Kor'digh pushed off fro the sand dune in front of him and sailed into the air. Using his blade the reptilian warrior reflected the sun's beam onto Li's face. The blinding light obstructed the QiRanger's view and he brought his hands up to shade his face. With his opponent in a weaker state, Kor'digh unleashed a Dark Qi blast.
The evil energy flew downwards, approaching Master Li. Sensing the danger, the Triple Fire QiRanger jumped backwards and protected himself from the ensuing explosion erupting from his former location. Looking up, he saw Kor'digh flying straight for him, his sword extended.
Master Li summoned his Qi Saber and met the metal blade of Kor'digh and the two warriors stood face to face. Each could smell the disgust on the other's breath as they danced around in circles pressing their blades tightly together.
"Let's get it on," growls Kor'digh as his one good eye flashes red.
***
Like a carefully choreographed ballet, Master Li and Kor'digh moved in perfect unison only inches apart. While the QiRangers fought many enemies, Master Li focused on but a single one. The pair stared deeply into the other's eyes, trying to anticipate the next move in this duel to the death. Several times one would press down on their blade and send the squelching sound of metal on metal into the air as the swords crossed.
"You've grown weak over the years, Li," Kor'digh hissed through his clenched jaw. "There was a time when you could have bested me, but now all that remains is shell of a man."
"For all your words, you show little action, Kor'digh. I, on the other hand, will do what you cannot," The eldest of the QiRanger replied. Calling forth his inner fire, Master Li channeled the Qi to his sword. Exploding in a ball of fire, Master Li's Qi Saber glowed red with power. Unaware of what was happening, Kor'digh's balance shifted, enabling Master Li to lift his right foot and forward kick him in the chest.
The kick left a sandy imprint on the armored plating Kor'digh wore as he was thrust backwards. Regaining his composure, Kor'digh dug his hind leg into the sand and snapped into a defensive stance. While his reflexes were sharp, they were no match for Master Li.
Moving with blazing speed, the "old man" covered the short distance between them and roundhouse kicked Kor'digh to the jaw.
Kor'digh's head snapped back and tossed his body backwards to the sand. Pushing himself up, Kor'digh saw Master Li running towards him with his Qi Saber burning bright. The dark warrior gathered his strength and unleashed a Dark Qi Strike.
The black energy shot through the air, but missed its target. Master Li was ready for such an attack and managed to cartwheel out of the way. The blast connected with the sand directly in front of Li, causing a massive explosion. The fireball shot into the air and sent sand flying everywhere.
Emerging from the sand shower, Master Li lunged forward with his Qi Saber. Kor'digh countered by bringing up his sword. When the blades met, a brilliant white light flashed in the desert. Master Li and Kor'digh swung their blades, but they were evenly matched. Each thrust was parried by the other, enabling neither to gain the upper hand.
Fueled by determination to see their causes to victory, the combatants increased their melee to fever pitch. Master Li cut to one side and arced his blade over Kor'digh. The dark warrior countered by dropping to the sand and sending the flaming Qi Saber over head. With an opening, Kor'digh swept Master Li's legs.
The QiRanger fell to the sand, landing on his back.
Not wanting to waste any momentum, Kor'digh rolled from his current position and flung his sword at Master Li.
Sensing the danger, Li rolled onto his side, letting the blade harmlessly impale the sand. Quickly, he placed his upper leg onto the arm of Kor'digh. Transferring his weight to that leg, Li drove the sword deeper into the sand and gave him the leverage to rotate his body and snap kick Kor'digh in the head again.
The blow sent Kor'digh reeling backwards and freed his grip on his sword. The large reptilian crashed into the sand. Master Li rose to his feet and went to Kor'digh. Trying to end the battle once and for all, the QiRanger spun his blade around and drove it towards Kor'digh like a stake.
Still with his wits about him, Kor'digh rolled out of harms way. Master Li repeatedly tried to skewer Kor'digh, but the large warrior kept one step ahead.
On one revolution, Kor'digh looked up and saw Master Li preparing to strike. Summoning his strength, he fired a Dark Qi Blast at his opponent. Unprepared, the attack struck Master Li in the chest plate and exploded on impact. The force sent Master Li sailing through the hot Saharan desert air and into a nearby dune.
Climbing to his feet, Kor'digh muttered, "One for me." The large reptile began racing towards Master Li. Passing his sword; he reached down and pulled it out. Blade in hand, Kor'digh leaped into the air.
Master Li shook off the blow and glanced up to see Kor'digh descending towards him. As Kor'digh approached, Master Li contracted his abdominals and thrust his legs into the air. Li's boots connected with Kor'digh's gut. Pain flashed throughout Kor'digh's body as his organs compressed under the force of Master Li's strike. Forcing more energy into his legs, Master Li flung Kor'digh over the downed QiRanger.
Kor'digh landed flat on his back with a loud thud a few feet behind. The wind flew out of his lungs as the clutched his sword tighter in the sand.
Each of the warriors snaps to their feet and cross swords. As the blades kiss, shards of metal splinter as sparks fly. The two foes inch closer together until their eyes meet and their swords are crossed at the hilts.
Master Li looks Kor'digh into the eye, "You will not defeat me."
***
A white energy bolt tore through the torso of a Copy Bot. The blast singed the external metal casing of the robotic warrior as it left its rear plating and impacted in the sand behind it. The gaping hole hummed with electricity as it sparked. The lifeless hulk then fell harmlessly into the sand, face first. Standing before the defeated robot was the White QiRanger, Abeu Basbakar. He held his energy bow and took aim at another approaching threat. Abeu Reached forward, as if to pluck the bow's string, and drew back his hand. Raw energy filled the bow and formed a long arrow. Carefully he took aim and sent it flying through the hot desert air.
In the blink of an eye, the bolt traversed the required distance and found its mark - a Shadow Warrior quickly approaching. The Shadow tried to duck out of the way, but the blast struck his armor plating affixed to his back. As the energy coursed through his body, the Shadow Warrior screamed in intense pain and succumbed to death.
Abeu smiled beneath his helmet, "This is almost too easy," he thought to himself, temporarily forgetting Seth's lesson about being overconfident in a fight. Had he been paying more attention, Abeu would have sensed the three Shadow Warriors and pair of Copy Bots approaching from his rear.
While surveying his target gallery, Abeu's mind was focused on everything but his flanks. This proved a grave mistake as the two Copy Bots released a torrent of energy blast aimed at the Metal QiRanger. The first blast struck Abeu in the back of the knee. The resulting force knocked the leg out from under him, sending him off balance. As the rest of the blast hit in a beautiful display of explosive pyrotechnics, the youngest QiRanger was thrown forward in agony. Had it not been for his protective armor, the intense, raw energy would have fried the youngster.
The Metal QiRanger's body dug a trench as he was thrust into the Saharan sand. The blow struck down Abeu, but not his confidence. As the five enemies continued to advance on his position, the youth pushed up from the sand and gathered his strength.
Abeu turned to face his opponents, beaming his eyes through his helmet. Disappointed that he let his guard down, the Metal QiRanger determines to conclude this battle with fervor. Focusing his thoughts, young Abeu returned his Bow to its energetic state and summoned his Qi Saber.
Gripping the hilt, Abeu narrowed his eyes and focused on the two Copy Bots. He could see that they were preparing to fire once more and this time he would not be caught sleeping. The energy blasts quickly leapt from the Copy Bots' hands and flew towards the White QiRanger with incredible speed.
Before the energy bolts found their target, Abeu jumped into the air and charged his Qi Saber with Metal Qi by passing his left hand over the blade. The blade began glowing brightly as it absorbed the extra energy. The Shadow Warriors and Copy bots failed to relent in their quest for carnage and moved in closer.
This was a mistake.
Abeu landed a few feet in front of his previous position. He began swirling his Qi Saber over his head in a huge circle. As it made its final pass, the stored Qi discharged in a massive wave of white energy. The scope of the blast grew in an ever widening arc as it left from the tip of Abeu's Qi Saber and created a solid mass of Metal Qi.
The Shadow Warriors stopped dead in their tracks and tried to brace themselves for the Qi Strike. The Copy Bots, knowing no fear, continued marching straight for the White QiRanger. When the wave hit, it completely severed the Copy Bots. The blast ripped through their torso leaving each half of the robots lying helplessly in the sand. The Shadow Warriors fared no better. The Qi Wave continued on its path of destruction and met the Shadows head on. Trying to use their crimson blades for protection, the three warriors braced for the impact.
The White wave of Metal Qi shattered their blades and instantaneously impacted their protective darkened armor. The searing heat of the energy melted the external layer. In what only took a fraction of a second, seemed like an eternity for the three Shadow Warriors. Horror flashed across their faces as it penetrated the inner lining of their armor, they could feel and smell their flesh burn. Finally, as the wave continues through their bodies, each of the Shadows lets out one final blood-curdling howl as their bodies are severed.
Abeu draws his blade close to his body and scans the horizon, trying to ascertain the best course of action. Behind his visor, Abeu realizes something - for the first time, his team is gaining the upper hand. "Maybe it isn't hopeless after all," he thinks to himself.
***
A red boot swings with intense power, snapping the head off a Copy Bot like it was a small soccer ball. Electricity sparks as the connection severs between head and body and the cranial unit flies into the desert as if it was headed towards a goal. Leslie ended her kick as the body of the defeated Copy Bot fell into the sand.
She looked around herself and saw the bodies of her fallen opponents lying still in the sand. Shadow Warriors and Copy Bots alike littered the area around her. Casting her gaze over the battlefield, she saw Seth being overrun by several Shadow Warriors.
***
A few hundred meters away, Seth, beat back the onslaught of Shadows by deflecting their blows with his shield. Between taking blows against his shield, the Water QiRanger wields his sword at his attackers.
Seth knew he was in over his head. Through his visor, he could see that more and more Shadow Warriors were joining in the fight. Black armored bodies were in front and to his flanks. Beneath his armor, Seth's hair on the back of his neck began to rise. Sensing danger approaching, he dropped to the desert floor.
Twin beams of energy flew above him and struck a pair of Shadow Warriors in front. Thankful he was missed, Seth's hope quickly abated as he realized his precarious position - on his back and surrounded. He hears a loud scream overhead. Thinking that the end is near, fear grips the NASO Handler and he closes his eyes.
What Seth fails to see is Leslie coming to his rescue. The Fire QiRanger lands on the outskirt of the congregation of Shadows and slices her Qi Saber through the body of a hapless Shadow Warrior. Infused with fire, Leslie's blade passes through the Shadow like butter, splitting him in two. As the halves fall apart, Leslie channels Fire Qi into her blade and sends out a powerful flame into the sea of Shadow Warriors.
Not wanting to be burned, the Shadows stumble back and regain their footing.
"Are you just going to lay there?" Leslie asks?
Seth opens his eyes and sees the familiar red armor above him. While happy she stepped in to save his life, Seth is truly glad she couldn't see that his eyes were closed. Reaching up with his had, Leslie grips it and pulls her fellow QiRanger to his feet.
"Thanks," he says, a little shaken.
Leslie pulls the Water QiRanger closer and placed her other hand on top of his. "No need. We're in this together," she says shaking his hand.
Feeling assured, Seth smiles beneath his helmet, "Right."
Seeing the Shadows had regrouped and that the Copy Bots were still closing, Seth stepped aside from Leslie and summoned his Qi Disk. The round blade formed in his hand and glowed bright blue as he charged it with Water Qi.
"Stand back," he cautioned Leslie as he threw the weapon towards the Copy Bots. The disk flew threw the air and connected with the Copy Bots, shredding them to pieces. On the return path, the Disk gouged several Shadows before returning safely to its master's hand.
With a clearing established, Seth and Leslie charged their Qi Sabers and headed into battle together.
***
Dr. Michael Chen sat in the Chief Medical Officer's office aboard the Istanor reviewing Jayde Yee's medical files. Pouring over the incoming data, he takes a moment to rest. Mike sits back on the stool and places the computer pad onto the desk. Tired, he then leans forward propping his head up with his hands as he rests his elbows on the desk.
"How's our patient doing," Gary Staal asks from the doorway.
Mike sighs as he looks up, "No change." After glancing at Staal, he looks around beginning to wonder where the others are. "Where's everyone else?" he asks.
Gary walks into the office and activates a portable magnetic stool. Once the field is secured, he sits on the device and looks into Mike's eyes. "We don't know."
"What?" Mike responds, his voice showing signs of severe stress.
"I can't explain it. One second Rob and I were in the hold with Li and the next he was gone. Captain Lehet has searched the entire planet with the ship's sensors and can't find a trace of them. What ever happened to them has completely blocked the signals in their Comm-links."
"Fuck! I can't believe this," Mike yells. "I get her back only to loose her again? This is fucking crazy! What are you doing about this?"
Taking a deep breath, Gary Staal lets Mike vent a bit more before answering. "Look, I know how upset you must be."
"No," Mike snaps, "you don't!"
Gary nods his head, "You're right. But, The Istanor is looking for them as well as LEO. Right now we can't do anything for them. The planet's crawling with enemy forces and what's left of civilization is in the toilet. We've got to get back to LEO and plan our next move. The only hope we have in finding your sister and the others is Ms. Yee."
"What do you mean?"
"I can't explain it, but somehow your sister's friends were able to sense the enemy when we fought before. I think that may work both ways and if she comes out of this coma, she'll be able to lead us to them," Staal concludes.
"I hope you're right," Mike adds.
The pair sat in silence not knowing what else to say. The awkward moment was broken by a series of beeps coming from the computer pad. Dr. Chen picked up the unit and reviewed the data.
"What is it?" asked Dr. Staal.
Smiling, Mike hands the pad over to Gary. He looks at the video feed - the image shows Jayde Yee looking around her Infirmary room.
"Let's see how's she doing," Michael suggests.
Gary nods and the two rise from their seats and leave the office.
***
Jayde Yee struggled sit up in her SmartBed. Somewhat disoriented, she began looking around trying to figure out what happened to her. "Where am I?" she thought. Everything about her current location was foreign. The room, the smell, and her clothes - everything. What's more she couldn't explain how she arrived at such a place. The last thing she remembered was being in the forest - but that didn't seem right either. "What happened?"
She continued to look around, trying to gain clues as to where she might be. One thing notices is the strange assortment of plants lining the shelves in the room. Looking at them brings a sense of calmness over her and she begins to feel a tugging at her neck. Looking down, she sees a small gold chain wrapped around her neck. With her soft hands, she retrieves the chain from beneath her hospital gown. Affixed to the chain is a golden medallion marked with three curves lines. As soon as she sees the emblem for Wood, it all comes back to her - the QiRangers, the Mystic Doors, her final battle - but how did she end up here and where were the others?
"How are you feeling?" a voice from the door asked. Jayde looked up to see two men standing just inside the room. One was Asian and the other either European to American.
Jayde turned her head slightly. "Fine," she responded, not sure who she was talking to.
"I'm Dr. Michael Chen," the voice spoke, "and this is Dr. Staal," he said tapping his partner on the shoulder. "We took care of you when you were injured."
"We're happy to see you're awake. It's been quite a while and we didn't know if you were going to pull through," Gary said. "But with the help of Dr. Chen and your friends, your recovery was remarkable."
Jayde sat up tall in the bed. "Where is everyone?"
Mike and Gary walked closer to Jayde's bed, each one taking a side. "We were hoping you could tell us," Gary said. He could see the puzzled look on her face, so he continued, "Quite a bit's happened since we first found you. I'd better fill you in from the top and hope to God you have an idea."
The words didn't sit well with Jayde, but she did her best to conceal her concern as Gary began recounting the events since he and Mike began caring for her in the Great Vault. He didn't spare anything. He recalled the medical treatments, the complete destruction of Earth, the death camps, the mission to retrieve the weapons, and how they all disappeared.
It was hard to take in. The information about the death camps hit hard with both Jayde and Mike, but there was little time to stagnate on that bit of information. It was clear what she must do - they had all been there for her and now it was her turn to repay the favor.
***
Bruch'oda sits on his throne flanked by his daughter. They each stare intently on a glowing orb before them. Inside the magical sphere the battle in the Sahara is depicted. Bruch'oda's face grows tired as he watches the images unfold before his eyes. In fact, disgust grows within his body. For so long his troops have trained and to see them slaughtered by five humans makes him sick.
Dra'isod and Qual'och stand on the first tier below their master. They too watch the battle unfold. While Qual'och views the unfolding battle with interest, he glances away from time to time to gaze at his lover, who still wears her white Gi. Some regret passes over him, after all it was he who alerted Bruch'oda that the QiRangers had returned to Earth, but he knew the actual blame for this pitiful display of combat skill squarely laid on the shoulders of Dra'isod.
Anger fills the heart of the Warrior across from Qual'och. Dra'isod tightens his grip with each Shadow Warrior that is killed in the Sahara. The sound of leather stretching is drowned out by the screams emitted from the orb floating above. For thousands of years, he trained the Shadows and still they cannot match the strength and resources of the QiRangers. If only they had more power and more weapons, he thought, maybe they could stand a chance.
Bruch'oda slams his fist onto the throne's arm in anger. "Damn them!" he booms, his voice filling the Throne Room and reverberating in the upper chambers. "Can't your army defeat them?" he coldly blasts at Dra'isod. Bruch'oda's eyes beaming amber light.
Dra'isod knew he had to choose his words quickly and carefully. "Sire, we will defeat them. I assure you of that," he states as fact. "But how?" he thought. "Even Kor'digh, Man'uL'o, Op'utd, and I haven't been able concur them."
Bruch'oda slowly rises from his perch and begins walking down the stairs towards Dra'isod. He passes the orb and begins laying into Dra'isod, "You do? Then I suggest you see to it!" he yells while pointing at the orb. "How many troops have we lost so far?" he yells. "There're just five of them. They don't even have the full team and they can't match your strength." The Lord of Evil steps onto the platform with Dra'isod and looks the Twin Headed Dragon Warrior in the eyes. "You will see to the victory personally. Do I make myself clear?"
Dra'isod's body stiffens and his heads pull back. He knew this was coming. Every General knew it would - when the battles came last time each of the Elite faced death against the QiRangers. Most did not live to make it in to exile. Dra'isod and the few others were all that remained and now it was evident they were needed again to turn the tide.
Dra'isod's left head responds, "Yes, my Lord."
"Good," Bruch'oda says turning. "Go now and don't disappoint me," he spoke with his back turned.
Dra'isod bows and leaps down from the tier. He lands on the main floor with a loud thud. Dra'isod quickly begins making his way out of the Throne Room, but manages to turn his right head back at Qual'och and beams a stare at him. "This is not over, Wizard. I will return and see to it that the power is not given to you."
Qual'och looks over at the Dra'isod and smiles. "Soon, you will be no more and I'll have your power," the Wizard thinks to himself. Even with the threatening glare by his rival, Qual'och isn't afraid. As long as he can keep his energies raised, none of the Generals can harm him. "Besides," he thinks, "I have something they don't," as he turns his eyes to Xantia.
Bruch'oda completes his ascent to the upper level of the Throne Room and begins toward his chair. Xantia slides around from her perch, moving like the Asian her mother must have been. Her steps were smooth and effortless and allowed her to position herself between her father and the Throne in only a matter of seconds. Taking her delicate snow-white hands, she reaches out and takes the green hands of her father in hers. "Father, do you think it wise to send Dra'isod? After all he has never been able to defeat the QiRangers."
Bruch'oda knew where this was going. He held his daughter's hands tightly and looked at her soft face. How he missed her mother - the one human whom he respected and loved. There was so much of her in Xantia, he cold not help but to long for that lost love. "What did you have in mind, my daughter?"
"I think Qual'och may be right," she says. "The QiRangers have shown such great perseverance and countless armies have been lost fighting these six humans. Can sending Dra'isod into battle really turn the tide since sheer numbers can't?" This was the moment she feared. Xantia knew what she was about to ask for was risky, but like Qual'och, she was beginning to think it may be the only alternative. No matter the risk, something had to be done. "The Ru'dth may be the great equalizer."
The expression on Bruch'oda's face changes from one of love and affection to one of coldness and distance. He quickly drops Xantia's hands, "No. That is one power too great for us to call upon." Bruch'oda turns away from Xantia and sits on his throne and resumes gazing into the orb. "Did you put her up to this?" he shouts at Qual'och, anger filling his voice.
Nervously, the purple robed Wizard bows humbly, "No, my Lord. I've adhered to your judgment and not spoken of the Ru'dth." To make sure he appeared earnest, Qual'och made sure he did not even appear to gaze upward at his Lord. "Nothing must give him the impression that Xantia and I have spoken," he thought.
Bruch'oda's eyes narrow and anger fills his voice, "Do not lie to me, Sorcerer. I may need you, but not that much." He calms down, a little, "Everyone who's tapped into the Ru'dth has gone mad with power and caused more destruction than it was worth." Bruch'oda looked at his daughter, "It's too dangerous. If Dra'isod can defeat the QiRangers then we will have the Earth to ourselves. The humans in space pose no threat to us."
Sitting back in his Throne, Bruch'oda concedes, "But, if Dra'isod can't put an end to this, we may have no choice. I didn't wait 5000 years to return only to be cast back to hell."
Xantia smiles at her father. "I hope this is the right thing to do," she thinks. "He is right. The last time the Ru'dth was used, the results were disastrous. But I know Qual'och is strong enough to tame the power." She turns her head and looks at the orb. "Soon my love. Soon."
***
Seth Goldman ended his flight through the Saharan desert air by planting his boot squarely on the chest plate of a Shadow Warrior. The Water QiRanger moved with such force, that the impact crushed the Shadow's protective armor like an eggshell. Shards of the armored plating combined with the velocity of the QiRanger's boot slammed into the chest wall of the Shadow breaking his ribs. Riding the fallen Shadow as if he were on a surfboard, Seth drove the body into the sand. This had the effect of sending the severed ribs and armor fragments into the surrounding visceral organs.
As the body came to a rest in the Saharan sand, blood spurt out of the Shadow Warrior's mouth. The Blue QiRanger leapt off the dead Shadow and snapped into a defensive stance, looking for his next target. Peering through his visor his eyes quickly dart around the desert. On the horizon, he sees Master Li fighting a lone figure while to his left he sees the Yellow QiRanger dispatching a group of Copy Bots with a large War Hammer and on his right Leslie continues wreaking havoc with her Flaming Qi Saber.
