QiRanger Chapter Seven – Eternal Flame
***
Darkness - it comes once nearly every twelve hours and covers half the planet at a time. Under its blanket not much is seen anymore. In the days proceeding Bruch'oda's return much of the night's sky had been obliterated by light pollution from the mega cities that dotted the surface of the once grand planet. Now humans on the surface were confined to an area of less than thirty-two thousand square miles. Within this zone, Earth's last hope for survival gathered and prepared for their assault on the evil that now controlled the planet.
Amberlynn Guinness sat on her chair next to the motor pool at the Sahara Staging Ground cleaning her weapon. Placing the cloth rag she used to clear the sand from the weapon's primary lens on the ground next to her, she lifted her soft hazel eyes to the stars and forgot all that had happened in the weeks leading up to this moment.
"God, they're beautiful," she said aloud staring at the stars above. "I've forgotten what they looked like," she said with a smile. Letting everything around her fade into nothingness, Amberlynn let herself escape the duties at hand became absorbed by the small pricks of light shining down from above.
In her trance, the Militia recruit failed to notice her platoon sergeant shuffling through the sand behind her. The gruff man in his late forties possessed a strong dislike for anyone non-military, but under the circumstances, he had no choice but to welcome anyone who could carry and fire a rifle.
"Guinness!" he shouted in his raspy voice.
Amberlynn snapped from her glazed over look and stood instantly. "Yes, Sir!" he quipped.
The Sergeant walked in front of her and stared into her watery eyes. He knew she was afraid and was probably thinking about more peaceful times, but he couldn't have that right now. He knew if he allowed that to continue, she wouldn't make it back alive.
"Hell, I don't even know if any of us will make it back alive," he thought.
"Listen here," he said sternly, "Focus on your job. Clean your weapon and put on your armor. You do what I taught you to do and if you're lucky enough, you'll be able to spend the rest of your life watching those stars."
"Yes, Sir," Amberlynn replied and returned her attention to her rifle.
***
General Abbey sat behind his desk. No longer residing in the comfort of LEO Station, the General joined his fellow soldiers on Earth as they prepared to launch their offensive against the Bruch'oda at the Metal Mystic Door. Sweat poured down his face and stained his combat fatigues. Even with the evaporative coolers in his tent, Abbey still felt flush from the intense heat of desert.
But none of that mattered to him. His thoughts were elsewhere.
"Why?" he thought staring at his computer pad. The small device had but a single image on its display panel – that of a beautiful young girl in her twenties. With light golden hair that framed her face, the light danced in her green eyes that signaled to all she was full of life.
"Why did this have to happen?" he whimpered through swelling tears that streamed down his cheeks. Letting his hands glide across the image he finally brought himself to speak her name, "Devon, I'm so sorry."
Abbey closed his eyes and press out all the tears. The salty substance rolled over his skin before falling onto the soft sand under his feet. The robust General quietly sobbed in solitude.
Bowing his head, General Abbey failed to notice Robert Dwyer enter the tent. The tall Metal QiRanger and long time friend of the General knew that he needed time to grieve, but that was something they didn't have. "I wish I didn't have to do this," Robert thought to himself, "But I have to."
"Sir," he spoke softly, looking at his friend.
General Abbey wiped the tears from his eyes and sniffled them back into his throat. The sound echoed off the metal desk the General rested his elbows on. He drew but a single tissue from the dispenser located in his drawer and blew his nose.
"Yes, Robert?" Abbey finally responded.
The Metal QiRanger took a few more steps inside the tent and made sure the exterior flap was closed. "Everything's ready, Sir. Everyone is assembled."
General Abbey nodded at his old friend before turning his gaze back to the computer pad. "You know she would have been thirty next Tuesday, Rob."
Dwyer closed his eyes and remembered the first time he met the General's daughter. It was a few years ago when she was on vacation. She was so intelligent and thoughtful – always thinking of others before herself. "I know," Rob said quietly, knowing that it sounded stupid, but it was the only thing that came to mind.
"I just can't believe it," Abbey started, "She survived the hellish attack on New York only to lose her life here."
"Sir, you know as well as I do that accidents happen and we can't try to understand things that are beyond our control."
General Abbey put the pad down and looked up at his friend. "I know. I can't recall how many times I've had to make that speech to families. I," he paused, "I just never imagined I'd have to sit through it myself."
"No one does," Robert added.
General Abbey nodded in agreement before scooting back his chair.
"I really wish you would reconsider this, General," Robert spoke. "I don't think this is a good idea."
Standing, General Abbey looked his old friend in the eyes, "This isn't up for debate, son. I'm not about to site behind a desk and watch every last able-bodied human march in to hell. My daughter would have gone and by hell I'm going to see this through."
"It's good to see that he still has that fire within him," Robert thought. "So there's no way to change you mind about this?" he asked.
"No. Besides, I didn't have R&D spend the past few days altering this," he said pulling back his left sleeve to reveal the wrist unit of Robert's old Stealth Armor. "The way I figure it, you won't need it anytime soon and we've got to use every advantage possible."
Robert smiled. "Yeah, I've found a replacement for now."
Robert walked over to Abbey and placed his hands on his shoulders, "Are you going to be all right?"
"No. I never thought I'd see the day where Devon would pass before me. But I'm not going to let her death be in vein."
"But we may need you for the final assault," Robert pleaded.
"Thanks for your concern, old friend, but I've been fighting bad guys longer than you've been around. I can take care of myself." General Abbey took a deep breath, "Now let's get out there and take back what we've lost."
***
Pushing back the tent flap, General Abbey emerged first from his tent, followed by Robert. Morning light was about to break in the east and the sky had already started brightening. "Dawn at last," Abbey muttered.
The Staging Ground was all a bustle with activity as the final arrangements were being made for the day's assault. As far as the eye could see, everyone was moving with a single purpose – prepare for battle. Both Robert and General Abbey were amazed at the sheer number of men, women, and children who volunteered for this mission. Close to one million of the Militia's forces had been transported down from the LEO Station and armed here.
Walking through the endless rows of troops, Robert couldn't help but to feel the way General Abby must at this moment – knowing that many of these brave souls wouldn't make it back here alive. "With all the armor and weapons we have, it's just a horrible fact of war – people die," he thought.
"Are they ready?" General Abbey asked Robert.
The Metal QiRanger looked at his commanding office and said, "Yes, they're waiting for us at the Door."
"Good," Abbey replied as he walked by a section of armored HERCs in their final stages of preparation.
The pair continued on their way to a small stage that had been assembled in front of the Earth Mystic Door. Not anything grand, by any means, it was set aside to allow Abbey to address those under his command before they left for battle. The other QiRangers and Neela stood on the small platform flanked by generators powering a set of evaporative coolers.
General Abbey took to the stage first. "Are you ready?" he asked them.
"Yes, General," they all replied.
"Good," he replied. "They aren't," he motioned behind them. "I've done this enough to know that fear has gripped them and taken a hold of their minds. They're physically ready for the challenge ahead, but not mentally."
Taking in a deep breath, General Abbey let his chest expand before letting all his air out and tapping his control pad.
"This is General Abbey," he began as his voice was broadcast over the Comm- links of the entire assault force.
"For the past few hours we've been making the final arrangements for the assault on the Metal Mystic Door. Up until now, we've relied upon the effort of those behind me to battle back the forces that overran our planet. They have done an excellent job, closing three of the five doors needed to send these tyrants packing," he said.
"But that ends here. Too long have we sat on the sidelines and let these heroic men and women fight our battles for us. They've suffered great losses for our benefit. It's now our turn to rise up and show Bruch'oda and Ru'dth what humans are really made of. This is our time to shine. Our time to fight. Our time to kick ass!"
Cheers erupted from the assembled troops as far as the eye could see. For the first time General Abbey saw his troops with elevated spirits. As the cheers faded, Abbey turned to the QiRangers, "Now, they're ready."
***
Michael Chen and Gary Staal stood among several troopers. Like the others, Michael wore green body armor while Gary stood in his gray fatigues. As the cheers subsided, Gary noticed the troops around him remained confident and focused on the forthcoming battle.
"They'll do fine," he assured Michael.
But his fellow doctor said nothing.
Gary looked to his left and saw Michael standing there numb. He didn't blink and barely breathed at all. "Shit, the guy's freezing up on me," he thought.
Gently tapping Michael on the shoulder Gary was able to get through to the young doctor. "Are you going to be all right?" he asked.
Mike cracked a smile, "Ask me if we get through this thing."
"That's no way to talk. You've got to stay focused and concentrate on what needs to be done."
"I know," Michael began, "That's not what's got me worried."
"Then what's got you all a bugger?" Gary wondered.
Leaning closer to Gary, Michael dropped his voice to a level just barely audible, "Look at them. Look how many of them there are. When the bloodshed starts, how are we going to keep up with it? I mean there are only a few of us with enough medical training to handle the kinds of wounds we'll be seeing."
Gary put his hand out to calm his colleague, "There is no way. People are going to die and there's nothing we can do about it. We can only focus on our tasks and save the ones we can."
Gary knew his words weren't the comfort that Michael sought, but it was the truth.
Mike closed his eyes and let the trembling in his muscles pass. "God I hate this," he said. "I wish there was a better way."
"So do I," Gary replied. "But there isn't. They know your sister and the others are coming and they'll be ready for them. I don't think they'll be expecting an army to drop in on them. Hopefully the surprise will be enough for us to gain the upper hand and get your sister do her thing."
"I hope you're right."
***
The thousands upon thousands of troopers began their final preparations for battle. Each of the troopers donned new assault armor. Colored green, these lightweight conforming pieces of armor protect the vital areas of each Militia member. Amber helmets cover their head and are equipped with Comm- links and C-Net connections, providing each with the most up-to-date data.
Each trooper was armed with a pulsar rifle and a six inch knife. In this final phase of preparation, each trooper ignited the small power cell that provided the source for the beam weapon's deadly force. The devices hummed with power as they warmed up and shook gently in each trooper's hand.
After a few minutes, they were all ready. Each new what was expected of them and that they might not make it back alive. But as a group, that wasn't what was important. It was the fact that now they, too, were joining the fight for their liberation.
***
The mighty HERCs powered their advanced motor drives and weapon systems. Armed with several plasma cannons and rocket launchers, these massive machines piloted by a single NASO operative began walking to their designated platoon stations. These three meter high machines were slow moving, but deadly weapons. General Abbey hoped that they could manage to take out a handful of Shadows and protect the forward lines from being out flanked.
***
General Abbey watched as his army took shape. "It's time. Let's do it," he said.
The General stood with both his arms folded on top of one another. His left arm swung outwards, reaching a 45 degree angle, as if reaching for the sky, while his right swung out and then were drawn into his chest, clenching his fists. As he did this, his right foot took a half-step backwards. Then he stepped forward while moving his right fists towards his left wrist. As the ring on his right hand nears his wrist he yells, "Energize!"
On the palm-side of the computer unit, General Abbey thrusts the ring into the activation keyhole. Upon inserting the rings into the lock, the device unleashed billions of black nanobots that consume him. Once the transformation is complete, General Abbey stood on the platform in a familiar black suit.
Inside his display it reads: STEALTH ARMOR ACTIVED.
Behind the General, the QiRangers readied themselves for their transformation. Building their internal Qi, each individual summoned the element that gave them power.
Luís' eyes narrowed as he could feel the Earth around him surge forward and cascade over his body. His gray fatigues began shimmering yellow and energy crackled around him. Slowly the electrical energy solidified revealing his armor.
Robert brings his arms together and pushes outward. Drawing extra Qi from his own cybernetic limbs, he quickly transforms into the Metal QiRanger.
Seth closes his eyes and imagines the endless seas of the planet. Water begins pouring through his pours drenching the stage and covering his body. When the water finally falls to the floor he stands revealed in his blue armor.
Green energy danced around Jayde, encircling her delicate body with immense power. Her energy cocoon fades revealing her Wood armor.
Leslie's skin burst into flame and consumed her mortal body. Her mind focused on her burning desire to save the planet and put right what had been taken so violently from them. As her desire grew, so did the flames. A giant burst of wind whisked them away, revealing the Fire QiRanger.
Neela smiled at those around her. Deep in her core, Neela's Root Chakra glowed red. The energy harnessed in the base Chakra quickly grew and changed to orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet before leaving her head and showering her with power. As the sparkling shards of power descended from Neela's Crown Chakra, her violet armor appeared.
With everyone assembled, Neela closes her eyes and brings her hands to Namaste. Taking in a deep breath, Neela channels the Kundalini within. Roaring out through her crown Chakra, a giant serpent rockets toward the stars. Larger than anyone could have imagined, the massive Goddess moved through the heavens with ease. Her massive form blocked the rising sun and cast darkness on all those below.
"Holy shit!" exclaimed Luís.
Each of them could hear the massive rolling undulations of the giant snake above them. Her power was more than any of them had witnessed before and they stood in awe. The Goddess' eye shone like the sun at midday as she turned and headed down towards the amassed troops. With speed equal to lightening, she expanded her jaw and devoured the entire group in one bite before vanishing into thin air.
***
Throughout her entire life, Amberlynn Guinness has taken advantage of the Teleportation network on Earth. She traveled from her home in London to various places around the globe and into space on a routine basis. But nothing prepared her for what she now undertook. Along with the other Militia members, she marveled at the giant snake that rose high into the desert sky and swooped down and ate them.
"That thing ate me," she thought. She still couldn't believe it.
But her thoughts weren't allowed to dwell on the subject too long. As quickly as she and the others had been swallowed by the great Kundalini, dematerialized and left the entire Militia deep within the Earth.
Guinness craned her head around as she got her bearings. "Holy shit!" she exclaimed while taking in the huge cavern she now stood in. "We're packed in like sardines."
"Cut the chatter, Guinness," squawked her Sergeant.
Amberlynn flinched inside her armor at the rough sound of her Sergeant's voice. She knew he was right. This was the split instant they had all been training for. Once the initial shock of being lifted from the Sahara and deposited into a deep and expansive cavern somewhere under the Earth's crust wore off, Amberlynn was able to see the amassed army before her.
It was like nothing she imagined and an overwhelming sense of meekness cascaded over her body.
"Now look sharp," barked her Sergeant. "Keep an eye on where your targeting reticle is pointed and try not to take out your fellow soldiers."
Amberlynn peered through her visor and saw not what they had trained for but some other form of foot soldier. These were far more intimidating than Shadow Warriors she was ready to face. Armed not only with the same crimson blades, but with intense armored spikes and a larger size, she knew they were in for an even more difficult fight.
"Essentially, if it's black and has spikes, kick the shit out of it," her Sergeant advised. "Now," he ordered, "Get out there and pave a way for the QiRangers to close this Door!"
Amberlynn sucked in a deep breath and then started falling out with her fellow Militia Members. Moving like a sea of algae, Guinness' platoon quickly descended on the Super Shadow Warriors guarding the perimeter of the massive cavern. Her heart raced as she maneuvered over the rocky terrain, trying to keep one eye on her reticle and the other on the ground.
The uneven cavern floor, made it hard for her to keep up with the others, but Amberlynn was bound and determined to do so. A desire brought to life when she heard the first few rounds from her platoon's plasma rifles fire. Her delicate hazel eyes fixated on the image in her reticle. A Shadow broke off from its main group and began heading toward her position. Through the explosions around her, Amberlynn tracked the dark warrior as countless bodies on both sides began falling into lifeless heaps.
Then it happened – her targeting reticle switched from green to red. That's all she needed to know – the damn beast was in range. Squeezing the trigger was much easier in training exercise than in real life and Amberlynn found the index finger on her right hand frozen.
"Fire!" she told herself, but nothing happened.
Her eyes widened with fear as the Shadow approached. Drawing out its sword, the beast prepared to strike the lone trooper who was standing motionless.
"Come on!" she told herself. "Get it together Guinness, you can do this."
Blowing all the air from lungs, Amberlynn Guinness' finger collapsed on the trigger of her rifle. The weapon discharged, firing a green bolt of charged plasma energy at its target. With the initial round fired, Amberlynn found it much easier to continue tracking and firing at the Shadow.
The first few blasts missed their target and the Shadow dodged subsequent bolts by leaping in different directions.
"Damn him," she thought as the Shadow was only about ten meters away. Fear gripped her even more as she could see human blood dripping from his armor and sword.
Squeezing the trigger again, Amberlynn fired rounds in alternating directions, trying to lead the Shadow onto a specific path. She succeeded. Now with the Super Shadow Warrior dead center in her reticle and five meters away, she held the trigger back. The plasma rifle fired rapidly and each blast lit up the Shadow's armor plating. The beast took hits to the torso, arm, and legs before falling over.
Amberlynn probably would have continued firing, had the weapons auto- shutdown engaged to prevent the barrel from overheating. Guinness didn't smile too long at her first kill because there were too many more trying to do the same to her.
***
Lieutenant Jorgensen smiled at the stench of death around him. Entombed in his metal HERC, the Russian took great pride at being removed from the hand- to-hand combat around him. His left hand rested on the unit's firing controls while his left pushed forward on the machine's directional stick. In his targeting reticle were trajectory readings for each of his assigned targets.
The main battle plan called for the Infantry to draw the Shadows out into thinning ranks so that the QiRangers could advance quickly to the Metal Mystic Door. To assist in that endeavor, the HERCs were assigned to herd the Shadows into pre-arranged corridors of fire.
The young Lieutenant pushed forward on the control stick and his mighty humanized avatar stepped forward. Each thundering step shook the cavern floor beneath him, leaving him to wonder if it was really wise to bring these machines in with as many troops as they did. Clearing the thought from his mind, he reminded himself that he was here for one purpose and one purpose only – do the job assigned to him.
Gripping the firing control and pulling it backwards, Jorgensen commanded the large, twin rocket launchers attached to the shoulder mounts to pivot. Coordinating his HERC's movements with the advancing Shadows, Lieutenant Jorgensen carefully lined up the leading targeting display and pressed the firing button.
Like the water surging through opened floodgates, the twin launchers erupted in a barrage of chaos as the units' entire load was fired. Lighting up the darkened subterranean cavern like high noon, the rockets arced overhead and swooped down onto the advancing Shadows.
The division of Shadows saw the oncoming rockets and divided their numbers, hoping to avoid casualties, but it was too late.
***
Like God's fury raining down from heaven, the missiles hit the cavern floor resulting in enormous fireballs reaching twenty meters in height. The force from the munitions thinned the advancing Shadow's numbers; however, did little to stop them.
Recovering from the strike, the remaining Super Shadow Warriors were even more determined to end the incursion. As the platoon neared the first set of Militia, they came under attack from plasma bursts from the humans. Adapting quickly, the Shadows utilized their remaining forces to advance on Militia's position.
The first few Shadows fired their Dark Qi Stars form their arm-mounted units at the leading row of Militia Troopers. Even with their body armor, the Troopers couldn't withstand the force transmitted by the Dark Qi. The power encapsulated in each star bore through the outer covering of the armor and dug deep into their chests. Once the star stopped their forward progress, they exploded.
The effect was devastating to the morale of the Militia.
***
Amberlynn Guinness watched as her combat battalion dwindled before her. Determined not to let herself and those counting on her down, she pressed on, firing her rifle. Her blasts flew across the battle field finding target after target.
H'vis saw the human woman advancing and decided to put an end to her attacks. The mighty Shadow Warrior leapt in the air and somersaulted over the bodies of his brethren. Landing in a kneeling position, his eyes fixated on Guinness' position.
Firing his stars, he watched the ancient weapons travel silently through the damp air and strike the woman beneath the jaw. A spit second later, Amberlynn Guinness' head exploded and her lifeless body dropped to join the others around her.
***
The Super Shadow Warriors were relentless in their attack. Utilizing their Dark Qi stars they were easily able to rip through the lines drawn by the Militia. Pouring through the broken lines like water busting through a dam, the Shadows continued their slaughter, creating a sea of blood dripping from their crimson blades.
Lieutenant Jorgensen positioned his HERC behind B Company. With his rocket supply exhausted in the initial attack, he relied heavily upon the twin chain guns fixed to the end of his unit's arms to provide suppressing fire for his contingent.
"They're coming though on the left!" screamed a Sergeant through the Comm- link.
"They're coming through all over the place," Jorgensen thought to himself as he squeezed the trigger in his left hand, sending the twin guns blazing. The nuclear-tipped rounds flew over the heads of the Militia members taking cover behind the bodies of their dead comrades and headed straight towards the advancing numbers of Shadows.
Frustration swept over Jorgensen as he realized that their weapons were far inferior to what they were facing. They may have come from a technologically superior place in the universe, but the ancient energies and brute force were more than they could handle. A fact that rung true as he saw on his tactical display that the right flank had fallen and countless Shadows were now slaughtering his brethren.
"Enough!" he cried out over the Comm-link. "Everyone hit the deck," he said.
Not sure what the Lieutenant had in mind, many of the militia was skeptical and continued to defend their position, firing their plasma rifles. Twisting his HERC's torso around, Jorgensen repeated his order, "I said drop!"
The strain and anger in his voice rang through the Comm-links and this time his comrades adhered to his warning and fell to their knees. From this power position, they focused their attacks on the Shadow's legs, hoping to immobilize their enemy. But Jorgensen had a different idea.
Locking his HERC into a left spin, he started firing his cannons wildly just over the heads of the crouching Militia.
The men and women cowered under the buzzing of the radioactive shells and watched as the HERC's bullets impaled the advancing Shadows. With each hit, the Shadow was flung back an incinerated by the nuclear material.
Jorgensen's face lit up as he howled like a wild man drunk on power. With each kill, his ego expanded leading him to believe that he was invincible – and for a short time he was. Jorgensen's perimeter held longer than any other in the Militia, but soon terror struck the Lieutenant when all he heard was silence. Firing continuously exhausted his entire munitions supply and left his guns firing blanks.
"Fuck!" he gasped as he stared at the horde of Super Shadow Warriors advancing through the Militia.
"All right," he said, "Let's get it on!" and stomped his HERC over the dead bodies before him, straight into battle.
The large and slow moving HERC was easy to spot by the Shadows, but hard to stop. They attempted to destroy the machine by using their stars, but the HERC's armor was too tough – something Jorgensen was grateful for.