Before he could ascertain Abeu's status, something came over him. He looked out over the desert floor and saw the masses of dead Shadow Warriors and smoking hulks from defeated Copy Bots. As far as the eye could see there were lifeless bodies in the sand.
In the short time they'd been here, each of them had caused such destruction and death - and not even thought about it. It was if each was fighting on autopilot and making full use of their newly obtained powers. But there was little time to contemplate righteous causes and justifications for taking another's life - new threats were approaching.
A swirling mass a dark energy began flowing through the battlefield. It was large and formless, moving as the wind. Strands of the energy cloud wrapped around the remaining Shadow Warriors, pulling them with it and assembling them into new combat formations. Leslie looked around her, confused as to what was taking place.
"What's going on?" Luís yelled as he ran towards the Fire QiRanger.
Seeing that the same events were taking place all over, she lowered her Qi Saber when the others gathered next to her, "I don't know. But one thing is for certain. It can't be good." The four QiRangers heard two swords clash over the dune and turned to see Master Li pushing back Kor'digh. "Whatever is happening, it isn't affecting him," Leslie states.
The QiRangers' attention was diverted from watching Master Li demonstrate his skill with the blade in his fight against Kor'digh as a loud howling vortex began forming amidst the dark energy. Sand began kicking up and lightening bolts shot out from the center of the dark cloud.
"This can't be good," Abeu said looking at the dark center of the cloud.
Master Li was not oblivious to the situation and quickly swept Kor'digh's legs from under him. The tired warrior fell into the sand with a noticeable thud. The battle between the ancient foes had taken its toll. Their muscles burned with metabolic wastes and their lungs heaved with each act of respiration. Not wanting to give an inch, Master Li plunged his knees into the Reptilian's chest plates and swung his left leg out to pin Kor'digh's blade carrying hand in the sand.
Li's black boot trapped Kor'digh's wrist in the burning silicone mass beneath him, forcing open his palm under the pressure. Sweat dripped off Li's nose and glimmered in the sun as it splattered on Kor'digh's scaly face. "What matter of evil are you up to?" the old man asked through gritted teeth.
Kor'digh turned his head to stare Li in the eyes, but rather than answering the QiRanger, spat at him. "Go to hell," he yelled lifting his legs and tossing Li off him like a sack of potatoes. Reclaiming his sword, Kor'digh snapped to his feet and drew his blade back and prepared to strike.
Li rolled in the sand and came to his feet bringing his Qi Saber in front, ready for anything. "Looks like you still have some life in you yet."
Kor'digh spins his blade and gingerly slides to his left. Master Li counters, steadying his blade. "You're done, old man." Kor'digh slides his hand across the blade of his sword, charging it with Dark Qi. The silver blade crackles with energy as Kor'digh whirls it around. Not to be outdone, Li charges his blade with his Qi, creating a bright red glow on his face.
The pair yells, each bringing their charged blades towards the other. The steel weapons clash and opposing Qi energies explode, severing the blades and throwing each warrior hundreds of feet back in the air. The devastating blow ripped through each of their armors and as they traveled, it fell into the sand, smoldering.
The other QiRangers each took a step forward, astonished at the force of the explosion, but that paled in comparison to what they were about to see.
The darkened clouds began solidifying and collecting into a single sphere. Sand around the base of the sphere started caramelizing under the intense heat of the object and radiating thunderbolts. The mass continued to churn and darken until it was as black as the coldest of hearts.
Leslie stood before the rest of her team, "We can't worry about Master Li just yet. Prepare yourselves."
Reluctantly the others nodded and dug their boots into the sand and brought their arms in front of their chests. No matter what unfolded before them, they weren't going to cave into fear. They had come this far and were determined to see it through.
The black orb exploded sending flames a hundred feet high and billowing smoke filled the hot air. Standing in the middle of the darkened sand was Dra'isod, his four eyes filled with energy. He was flanked by six Dragon Riders. Slowly, the creaking sound of metal on metal was heard as black blades extended from their forearm armor plates. Shouts of joy erupted from the collected mass of Shadow Warriors that stood behind them.
The enemy forces gathered behind Dra'isod, awaiting his orders.
Not wanting to wait for their move, Seth released his Qi Disk. The blue device quickly sailed over the desert, headed for the Dragon Rider on Dra'isod's right. Nonchalantly, the Dragon Rider deflected the Qi Disk with his blade, sending the QiRanger's weapon spiraling into the sand.
Seth dropped his mouth in astonishment. "Crap."
***
Dra'isod stands tall against the desert background. As his troops mass around the venerable leader, he crosses his arms and draws out his swords trapped in their sheaths affixed to his belt. The silver blades rocket out of their holsters and spin in the air as Dra'isod rotates his arms. Taking a deep breath, Dra'isod thrusts each sword forward and yells at the top of his lungs from each head, "Kill them!"
Cheers erupt from the Dragon Riders and Shadow Warriors as they begin racing forward from their position. Each Warrior trudges through the hot sand and closes the gap between good and evil in only a matter of seconds.
The Dragon Riders were the first to reach the QiRangers, who stood ready for them. Each had their Qi Saber drawn and feet spaced apart, ready to take the brunt force from the new attacking army.
The Dragon Warriors quickly separated and honed in on their targets. The Shadow Warriors followed closely and joined the fight. The QiRangers did everything they could to keep up with the Dragon Warriors, but they moved with such blinding speed, nearly every third slash made it past their Qi Sabers and landed on their armor.
Leslie struggled the most. Not only were four Shadow Warriors sending their blades toward her, two Dragon Riders were making sure she was too occupied to effectively defend herself.
With her back turned to block the Dragon Rider's claw-like saber, the other one slipped through her defenses and slashed her back.
Pain rocketed through Leslie as she screamed in agony. Tears swelled in her eyes as flames gushed from the weakened armored plates covering her lower lumbar region. Not willing to give into the pain or to succumb to death, she pulled together every ounce of strength and darted to her left, rolling between the two Dragon Riders. As she came to her feet, the Fire QiRanger lifted her blade and sliced the leg off a Shadow Warrior before piercing his chest.
Withdrawing her blade from the dead Shadow, Leslie channeled Fire Qi into her blade and charged the two Dragon Riders. Planting her feet together, she leapt into the air, letting loose an awesome war cry. The flames on her Qi Saber intensified as she drew it downward towards her prey.
The two Dragon Riders countered by crossing their wrist blades and captured the burning blade.
Beneath her helmet, Leslie gasped in shock. Taking advantage of their surprise, the Dragon Riders each kicked Leslie in the chest.
The blow felt more like a wrecking ball tearing down an old tenement building than twin boots hitting her, Leslie surmised as she was sent flying backwards.
***
Dra'isod stood in the epicenter of the sphere's blast radius. Each of his heads surveyed the battlefield and he was pleased. His Dragon Riders were more than a match for the QiRangers. As the desert continued to be riddled with the corpses of the Shadow Warriors, Dra'isod grew comforted in knowing that his elite armies turned the tide of battle back in his favor.
He continued watching the battle with his right head, but let his left wander to inspect the surrounding area. For as far as the eye can see, dead bodies lay in the sand - Shadow Warriors slain by the QiRangers. He vowed that each of the humans would pay for such an atrocity.
"What's that?" Dra'isod asked himself as he spied two smoldering stacks of smoke rising atop a nearby dune. The setting was far different than anything else in the area, he decided to investigate.
***
Dra'isod stands over the fallen form of Kor'digh. The once mighty warrior lays motionless in the Saharan sand, his armor vaporized and smoldering into the sky. Kor'digh's flesh is seared and smells like rotten flesh burning in hot oil as his wounds coagulate under the intense heat. Blood spatter covers the surrounding sand and has been backed into his scales on his arms and face.
"You fought bravely," Dra'isod calmly states as he pays his respects to his subordinate.
Turning his attention, to the other smoking heap, Dra'isod's hopes rise, "Could it be that you've finally succeeded?"
Dra'isod quickly runs towards the other body lying in the sand. As he nears it, he slows and rests his hands on the hilts of his blades. The twin heads squint in the bright sunlight until they focus on the object at hand - Master Li.
"It is!" he shouts, running closer.
Master Li fared no better than Kor'digh. The red armor plating covering the QiRanger's chest vaporized in the explosion and chunks of the plating covering his arms disintegrated. His Gi has been ripped to shreds and his chest scarred from the intense head. Lacerations abound on his abdomen and the blood has been fried to a crisp.
Dra'isod stands over his oldest enemy, drawing out a single blade. "At last you have fallen."
He holds the sword as a spike and raises it upwards, preparing to drive it through Li's heart.
As the blade comes crashing down, Master Li senses the danger and fires a Qi Strike upwards. The fiery blast of Qi catches Dra'isod unaware and casts the twin headed dragon backwards.
Master Li snaps to feat, despite the intense pain in his body and summons his Twin Flaming Daggers. The oldest of the QiRangers doesn't waste a moment and leaps into the air towards Dra'isod, who still is trying to recover from the Qi Strike. Somersaulting, Li spins his Daggers as if they were spikes and slams them in the inner bases of Dra'isod's necks as he lands.
The flaming blades tear through his flesh and send blood spurting high in the desert air. Dra'isod instantly fell to the ground writhing in pain as the Daggers tore deeper and deeper into his flesh.
Master Li looked up from his kneeling stance and peered out over the dune to see his QiRangers barely keeping up with the Dragon Riders. He reached down and ripped out his weapons and began racing to the QiRangers' aide.
***
"No! No! No!" yelled Bruch'oda, his voice increasing in volume with each syllable uttered until his utterances filled the Throne Room. To make things worse, as his anger grew, Dark Qi began accumulating in the upper rafters of the hall, sending lightening bolts shooting throughout the space. Thunderous claps of energy echoed as Bruch'oda stared into the imaging sphere.
His began glowing red as anger filled his entire being. Slowly he rose to his feet and came to the edge of the top tier. "I will not loose two of my greatest Generals to that human!" he vowed looking at the image of Dra'isod slumped over in the sand, blood spilling onto the Earth.
Clenching his fists tighter, his blood began to boil. Casting his arms out in a crossed pattern, Bruch'oda summoned a small onyx chest with pearl handles.
Xantia gasped as she instantly recognized the container that held the forbidden Ru'dth, while Qual'och grinned with anticipation.
Exercising his control over Qi, Bruch'oda pushed the chest through the air towards Qual'och. The box quickly made its way over the stairs until floated directly in front of the Magician.
Qual'och peered at the chest before him. How he longed to open that box. Every fiber in his body wanted to rip it open and unleash its power. He could taste it. His salivary glands burned as they erupted in his mouth.
"See to it they are torn limb from limb," Bruch'oda booms as the chest slowly opens to reveal a red velvet interior holding a single golden medallion with a six pointed star encased in a circle etched into its center.
Qual'och took a step closer and reached for the medallion.
***
In a private room on the Istanor, Jayde Yee sat quietly in the lotus position. Her eyes closed, she focused her thoughts on her friends, trying to sense where they might be. All the furniture had been removed. Only the carpeted floor and a small cushion for her to sit on remained. The lights were turned down and she surrounded herself with samplings of the five elements. Directly in front of her was a single flame from an oil lamp. To her right was a bowl of soil taken from a plant in her Infirmary room. Behind and to her right was an aluminum rod. A glass bowl filled with water was behind and to her left, while a small plant was on her left.
Jayde no longer wore the hospital gown they treated her in, but gathered her strength to summon her Combat Gi. With each breath she takes Qi into her body and lets her meridians come alive, associating color, sound, and faces with each.
Swirling images appear one after the other- Master Li. Luís. Abeu. Leslie. Seth. "Where are you?" she pleaded in her mind's eye, but remembered what her Qigong Master had told her.
"Do not force what you cannot."
Taking the lesson to heart, Jayde simply let her feelings guide her on the Astral Plane. Slowly a singular vision came into being. It was bright, almost white. White like searing heat. And familiar. It was somewhere she had been, "But where?" she thought.
As the seconds ticked on, details began filling in. First she was able to see five dark figures and then their faces. Her inner smiled brightened, as Jayde knew she had locked onto her friends' imprints. Her breaths continued to channel her being closer to her friends until she could envision herself at their location.
Jayde looked around, trying to make out any landmarks that might lend a clue as to where they might be, but there was nothing. Absolute desolation filled her entire view. Not wanting to give up, she let her body experience the heat and the desolation. Somehow it all felt familiar that's when Luís walked up to her in his armored form, sun gleaming off his darkened visor.
"We are here," he spoke as the Earth emblem glowed on his chest.
Jayde instantly woke from her trance. "That's it!" she cried rising to her feet. "Lights," she commanded and the room instantly filled with illumination. The sudden change caused her almond eyes to squint, but she quickly recovered. Tapping her wrist, she activated her transdermal Comm- link.
"I know where they are," she said walking towards the door.
"Where?" Robert Dwyer responded.
As she approached the door, she tapped the opening mechanism, causing the barrier to retract into the ship's bulkhead. Just outside the door, was a young man in his twenties. He snapped to an alerted state as Jayde exited. "Africa. I'm on my up now."
The Wood QiRanger stopped and looked at the Ensign assigned to her. "Take me to the Bridge."
***
Moments later she stepped off the lift onto the Istanor's Bridge. This was the first time she had even been aboard a starship, let alone its control center and it struck her with some awe.
The Ensign walked out with her, but after receiving a nod from Commander McCulley, he retreated back to the lift and returned to his duties. Captain Lehet, Dwyer, and Staal approached her from the Research Station, where they had been using the ship's sensors to confirm her findings.
"We can't find any trace of their signals," Dwyer began. "Are you sure?
Jayde nodded as her gaze moved from him to the main window. She saw the LEO Station approaching and knew her time to convince them was short. "Yes. I know they're there. Whatever's blocking the signals must be jamming your sensors as well."
"Then how do you propose we find them?" he asked.
"Doesn't this thing have cameras or something?" Jayde asked.
Captain Lehet stepped forward with a scowl on his face. "Surely you don't expect use to look every inch of Africa hoping to see them?"
Jayde began to grow irritated; after all it was they who asked her to find the other QiRangers. "No, I know where they are. I will show you."
"By all means," the Captain answered stepping aside and leading her to the Research Station console. Robert and Gary followed behind closely.
"Captain, we're ready to begin docking procedures," Ensign Moore announced.
"Aye. Hold on a moment," Lehet answered standing over the main Research console. "Okay, Ms. Yee here you have it. The best NASO has to offer." He quickly focused the ships' sensors over Africa and a lifelike image appeared on the display. "Use this joystick to position the camera," he motioned, "Push down to zoom and pull pack to expand."
Jayde nodded and quickly grabbed the device and began moving the image over to a secluded area of the Sahara. She pushed in and the image zoomed until she found all the QiRangers battling Dragon Riders and Shadow Warriors. "There," she said. "I need to be there."
Gary peered over Lehet's shoulder, amazed she was able to find them with such speed and accuracy, "Damn, you're right on."
"Helm, hold position," Lehet ordered.
"What are you going to do?" asked Robert.
Jayce Lehet looked at his friend, "The only thing I can." He walked to his chair and activated his Comm-link. "T-Bay, this is the Captain."
A haggard voice came over the ship's speakers, "McGruff here, Sir."
"Mr. McGruff, teleport to the arms to LEO Station Cargo Hold Delta Nine on the bounce. We've got an emergency."
"Aye-aye," McGruff answered.
"As soon as the teleport is complete, put us in Clarke over the Sahara"
The Helm and Navigation Officers answered in unison, "Aye-aye, sir," and began seeing to their duties.
***
Xantia cried out to her father, "Look!"
The angelic voice took his concentration away from Qual'och, causing the black chest to retreat from his reach. Bruch'oda turned his gaze from the Wizard to the energy sphere and looked at the new images it displayed.
Dismayed, Qual'och tiled his head up to see what incident had robbed him of his chance to receive the ultimate power, at least temporarily.
Displayed in the shimmering orb is Kor'digh, slowly returning to consciousness. The mighty warrior, still stunned form the explosion moments before opens his one good eye and grunts as he tries to push himself up to a seated position.
Bruch'oda smiles, "Good. At least one of them can continue."
Kor'digh finally rose to his feet, after stumbling for a minute. The burnt flecks of flesh peeled away from his embattled body and fresh blood began seeping from his scarred eye.
The trio watched Kor'digh slowly look around him, trying to discover what had taken place since the explosive finale with Master Li. It only takes him a few seconds before his eye finds the pool of blood surrounding Dra'isod.
He rushes to his side and tries propping up his commander. Dra'isod groans in agony, as with every move, more blood is freed from its vessel and sends the Dark Warrior closer to death. Dra'isod's left neck and head are completely limp as he reaches out towards Kor'digh with his arm, trying to grasp hold of life and camaraderie.
Kor'digh takes hold of Dra'isod, trying to ease his suffering, "Who did this to you?"
As blood continues to trickle out of his neck wounds, the wounded Dragon Warrior slowly turns his other head towards Kor'digh. "Li," he barely says as blood bursts from his lips.
Bruch'oda's face shines with excitement. "Qual'och!" he commands, "Bring Dra'isod to the Cavern."
Qual'och bows and extends his arms. White energy dances across the tips of his claws and a moment later, Dra'isod fades out of existence and is no longer seen within the sphere.
With his General gone, Kor'digh rises to his feet and clutches his hands, "Be at piece. I shall avenge you. He looks down to the battle below, seeking out one target in particular. It did not take long for his eye to find it either. Filled with a new purpose, Kor'digh took off racing down the dune.
"Wait!" Bruch'oda called out, his voice crossing over the barrier of the energy sphere causing Kor'digh to come to a halt.
Looking up, Kor'digh tries to understand why he was ordered to stop his attack.
Bruch'oda quickly returned the onyx chest to Qual'och. "See to it he succeeds."
Not sure what his Lord meant, Kor'digh stands in the sand waiting for further instructions.
In the Throne Room, the moment Qual'och had been waiting for was finally upon him. He slowly reached into the onyx chest housing the Ru'dth. Carefully, his twin claws picked up the magical medallion. Bringing it closer to his body, the star emblem began to shimmer with electricity.
Magnificent streaks of power exploded from the medallion's center and engulfed Qual'och, shredding his cloak to threads. As he absorbed the Ru'dth's power, his body began transforming. White energy soaked into his veins, causing them to expand as they traversed his body. Every inch of his body was covered in electrical streaks from the Ru'dth. The increased power began expanding his bones and causing his muscles to ripple with power.
Qual'och stood a meter taller, allowing his new frame to fill out with an impressive muscular build. Gone was the weak cleric schooled it the art of Dark Qi and what stood before Bruch'oda was a formidable magical warrior and master of Qi. Pinkish hews of light shine from Qual'och's eyes, nares, and mouth.
Lifting his head up high, Qual'och relishes the power transferred to his body. The experience was more powerful than he thought possible, but he relished in it completely. His lips widened as a smile etched into his face. "At last," he snarls with a new, imposing voice.
Xantia's eyes widen as she sees her lover grow with power. Her heart leaps with joy as his fondest wish manifests. "Now he can show them all what real power can do. No one will stand in our way!" she thinks.
"Min'u tolyx va!" Qual'och shouts. A torrent of yellow energy explodes from his soul and rises towards the heavens. Lightening bolts shoot out from his hands thunder claps echo in the Throne Room. The energy wave passes harmlessly through the walls of Bruch'oda's Palace.
The energy wave quickly fades and Qual'och collapses to the floor, breathing heavily. "It is done," he announces.
Bruch'oda and Xantia eagerly await the events to unfold in the energy sphere.
***
Jayde stood beside Robert and Gary in the T-Bay. The walls had been sealed and they awaited word from McGruff to begin the teleportation sequence. The three stood ready to assist their friends and bring an end the battle in the Sahara.
"Come on, what's taking so long?" she asked beginning to grow impatient. "Shouldn't we be in orbit already?"
Robert and Gary looked at each other. "She's right, Rob," Gary said. "There's no way that the Istanor couldn't be in range already. Maybe we should see what the hold up is."
The Comm-link on Robert's wrist computer chirped. "Looks like we're going to find out." He tapped the unit and Lehet's voice came over the small speaker.
"We've got a problem," he said.
"What's up?" asked Robert.
"We can't get a lock on the target coordinates. There's some sort of field interfering with our sensors. Without the definitive targeted site, the teleporter won't be able to complete data transfer."
"What are our options?
"The best we can do is get you within a hundred miles."
"Jesus Christ!" Gary exclaimed. "What good will that do?"
Jayde stepped forward and placed her hand on Gary's shoulder. "Plenty. Captain, get us down there and I'll take care of the rest," she said.
"Understood. Standby for teleportation."
***
Seth stood over the latest of his victims. The Water QiRanger continued to slaughter those trying to conquer Earth and the stains on his armor proved it. He quickly withdraws his blade, tearing a chunk of armor free from the dead Shadow Warrior. Out of the periphery of his vision, Seth saw a Dragon Rider preparing to strike.
He dropped to the sand and readied his Qi Saber, but the Dragon Rider just stood there - motionless. "What the hell?" he thought.
Slowly the Dragon Rider began slipping to his knees. It was then he realized what caused the Dragon Rider to stop. Master Li stood behind the Rider, his fists blazing with Fire Qi. Using his power, Li tore through the protective armor plating and scorched the organs. Burning from within, the Dragon Rider died almost instantly.
"Thanks," he said as Master Li lifted Seth to his feet.
"Do not mention it. You will need your strength," Li said as the towering column of yellow energy fell from the sky onto a single figure a couple of hundred meters away.
***
Kor'digh heard the sky thunder and crackle with power. "What?" he questioned as he turned to look towards the oncoming noise. The blinding light of the yellow energy wave surprised him. Unsure what was approaching, Kor'digh raises his arms trying to block out the light by tucking his head into his arms.
It was all for naught.
The powerful wave came crashing down onto Kor'digh. As the Ru'dth's energy engulfed the warrior he screamed in pain. Like Qual'och, the power began coursing through his veins. His wounds instantly healed as he accepted the pain. The energy entered every inch of his soul and began changing everything.
Kor'digh's bones began elongating, stretching his form high above what it used to be. Gone was the feeble flesh that once covered his body - it was replaced by hard, marbled armored skin with winding black and blue veins. He continued to rise as boney spikes began protruding from his forearms and shoulders. His vertebral spines extended through his back, creating a razor- like effect. When the transformation completed, Kor'digh stood seven meters over the desert floor and with but a single purpose - destroy the QiRangers.
Ready for battle he let out a howling cry that caught the attention of everyone on the battlefield. Each of the warriors looked up at the massive warrior before them. Seizing the opportunity, the QiRangers quickly regrouped.
"What the hell is that thing?" Leslie asked Master Li.
Master Li took a deep breath, "Kor'digh."
"But he's so huge," Abeu said.
"What happened?" Leslie asked. She turned away to see the remaining Dragon Riders and Shadow Warriors coming for them.
"I'm not sure," Master Li replied.
The QiRangers broke formation and easily struck down the few Shadow Warriors that attacked, hacking them to shreds. Master Li focused his attacks on the Dragon Riders, throwing his Fire Shurricans at them. Worn down from the previous battles, the Dragon Riders moved too slowly to escape the powerful flaming weapons. When each hit, they exploded into fierce fireballs, killing the Riders.
"What do we do now?" asked Seth, hoping that Master Li had some guidance.
As Kor'digh came running down the dune, stomping through the desert, Master Li simply said, "There's only one thing that could do that." The QiRangers lined up, ready to meet Kor'digh head on. "A power source similar to ours, but held by evil."
"And they can do that?" Abeu gulped.
"Yes," Li responded digging his feet into the sand. "Prepare yourselves. This will be difficult."
***
The QiRangers spread out into a V formation with Master Li at the apex. The eldest of the QiRangers readied his fists, bringing them in front of his chest. As power fueled his body, flame erupted. The QiRangers each took a step forward. Leslie ignited her Qi Saber, its fames crying out for more blood. Seth reformed his Qi Disk and infused it with Water Qi. Abeu stood tall with his bow at the ready and Luís eagerly awaited the chance to pound Kor'digh with his War Hammer.
Kor'digh leapt into the air and somersault several times before landing at the base of the sand dune. He rose to his feet, chortling. "You think you pathetic little humans stood a chance before? Prepare to die!" he yelled unleashing a massive Dark Qi Strike at the QiRangers.
"Break!" Master Li yelled and the five QiRangers darted from harms way. Barely missing its target, the black energy wave destroyed the spot where they had been standing.
The White QiRanger rolled to his feet and drew back his bow. Five energy bolts materialized and were sent hurling towards the massive warrior.
Kor'digh looked down at the oncoming barrage of Metal Qi and laughed. He quickly extended his hand and blocked the bolts from causing any harm. "You're going to have to do better than that," he mused.
Master Li raced forward and channeled Qi into his fists. They each began to burn brightly as he flew into the air towards Kor'digh. Li narrowed his eyes and began to focus on punching through the massive armored creature before him.
Kor'digh quickly spun around and reverse-hook-kicked Master Li mid-air. The resulting blow crushed Master Li abdominal cage and sent the QiRanger flying backwards into the sand. A trail formed as he slowly came to a halt. He coughed up blood while trying to stand. Leslie came to his side as he wiped the red fluid from his mouth. "Come on," he said.
With Kor'digh focusing his attention on Master Li, the Water QiRanger released his Qi Disk. The blue circular blade soared over the desert floor on its way towards Kor'digh's head.
Hearing the turbulence behind him, Kor'digh turned and deflected the Disk with his left forearm spikes. Smiling, he sent out another Dark Qi Strike with his right hand.
Seth hunkered down in the sand and raised his shield to deflect the blast.
Sweat poured down the Water QiRanger's face as the intense heat dissipated on the other side of his Qi Shield. Seth let out a sigh of relief once the energy wave ended, as he was unsure if his shield was going to hold. "Get moving," he told himself, "No use in being a sitting duck."
***
Three shimmering figures materialize under the hot Saharan sky. Jayde Yee, Robert Dwyer, and Gary Staal concluded their transport from the Istanor and now stood in the vast emptiness that is the Great Desert.
"So now what?" Gary asked.
"Stand back," Jayde said clearing room around her. Crossing her arms before her chest, she cried out, "Wood!" and extended her arms outward. Green energy began circulating through her Liver and Gall Bladder Meridians causing them to shine brightly. As the powerful Wood Qi engulfed Jayde, her Gi was replaced by the green armor of the Wood QiRanger.
Robert and Gary turned to one another. "I guess it's our turn," Robert mused.
They each stood ready and fold their arms on top of one another. Their left arms swing outwards, reaching a 45 degree angle, as if reaching for the sky, while their right arms swing out and then are drawn into their chests, clenching their fists. As they do this, their right foots take a half-step backwards. The pair then steps forward while moving their right fists towards their left wrists. As the rings near the wrists the pair yell, "Energize!"
A wrist computer terminal uncloaks on their left wrists. On the palm-side of the unit is a small hole for the activation key stored in the pair's rings. Upon inserting the rings into the lock, the device unleashes an army of black nanobots that consume the pair. Once the transformation is complete, Robert and Gary stand in their Stealth Armor.
"Are you ready?" the QiRanger asked.
From behind his armor, Robert nodded and let out a resounding, "Yes."
"Okay. Hang on," Jayde said moving closer to Robert and Gary. Beneath her helmet, the Wood QiRanger closed her eyes and concentrated on her friends. Calling forth the Wood Qi on the planet, a mist of green energy began circulating around the three friends in the desert.
Robert scans the energy field with his left eye, trying to analyze the substance, but cannot. Each scan returns as "UNKNOWN".
The Wood Qi began whirling around Robert, Gary, and Jayde, spinning faster and faster. The mist formed an energy envelope around them and in an instant they were transported to the epicenter of the battle with Kor'digh.
The trio cast their eyes on the huge warrior facing them.
"What the fuck?" gasped Gary from his armored suit.
"I have no idea," Jayde said, "but it's coming down." The Wood QiRanger began running for Kor'digh and called forth her twin axe blades.
"I second that," Robert muttered and readied a plasma bolt from his right arm. The beam shot out his closed hand and rocketed towards Kor'digh's backside. The blast exploded on his armored skin with little effect.
Feeling the little pin prick, Kor'digh turned and saw the three new additions to the battle as Jayde cruised through the air preparing to strike. Waving his arm, he knocked Jayde aside like a wet rag, his spikes tearing into her armor as she was sent down to the sand.
"I don't know you," he boomed staring at Robert and Gary. "None-the-less, you will die as well," and shot a Dark Qi Strike towards them.
Robert easily evaded the blast, but Gary's armor caught the brunt of the massive energy attack. Casting him aside, the attack overloaded his suit: SYSTEM FAILING appeared on his internal system status display. As he fell into the sand, Gary's Stealth Armor deactivated. He rolled over and picked himself up, scanning for cover.
***
Luís Mendoza saw a green flash hit the sand near him. "Could it be?" he asked himself. Sprinting, raced over to the impact site. As he approached, he saw the familiar armor plating of the Wood QiRanger and yelled, "Jayde!"
She moved slowly, still not fully recovered from the blow she received. Deep gashes covered her torso and trails of blood dripped down her side from where Kor'digh struck her. The Earth QiRanger dropped to his knees above her and began lifting her out of the small hole she was in.
"Are you okay?" he asked.
"I've been better," she responded, slowly coming to full stance. "What is that thing?"
"Someone Master Li was fighting."
"Great," she said looking up as Kor'digh swatted Abeu aside.
***
Seeing that a direct approach was useless, the QiRangers gathered around Master Li. Out of breath and their hopes fading fast, Seth was the first to speak, "Any ideas?"
Master Li looked up. He felt a burning sensation in his chest - something that hadn't occurred in years. The skin on his thorax began bubbling and etching the symbol for Triple Fire. As the three lines completed their vertical trek down his chest, the circle rose to the surface. Red energy began to circulate in the emblem.
Luís and Jayde were the last to join the others. She was quickly greeted with hugs from Leslie and Seth, but their attention was squarely on their leader.
"Yes," Master Li quietly said as the QiRangers emblems began shimmering in their respective colors.
***
Kor'digh looked down at his prey. "How nice of them to gather for me," he thought, allowing a small grin to ease onto his metallic face. He focused his dark power into his hand and sent another Dark Qi Strike towards the QiRangers. The massive energy wave consumed the short distance between the two parties and targeted Master Li specifically.
"Break!" Master Li shouted, looking up just in time to see the swirling mass of negative energy approaching.
The six QiRangers split apart, diving in all directions and escaping the detonation. The powerful wave hit the sand, sending granules flying everywhere. The released energy of the blast soared into the sky, creating a mushrooming effect.
Master Li picked himself up off the ground and began running towards Kor'digh. "Follow me," he yelled to the others as his speed increased. As each foot pounded into the sand, he pushed off with greater force. An intense dive filled his being - he existed for one purpose and one purpose only - to save the Earth and defeat evil. Nothing else mattered.
The other QiRangers took his lead and began chasing after Master Li. To their surprise, they too began increasing their speed. As each second passed, the QiRangers felt stronger, more focused, and committed than ever before.
Li moved at a blinding speed across the desert floor. Streaks of sand popped up from behind his footprints as he sailed onward. The red emblem on his chest began to glow brighter and hum with intense power. Slowly it began consuming him - filling every inch of his body until he was a being of pure Fire Qi.
Each of the QiRangers began undergoing a similar transformation. With each step they became their element. Luís became the embodiment of Earth. Abeu transformed into Metal. Seth formed into a being of solid Water Qi. Jayde became Wood and Leslie joined Master Li as Fire.
Kor'digh tried to close on their position, but the six streaks of energy moved to quickly. He slammed his spikes towards the blue Elemental, but the streaking energy being hopped over the barrier and went on his way with out incident. "Will you not fight me, cowards?" he yelled, becoming more frustrated.
That's when it happened.
Master Li leapt into the sky first, followed by the others. His form quickly shifted into a red energy ball. In the air, the others slowly began merging their energies together. Luís was the first to join Master Li - then Leslie and Seth. Abeu and Jayde quickly followed. As their energy fields began to merge, so did their thoughts, their minds, and their consciousnesses.
Gone were Li, Leslie, Jayde, Abeu, Seth, and Luís. They did not exist anymore. There was but one mind, one thought, and one being formed of the six.
The massive energy ball comprised of all six QiRangers began falling towards the sand. Kor'digh stepped back, not sure what was happening. He planted his back leg into the sand and raised his arms in a defensive posture, his boney spike facing his enemy.
Robert and Gary circled around, trying to gain a flanking position, just in case they were needed. Seeing the transformation taking place, they both realized the battle had escalated far beyond their capabilities.
The ball of energy formed by the QiRangers neared the desert basin and began taking shape. It ceased being a spherical mass and transitioned into humanoid form. It also changed color - from being a swirling vortex of each of the elements to something darker, more refined, and fearsome.
Landing in a cloud of dusty sand, a new figure emerged. It stood seven meters tall and wore sleek, black samurai-styled armor. White cuffs marked the ends of the being's gloves and boots. Engraved in gold onto the chest plate were the symbols of the five elements arranged in the traditional patter, all encircling Triple Fire. A mask covered the face of the new warrior, revealing no features.
Each of the QiRangers now thought and acted as one. They were the Ultimate QiWarrior. Speaking with the overtones of each QiRanger, he fixed his gaze on Kor'digh and announced, "This ends now."
***
Kor'digh raced forward wanting to kill the collective mass of QiRangers. "All in one tidy package," he thought as the gap between the two narrowed.
Not wasting a single moment, the QiWarrior quickly went on the bounce, charging its target.
The two massive warriors came upon each other and instantly locked arms. Neither Kor'digh nor the QiWarrior had an advantage. Both struggled to get leverage, changing their vectors of force by alternating pushing with their legs and upper body.
"Strong for such a bunch of weaklings," Kor'digh muttered as his hands were beginning to be crushed under the strength of the QiWarrior's grasp.
"If you only knew," it said, dropping to the desert floor and pulling Kor'digh on top of him. As Kor'digh's body fell onto the QiWarrior, it thrust its legs into Kor'digh's midsection and tossed the dark warrior overhead.
Kor'digh flies through the air and comes crashing down on his back. QiWarrior quickly snaps to its feet and started running towards its foe. Each step was more distance than any of the QiRangers ever could have cleared on their own. In this combined form, it was like stomping through a miniature sandbox.
The QiWarrior neared Kor'digh and readied to strike.
Tilting his head into the sand, Kor'digh saw QiWarrior pouncing. Rocking his body to the side, he raised his arm spikes and slashed outwards, managing to cut the left shin of QiWarrior. The armored spike ripped apart the QiWarrior's armor. Glimmering fluid began streaking down its led and dripped onto the sand.
Rolling aside, QiWarrior guarded its wound and fell to its knees.
Kor'digh pressed into the sand and pushed himself up. Smiling, he focused on his target. Bringing both his hands together, he called forth his inner Dark Qi and unleashed a powerful blast at the QiWarrior.
The darkened eyes of the QiWarrior dilated as the blast approached. Ignoring the pain in its leg, QiWarrior dodged the blast and began another charge at Kor'digh. The combined form of the QiRangers began releasing a carnal cry, gathering its power and focusing its strength.
Kor'digh stood ready and brought his hands to defend himself as QiWarrior moved in and began unleashing a series of punches. Countless years of training kicked in and he instantly moved with each punch and blocked each jab.
The pair moved in tandem, countering the other's attack while trying to gain the upper hand. Kor'digh snuck in the first blow, raking his spikes across the chest plating of the QiWarrior. The blades managed to slice through the outer layer of its plating, but QiWarrior stepped back before it pierced its flesh.
Not wasting any momentum, QiWarrior spun around, channeling all its power into a reverse roundhouse kick. Its boot landed in the center of Kor'digh's sternum, crushing his ribs. The impact was more than the mammoth warrior thought possible and sent him reeling.
QiWarrior continued on the offensive rapidly punching Kor'digh's broken body. Each blow sent the massive warrior of evil backwards as blood erupted from his shattered flesh. Jumping into the air, QiWarrior spun around again and focused its energy into one last kick.
The shimmering glow of QiWarrior's right boot tore through what remained of Kor'digh's protective shell. Kor'digh's blood splattered over the boot of the QiWarrior as he flew into the air.
QiWarrior buried both its feet into the sand and watched Kor'digh arc through the air. For nearly three seconds Kor'digh sailed in the sky before slamming into the Earth Mystic Door. The magnificent stone edifice broke his flight.
Kor'digh groaned as the last breath was forced from his tired body. Lying in the crease between the door and the desert floor, Kor'digh lookup up as blood began seeping from his eyes. "You haven't beaten me yet, Li," he cried, coughing up blood.
He managed to muster enough strength to get to his feet, but his wits weren't about him. Dazed from the blows and the loss of blood, Kor'digh stood in front of the door.
"Wrong," QiWarrior said in its overtones. Harnessing the power from each of the five elements, the Warrior of Good shot forth an Ultimate Qi Strike. The multicolored wave of Qi rocketed towards Kor'digh.
In what was left of his visual receptors, Kor'digh saw death coming.
The Ultimate Qi Strike engulfed Kor'digh. The warrior screamed as his life began to cease. The blast's sheer power began tearing away at his being until there was nothing left. The Ultimate Qi Strike completed its course and hit the Mystic Door as Kor'digh's body exploded in a massive fireball.
With its power expended, the Ultimate QiWarrior no longer could hold its form and the six QiRangers fell into the sand. They no longer felt invincible, but rather beaten and broken and starved for oxygen. Bruch'oda's remaining forces began closing in, readying their weapons for one final strike.
Leslie gasped for air trying to get to her feet, but every ounce of power had been sucked out of her body when the Ultimate QiWarrior destroyed Kor'digh. She fell into the sand, but her ears heard something new. It wasn't the beating of her heart pounding in her ears - it was something new.
The other QiRangers heard it too and focused their eyes on the source of the new disturbance. Surprisingly, it was the Earth Mystic Door. No longer was it teaming with yellow Earth Qi, but with the collective pure energy of all six QiRangers. The loud sounds continued, growing louder and louder. Even the Dragon Riders ceased their advance and looked on.
"Can it be?" Master Li ask as the final tumbler fell and the Earth Mystic Door closed. With gateway sealed a powerful shockwave was unleashed like an umbrella for 100 miles from the door. The Dragon Riders were instantly vaporized, their bodies cast into dust.
Robert and Gary ran towards their friends ready to assist in any way possible.
***
Qual'och fell to the ground as the power from the Ru'dth was ripped from his body. The golden medallion slipped out of his hand as he returned to his weakened form. Propping himself up on his hands and knees, yellow blood poured from his eyes and nose. He reaches for the Ru'dth, but just as he's about to take it into his hand, it vanishes.
Bruch'oda glares down at the stricken Wizard. Each breath fuels his anger, his rage, his disdain. Yelling, the Master strikes Qual'och down with Dark Qi.
Too weak to block the attack, Qual'och screamed in agony while his body was tormented.
"Father, no!" Xantia cried trying to stop him, but he simply tossed her aside.
Skidding along the floor, her eyes narrowed and honed in on her father. "Please father, I love him!"
Bruch'oda stopped the attack and looked at his daughter. It was if a knife had been stuck in his heart. He said nothing and walked passed Xantia, leaving her with Qual'och, the failure.
With her father gone, Xantia raced down the steps to Qual'och. Wounds covered his body and blood continued to flow. She cradled him in his arms, trying to sooth him. "It will be all right. I know what to do."
***
End of Episode 3 - Brave New World
***
The QiRangers, Michael Chen, Robert Dwyer, and Gary Staal materialized in the teleportation bay of the NASO Spacecraft Istanor. The "T-bay," as it is referred to among crewmembers, is a small rectangular room with bright white walls. Located on the ceiling and floor are matching blue teleportation units that match those in traditional pods. There are no features on the wall and their plating appears seamless.
Luís stands still as the final remnants of the transition solidify around him. The low hum of the Istanor's teleporter fades and the blue endplates dim. The Mexican quickly diverts his eyes to where Jayde was laying in the Great Vault. He breathes a sigh of relief when he realizes that he and all the others were taken together.
Robert looks over everyone with his enhanced eye, "Is everyone all right?"
Master Li looks at the tall African-American as Seth and Abeu come to his side. "I wasn't aware that NASO had developed new teleporters that no longer needed site-to-site links."
"Neither had I," Seth adds joining Li.
"It's still relatively new, but tests have been concluded," Abeu mentions before Robert can answer. A slight grin eases onto the youth's face. Long ago he had discovered many of the research projects NASO had been working on, but had been sworn to secrecy.
A bit upset that the young Jacker is aware of this highly classified information, Robert raises his voice and brings a scowl to his face, "Just how is it you know all this?"
Abeu realizes he shouldn't have said anything, but couldn't help himself. "I got bored. I wanted to see how good NASO's security checks were. I let General Abbey know all the faults. He swore me keep it quiet, but I really don't see the point of that now, since we're all here."
Abeu sheepishly grins and shrugs his shoulders.
A large clunk is heard before a motor's whine, signaling to the group that a door's lock had been disengaged. Seth's eyes dart around, trying to figure out which of the four walls will be opening. The group tears their attention away from one another to the wall opening before them opposite of Jayde. "Gary, get ready to move," Robert commands and Dr. Staal and Dr. Chen prepare Jayde for transfer.
The opening continues, but reveals nothing in this high tech room. The darkness behind the opening is overpowered by the T-Bay's bright lights. Four figures quickly step through the opening. Two North American women and an Asian man wear white jumpsuits, while the fourth wears a black jumpsuit with red markings above the breasts that form a "V" between the pectoral muscles. The red area extends past the shoulders, down the arms to the elbows.
"Help the Doctor," the man in red and black orders and the three in white comply.
Robert walks over to the approaching man, "Good to see you, Captain." He extends his hand and the Captain accepts it.
"I wish it was under better circumstances, Rob," the man answers.
The crewmembers in white unfold magnetic field gurney and assist the visiting doctors in transferring Jayde from the floor to a more mobile location. Carefully, they lift the wounded QiRanger off the deck plating onto the magnetic carrier. Jayde's added weight drops the device a few inches, but the counter force easily compensations. "We'll be in the Infirmary," Gary says as they start pushing the Wood QiRanger out of the room. Mike follows and the six men and women exit.
"Right," Robert says. The other QiRangers gather around Dwyer and their new host. "Please let me introduce Captain Jayce Lehet, commander of the Istanor."
Lehet is a Caucasian male in his early 40s. He is physically fit, although a few graying hairs appear at his temples and in his beard stubble. "Welcome aboard," he says. "If you'll all come with me, we'll be docking with LEO Station within the hour and General Abbey wants an update."
Still dumbfounded, the Earth QiRanger remains still as the others follow Master Li's lead and join Robert and Lehet as they begin walking towards the door. "Would someone mind filling me in?" Luís asks as the group exits the T-Bay.
***
The Istanor is a large multi-deck spacecraft constructed by the North American Security Organization. Comprised of over twenty deck and nearly two kilometers in length, it is the first craft of its kind. To speed internal transport among the crew, several small cylindrical tubes were seeded into the craft. The crew step into lifts and are able to program their destinations between locations. Like the old subway systems of Earth, the lifts are often crowded.
Captain Lehet exits the lift first onto the Istanor's Bridge, followed by others. The vessel's Bridge is triangular in design and hums with soft power. A half dozen displays and control consoles rest against the lateral walls or are nested into sleek seated stations. Three aft doorways grant access to the command center of the Istanor. Port and starboard lifts and a single door aft to a private war room. A large window wraps around the Bridge connecting the metal tube containing humans to the vacuum outside. Below the window's central area is a large viewing screen displaying the ship's course and speed. A pair of stations area seated in the forward section of the Bridge with a single raised seat flanked by consoles placed behind them. This central chair is different than the rest. It's sleeker and the metal accents are cushioned by black padded leather while the others are clothbound. Two men sit at these forward stations, intent on performing their duties. They also wear uniforms similar to Lehet's. Along the Bridge's other stations, a man or woman actively adheres to their roles aboard the ship.
"But the COG forbid development of strategic space weapons," Seth said confused as he exited the lift.
Lehet smiled. "Hence the Istanor," the Captain countered. "Originally this vessel was designed for deep space mission, but later refined as stability in the East declined. In space there are no rules," he offers.