H'vis witnessed his comrades failing at stopping the robotic beast and decided to take matters into his own hands. Drawing his crimson blade, he raced towards the advancing machine. Sidestepping his own battalion and dodging plasma blasts, H'vis covered the twenty meters between them in a blink of an eye.
Jorgensen could see the lone Shadow racing toward him and knew that anyone moving with intent like that was either on a suicide mission or had a bold idea. "Someone pick up the guy coming for me," he yelled.
Undaunted, H'vis spun his sword so that the blade was pressed against his forearm and the blade extended past his elbow. The Shadow extended his blade and sliced through the very torso of the Militia Troops around the HERC. Not pausing, he jumped over the right arm of the HERC, allowing his blade to trail behind him. The powerful blade pierced though the armored structure of the HERC and severed the appendage. Reeling around, H'vis gripped the hilt of his weapon with both hands and released a guttural cry as he tore through the HERC's right leg.
Jorgensen tried to compensate for the structural faults, but H'vis moved to quickly.
Jumping two meters it he air, H'vis struck the HERC with a left roundhouse kick. The resulting force pushed the HERC off its remaining leg and onto the cavern floor.
"Shit!" Jorgensen cried out as he franticly tried to unbuckle his safety harness. Fumbling with the latches, the Lieutenant's view became overshadowed. Lifting his head, he saw a Super Shadow Warrior standing in front of his cockpit holding crimson blade in his right hand.
"I've only got one chance," Jorgensen thought and reached for his pistol.
H'vis saw the movement and twirled his sword and launched it though the HERC's canopy, shattering the glass and sending his blade deep into the chest of Jorgensen.
The pain suffocated the Lieutenant and washed over his body as blood poured from his wound.
A second later H'vis withdrew his blade and spied a new enemy to kill.
***
Jayde Yee spiraled upwards into the air and somersaulted over the advancing ranks of Super Shadow Warriors before coming crashing down in a deep bow stance. With her twin axes fully charged, the Wood QiRanger swept her hind leg as she trapped the nearest Shadow's leg, bringing him to the cavern's floor.
With her enemy beside her, Jayde rolled over onto her side and let her blade fall into the torso of the Shadow. The axe's green energy crackled as it pierced through the spiked armor of the Super Shadow Warrior and plowed deep into his viscera.
Sensing that others were around her, the Wood QiRanger quickly spring her feet and withdrew her weapon, allowing the fallen Shadow to bleed to death.
"I've got to make it to the door," she thought to herself allowing her senses to fully come alive. Ever since her near fatal encounter at the Wood Mystic Door, Jade concentrated her training to become an even more formable fighting machine.
As the next group of Shadows lunged in to attack the green QiRanger, she artfully sidestepped and ducked below their pressing crimson blades. Swinging her arms out, he trapped an extended arm of one Shadow and ripped it off by twisting it with the hilts of her axe blades. As the shadow stood in shock at loosing his limb, Jayde spun the arm, still clenching its sword and tossed it behind her.
The sword bore easily through the chest plate of an advancing Shadow and brought the warrior to his knees instantly. Writhing in pain, the Shadow tried to retrieve the sword from his chest, but Jayde spun backwards and landed a reverse roundhouse kick with her heel against the warrior's head. The blow transferred all of the Wood QiRanger's energy into a single strike and decapitated the Shadow.
Thinking that she had expended herself, two more Shadows advanced from her flanks. They each lead with their arms and fired their Dark Qi Stars at the green armored warrior before them.
Jayde bent over backwards, pressing her blades into the stone floor as she transferred her weight to her hands. With the Shadows continuing to advance, she lifted her legs and spun them wildly as she deflected their sword attacks. The Shadows were stunned at the fighting ability of the Wood QiRanger and never noticed that once she was able to dislodge their crimson blades with her footwork, she sprung herself into a low stance and threw both her axes.
Each sharpened edge found its target and ripped through the Shadow's body like iron through water.
Jayde quickly recovered her blades and marched onward to the Metal Mystic Door to join with the rest of her team.
***
"Die bastards!" General Abbey screamed as he fired several blasts from the twin sets of plasma cannons extending from his Stealth Armor. With the energy and stamina of a thirty-year-old, the elderly General was determined to make his mark in this battle. Years of frustration motivated the General to force his body to remember the years of combat training. His sleek, black form hit all signs of movement, making the Shadows' job even harder when trying to anticipate his movements.
"Is that all you've got?" he cried out as he drew upon the incredible power of the armor to fly above the Shadows and fire endlessly into their numbers. One-by-one, every shadow that General Abbey targeted fell.
As he landed he was confronted by a single Super Shadow Warrior. Digging his feet into a wide stance, Abbey harnessed the suit's targeting system and prepared to fire.
Not wanting to give the Shadow any advantage, General Abbey gritted his teeth and fired his blasters.
The shadow dropped out of the way and fired its Dark Qi Stars.
Abbey's computer control system picked up the incoming weapons and commanded his body to avert the attack through the suit's neural interface. The new enhancement to the armor allowed the armor's combat computer direct access to the human host, should the body become incapacitated so that it could finish its preprogrammed mission. In this instance, it fired neuromuscular commands to move the General from harm's way.
But the computer wasn't as fast as the Stars. Two missed General Abbey, but the last one struck him in the hip.
The Stealth Armor was significantly stronger than the body armor worn by the militia, but it wasn't impervious. The Dark Qi stored in the Star exploded on impact, ripping the molecular bonds between the nanobots apart. The explosion tore at the very flesh of General Abbey, sending an immense wave of pain over his body as he dropped to the hard cavern floor in agony.
"Aaaarh!" he yelled as he put his body into submission and ignored the pain, standing once again, even with his flank exposed and blood running down what was left of his leg.
"Fuck you, son!" he shouted as the suit's targeting computers locked onto the Shadow and fired. The twin blasters unloaded a barrage of energy bolts the homed in on their target.
The Shadow fired again, but each Star was destroyed by the plasma bolts. The spiked warrior tried to escape, but General Abbey hobbled after him, relentless in his firing, until the creature was destroyed. However, the pain was too great for a mere human and he fell to the cavern floor. Opening his Comm-link, he called out for help, "Medic!"
***
Seth Goldman had traveled the world and space working for NASO. He had sampled the very best life had to offer while on diplomatic missions. But at this moment, he decided that he loved nothing more than the sound his Qi Saber made as it slid though the bone and flesh of the Shadow Warriors he currently faced.
Standing amidst countless fallen enemies, the water QiRanger's armor was stained with the blood of hundreds of Shadows that had gotten between him and the Metal Mystic Door.
"Good, here comes more," he thought to himself as his senses and eyes detected three new Super Shadow Warriors coming from behind. Drawing upon the great speed and strength of the very Water Qi that powered his body, Seth spun around before the Shadows could even lift their swords. He quickly transformed his Qi Saber into his Disc and tossed it with deadly accuracy at the three advancing Shadows.
Unlike the others Seth had faced, these three were actually able to comprehend what was taking place and split apart before the disc reached them. The Shadows on the flanks leapt laterally, while the one in the center dropped to the cavern floor. The three Shadows pushed themselves up for the bloody river they fell in and fired their Stars.
Sensing the Dark Qi approaching, the Water QiRanger back flipped several times as he called forth his shield. Now standing with his legs braced for the powerful impact his enemies' weapons, Seth telepathically commanded his Disc to arc back and take out his foes as the Stars exploded against his barrier.
To his amazement, the Shadows were able to parry the Disc with their crimson blades. "Looks like they have some training," he thought to himself. Holding the Shield in his left arm, Seth commanded the Qi Saber to return and charged to the Super Shadow Warriors.
The Water QiRanger forced the Disc to fly upwards, diverting his prey's focus, just long enough for him to dart next to them. Once in close proximity, Seth brought his blade's tip against the read armor plating of one of the Shadows. Powering the Qi Saber with blue Water Qi, he forced it through the spiked armor, snaring the Shadow's heart on its tip.
The Creature fell to the ground lifeless after letting loose a blood curdling howl.
The two remaining Shadows quickly regained their focus and swung their swords at the QiRanger.
Seth blocked the first attack with his shield and the second with his sword. Never failing to stop moving, the Water QiRanger swept the feet of the Shadow to his right and took his blade to the Shadow on the left. The speed and force in which he moved caught the Dark Warrior off guard and he paid the ultimate price. Continuing his attack, Seth drove his Qi Saber into the chest of the fallen Shadow and watched him die.
***
The yellow armored boot of the Earth QiRanger splashed through the river of mixed blood that now covered the cavern floor deep within the Earth. Countless bodies had fallen on both sides of this battle and Luís Mendoza was determined that he would not be one of them. Running as quickly as he could, Luís quickly took in the exorbitant number of Shadow closing in on his position.
"Where the hell are they all coming from?" he wondered as he leapt forward, somersaulting over a volley of Dark Qi Stars. The cavern floor where he landed was covered in blood and bodies from an earlier missile strike, leaving nowhere for the QiRanger to go. Channeling his strength into his legs, he jumped over the heap of death and landed in a small clearing.
Craning he neck to the left, he saw a small opening leading towards the Metal Mystic door in the distance.
"There!" he shouted in his excitement and resumed his race to join the others of his team.
Luís wasn't able to take more than three steps before seven Shadows surrounded him. The Earth QiRanger skidded to a halt and dropped into fighting stance, bringing his arms in front.
"I don't have time for this," Luís thought as he focused his Qi into his hands causing them to glow bright yellow. Letting his anger and determination fuel his desire, the Earth QiRanger roared from deep within his Tan Tien. The scream shocked the Shadows and broke their concentration for a moment – which was all that Luís needed.
Side stepping to the right, Luís reverse punched the Shadow in the torso. The powerful Qi in his hand pounded the dark warrior's armor, translating Luís entire force into a violent force that rattled the Shadow so much that his internal organs liquefied.
Retracting his hand, Luís spun around and dealt a powerful kick to the Shadow's Tan Tien that found itself unfortunate to be there. At the same time, Luís spread his arms like a giant crane and shot them out to the side striking two more Shadows with knife-blade attacks. The kick landed in the middle of the Shadow's solar plexus and shattered his armor and ribcage, sending him flying backwards unconscious. The twin knife-blade attacks arced over the Shadows' respective blocks and shattered their helmets and penetrated their brains.
Dropping back into a horse stance, the Earth QiRanger shook the blood off his hands and waited for the three remaining to make their move.
Two Shadows attacked at once – one from the front and one from the rear. Transforming his hands into powerful claws, Luís simultaneously struck the front attacker by slashing clear through his arm and reverse kicking the Shadow behind him. Then, the Earth QiRanger snap-kick the forward Shadow beneath the chin, decapitating him.
The lone remaining Shadow attacked, not phased at the speed and agility at which the QiRanger killed his comrades. Thrusting his crimson blade at Luís, the QiRanger hooked the blade between his arms and back and pulled it closer to him. The Shadow helplessly followed. Using a downward blow, Luís trapped the Shadow's knee and then swept his leg. Now off balance, the Shadow fell to the ground and Luís drove his powerful fist clear through his body until he created a small hole in the cavern floor.
With the Shadows defeated, Luís moved onward.
***
His countless years of training kicked in flawlessly. Robert Alexander Dwyer had been in military service since the age of eighteen and trained in the martial arts most of his life. In his previous role at NASO, Dwyer was charged with tracking down terrorists and bringing them to justice – a job that had once cost him most of his body, leading to the installation of cybernetic implants and creating the most advanced weapon ever to come to fruition. Now with the power of Metal coursing through his veins, every circuit meshed even more fluidly with his own nervous system, giving him extra strength and speed.
When the Earth Alliance forces materialized within the cavern, Neela had split them apart to instigate numerous fronts for Bruch'oda's forces to fight against. The tactic worked well and each side found themselves battling continuously, trying to shore up lines of control. While the militia was vastly under trained, it was hoped that the QiRangers could quickly make it past any defenses and seal the Metal Mystic Door before too many innocent lives would be lost.
Robert took his charge very seriously, as duty and honor were two of the most important things to him. To that end, he took every advantage his new found powers had to offer. While previous Metal QiRangers drew upon the mighty power of the Energy Qi Bow, Robert was an able to transform this weapon and merge it with his plasma cannon embedded into his right arm.
Using his super speed, Robert ran over the cavern floor, firing explosive blasts from his right arm that harnessed the combined energy of plasma and Metal Qi. The green and white swirling masses of energy ripped through the armor and burned the flesh of all who were unfortunate to be on the receiving end.
Robert's advanced sensors detected a large number of Super Shadows approaching a weakly defended area held by the Militia. Stopping, he carefully aimed his arms and fired a wide angled blast. Shaped like a huge pie wedge, the blast shot over the floor and struck the Shadows mid-torso, severing their bodies.
"You're all clear," Robert radioed to the Sergeant in charge of the company.
"Thank you, Sir," the Sergeant replied. "Don't worry about us, get to the door and shut that fucker."
Robert smiled beneath his armor, as he always like the colorful ways the noncoms spoke. "Roger," he replied and set to join the others at the Mystic Door.
Flames erupted from the end of Leslie's Qi Saber as she fueled it with the very fire that ran in her veins. Channeling her power caused her red armor to illuminate brighter and seared everything that came into contact with it. The Fire QiRanger steadily made her way towards the Metal Mystic Door slaying all in her way.
Countless Super Shadow Warriors attempted to stop her form completing her mission, but even with the added magic of the Ru'dth, they were no match for the accomplished warrior. Wielding her sword like an extension over her very body, Leslie Chen artfully dismembered any that came between her and her goal.
The super heated nature of her Qi Saber made striking the Shadows even easier, as its powerful energy effortlessly slid through their protective coverings like a hot knife through butter.
While the constant battling took its toll on the young college professor, Leslie continued her march onward. She did this with a heavy heart, as she knew that the overall battle was not going well for them. Sure they had achieved surprise and struck the first blow, but the Militia was not ready for a fight of this magnitude and losses severe.
"We've got to put an end to this soon," she thought to herself. "They can't hold out much longer and most of their mechanized support has already fallen."
Using her heightened senses, Leslie tried to locate the path to the door with the fewest Shadows blocking it. The Fire QiRanger knew it would be difficult, but it had to be done – as the Shadows could sense her, just as easily as she sensed them Time was of the essence.
"We've got to hurry," Leslie Chen sent through the telepathic link that connected each of the QiRangers since their very first union in the ultimate QiWarrior. Even Robert was able to receive such messages now that he had helped them form the QiDefender and defeat Sta'Vagh and seal the Water Mystic Door. The only one she had not melded with was Neela, but Leslie knew the Hindu woman understood her message, as she had tapped into her mind during their first encounter.
Inside her mind, Leslie heard each of their answers and knew that they all would be reaching the Mystic Door around the same time.
***
Neela flew overhead, watching the battle progress. Her heart sank with each death she witnessed. Knowing that she must wait for the others to arrive at the Mystic Door, she harnessed the power of air from her fifth Chakra to travel unimpeded between dangerous locations, in an attempt to help the humans below.
From her vantage point, she saw a small platoon of Militia pinned down behind the wreckage of a burned out HERC. Cowering for cover, the inexperienced heroes of Earth tried to protect themselves from the Dark Qi Stars being thrown at them a short distance away. Between the explosions caused by the Stars, the Militia valiantly poked their plasma rifles from around the corner and fired at the Shadows.
While largely ineffective in stemming further attacks and killing their foes, the maneuver did manage to hold the Shadows at bay. "I cannot let them die," she told herself.
Swooping down, Neela pulled back as she neared the cavern floor and dropped to her feet behind the attacking Super Shadow Warriors. The loud thud she made during her landing caught them off guard – they had focused so much of their attention on the humans in front, they had left their rear flank exposed.
As they spun around to see Neela, they raised their arm launchers, but before the Shadows could attack, Neela fired twin blasts of energy out her arms, channeled from her solar plexus. The yellow beams of energy melted the Shadows clear through their torsos. The gaping holes quickly filled with blood as their organs fell from their once intact shell.
Cheers of thanks came from the men and women behind the HERC, but Neela could afford no extra time to see to their needs. Her mental connection to the QiRangers told her that the others had finally cleared their way through the countless number of Super Shadow Warriors and stood around the Metal Mystic Door.
***
Like the other Mystic Doors, it stood tall and humming with power, its arch filled with white energy. Op'utd stood before the Door grunting, as he saw the last of his elite guards fail to stop the QiRangers.
"You may have bested my warriors, but you hall not get past me alive," he shouted. Looking up at the cavern's ceiling, the Dragon Warrior cried, "Lord, fill me with your power!"
Each of the QiRangers took a step forward, trying to race to the Mystic Door and stop Op'utd, for they knew what power he wished to obtain. No sooner than a half a breath later, the QiRangers' fears materialized as a giant bolt of electricity shot down from the heavens and enveloped Op'utd in an energy cocoon.
The QiRangers gasped as Op'utd's cocoon rose to a height of seven meters and burst open revealing a black armored dragon. Op'utd's hands had transformed into golden claws, nearly a meter in length, and his once vestigial wings, now span an incredible ten meters. Fire smoldered in his eyes as he dug his long golden talons into the cavern floor. Speaking with a new and more powerful guttural voice, Op'utd boomed from above, "Prepare to die!"
Without even thinking, the QiRangers knew instinctively what they had to do. Transforming their bodies into the very Qi that gave them their extraordinary abilities, they united to form the Golden Warrior of Justice, the QiDefender. While grossly overmatched, a single thought went through their minds as they looked up at the giant before them – David slew Goliath.
***
Blood covered Michael Chen's uniform. While not his, it still soaked through to every part of his skin. Since the battle began, he saw to the needs of those wounded, and in this battle, there were far too many for his taste. "Do you see him?" he asked his partner, Gary Staal.
Standing a few meters away, Gary Staal had transformed into a granite fighter, impervious to the Shadows' attacks. While his primary charge was to assist with the wounded, he longed to join the fight. "Not yet, but we've got to be close. His signal is coming though strong," he responded.
Ever since General Abbey's Comm-link failed, the two physicians set out looking for him, hoping to save the leader of the militia's forces. Stumbling over a pair of corpses, Michael uncovered a black armored figure bleeding from his left torso.
Michael dropped to his knees and pulled out his medical scanner, "Gary, I've found him!" he shouted and proceeded to asses the General's vital signs. He tried to shake the General to consciousness, but he was out cold. Finding the computer's activation control, Mike switched the unit off. The billions of nanobots received the signal and retreated to their storage container, leaving General Abbey in his bloodied uniform.
Racing to their location, Gary stopped and hopped down next to them. "How is he?" Gary asked.
The small scanner was originally designed for hospital nurses to quickly take vital signs and assess minor injuries. The unit's computer would then develop a treatment protocol for them to administer to speed patient processing in hospital emergency rooms. On the battlefield, the device quickly allowed medics to asses the severity of the fallen soldier and triage accordingly, as well as treat. In the hands of a skilled physician, it allowed detailed information to be displayed that was even more meaningful.
Looking at the data on the medical display, Michael shook his head, "It isn't good. What ever took out his armor sliced a pretty big chunk out of his side. His spleen's been ruptured, lost a lot of blood, and is in shock." Michael took out a small subcutaneous injector and filled it with a nanobot enhanced plasma. "This should help with the shock," he said, injecting the General, "but we need to get him to a proper medical facility."
"What about blood supply?" Gary asked while retrieving a pair of Medical Lasers from his bag. Handing one to Mike, he began to use the fine energy beam to stop the General's bleeding by sealing the tissue around each wound.
Michael closed his eyes. "We used the last bit of it on A Company. Plasma's the only thing we've got left." Shifting his position slightly, he began working with Gary to stop the General's bleeding.
"There's got to be something we can do," Gary said angrily.
"I don't know," Mike said somberly. "Not unless you can create blood out of thin air, and unless we stop the bleeding, it won't matter."
Gary nodded and proceeded to focus his attention cauterizing Abbey's wounds. The notion that all this may be for not, really bugged Gary. "I've got to think of something," he told himself. "I'm not going to fail."
The two physicians worked for several minutes and with their skill, they were able to stop the General Abbey's bleeding. "That does it for now, but he needs some blood," Michael said after confirming their work with the medical scanner.
Gary snapped his fingers, "I think I have it!"
"What?"
"There's no way we're going to get blood to him in the time required, but what about cryostasis?"
Michael looked at Gary as if her were drunk. "What the hell? How do you imagine we accomplish that? We don't have any storage tubes here."
"True," Gary said, "but I bet I can rig a HERC's coolant system to flush. The liquid O-two should do the trick."
"It would kill him!" Michael exclaimed.
"If he wasn't wearing the Stealth Armor, that would be case, but the nanobots should be able to ensure the freezing process goes as planned."
"Are you sure?" Michael asked.
"Not especially, but what other choice do we have?"
Knowing that Gary was right, Michael nodded. "What do you suggest?"
"The General's to fragile move around until I find a HERC whose system is in tact. Stay with him until I call you. Then we can get him taken care of," Gary said.
"Just make it fast," Michael noted.
"Will do," Gary said as he got up and ran off into the blood-filled battlefield.
***
H'vis continued his advancement through the human ranks. With each death, the mighty Shadow Warrior's armor grew more bloodied and littered with entrails than before. Pushing the lifeless body of one human off the end of his crimson blade, he noticed a crouched man near by. "He doesn't even have the will to fight," he told himself as thin lips pressed back into an evil smile.
Wiping the recent blood from his blade, H'vis began running toward the human he saw. Still leaning over one of its comrades, the human failed to even notice the approach of H'vis. The Super Shadow Warrior drew his sword back and up, chambering it, ready to strike a deadly blow.
Michael Chen sensed that something was wrong and looked behind. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a Super Shadow Warrior preparing to attack. Instinctively, the doctor rolled to his right as H'vis thrust his sword downward. Mike's training was good enough to avoid the strike and he pulled himself into a crouched position. Luckily, he had been standing far enough away from General Abbey, that the sword missed him as well.
H'vis was half pleased that his foe was able to avoid the attack, since he thought many of the humans not worthy of his combat abilities. Recovered from the sword thrust, H'vis pivoted and lunged forward.
Mike darted left and grabbed H'vis' extended arm. Pulling the Shadow off his balance, Mike kicked the beast in the mid section and sent him flying head-over-heals. Now with some distance between him and the Shadow, Michael pulled himself up into a bow stance.
The speed at which his opponent moved surprised H'vis. "This will be interesting," he thought, glad that he had finally found someone to fight. Picking himself up, H'vis drew into a deep stance, ripping off his helmet. Blood trickled down his face from his left eye. A long scar broke the scaled his skin spanning from his ear pit to just below H'vis' lip on the right. Curling his lip up on the left, H'vis leapt forward, attacking Mike.
Classically trained, Mike was skilled in the Martial Arts. Double blocking low, Mike diverted the first attack from H'vis, who countered by drawing back and sweeping Mike's forward leg. The maneuver caught Mike off guard and he quickly fell to the ground.
H'vis lunged forward, spinning his sword into a reverse hold and plunged it downward.
Rolling over, Mike saw the blade poised to strike and moved to the side as H'vis drove the blade into the cavern floor. He dodged left and continued to roll away from H'vis while his attacker followed and repeatedly drove his sword into the ground after him.
As Michael rolled, he found his progress impeded. To his surprise, he had rolled all the way back to General Abbey and now was pressed up against him. Turning his head, he saw H'vis ready to strike, so he rolled towards his attacker and closed the distance, thus avoiding the strike one more time.
H'vis growled in anger at the difficulty he was having with this human. Now that his enemy was brushed up against his legs, he drew his right leg back and kicked the human in the midsection. Dealing a powerful blow, the force transmitted from H'vis' spiked armor not only gouged Michael's flesh, but lifted him up and send him flying a few meters beyond his current position.
H'vis was quick to follow and almost instantly was upon Michael again.
Intense pain filled Michael Chen's body as he held his right ribs. "They've got to be broken," he thought as he looked down and saw a small pool of blood collecting in his hand. The sight froze him for a second, as he never realized that he may end up dead. A fleeting flash of movement caught his eye and he saw his attacker jump and land next to him.
"This is it!" he cried out in his mind, looking up into the bloodthirsty eyes of H'vis.
His attacker peeled back his lips revealing a truly evil smile and drove his sword downward. The crimson blade traveled swiftly and in a flash the blood soaked blade was pressed against Michael's flesh.
His body burned in pain emanating from chest where the sword was. Michael screamed out in agony, but the process somehow made him stronger.
H'vis didn't understand what had happened. He knew the force he used should have driven the blade in his hands deep into the torso of the man before him, but it hadn't. The tip was pressed against his uniform and blocked by some unforeseen device. H'vis continued to push with all his might, but the sword didn't' budge.
Michael felt as if his body was slowly burning from within. The heat radiated outwards from his chest down his arms and legs, until it consumed his very body. Looking up at H'vis, he no longer saw a Super Shadow Warrior through his normal eyes, but one filled of fire and power. Extending his arms, Michael sensed the fire within needing an outlet to escape. Pointing his palms at H'vis, he allowed it to do just that.
Twin beams of fire erupted from Michael Chen's hands and consumed H'vis. The fire superheated the Shadow's armor and instantly began cooking him alive. The incredible force at which Michael was able to unleash was no match for H'vis who succumbed to the fire and whose flesh was now charred and lifeless.
Michael took a few deep breaths before standing. At last he understood what was happening and he closed his eyes and felt the fire burn within. It swelled deep within his core and game him immense power. Twin beams of red energy coursed over his body filling the Triple Burner and Pericardium Meridians. Now fully charged, the energy surrounded Michael. In a burst of bright red light, he broke through the barrier, emerging in a black armored suit. Around his boot tops and wrists are red accents and his black helmet donned a red visor. Around his helmet was also gold band, similar to the one which encircled his waist. At the buckle was the good luck charm his sister had given him earlier and on his left breast, emblazed in gold was three vertical lines surrounded by a circle.
The sixth QiRanger had been reborn.
***
He smiled as the history of five thousand years was transferred into his mind from the wisdom of Master Li. Understanding what must be done, Mike clenched both his fists and activated his transdermal Comm-link, "Gary, do you have a HERC scoped out?"
It took a second for his fellow doctor to answer, but eventually the signal came through, "I think I've found one, but I'm still seeing if there's enough coolant to preserve General Abbey."
Kneeling besides the General, Mike looked at the unconscious man, knowing that he couldn't leave him until Gary was ready. Looking over the horizon, he saw the Metal Mystic Door and knew his sister and his friends needed him, for the QiDefender was outmatched by the larger monster they were battling.
"It will have to do, Gary," Mike said into the Comm-link, "The others need me."
"What do you mean?" Gary answered.
"Just tell me where you are and I'll show you."
"Okay. I'm about two hundred meters south-southwest of you."
"Be there in a flash," Michael Chen said as he summoned the Qi that gave his power and teleported with the General to Gary Staal's location.
***
Arriving in a burst of crimson light, the Triple Fire QiRanger caught Gary off guard. "What the hell? Mike is that you?"
Standing from his position, Mike nodded his helmet.
"How the hell...?" Gary started.
"We don't have time for the long version, but just as the others were chosen by the ancient Masters to protect the Earth, Li chose me to succeed him."
Gary raised his eyebrows, half making a congratulatory motion, half feeling sorry for the burden Mike must now bare. "Well, I think HERC will work for us."
"Excellent," Michael said. "What can I do to help?"
"Nothing here," Gary replied, "You're needed at the Door with the others. I can handle this. I may be made of rocks, but my brain isn't."
Michael stepped forward and placed his arm on Gary's shoulder, thanking him for releasing him and allowing him to join the battle.
"Now go and kick some ass," he added as Michael brought his hands to his chest and became consumed in a bright fireball of energy, teleporting away.
"Good luck," Gary muttered as he took out his blaster and severed the coolant tube. Taking the huge device in his arms, he used his enormous strength to rip the unit from its holding position inside the HERC's body. Pivoting around, Gary quickly set the unit on the cavern floor next to General Abbey.
"Okay," he said, "let's do this."
Kneeling beside General Abbey, Gary carefully made sure the activation ring was secured on Abbey's finger and then hopped over his body. "Okay, let's see if I remember how to do this," Gary said under his breath while taking hold of the wrist computer.
Tapping in his access code, the unit's diagnostics screen displayed. Quickly scrolling through the menu options, he came across the unit's profile list. Letting out a visible sigh, Gary slipped his free hand over the DNA sensor on the unit's underside as he selected his name from the list of three available.
"PROFILE CHANGED" appeared on the display.
"So far so good," he said.
Gary carefully grabbed the edges of the activation ring and rolled the General's arm over to expose the key hole on the computer. "Energize!" Gary cried out as he slipped the ring into position. A loud electrical churn could be heard as the unit activated and Gary quickly let go, allowing the nanobots to cover General Abbey in the Stealth Armor.
Gary smiled, for he wasn't sure that this would work. "Any small miracles, I'll take," he said and proceeded to prepare the coolant tank.
***
QiDefender jumped into the air with his Qi Saber drawn. The battle was progressing slowly between the Golden Warrior, Neela, and Op'utd. It seemed no matter what they tried, the giant monster was able to counter. Taking advantage of Neela's Soul Blast, the collective minds of the QiRangers hoped that Op'utd's attention would be drawn to her and his energy weakened from blocking the attack. Using the blade as if it were an extension of their own bodies, the QiRangers completed their upward arc and started their descent.
Sensing the danger behind him, Op'utd sent a final burst of Ru'dth's energy at Neela, knocking her off her balance and ceasing her attack. Pivoting around Op'utd moved under the flight path of the QiDefender and reached up to grab hold of his armor. Channeling his strength from deep within his toes and moving it outwards to his hands, Op'utd drove the QiDefender hard into the Cavern floor.
The crashing sound the QiDefender made when sinking below the level floor brought a smile and laughter to the giant.
The QiRangers struggled to remain conscious after the blow. So many of their attacks had been thwarted and their bodies were badly shaken, not to mention their confidence.
"We've got to pull it together," Leslie sent out through the link.
"I'm not sure I have much more in me," Seth answered as he shared with the others the intense pain he felt.
Seth wasn't alone, all the QiRangers' minds and bodies hurt, but if they failed now, all was lost.
"We can do this," Robert asserted. "If we feel defeated, then we are. If we feel victorious, then we shall."
Before any of the others could share their thoughts, Op'utd reached down into the pit and hauled out the QiDefender like a helpless rag doll. "No resting, puny humans. I'll make you wish you were dead though."
Throwing the QiDefender up, Op'utd let loose a mighty front snap kick that landed square in the Golden Warrior's midsection. The power at which Op'utd now possessed was incredible and sent the QiDefender flying backwards. The force also sent shockwaves through the Golden Armor and rattled the QiRangers even more.
When they finally came crashing down, fatigue finally set in. No longer could the five QiRangers maintain the mental and physical connections needed to form the QiDefender, and with a burst of light, they separated into their individual armored forms.
Op'utd laughed at the weakness before him. "Earth's mighty defenders," he said sarcastically. "The Ancients were far more formidable. You are a disgrace!"
Neela quickly ran to the QiRangers' side and slid next to Leslie. "Are you all right?" she asked.
Panting heavily, Leslies answered, "We've got to think of something." Slowly, holding her ribs, she came to her feet with Neela's help.
"The direct approach isn't working," Jayde offered, coming to her feet as well.
Op'utd wasn't about to let the six humans regroup and charged them. Racing towards the QiRangers and Neela, the giant Dragon Warrior drew Dark Qi into his hands and prepared to strike.
Just as he was about to send his energy, a series of gigantic explosions erupted around him. The force was like nothing Op'utd had ever seen before and forced him flying off his feet.
Smoke billowed into the cavern's upper regions and rocked the entire foundation. As it cleared a lone figure in black stood near the Metal Mystic Door.
"Master Li?" Robert asked as he held his left shoulder.
"No," Neela said.
Through her pain, Leslie managed to draw a huge smile on her face. She hoped that when the time was right Master Li would approve and pass his powers onto her brother and she knew it couldn't have happened at a better time. "It's Michael," she announced.
"Then, we're still in it," Luís chimed, offering the first hint of optimism.
"Yes," Neela agreed.
The battle had been long and hard thus far and it took every ounce of strength remaining to simply come to their feet. Every QiRanger's armor bore blood stains and signs of damage sustained in the fight against Op'utd. Fatigue ravaged their young bodies, allowing none to stand upright completely and forced each to hug their aching limbs. Even with the assistance of Michael, they wondered how much longer they could sustain the fight.
Seeing that Op'utd was thrown clear of the explosion, the Triple Fire QiRanger quickly ran to the others. He knew it would only be a matter of time before the beast would awaken and continue its attack, but in the interim, he had to see how his sister and the others were doing. "I just hope I got here in time to do some good," he thought.
Covering the distance between the door and the others in what seemed like only a few steps, Michael arrived with the other QiRangers and quickly took his sister in his arms for a warm embrace, "I'm so glad you're all right!" he exclaimed letting the tears stream down his face behind his helmet.
"We're glad to have you at our side," Robert said comfortingly, "And it looks like you made it none too soon," he added looking at the smoldering flames where Op'utd once stood. "I never would have thought at a single man could have taken out something so tough."
He's only stunned, but that should give us the time we need to close the door," he added turning to see the smoke and flames in the distance.
There's no telling when he'll be up again, and you can be sure that when he does, we'll have a harder time. Let's shut this thing," Leslie said.
Jayde stumbled closer to the others, holding her arms, "Let's make it fast." Taking another step, she continued, "I'm not sure I have much in me left," but tripped and fell to her knees.
Luís took the Wood QiRanger in his arms and propped her up, "I've got you," he said comfortingly.
"Come closer," Neela spoke, "and form a circle around me."
The original QiRangers slowly walked around the Indian woman as Mike looked in the distance for any signs that Op'utd was coming around.
"Close your eyes and open your hearts," Neela instructed.
Trust came easy for the QiRangers where Neela was concerned. She had been Master Li's lover long ago and had proven her worth as an ally in battle. While they knew not what she was going to do, they complied. Beneath her visor, Leslie shut her eyes, forcing the gray cavern walls and countless souls she killed to vanish from her sight.
She and the other QiRangers put aside their injuries and pressed their palms together in front of their chests. With their hands at namaste, each of the QiRangers began feeling their connections to one another grow, as well as, the connection between themselves and Neela.
The Hindu before them closed her eyes and brought her hands to her Heart Chakra. Freeing her mind of all thoughts, Neela allowed her Fourth Chakra to spin with greater speed, opening the green vortex even more.
Michael took a few steps toward Neela to get a closer look, but sensed he should remain away.
As the Green energy emerged from Neela's heart, it expanded outwards in a giant circle. It crashed over the QiRangers like a powerful wave of warm, soothing, comfort. Each of the QiRangers melted in its presence and completely relaxed. They could no longer feel their tired bodies or the aches that plagued their nervous system. All they could feel was an enormous source of love from Neela.
Luís Mendoza smiled beneath his helmet as his body became reinvigorated. He felt alive again, as he did in his youth, as if he hadn't spent the day in fierce combat.
The Earth QiRanger wasn't alone.
Each of the QiRangers had been healed by the power Neela possessed in her Heart Chakra. Opening her eyes, she stood and looked at the others. "The Goddess has granted me many abilities. The power of the heart heals those who are open and accept it."
Seth stepped forward, clasping his hands, "Thank you so much, Neela. We really needed that."
"I feel like I can take on anything now," Luís added.
"Then let's not waste this opportunity," Leslie said.
"Right," Robert confirmed.
"Let's go!" Michael yelled as the six QiRangers and Neela ran to Metal Mystic door.
Standing before the huge rock gateway to the Shadow Realm, the QiRangers looked deep into the swirling mass of white energy. Being this close to it caused their armor to vibrate as the energy mixed between them and the Door itself.
Not wanting to waste any time, the six QiRangers lined up before the Metal Mystic Door. Each of the QiRangers brought their hands together in front of their Tan Tien and drew power from their wells. Breathing deeply, they continued to add to the growing masses of elemental Qi that was forming between their palms.
Stepping back into shallow bow stance, the QiRangers chambered their arms and prepared to release the five elements at once into the door.
"On three," Robert yelled.
***
POSETED ABOVE
Blood poured down Op'utd's face. The defeat he had just recently suffered was his most prominent in eons and the pain that now ravaged his war-torn body crept into every facet of his being. Clearing his eyes of the dark and gooey substance that brings life to his very soul, the enlarged Dragon Warrior peered through the black liquid that covered his scales and claws to see the QiRangers standing before the Metal Mystic Door.
"No! I cannot allow them to succeed," he groaned while pulling his battered body to his feet.
***
"One," shouted Robert.
***
Drawing into a fighting stance, Op'utd placed his hands together and channeled the power from the Ru'dth and his Dark Metal Qi into a Qi Ball. The powerful mixture of energy shot out strands of electricity that skirted along the cavern floor, sending parks into the air. Op'utd grit his teeth as his arms began shaking from the intense power he was generating began to overpower his tired body.
***
"Two," Robert counted.
***
Narrowing his eyes, Op'utd identified his target area. The giant Dragon Warrior shifted his right leg forward and dropped into a deep bow stance while shooting both his arms forward. In doing so, the mighty warrior released his Dark Qi Strike at the QiRangers.
***
"Thr...," Robert began but was unable to finish as a giant explosion erupted behind him and the other QiRangers. The force was so great that it threw each of them clear of the Metal Mystic Door and broke their concentration, dissipating their Qi Strikes harmlessly back into their Tan Tiens.
Brushing the dirt off his armor, Mike picks himself up from the cavern floor. "Looks like Sleeping Beauty is awake," he mockingly announces.
"Clear out!" Seth yelled as another Dark Qi Strike came crashing down on their position. The six QiRangers quickly scattered as the Qi Strike exploded in front of the Metal Mystic Door, creating a huge crater and sending more debris and dirt flying.
Rolling up to a kneeling position, Leslie addressed her team, "All right, that's enough! Let's end this now!"
Luís nodded and came to her side. "Let's join up."
Robert stepped in and placed a cautionary hand on the Earth QiRanger's shoulder, "No, I have another idea."
"What do you suggest?" Neela asked, once more at the QiRangers' side.
"We need to weaken him. Going toe-to-toe will take too long and the Militia can't hold out much longer. If we divide and conquer..."
"Then we can attack from all sides," Leslie finished.
"Exactly," Robert noted.
"Then let's get to it," the Wood QiRanger said energetically.
***
"Good," Op'utd said to himself, now that the QiRangers had been diverted from closing the Mystic door. "Now to finish the job."
Summoning all his strength, the giant Dragon Warrior began running towards the QiRangers. With is incredible gate, he covered the distance in only a matter of steps. Looking down, the QiRangers were like small children compared to his giant size. As he romped over the cavern floor, he tried to kick, the QiRangers, but speed was on their side.
Jayde Yee broke apart her Battle Axe into their twin blades and leapt at Op'utd's face. The Wood QiRanger quickly aimed her blades at the Dragon Warrior's throat, but was swatted away like a fly by the giant Dragon. It was a painful maneuver, but one that put her in the right position for her Qi Strike.
The other QiRangers also made varying attacks against Op'utd to keep him occupied as they moved into position. One-by-one, the small QiRangers sent energy arrows, flame attacks, or charged discs at the Dragon Warrior, who easily blocked them with his enhanced armor.
Standing on the gray cavern floor, Op'utd looked down that the seven humans that now surrounded him. "Oh no!" he thought as he saw them each energize their Qi Strikes and Soul Burst.
"Now!" Leslie yelled to her comrades and each released their stored energy towards Op'utd. The multicolored beams of energy shot forward from their hands like cannon fire and struck the Dragon Warrior in the chest.
Screaming in agony, Op'utd melted from the inside out before bursting into flames and then crumbling to a heap of ash.
Grinning from ear to ear, Leslie was thankful that their adversary had at last fallen. Letting out a heavy sigh, Luís came along side her.
"Now, let's finish this," he suggested.
Nodding, Leslie agreed.
The six QiRangers stood once more before the Metal Mystic Door. Firing their Qi into the Door all at once, the glowing white vortex ceased to spin and the granite encrusted Mystic Door sealed itself. Now closed, the Door sent out a mighty shockwave reaching out a hundred miles in every direction. Any being touched by the Shadow Realm was instantly vaporized and left to ash.
The surviving members of the Earth Alliance cheered in victory.
Each of the QiRangers looked at one another, satisfied that they had done their best, but saddened at the loss of life that surrounded them.
"What now?" Seth asked.
"We need to push on," Robert said. "Strike while they're still licking their wounds."
"I'm not sure if they can handle another assault," Jayde spoke up looking at the scores of wounded hat laid about everywhere.
"I don't think he meant them," Michael said. "This is something we need to do- something that needs to be taken care of right now while we have the element of surprise."
"What you propose is dangerous," Neela said, "but correct. If we are to succeed, we must move now."
"Then it's settled," Leslie said, "Let's go."
***
Ru'dth foamed at the mouth as anger filled his body. "How could they fail again?" he boomed in the Throne Room of Bruch'oda's palace. No longer was he even concerned with the welfare of those that served him, his desire was only to stop the QiRangers from sealing the last of the Mystic Doors and banishing his minions to the Shadow Realm once more.
Gripping the ends of the throne's arms, Ru'dth crushed the golden rods as he let his anger and disgust grow. The Evil Warrior God shouted from deep within his bowels and the walls shook under the strain of his voice. In a single breath, that lasted several minutes, the sheer power of his booming yell shattered the walls of the Throne Room.
With the debris crashing down all around, Ru'dth rose from his seated position and stared out over the Chinese countryside. Rolling green hills and wandering brooks filled his view. It was a site that for too long had been absent. "I will not go back. I will not surrender my hold over this planet," he vowed.
Ru'dth stomped his feed on the upper tier of the Throne Room, sending the last remaining supports and structures crumbling down to the floor below.
Curling his arms back and tucking his elbows, he yelled even louder. This was primal rage at its worst. Nothing could withstand this force, not even nature itself. The immediate area around the palace began to buckle and earthquakes rumbled through the countryside as Ru'dth's body became filled with energy.
Every cell in his being began to glow and resonate with power. Sending his fists into the air, Ru'dth completed his shout and released his stored energy into the world. Dark waves of power spread out in every direction, leveling everything in their path. Gone was the palace that stood so long ago, reduced to nothing more than a pile of debris. The boulders that littered the hills, the trees, and the very earth itself were leveled by the blast as well.
Left hovering in the place where he once stood was Ru'dth. No longer was his body dark and cold, now it was illuminated by the fierce rage and power that fueled his being.
***
The six QiRangers stood with Neela as they greeted the remaining Militia Commanders at the Mystic Door. While the QiRangers' battles had been rough, they each knew that they could not even comprehend the courage and fortitude it took for these mortals to enter in the mouth of hell and survive. For their assistance, the QiRangers were deeply grateful. They may have sealed the Mystic Door, but these volunteers were the true heroes of the day.
Gary Staal, now free of danger, quickly made his way to the front of the assembled Militia Commanders. "Hold on!" he yelled, hoping to stop the QiRangers from doing anything without him. "Wait just a damn minute!"
Robert Dwyer, the Metal QiRanger, turned his head to face his old colleague. "Yes, old friend?"
"Now that we're secure," Gary began, "don't even think for one minute you're going without me."
Robert moved closer to his friend, "Gary, we succeeded in sealing this door, but the only way we're going to resolve this is by finishing what we've started here. The Militia is no shape to carry on – they're exhausted. We must carry the burden now."
"But you don't have to do it alone," Gary pleaded, not wanting to be left behind.
Jayde Yee stepped forward and placed her gloved hand on his shoulder, "We are not alone, but this is our fight."
Gary closed his eyes, angered that his friends were going without him. "You better promise me, Rob."
Even though Robert knew that Gary couldn't see his face behind the helmet, he couldn't help but to smile at his friend. "I promise."
"Good," Gary acquiesced and took a few steps back.
Each of QiRangers meditated for just an instant, cultivating their Qi for one last battle. Leslie was the first to leap into the sky. She quickly shifted from her human form to a red energy ball. The other QiRangers joined her. Robert became a white energy ball, while Luís transformed into a yellow one. Seth reverted to a state of pure, blue energy and Jayde became Wood Qi. Michael was the last to transform, becoming another red energy sphere. In the air, they slowly began merging their energies together. As their energy fields began to merge, so did their thoughts, their minds, and their consciousnesses.