"Captain on the Bridge," a bald, older officer announces to the group's left. The man in his sixties rises from his console and walks towards his Captain.
"As you were," Lehet announces walking to the center of the Bridge's rear area.
"How did NASO get away with this? It's not like you can just build a secret spaceship," Seth says. The NASO handler continues looking over the Bridge, trying to fathom the skill needed to build such a craft without anyone aware. He knows that secret weapons facilities are not new - he recalls the most famous one that was under everyone's nose in Nevada - but in this era, with all its surveillance, how can something this large be kept secret. Surely someone must have seen its launch.
"Well, actually you can," Abeu quietly mutters, again showing that he's learned the entire history.
Lehet and Dwyer look at the youth. "One of these days, your intelligence is going to get you into trouble," Robert poignantly says to the youth.
"I think it already has," Abeu says silently.
"Commander, what's our status?" Lehet asks.
The tall Caucasian male that announced their presence responds, "We're currently underway. Approximately 30 minutes before docking sequence."
"Good," Lehet says. "NASO thought just as I'm sure you're doing right now," motioning to Seth, "that if you build a space ship, someone's going to notice. Once the optical refractors were perfected and embedded into the Stealth Armor program, a larger project was undertaken. Using the same technology, they constructed a fabrication plant at L5."
Leslie stepped forward. "But the COG and LEO agreed to keep L5 unsettled. Why did the NAU just bypass their wishes?"
Captain Lehet turned his attention to the young Asian, "I can't answer that. They simply did."
Sensing that the group could quickly loose focus and begin a political discussion, Master Li interjected. "I've noticed that there's no rotational force to the ship," Master Li quietly says.
Lehet smiles, "Yes. One of the new advancements is gravimetric generators to simulate gravity. This allows us to have a more traditional cylindrical shape - perfect for space and atmospheric deployment." The Captain pauses for a moment and turns his attention to a young man seated on the left, "Open a channel to General Abbey."
The crewmember answers, "Aye, sir. Channel open."
A beep is heard before a holographic image of General Abbey appears in the fore area of the Bridge between the window and the twin stations. The transparent image is about twice the size of what Abbey normally appears as. "Lehet were you able to retrieve them?"
"Yes, General. They're right here," he answers motioning to the communications officer to widen the transmission feed.
Abbey looks through the holographic projection, "I'm glad you made it out, Rob. Where's Dr. Staal?"
Robert steps forward, "One of our new friends was injured. He's seeing to her wounds."
"I want you all ready for debriefing when you dock at LEO. Mario Tarazi has all the world leaders and their security advisors ready for your report."
Robert begins, "I'm not sure what I can give them, sir. We were thoroughly trounced back at HQ."
Abbey's nostrils flare, "I'm sure the Asian can enlighten us. After all, that's what was claimed."
Robert glances at Master Li, "What's the Earth's status?"
Abbey's face turns sour, "I've never seen anything like it. Virtually all habitats have been conquered."
Everyone on the Bridge of the Istanor gasped; with the exception of Master Li. Luís' eyes begin to tear as the forward monitor begins showing signs of Earth's destruction. "How widespread is it?" Luís asks.
Abbey's face deepens, "Worldwide. Not one country escaped."
Luís' face drops even more. He had always planned on traveling the world some day. Now all the wonders he wanted to see are gone. As he watches the monitor before him, all he can think about is the loss of life among the smoldering ruins.
General Abbey looks to sternly at the men and women on the Istanor Bridge, "Be prepared to share all your information Mister Li. We'll be planning our counter attack on your intelligence. Abbey out," the General pauses a moment before his image fades.
Robert turns to Master Li, "I hope you have an idea."
***
Dra'isod kneeled before the grand staircase in the Throne Room of Bruch'oda's Fortress. The venerable warrior bowed before his lord and master, closing his eyes with respect. "It is done," he thinks to himself. "The Earth is ours for the taking. No one can stop us now," he concludes. Taking a deep breath, he slowly rises to his feet and looks up at Bruch'oda perched on the edge of his mighty chair.
Gone are the amassed armies of Shadow Warriors that crowded the hall hours before. Now only Bruch'oda, Xantia, Qual'och, X-Bot, and he remained. As always, the fair Xantia stood by her father, guarding her inner most thoughts, but it had always been clear to Dra'isod where her loyalties laid. The Wizard stood to Dra'isod's left, calm and distant.
"What news do you bring me, Dra'isod?" Bruch'oda booms from above.
A wicked smile creases the left fanged mouth as the other speaks. "The humans are all but extinct. Your armies have overrun their cities and demolished their armies. There is little they can do, but die."
Bruch'oda rises from his seat and slowly walks down the stairs as Xantia positions herself behind the throne. As the Evil One reaches Dra'isod, he beings staring into eyes of the dragon's head that spoke. "Really. And what of the QiRangers?"
Dra'isod remains silent, knowing that in this one aspect, he's failed his mission.
"Where is Master Li's head?" Bruch'oda asks.
The dual dragon heads arc up and turn to follow Bruch'oda as he circles, "We're still looking for them. After the initial battle, they retreated and we've been unable to locate them."
"That's because," Qual'och quickly added, "they're no longer here." A glimmer shines in the Wizard's eye, beamed directly at Dra'isod. The intent was clear - a stab at the General to let him know that there were still things he knew nothing about and this was a simple jab at his leadership.
Dra'isod's eyes narrowed and filled with disgust. "Hare dare he withhold information!" he thought.
"Then where are they?" inquired Bruch'oda.
"They've left the planet."
"I doubt they'd abandon something they've sworn to protect," Dra'isod stated.
"Correct. Our new friend," Qual'och says, pointing to X-Bot, "informs me that the humans have mastered the art of off planet residence."
"Explain," Bruch'oda says with a puzzled look.
Qual'och motions to the X-Bot. Stepping forward, X-Bot's central panel depresses and then slides away revealing a holographic projector. "In the late twenty-first century, man began settling space," it says using Jeffery's perfect English accent. The project begins glowing and provides an image of the LEO Station under construction. Astronauts and robotic construction crews link scaffolds to build the Station's foundation. "Once the initial facility was complete, more were built."
The image changes to show the L4 facility and then fades to the Lunar Colony. Bruch'oda walks around the hologram stroking his scaly chin. "How many can survive up there?" he asks.
X-Bot pauses before answering, "Roughly one million can inhabit the three facilities. The Lunar Colony, of course, holds the majority. It is reasonable to assume that many humans may have entered the teleportation stream to one of these locations."
"But what of the QiRangers," Dra'isod asks while his other head breathes a light steam towards Qual'och.
"Recent C-Net transmissions," X-Bot begins, "indicate that a team of humans were rescued from the planet and taken aboard a NASO ship."
Bruch'oda quickly turns to Qual'och for clarification.
"I could sense their presence on the Earth, but then something grabbed them. From what I've learned, the humans have created artificial means to teleport from one location to another. That's the only way I can explain the QiRangers' sudden disappearance from my view."
Bruch'oda huffs, sending chills down Qual'och's spine. "Very well. Destroy the mechanical contraptions, Wizard." The warlord turns his back on the cleric and begins his ascent to his throne.
X-Bot ceases the display and replaces his torso.
"I cannot," Qual'och states.
Refusal of an order is something Bruch'oda takes exception to. The Evil One quickly turns to face the purple robed cleric. "What?"
"Without the access to the Ru'dth," he says and a look of shock and concern washes over Xantia's face, unable to hide her fear, "it will take some time for me to gather my strength and have enough power to accomplish what you ask. The bridging of the Shadow Realm depleted me."
Bruch'oda thinks for a moment, looking at the Wizard. "Can he be trusted?" he thinks. The conqueror of Earth turns away and resumes his climb as everyone looks on in silence. "That power has been locked away for eons. All that have possessed it have gone mad and ruined civilizations. Is it worth the risk?" he asks himself securing his throne. "If we wait, will the QiRangers strike and take away all that I strive for?"
Leaning back, Bruch'oda makes his decision, "No. That is not a risk I am willing to take."
Qual'och bows, accepting his master's wishes. "However, if the time comes, you will use it to our advantage," Bruch'oda adds brining a smile to the Wizard while concern mounts in Xantia and Dra'isod.
***
Unlike other ships that traveled between Earth and the Moon, the Istanor was equipped with a complete Infirmary rather than just a triage area for crew. Nestled deep within the central portion of the ship's primary hull, the healing facilities were a stark contrast to the white-walled hallways and public areas. The designers knew that perception affects health, so they took time to soften the light and paint the walls a pleasing taupe.
The Infirmary itself was divided into several areas. One served for emergency and triage and was designated as such by a large plaque on the wall. Several portable monitors stood next to two SmartBeds. These devices were quite common in hospitals and revolutionized care in the late 21st Century. Each bed contained sensors that could accurately monitor the patient's vital signs and overall health. The information was then fed to a large black display mounted on the wall behind the bed. The multicolored display made it easy for caregivers to immediately identify the status of their patients. Recent developments also incorporated Somatic Imaging into the SmartBeds, allowing physicians and staff to examine patients on the cellular level.
The Infirmary also housed a Therapy Room, complete with diagnostic equipment. Should any of the crew become injured in flight and need rehabilitative care, treatments would be given here. Two SmartBeds were placed here so that staff could monitor the contractile strength on muscles and connective tissue.
The Chief Medical Officer's working office is located in the Infirmary, but has been left vacant. Since the Istanor was not scheduled to be underway, the position had not been assigned and the office not cleared. Dr. Staal has moved a few items into the small office, and despite the cramped feeling, has made himself home. Gary carefully observes data being fed from a SmartBed a few doors down on his computer pad. He sits on a portable exam stool that uses magnetic fields to provide support. He rests his forearms on the cluttered desk before him. A steaming cup of coffee sits on a heat source, keeping it warm. "Festinating," he says quietly.
The remainder of the Infirmary is divided into a dozen private rooms - each one identical. The only difference is that one of these rooms actually has a patient in them today. Each is equipped with a SmartBed, exam chair, and portable stools, similar to what's in the CMO's office.
The room where Jayde rests not only has her, but Seth Goldman and Michael Chen as well. Both have a fresh set of clothes on and their wounds treated. The dirt and grime from Beiging has been washed away from Mike, while the abrasions Seth received covered with NewSkin. Seth clears his mind, allowing only a single thought to enter - that of water. With each breath, he feels his Water Qi grow. As he exhales he softly makes the "whoooo" sound for water, enabling him to grow stronger. Goldman sits on the standard exam chair, covered with cotton fitted to a set of aluminum feet. As he continues to build and exude his Water Qi, Seth turns his attention to his teammate.
The Wood QiRanger lies in the SmartBed, only a few feet away from Seth. Still unconscious, Jayde's unaware that the team has left Earth, that she's on a spaceship, and that she is not alone. Jayde's Gi has been stripped and she rests under a soft white sheet. Green, red, blue, and yellow markers streak across the display above her. Dr. Chen monitors her progress as he oversees Jayde's care.
Michael walks around the SmartBed and positions himself at the foot of the bed. He uncovers the QiRanger's feet and begins assessing the Liver Meridian at her great toe. After a moment, he walks to Jayde's left and checks her pulses in her wrist. Using varying pressure, he assesses the Liver and Gall Bladder pulses. "Still weak and thready," he thinks. Situated on a small shelf next to the SmartBed are three flowering plants. Mike closes his eyes and concentrates on the Wood Qi within them. "OK Seth, now," he instructs as he returns to Jayde's feet.
Seth extends his hands, joining his thumbs and index fingers, creating a diamond shape. Concentrating, Seth sends his gathered Water Qi into Jayde's fallen body. Blue energy waves oscillate from his hands and wash over Jayde. The water energy begins feeding her latent wood energy, enabling Jayde to heal faster.
Mike pinches the innermost portion of Jayde's great toenail, site of Liver 1. Mike consciously draws Wood Qi in from his surroundings through his mind's eye as he inhales. As he exhales, he pushes the energy through his arms and out his hands into Jayde Liver Meridian. The plants begin glowing green and transmit faint energy to Mike. The doctor continues filling Jayde with much needed Wood Qi as her wounds begin healing - a large gash on her shoulder is reabsorbed and her vital signs begin normalizing.
"Just a little more," Mike says moving away from the Liver Meridian. He moves towards the head of the bed and accesses the Gall Bladder Meridian at the outside corner of her eye. Using more Wood Qi from the plants, Mike infuses Jayde's body with additional energy.
Jayde takes in a large breath, surprising Seth and breaking his concentration. "Could it be?" he thinks. "Is she OK?" Seth eagerly asks Mike.
Mike removes his hand and breaks the link with the plants. He looks up at the data on the screen, carefully making sure he doesn't presume too much. "It looks like she's out of the woods, but I'd feel better about things if she would come out of the coma."
A wave of relief comes over Seth and he sinks into the chair. "Thank you," he says though heavy breaths.
Mike turns to look to him as footsteps approach, "No need to. You did as much, if not more work than me. We did this together, but her health is her hands now."
Gary walks into the room puts his hand on Mike's shoulder. "I wish I understood your medicine more. I can't explain it, but what ever you did worked."
Mike turns, "If things ever settle down, I'd be happy to show you some more," he says with a grin. The two doctors continue to look at Jayde's vitals on the display, making sure that nothing is missed.
"So now what?" Seth says rising from his chair.
"We wait," Gary answers, not taking his gaze off the screen.
"There's little more we can do. She's stabilized and her body is on the road to recovery, but only she can come out of the coma. She'll do that when she's ready." Mike adds.
For someone he just met, Seth felt a strong bond to Jayde. Maybe it was the new powers that he had or maybe it was that every human life was just a little more precious since the war began. Regardless, he felt much better knowing that Jayde was on her way to recovery.
Additional footsteps are heard outside the room. Mike turns around to see the other QiRangers approaching. "Good," he says.
Leslie is first to enter, carrying a small fern. She's followed by Abeu and Luís, who each have bamboo plants. The three QiRangers stand just inside the doorway, "This is it. All we could find on board," Leslie says.
Seth can't control is joy and a smile graces his face.
"What are you smiling about," Luís asks.
Gary and Mike reach out to take the plants from the QiRangers. Taking them into their hands, Mike begins overseeing their placement in the room. "She's stabilized. I hope it's only a matter of time before she wakes," Mike responds. The two doctors place the bamboo near the foot of the bed while Gary hands the fern to Seth to set near Jayde's head.
"Are you sure?" Luís asks, not wanting to get his hope up too high.
"Yes," Gary confirms.
The QiRangers all rejoice with a sigh of relief and smiles. Tears begin forming in Luís' eyes as he lets go of the burden he's been carrying. The feeling is so powerful, that his legs go weak and he falls back against the room's walls. Leslie reacts quickly and steadies the Earth QiRanger.
"Take it easy," she says.
Luis feigns a smile and nods.
"Anyone heard from Master Li or Rob?" Abeu asks.
"For such a bright kid, he really doesn't have much tact," Seth thought as the conversation quickly turned. "No," Seth replied. "Perhaps we should take this conversation out of here and let Jayde rest."
"Excellent idea," Gary added.
***
The QiRangers sit around Mario Tarazi's desk at LEO Security Operations. Abeu's the lone exception as he stands looking at a live video feed of Earth. All the QiRangers' attention is fixated on the display. Slowly the image pans over what was New York City. Miles and miles of rubble stretch from the sea inland. Smoke and ash fill the night's sky with a blood-red glow while Bruch'oda's forces rummage through the remains.
"This makes me sick," Seth says turning his gaze away from the monitor.
Abeu enters a command on Tarazi's desk and the image sifts to Mexico City. While the geographic location has changed, the destruction hasn't. The once great city lies in ruins with troops surrounding what little remains. Deep within Luís' gut a pain grows as he sees his home destroyed. So many lives lost, so needlessly, the Mexican can't comprehend why anyone would have such hatred to cause so much harm. The pain is so great, he can no longer look at the screen and gets up from his seat and turns his back. "How long has it been?" he asks.
Leslie looks at the clock - 22:43 it reads. "Six hours," she says devoid of emotion.
Seth hits the arm of his chair and bolts up. "I can't just sit here any longer. I want to throttle them," his voice full of rage.
Leslie stands and faces her teammate. "To what end? They outnumber us."
"So what," Luís jumps in.
"If we go down there, we'll just be added to the carnage. Unless there's some sort of plan, it would serve no purpose," the Fire QiRanger concludes.
"I know, but to just sit here! We've got to do something!" Seth utters with a slightly elevated voice.
Before Leslie could respond, the door to the office opens and Master Li, Rob, and Tarazi enter. The three men show signs of fatigue and deep concern hidden deep in their eyes. "Get ready to move out," Rob says sternly. "We're going to take back our home staring in an hour."
"What about Jayde?" Abeu asks.
"We will have to do this without her," Master Li consoles.
Robert looks at the QiRangers, hoping they can pull together as a team, even one member short, and get a foothold down below. "Meet on the Istanor in thirty minutes for mission briefing."
"What do we do until then?" Seth asks, shrugging his shoulders.
"Meditate. Build your Qi. We will need it," Master Li offers as he exits.
***
Luís Mendoza was the last to arrive in the Istanor's War Room. The other QiRangers sat quietly at the large oak conference table placed in the center of this small room. Like he, the others had spent much of the past thirty minutes meditating and practicing Qigong to build their inner strength. The efforts showed, as all five QiRangers appeared refreshed and ready for the task at hand. Gone were the cuts they received earlier and the deep purple bruises had almost vanished.
Unlike the others, Luís took a side trip to the Infirmary to check on Jayde before he rode the lift to the Bridge. Unfortunately, there was no change in her condition and she still lay unconscious. Luís felt a little assured, since Dr. Chen was staying behind to watch over her.
The Earth QiRanger took the last seat at the conference table, which just happen to be sandwiched between Master Li and Abeu Basbakar. The seats each had tall backs and were covered in brown suede. Mendoza's body slips into the seat and the cushion conforms to his body. "Where are they?" he asked. He was so worried about being late; Luís never took a moment to look around the War Room.
"They should be here in a moment or two," Master Li responded, allowing Mendoza the opportunity to review his surroundings.
The War Room behind the Istanor's bridge was small and rectangular. There was barely enough room for the QiRangers to sit at the table and have a small walkway behind them. Overhead a small portal shows the LEO Station fading into the distance. As with other areas of the ship, the walls are painted in a metallic white and two displays are mounted on opposite ends.
Each of the QiRangers looked nervously around at one another, with the exception of Master Li. The eldest and original member of the team sat quietly, preparing for the mission. He was privy to what was about to take place, and while he knew it was a necessity, was not comfortable with the risks that were about to be taken. Li's thoughts were broken when the War Room's doors slid open again. Robert Dwyer entered, dress in gray combat fatigues. He was quickly followed by Gary Staal.
"Master Li has assured me that you're all up to the challenge before us," Robert begins with a cold, deadpanned expression. "Over the past few hours things have deteriorated beyond what we imagined. Any hope of trying to gain hold of a major facility was crushed as we looked over the incoming feeds form LEO Station."
"Do you have any good news to share, Rob" Seth asks.
The tall, dark NASO Operative looks at his teammate, "Actually I do. Thanks to Master Li's description what's transpired in the past, they reluctantly agreed to solidify the COG into the new governing body of Earth. Not that they had much choice. In any case, our first order of business is to collect arms for the new Earth Militia being formed on LEO, Luna, and L4."
"Militia?" Leslie asked.
Master Li turned to the Fire QiRanger. "Yes. Each of the governments realizes that only together can we secure a foothold on Earth and seal the Mystic Doors. An enormous out pouring of requests has been received to help in any way possible."
"Right," Robert continues, "Unfortunately, LEO doesn't have the weapons needed to really put forth the needed assault, which is where we come in."
Dwyer reaches into his pocket and retrieves a small handheld remote. Pressing the main button dims the room's lighting and activates the table's central section. The surface splits and reveals a holographic generator. Power hums through the device and an image of Earth appears.
"LEO Security Forces are currently screening those aboard and beginning rudimentary combat training drills. What we need is to secure weapons for them." The display begins rotating and zooms in on the North American Union. A bright dot appears in the southwest. "Outside Phoenix NASO had an R and D lab deep within the Superstition Mountains. While we've lost contact with base, we hope that the lower levels are still in tact. The weapons stores were housed there."
The image shifted to the European Union and a similar dot appeared near Berlin. "Likewise the EU's weapons development site went dark after the first attacks." We'll split into two teams and enter each facility. Master Li, Gary, and I will take the NASO plant, while the rest of you will set the targets in Europe."
Abeu raised his hand timidly, "Why can't we just teleport the weapons out? The Istanor doesn't need a pod at the other end. And what about L5?" The young Metal QiRanger quickly looked around at his peers, making sure his questions weren't off-the-mark.
"If only it were that simple," Robert answered. "The teleporters on board lock onto specific frequencies in C-Net enabled devices," he said while pointing to his wrist computer. "We can enter these facilities, but to get the weapons out, we'll need to place target enhancers for the sensors to lock onto."
"How can you be sure," Leslie asked, "that the bases' are structurally sound?"
"L5 was a ship building facility. Unfortunately, there's little we can use there. However, the Istanor will be able to provide support from above when the time comes," Robert says.
He pressed another button on the control pad, ending the presentation. The table and room reverted back to normal. "We'll scan the area from above using EM arrays. If it's a no go, then we'll abort. Each of you will be assigned a targeting computer for deployment. In addition, you'll be outfitted with a transdermal communicator so Captain Lehet can track your movements. The devices will also tie you into the C-Net and allow open lines of communication."
"Once we've retrieved the caches, we'll return to LEO," Robert concludes.
"What about the Mystic Doors?" Luís asks.
"The time will come soon enough," Master Li utters. "Bruch'oda's forces are far stronger than last time. We must make sure we present a force strong enough to not only take the door, but hold it."
A boatswain's whistle is heard over the ship's speakers. Lehet's voice is then heard, "We're in position. Team One report to the T-Bay."
"Showtime," Gary says as he walks out.
***
Three glowing figures slowly materialized in the lower levels of the NASO Research Facility designated "Dutchman's Mine." The men completed the transition from the Teleportation Bay aboard the Istanor to the dark and powerless room they now reside.