Gone were, Leslie, Jayde, Robert, Seth, Luís, and Michael. 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 fell towards the cavern floor finally 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 dust, 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 pattern, 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 all the QiRangers, the Ultimate QiWarrior looked down on all those around him, "Thank you for all that you've done, but from here we go on alone."
Taking her place beside the giant warrior, Neela pressed her palms together and summoned the Kundalini spirit once more to transport them to Mt. Fuji, the resting place of the Fire Mystic Door and their final battle.
As the giant serpent circled above and prepared to devour the Ultimate QiWarrior and Neela, Gary leapt beside Neela. His moved so quickly, that neither Neela nor the Ultimate QiWarrior could prevent him from being swallowed along with his friends.
"Now we wait," Captain Oakland muttered as they were left alone.
***
Mt. Fuji climbed high into the dark skies that now covered the Earth. Gone were the majestic snowcaps and the midnight blue skies that filled the air – all that remained was an evil shell of darkness that shot up from the Earth. Deep within its bowels was the sanctuary of the Fire Mystic Door.
The Mystic door resided in a large underground cavern, much like the Metal Mystic Door; however, rather than being encased in a open area, the Fire Mystic Door sat on a small bridge over a lake of molten magma. The entire cavern was ringed with granite and basalt rock that ringed the boiling lake, only bulging at the bridge connections at its north and south ends. The bridge itself was only six meters wide for most of its length, until it reached the center, where a pedestal rose from the lake. Measuring twenty meters in diameter, the Fire Mystic Door stood in its center.
The Fire Mystic Door had once been guarded by thousands of Shadow Warriors, but when the QiRangers attacked the Metal Mystic Door, Ru'dth teleported them away in hopes of gaining an upper hand. Only Bruch'oda's giant form and a handful of Super Shadow Warriors remained, ever vigilant, should the enemy attack.
On the south side of the cavern, where a small bulge marked the connection between the outside ring and the bridge, Bruch'oda's eye caught something. The eerie glow for the magma below cast shadows on a swirling vortex of violet light. Narrowing his eyes and stretching his face into a feral grin, Bruch'oda knew he was going to have visitors. "So, they've come for the Door at last?" he said quietly.
The Giant lizard stepped forward to the edge of the pedestal and called out to the Super Shadows that remained, "Ready yourselves. Let no human survive!" his massive voice boomed.
The remaining battalion of Shadows dropped down into defensive stances while they waited for the enemy to appear. Each drew their crimson blades and was ready to strike at once.
Bruch'oda could also sense another presence. It was something he was intimately familiar with and feared. Turning around, his eyes cast upon his Master, Ru'dth. Quickly dropping to one knee, Bruch'oda acknowledge his Lord. "We are ready, Master," he said humbly.
"Of that, I doubt," Ru'dth coldly stated.
Looking up from his subject, Ru'dth saw that the energy vortex had faded, revealing the Ultimate QiWarrior, Neela, and Gary. "But, we shall see. Destroy the humans. The Goddess is mine."
Bowing his head, Bruch'oda vowed to do what his Master commanded, "Yes, my Lord."
Standing and pivoting around, Bruch'oda sprung into action, "Attack!" his thunderous voice commanded.
***
The haziness of the Kundalini's power faded, revealing the sparsely illuminated cavern deep in Mt. Fuji. The ultimate QiWarrior looked down and behind Neela at Gary. "We told you to stay behind," the overtone voices said.
"There's no way I'm sitting this one out," Gary mentioned. Seeing the Shadows quickly advancing, he knew something had to be done quickly to give his friends the time they needed to close the door. Closing his eyes, Gary commanded his nanobots to alter his body. The small robots that coursed through his veins and cells quickly heeded the call. In a blink of an eye, Gary's pale human flesh was replaced by hardened exterior and yellow eyes. "Beside," he said, "you need me."
Gary stepped forward and spit a fluorescent liquid from his modified salivary glands. The acidic material he absorbed from the gUmaNs before were, "Just what he Doctor ordered," he thought to himself. The powerful corrosive liquid covered the ground and armor of the Super Shadows advancing and turned everything it touched to ash.
Neela gasped at the destructive power Gary possessed. "Come on," she yelled to the ultimate QiWarrior, "he can hold them off; we need to get to the Door!"
The giant black samurai nodded and began to step forward when powerful blast of energy exploded around them. The force from the attack chewed away at the outer granite ring and sent debris into the air. The Ultimate QiWarrior, Neela, and Gary were all thrown aside and slow to get up.
Coming to all fours, Gary shook off the layer of dust that covered him. "We've got to do something about him," he said, pointing to Bruch'oda's giant form.
"We'll take care of him," the QiRangers unanimously voiced as they came to their feet. "You clear out the rest of the Shadows, Gary."
Gary smiled, "Welcome to hell boys," he muttered as he took off running towards the last few Super Shadows that remained.
"Neela," the Ultimate QiWarrior started, but was cut off.
"I've got him," Neela said with a determined voice as her eyes locked onto Ru'dth.
"Right," the QiWarrior said and jumped into the air to meet Bruch'oda head- on.
Neela drew her hands into fists and swung her arms outwards. White energy filled her palms as her body took flight from the ruined granite ring.
***
Thunderous echoes carried through the dense air of the subterranean cavern as Gary Staal ran towards the dozen or so Super Shadow Warriors that remained. His enemy showed no signs of faltering, for they considered him of little threat.
Pressing forward with their crimson blades, the first row of Shadows attacked.
Gary effortlessly somersaulted over the row and landed in a defensive stance. "You're going to have to do better than that," he taunted as he backswept with his left leg and came around to find all three Shadows on the ground. Spitting his venom, Gary quickly turned these warriors of evil into ash and was ready to continue his battle when he noticed a dark shadow on his left.
A Shadow grabbed his left shoulder and attempted to drag him off his feet. Gary dropped into a deep horse stance with such power that the movement dislocated the Shadow's shoulder. The injured Shadow fell forward as Gary spun clockwise, hurling him into the molten sea of magma.
Two Super Shadow Warriors came at Gary with flying snap kicks. Winded, Gary couldn't dodge the strikes and accepted the blows square on the chest. The enhanced power of the Shadows was greater than he had anticipated and sent him reeling backwards.
"That was pretty good, but how about this?" he asked spewing more of the gUmaN's corrosive venom.
The Shadows scattered, trying to avoid the devastating effects of the florescent liquid, but Gary did not yield.
Gary rushed a crowd of four Shadows, determined to destroy them. He launched into a left reverse hit while executing a right side thrust. Both connected and sent the receiving Shadows flying backwards. Gary focused on the Shadow in front of him next, as he double snap-kicked his foe. The first strike shattered the Shadow's armor; while the follow-up did the same to reptilian's ribs. Broken and battered, the third Shadow fell.
The fourth Shadow slashed his sword down on Gary, embedding it in his right shoulder. The blade effortless cut through the granite Gary was now comprised of and stung like a thousand bees.
Moving like a rock, Gary reverse beak-struck the Shadow in his Tan Tien. The forceful nature of the attack pierced the shadow's armor and dug deep into his bowls. Gary opened his hand and wrapped his fingers around his enemy's entrails and ripped them out into the open air. The rush of blood was too great for the Shadow and he fell lifelessly to the cavern floor.
The final four Shadows knew they had underestimated their enemy. Only the QiRangers had dispatched their ranks with such ease, but now a human was doing the same.
The lead Shadow rushed forward and brought his sword in tight for a powerful thrust.
Gary blocked left and attempted to sweep the Shadow's legs.
The Shadow countered with a reverse kick to the ribs that caught Gary unprepared. The pain was incredible and had it not been for his nanobots, he knew that his internal organs would have been turned to mush. "I'm going to have to watch that," he thought as he dropped into a reverse bow stance.
The other three Shadows moved into position around Gary as they readied their swords to skewer the human.
Gary held his ribs, as each breath cut like a knife. As the Shadow to his right moved in to attack, Gary rolled forward and caught the lead Shadow with a sweep. With a doorway open, Gary sprung to his feet and jumped over the fallen Shadow.
The final four Shadows came together and charged as one group towards Gary, who did nothing more than smile as he spat the vile liquid of the gUmaN at them.
Caught off guard, the Shadows had no time to react and suffered the fate of all who are doused with venom. Their armor was instantly vaporized and the corrosive power of the fluid began eating away at their flesh until there was nothing left but ash.
***
Neela soared over the magma lake and focused her eyes on Ru'dth below. Wielding her powerful energy spheres, she launched them at her target far below.
"You're going to have to do better than that my dear," Ru'dth yelled out as he jumped to the side, avoiding the deadly blasts. Stepping forward, he counters with twin blasts of his own.
The black energy spheres rocket up, towards Neela, who gracefully arcs backwards to avoid the attack.
Increasing her speed, Neela dove downwards towards Ru'dth. The mighty Warrior God dug into the granite floor beside the Fire Mystic Door and waited for Neela.
The Kundalini sped towards her arch enemy, arms outstretched, "Let's dance!" she yelled as she collided in Ru'dth's midsection. Digging her shoulders deep into his gut, Neela forced the air out of Ru'dth as she lifted him off his feet.
The pair drifted backwards towards the pedestal's edge. Transferring his weight, Ru'dth dropped to the flooring and knee-lifted Neela off him. The Indian woman came crashing down on the pedestal's edge and bounced off. Reacting quickly, Neela reached up and grabbed hold of the edge.
Ru'dth rolled up and smiled. "So easy this time, my dear Goddess," he said as he slowly walked to the pedestal's edge. Looking down at Neela he could see the struggling human barely hanging on by one hand and vying with her free hand to secure a second hand hold.
"Are you sure about that, Ru'dth?" she said as she let go of the rock face and soared over the lip at the Evil Warrior God.
"You were always full of surprises," he countered as he extended both his arms and cleared her arms. Dropping down onto his back, he lifted her with his foot and shot her into the center of the pedestal.
Neela flipped and landed on her feet, crouching low before firing several white energy blasts.
Ru'dth cart wheeled out of the way and countered with his own black energy spheres.
The two Hindu Gods battled, never getting the upper hand on one another. With each advancement Ru'dth made, Neela was able to avoid or counter – and the same was true with Ru'dth. As with all things of polar opposites, their balance was inescapable.
***
The Ultimate QiWarrior flew across the molten lake towards Bruch'oda. The giant form of the would be dictator of Earth was just as fierce as his normal form. Golden scales covered his dark scales and his reptilian body. As the QiWarrior brought his left leg forward to strike, Bruch'oda dropped to a low stance and blocked up and out, sending the ultimate QiWarrior to the side. Taking advantage of the opening, Bruch'oda reverse punched the combined form of the QiRangers in the midsection.
The strike to the abdominal cavity wasn't as strong as it could have been, as the QiWarrior arched his back to lessen the blow. Abdicating their failed attack, the QiRangers allowed the ultimate QiWarrior to fall to the side and roll up into a fighting stance.
"Impressive," Bruch'oda said as he cross-stepped forward and launched into a right roundhouse kick.
The Ultimate QiWarrior stepped left and blocked right to send the giant reptile off balance and followed through with a left leg sweep. Bruch'oda dropped like a sack of potatoes, coming crashing down on his back. The QiWarrior immediately followed-up with a reverse left punch to the solar plexus.
Each of the QiRangers could hear the bones snap in their enemy's chest as the snapped back their fist for a second strike.
"Gah!" gasped Bruch'oda as he double palm struck the Ultimate QiRanger, lifting him ten feet off him and sending the giant human backwards. "Lucky," he muttered coming to his feet and drawing into right bow stance and channeled Dark Qi into his chambered hands.
Firing the blast, Bruch'oda wasted not a single moment and followed the Qi Strike by running after the QiWarrior.
Looking up, the collective mind of the QiRangers saw the oncoming Dark Qi Strike and called forth the Water Qi Shield to their left arm. Raising the barricade, the QiWarrior dug his left foot deep into the granite flooring as the powerful Qi Strike broke against the Shield and carried past.
Sensing that Bruch'oda was approaching, the QiWarrior spun left and avoided a flying dragon kick. Continuing his spin, the QiRangers commanded the QiWarrior's arm to rotate and lead with the edge of the Shield directly at Bruch'oda's head.
The Golden Reptile sunk into a horse stance and trapped the QiWarrior's leading arm. Not losing any momentum, Bruch'oda stepped in and landed an elbow beneath his opponent's jaw. The blow was devastating to the QiRangers. The Ultimate QiWarrior instantly dropped the Qi Shield and stammered backwards. Stars filled their vision and every bone in their body ached.
Smiling, Bruch'oda moved in. Leading with a double palm strike, the giant reptile stepped forward and continued his assault.
The QiWarrior stepped back again, trying to absorb the blow, but was met by a right hook kick to the spine.
Falling forward, the QiRangers fought to keep their minds as one. "Focus," Leslie shared with the others as they rolled into reverse bow stance.
Keeping his balance on the rear leg, the Ultimate QiWarrior chambered both his arms and sprung forward, blocking outwards and cross chopping at Bruch'oda's throat.
The Golden Reptile swung his arms counterclockwise to deflect the blow and moved with a double palm strike. As Bruch'oda extended his arms, he blasted the QiWarrior was a wave of Dark Qi.
The opening left the QiRangers combined form exposed and the negative energy shot through their body. Like fire, the pain and agony of the Dark Qi wrapped around their minds and tore at the very fibers that kept them as one. Flying backwards, the QiWarrior skidded to a halt on the granite floor near the molten lake's edge.
Bruch'oda smiled as he stood tall over his fallen opponent. "So easy," he thought to himself letting his fingers slide along his armor until they came to rest on the hilts of his twin straight swords. Drawing them out in a crossed pattern, Bruch'oda let his blade slither against one another while he cautiously walked forward.
Shaking its large head, the Ultimate QiRanger tried to clear its mind from the pain that filled every cell of its body. From the corner of its mask, the QiWarrior saw Bruch'oda approaching and drove Qi to his forearms to block two swift sword attacks from Bruch'oda. Not wasting any time, the QiRangers commanded their giant body to clear the swords out and executed a double front kick.
Despite being wounded, the QiWarrior was able to transfer an amazing amount of power into its feet and shatter the outer layers of Bruch'oda's armor plating.
The giant reptile flew backwards rolling on the hard granite flooring coming to a halt against the tall cavern wall.
The Ultimate QiWarrior stood tall and brought his hands together. As he slid them apart, the intricately ornate golden hilt of his Qi Saber materialized in his right hand. Pulling the hilt out towards his right, the blade materialized from thin air. Once fully materialized, Michael sent additional Fire Qi to blade, causing it to erupt in flames towing five meters in the air.
***
"Imprisonment has stifled your agility, Ru'dth," Neela said as she cautiously circled left around the angered Warrior God. "In the old days, you would have certainly dealt me a more serious blow than this little scratch I have here," she mentioned while glancing to her left shoulder. "I think you must be losing your touch."
Ru'dth growled as he sank lower into his stance, "I think you confuse skill and power Goddess. Had I wished a quick death for you, it would be so. However," he gloated, "I wanted to relish in this moment." The Warrior God drew his hands together and twin swirling masses of black energy appeared, "But I grow tired of your presence and bid you farewell."
Stepping forward into a leaning bow stance, Ru'dth sprung his arms forward and cast the negative energy at Neela.
Reacting quickly, she artfully somersaulted backwards avoiding the first strike, but as she landed the second sphere divided into six additional spheres.
Caught unprepared, Neela's eyes widened as she landed. Waving her hands in front, the Kundalini erected an energy shield that barely caught the brunt of Ru'dth's powerful attack. The collision of the opposing energies exploded in a rage of fury that sent Neela backwards against the granite floor.
Ru'dth smiled as he stepped forward and let two more energy spheres fly. The evil Warrior God couldn't help but to laugh as he two spheres divide into fourteen separate entities homing in on their target.
"It's over," he thought.
"Neela!" Gary shouted as he raced to cover the Indian woman that had come to help them. Jumping the final few feet that separated him and the energy spheres, Gary didn't quite know what to expect. His body was capable of so many things, but each time he had encountered the mystical abilities of the QiRangers, his nanobots didn't quite behave as expected. If this was to be his final sacrifice, then at least he was going out with a bang he thought. "Just use this to your advantage," he signaled to her.
Gary Staal landed squarely in front of Neela and spread his arms wide, accepting all fourteen of the black energy spheres. Each pounded his body and exploded with such tenacity that both Ru'dth and Neela had to turn their heads away from the flash of light they created.
The once quiet cavern erupted in a blood curdling scream as Gary absorbed the blast. To call it painful would be an extreme insult. As the energy poured through his mortal body, Gary experienced the pain of molten iron stabbed through his body and then the incredible burning sensation and it liquefied and melted outwards. Saliva frothed from his mouth as he fell to his knees and began convulsing.
After a few seconds, he stopped. In fact, he didn't move and silently, Gary fell to the ground.
Neela couldn't sense anything from her fallen comrade. The loss turned to rage as it filled her soul and transformed into strength acknowledged from the sacrifice Gary made. Picking herself up, she allowed her power to grow as never before.
Ru'dth stepped back into a defensive stance as he saw Neela's energy increase. Powerful ribbons of energy twirled around the seven Chakras and spread out over her arms and legs. Never before had he seen the Goddess so enraged and so powerful.
"This is far from over," Neela said through her teeth.
***
Bruch'oda opened his weary eyes. Traces of orange fluid filled his vision as blood poured from cuts he'd sustained in battle from the Ultimate QiWarrior. "Damn them," he thought as he used his incredible strength to pull himself out from the rocky walls of the cavern. "They will pay for this," he vowed.
As the pulverized granite fell to the undulating floor, Bruch'oda spun his twin swords and dropped into a reverse bow stance, sliding his right blade over his left forearm. For years he'd trained with his generals, but no one had ever posed such an even match as the QiRangers were doing now.
The Ultimate QiWarrior wasted no time. Running forward, the armor-clad warrior wove its Qi Saber in a giant circle. Using the Fire Qi from Michael, the QiWarrior created a large fireball. Pushing it forward, the massive ball of fire rocketed towards Bruch'oda.
The giant reptile sunk lower into his stance and smiled. Channeling Dark Qi into his swords, the curved blades ignited and filled the area with fire.
The QiRangers' collective mind was shocked as Bruch'oda easily absorbed their fireball attack by deflecting the energy aside. "Never mind," Leslie told her friends, "We've got to push on."
The others agreed and continued racing towards Bruch'oda.
Bruch'oda met the Ultimate QiWarrior head on by springing forward and crossing his swords forming an 'X' as he neared their head.
Quickly the QiWarrior brought their Qi Saber in front to block the attack.
Bruch'oda's position gave him the advantage, allowing him to utilize extra leverage and press down on the QiWarrior's single blade. With each breath, Bruch'oda drew in more Qi from the molten lava that surrounded them, making him even stronger; allowing him to use what seemed like the entire weight of the mountain to press down on the QiWarrior.
It took everything the QiRangers' had to keep their Qi Saber between them and Bruch'oda's double set of blades. The sheer strength Bruch'oda was using was nothing they had seen before. Every muscle in their body ached from the incredible stress of trying to sustain a defensive posture. The Ultimate QiWarrior's arms began to buckle, signaling their weakness to Bruch'oda.
"I have them," he thought as he leaned down a little more. The sinews of his muscles began to snap form the stress he was placing them under, but his mind was too focused to pay attention to popping that began in his arms and legs and the spouts of blood that started to flow through his scales. Ignoring the pain, Bruch'oda pressed further, obsessed with destroying the Ultimate QiWarrior. He gritted his teeth and frothed at the mouth and pressed harder.
"Yield," Jayde Yee sent to her friends through the telepathic link.
The comment was met with skepticism and anger that one of their own would give in so easily, despite the difficulty they were having.
"Let the force pass," she clarified and the others knew at once what to do.
The Ultimate QiWarrior shifted his weight to the right. The new positioning weakened their defenses against Bruch'oda's swords, but also allowed them to pass harmlessly by as they stepped to the right and spun their left foot around in a sweep.
Bruch'oda saw what was happening and was too quick for the QiWarrior's sweep and monkey rolled forward.
"This is our opening," Michael thought as the QiWarrior stood up and leapt into the air with two spinning kicks.
Bruch'oda stood up and saw this kicks coming in his peripheral vision. Reversing his blades, he brought both his arms in front with the swords pointing backwards to deflect the strikes.
The QiWarrior's first kick was strong enough to knock down Bruch'oda's block and the second kick struck the giant reptile on the side of the head. The blow sent Bruch'oda reeling the QiWarrior's boot shattered his jaw and sent blood spurting in the air.
Landing in a defensive stance, the Ultimate QiWarrior was unrelenting in his attack, now that Bruch'oda was stunned. Moving forward, the QiRanger's combined form unleashed a powerful volley of punches. While Bruch'oda was able to block a great many of them, sever made it though his blocks and struck vital points in his chest and arms, weakening him further.
Trying to collect his thoughts, Bruch'oda leapt backwards, trying to give him some space to recuperate.
Relentless, the QiWarrior followed. Nearing their enemy, the QiRangers commanded their giant form to strike, hard and fast.
Bruch'oda was able to deflect the punch, but the QiWarrior countered with a strong grab. Twisting Bruch'oda's left arm counterclockwise, the sheer tension the Ultimate QiWarrior provided snapped the reptilian's arm bones.
Bruch'oda screamed in agony as he reeled back to counterstrike.
The Ultimate QiWarrior blocked the punch and countered with another wrist grab. Spinning the arm over, the black samurai shattered that arm as well.
Blood drenched the armored hands of the Ultimate QiWarrior as he held Bruch'oda's useless arms before him. Drawing his leg back, the QiRangers executed three flying kicks – each one higher than the next. The first stuck at Bruch'oda's Tan Tien, the second, his solar plexus, and the third, his neck.
Each bone crushing strike crunched Bruch'oda's body even more and sent him crashing to the granite floor beneath them. The reptile landed with a thud that echoed throughout the cavern and resonated deep within the QiWarrior's body.
Sending all their energy into the QiWarrior's right hand, the QiRangers jumped up and let out a powerful battle cry as they extended their right hand into a knife blade. The once black glove shimmered with in a multitude of energy and light as they drove it through Bruch'oda's midsection.
The Evil Warlord's eyes burst open as blood shot from his mouth as he screamed. Each of his limbs contracted at once as the force severed his body in two.
Retracting their bloodied hand, the ultimate QiWarrior watched as the last of the evil ones from the Shadow Realm had been destroyed. Turning their gaze to the central pedestal, they saw Neela continuing to fight Ru'dth.
"Let's finish this," each of the QiRangers thought and commanded their giant body to jump across the molten lake.
The QiWarrior landed beside the Fire Mystic Door and paid no attention to Neela, Gary, or Ru'dth. The QiRangers were focused only on sealing the door and banishing evil once more. They could hear the battle raging besides them, but knew Neela would protect them. Dropping into a bow stance, the QiRangers prepared for an Ultimate Qi Strike – the only way to seal the door and free Earth from the tyranny of the Shadow Realm.
The white light of the Ultimate Qi Strike shone like a super nova exploding in the night's sky as it sealed the last of the Five Mystic Doors. With the energy once more contained, Mt. Fuji shook while the shockwave vaporized the lifeless bodies of the Shadow Warriors and Bruch'oda.
In their mind, the QiRangers smiled as they stood and turned to see Ru'dth grinning.
"You didn't think that would stop me, did you?" he asked.
The QiRanger's hearts sunk, realizing that the battle was not over. "How?" they asked in their united voice as Neela joined them at their side.
"The Doors only destroy those from the Shadow Realm. Ru'dth is from Earth, like me. We have to defeat him here," she answered
"Shit," the Ultimate QiWarrior said as he dropped into a defensive stance, trying to figure out the best way to attack such a magical being.
"Two against one?" Ru'dth sarcastically asked. "I think I need to change the playing field." Bringing his hands together, the Warrior God cried out, "Zol Xachole Va!" Black strands of energy shot out from his fists and encircled his body. The heat from the dark energy made the molten lava feel like ice compared to it and forced Neela and the QiWarrior back a few steps.
Ru'dth began screaming as the power he unleashed shook the entire cavern.
"What's happening?" the Ultimate QiWarrior asked.
Neela didn't have to answer as the QiRangers saw Ru'dth absorb the energy he released. The power, once folded in on itself, exploded, vaporizing the entire mountain from the timberline up.
It took several minutes for Neela and the QiRangers to recover from the blast had been so strong it dissolved the link between the six warriors of justice and laid them out over the countryside. One-by-one they slowly got up and pushed past the aches and pains to come to their feet. Covered in bloodied bruises, now that their armor had vanished, the QiRangers got their first glimpses of what happened.
Gone was the picturesque peak and countryside. The only thing that remained was an enormous crater filled with magma and a one hundred meter tall Ru'dth laughing at them.
As they assembled together, one single thought went through their minds, "What now?"
Luís Morris took a few steps forward as his eyes tracked upwards. His left leg drug behind, as the day's fighting was taking its toll. "Dios mio," he uttered barely able to comprehend such a monstrous adversary.
"There's no way we can make a dent in him," Seth sadly said. "He'd crush us."
Each of the QiRangers struggled to gather the internal strength to finally put an end to the war that had ravaged the Earth, but the sheer size of Ru'dth standing in what was left of Mt. Fuji overloaded their senses.
Ru'dth continued to billow with laughter as he looked down on those that stood against him. More than fifty times their height, he knew he needed to do nothing more than squish them like the ants they were. "Not so brave and determined any more, are you?" he asked from his high vantage point.
The incredible power of his voice sent shockwaves through the seven warriors that were poised to stand against him, resonating through their bodies and shaking the ground. Deep in their minds, they knew at once what the ancients had seen when they spoke of deities and magical beasts of old.
Robert clenched his fists and planted his cybernetic legs deep into the soil. "I'm not giving in this easily," he said.
"Do you have an idea of how we can cope with that?" Leslie asked hobbling forward and pointing to Ru'dth. "I hope you do. I really do, because I'm flush out."
Robert turned to Neela, "What about you?" he asked.
Holding her right shoulder in her left arm, Neela stumbled closer to the others. "There's nothing I can do. He's so powerful."
"You told us you're the opposite sides of the coin, right?" Robert asked.
"Yes," Neela answered, nit sure where Robert was leading her. "We are the same."
"Then if he was able to enhance Bruch'oda and the others, can't you do the same to us? I mean, what would happen if you gave us the Kundalini power by joining us in the meld?" Robert wondered.
Neela paused for a moment and thought. Something so drastic had never occurred to her, as it was never tried or needed in the past. As Neela stood in silence, the other QiRangers quickly got behind the idea and voiced their support of Robert's proposal.
"It's crazy enough to work," Seth came forward saying.
"Count me in," Jayde seconded.
"I don't see why it wouldn't work. If we form the QiWarrior and you meld with us, we should be able to produce the same results," Leslie said, trying to convince Neela of their plan.
"Or die trying," Luís soberly added. "But either way, if we're going out, I want to go out with a bang and this will certainly provide that."
"So what do you say, Neela?" Robert asked moving a little closer. Out of all the QiRangers, his body was able to better handle the stress of constant fighting due to his enhancements, but mentally, the day had taken its toll. Robert desperately wished to end the fighting.
"I," Neela began, "I just don't know." Her dark eyes were filled with doubt for the first time since she had met the QiRangers.
That fact didn't ease the QiRangers' fears but did force them to make a leap of faith. Beginning with Michael, each in their hearts knew this was the right course of action. Every fiber in their body knew that alone they would face utter defeat, but as before, if they combined their powers and thoughts, nothing could stop them. Master Li knew it from long ago and shared that wisdom with them in the Sahara desert, now it was their time to share it with Neela.
Without speaking, the QiRangers circled around Neela. Leslie and Michael stood at true north and linked hands. They were flanked by Luís and Jayde, who finally joined hands with Robert and Seth. As the QiRangers joined their physical bodies, they began to link their minds once more. Every breath took in more and more Qi and fueled their desire, determination, and will to fight on, no matter the cost.
Ru'dth spied what was happening and instantly knew what his enemies were attempting to do. He had suffered for so long, trapped in the medallion behind the fortress walls of Bruch'oda's palace, the Warrior God would not yield at the end and wouldn't quietly allow his enemies to ride up against him. Using his giant strides, he easily climbed out from the crater he created in the bowls of Mt. Fuji.
"No!" he screamed, shaking heaven and earth as he saw the five elements of nature merge with the QiRangers and then meld together in the center, focusing tightly on Neela, the Kundalini Goddess.
The Strength and wisdom of the Kundalini was great, but she had never experienced such power and connection to those around her. Wind and lightening flashed around the seven humans as they absorbed one another's power and made it their own. Neela's face lit up as she tiled her head backwards and looked skyward.
"Zol Xachole Va!" she cried out as white energy enveloped all six QiRangers and Neela. Spreading like cotton candy fibers, the powerful energy cocoon hardened with crackling thunder echoing in the forest around them.
As Ru'dth came closer, a dirty snare came across his face as he realized he was too late.
Bursting out of the energy cocoon and growing to a height of one hundred meters was a giant white samurai warrior. Every inch of his armor was covered in the finest pearl and his face hidden behind a white mask. Etched in gold on the chest of the giant was the six elemental signs embraced by a serpent. With their minds acting as one, the QiRangers and Neela commanded the Kundalini Warrior to drop into a defensive stance.
Not wishing to waste any time, Ru'dth didn't wait to attack. As the Kundalini Warrior sank lower, preparing for him to strike, Ru'dth spun on his left leg and whirled his right leg around and snapped off a roundhouse kick at his enemy's head.
The Kundalini Warrior blocked and trapped the kicking leg breaking Ru'dth's shins and shattering his knee. With the right leg flopping harmlessly in the air, the Kundalini Warrior quickly side snap-kicked to Ru'dth's Tan Tien.
The powerful shot of energy overloaded his system and sent him flying backwards across what was left of the mountain, landing in a thicket of trees. Molasses-like think blood oozed from his right leg as he pressed past the pain to come to a standing position.
"Ju gUmqi LusOm!" he cried out while raising his hand overhead, commanding the heavens to light fire to the Kundalini Warrior.
Instantly, thousands of lightening bolts shot down from the sky, exploding around the mountain. With each strike, the mountainside became more crater- filled from the tons of soil being vaporized. The Kundalini Warrior used his sense of energy to jump, roll, and duck under strikes and closed the distance between he and Ru'dth. With each step, the Kundalini Warrior was more than ever, determined to achieve his goal- destroy Ru'dth.
Jumping into the sky, the giant white warrior circled his hands and brought them in front as he descended on Ru'dth.
The Warrior God rooted his single foot and extended his hands upward in a cross block.
Crashing down, the Kundalini Warrior split Ru'dth's block and landed on his foot.
The pain from the impact was more than any Ru'dth had experienced before and his mind drifted from defense to that of controlling the pain that ravaged his body.
Spying the opening, the Kundalini Warrior reached up with their right arm and took hold of Ru'dth's throat under the jaw and with their other hand, then grabbed the back of his head. Snapping their body to the left, the combined form of Neela and the QiRangers ripped the head from Ru'dth shoulders. As the Kundalini Warrior sunk into a left bow stance, all the evil energy that was Ru'dth was released, sending flames high into the sky.
A powerful sense of elation briefly passed through the Kundalini Warrior before the QiRangers felt Neela being ripped apart from them.
"With Ru'dth gone, there is no need for me," she shared in the brief instant she had left and all the power she possessed evaporated, leaving the six QiRangers standing alone on Mt. Fuji.
They looked around, barely breathing, not tempting fate by uttering a single word. As the sounds of their lungs and hearts filled their ears, they realized it was finally over. Earth was safe once more.
***
A year passed since the QiRangers had defeated evil with the assistance of Neela. Many had paid the ultimate price in the age old war between good and evil and before man was to set foot again on the blue gem of the solar system, the leaders of the world wanted to make sure that petty in-fighting would never lead to a path of destruction.
It took tremendous time and countless hours of debate, but the Earth Alliance was finally formalized on the LEO Station and ratified among all colonies. Man now spoke with one voice and was ready to reclaim his home.
***
It was a warm, sunny day in the tropics. Robert Dwyer sat on the dais with his fellow QiRangers. He no longer wore the fatigues of a NASO operative, settling for the classic Gis of old. He wasn't alone in that wardrobe selection – all the QiRangers dressed in their Gis and sat quietly as they watched the world leaders read speech after speech, proclaiming how man had come together in the year and from this point forward it would usher in, "a new age," the speaker repeated.
"If I hear that one more time, I'm going to vomit," Gary Staal leaned over and whispered into his friend's ear.
Robert smiled and laughed to himself. In the heat of the final battle, he had lost track of what Gary had done. He never realized that he saved Neela by absorbing an attack from Ru'dth - something that gave him and the others enough time to react and destroy the Warrior God. By some miracle, his nanobots were able to handle the dark energy and preserve him.
Robert turned to face his friend and stared into Gary's blood-red eyes – the only alteration to his body that never faded after the encounter with Ru'dth. "You're going to get us in trouble," he mouthed.
Gary leaned back in his chair and chortled as the next and final speaker came to the podium.
By this time, Leslie had stopped listening what was being said. Still after one year, she was trying to understand why things happened as they did. How the Doors were opened, why the lives were lost, how would she protect the future?
Because the second theme in every speech was how, by working together, the people of the world could avoid such a future catastrophe. Leslie closed her eyes and gently shook her head as Michael squeezed her hand. They both knew that good could not exist without evil. Good had triumphed for now, but evil would surly rear its head again. "I hope we're ready," she thought.
Michael squeezed her hand again, "We will."
***
Many years had passed since the last great battle between good and evil, so much so, that its legendary tales were nothing more than lore for young children. The QiRangers had abandoned living among the populace, seeking the solitude in the sanctity of the Great Vault some time ago. Knowing the nature of the universe and seeing so many pass away before them, not being able to age eternal, they desired to live out their time besides the ancient tombs of the Masters, waiting.
Under the faint light of the gemstones, a single QiRanger's eyes opened. "It's come," the QiRanger thought.
Without uttering a single word, the other QiRangers instantly knew feeling in the pit of their stomach. Once something so vile has touched your life, you never forget it, they were told – and it was true. A world had passed since they last encountered such evil, but they knew it the instant it manifested – just as one instinctively knows the warm feeling of walking into the sun for the first time.
Slowly, the QiRangers came to their feet. Their eyes hung low, barely lifting from the floor, unable to bear the thought of what was about to transpire. It was with a heavy heart they prepared themselves mentally for the next battle against evil. Since they left the world behind, they had spent each meditating and preparing for this single experience. The QiRangers knew this battle would be even more challenging than the last.
Not because time had passed or that they were older. Not because those on the planet would fail to recognize the warning signs. While these indeed would be factors in the outcome, it was something else that made this source of evil more troubling. Something they had known for a long time, but could never come to terms with.
This time evil came as one of their own.
***
End of Chapter Seven: Eternal Flame
End of Godaikoku Sentai QiRanger
***
Darkness - it comes once nearly every twelve hours and covers half the planet at a time. Under its blanket not much is seen anymore. In the days proceeding Bruch'oda's return much of the night's sky had been obliterated by light pollution from the mega cities that dotted the surface of the once grand planet. Now humans on the surface were confined to an area of less than thirty-two thousand square miles. Within this zone, Earth's last hope for survival gathered and prepared for their assault on the evil that now controlled the planet.
Amberlynn Guinness sat on her chair next to the motor pool at the Sahara Staging Ground cleaning her weapon. Placing the cloth rag she used to clear the sand from the weapon's primary lens on the ground next to her, she lifted her soft hazel eyes to the stars and forgot all that had happened in the weeks leading up to this moment.
"God, they're beautiful," she said aloud staring at the stars above. "I've forgotten what they looked like," she said with a smile. Letting everything around her fade into nothingness, Amberlynn let herself escape the duties at hand became absorbed by the small pricks of light shining down from above.
In her trance, the Militia recruit failed to notice her platoon sergeant shuffling through the sand behind her. The gruff man in his late forties possessed a strong dislike for anyone non-military, but under the circumstances, he had no choice but to welcome anyone who could carry and fire a rifle.
"Guinness!" he shouted in his raspy voice.
Amberlynn snapped from her glazed over look and stood instantly. "Yes, Sir!" he quipped.
The Sergeant walked in front of her and stared into her watery eyes. He knew she was afraid and was probably thinking about more peaceful times, but he couldn't have that right now. He knew if he allowed that to continue, she wouldn't make it back alive.
"Hell, I don't even know if any of us will make it back alive," he thought.
"Listen here," he said sternly, "Focus on your job. Clean your weapon and put on your armor. You do what I taught you to do and if you're lucky enough, you'll be able to spend the rest of your life watching those stars."
"Yes, Sir," Amberlynn replied and returned her attention to her rifle.
***
General Abbey sat behind his desk. No longer residing in the comfort of LEO Station, the General joined his fellow soldiers on Earth as they prepared to launch their offensive against the Bruch'oda at the Metal Mystic Door. Sweat poured down his face and stained his combat fatigues. Even with the evaporative coolers in his tent, Abbey still felt flush from the intense heat of desert.
But none of that mattered to him. His thoughts were elsewhere.
"Why?" he thought staring at his computer pad. The small device had but a single image on its display panel – that of a beautiful young girl in her twenties. With light golden hair that framed her face, the light danced in her green eyes that signaled to all she was full of life.
"Why did this have to happen?" he whimpered through swelling tears that streamed down his cheeks. Letting his hands glide across the image he finally brought himself to speak her name, "Devon, I'm so sorry."
Abbey closed his eyes and press out all the tears. The salty substance rolled over his skin before falling onto the soft sand under his feet. The robust General quietly sobbed in solitude.
Bowing his head, General Abbey failed to notice Robert Dwyer enter the tent. The tall Metal QiRanger and long time friend of the General knew that he needed time to grieve, but that was something they didn't have. "I wish I didn't have to do this," Robert thought to himself, "But I have to."
"Sir," he spoke softly, looking at his friend.
General Abbey wiped the tears from his eyes and sniffled them back into his throat. The sound echoed off the metal desk the General rested his elbows on. He drew but a single tissue from the dispenser located in his drawer and blew his nose.
"Yes, Robert?" Abbey finally responded.
The Metal QiRanger took a few more steps inside the tent and made sure the exterior flap was closed. "Everything's ready, Sir. Everyone is assembled."
General Abbey nodded at his old friend before turning his gaze back to the computer pad. "You know she would have been thirty next Tuesday, Rob."
Dwyer closed his eyes and remembered the first time he met the General's daughter. It was a few years ago when she was on vacation. She was so intelligent and thoughtful – always thinking of others before herself. "I know," Rob said quietly, knowing that it sounded stupid, but it was the only thing that came to mind.
"I just can't believe it," Abbey started, "She survived the hellish attack on New York only to lose her life here."
"Sir, you know as well as I do that accidents happen and we can't try to understand things that are beyond our control."
General Abbey put the pad down and looked up at his friend. "I know. I can't recall how many times I've had to make that speech to families. I," he paused, "I just never imagined I'd have to sit through it myself."
"No one does," Robert added.
General Abbey nodded in agreement before scooting back his chair.
"I really wish you would reconsider this, General," Robert spoke. "I don't think this is a good idea."
Standing, General Abbey looked his old friend in the eyes, "This isn't up for debate, son. I'm not about to site behind a desk and watch every last able-bodied human march in to hell. My daughter would have gone and by hell I'm going to see this through."
"It's good to see that he still has that fire within him," Robert thought. "So there's no way to change you mind about this?" he asked.
"No. Besides, I didn't have R&D spend the past few days altering this," he said pulling back his left sleeve to reveal the wrist unit of Robert's old Stealth Armor. "The way I figure it, you won't need it anytime soon and we've got to use every advantage possible."
Robert smiled. "Yeah, I've found a replacement for now."
Robert walked over to Abbey and placed his hands on his shoulders, "Are you going to be all right?"
"No. I never thought I'd see the day where Devon would pass before me. But I'm not going to let her death be in vein."
"But we may need you for the final assault," Robert pleaded.
"Thanks for your concern, old friend, but I've been fighting bad guys longer than you've been around. I can take care of myself." General Abbey took a deep breath, "Now let's get out there and take back what we've lost."
***
Pushing back the tent flap, General Abbey emerged first from his tent, followed by Robert. Morning light was about to break in the east and the sky had already started brightening. "Dawn at last," Abbey muttered.
The Staging Ground was all a bustle with activity as the final arrangements were being made for the day's assault. As far as the eye could see, everyone was moving with a single purpose – prepare for battle. Both Robert and General Abbey were amazed at the sheer number of men, women, and children who volunteered for this mission. Close to one million of the Militia's forces had been transported down from the LEO Station and armed here.
Walking through the endless rows of troops, Robert couldn't help but to feel the way General Abby must at this moment – knowing that many of these brave souls wouldn't make it back here alive. "With all the armor and weapons we have, it's just a horrible fact of war – people die," he thought.
"Are they ready?" General Abbey asked Robert.
The Metal QiRanger looked at his commanding office and said, "Yes, they're waiting for us at the Door."
"Good," Abbey replied as he walked by a section of armored HERCs in their final stages of preparation.
The pair continued on their way to a small stage that had been assembled in front of the Earth Mystic Door. Not anything grand, by any means, it was set aside to allow Abbey to address those under his command before they left for battle. The other QiRangers and Neela stood on the small platform flanked by generators powering a set of evaporative coolers.
General Abbey took to the stage first. "Are you ready?" he asked them.
"Yes, General," they all replied.
"Good," he replied. "They aren't," he motioned behind them. "I've done this enough to know that fear has gripped them and taken a hold of their minds. They're physically ready for the challenge ahead, but not mentally."
Taking in a deep breath, General Abbey let his chest expand before letting all his air out and tapping his control pad.
"This is General Abbey," he began as his voice was broadcast over the Comm- links of the entire assault force.
"For the past few hours we've been making the final arrangements for the assault on the Metal Mystic Door. Up until now, we've relied upon the effort of those behind me to battle back the forces that overran our planet. They have done an excellent job, closing three of the five doors needed to send these tyrants packing," he said.
"But that ends here. Too long have we sat on the sidelines and let these heroic men and women fight our battles for us. They've suffered great losses for our benefit. It's now our turn to rise up and show Bruch'oda and Ru'dth what humans are really made of. This is our time to shine. Our time to fight. Our time to kick ass!"
Cheers erupted from the assembled troops as far as the eye could see. For the first time General Abbey saw his troops with elevated spirits. As the cheers faded, Abbey turned to the QiRangers, "Now, they're ready."
***
Michael Chen and Gary Staal stood among several troopers. Like the others, Michael wore green body armor while Gary stood in his gray fatigues. As the cheers subsided, Gary noticed the troops around him remained confident and focused on the forthcoming battle.
"They'll do fine," he assured Michael.
But his fellow doctor said nothing.
Gary looked to his left and saw Michael standing there numb. He didn't blink and barely breathed at all. "Shit, the guy's freezing up on me," he thought.
Gently tapping Michael on the shoulder Gary was able to get through to the young doctor. "Are you going to be all right?" he asked.
Mike cracked a smile, "Ask me if we get through this thing."
"That's no way to talk. You've got to stay focused and concentrate on what needs to be done."
"I know," Michael began, "That's not what's got me worried."
"Then what's got you all a bugger?" Gary wondered.
Leaning closer to Gary, Michael dropped his voice to a level just barely audible, "Look at them. Look how many of them there are. When the bloodshed starts, how are we going to keep up with it? I mean there are only a few of us with enough medical training to handle the kinds of wounds we'll be seeing."
Gary put his hand out to calm his colleague, "There is no way. People are going to die and there's nothing we can do about it. We can only focus on our tasks and save the ones we can."
Gary knew his words weren't the comfort that Michael sought, but it was the truth.
Mike closed his eyes and let the trembling in his muscles pass. "God I hate this," he said. "I wish there was a better way."
"So do I," Gary replied. "But there isn't. They know your sister and the others are coming and they'll be ready for them. I don't think they'll be expecting an army to drop in on them. Hopefully the surprise will be enough for us to gain the upper hand and get your sister do her thing."