"Great," Gary said in the pitch dark mess he stood in. Taking only a few steps to his side, Dr. Staal bumps into a hard object. The skin around his thigh automatically hardens as he shakes his head from side to side. "Really, we've got to do something here."
A smile passed over Robert's face. While Gary was ill equipped to see in the dark, his optical enhancements made it quite easy. "Lehet, we're good down here."
"Acknowledged," the Captain responded through Robert's Comm-link.
"You could just use your armor, you know," rob said to Gary.
Gary readied his computer pad for activation when a warm red light filled the room. Turning to his right, he saw Master Li's hands filled with red energy that shone throughout the room they had just entered. "That will not be necessary," the QiRanger said.
"Full of tricks you are, old man," Gary responded with a smile.
Each of the men wore black canvass backpacks containing the Target Enhancers. With the added light, they could easily survey their surroundings. Each if their eyes scoured the room, trying to make sense of it. Support beams had fallen through the upper levels, crushing floor plating and computer terminals. Little remained intact as the trio began making their way through the remnants of the facility.
The Fire QiRanger smiled and walked towards Robert. "Shall we continue with the mission?"
Robert looked at the old man trying understand his power. The sensors read off the scale and blurred his imaging software. "Yes, let's get in and out."
***
Deep in his meditation, Qual'och focused on rebuilding his power. Pure energy from the cosmos entered his body, slowly recharging his being when a sudden realization came bursting through to his consciousness.
"They're back!" he shouts as his eyes flash open. An evil grin slides across his lips. The old Wizard rises from his seated position allowing his robes to fall around him. Qual'och's room in the castle is expansive and lit with numerous gemstones filled with energy. Like the Great Vault, this room's light intensifies as the Wizard approaches the gemstones.
For 5000 years, Qual'och has spent most of his time here. Every inch of the room is cluttered with bookcases and tables filled with binders and maps. Rather than sleeping on a comfortable bed, the Wizard meditates on a soft cushioned mattress positioned next to an ornate shrine on the far wall. Since their banishment, the pale Mystic studied the powers of the Five Elements, the Mystic Doors, and the hidden powers of the universe hoping that one day he would serve his Lord far more than the armies could.
"I must alert Bruch'oda," he coldly says. Qual'och quickly leaves his room and the light fades as darkness falls.
***
Seth, Abeu, Luís, and Leslie walked down a darkened corridor deep within the EU Research Base. Like the others, each wears a dark backpack containing their targeting computers. Each QiRanger holds a light stick in their hand as they sift through the dilapidated structure.
The QiRangers fan out in a "V" formation, sifting through debris as they make their way to a set of steel doors. Seth and Luís each set their light stick on the dusty floor and grabbed hold of a beam that crossed their path. "This should be it," Abeu said looking at his wrist top computer.
The two men bend deep in their knees and wrap their arms around the structure. Seth's breath kicks up minute dust clouds with each exhalation. They grunt and groan focusing power in their legs. The skin in their fingers grows pale as the force from the support presses into their hands as they lift it off the ground. Slowly they remove the obstacle from their path, leaving doorway clear.
Seth bends over, resting his hands on his knees. Luís does the same as they pant in unison. "What about the door?" Seth asks.
Abeu quietly walks up to the dull steel door and places his hands against the cold metallic surface. Wiping away the dirt from the door seams, Abeu analyzes the structure. "That shouldn't be too hard." The young QiRanger takes few steps backwards. "You'd better clear back," he says.
"Just what do you have in mind?" Leslie asks.
"Just watch," Abeu replies, closing his eyes and stretching out his arms. White energy collects at his hands. Taking deep breaths, the Metal QiRanger focuses his mind on the large doors before him.
The massive slabs of steel begin shaking as the white energy transfers from Abeu's hands to the steel frames. The Metal Qi slowly begins pushing the doors apart, causing a warbling sounds to permeate the hall. Sweat begins beading on his forehead and while his arms struggle to move the door apart.
After a minute of focus, Abeu falls to one knee, sweat covering his body. When he looks up he sees the doorway open and his fellow QiRangers standing around him. Seth extends a hand down to him, which he readily accepts. His former handler pulls him to his feet, "Good work."
"Now let's finish this," Leslie says walking past the doors.
***
In the bowels of Bruch'oda's fortress is an endless catacomb of corridors. Barely lit, except with the trace energy in gemstones, very few possess the courage to venture into these halls, the darkest abyss of evil. Qual'och quickly maneuvers through the darkened hallways. His purple cloak flowed past him with each advancing step.
The catacomb's walls were carved out of the blackest of granite native to Earth and the Shadow Realm. Its edges were left rough giving great texture and depth as they arched up from the dusty floor and arced overhead. Gemstones were placed in sconces ever few hundred meters, creating pockets of darkness between them.
The Sorcerer's eyes darted in front, making sure he was taking the right route. As he neared the next junction, he sensed something. something not right. someone was there. Qual'och came to a halt and peered into the darkness while drawing upon his senses to expose the hidden threat. Slowly the figure came into view. Nestled against the wall was a large figure resting in the dark space created by the absence of emitted light.
Qual'och moved forward, preparing himself for what may come. That's when he saw it. Two blood-red eyes pierced through the darkness followed by two more ice-cold blue orbs of sight. "Dra'isod," he thinks to himself.
Realizing that the supreme leader of Bruch'oda's military forces stands before him, Qual'och drew more energy from his surrounding causing the gemstones to dim. The ensuing darkness highlighted Dra'isod's even more and from his vantage point, Qual'och could see soft streams of steam sliding past the eyes in the distance. Gathering his strength, Qual'och resumed his course, keeping his eyes on Dra'isod.
With each step, more light entered that area of the catacomb, finally casting definitive illumination on the dual headed Dragon Warrior. Neither spoke, but before Qual'och could pass Dra'isod, he lifted his darkened blade and held it outstretch, blocking the corridor, preventing Qual'och from passing. As the tip of Dra'isod's sword rested on the opposite wall, it slow dug into the granite under his impressive force.
"Just where do you think you're going, Wizard," the icy cold breath of Dra'isod's Ice Dragon said, sending chilled air over Qual'och.
Not flinching, Qual'och turned his head slowly to Dra'isod's Fire Dragon head and looked it squarely in the eyes. "That is none of your concern. I don't answer to you."
Leaning in, Dra'isod arched his necks so that each head was placed on either side of Qual'och, "Last time I checked, I didn't care." To drive his point, the Dragon Warrior put more force into his sword, sending the blade deeper into the wall. "Now, what are you doing?"
The Wizard's eyes narrow and turn white. "You will step aside," he says fighting back the urge to grin. "I have information for our Lord."
"Then you can give it to me," responded the cooler of the two heads.
"No," Qual'och spoke with a closed jaw. Summoning Dark Qi, he threw back Dra'isod with an energy blast. He kept sending Dark Qi towards the Dragon Warrior, enabling the physically weaker Wizard to pin the massive Warrior against the catacomb wall with out even touching him.
Under the weight of the Dark Qi, Dra'isod struggled to break free from his bindings, but to no avail. Still writhing, Dra'isod's eyes burned with energy. "How dare you!" his heads cried out in unison, sending the sound waves echoing down the hallways. "I will kill you for this!"
"As if that wasn't your intention all ready?" Qual'och asked. "Don't ever try this again. I may not be the most brilliant strategist, but I can take care of myself." He leans even closer to Dra'isod, "Or if you feel brave enough, I dare you to try it again," Qual'och boasts while his eyes flash a brilliant white light.
Smiling, Qual'och continues on his way, leaving Dra'isod pinned against the wall. Enraged by the taunting, Dra'isod flexes his muscle trying to break free of the Dark Qi mass holding him back. With each use of force against the Dark Qi, the mass doubles in opposing force against the Dragon Warrior. Suffocating under the pressure, it finally releases when Qual'och vanishes from view.
Dra'isod falls to the floor landing on his hands and knees. The fall knocks the wind out of the might fighter and small clouds of dust rise from the granite flooring as Dra'isod's massive weight depresses the stone. Each of his scaly heads peers into the darkness, trying to trace Qual'och's path. "Watch yourself Wizard. No one belittles me." Dra'isod takes a deep breath, "No one."
He slowly pushes himself up and stands alone in the darkness. With each breath, his anger grows and he clenches his fists in rage. Dra'isod begins breathing heavier and heavier, drawing his tighter. His strength is unmatched by anyone and the force of his fists begins driving his nails into his flesh. The pain fuels his hanger and begins turning his dislike for the cleric into hatred. Blood begins oozing from the punctures in his palms and drops onto the floor. The thud from drop echoes in the darkened hall, reverberating throughout the catacombs.
"I will have my revenge," he vows, withdrawing his impaled blade from the wall next to him. Defeated, Dra'isod quickly begins retracing his steps through the catacombs. "I must find out what he knows," he thinks to himself.
***
Off center of Bruch'oda's Palace is a small rock garden. Measuring thirty meters by thirty meters, it is the most serene place in the Warlord's domain. Small pieces of granite and other precious stones are arranged in intricate patterns mixed among small shrubs and trees. A winding path traverses the gardens entering from each of the cardinal directions. The center area is a large rectangular piece of flagstone. Marble benches have been placed on either side of the paths' entry locations to this slab to provide visitors with meditation locations.
Today the garden is visited by two - Bruch'oda and his daughter Xantia. Both are no longer wearing their armor, but simply their Gis. Xantia takes a defensive stance, squaring off against her father. Her pale skin blends into her snow white Gi, creating a seamless transition between flesh and fabric. Opposite Xantia, Bruch'oda mimics the moves of his daughter as the pair moves in tandem in a clockwise circle. Bruch'oda's Gi is gold with black dragons crisscrossing his body. The dragons' heads peer over his shoulders and meet at his pectoral girdle, slide over his back, sending their wings down his arms. Their bodies slide around his and send their tails wrapping down each of the Warlord's legs.
Bruch'oda's eyes are intensely focused on his daughter. "I wonder what she'll try this time," he thinks to himself, trying to sense what his daughter is thinking.
He didn't have to wait long. Xantia moved with speed matched by few and charged her father. Seeing the advancing attack, Bruch'oda stepped back, readying his defenses. Xantia leapt forward, bringing her body parallel to the flagstone and focusing her energy into her outstretched hands. Her long and slender form raced through the air towards the gold-clad warrior before her.
Bruch'oda sidesteps the maneuver by swinging his right leg backwards. As Xantia passes before him, he counters by thrusting his left arm towards her form. Gathering his strength, Bruch'oda's arm begins glowing brightly, but rather than striking down his daughter, it passes through her.
Surprised, Bruch'oda quickly regains his balance and darts his head around, trying to find his daughter. His search did not last long, as her foot impaled his back with the force of a well trained master. The blow sent the Warlord flying through the air, landing just short of the first set of benches marking the perimeter of the flagstone.
Xantia crouches into a defensive stance, preparing for her father's counter offensive. "Steady," she thinks to herself. "Focus."
Bruch'oda picks himself up from the flagstone flooring and faces his daughter. A grin flashes across his face. Not one of evil or slyness, but rather that of pride. "You've master the technique very well, my daughter," he says. "But," Xantia hears her father utter before vanishing and reappearing behind her, placing her into a submission hold, "you have much to learn."
Bruch'oda releases his daughter and the pair faces one another. Looking into the other's eyes, they bow and end their sparring practice. "I'm impressed by the way you've embraced the ancient teachings, my daughter," Bruch'oda says, not trying to boast too much.
Xantia lifts her torso and resumes a more relaxed posture. "Thank you father."
Before another word is spoken, the bond between the two is broken by the presence of another. Qual'och approaches from the East, his footsteps echoing in the courtyard. Bruch'oda turns to see what infidel had disturbed his session with his daughter. Rage begins to fill the evil warlord, while love swells within the heart of Xantia as she gazes upon her beloved.
In his thunderous voice, Bruch'oda commands, "Why have you disturbed us?"
Cowering ever-so-slightly, Qual'och responds, "The QiRangers," he begins, sending his voice even higher," have returned." The sorcerer extends his left arm through the cloak and creates a two glowing orbs. In the left is an image of Robert, Gary, and Master Li setting up the targeting sensors, while the right depicts Leslie, Luís, Seth, and Abeu deploying theirs.
Bruch'oda walks closer to the images and inspects the closely. As he peers into them he realizes one is mission. "I believe Man'uL'o was more effective than we thought." Bruch'oda changes his demeanor towards Qual'och. "You did well," he says to the wizard. "See to it they do not get the opportunity to leave again."
A sense of pride washes over Qual'och as he is tasked with destroying the QiRangers, rather than Dra'isod. "It will be done," he swears.
***
Deep in the Dutchman's Mine, Gary, Robert, and Master Li set the last of their Targeting Sensors. The meter-squared devices flash alternating blue and green as they begin taking measurements in the room. One device is placed in the four corners of the Armory. This area, one of the most secured, housed pulse rifles and plasma launchers that were stored in rows of racks.
Master Li completes securing his device and looks to the others. "I believe that's it."
Robert looks around and scans the room. "This should provide them with a large enough target.
Each of the four devices begins emitting a blue-green beam. It passes though any object it comes into contact with and merges with beams sent out from other units. The beams completely encompass the Armory and enclose all the weapons.
"All right," Gary says, "Let's call for our cab."
Robert activates his Comm-link, "Istanor, do you copy?"
A crystal clear reply is heard as Lehet's voice comes through, "We copy. Are you ready for teleport?"
"Yes," replies Robert.
"Standby," Lehet's voice commands.
But something's wrong. Robert and Gary look at one another. "Why's it taking so long?" they each think.
"Jayce, what's the hold up?" Robert asks, focusing more attention on his Comm-link.
"We've lost Li and the others' signals."
The NASO operatives look up and see that the familiar glow provided by Master Li is gone.
"What the hell?" Gary asks.
"I don't know. The others came online right before you and all five of them just vanished. I don't like this. I'm pulling you all out now," Lehet said.
The familiar glow of the Istanor's teleportation device cascaded over Robert, Gary, and the weapons. In a matter of seconds, everything in the rooms vanished.
***
Master Li looked up to see the sun above him. Gone were the darkened surroundings of the Dutchman's mine. He was outside under the hot sun and not alone. Standing beside him were the other QiRangers.
"What the hell just happened?" Seth asked, trying to gather his bearings.
The five QiRangers quickly surveyed their location, "It appears as if our presence on the previous mission was detected," Master Li calmly mentions, as if he was expecting this to happen.
Luís quickly realizes he's seen all this before. The winding dunes, the scorched glass carved in the landscape, and the seemingly endless parade of Shadow Warriors and Copy Bots that are now approaching them. "We're back at the Earth door," he says taking a defensive stance.
"That we are," Abeu seconds.
On the top of the dune before Master Li stands a lone figure. His dark armor heightens his silhouette against the day's sun. A single blade shimmers in the sun, casting a reflected beam in Maser Li's face. "Kor'digh," he senses.
The five QiRangers take their positions against one another with the new recruits looking to Master Li for guidance. "Istanor, can you lock onto our position?" he asks, activating his dermal transmitter. When no reply is heard, Master Li realizes that there will be no easy way out. As long as Qual'och is able to sense their location, it matters not where they hide, they can be brought here or the Shadows can be taken to them. A stand must be made - here and now.
"Ready yourselves," he instructs.
Each of the QiRangers summons their respective energies. Calling out their elements, Fire for Leslie, Water for Seth, Metal for Abeu, and Earth for Luís, the accumulated Qi travels through their meridians and transforms each into their protective armor. Flames consume Master Li as the bold, red armor he wears manifests over his Combat Gi.
With an intensity not seen before, Master Li grits his teeth, "Let's retake this Door."
Grins flash across the QiRangers faces under their helmets. The four remaining new warriors have wanted to atone for losing the battle here hours before. Each relishes the opportunity to fight back Bruch'oda's forces and claim the Earth Mystic Door for the people native to this planet. "Right!" they all shout charging out from their formation into battle.
***
Captain Jayce Lehet sat in his chair, staring at the blue planet he circled. The hum of all the ship's computers and propulsion devices didn't faze him. He was lost in his thoughts. What he had seen moments ago shook his being and it took everything in his power not to let it affect him in front of his crew.
"They're aboard, Captain," Commander McCulley said from his station.
Not taking his eyes off the main window, Lehet gave the order to return to LEO Station, "Mr. Moore, break orbit and return to LEO."
The young female officer seated at the helm nodded, "Aye, sir," and entered the appropriate commands into her console. Within seconds the star field changed from a blend of darkness and the blue Earth to that of only blackness, something Lehet now felt in his heart.
As the Istanor sped away from Earth, Lehet resigned himself to silence until the aft lift doors opened. Gary and Robert stepped out and fixed their eyes on the back of the ship's Captain. "Why are we leaving?" asked Robert.
"Yeah, we've got team members down there. We're not leaving them behind," added Gary.
The pair stood there while the rest of the bridge crew looked at them and Lehet maintained his gaze on the forward window. Robert looked to his right at McCulley who simply shrugged in response. The NASO officers, not wanting to waste precious time began walking towards Lehet, who simply raised his right hand, motioning for the pair to stop.
"I've got my orders," he says. "Besides, we've got bigger problems." The tone in his voice was cold, almost non-human.
Robert activated his EM scanners and looked at the man seated before him. His energetic patter had shifted. Something was wrong, terribly wrong. The Captain slowly rose from his seat and turned to face the duo. Even without Robert's enhancements, Gary could see that Jayce Lehet was a changed man. Something happened to him, he was different.
"Come with me," Lehet says in his cool tone as he walks towards Gary and Robert. He didn't even change his gaze when he neared the pair. Lehet passed them and strode into the War Room.
Looking at each other, Gary and Robert followed Lehet off the Bridge.
In the War Room, Lehet stood with his back to the door still. He waited for Robert and Gary to enter and for the doors to close before speaking.
"Will you please tell us why the hell we're pulling out?" demanded Robert. "I've never left anyone behind and I don't intend to now. Especially when there's a whole team lost." Robert's voice inched up a bit, as he drove home his point.
This got to Lehet. He turned around, and spoke with an intensity he hadn't shown in the past few minutes. "You don't think I understand that?" he yelled, his nostrils flaring. "We're on the same team here, Robert. If I could bring them back, I would. But they vanished off the face of the Earth. We can't find them anywhere."
Gary stepped forward, "But you haven't really given it the once over. It's only been a few minutes."
"No, it's you who doesn't understand," Jayce began, dropping his voice to a more somber tone, "LEO has been giving the planet the once over. While we can't locate Li and the others, we have found survivors from the attacks." Lehet paused, "If you can call them that."
"What?" Gary and Robert said in unison.
Lehet placed his hand on the tabletop and activated the holographic imaging system. "What you're about to see hasn't been broadcast outside the COG and top NASO Command." The room's lights dimmed as the device came on-line. As the image slowly came into focus, Robert could feel his stomach churn.
The hologram above the conference table depicted a truly horrible site. Not since the Nazi Concentration Camps of World War II had humans been treated with such little respect. In the center of a destroyed city, it was too hard to distinguish where exactly, a make-shift camp had been erected. Shadow Warriors patrolled the grounds and wheeled barely alive human survivors into piles behind razor sharp wire fences.
"Where is this?" Robert asked, not taking his eyes off the images before him.
Those not succumbing to the weight placed on them pulled themselves out of the heaps they were placed in. One such human was doing so now. She couldn't me more than 30, but the pain in her aged her instantly. Both her legs were broken and badly misshapen. To make matters worse, so was her right arm. Slowly she pulled her self out of the pile with her left arm. Her body sliding over the heap of dead and barely living that was under her.
Pain expressed itself through her eyes and in every fiber of her being. Blood trickled down from her hairline and out her ears. Each bruised seemed to darken with more blood as she moved forward at a snail's pace. The woman grits her teeth as Robert slams his fist onto the table.
"Where is this?" Robert asks.
The woman finally pulls herself free and tumbles down the pile of bodies and lands in a pool of stagnant blood. The blood flew up and entered her mouth. She spits out the foul tasting fluid and falls into the pool beneath her.
Lehet closes his eyes, "It doesn't matter. This is but one camp that's been erected all over the planet. They're doing this everywhere."
A dark boot steps in the blood soaked soil next to the woman. Terrified, the woman looks up, fear in her eyes. She let's loose a horrible scream as a crimson blade is plunged into her chest. The blow arches her back and she tries to grip the blade and pull it out. This only serves to cut her free hand. The Shadow Warrior holding the sword kicks the woman aside and her body rolls next to the bottom of the pile.
The Shadow Warrior laughs as the image in the War Room fades. The lights come back up and Lehet looks into the eyes of Robert and Gary. "The COG is looking to you two to try and stop this. I don't know what you can do, but something's got to be done."
***
Luís Mendoza broke away from the other QiRangers and sped towards the first wave of Shadow Warriors and Copy Bots approaching. He saw their form crossing the hot desert sand and with each step he felt more confidence and power. This battle arena had seen him fail twice before, and Luís was determined not to give it the satisfaction of a third.
The burning sun sent heat down onto the sandy floor of the Sahara. As the Earth QiRanger stomped through the soft silicone granules, he began fueling his body with desire to defeat Bruch'oda's enemies once and for all. Drawing upon the Qi stored in the Earth around him, Luís began moving faster, swifter, and with greater power. His yellow armor began glowing a golden hue as he leaped into the air.
Soaring above the approaching Shadow Warriors, the Earth QiRanger reached out with his arms, as if he was flying. The Copy Bots approaching analyzed his trajectory and halted their progress, taking aim at the yellow warrior arcing towards them. One by one, the Copy Bots raised their arms and fired their electrical beams at Mendoza.
The QiRanger easily evaded each blast as if they traveled in slow motion. Arching his back and tucking his legs, he contortioned his body to allow each beam of deadly energy to slip past him.
The Shadow Warriors realized that something must be done. The first row of Shadows reached into their armored pockets and retrieved shurricans infused with Dark Qi. The Shadow Warriors took aim and threw the evil stars at the oncoming QiRanger.
Speeding through the air, these tiny elements of death honed in on their target, but to no avail. Luís sensed their presence, something he had not been able to do before. Gathering the Qi in his body, he directed it towards his hands and caught each of the stars.
Completing his arc towards the oncoming band of Shadow Warriors and Copy Bots, the Earth QiRanger tucked his legs in again and pulled himself down towards the sand. He landed with such force, that Luís formed a small depression in the soft sand as he kneeled on one leg. The Qi grew stronger in him and converted the shurricans from Dark Qi to Earth Qi. A smile flashed over his face as he slung his arms outward returning the shurricans to their owners, with his little enhancements.
The shurricans flew with such speed and force; they created yellow streaks in the air. Every star found a home and exploded upon impact. Each Shadow Warrior hit by the Earth Shurricans fell backwards, their chest plating vaporized with the intense energy blow. The reptilian scales were seared under the massive amounts of heat generated by the explosions.
The other Shadows looked to one another, realizing that this time, the battle may be more difficult, but knowing little fear, they resumed their charge.
Luís smiled beneath his visor, "Payback time," he thought. Standing up, he readied himself for close quarter combat. Snapping into a defensive stance, Luís continued to draw Qi in from his surroundings. As more power surged through his veins, his armor shown even brighter.
Trying to gain the upper hand, the Copy Bots and Shadow Warriors break formation and begin spreading their numbers, trying to surround the earth QiRanger. Luís smiled under his helmet, his lips almost touching his ears. Harnessing his Qi, he began forming a Qi Ball between his hands as he placed his weight on his hind leg. Drawing his hands closer to his Tan Tien, a yellow energy mass grew in intensity.
Screaming with vengeance, Luís released the Qi Strike. The powerful yellow energy beam thundered across the desert floor impaling the forces of evil. The Qi Strike tore through the armor worn by the Shadows and melted the metallic casings of the Copy Bots. Luís guided his blast until it struck down every last one of his opponents.
Their skin compromised, the Copy Bots exploded sending large plumes of black smoke into the sky. The fallen Shadows gripped their burnt flesh, trying to stop the outpouring of fluids from their newly sustained wounds. The massive energy they each absorbed was simply too much, and they passed into the comfort of darkness, never to awaken again.
The Earth QiRanger dropped to one knee following his attack, depleted of his extra energy. Luís breathed heavily, his breath fogging the inside of his visor. He felt a burning sensation in his chest- was he somehow wounded, he thought? No, it was his body crying out for oxygen. Taking deep breaths, Luís was able to calm his body and regain his strength.
Standing, he looked over the battlefield. His eyes told him the fight was just beginning. Each of the QiRangers was embattled in their own struggle against Bruch'oda's forces. He summoned up the inner courage to enter the fray once more and began running towards the others. His progress was short, as a series of explosions ripped across the sand.
The shockwaves of the blast tossed him aside and down the dune he was on. Pushing himself up with his arms, he shook his head, trying to clear the fines from his eyes. Looking up, he saw a new platoon of Shadows and Copy Bots. Needless-to-say, this group would not be nearly as easy to defeat as the previous.
The Copy Bots took aim and fired down at the fallen QiRanger. Their white- hot energy pulses stuck the desert sand again, scorching it and transforming some of it to glass. Fortunately, for Luís, he was able to roll away just before the blast hit. But once again, the force from the explosion threw him several feet in the air.
He landed on his back, which drove deep into him a burning pain. "I'm not giving in to them. They will pay," he swore.
Gathering his strength, the Earth QiRanger rose to his feet and stood tall before army above him. He reached out his right arm and commanded his War Hammer to materialize. Luís began spinning the massive weapon while taunting the Shadows and Copy bots to attack him with his left hand. "Come and get me, you bastards," he yelled.
***
Master Li let his sense of pride get the better of him, as he smiled. Each of the QiRangers was tied together, as the elements are. Feeling the sense of accomplishment Luís portrayed gave him the assurance that this new team of QiRangers could complete the task at hand. Even with one member short, they would see to it that the Earth would not give in without a fight.
His path was clear of combatants. Master Li knew the order had been given, ensuring him safe passage across the desert floor. Regardless of this "gift," the eldest QiRanger prepared himself for a deadly confrontation with Kor'digh. Years ago, the duo crossed swords many times. Each time the outcome was different. Sometimes he was the victor and others he fell under the blade of Kor'digh and was forced to retreat.
Today, retreat was not an option. No one would be allowed to wander off and return to fight another day. Today, they would finish things once and for all.
Kor'digh stood atop his dune, smiling. "Are you ready, old man?" he yelled across the sand.
Master Li came to a complete stop at the crest of a nearby dune. Fire burned deep within him, fueling his cells and giving him the will and strength to fight after all these years. "I should think it is I who should be asking you that question," he replied.
The taunt angered Kor'digh. The accomplished warrior in dark blue gripped his sword's handle tighter and focused his gaze onto the QiRanger in black and red. The pair stood at odds for what seemed like an eternity while the forces of good and evil battled to the death around them - each waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
Master Li stood fast and peered deep into the soul of his opponent. He could feel his anger, his hatred, and his disdain for all that the QiRangers and humans stood for. Master Li knew the moment to strike would come any second. and he was right.
Kor'digh pushed off fro the sand dune in front of him and sailed into the air. Using his blade the reptilian warrior reflected the sun's beam onto Li's face. The blinding light obstructed the QiRanger's view and he brought his hands up to shade his face. With his opponent in a weaker state, Kor'digh unleashed a Dark Qi blast.
The evil energy flew downwards, approaching Master Li. Sensing the danger, the Triple Fire QiRanger jumped backwards and protected himself from the ensuing explosion erupting from his former location. Looking up, he saw Kor'digh flying straight for him, his sword extended.
Master Li summoned his Qi Saber and met the metal blade of Kor'digh and the two warriors stood face to face. Each could smell the disgust on the other's breath as they danced around in circles pressing their blades tightly together.
"Let's get it on," growls Kor'digh as his one good eye flashes red.
***
Like a carefully choreographed ballet, Master Li and Kor'digh moved in perfect unison only inches apart. While the QiRangers fought many enemies, Master Li focused on but a single one. The pair stared deeply into the other's eyes, trying to anticipate the next move in this duel to the death. Several times one would press down on their blade and send the squelching sound of metal on metal into the air as the swords crossed.
"You've grown weak over the years, Li," Kor'digh hissed through his clenched jaw. "There was a time when you could have bested me, but now all that remains is shell of a man."
"For all your words, you show little action, Kor'digh. I, on the other hand, will do what you cannot," The eldest of the QiRanger replied. Calling forth his inner fire, Master Li channeled the Qi to his sword. Exploding in a ball of fire, Master Li's Qi Saber glowed red with power. Unaware of what was happening, Kor'digh's balance shifted, enabling Master Li to lift his right foot and forward kick him in the chest.
The kick left a sandy imprint on the armored plating Kor'digh wore as he was thrust backwards. Regaining his composure, Kor'digh dug his hind leg into the sand and snapped into a defensive stance. While his reflexes were sharp, they were no match for Master Li.
Moving with blazing speed, the "old man" covered the short distance between them and roundhouse kicked Kor'digh to the jaw.
Kor'digh's head snapped back and tossed his body backwards to the sand. Pushing himself up, Kor'digh saw Master Li running towards him with his Qi Saber burning bright. The dark warrior gathered his strength and unleashed a Dark Qi Strike.
The black energy shot through the air, but missed its target. Master Li was ready for such an attack and managed to cartwheel out of the way. The blast connected with the sand directly in front of Li, causing a massive explosion. The fireball shot into the air and sent sand flying everywhere.
Emerging from the sand shower, Master Li lunged forward with his Qi Saber. Kor'digh countered by bringing up his sword. When the blades met, a brilliant white light flashed in the desert. Master Li and Kor'digh swung their blades, but they were evenly matched. Each thrust was parried by the other, enabling neither to gain the upper hand.
Fueled by determination to see their causes to victory, the combatants increased their melee to fever pitch. Master Li cut to one side and arced his blade over Kor'digh. The dark warrior countered by dropping to the sand and sending the flaming Qi Saber over head. With an opening, Kor'digh swept Master Li's legs.
The QiRanger fell to the sand, landing on his back.
Not wanting to waste any momentum, Kor'digh rolled from his current position and flung his sword at Master Li.
Sensing the danger, Li rolled onto his side, letting the blade harmlessly impale the sand. Quickly, he placed his upper leg onto the arm of Kor'digh. Transferring his weight to that leg, Li drove the sword deeper into the sand and gave him the leverage to rotate his body and snap kick Kor'digh in the head again.
The blow sent Kor'digh reeling backwards and freed his grip on his sword. The large reptilian crashed into the sand. Master Li rose to his feet and went to Kor'digh. Trying to end the battle once and for all, the QiRanger spun his blade around and drove it towards Kor'digh like a stake.
Still with his wits about him, Kor'digh rolled out of harms way. Master Li repeatedly tried to skewer Kor'digh, but the large warrior kept one step ahead.
On one revolution, Kor'digh looked up and saw Master Li preparing to strike. Summoning his strength, he fired a Dark Qi Blast at his opponent. Unprepared, the attack struck Master Li in the chest plate and exploded on impact. The force sent Master Li sailing through the hot Saharan desert air and into a nearby dune.
Climbing to his feet, Kor'digh muttered, "One for me." The large reptile began racing towards Master Li. Passing his sword; he reached down and pulled it out. Blade in hand, Kor'digh leaped into the air.
Master Li shook off the blow and glanced up to see Kor'digh descending towards him. As Kor'digh approached, Master Li contracted his abdominals and thrust his legs into the air. Li's boots connected with Kor'digh's gut. Pain flashed throughout Kor'digh's body as his organs compressed under the force of Master Li's strike. Forcing more energy into his legs, Master Li flung Kor'digh over the downed QiRanger.
Kor'digh landed flat on his back with a loud thud a few feet behind. The wind flew out of his lungs as the clutched his sword tighter in the sand.
Each of the warriors snaps to their feet and cross swords. As the blades kiss, shards of metal splinter as sparks fly. The two foes inch closer together until their eyes meet and their swords are crossed at the hilts.
Master Li looks Kor'digh into the eye, "You will not defeat me."
***
A white energy bolt tore through the torso of a Copy Bot. The blast singed the external metal casing of the robotic warrior as it left its rear plating and impacted in the sand behind it. The gaping hole hummed with electricity as it sparked. The lifeless hulk then fell harmlessly into the sand, face first. Standing before the defeated robot was the White QiRanger, Abeu Basbakar. He held his energy bow and took aim at another approaching threat. Abeu Reached forward, as if to pluck the bow's string, and drew back his hand. Raw energy filled the bow and formed a long arrow. Carefully he took aim and sent it flying through the hot desert air.
In the blink of an eye, the bolt traversed the required distance and found its mark - a Shadow Warrior quickly approaching. The Shadow tried to duck out of the way, but the blast struck his armor plating affixed to his back. As the energy coursed through his body, the Shadow Warrior screamed in intense pain and succumbed to death.
Abeu smiled beneath his helmet, "This is almost too easy," he thought to himself, temporarily forgetting Seth's lesson about being overconfident in a fight. Had he been paying more attention, Abeu would have sensed the three Shadow Warriors and pair of Copy Bots approaching from his rear.
While surveying his target gallery, Abeu's mind was focused on everything but his flanks. This proved a grave mistake as the two Copy Bots released a torrent of energy blast aimed at the Metal QiRanger. The first blast struck Abeu in the back of the knee. The resulting force knocked the leg out from under him, sending him off balance. As the rest of the blast hit in a beautiful display of explosive pyrotechnics, the youngest QiRanger was thrown forward in agony. Had it not been for his protective armor, the intense, raw energy would have fried the youngster.
The Metal QiRanger's body dug a trench as he was thrust into the Saharan sand. The blow struck down Abeu, but not his confidence. As the five enemies continued to advance on his position, the youth pushed up from the sand and gathered his strength.
Abeu turned to face his opponents, beaming his eyes through his helmet. Disappointed that he let his guard down, the Metal QiRanger determines to conclude this battle with fervor. Focusing his thoughts, young Abeu returned his Bow to its energetic state and summoned his Qi Saber.
Gripping the hilt, Abeu narrowed his eyes and focused on the two Copy Bots. He could see that they were preparing to fire once more and this time he would not be caught sleeping. The energy blasts quickly leapt from the Copy Bots' hands and flew towards the White QiRanger with incredible speed.
Before the energy bolts found their target, Abeu jumped into the air and charged his Qi Saber with Metal Qi by passing his left hand over the blade. The blade began glowing brightly as it absorbed the extra energy. The Shadow Warriors and Copy bots failed to relent in their quest for carnage and moved in closer.
This was a mistake.
Abeu landed a few feet in front of his previous position. He began swirling his Qi Saber over his head in a huge circle. As it made its final pass, the stored Qi discharged in a massive wave of white energy. The scope of the blast grew in an ever widening arc as it left from the tip of Abeu's Qi Saber and created a solid mass of Metal Qi.
The Shadow Warriors stopped dead in their tracks and tried to brace themselves for the Qi Strike. The Copy Bots, knowing no fear, continued marching straight for the White QiRanger. When the wave hit, it completely severed the Copy Bots. The blast ripped through their torso leaving each half of the robots lying helplessly in the sand. The Shadow Warriors fared no better. The Qi Wave continued on its path of destruction and met the Shadows head on. Trying to use their crimson blades for protection, the three warriors braced for the impact.
The White wave of Metal Qi shattered their blades and instantaneously impacted their protective darkened armor. The searing heat of the energy melted the external layer. In what only took a fraction of a second, seemed like an eternity for the three Shadow Warriors. Horror flashed across their faces as it penetrated the inner lining of their armor, they could feel and smell their flesh burn. Finally, as the wave continues through their bodies, each of the Shadows lets out one final blood-curdling howl as their bodies are severed.
Abeu draws his blade close to his body and scans the horizon, trying to ascertain the best course of action. Behind his visor, Abeu realizes something - for the first time, his team is gaining the upper hand. "Maybe it isn't hopeless after all," he thinks to himself.
***
A red boot swings with intense power, snapping the head off a Copy Bot like it was a small soccer ball. Electricity sparks as the connection severs between head and body and the cranial unit flies into the desert as if it was headed towards a goal. Leslie ended her kick as the body of the defeated Copy Bot fell into the sand.
She looked around herself and saw the bodies of her fallen opponents lying still in the sand. Shadow Warriors and Copy Bots alike littered the area around her. Casting her gaze over the battlefield, she saw Seth being overrun by several Shadow Warriors.
***
A few hundred meters away, Seth, beat back the onslaught of Shadows by deflecting their blows with his shield. Between taking blows against his shield, the Water QiRanger wields his sword at his attackers.
Seth knew he was in over his head. Through his visor, he could see that more and more Shadow Warriors were joining in the fight. Black armored bodies were in front and to his flanks. Beneath his armor, Seth's hair on the back of his neck began to rise. Sensing danger approaching, he dropped to the desert floor.
Twin beams of energy flew above him and struck a pair of Shadow Warriors in front. Thankful he was missed, Seth's hope quickly abated as he realized his precarious position - on his back and surrounded. He hears a loud scream overhead. Thinking that the end is near, fear grips the NASO Handler and he closes his eyes.
What Seth fails to see is Leslie coming to his rescue. The Fire QiRanger lands on the outskirt of the congregation of Shadows and slices her Qi Saber through the body of a hapless Shadow Warrior. Infused with fire, Leslie's blade passes through the Shadow like butter, splitting him in two. As the halves fall apart, Leslie channels Fire Qi into her blade and sends out a powerful flame into the sea of Shadow Warriors.
Not wanting to be burned, the Shadows stumble back and regain their footing.
"Are you just going to lay there?" Leslie asks?
Seth opens his eyes and sees the familiar red armor above him. While happy she stepped in to save his life, Seth is truly glad she couldn't see that his eyes were closed. Reaching up with his had, Leslie grips it and pulls her fellow QiRanger to his feet.
"Thanks," he says, a little shaken.
Leslie pulls the Water QiRanger closer and placed her other hand on top of his. "No need. We're in this together," she says shaking his hand.
Feeling assured, Seth smiles beneath his helmet, "Right."
Seeing the Shadows had regrouped and that the Copy Bots were still closing, Seth stepped aside from Leslie and summoned his Qi Disk. The round blade formed in his hand and glowed bright blue as he charged it with Water Qi.
"Stand back," he cautioned Leslie as he threw the weapon towards the Copy Bots. The disk flew threw the air and connected with the Copy Bots, shredding them to pieces. On the return path, the Disk gouged several Shadows before returning safely to its master's hand.
With a clearing established, Seth and Leslie charged their Qi Sabers and headed into battle together.
***
Dr. Michael Chen sat in the Chief Medical Officer's office aboard the Istanor reviewing Jayde Yee's medical files. Pouring over the incoming data, he takes a moment to rest. Mike sits back on the stool and places the computer pad onto the desk. Tired, he then leans forward propping his head up with his hands as he rests his elbows on the desk.
"How's our patient doing," Gary Staal asks from the doorway.
Mike sighs as he looks up, "No change." After glancing at Staal, he looks around beginning to wonder where the others are. "Where's everyone else?" he asks.
Gary walks into the office and activates a portable magnetic stool. Once the field is secured, he sits on the device and looks into Mike's eyes. "We don't know."
"What?" Mike responds, his voice showing signs of severe stress.
"I can't explain it. One second Rob and I were in the hold with Li and the next he was gone. Captain Lehet has searched the entire planet with the ship's sensors and can't find a trace of them. What ever happened to them has completely blocked the signals in their Comm-links."
"Fuck! I can't believe this," Mike yells. "I get her back only to loose her again? This is fucking crazy! What are you doing about this?"
Taking a deep breath, Gary Staal lets Mike vent a bit more before answering. "Look, I know how upset you must be."
"No," Mike snaps, "you don't!"
Gary nods his head, "You're right. But, The Istanor is looking for them as well as LEO. Right now we can't do anything for them. The planet's crawling with enemy forces and what's left of civilization is in the toilet. We've got to get back to LEO and plan our next move. The only hope we have in finding your sister and the others is Ms. Yee."
"What do you mean?"
"I can't explain it, but somehow your sister's friends were able to sense the enemy when we fought before. I think that may work both ways and if she comes out of this coma, she'll be able to lead us to them," Staal concludes.
"I hope you're right," Mike adds.
The pair sat in silence not knowing what else to say. The awkward moment was broken by a series of beeps coming from the computer pad. Dr. Chen picked up the unit and reviewed the data.
"What is it?" asked Dr. Staal.
Smiling, Mike hands the pad over to Gary. He looks at the video feed - the image shows Jayde Yee looking around her Infirmary room.
"Let's see how's she doing," Michael suggests.
Gary nods and the two rise from their seats and leave the office.
***
Jayde Yee struggled sit up in her SmartBed. Somewhat disoriented, she began looking around trying to figure out what happened to her. "Where am I?" she thought. Everything about her current location was foreign. The room, the smell, and her clothes - everything. What's more she couldn't explain how she arrived at such a place. The last thing she remembered was being in the forest - but that didn't seem right either. "What happened?"
She continued to look around, trying to gain clues as to where she might be. One thing notices is the strange assortment of plants lining the shelves in the room. Looking at them brings a sense of calmness over her and she begins to feel a tugging at her neck. Looking down, she sees a small gold chain wrapped around her neck. With her soft hands, she retrieves the chain from beneath her hospital gown. Affixed to the chain is a golden medallion marked with three curves lines. As soon as she sees the emblem for Wood, it all comes back to her - the QiRangers, the Mystic Doors, her final battle - but how did she end up here and where were the others?
"How are you feeling?" a voice from the door asked. Jayde looked up to see two men standing just inside the room. One was Asian and the other either European to American.
Jayde turned her head slightly. "Fine," she responded, not sure who she was talking to.
"I'm Dr. Michael Chen," the voice spoke, "and this is Dr. Staal," he said tapping his partner on the shoulder. "We took care of you when you were injured."
"We're happy to see you're awake. It's been quite a while and we didn't know if you were going to pull through," Gary said. "But with the help of Dr. Chen and your friends, your recovery was remarkable."
Jayde sat up tall in the bed. "Where is everyone?"
Mike and Gary walked closer to Jayde's bed, each one taking a side. "We were hoping you could tell us," Gary said. He could see the puzzled look on her face, so he continued, "Quite a bit's happened since we first found you. I'd better fill you in from the top and hope to God you have an idea."
The words didn't sit well with Jayde, but she did her best to conceal her concern as Gary began recounting the events since he and Mike began caring for her in the Great Vault. He didn't spare anything. He recalled the medical treatments, the complete destruction of Earth, the death camps, the mission to retrieve the weapons, and how they all disappeared.
It was hard to take in. The information about the death camps hit hard with both Jayde and Mike, but there was little time to stagnate on that bit of information. It was clear what she must do - they had all been there for her and now it was her turn to repay the favor.
***
Bruch'oda sits on his throne flanked by his daughter. They each stare intently on a glowing orb before them. Inside the magical sphere the battle in the Sahara is depicted. Bruch'oda's face grows tired as he watches the images unfold before his eyes. In fact, disgust grows within his body. For so long his troops have trained and to see them slaughtered by five humans makes him sick.
Dra'isod and Qual'och stand on the first tier below their master. They too watch the battle unfold. While Qual'och views the unfolding battle with interest, he glances away from time to time to gaze at his lover, who still wears her white Gi. Some regret passes over him, after all it was he who alerted Bruch'oda that the QiRangers had returned to Earth, but he knew the actual blame for this pitiful display of combat skill squarely laid on the shoulders of Dra'isod.
Anger fills the heart of the Warrior across from Qual'och. Dra'isod tightens his grip with each Shadow Warrior that is killed in the Sahara. The sound of leather stretching is drowned out by the screams emitted from the orb floating above. For thousands of years, he trained the Shadows and still they cannot match the strength and resources of the QiRangers. If only they had more power and more weapons, he thought, maybe they could stand a chance.
Bruch'oda slams his fist onto the throne's arm in anger. "Damn them!" he booms, his voice filling the Throne Room and reverberating in the upper chambers. "Can't your army defeat them?" he coldly blasts at Dra'isod. Bruch'oda's eyes beaming amber light.
Dra'isod knew he had to choose his words quickly and carefully. "Sire, we will defeat them. I assure you of that," he states as fact. "But how?" he thought. "Even Kor'digh, Man'uL'o, Op'utd, and I haven't been able concur them."