"I hope you're right."
***
The thousands upon thousands of troopers began their final preparations for battle. Each of the troopers donned new assault armor. Colored green, these lightweight conforming pieces of armor protect the vital areas of each Militia member. Amber helmets cover their head and are equipped with Comm- links and C-Net connections, providing each with the most up-to-date data.
Each trooper was armed with a pulsar rifle and a six inch knife. In this final phase of preparation, each trooper ignited the small power cell that provided the source for the beam weapon's deadly force. The devices hummed with power as they warmed up and shook gently in each trooper's hand.
After a few minutes, they were all ready. Each new what was expected of them and that they might not make it back alive. But as a group, that wasn't what was important. It was the fact that now they, too, were joining the fight for their liberation.
***
The mighty HERCs powered their advanced motor drives and weapon systems. Armed with several plasma cannons and rocket launchers, these massive machines piloted by a single NASO operative began walking to their designated platoon stations. These three meter high machines were slow moving, but deadly weapons. General Abbey hoped that they could manage to take out a handful of Shadows and protect the forward lines from being out flanked.
***
General Abbey watched as his army took shape. "It's time. Let's do it," he said.
The General stood with both his arms folded on top of one another. His left arm swung outwards, reaching a 45 degree angle, as if reaching for the sky, while his right swung out and then were drawn into his chest, clenching his fists. As he did this, his right foot took a half-step backwards. Then he stepped forward while moving his right fists towards his left wrist. As the ring on his right hand nears his wrist he yells, "Energize!"
On the palm-side of the computer unit, General Abbey thrusts the ring into the activation keyhole. Upon inserting the rings into the lock, the device unleashed billions of black nanobots that consume him. Once the transformation is complete, General Abbey stood on the platform in a familiar black suit.
Inside his display it reads: STEALTH ARMOR ACTIVED.
Behind the General, the QiRangers readied themselves for their transformation. Building their internal Qi, each individual summoned the element that gave them power.
Luís' eyes narrowed as he could feel the Earth around him surge forward and cascade over his body. His gray fatigues began shimmering yellow and energy crackled around him. Slowly the electrical energy solidified revealing his armor.
Robert brings his arms together and pushes outward. Drawing extra Qi from his own cybernetic limbs, he quickly transforms into the Metal QiRanger.
Seth closes his eyes and imagines the endless seas of the planet. Water begins pouring through his pours drenching the stage and covering his body. When the water finally falls to the floor he stands revealed in his blue armor.
Green energy danced around Jayde, encircling her delicate body with immense power. Her energy cocoon fades revealing her Wood armor.
Leslie's skin burst into flame and consumed her mortal body. Her mind focused on her burning desire to save the planet and put right what had been taken so violently from them. As her desire grew, so did the flames. A giant burst of wind whisked them away, revealing the Fire QiRanger.
Neela smiled at those around her. Deep in her core, Neela's Root Chakra glowed red. The energy harnessed in the base Chakra quickly grew and changed to orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet before leaving her head and showering her with power. As the sparkling shards of power descended from Neela's Crown Chakra, her violet armor appeared.
With everyone assembled, Neela closes her eyes and brings her hands to Namaste. Taking in a deep breath, Neela channels the Kundalini within. Roaring out through her crown Chakra, a giant serpent rockets toward the stars. Larger than anyone could have imagined, the massive Goddess moved through the heavens with ease. Her massive form blocked the rising sun and cast darkness on all those below.
"Holy shit!" exclaimed Luís.
Each of them could hear the massive rolling undulations of the giant snake above them. Her power was more than any of them had witnessed before and they stood in awe. The Goddess' eye shone like the sun at midday as she turned and headed down towards the amassed troops. With speed equal to lightening, she expanded her jaw and devoured the entire group in one bite before vanishing into thin air.
***
Throughout her entire life, Amberlynn Guinness has taken advantage of the Teleportation network on Earth. She traveled from her home in London to various places around the globe and into space on a routine basis. But nothing prepared her for what she now undertook. Along with the other Militia members, she marveled at the giant snake that rose high into the desert sky and swooped down and ate them.
"That thing ate me," she thought. She still couldn't believe it.
But her thoughts weren't allowed to dwell on the subject too long. As quickly as she and the others had been swallowed by the great Kundalini, dematerialized and left the entire Militia deep within the Earth.
Guinness craned her head around as she got her bearings. "Holy shit!" she exclaimed while taking in the huge cavern she now stood in. "We're packed in like sardines."
"Cut the chatter, Guinness," squawked her Sergeant.
Amberlynn flinched inside her armor at the rough sound of her Sergeant's voice. She knew he was right. This was the split instant they had all been training for. Once the initial shock of being lifted from the Sahara and deposited into a deep and expansive cavern somewhere under the Earth's crust wore off, Amberlynn was able to see the amassed army before her.
It was like nothing she imagined and an overwhelming sense of meekness cascaded over her body.
"Now look sharp," barked her Sergeant. "Keep an eye on where your targeting reticle is pointed and try not to take out your fellow soldiers."
Amberlynn peered through her visor and saw not what they had trained for but some other form of foot soldier. These were far more intimidating than Shadow Warriors she was ready to face. Armed not only with the same crimson blades, but with intense armored spikes and a larger size, she knew they were in for an even more difficult fight.
"Essentially, if it's black and has spikes, kick the shit out of it," her Sergeant advised. "Now," he ordered, "Get out there and pave a way for the QiRangers to close this Door!"
Amberlynn sucked in a deep breath and then started falling out with her fellow Militia Members. Moving like a sea of algae, Guinness' platoon quickly descended on the Super Shadow Warriors guarding the perimeter of the massive cavern. Her heart raced as she maneuvered over the rocky terrain, trying to keep one eye on her reticle and the other on the ground.
The uneven cavern floor, made it hard for her to keep up with the others, but Amberlynn was bound and determined to do so. A desire brought to life when she heard the first few rounds from her platoon's plasma rifles fire. Her delicate hazel eyes fixated on the image in her reticle. A Shadow broke off from its main group and began heading toward her position. Through the explosions around her, Amberlynn tracked the dark warrior as countless bodies on both sides began falling into lifeless heaps.
Then it happened – her targeting reticle switched from green to red. That's all she needed to know – the damn beast was in range. Squeezing the trigger was much easier in training exercise than in real life and Amberlynn found the index finger on her right hand frozen.
"Fire!" she told herself, but nothing happened.
Her eyes widened with fear as the Shadow approached. Drawing out its sword, the beast prepared to strike the lone trooper who was standing motionless.
"Come on!" she told herself. "Get it together Guinness, you can do this."
Blowing all the air from lungs, Amberlynn Guinness' finger collapsed on the trigger of her rifle. The weapon discharged, firing a green bolt of charged plasma energy at its target. With the initial round fired, Amberlynn found it much easier to continue tracking and firing at the Shadow.
The first few blasts missed their target and the Shadow dodged subsequent bolts by leaping in different directions.
"Damn him," she thought as the Shadow was only about ten meters away. Fear gripped her even more as she could see human blood dripping from his armor and sword.
Squeezing the trigger again, Amberlynn fired rounds in alternating directions, trying to lead the Shadow onto a specific path. She succeeded. Now with the Super Shadow Warrior dead center in her reticle and five meters away, she held the trigger back. The plasma rifle fired rapidly and each blast lit up the Shadow's armor plating. The beast took hits to the torso, arm, and legs before falling over.
Amberlynn probably would have continued firing, had the weapons auto- shutdown engaged to prevent the barrel from overheating. Guinness didn't smile too long at her first kill because there were too many more trying to do the same to her.
***
Lieutenant Jorgensen smiled at the stench of death around him. Entombed in his metal HERC, the Russian took great pride at being removed from the hand- to-hand combat around him. His left hand rested on the unit's firing controls while his left pushed forward on the machine's directional stick. In his targeting reticle were trajectory readings for each of his assigned targets.
The main battle plan called for the Infantry to draw the Shadows out into thinning ranks so that the QiRangers could advance quickly to the Metal Mystic Door. To assist in that endeavor, the HERCs were assigned to herd the Shadows into pre-arranged corridors of fire.
The young Lieutenant pushed forward on the control stick and his mighty humanized avatar stepped forward. Each thundering step shook the cavern floor beneath him, leaving him to wonder if it was really wise to bring these machines in with as many troops as they did. Clearing the thought from his mind, he reminded himself that he was here for one purpose and one purpose only – do the job assigned to him.
Gripping the firing control and pulling it backwards, Jorgensen commanded the large, twin rocket launchers attached to the shoulder mounts to pivot. Coordinating his HERC's movements with the advancing Shadows, Lieutenant Jorgensen carefully lined up the leading targeting display and pressed the firing button.
Like the water surging through opened floodgates, the twin launchers erupted in a barrage of chaos as the units' entire load was fired. Lighting up the darkened subterranean cavern like high noon, the rockets arced overhead and swooped down onto the advancing Shadows.
The division of Shadows saw the oncoming rockets and divided their numbers, hoping to avoid casualties, but it was too late.
***
Like God's fury raining down from heaven, the missiles hit the cavern floor resulting in enormous fireballs reaching twenty meters in height. The force from the munitions thinned the advancing Shadow's numbers; however, did little to stop them.
Recovering from the strike, the remaining Super Shadow Warriors were even more determined to end the incursion. As the platoon neared the first set of Militia, they came under attack from plasma bursts from the humans. Adapting quickly, the Shadows utilized their remaining forces to advance on Militia's position.
The first few Shadows fired their Dark Qi Stars form their arm-mounted units at the leading row of Militia Troopers. Even with their body armor, the Troopers couldn't withstand the force transmitted by the Dark Qi. The power encapsulated in each star bore through the outer covering of the armor and dug deep into their chests. Once the star stopped their forward progress, they exploded.
The effect was devastating to the morale of the Militia.
***
Amberlynn Guinness watched as her combat battalion dwindled before her. Determined not to let herself and those counting on her down, she pressed on, firing her rifle. Her blasts flew across the battle field finding target after target.
H'vis saw the human woman advancing and decided to put an end to her attacks. The mighty Shadow Warrior leapt in the air and somersaulted over the bodies of his brethren. Landing in a kneeling position, his eyes fixated on Guinness' position.
Firing his stars, he watched the ancient weapons travel silently through the damp air and strike the woman beneath the jaw. A spit second later, Amberlynn Guinness' head exploded and her lifeless body dropped to join the others around her.
***
The Super Shadow Warriors were relentless in their attack. Utilizing their Dark Qi stars they were easily able to rip through the lines drawn by the Militia. Pouring through the broken lines like water busting through a dam, the Shadows continued their slaughter, creating a sea of blood dripping from their crimson blades.
Lieutenant Jorgensen positioned his HERC behind B Company. With his rocket supply exhausted in the initial attack, he relied heavily upon the twin chain guns fixed to the end of his unit's arms to provide suppressing fire for his contingent.
"They're coming though on the left!" screamed a Sergeant through the Comm- link.
"They're coming through all over the place," Jorgensen thought to himself as he squeezed the trigger in his left hand, sending the twin guns blazing. The nuclear-tipped rounds flew over the heads of the Militia members taking cover behind the bodies of their dead comrades and headed straight towards the advancing numbers of Shadows.
Frustration swept over Jorgensen as he realized that their weapons were far inferior to what they were facing. They may have come from a technologically superior place in the universe, but the ancient energies and brute force were more than they could handle. A fact that rung true as he saw on his tactical display that the right flank had fallen and countless Shadows were now slaughtering his brethren.
"Enough!" he cried out over the Comm-link. "Everyone hit the deck," he said.
Not sure what the Lieutenant had in mind, many of the militia was skeptical and continued to defend their position, firing their plasma rifles. Twisting his HERC's torso around, Jorgensen repeated his order, "I said drop!"
The strain and anger in his voice rang through the Comm-links and this time his comrades adhered to his warning and fell to their knees. From this power position, they focused their attacks on the Shadow's legs, hoping to immobilize their enemy. But Jorgensen had a different idea.
Locking his HERC into a left spin, he started firing his cannons wildly just over the heads of the crouching Militia.
The men and women cowered under the buzzing of the radioactive shells and watched as the HERC's bullets impaled the advancing Shadows. With each hit, the Shadow was flung back an incinerated by the nuclear material.
Jorgensen's face lit up as he howled like a wild man drunk on power. With each kill, his ego expanded leading him to believe that he was invincible – and for a short time he was. Jorgensen's perimeter held longer than any other in the Militia, but soon terror struck the Lieutenant when all he heard was silence. Firing continuously exhausted his entire munitions supply and left his guns firing blanks.
"Fuck!" he gasped as he stared at the horde of Super Shadow Warriors advancing through the Militia.
"All right," he said, "Let's get it on!" and stomped his HERC over the dead bodies before him, straight into battle.
The large and slow moving HERC was easy to spot by the Shadows, but hard to stop. They attempted to destroy the machine by using their stars, but the HERC's armor was too tough – something Jorgensen was grateful for.
H'vis witnessed his comrades failing at stopping the robotic beast and decided to take matters into his own hands. Drawing his crimson blade, he raced towards the advancing machine. Sidestepping his own battalion and dodging plasma blasts, H'vis covered the twenty meters between them in a blink of an eye.
Jorgensen could see the lone Shadow racing toward him and knew that anyone moving with intent like that was either on a suicide mission or had a bold idea. "Someone pick up the guy coming for me," he yelled.
Undaunted, H'vis spun his sword so that the blade was pressed against his forearm and the blade extended past his elbow. The Shadow extended his blade and sliced through the very torso of the Militia Troops around the HERC. Not pausing, he jumped over the right arm of the HERC, allowing his blade to trail behind him. The powerful blade pierced though the armored structure of the HERC and severed the appendage. Reeling around, H'vis gripped the hilt of his weapon with both hands and released a guttural cry as he tore through the HERC's right leg.
Jorgensen tried to compensate for the structural faults, but H'vis moved to quickly.
Jumping two meters it he air, H'vis struck the HERC with a left roundhouse kick. The resulting force pushed the HERC off its remaining leg and onto the cavern floor.
"Shit!" Jorgensen cried out as he franticly tried to unbuckle his safety harness. Fumbling with the latches, the Lieutenant's view became overshadowed. Lifting his head, he saw a Super Shadow Warrior standing in front of his cockpit holding crimson blade in his right hand.
"I've only got one chance," Jorgensen thought and reached for his pistol.
H'vis saw the movement and twirled his sword and launched it though the HERC's canopy, shattering the glass and sending his blade deep into the chest of Jorgensen.
The pain suffocated the Lieutenant and washed over his body as blood poured from his wound.
A second later H'vis withdrew his blade and spied a new enemy to kill.
***
Jayde Yee spiraled upwards into the air and somersaulted over the advancing ranks of Super Shadow Warriors before coming crashing down in a deep bow stance. With her twin axes fully charged, the Wood QiRanger swept her hind leg as she trapped the nearest Shadow's leg, bringing him to the cavern's floor.
With her enemy beside her, Jayde rolled over onto her side and let her blade fall into the torso of the Shadow. The axe's green energy crackled as it pierced through the spiked armor of the Super Shadow Warrior and plowed deep into his viscera.
Sensing that others were around her, the Wood QiRanger quickly spring her feet and withdrew her weapon, allowing the fallen Shadow to bleed to death.
"I've got to make it to the door," she thought to herself allowing her senses to fully come alive. Ever since her near fatal encounter at the Wood Mystic Door, Jade concentrated her training to become an even more formable fighting machine.
As the next group of Shadows lunged in to attack the green QiRanger, she artfully sidestepped and ducked below their pressing crimson blades. Swinging her arms out, he trapped an extended arm of one Shadow and ripped it off by twisting it with the hilts of her axe blades. As the shadow stood in shock at loosing his limb, Jayde spun the arm, still clenching its sword and tossed it behind her.
The sword bore easily through the chest plate of an advancing Shadow and brought the warrior to his knees instantly. Writhing in pain, the Shadow tried to retrieve the sword from his chest, but Jayde spun backwards and landed a reverse roundhouse kick with her heel against the warrior's head. The blow transferred all of the Wood QiRanger's energy into a single strike and decapitated the Shadow.
Thinking that she had expended herself, two more Shadows advanced from her flanks. They each lead with their arms and fired their Dark Qi Stars at the green armored warrior before them.
Jayde bent over backwards, pressing her blades into the stone floor as she transferred her weight to her hands. With the Shadows continuing to advance, she lifted her legs and spun them wildly as she deflected their sword attacks. The Shadows were stunned at the fighting ability of the Wood QiRanger and never noticed that once she was able to dislodge their crimson blades with her footwork, she sprung herself into a low stance and threw both her axes.
Each sharpened edge found its target and ripped through the Shadow's body like iron through water.
Jayde quickly recovered her blades and marched onward to the Metal Mystic Door to join with the rest of her team.
***
"Die bastards!" General Abbey screamed as he fired several blasts from the twin sets of plasma cannons extending from his Stealth Armor. With the energy and stamina of a thirty-year-old, the elderly General was determined to make his mark in this battle. Years of frustration motivated the General to force his body to remember the years of combat training. His sleek, black form hit all signs of movement, making the Shadows' job even harder when trying to anticipate his movements.
"Is that all you've got?" he cried out as he drew upon the incredible power of the armor to fly above the Shadows and fire endlessly into their numbers. One-by-one, every shadow that General Abbey targeted fell.
As he landed he was confronted by a single Super Shadow Warrior. Digging his feet into a wide stance, Abbey harnessed the suit's targeting system and prepared to fire.
Not wanting to give the Shadow any advantage, General Abbey gritted his teeth and fired his blasters.
The shadow dropped out of the way and fired its Dark Qi Stars.
Abbey's computer control system picked up the incoming weapons and commanded his body to avert the attack through the suit's neural interface. The new enhancement to the armor allowed the armor's combat computer direct access to the human host, should the body become incapacitated so that it could finish its preprogrammed mission. In this instance, it fired neuromuscular commands to move the General from harm's way.
But the computer wasn't as fast as the Stars. Two missed General Abbey, but the last one struck him in the hip.
The Stealth Armor was significantly stronger than the body armor worn by the militia, but it wasn't impervious. The Dark Qi stored in the Star exploded on impact, ripping the molecular bonds between the nanobots apart. The explosion tore at the very flesh of General Abbey, sending an immense wave of pain over his body as he dropped to the hard cavern floor in agony.
"Aaaarh!" he yelled as he put his body into submission and ignored the pain, standing once again, even with his flank exposed and blood running down what was left of his leg.
"Fuck you, son!" he shouted as the suit's targeting computers locked onto the Shadow and fired. The twin blasters unloaded a barrage of energy bolts the homed in on their target.
The Shadow fired again, but each Star was destroyed by the plasma bolts. The spiked warrior tried to escape, but General Abbey hobbled after him, relentless in his firing, until the creature was destroyed. However, the pain was too great for a mere human and he fell to the cavern floor. Opening his Comm-link, he called out for help, "Medic!"
***
Seth Goldman had traveled the world and space working for NASO. He had sampled the very best life had to offer while on diplomatic missions. But at this moment, he decided that he loved nothing more than the sound his Qi Saber made as it slid though the bone and flesh of the Shadow Warriors he currently faced.
Standing amidst countless fallen enemies, the water QiRanger's armor was stained with the blood of hundreds of Shadows that had gotten between him and the Metal Mystic Door.
"Good, here comes more," he thought to himself as his senses and eyes detected three new Super Shadow Warriors coming from behind. Drawing upon the great speed and strength of the very Water Qi that powered his body, Seth spun around before the Shadows could even lift their swords. He quickly transformed his Qi Saber into his Disc and tossed it with deadly accuracy at the three advancing Shadows.
Unlike the others Seth had faced, these three were actually able to comprehend what was taking place and split apart before the disc reached them. The Shadows on the flanks leapt laterally, while the one in the center dropped to the cavern floor. The three Shadows pushed themselves up for the bloody river they fell in and fired their Stars.
Sensing the Dark Qi approaching, the Water QiRanger back flipped several times as he called forth his shield. Now standing with his legs braced for the powerful impact his enemies' weapons, Seth telepathically commanded his Disc to arc back and take out his foes as the Stars exploded against his barrier.
To his amazement, the Shadows were able to parry the Disc with their crimson blades. "Looks like they have some training," he thought to himself. Holding the Shield in his left arm, Seth commanded the Qi Saber to return and charged to the Super Shadow Warriors.
The Water QiRanger forced the Disc to fly upwards, diverting his prey's focus, just long enough for him to dart next to them. Once in close proximity, Seth brought his blade's tip against the read armor plating of one of the Shadows. Powering the Qi Saber with blue Water Qi, he forced it through the spiked armor, snaring the Shadow's heart on its tip.
The Creature fell to the ground lifeless after letting loose a blood curdling howl.
The two remaining Shadows quickly regained their focus and swung their swords at the QiRanger.
Seth blocked the first attack with his shield and the second with his sword. Never failing to stop moving, the Water QiRanger swept the feet of the Shadow to his right and took his blade to the Shadow on the left. The speed and force in which he moved caught the Dark Warrior off guard and he paid the ultimate price. Continuing his attack, Seth drove his Qi Saber into the chest of the fallen Shadow and watched him die.
***
The yellow armored boot of the Earth QiRanger splashed through the river of mixed blood that now covered the cavern floor deep within the Earth. Countless bodies had fallen on both sides of this battle and Luís Mendoza was determined that he would not be one of them. Running as quickly as he could, Luís quickly took in the exorbitant number of Shadow closing in on his position.
"Where the hell are they all coming from?" he wondered as he leapt forward, somersaulting over a volley of Dark Qi Stars. The cavern floor where he landed was covered in blood and bodies from an earlier missile strike, leaving nowhere for the QiRanger to go. Channeling his strength into his legs, he jumped over the heap of death and landed in a small clearing.
Craning he neck to the left, he saw a small opening leading towards the Metal Mystic door in the distance.
"There!" he shouted in his excitement and resumed his race to join the others of his team.
Luís wasn't able to take more than three steps before seven Shadows surrounded him. The Earth QiRanger skidded to a halt and dropped into fighting stance, bringing his arms in front.
"I don't have time for this," Luís thought as he focused his Qi into his hands causing them to glow bright yellow. Letting his anger and determination fuel his desire, the Earth QiRanger roared from deep within his Tan Tien. The scream shocked the Shadows and broke their concentration for a moment – which was all that Luís needed.
Side stepping to the right, Luís reverse punched the Shadow in the torso. The powerful Qi in his hand pounded the dark warrior's armor, translating Luís entire force into a violent force that rattled the Shadow so much that his internal organs liquefied.
Retracting his hand, Luís spun around and dealt a powerful kick to the Shadow's Tan Tien that found itself unfortunate to be there. At the same time, Luís spread his arms like a giant crane and shot them out to the side striking two more Shadows with knife-blade attacks. The kick landed in the middle of the Shadow's solar plexus and shattered his armor and ribcage, sending him flying backwards unconscious. The twin knife-blade attacks arced over the Shadows' respective blocks and shattered their helmets and penetrated their brains.
Dropping back into a horse stance, the Earth QiRanger shook the blood off his hands and waited for the three remaining to make their move.
Two Shadows attacked at once – one from the front and one from the rear. Transforming his hands into powerful claws, Luís simultaneously struck the front attacker by slashing clear through his arm and reverse kicking the Shadow behind him. Then, the Earth QiRanger snap-kick the forward Shadow beneath the chin, decapitating him.
The lone remaining Shadow attacked, not phased at the speed and agility at which the QiRanger killed his comrades. Thrusting his crimson blade at Luís, the QiRanger hooked the blade between his arms and back and pulled it closer to him. The Shadow helplessly followed. Using a downward blow, Luís trapped the Shadow's knee and then swept his leg. Now off balance, the Shadow fell to the ground and Luís drove his powerful fist clear through his body until he created a small hole in the cavern floor.
With the Shadows defeated, Luís moved onward.
***
His countless years of training kicked in flawlessly. Robert Alexander Dwyer had been in military service since the age of eighteen and trained in the martial arts most of his life. In his previous role at NASO, Dwyer was charged with tracking down terrorists and bringing them to justice – a job that had once cost him most of his body, leading to the installation of cybernetic implants and creating the most advanced weapon ever to come to fruition. Now with the power of Metal coursing through his veins, every circuit meshed even more fluidly with his own nervous system, giving him extra strength and speed.
When the Earth Alliance forces materialized within the cavern, Neela had split them apart to instigate numerous fronts for Bruch'oda's forces to fight against. The tactic worked well and each side found themselves battling continuously, trying to shore up lines of control. While the militia was vastly under trained, it was hoped that the QiRangers could quickly make it past any defenses and seal the Metal Mystic Door before too many innocent lives would be lost.
Robert took his charge very seriously, as duty and honor were two of the most important things to him. To that end, he took every advantage his new found powers had to offer. While previous Metal QiRangers drew upon the mighty power of the Energy Qi Bow, Robert was an able to transform this weapon and merge it with his plasma cannon embedded into his right arm.
Using his super speed, Robert ran over the cavern floor, firing explosive blasts from his right arm that harnessed the combined energy of plasma and Metal Qi. The green and white swirling masses of energy ripped through the armor and burned the flesh of all who were unfortunate to be on the receiving end.
Robert's advanced sensors detected a large number of Super Shadows approaching a weakly defended area held by the Militia. Stopping, he carefully aimed his arms and fired a wide angled blast. Shaped like a huge pie wedge, the blast shot over the floor and struck the Shadows mid-torso, severing their bodies.
"You're all clear," Robert radioed to the Sergeant in charge of the company.
"Thank you, Sir," the Sergeant replied. "Don't worry about us, get to the door and shut that fucker."
Robert smiled beneath his armor, as he always like the colorful ways the noncoms spoke. "Roger," he replied and set to join the others at the Mystic Door.
Flames erupted from the end of Leslie's Qi Saber as she fueled it with the very fire that ran in her veins. Channeling her power caused her red armor to illuminate brighter and seared everything that came into contact with it. The Fire QiRanger steadily made her way towards the Metal Mystic Door slaying all in her way.
Countless Super Shadow Warriors attempted to stop her form completing her mission, but even with the added magic of the Ru'dth, they were no match for the accomplished warrior. Wielding her sword like an extension over her very body, Leslie Chen artfully dismembered any that came between her and her goal.
The super heated nature of her Qi Saber made striking the Shadows even easier, as its powerful energy effortlessly slid through their protective coverings like a hot knife through butter.
While the constant battling took its toll on the young college professor, Leslie continued her march onward. She did this with a heavy heart, as she knew that the overall battle was not going well for them. Sure they had achieved surprise and struck the first blow, but the Militia was not ready for a fight of this magnitude and losses severe.
"We've got to put an end to this soon," she thought to herself. "They can't hold out much longer and most of their mechanized support has already fallen."
Using her heightened senses, Leslie tried to locate the path to the door with the fewest Shadows blocking it. The Fire QiRanger knew it would be difficult, but it had to be done – as the Shadows could sense her, just as easily as she sensed them Time was of the essence.
"We've got to hurry," Leslie Chen sent through the telepathic link that connected each of the QiRangers since their very first union in the ultimate QiWarrior. Even Robert was able to receive such messages now that he had helped them form the QiDefender and defeat Sta'Vagh and seal the Water Mystic Door. The only one she had not melded with was Neela, but Leslie knew the Hindu woman understood her message, as she had tapped into her mind during their first encounter.
Inside her mind, Leslie heard each of their answers and knew that they all would be reaching the Mystic Door around the same time.
***
Neela flew overhead, watching the battle progress. Her heart sank with each death she witnessed. Knowing that she must wait for the others to arrive at the Mystic Door, she harnessed the power of air from her fifth Chakra to travel unimpeded between dangerous locations, in an attempt to help the humans below.
From her vantage point, she saw a small platoon of Militia pinned down behind the wreckage of a burned out HERC. Cowering for cover, the inexperienced heroes of Earth tried to protect themselves from the Dark Qi Stars being thrown at them a short distance away. Between the explosions caused by the Stars, the Militia valiantly poked their plasma rifles from around the corner and fired at the Shadows.
While largely ineffective in stemming further attacks and killing their foes, the maneuver did manage to hold the Shadows at bay. "I cannot let them die," she told herself.
Swooping down, Neela pulled back as she neared the cavern floor and dropped to her feet behind the attacking Super Shadow Warriors. The loud thud she made during her landing caught them off guard – they had focused so much of their attention on the humans in front, they had left their rear flank exposed.
As they spun around to see Neela, they raised their arm launchers, but before the Shadows could attack, Neela fired twin blasts of energy out her arms, channeled from her solar plexus. The yellow beams of energy melted the Shadows clear through their torsos. The gaping holes quickly filled with blood as their organs fell from their once intact shell.
Cheers of thanks came from the men and women behind the HERC, but Neela could afford no extra time to see to their needs. Her mental connection to the QiRangers told her that the others had finally cleared their way through the countless number of Super Shadow Warriors and stood around the Metal Mystic Door.
***
Like the other Mystic Doors, it stood tall and humming with power, its arch filled with white energy. Op'utd stood before the Door grunting, as he saw the last of his elite guards fail to stop the QiRangers.
"You may have bested my warriors, but you hall not get past me alive," he shouted. Looking up at the cavern's ceiling, the Dragon Warrior cried, "Lord, fill me with your power!"
Each of the QiRangers took a step forward, trying to race to the Mystic Door and stop Op'utd, for they knew what power he wished to obtain. No sooner than a half a breath later, the QiRangers' fears materialized as a giant bolt of electricity shot down from the heavens and enveloped Op'utd in an energy cocoon.
The QiRangers gasped as Op'utd's cocoon rose to a height of seven meters and burst open revealing a black armored dragon. Op'utd's hands had transformed into golden claws, nearly a meter in length, and his once vestigial wings, now span an incredible ten meters. Fire smoldered in his eyes as he dug his long golden talons into the cavern floor. Speaking with a new and more powerful guttural voice, Op'utd boomed from above, "Prepare to die!"
Without even thinking, the QiRangers knew instinctively what they had to do. Transforming their bodies into the very Qi that gave them their extraordinary abilities, they united to form the Golden Warrior of Justice, the QiDefender. While grossly overmatched, a single thought went through their minds as they looked up at the giant before them – David slew Goliath.
***
Blood covered Michael Chen's uniform. While not his, it still soaked through to every part of his skin. Since the battle began, he saw to the needs of those wounded, and in this battle, there were far too many for his taste. "Do you see him?" he asked his partner, Gary Staal.
Standing a few meters away, Gary Staal had transformed into a granite fighter, impervious to the Shadows' attacks. While his primary charge was to assist with the wounded, he longed to join the fight. "Not yet, but we've got to be close. His signal is coming though strong," he responded.
Ever since General Abbey's Comm-link failed, the two physicians set out looking for him, hoping to save the leader of the militia's forces. Stumbling over a pair of corpses, Michael uncovered a black armored figure bleeding from his left torso.
Michael dropped to his knees and pulled out his medical scanner, "Gary, I've found him!" he shouted and proceeded to asses the General's vital signs. He tried to shake the General to consciousness, but he was out cold. Finding the computer's activation control, Mike switched the unit off. The billions of nanobots received the signal and retreated to their storage container, leaving General Abbey in his bloodied uniform.
Racing to their location, Gary stopped and hopped down next to them. "How is he?" Gary asked.
The small scanner was originally designed for hospital nurses to quickly take vital signs and assess minor injuries. The unit's computer would then develop a treatment protocol for them to administer to speed patient processing in hospital emergency rooms. On the battlefield, the device quickly allowed medics to asses the severity of the fallen soldier and triage accordingly, as well as treat. In the hands of a skilled physician, it allowed detailed information to be displayed that was even more meaningful.
Looking at the data on the medical display, Michael shook his head, "It isn't good. What ever took out his armor sliced a pretty big chunk out of his side. His spleen's been ruptured, lost a lot of blood, and is in shock." Michael took out a small subcutaneous injector and filled it with a nanobot enhanced plasma. "This should help with the shock," he said, injecting the General, "but we need to get him to a proper medical facility."
"What about blood supply?" Gary asked while retrieving a pair of Medical Lasers from his bag. Handing one to Mike, he began to use the fine energy beam to stop the General's bleeding by sealing the tissue around each wound.
Michael closed his eyes. "We used the last bit of it on A Company. Plasma's the only thing we've got left." Shifting his position slightly, he began working with Gary to stop the General's bleeding.
"There's got to be something we can do," Gary said angrily.
"I don't know," Mike said somberly. "Not unless you can create blood out of thin air, and unless we stop the bleeding, it won't matter."
Gary nodded and proceeded to focus his attention cauterizing Abbey's wounds. The notion that all this may be for not, really bugged Gary. "I've got to think of something," he told himself. "I'm not going to fail."
The two physicians worked for several minutes and with their skill, they were able to stop the General Abbey's bleeding. "That does it for now, but he needs some blood," Michael said after confirming their work with the medical scanner.
Gary snapped his fingers, "I think I have it!"
"What?"
"There's no way we're going to get blood to him in the time required, but what about cryostasis?"
Michael looked at Gary as if her were drunk. "What the hell? How do you imagine we accomplish that? We don't have any storage tubes here."
"True," Gary said, "but I bet I can rig a HERC's coolant system to flush. The liquid O-two should do the trick."
"It would kill him!" Michael exclaimed.
"If he wasn't wearing the Stealth Armor, that would be case, but the nanobots should be able to ensure the freezing process goes as planned."
"Are you sure?" Michael asked.
"Not especially, but what other choice do we have?"
Knowing that Gary was right, Michael nodded. "What do you suggest?"
"The General's to fragile move around until I find a HERC whose system is in tact. Stay with him until I call you. Then we can get him taken care of," Gary said.
"Just make it fast," Michael noted.
"Will do," Gary said as he got up and ran off into the blood-filled battlefield.
***
H'vis continued his advancement through the human ranks. With each death, the mighty Shadow Warrior's armor grew more bloodied and littered with entrails than before. Pushing the lifeless body of one human off the end of his crimson blade, he noticed a crouched man near by. "He doesn't even have the will to fight," he told himself as thin lips pressed back into an evil smile.
Wiping the recent blood from his blade, H'vis began running toward the human he saw. Still leaning over one of its comrades, the human failed to even notice the approach of H'vis. The Super Shadow Warrior drew his sword back and up, chambering it, ready to strike a deadly blow.
Michael Chen sensed that something was wrong and looked behind. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a Super Shadow Warrior preparing to attack. Instinctively, the doctor rolled to his right as H'vis thrust his sword downward. Mike's training was good enough to avoid the strike and he pulled himself into a crouched position. Luckily, he had been standing far enough away from General Abbey, that the sword missed him as well.
H'vis was half pleased that his foe was able to avoid the attack, since he thought many of the humans not worthy of his combat abilities. Recovered from the sword thrust, H'vis pivoted and lunged forward.
Mike darted left and grabbed H'vis' extended arm. Pulling the Shadow off his balance, Mike kicked the beast in the mid section and sent him flying head-over-heals. Now with some distance between him and the Shadow, Michael pulled himself up into a bow stance.
The speed at which his opponent moved surprised H'vis. "This will be interesting," he thought, glad that he had finally found someone to fight. Picking himself up, H'vis drew into a deep stance, ripping off his helmet. Blood trickled down his face from his left eye. A long scar broke the scaled his skin spanning from his ear pit to just below H'vis' lip on the right. Curling his lip up on the left, H'vis leapt forward, attacking Mike.
Classically trained, Mike was skilled in the Martial Arts. Double blocking low, Mike diverted the first attack from H'vis, who countered by drawing back and sweeping Mike's forward leg. The maneuver caught Mike off guard and he quickly fell to the ground.
H'vis lunged forward, spinning his sword into a reverse hold and plunged it downward.
Rolling over, Mike saw the blade poised to strike and moved to the side as H'vis drove the blade into the cavern floor. He dodged left and continued to roll away from H'vis while his attacker followed and repeatedly drove his sword into the ground after him.
As Michael rolled, he found his progress impeded. To his surprise, he had rolled all the way back to General Abbey and now was pressed up against him. Turning his head, he saw H'vis ready to strike, so he rolled towards his attacker and closed the distance, thus avoiding the strike one more time.
H'vis growled in anger at the difficulty he was having with this human. Now that his enemy was brushed up against his legs, he drew his right leg back and kicked the human in the midsection. Dealing a powerful blow, the force transmitted from H'vis' spiked armor not only gouged Michael's flesh, but lifted him up and send him flying a few meters beyond his current position.
H'vis was quick to follow and almost instantly was upon Michael again.
Intense pain filled Michael Chen's body as he held his right ribs. "They've got to be broken," he thought as he looked down and saw a small pool of blood collecting in his hand. The sight froze him for a second, as he never realized that he may end up dead. A fleeting flash of movement caught his eye and he saw his attacker jump and land next to him.
"This is it!" he cried out in his mind, looking up into the bloodthirsty eyes of H'vis.
His attacker peeled back his lips revealing a truly evil smile and drove his sword downward. The crimson blade traveled swiftly and in a flash the blood soaked blade was pressed against Michael's flesh.
His body burned in pain emanating from chest where the sword was. Michael screamed out in agony, but the process somehow made him stronger.
H'vis didn't understand what had happened. He knew the force he used should have driven the blade in his hands deep into the torso of the man before him, but it hadn't. The tip was pressed against his uniform and blocked by some unforeseen device. H'vis continued to push with all his might, but the sword didn't' budge.
Michael felt as if his body was slowly burning from within. The heat radiated outwards from his chest down his arms and legs, until it consumed his very body. Looking up at H'vis, he no longer saw a Super Shadow Warrior through his normal eyes, but one filled of fire and power. Extending his arms, Michael sensed the fire within needing an outlet to escape. Pointing his palms at H'vis, he allowed it to do just that.
Twin beams of fire erupted from Michael Chen's hands and consumed H'vis. The fire superheated the Shadow's armor and instantly began cooking him alive. The incredible force at which Michael was able to unleash was no match for H'vis who succumbed to the fire and whose flesh was now charred and lifeless.
Michael took a few deep breaths before standing. At last he understood what was happening and he closed his eyes and felt the fire burn within. It swelled deep within his core and game him immense power. Twin beams of red energy coursed over his body filling the Triple Burner and Pericardium Meridians. Now fully charged, the energy surrounded Michael. In a burst of bright red light, he broke through the barrier, emerging in a black armored suit. Around his boot tops and wrists are red accents and his black helmet donned a red visor. Around his helmet was also gold band, similar to the one which encircled his waist. At the buckle was the good luck charm his sister had given him earlier and on his left breast, emblazed in gold was three vertical lines surrounded by a circle.
The sixth QiRanger had been reborn.
***
He smiled as the history of five thousand years was transferred into his mind from the wisdom of Master Li. Understanding what must be done, Mike clenched both his fists and activated his transdermal Comm-link, "Gary, do you have a HERC scoped out?"
It took a second for his fellow doctor to answer, but eventually the signal came through, "I think I've found one, but I'm still seeing if there's enough coolant to preserve General Abbey."
Kneeling besides the General, Mike looked at the unconscious man, knowing that he couldn't leave him until Gary was ready. Looking over the horizon, he saw the Metal Mystic Door and knew his sister and his friends needed him, for the QiDefender was outmatched by the larger monster they were battling.
"It will have to do, Gary," Mike said into the Comm-link, "The others need me."
"What do you mean?" Gary answered.
"Just tell me where you are and I'll show you."
"Okay. I'm about two hundred meters south-southwest of you."
"Be there in a flash," Michael Chen said as he summoned the Qi that gave his power and teleported with the General to Gary Staal's location.
***
Arriving in a burst of crimson light, the Triple Fire QiRanger caught Gary off guard. "What the hell? Mike is that you?"
Standing from his position, Mike nodded his helmet.
"How the hell...?" Gary started.
"We don't have time for the long version, but just as the others were chosen by the ancient Masters to protect the Earth, Li chose me to succeed him."
Gary raised his eyebrows, half making a congratulatory motion, half feeling sorry for the burden Mike must now bare. "Well, I think HERC will work for us."
"Excellent," Michael said. "What can I do to help?"
"Nothing here," Gary replied, "You're needed at the Door with the others. I can handle this. I may be made of rocks, but my brain isn't."
Michael stepped forward and placed his arm on Gary's shoulder, thanking him for releasing him and allowing him to join the battle.
"Now go and kick some ass," he added as Michael brought his hands to his chest and became consumed in a bright fireball of energy, teleporting away.
"Good luck," Gary muttered as he took out his blaster and severed the coolant tube. Taking the huge device in his arms, he used his enormous strength to rip the unit from its holding position inside the HERC's body. Pivoting around, Gary quickly set the unit on the cavern floor next to General Abbey.
"Okay," he said, "let's do this."
Kneeling beside General Abbey, Gary carefully made sure the activation ring was secured on Abbey's finger and then hopped over his body. "Okay, let's see if I remember how to do this," Gary said under his breath while taking hold of the wrist computer.
Tapping in his access code, the unit's diagnostics screen displayed. Quickly scrolling through the menu options, he came across the unit's profile list. Letting out a visible sigh, Gary slipped his free hand over the DNA sensor on the unit's underside as he selected his name from the list of three available.
"PROFILE CHANGED" appeared on the display.
"So far so good," he said.
Gary carefully grabbed the edges of the activation ring and rolled the General's arm over to expose the key hole on the computer. "Energize!" Gary cried out as he slipped the ring into position. A loud electrical churn could be heard as the unit activated and Gary quickly let go, allowing the nanobots to cover General Abbey in the Stealth Armor.
Gary smiled, for he wasn't sure that this would work. "Any small miracles, I'll take," he said and proceeded to prepare the coolant tank.
***
QiDefender jumped into the air with his Qi Saber drawn. The battle was progressing slowly between the Golden Warrior, Neela, and Op'utd. It seemed no matter what they tried, the giant monster was able to counter. Taking advantage of Neela's Soul Blast, the collective minds of the QiRangers hoped that Op'utd's attention would be drawn to her and his energy weakened from blocking the attack. Using the blade as if it were an extension of their own bodies, the QiRangers completed their upward arc and started their descent.
Sensing the danger behind him, Op'utd sent a final burst of Ru'dth's energy at Neela, knocking her off her balance and ceasing her attack. Pivoting around Op'utd moved under the flight path of the QiDefender and reached up to grab hold of his armor. Channeling his strength from deep within his toes and moving it outwards to his hands, Op'utd drove the QiDefender hard into the Cavern floor.
The crashing sound the QiDefender made when sinking below the level floor brought a smile and laughter to the giant.
The QiRangers struggled to remain conscious after the blow. So many of their attacks had been thwarted and their bodies were badly shaken, not to mention their confidence.
"We've got to pull it together," Leslie sent out through the link.
"I'm not sure I have much more in me," Seth answered as he shared with the others the intense pain he felt.
Seth wasn't alone, all the QiRangers' minds and bodies hurt, but if they failed now, all was lost.
"We can do this," Robert asserted. "If we feel defeated, then we are. If we feel victorious, then we shall."
Before any of the others could share their thoughts, Op'utd reached down into the pit and hauled out the QiDefender like a helpless rag doll. "No resting, puny humans. I'll make you wish you were dead though."
Throwing the QiDefender up, Op'utd let loose a mighty front snap kick that landed square in the Golden Warrior's midsection. The power at which Op'utd now possessed was incredible and sent the QiDefender flying backwards. The force also sent shockwaves through the Golden Armor and rattled the QiRangers even more.
When they finally came crashing down, fatigue finally set in. No longer could the five QiRangers maintain the mental and physical connections needed to form the QiDefender, and with a burst of light, they separated into their individual armored forms.
Op'utd laughed at the weakness before him. "Earth's mighty defenders," he said sarcastically. "The Ancients were far more formidable. You are a disgrace!"
Neela quickly ran to the QiRangers' side and slid next to Leslie. "Are you all right?" she asked.
Panting heavily, Leslies answered, "We've got to think of something." Slowly, holding her ribs, she came to her feet with Neela's help.
"The direct approach isn't working," Jayde offered, coming to her feet as well.
Op'utd wasn't about to let the six humans regroup and charged them. Racing towards the QiRangers and Neela, the giant Dragon Warrior drew Dark Qi into his hands and prepared to strike.