Bruch'oda slowly rises from his perch and begins walking down the stairs towards Dra'isod. He passes the orb and begins laying into Dra'isod, "You do? Then I suggest you see to it!" he yells while pointing at the orb. "How many troops have we lost so far?" he yells. "There're just five of them. They don't even have the full team and they can't match your strength." The Lord of Evil steps onto the platform with Dra'isod and looks the Twin Headed Dragon Warrior in the eyes. "You will see to the victory personally. Do I make myself clear?"
Dra'isod's body stiffens and his heads pull back. He knew this was coming. Every General knew it would - when the battles came last time each of the Elite faced death against the QiRangers. Most did not live to make it in to exile. Dra'isod and the few others were all that remained and now it was evident they were needed again to turn the tide.
Dra'isod's left head responds, "Yes, my Lord."
"Good," Bruch'oda says turning. "Go now and don't disappoint me," he spoke with his back turned.
Dra'isod bows and leaps down from the tier. He lands on the main floor with a loud thud. Dra'isod quickly begins making his way out of the Throne Room, but manages to turn his right head back at Qual'och and beams a stare at him. "This is not over, Wizard. I will return and see to it that the power is not given to you."
Qual'och looks over at the Dra'isod and smiles. "Soon, you will be no more and I'll have your power," the Wizard thinks to himself. Even with the threatening glare by his rival, Qual'och isn't afraid. As long as he can keep his energies raised, none of the Generals can harm him. "Besides," he thinks, "I have something they don't," as he turns his eyes to Xantia.
Bruch'oda completes his ascent to the upper level of the Throne Room and begins toward his chair. Xantia slides around from her perch, moving like the Asian her mother must have been. Her steps were smooth and effortless and allowed her to position herself between her father and the Throne in only a matter of seconds. Taking her delicate snow-white hands, she reaches out and takes the green hands of her father in hers. "Father, do you think it wise to send Dra'isod? After all he has never been able to defeat the QiRangers."
Bruch'oda knew where this was going. He held his daughter's hands tightly and looked at her soft face. How he missed her mother - the one human whom he respected and loved. There was so much of her in Xantia, he cold not help but to long for that lost love. "What did you have in mind, my daughter?"
"I think Qual'och may be right," she says. "The QiRangers have shown such great perseverance and countless armies have been lost fighting these six humans. Can sending Dra'isod into battle really turn the tide since sheer numbers can't?" This was the moment she feared. Xantia knew what she was about to ask for was risky, but like Qual'och, she was beginning to think it may be the only alternative. No matter the risk, something had to be done. "The Ru'dth may be the great equalizer."
The expression on Bruch'oda's face changes from one of love and affection to one of coldness and distance. He quickly drops Xantia's hands, "No. That is one power too great for us to call upon." Bruch'oda turns away from Xantia and sits on his throne and resumes gazing into the orb. "Did you put her up to this?" he shouts at Qual'och, anger filling his voice.
Nervously, the purple robed Wizard bows humbly, "No, my Lord. I've adhered to your judgment and not spoken of the Ru'dth." To make sure he appeared earnest, Qual'och made sure he did not even appear to gaze upward at his Lord. "Nothing must give him the impression that Xantia and I have spoken," he thought.
Bruch'oda's eyes narrow and anger fills his voice, "Do not lie to me, Sorcerer. I may need you, but not that much." He calms down, a little, "Everyone who's tapped into the Ru'dth has gone mad with power and caused more destruction than it was worth." Bruch'oda looked at his daughter, "It's too dangerous. If Dra'isod can defeat the QiRangers then we will have the Earth to ourselves. The humans in space pose no threat to us."
Sitting back in his Throne, Bruch'oda concedes, "But, if Dra'isod can't put an end to this, we may have no choice. I didn't wait 5000 years to return only to be cast back to hell."
Xantia smiles at her father. "I hope this is the right thing to do," she thinks. "He is right. The last time the Ru'dth was used, the results were disastrous. But I know Qual'och is strong enough to tame the power." She turns her head and looks at the orb. "Soon my love. Soon."
***
Seth Goldman ended his flight through the Saharan desert air by planting his boot squarely on the chest plate of a Shadow Warrior. The Water QiRanger moved with such force, that the impact crushed the Shadow's protective armor like an eggshell. Shards of the armored plating combined with the velocity of the QiRanger's boot slammed into the chest wall of the Shadow breaking his ribs. Riding the fallen Shadow as if he were on a surfboard, Seth drove the body into the sand. This had the effect of sending the severed ribs and armor fragments into the surrounding visceral organs.
As the body came to a rest in the Saharan sand, blood spurt out of the Shadow Warrior's mouth. The Blue QiRanger leapt off the dead Shadow and snapped into a defensive stance, looking for his next target. Peering through his visor his eyes quickly dart around the desert. On the horizon, he sees Master Li fighting a lone figure while to his left he sees the Yellow QiRanger dispatching a group of Copy Bots with a large War Hammer and on his right Leslie continues wreaking havoc with her Flaming Qi Saber.
Before he could ascertain Abeu's status, something came over him. He looked out over the desert floor and saw the masses of dead Shadow Warriors and smoking hulks from defeated Copy Bots. As far as the eye could see there were lifeless bodies in the sand.
In the short time they'd been here, each of them had caused such destruction and death - and not even thought about it. It was if each was fighting on autopilot and making full use of their newly obtained powers. But there was little time to contemplate righteous causes and justifications for taking another's life - new threats were approaching.
A swirling mass a dark energy began flowing through the battlefield. It was large and formless, moving as the wind. Strands of the energy cloud wrapped around the remaining Shadow Warriors, pulling them with it and assembling them into new combat formations. Leslie looked around her, confused as to what was taking place.
"What's going on?" Luís yelled as he ran towards the Fire QiRanger.
Seeing that the same events were taking place all over, she lowered her Qi Saber when the others gathered next to her, "I don't know. But one thing is for certain. It can't be good." The four QiRangers heard two swords clash over the dune and turned to see Master Li pushing back Kor'digh. "Whatever is happening, it isn't affecting him," Leslie states.
The QiRangers' attention was diverted from watching Master Li demonstrate his skill with the blade in his fight against Kor'digh as a loud howling vortex began forming amidst the dark energy. Sand began kicking up and lightening bolts shot out from the center of the dark cloud.
"This can't be good," Abeu said looking at the dark center of the cloud.
Master Li was not oblivious to the situation and quickly swept Kor'digh's legs from under him. The tired warrior fell into the sand with a noticeable thud. The battle between the ancient foes had taken its toll. Their muscles burned with metabolic wastes and their lungs heaved with each act of respiration. Not wanting to give an inch, Master Li plunged his knees into the Reptilian's chest plates and swung his left leg out to pin Kor'digh's blade carrying hand in the sand.
Li's black boot trapped Kor'digh's wrist in the burning silicone mass beneath him, forcing open his palm under the pressure. Sweat dripped off Li's nose and glimmered in the sun as it splattered on Kor'digh's scaly face. "What matter of evil are you up to?" the old man asked through gritted teeth.
Kor'digh turned his head to stare Li in the eyes, but rather than answering the QiRanger, spat at him. "Go to hell," he yelled lifting his legs and tossing Li off him like a sack of potatoes. Reclaiming his sword, Kor'digh snapped to his feet and drew his blade back and prepared to strike.
Li rolled in the sand and came to his feet bringing his Qi Saber in front, ready for anything. "Looks like you still have some life in you yet."
Kor'digh spins his blade and gingerly slides to his left. Master Li counters, steadying his blade. "You're done, old man." Kor'digh slides his hand across the blade of his sword, charging it with Dark Qi. The silver blade crackles with energy as Kor'digh whirls it around. Not to be outdone, Li charges his blade with his Qi, creating a bright red glow on his face.
The pair yells, each bringing their charged blades towards the other. The steel weapons clash and opposing Qi energies explode, severing the blades and throwing each warrior hundreds of feet back in the air. The devastating blow ripped through each of their armors and as they traveled, it fell into the sand, smoldering.
The other QiRangers each took a step forward, astonished at the force of the explosion, but that paled in comparison to what they were about to see.
The darkened clouds began solidifying and collecting into a single sphere. Sand around the base of the sphere started caramelizing under the intense heat of the object and radiating thunderbolts. The mass continued to churn and darken until it was as black as the coldest of hearts.
Leslie stood before the rest of her team, "We can't worry about Master Li just yet. Prepare yourselves."
Reluctantly the others nodded and dug their boots into the sand and brought their arms in front of their chests. No matter what unfolded before them, they weren't going to cave into fear. They had come this far and were determined to see it through.
The black orb exploded sending flames a hundred feet high and billowing smoke filled the hot air. Standing in the middle of the darkened sand was Dra'isod, his four eyes filled with energy. He was flanked by six Dragon Riders. Slowly, the creaking sound of metal on metal was heard as black blades extended from their forearm armor plates. Shouts of joy erupted from the collected mass of Shadow Warriors that stood behind them.
The enemy forces gathered behind Dra'isod, awaiting his orders.
Not wanting to wait for their move, Seth released his Qi Disk. The blue device quickly sailed over the desert, headed for the Dragon Rider on Dra'isod's right. Nonchalantly, the Dragon Rider deflected the Qi Disk with his blade, sending the QiRanger's weapon spiraling into the sand.
Seth dropped his mouth in astonishment. "Crap."
***
Dra'isod stands tall against the desert background. As his troops mass around the venerable leader, he crosses his arms and draws out his swords trapped in their sheaths affixed to his belt. The silver blades rocket out of their holsters and spin in the air as Dra'isod rotates his arms. Taking a deep breath, Dra'isod thrusts each sword forward and yells at the top of his lungs from each head, "Kill them!"
Cheers erupt from the Dragon Riders and Shadow Warriors as they begin racing forward from their position. Each Warrior trudges through the hot sand and closes the gap between good and evil in only a matter of seconds.
The Dragon Riders were the first to reach the QiRangers, who stood ready for them. Each had their Qi Saber drawn and feet spaced apart, ready to take the brunt force from the new attacking army.
The Dragon Warriors quickly separated and honed in on their targets. The Shadow Warriors followed closely and joined the fight. The QiRangers did everything they could to keep up with the Dragon Warriors, but they moved with such blinding speed, nearly every third slash made it past their Qi Sabers and landed on their armor.
Leslie struggled the most. Not only were four Shadow Warriors sending their blades toward her, two Dragon Riders were making sure she was too occupied to effectively defend herself.
With her back turned to block the Dragon Rider's claw-like saber, the other one slipped through her defenses and slashed her back.
Pain rocketed through Leslie as she screamed in agony. Tears swelled in her eyes as flames gushed from the weakened armored plates covering her lower lumbar region. Not willing to give into the pain or to succumb to death, she pulled together every ounce of strength and darted to her left, rolling between the two Dragon Riders. As she came to her feet, the Fire QiRanger lifted her blade and sliced the leg off a Shadow Warrior before piercing his chest.
Withdrawing her blade from the dead Shadow, Leslie channeled Fire Qi into her blade and charged the two Dragon Riders. Planting her feet together, she leapt into the air, letting loose an awesome war cry. The flames on her Qi Saber intensified as she drew it downward towards her prey.
The two Dragon Riders countered by crossing their wrist blades and captured the burning blade.
Beneath her helmet, Leslie gasped in shock. Taking advantage of their surprise, the Dragon Riders each kicked Leslie in the chest.
The blow felt more like a wrecking ball tearing down an old tenement building than twin boots hitting her, Leslie surmised as she was sent flying backwards.
***
Dra'isod stood in the epicenter of the sphere's blast radius. Each of his heads surveyed the battlefield and he was pleased. His Dragon Riders were more than a match for the QiRangers. As the desert continued to be riddled with the corpses of the Shadow Warriors, Dra'isod grew comforted in knowing that his elite armies turned the tide of battle back in his favor.
He continued watching the battle with his right head, but let his left wander to inspect the surrounding area. For as far as the eye can see, dead bodies lay in the sand - Shadow Warriors slain by the QiRangers. He vowed that each of the humans would pay for such an atrocity.
"What's that?" Dra'isod asked himself as he spied two smoldering stacks of smoke rising atop a nearby dune. The setting was far different than anything else in the area, he decided to investigate.
***
Dra'isod stands over the fallen form of Kor'digh. The once mighty warrior lays motionless in the Saharan sand, his armor vaporized and smoldering into the sky. Kor'digh's flesh is seared and smells like rotten flesh burning in hot oil as his wounds coagulate under the intense heat. Blood spatter covers the surrounding sand and has been backed into his scales on his arms and face.
"You fought bravely," Dra'isod calmly states as he pays his respects to his subordinate.
Turning his attention, to the other smoking heap, Dra'isod's hopes rise, "Could it be that you've finally succeeded?"
Dra'isod quickly runs towards the other body lying in the sand. As he nears it, he slows and rests his hands on the hilts of his blades. The twin heads squint in the bright sunlight until they focus on the object at hand - Master Li.
"It is!" he shouts, running closer.
Master Li fared no better than Kor'digh. The red armor plating covering the QiRanger's chest vaporized in the explosion and chunks of the plating covering his arms disintegrated. His Gi has been ripped to shreds and his chest scarred from the intense head. Lacerations abound on his abdomen and the blood has been fried to a crisp.
Dra'isod stands over his oldest enemy, drawing out a single blade. "At last you have fallen."
He holds the sword as a spike and raises it upwards, preparing to drive it through Li's heart.
As the blade comes crashing down, Master Li senses the danger and fires a Qi Strike upwards. The fiery blast of Qi catches Dra'isod unaware and casts the twin headed dragon backwards.
Master Li snaps to feat, despite the intense pain in his body and summons his Twin Flaming Daggers. The oldest of the QiRangers doesn't waste a moment and leaps into the air towards Dra'isod, who still is trying to recover from the Qi Strike. Somersaulting, Li spins his Daggers as if they were spikes and slams them in the inner bases of Dra'isod's necks as he lands.
The flaming blades tear through his flesh and send blood spurting high in the desert air. Dra'isod instantly fell to the ground writhing in pain as the Daggers tore deeper and deeper into his flesh.
Master Li looked up from his kneeling stance and peered out over the dune to see his QiRangers barely keeping up with the Dragon Riders. He reached down and ripped out his weapons and began racing to the QiRangers' aide.
***
"No! No! No!" yelled Bruch'oda, his voice increasing in volume with each syllable uttered until his utterances filled the Throne Room. To make things worse, as his anger grew, Dark Qi began accumulating in the upper rafters of the hall, sending lightening bolts shooting throughout the space. Thunderous claps of energy echoed as Bruch'oda stared into the imaging sphere.
His began glowing red as anger filled his entire being. Slowly he rose to his feet and came to the edge of the top tier. "I will not loose two of my greatest Generals to that human!" he vowed looking at the image of Dra'isod slumped over in the sand, blood spilling onto the Earth.
Clenching his fists tighter, his blood began to boil. Casting his arms out in a crossed pattern, Bruch'oda summoned a small onyx chest with pearl handles.
Xantia gasped as she instantly recognized the container that held the forbidden Ru'dth, while Qual'och grinned with anticipation.
Exercising his control over Qi, Bruch'oda pushed the chest through the air towards Qual'och. The box quickly made its way over the stairs until floated directly in front of the Magician.
Qual'och peered at the chest before him. How he longed to open that box. Every fiber in his body wanted to rip it open and unleash its power. He could taste it. His salivary glands burned as they erupted in his mouth.
"See to it they are torn limb from limb," Bruch'oda booms as the chest slowly opens to reveal a red velvet interior holding a single golden medallion with a six pointed star encased in a circle etched into its center.
Qual'och took a step closer and reached for the medallion.
***
In a private room on the Istanor, Jayde Yee sat quietly in the lotus position. Her eyes closed, she focused her thoughts on her friends, trying to sense where they might be. All the furniture had been removed. Only the carpeted floor and a small cushion for her to sit on remained. The lights were turned down and she surrounded herself with samplings of the five elements. Directly in front of her was a single flame from an oil lamp. To her right was a bowl of soil taken from a plant in her Infirmary room. Behind and to her right was an aluminum rod. A glass bowl filled with water was behind and to her left, while a small plant was on her left.
Jayde no longer wore the hospital gown they treated her in, but gathered her strength to summon her Combat Gi. With each breath she takes Qi into her body and lets her meridians come alive, associating color, sound, and faces with each.
Swirling images appear one after the other- Master Li. Luís. Abeu. Leslie. Seth. "Where are you?" she pleaded in her mind's eye, but remembered what her Qigong Master had told her.
"Do not force what you cannot."
Taking the lesson to heart, Jayde simply let her feelings guide her on the Astral Plane. Slowly a singular vision came into being. It was bright, almost white. White like searing heat. And familiar. It was somewhere she had been, "But where?" she thought.
As the seconds ticked on, details began filling in. First she was able to see five dark figures and then their faces. Her inner smiled brightened, as Jayde knew she had locked onto her friends' imprints. Her breaths continued to channel her being closer to her friends until she could envision herself at their location.
Jayde looked around, trying to make out any landmarks that might lend a clue as to where they might be, but there was nothing. Absolute desolation filled her entire view. Not wanting to give up, she let her body experience the heat and the desolation. Somehow it all felt familiar that's when Luís walked up to her in his armored form, sun gleaming off his darkened visor.
"We are here," he spoke as the Earth emblem glowed on his chest.
Jayde instantly woke from her trance. "That's it!" she cried rising to her feet. "Lights," she commanded and the room instantly filled with illumination. The sudden change caused her almond eyes to squint, but she quickly recovered. Tapping her wrist, she activated her transdermal Comm- link.
"I know where they are," she said walking towards the door.
"Where?" Robert Dwyer responded.
As she approached the door, she tapped the opening mechanism, causing the barrier to retract into the ship's bulkhead. Just outside the door, was a young man in his twenties. He snapped to an alerted state as Jayde exited. "Africa. I'm on my up now."
The Wood QiRanger stopped and looked at the Ensign assigned to her. "Take me to the Bridge."
***
Moments later she stepped off the lift onto the Istanor's Bridge. This was the first time she had even been aboard a starship, let alone its control center and it struck her with some awe.
The Ensign walked out with her, but after receiving a nod from Commander McCulley, he retreated back to the lift and returned to his duties. Captain Lehet, Dwyer, and Staal approached her from the Research Station, where they had been using the ship's sensors to confirm her findings.
"We can't find any trace of their signals," Dwyer began. "Are you sure?
Jayde nodded as her gaze moved from him to the main window. She saw the LEO Station approaching and knew her time to convince them was short. "Yes. I know they're there. Whatever's blocking the signals must be jamming your sensors as well."
"Then how do you propose we find them?" he asked.
"Doesn't this thing have cameras or something?" Jayde asked.
Captain Lehet stepped forward with a scowl on his face. "Surely you don't expect use to look every inch of Africa hoping to see them?"
Jayde began to grow irritated; after all it was they who asked her to find the other QiRangers. "No, I know where they are. I will show you."
"By all means," the Captain answered stepping aside and leading her to the Research Station console. Robert and Gary followed behind closely.
"Captain, we're ready to begin docking procedures," Ensign Moore announced.
"Aye. Hold on a moment," Lehet answered standing over the main Research console. "Okay, Ms. Yee here you have it. The best NASO has to offer." He quickly focused the ships' sensors over Africa and a lifelike image appeared on the display. "Use this joystick to position the camera," he motioned, "Push down to zoom and pull pack to expand."
Jayde nodded and quickly grabbed the device and began moving the image over to a secluded area of the Sahara. She pushed in and the image zoomed until she found all the QiRangers battling Dragon Riders and Shadow Warriors. "There," she said. "I need to be there."
Gary peered over Lehet's shoulder, amazed she was able to find them with such speed and accuracy, "Damn, you're right on."
"Helm, hold position," Lehet ordered.
"What are you going to do?" asked Robert.
Jayce Lehet looked at his friend, "The only thing I can." He walked to his chair and activated his Comm-link. "T-Bay, this is the Captain."
A haggard voice came over the ship's speakers, "McGruff here, Sir."
"Mr. McGruff, teleport to the arms to LEO Station Cargo Hold Delta Nine on the bounce. We've got an emergency."
"Aye-aye," McGruff answered.
"As soon as the teleport is complete, put us in Clarke over the Sahara"
The Helm and Navigation Officers answered in unison, "Aye-aye, sir," and began seeing to their duties.
***
Xantia cried out to her father, "Look!"
The angelic voice took his concentration away from Qual'och, causing the black chest to retreat from his reach. Bruch'oda turned his gaze from the Wizard to the energy sphere and looked at the new images it displayed.
Dismayed, Qual'och tiled his head up to see what incident had robbed him of his chance to receive the ultimate power, at least temporarily.
Displayed in the shimmering orb is Kor'digh, slowly returning to consciousness. The mighty warrior, still stunned form the explosion moments before opens his one good eye and grunts as he tries to push himself up to a seated position.
Bruch'oda smiles, "Good. At least one of them can continue."
Kor'digh finally rose to his feet, after stumbling for a minute. The burnt flecks of flesh peeled away from his embattled body and fresh blood began seeping from his scarred eye.
The trio watched Kor'digh slowly look around him, trying to discover what had taken place since the explosive finale with Master Li. It only takes him a few seconds before his eye finds the pool of blood surrounding Dra'isod.
He rushes to his side and tries propping up his commander. Dra'isod groans in agony, as with every move, more blood is freed from its vessel and sends the Dark Warrior closer to death. Dra'isod's left neck and head are completely limp as he reaches out towards Kor'digh with his arm, trying to grasp hold of life and camaraderie.
Kor'digh takes hold of Dra'isod, trying to ease his suffering, "Who did this to you?"
As blood continues to trickle out of his neck wounds, the wounded Dragon Warrior slowly turns his other head towards Kor'digh. "Li," he barely says as blood bursts from his lips.
Bruch'oda's face shines with excitement. "Qual'och!" he commands, "Bring Dra'isod to the Cavern."
Qual'och bows and extends his arms. White energy dances across the tips of his claws and a moment later, Dra'isod fades out of existence and is no longer seen within the sphere.
With his General gone, Kor'digh rises to his feet and clutches his hands, "Be at piece. I shall avenge you. He looks down to the battle below, seeking out one target in particular. It did not take long for his eye to find it either. Filled with a new purpose, Kor'digh took off racing down the dune.
"Wait!" Bruch'oda called out, his voice crossing over the barrier of the energy sphere causing Kor'digh to come to a halt.
Looking up, Kor'digh tries to understand why he was ordered to stop his attack.
Bruch'oda quickly returned the onyx chest to Qual'och. "See to it he succeeds."
Not sure what his Lord meant, Kor'digh stands in the sand waiting for further instructions.
In the Throne Room, the moment Qual'och had been waiting for was finally upon him. He slowly reached into the onyx chest housing the Ru'dth. Carefully, his twin claws picked up the magical medallion. Bringing it closer to his body, the star emblem began to shimmer with electricity.
Magnificent streaks of power exploded from the medallion's center and engulfed Qual'och, shredding his cloak to threads. As he absorbed the Ru'dth's power, his body began transforming. White energy soaked into his veins, causing them to expand as they traversed his body. Every inch of his body was covered in electrical streaks from the Ru'dth. The increased power began expanding his bones and causing his muscles to ripple with power.
Qual'och stood a meter taller, allowing his new frame to fill out with an impressive muscular build. Gone was the weak cleric schooled it the art of Dark Qi and what stood before Bruch'oda was a formidable magical warrior and master of Qi. Pinkish hews of light shine from Qual'och's eyes, nares, and mouth.
Lifting his head up high, Qual'och relishes the power transferred to his body. The experience was more powerful than he thought possible, but he relished in it completely. His lips widened as a smile etched into his face. "At last," he snarls with a new, imposing voice.
Xantia's eyes widen as she sees her lover grow with power. Her heart leaps with joy as his fondest wish manifests. "Now he can show them all what real power can do. No one will stand in our way!" she thinks.
"Min'u tolyx va!" Qual'och shouts. A torrent of yellow energy explodes from his soul and rises towards the heavens. Lightening bolts shoot out from his hands thunder claps echo in the Throne Room. The energy wave passes harmlessly through the walls of Bruch'oda's Palace.
The energy wave quickly fades and Qual'och collapses to the floor, breathing heavily. "It is done," he announces.
Bruch'oda and Xantia eagerly await the events to unfold in the energy sphere.
***
Jayde stood beside Robert and Gary in the T-Bay. The walls had been sealed and they awaited word from McGruff to begin the teleportation sequence. The three stood ready to assist their friends and bring an end the battle in the Sahara.
"Come on, what's taking so long?" she asked beginning to grow impatient. "Shouldn't we be in orbit already?"
Robert and Gary looked at each other. "She's right, Rob," Gary said. "There's no way that the Istanor couldn't be in range already. Maybe we should see what the hold up is."
The Comm-link on Robert's wrist computer chirped. "Looks like we're going to find out." He tapped the unit and Lehet's voice came over the small speaker.
"We've got a problem," he said.
"What's up?" asked Robert.
"We can't get a lock on the target coordinates. There's some sort of field interfering with our sensors. Without the definitive targeted site, the teleporter won't be able to complete data transfer."
"What are our options?
"The best we can do is get you within a hundred miles."
"Jesus Christ!" Gary exclaimed. "What good will that do?"
Jayde stepped forward and placed her hand on Gary's shoulder. "Plenty. Captain, get us down there and I'll take care of the rest," she said.
"Understood. Standby for teleportation."
***
Seth stood over the latest of his victims. The Water QiRanger continued to slaughter those trying to conquer Earth and the stains on his armor proved it. He quickly withdraws his blade, tearing a chunk of armor free from the dead Shadow Warrior. Out of the periphery of his vision, Seth saw a Dragon Rider preparing to strike.
He dropped to the sand and readied his Qi Saber, but the Dragon Rider just stood there - motionless. "What the hell?" he thought.
Slowly the Dragon Rider began slipping to his knees. It was then he realized what caused the Dragon Rider to stop. Master Li stood behind the Rider, his fists blazing with Fire Qi. Using his power, Li tore through the protective armor plating and scorched the organs. Burning from within, the Dragon Rider died almost instantly.
"Thanks," he said as Master Li lifted Seth to his feet.
"Do not mention it. You will need your strength," Li said as the towering column of yellow energy fell from the sky onto a single figure a couple of hundred meters away.
***
Kor'digh heard the sky thunder and crackle with power. "What?" he questioned as he turned to look towards the oncoming noise. The blinding light of the yellow energy wave surprised him. Unsure what was approaching, Kor'digh raises his arms trying to block out the light by tucking his head into his arms.
It was all for naught.
The powerful wave came crashing down onto Kor'digh. As the Ru'dth's energy engulfed the warrior he screamed in pain. Like Qual'och, the power began coursing through his veins. His wounds instantly healed as he accepted the pain. The energy entered every inch of his soul and began changing everything.
Kor'digh's bones began elongating, stretching his form high above what it used to be. Gone was the feeble flesh that once covered his body - it was replaced by hard, marbled armored skin with winding black and blue veins. He continued to rise as boney spikes began protruding from his forearms and shoulders. His vertebral spines extended through his back, creating a razor- like effect. When the transformation completed, Kor'digh stood seven meters over the desert floor and with but a single purpose - destroy the QiRangers.
Ready for battle he let out a howling cry that caught the attention of everyone on the battlefield. Each of the warriors looked up at the massive warrior before them. Seizing the opportunity, the QiRangers quickly regrouped.
"What the hell is that thing?" Leslie asked Master Li.
Master Li took a deep breath, "Kor'digh."
"But he's so huge," Abeu said.
"What happened?" Leslie asked. She turned away to see the remaining Dragon Riders and Shadow Warriors coming for them.
"I'm not sure," Master Li replied.
The QiRangers broke formation and easily struck down the few Shadow Warriors that attacked, hacking them to shreds. Master Li focused his attacks on the Dragon Riders, throwing his Fire Shurricans at them. Worn down from the previous battles, the Dragon Riders moved too slowly to escape the powerful flaming weapons. When each hit, they exploded into fierce fireballs, killing the Riders.
"What do we do now?" asked Seth, hoping that Master Li had some guidance.
As Kor'digh came running down the dune, stomping through the desert, Master Li simply said, "There's only one thing that could do that." The QiRangers lined up, ready to meet Kor'digh head on. "A power source similar to ours, but held by evil."
"And they can do that?" Abeu gulped.
"Yes," Li responded digging his feet into the sand. "Prepare yourselves. This will be difficult."
***
The QiRangers spread out into a V formation with Master Li at the apex. The eldest of the QiRangers readied his fists, bringing them in front of his chest. As power fueled his body, flame erupted. The QiRangers each took a step forward. Leslie ignited her Qi Saber, its fames crying out for more blood. Seth reformed his Qi Disk and infused it with Water Qi. Abeu stood tall with his bow at the ready and Luís eagerly awaited the chance to pound Kor'digh with his War Hammer.
Kor'digh leapt into the air and somersault several times before landing at the base of the sand dune. He rose to his feet, chortling. "You think you pathetic little humans stood a chance before? Prepare to die!" he yelled unleashing a massive Dark Qi Strike at the QiRangers.
"Break!" Master Li yelled and the five QiRangers darted from harms way. Barely missing its target, the black energy wave destroyed the spot where they had been standing.
The White QiRanger rolled to his feet and drew back his bow. Five energy bolts materialized and were sent hurling towards the massive warrior.
Kor'digh looked down at the oncoming barrage of Metal Qi and laughed. He quickly extended his hand and blocked the bolts from causing any harm. "You're going to have to do better than that," he mused.
Master Li raced forward and channeled Qi into his fists. They each began to burn brightly as he flew into the air towards Kor'digh. Li narrowed his eyes and began to focus on punching through the massive armored creature before him.
Kor'digh quickly spun around and reverse-hook-kicked Master Li mid-air. The resulting blow crushed Master Li abdominal cage and sent the QiRanger flying backwards into the sand. A trail formed as he slowly came to a halt. He coughed up blood while trying to stand. Leslie came to his side as he wiped the red fluid from his mouth. "Come on," he said.
With Kor'digh focusing his attention on Master Li, the Water QiRanger released his Qi Disk. The blue circular blade soared over the desert floor on its way towards Kor'digh's head.
Hearing the turbulence behind him, Kor'digh turned and deflected the Disk with his left forearm spikes. Smiling, he sent out another Dark Qi Strike with his right hand.
Seth hunkered down in the sand and raised his shield to deflect the blast.
Sweat poured down the Water QiRanger's face as the intense heat dissipated on the other side of his Qi Shield. Seth let out a sigh of relief once the energy wave ended, as he was unsure if his shield was going to hold. "Get moving," he told himself, "No use in being a sitting duck."
***
Three shimmering figures materialize under the hot Saharan sky. Jayde Yee, Robert Dwyer, and Gary Staal concluded their transport from the Istanor and now stood in the vast emptiness that is the Great Desert.
"So now what?" Gary asked.
"Stand back," Jayde said clearing room around her. Crossing her arms before her chest, she cried out, "Wood!" and extended her arms outward. Green energy began circulating through her Liver and Gall Bladder Meridians causing them to shine brightly. As the powerful Wood Qi engulfed Jayde, her Gi was replaced by the green armor of the Wood QiRanger.
Robert and Gary turned to one another. "I guess it's our turn," Robert mused.
They each stood ready and fold their arms on top of one another. Their left arms swing outwards, reaching a 45 degree angle, as if reaching for the sky, while their right arms swing out and then are drawn into their chests, clenching their fists. As they do this, their right foots take a half-step backwards. The pair then steps forward while moving their right fists towards their left wrists. As the rings near the wrists the pair yell, "Energize!"
A wrist computer terminal uncloaks on their left wrists. On the palm-side of the unit is a small hole for the activation key stored in the pair's rings. Upon inserting the rings into the lock, the device unleashes an army of black nanobots that consume the pair. Once the transformation is complete, Robert and Gary stand in their Stealth Armor.
"Are you ready?" the QiRanger asked.
From behind his armor, Robert nodded and let out a resounding, "Yes."
"Okay. Hang on," Jayde said moving closer to Robert and Gary. Beneath her helmet, the Wood QiRanger closed her eyes and concentrated on her friends. Calling forth the Wood Qi on the planet, a mist of green energy began circulating around the three friends in the desert.
Robert scans the energy field with his left eye, trying to analyze the substance, but cannot. Each scan returns as "UNKNOWN".
The Wood Qi began whirling around Robert, Gary, and Jayde, spinning faster and faster. The mist formed an energy envelope around them and in an instant they were transported to the epicenter of the battle with Kor'digh.
The trio cast their eyes on the huge warrior facing them.
"What the fuck?" gasped Gary from his armored suit.
"I have no idea," Jayde said, "but it's coming down." The Wood QiRanger began running for Kor'digh and called forth her twin axe blades.
"I second that," Robert muttered and readied a plasma bolt from his right arm. The beam shot out his closed hand and rocketed towards Kor'digh's backside. The blast exploded on his armored skin with little effect.
Feeling the little pin prick, Kor'digh turned and saw the three new additions to the battle as Jayde cruised through the air preparing to strike. Waving his arm, he knocked Jayde aside like a wet rag, his spikes tearing into her armor as she was sent down to the sand.
"I don't know you," he boomed staring at Robert and Gary. "None-the-less, you will die as well," and shot a Dark Qi Strike towards them.
Robert easily evaded the blast, but Gary's armor caught the brunt of the massive energy attack. Casting him aside, the attack overloaded his suit: SYSTEM FAILING appeared on his internal system status display. As he fell into the sand, Gary's Stealth Armor deactivated. He rolled over and picked himself up, scanning for cover.
***
Luís Mendoza saw a green flash hit the sand near him. "Could it be?" he asked himself. Sprinting, raced over to the impact site. As he approached, he saw the familiar armor plating of the Wood QiRanger and yelled, "Jayde!"
She moved slowly, still not fully recovered from the blow she received. Deep gashes covered her torso and trails of blood dripped down her side from where Kor'digh struck her. The Earth QiRanger dropped to his knees above her and began lifting her out of the small hole she was in.
"Are you okay?" he asked.
"I've been better," she responded, slowly coming to full stance. "What is that thing?"
"Someone Master Li was fighting."
"Great," she said looking up as Kor'digh swatted Abeu aside.
***
Seeing that a direct approach was useless, the QiRangers gathered around Master Li. Out of breath and their hopes fading fast, Seth was the first to speak, "Any ideas?"
Master Li looked up. He felt a burning sensation in his chest - something that hadn't occurred in years. The skin on his thorax began bubbling and etching the symbol for Triple Fire. As the three lines completed their vertical trek down his chest, the circle rose to the surface. Red energy began to circulate in the emblem.
Luís and Jayde were the last to join the others. She was quickly greeted with hugs from Leslie and Seth, but their attention was squarely on their leader.
"Yes," Master Li quietly said as the QiRangers emblems began shimmering in their respective colors.
***
Kor'digh looked down at his prey. "How nice of them to gather for me," he thought, allowing a small grin to ease onto his metallic face. He focused his dark power into his hand and sent another Dark Qi Strike towards the QiRangers. The massive energy wave consumed the short distance between the two parties and targeted Master Li specifically.
"Break!" Master Li shouted, looking up just in time to see the swirling mass of negative energy approaching.
The six QiRangers split apart, diving in all directions and escaping the detonation. The powerful wave hit the sand, sending granules flying everywhere. The released energy of the blast soared into the sky, creating a mushrooming effect.
Master Li picked himself up off the ground and began running towards Kor'digh. "Follow me," he yelled to the others as his speed increased. As each foot pounded into the sand, he pushed off with greater force. An intense dive filled his being - he existed for one purpose and one purpose only - to save the Earth and defeat evil. Nothing else mattered.
The other QiRangers took his lead and began chasing after Master Li. To their surprise, they too began increasing their speed. As each second passed, the QiRangers felt stronger, more focused, and committed than ever before.
Li moved at a blinding speed across the desert floor. Streaks of sand popped up from behind his footprints as he sailed onward. The red emblem on his chest began to glow brighter and hum with intense power. Slowly it began consuming him - filling every inch of his body until he was a being of pure Fire Qi.
Each of the QiRangers began undergoing a similar transformation. With each step they became their element. Luís became the embodiment of Earth. Abeu transformed into Metal. Seth formed into a being of solid Water Qi. Jayde became Wood and Leslie joined Master Li as Fire.
Kor'digh tried to close on their position, but the six streaks of energy moved to quickly. He slammed his spikes towards the blue Elemental, but the streaking energy being hopped over the barrier and went on his way with out incident. "Will you not fight me, cowards?" he yelled, becoming more frustrated.
That's when it happened.
Master Li leapt into the sky first, followed by the others. His form quickly shifted into a red energy ball. In the air, the others slowly began merging their energies together. Luís was the first to join Master Li - then Leslie and Seth. Abeu and Jayde quickly followed. As their energy fields began to merge, so did their thoughts, their minds, and their consciousnesses.
Gone were Li, Leslie, Jayde, Abeu, Seth, and Luís. They did not exist anymore. There was but one mind, one thought, and one being formed of the six.
The massive energy ball comprised of all six QiRangers began falling towards the sand. Kor'digh stepped back, not sure what was happening. He planted his back leg into the sand and raised his arms in a defensive posture, his boney spike facing his enemy.
Robert and Gary circled around, trying to gain a flanking position, just in case they were needed. Seeing the transformation taking place, they both realized the battle had escalated far beyond their capabilities.
The ball of energy formed by the QiRangers neared the desert basin and began taking shape. It ceased being a spherical mass and transitioned into humanoid form. It also changed color - from being a swirling vortex of each of the elements to something darker, more refined, and fearsome.
Landing in a cloud of dusty sand, a new figure emerged. It stood seven meters tall and wore sleek, black samurai-styled armor. White cuffs marked the ends of the being's gloves and boots. Engraved in gold onto the chest plate were the symbols of the five elements arranged in the traditional patter, all encircling Triple Fire. A mask covered the face of the new warrior, revealing no features.
Each of the QiRangers now thought and acted as one. They were the Ultimate QiWarrior. Speaking with the overtones of each QiRanger, he fixed his gaze on Kor'digh and announced, "This ends now."
***
Kor'digh raced forward wanting to kill the collective mass of QiRangers. "All in one tidy package," he thought as the gap between the two narrowed.
Not wasting a single moment, the QiWarrior quickly went on the bounce, charging its target.
The two massive warriors came upon each other and instantly locked arms. Neither Kor'digh nor the QiWarrior had an advantage. Both struggled to get leverage, changing their vectors of force by alternating pushing with their legs and upper body.
"Strong for such a bunch of weaklings," Kor'digh muttered as his hands were beginning to be crushed under the strength of the QiWarrior's grasp.
"If you only knew," it said, dropping to the desert floor and pulling Kor'digh on top of him. As Kor'digh's body fell onto the QiWarrior, it thrust its legs into Kor'digh's midsection and tossed the dark warrior overhead.
Kor'digh flies through the air and comes crashing down on his back. QiWarrior quickly snaps to its feet and started running towards its foe. Each step was more distance than any of the QiRangers ever could have cleared on their own. In this combined form, it was like stomping through a miniature sandbox.
The QiWarrior neared Kor'digh and readied to strike.
Tilting his head into the sand, Kor'digh saw QiWarrior pouncing. Rocking his body to the side, he raised his arm spikes and slashed outwards, managing to cut the left shin of QiWarrior. The armored spike ripped apart the QiWarrior's armor. Glimmering fluid began streaking down its led and dripped onto the sand.
Rolling aside, QiWarrior guarded its wound and fell to its knees.
Kor'digh pressed into the sand and pushed himself up. Smiling, he focused on his target. Bringing both his hands together, he called forth his inner Dark Qi and unleashed a powerful blast at the QiWarrior.
The darkened eyes of the QiWarrior dilated as the blast approached. Ignoring the pain in its leg, QiWarrior dodged the blast and began another charge at Kor'digh. The combined form of the QiRangers began releasing a carnal cry, gathering its power and focusing its strength.
Kor'digh stood ready and brought his hands to defend himself as QiWarrior moved in and began unleashing a series of punches. Countless years of training kicked in and he instantly moved with each punch and blocked each jab.
The pair moved in tandem, countering the other's attack while trying to gain the upper hand. Kor'digh snuck in the first blow, raking his spikes across the chest plating of the QiWarrior. The blades managed to slice through the outer layer of its plating, but QiWarrior stepped back before it pierced its flesh.
Not wasting any momentum, QiWarrior spun around, channeling all its power into a reverse roundhouse kick. Its boot landed in the center of Kor'digh's sternum, crushing his ribs. The impact was more than the mammoth warrior thought possible and sent him reeling.
QiWarrior continued on the offensive rapidly punching Kor'digh's broken body. Each blow sent the massive warrior of evil backwards as blood erupted from his shattered flesh. Jumping into the air, QiWarrior spun around again and focused its energy into one last kick.
The shimmering glow of QiWarrior's right boot tore through what remained of Kor'digh's protective shell. Kor'digh's blood splattered over the boot of the QiWarrior as he flew into the air.
QiWarrior buried both its feet into the sand and watched Kor'digh arc through the air. For nearly three seconds Kor'digh sailed in the sky before slamming into the Earth Mystic Door. The magnificent stone edifice broke his flight.
Kor'digh groaned as the last breath was forced from his tired body. Lying in the crease between the door and the desert floor, Kor'digh lookup up as blood began seeping from his eyes. "You haven't beaten me yet, Li," he cried, coughing up blood.
He managed to muster enough strength to get to his feet, but his wits weren't about him. Dazed from the blows and the loss of blood, Kor'digh stood in front of the door.
"Wrong," QiWarrior said in its overtones. Harnessing the power from each of the five elements, the Warrior of Good shot forth an Ultimate Qi Strike. The multicolored wave of Qi rocketed towards Kor'digh.
In what was left of his visual receptors, Kor'digh saw death coming.
The Ultimate Qi Strike engulfed Kor'digh. The warrior screamed as his life began to cease. The blast's sheer power began tearing away at his being until there was nothing left. The Ultimate Qi Strike completed its course and hit the Mystic Door as Kor'digh's body exploded in a massive fireball.
With its power expended, the Ultimate QiWarrior no longer could hold its form and the six QiRangers fell into the sand. They no longer felt invincible, but rather beaten and broken and starved for oxygen. Bruch'oda's remaining forces began closing in, readying their weapons for one final strike.
Leslie gasped for air trying to get to her feet, but every ounce of power had been sucked out of her body when the Ultimate QiWarrior destroyed Kor'digh. She fell into the sand, but her ears heard something new. It wasn't the beating of her heart pounding in her ears - it was something new.
The other QiRangers heard it too and focused their eyes on the source of the new disturbance. Surprisingly, it was the Earth Mystic Door. No longer was it teaming with yellow Earth Qi, but with the collective pure energy of all six QiRangers. The loud sounds continued, growing louder and louder. Even the Dragon Riders ceased their advance and looked on.
"Can it be?" Master Li ask as the final tumbler fell and the Earth Mystic Door closed. With gateway sealed a powerful shockwave was unleashed like an umbrella for 100 miles from the door. The Dragon Riders were instantly vaporized, their bodies cast into dust.
Robert and Gary ran towards their friends ready to assist in any way possible.
***
Qual'och fell to the ground as the power from the Ru'dth was ripped from his body. The golden medallion slipped out of his hand as he returned to his weakened form. Propping himself up on his hands and knees, yellow blood poured from his eyes and nose. He reaches for the Ru'dth, but just as he's about to take it into his hand, it vanishes.
Bruch'oda glares down at the stricken Wizard. Each breath fuels his anger, his rage, his disdain. Yelling, the Master strikes Qual'och down with Dark Qi.
Too weak to block the attack, Qual'och screamed in agony while his body was tormented.
"Father, no!" Xantia cried trying to stop him, but he simply tossed her aside.
Skidding along the floor, her eyes narrowed and honed in on her father. "Please father, I love him!"
Bruch'oda stopped the attack and looked at his daughter. It was if a knife had been stuck in his heart. He said nothing and walked passed Xantia, leaving her with Qual'och, the failure.
With her father gone, Xantia raced down the steps to Qual'och. Wounds covered his body and blood continued to flow. She cradled him in his arms, trying to sooth him. "It will be all right. I know what to do."
***
End of Episode 3 - Brave New World