Just as he was about to send his energy, a series of gigantic explosions erupted around him. The force was like nothing Op'utd had ever seen before and forced him flying off his feet.
Smoke billowed into the cavern's upper regions and rocked the entire foundation. As it cleared a lone figure in black stood near the Metal Mystic Door.
"Master Li?" Robert asked as he held his left shoulder.
"No," Neela said.
Through her pain, Leslie managed to draw a huge smile on her face. She hoped that when the time was right Master Li would approve and pass his powers onto her brother and she knew it couldn't have happened at a better time. "It's Michael," she announced.
"Then, we're still in it," Luís chimed, offering the first hint of optimism.
"Yes," Neela agreed.
The battle had been long and hard thus far and it took every ounce of strength remaining to simply come to their feet. Every QiRanger's armor bore blood stains and signs of damage sustained in the fight against Op'utd. Fatigue ravaged their young bodies, allowing none to stand upright completely and forced each to hug their aching limbs. Even with the assistance of Michael, they wondered how much longer they could sustain the fight.
Seeing that Op'utd was thrown clear of the explosion, the Triple Fire QiRanger quickly ran to the others. He knew it would only be a matter of time before the beast would awaken and continue its attack, but in the interim, he had to see how his sister and the others were doing. "I just hope I got here in time to do some good," he thought.
Covering the distance between the door and the others in what seemed like only a few steps, Michael arrived with the other QiRangers and quickly took his sister in his arms for a warm embrace, "I'm so glad you're all right!" he exclaimed letting the tears stream down his face behind his helmet.
"We're glad to have you at our side," Robert said comfortingly, "And it looks like you made it none too soon," he added looking at the smoldering flames where Op'utd once stood. "I never would have thought at a single man could have taken out something so tough."
He's only stunned, but that should give us the time we need to close the door," he added turning to see the smoke and flames in the distance.
There's no telling when he'll be up again, and you can be sure that when he does, we'll have a harder time. Let's shut this thing," Leslie said.
Jayde stumbled closer to the others, holding her arms, "Let's make it fast." Taking another step, she continued, "I'm not sure I have much in me left," but tripped and fell to her knees.
Luís took the Wood QiRanger in his arms and propped her up, "I've got you," he said comfortingly.
"Come closer," Neela spoke, "and form a circle around me."
The original QiRangers slowly walked around the Indian woman as Mike looked in the distance for any signs that Op'utd was coming around.
"Close your eyes and open your hearts," Neela instructed.
Trust came easy for the QiRangers where Neela was concerned. She had been Master Li's lover long ago and had proven her worth as an ally in battle. While they knew not what she was going to do, they complied. Beneath her visor, Leslie shut her eyes, forcing the gray cavern walls and countless souls she killed to vanish from her sight.
She and the other QiRangers put aside their injuries and pressed their palms together in front of their chests. With their hands at namaste, each of the QiRangers began feeling their connections to one another grow, as well as, the connection between themselves and Neela.
The Hindu before them closed her eyes and brought her hands to her Heart Chakra. Freeing her mind of all thoughts, Neela allowed her Fourth Chakra to spin with greater speed, opening the green vortex even more.
Michael took a few steps toward Neela to get a closer look, but sensed he should remain away.
As the Green energy emerged from Neela's heart, it expanded outwards in a giant circle. It crashed over the QiRangers like a powerful wave of warm, soothing, comfort. Each of the QiRangers melted in its presence and completely relaxed. They could no longer feel their tired bodies or the aches that plagued their nervous system. All they could feel was an enormous source of love from Neela.
Luís Mendoza smiled beneath his helmet as his body became reinvigorated. He felt alive again, as he did in his youth, as if he hadn't spent the day in fierce combat.
The Earth QiRanger wasn't alone.
Each of the QiRangers had been healed by the power Neela possessed in her Heart Chakra. Opening her eyes, she stood and looked at the others. "The Goddess has granted me many abilities. The power of the heart heals those who are open and accept it."
Seth stepped forward, clasping his hands, "Thank you so much, Neela. We really needed that."
"I feel like I can take on anything now," Luís added.
"Then let's not waste this opportunity," Leslie said.
"Right," Robert confirmed.
"Let's go!" Michael yelled as the six QiRangers and Neela ran to Metal Mystic door.
Standing before the huge rock gateway to the Shadow Realm, the QiRangers looked deep into the swirling mass of white energy. Being this close to it caused their armor to vibrate as the energy mixed between them and the Door itself.
Not wanting to waste any time, the six QiRangers lined up before the Metal Mystic Door. Each of the QiRangers brought their hands together in front of their Tan Tien and drew power from their wells. Breathing deeply, they continued to add to the growing masses of elemental Qi that was forming between their palms.
Stepping back into shallow bow stance, the QiRangers chambered their arms and prepared to release the five elements at once into the door.
"On three," Robert yelled.
***
POSETED ABOVE
Blood poured down Op'utd's face. The defeat he had just recently suffered was his most prominent in eons and the pain that now ravaged his war-torn body crept into every facet of his being. Clearing his eyes of the dark and gooey substance that brings life to his very soul, the enlarged Dragon Warrior peered through the black liquid that covered his scales and claws to see the QiRangers standing before the Metal Mystic Door.
"No! I cannot allow them to succeed," he groaned while pulling his battered body to his feet.
***
"One," shouted Robert.
***
Drawing into a fighting stance, Op'utd placed his hands together and channeled the power from the Ru'dth and his Dark Metal Qi into a Qi Ball. The powerful mixture of energy shot out strands of electricity that skirted along the cavern floor, sending parks into the air. Op'utd grit his teeth as his arms began shaking from the intense power he was generating began to overpower his tired body.
***
"Two," Robert counted.
***
Narrowing his eyes, Op'utd identified his target area. The giant Dragon Warrior shifted his right leg forward and dropped into a deep bow stance while shooting both his arms forward. In doing so, the mighty warrior released his Dark Qi Strike at the QiRangers.
***
"Thr...," Robert began but was unable to finish as a giant explosion erupted behind him and the other QiRangers. The force was so great that it threw each of them clear of the Metal Mystic Door and broke their concentration, dissipating their Qi Strikes harmlessly back into their Tan Tiens.
Brushing the dirt off his armor, Mike picks himself up from the cavern floor. "Looks like Sleeping Beauty is awake," he mockingly announces.
"Clear out!" Seth yelled as another Dark Qi Strike came crashing down on their position. The six QiRangers quickly scattered as the Qi Strike exploded in front of the Metal Mystic Door, creating a huge crater and sending more debris and dirt flying.
Rolling up to a kneeling position, Leslie addressed her team, "All right, that's enough! Let's end this now!"
Luís nodded and came to her side. "Let's join up."
Robert stepped in and placed a cautionary hand on the Earth QiRanger's shoulder, "No, I have another idea."
"What do you suggest?" Neela asked, once more at the QiRangers' side.
"We need to weaken him. Going toe-to-toe will take too long and the Militia can't hold out much longer. If we divide and conquer..."
"Then we can attack from all sides," Leslie finished.
"Exactly," Robert noted.
"Then let's get to it," the Wood QiRanger said energetically.
***
"Good," Op'utd said to himself, now that the QiRangers had been diverted from closing the Mystic door. "Now to finish the job."
Summoning all his strength, the giant Dragon Warrior began running towards the QiRangers. With is incredible gate, he covered the distance in only a matter of steps. Looking down, the QiRangers were like small children compared to his giant size. As he romped over the cavern floor, he tried to kick, the QiRangers, but speed was on their side.
Jayde Yee broke apart her Battle Axe into their twin blades and leapt at Op'utd's face. The Wood QiRanger quickly aimed her blades at the Dragon Warrior's throat, but was swatted away like a fly by the giant Dragon. It was a painful maneuver, but one that put her in the right position for her Qi Strike.
The other QiRangers also made varying attacks against Op'utd to keep him occupied as they moved into position. One-by-one, the small QiRangers sent energy arrows, flame attacks, or charged discs at the Dragon Warrior, who easily blocked them with his enhanced armor.
Standing on the gray cavern floor, Op'utd looked down that the seven humans that now surrounded him. "Oh no!" he thought as he saw them each energize their Qi Strikes and Soul Burst.
"Now!" Leslie yelled to her comrades and each released their stored energy towards Op'utd. The multicolored beams of energy shot forward from their hands like cannon fire and struck the Dragon Warrior in the chest.
Screaming in agony, Op'utd melted from the inside out before bursting into flames and then crumbling to a heap of ash.
Grinning from ear to ear, Leslie was thankful that their adversary had at last fallen. Letting out a heavy sigh, Luís came along side her.
"Now, let's finish this," he suggested.
Nodding, Leslie agreed.
The six QiRangers stood once more before the Metal Mystic Door. Firing their Qi into the Door all at once, the glowing white vortex ceased to spin and the granite encrusted Mystic Door sealed itself. Now closed, the Door sent out a mighty shockwave reaching out a hundred miles in every direction. Any being touched by the Shadow Realm was instantly vaporized and left to ash.
The surviving members of the Earth Alliance cheered in victory.
Each of the QiRangers looked at one another, satisfied that they had done their best, but saddened at the loss of life that surrounded them.
"What now?" Seth asked.
"We need to push on," Robert said. "Strike while they're still licking their wounds."
"I'm not sure if they can handle another assault," Jayde spoke up looking at the scores of wounded hat laid about everywhere.
"I don't think he meant them," Michael said. "This is something we need to do- something that needs to be taken care of right now while we have the element of surprise."
"What you propose is dangerous," Neela said, "but correct. If we are to succeed, we must move now."
"Then it's settled," Leslie said, "Let's go."
***
Ru'dth foamed at the mouth as anger filled his body. "How could they fail again?" he boomed in the Throne Room of Bruch'oda's palace. No longer was he even concerned with the welfare of those that served him, his desire was only to stop the QiRangers from sealing the last of the Mystic Doors and banishing his minions to the Shadow Realm once more.
Gripping the ends of the throne's arms, Ru'dth crushed the golden rods as he let his anger and disgust grow. The Evil Warrior God shouted from deep within his bowels and the walls shook under the strain of his voice. In a single breath, that lasted several minutes, the sheer power of his booming yell shattered the walls of the Throne Room.
With the debris crashing down all around, Ru'dth rose from his seated position and stared out over the Chinese countryside. Rolling green hills and wandering brooks filled his view. It was a site that for too long had been absent. "I will not go back. I will not surrender my hold over this planet," he vowed.
Ru'dth stomped his feed on the upper tier of the Throne Room, sending the last remaining supports and structures crumbling down to the floor below.
Curling his arms back and tucking his elbows, he yelled even louder. This was primal rage at its worst. Nothing could withstand this force, not even nature itself. The immediate area around the palace began to buckle and earthquakes rumbled through the countryside as Ru'dth's body became filled with energy.
Every cell in his being began to glow and resonate with power. Sending his fists into the air, Ru'dth completed his shout and released his stored energy into the world. Dark waves of power spread out in every direction, leveling everything in their path. Gone was the palace that stood so long ago, reduced to nothing more than a pile of debris. The boulders that littered the hills, the trees, and the very earth itself were leveled by the blast as well.
Left hovering in the place where he once stood was Ru'dth. No longer was his body dark and cold, now it was illuminated by the fierce rage and power that fueled his being.
***
The six QiRangers stood with Neela as they greeted the remaining Militia Commanders at the Mystic Door. While the QiRangers' battles had been rough, they each knew that they could not even comprehend the courage and fortitude it took for these mortals to enter in the mouth of hell and survive. For their assistance, the QiRangers were deeply grateful. They may have sealed the Mystic Door, but these volunteers were the true heroes of the day.
Gary Staal, now free of danger, quickly made his way to the front of the assembled Militia Commanders. "Hold on!" he yelled, hoping to stop the QiRangers from doing anything without him. "Wait just a damn minute!"
Robert Dwyer, the Metal QiRanger, turned his head to face his old colleague. "Yes, old friend?"
"Now that we're secure," Gary began, "don't even think for one minute you're going without me."
Robert moved closer to his friend, "Gary, we succeeded in sealing this door, but the only way we're going to resolve this is by finishing what we've started here. The Militia is no shape to carry on – they're exhausted. We must carry the burden now."
"But you don't have to do it alone," Gary pleaded, not wanting to be left behind.
Jayde Yee stepped forward and placed her gloved hand on his shoulder, "We are not alone, but this is our fight."
Gary closed his eyes, angered that his friends were going without him. "You better promise me, Rob."
Even though Robert knew that Gary couldn't see his face behind the helmet, he couldn't help but to smile at his friend. "I promise."
"Good," Gary acquiesced and took a few steps back.
Each of QiRangers meditated for just an instant, cultivating their Qi for one last battle. Leslie was the first to leap into the sky. She quickly shifted from her human form to a red energy ball. The other QiRangers joined her. Robert became a white energy ball, while Luís transformed into a yellow one. Seth reverted to a state of pure, blue energy and Jayde became Wood Qi. Michael was the last to transform, becoming another red energy sphere. In the air, they slowly began merging their energies together. As their energy fields began to merge, so did their thoughts, their minds, and their consciousnesses.
Gone were, Leslie, Jayde, Robert, Seth, Luís, and Michael. 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 fell towards the cavern floor finally 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 dust, 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 pattern, 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 all the QiRangers, the Ultimate QiWarrior looked down on all those around him, "Thank you for all that you've done, but from here we go on alone."
Taking her place beside the giant warrior, Neela pressed her palms together and summoned the Kundalini spirit once more to transport them to Mt. Fuji, the resting place of the Fire Mystic Door and their final battle.
As the giant serpent circled above and prepared to devour the Ultimate QiWarrior and Neela, Gary leapt beside Neela. His moved so quickly, that neither Neela nor the Ultimate QiWarrior could prevent him from being swallowed along with his friends.
"Now we wait," Captain Oakland muttered as they were left alone.
***
Mt. Fuji climbed high into the dark skies that now covered the Earth. Gone were the majestic snowcaps and the midnight blue skies that filled the air – all that remained was an evil shell of darkness that shot up from the Earth. Deep within its bowels was the sanctuary of the Fire Mystic Door.
The Mystic door resided in a large underground cavern, much like the Metal Mystic Door; however, rather than being encased in a open area, the Fire Mystic Door sat on a small bridge over a lake of molten magma. The entire cavern was ringed with granite and basalt rock that ringed the boiling lake, only bulging at the bridge connections at its north and south ends. The bridge itself was only six meters wide for most of its length, until it reached the center, where a pedestal rose from the lake. Measuring twenty meters in diameter, the Fire Mystic Door stood in its center.
The Fire Mystic Door had once been guarded by thousands of Shadow Warriors, but when the QiRangers attacked the Metal Mystic Door, Ru'dth teleported them away in hopes of gaining an upper hand. Only Bruch'oda's giant form and a handful of Super Shadow Warriors remained, ever vigilant, should the enemy attack.
On the south side of the cavern, where a small bulge marked the connection between the outside ring and the bridge, Bruch'oda's eye caught something. The eerie glow for the magma below cast shadows on a swirling vortex of violet light. Narrowing his eyes and stretching his face into a feral grin, Bruch'oda knew he was going to have visitors. "So, they've come for the Door at last?" he said quietly.
The Giant lizard stepped forward to the edge of the pedestal and called out to the Super Shadows that remained, "Ready yourselves. Let no human survive!" his massive voice boomed.
The remaining battalion of Shadows dropped down into defensive stances while they waited for the enemy to appear. Each drew their crimson blades and was ready to strike at once.
Bruch'oda could also sense another presence. It was something he was intimately familiar with and feared. Turning around, his eyes cast upon his Master, Ru'dth. Quickly dropping to one knee, Bruch'oda acknowledge his Lord. "We are ready, Master," he said humbly.
"Of that, I doubt," Ru'dth coldly stated.
Looking up from his subject, Ru'dth saw that the energy vortex had faded, revealing the Ultimate QiWarrior, Neela, and Gary. "But, we shall see. Destroy the humans. The Goddess is mine."
Bowing his head, Bruch'oda vowed to do what his Master commanded, "Yes, my Lord."
Standing and pivoting around, Bruch'oda sprung into action, "Attack!" his thunderous voice commanded.
***
The haziness of the Kundalini's power faded, revealing the sparsely illuminated cavern deep in Mt. Fuji. The ultimate QiWarrior looked down and behind Neela at Gary. "We told you to stay behind," the overtone voices said.
"There's no way I'm sitting this one out," Gary mentioned. Seeing the Shadows quickly advancing, he knew something had to be done quickly to give his friends the time they needed to close the door. Closing his eyes, Gary commanded his nanobots to alter his body. The small robots that coursed through his veins and cells quickly heeded the call. In a blink of an eye, Gary's pale human flesh was replaced by hardened exterior and yellow eyes. "Beside," he said, "you need me."
Gary stepped forward and spit a fluorescent liquid from his modified salivary glands. The acidic material he absorbed from the gUmaNs before were, "Just what he Doctor ordered," he thought to himself. The powerful corrosive liquid covered the ground and armor of the Super Shadows advancing and turned everything it touched to ash.
Neela gasped at the destructive power Gary possessed. "Come on," she yelled to the ultimate QiWarrior, "he can hold them off; we need to get to the Door!"
The giant black samurai nodded and began to step forward when powerful blast of energy exploded around them. The force from the attack chewed away at the outer granite ring and sent debris into the air. The Ultimate QiWarrior, Neela, and Gary were all thrown aside and slow to get up.
Coming to all fours, Gary shook off the layer of dust that covered him. "We've got to do something about him," he said, pointing to Bruch'oda's giant form.
"We'll take care of him," the QiRangers unanimously voiced as they came to their feet. "You clear out the rest of the Shadows, Gary."
Gary smiled, "Welcome to hell boys," he muttered as he took off running towards the last few Super Shadows that remained.
"Neela," the Ultimate QiWarrior started, but was cut off.
"I've got him," Neela said with a determined voice as her eyes locked onto Ru'dth.
"Right," the QiWarrior said and jumped into the air to meet Bruch'oda head- on.
Neela drew her hands into fists and swung her arms outwards. White energy filled her palms as her body took flight from the ruined granite ring.
***
Thunderous echoes carried through the dense air of the subterranean cavern as Gary Staal ran towards the dozen or so Super Shadow Warriors that remained. His enemy showed no signs of faltering, for they considered him of little threat.
Pressing forward with their crimson blades, the first row of Shadows attacked.
Gary effortlessly somersaulted over the row and landed in a defensive stance. "You're going to have to do better than that," he taunted as he backswept with his left leg and came around to find all three Shadows on the ground. Spitting his venom, Gary quickly turned these warriors of evil into ash and was ready to continue his battle when he noticed a dark shadow on his left.
A Shadow grabbed his left shoulder and attempted to drag him off his feet. Gary dropped into a deep horse stance with such power that the movement dislocated the Shadow's shoulder. The injured Shadow fell forward as Gary spun clockwise, hurling him into the molten sea of magma.
Two Super Shadow Warriors came at Gary with flying snap kicks. Winded, Gary couldn't dodge the strikes and accepted the blows square on the chest. The enhanced power of the Shadows was greater than he had anticipated and sent him reeling backwards.
"That was pretty good, but how about this?" he asked spewing more of the gUmaN's corrosive venom.
The Shadows scattered, trying to avoid the devastating effects of the florescent liquid, but Gary did not yield.
Gary rushed a crowd of four Shadows, determined to destroy them. He launched into a left reverse hit while executing a right side thrust. Both connected and sent the receiving Shadows flying backwards. Gary focused on the Shadow in front of him next, as he double snap-kicked his foe. The first strike shattered the Shadow's armor; while the follow-up did the same to reptilian's ribs. Broken and battered, the third Shadow fell.
The fourth Shadow slashed his sword down on Gary, embedding it in his right shoulder. The blade effortless cut through the granite Gary was now comprised of and stung like a thousand bees.
Moving like a rock, Gary reverse beak-struck the Shadow in his Tan Tien. The forceful nature of the attack pierced the shadow's armor and dug deep into his bowls. Gary opened his hand and wrapped his fingers around his enemy's entrails and ripped them out into the open air. The rush of blood was too great for the Shadow and he fell lifelessly to the cavern floor.
The final four Shadows knew they had underestimated their enemy. Only the QiRangers had dispatched their ranks with such ease, but now a human was doing the same.
The lead Shadow rushed forward and brought his sword in tight for a powerful thrust.
Gary blocked left and attempted to sweep the Shadow's legs.
The Shadow countered with a reverse kick to the ribs that caught Gary unprepared. The pain was incredible and had it not been for his nanobots, he knew that his internal organs would have been turned to mush. "I'm going to have to watch that," he thought as he dropped into a reverse bow stance.
The other three Shadows moved into position around Gary as they readied their swords to skewer the human.
Gary held his ribs, as each breath cut like a knife. As the Shadow to his right moved in to attack, Gary rolled forward and caught the lead Shadow with a sweep. With a doorway open, Gary sprung to his feet and jumped over the fallen Shadow.
The final four Shadows came together and charged as one group towards Gary, who did nothing more than smile as he spat the vile liquid of the gUmaN at them.
Caught off guard, the Shadows had no time to react and suffered the fate of all who are doused with venom. Their armor was instantly vaporized and the corrosive power of the fluid began eating away at their flesh until there was nothing left but ash.
***
Neela soared over the magma lake and focused her eyes on Ru'dth below. Wielding her powerful energy spheres, she launched them at her target far below.
"You're going to have to do better than that my dear," Ru'dth yelled out as he jumped to the side, avoiding the deadly blasts. Stepping forward, he counters with twin blasts of his own.
The black energy spheres rocket up, towards Neela, who gracefully arcs backwards to avoid the attack.
Increasing her speed, Neela dove downwards towards Ru'dth. The mighty Warrior God dug into the granite floor beside the Fire Mystic Door and waited for Neela.
The Kundalini sped towards her arch enemy, arms outstretched, "Let's dance!" she yelled as she collided in Ru'dth's midsection. Digging her shoulders deep into his gut, Neela forced the air out of Ru'dth as she lifted him off his feet.
The pair drifted backwards towards the pedestal's edge. Transferring his weight, Ru'dth dropped to the flooring and knee-lifted Neela off him. The Indian woman came crashing down on the pedestal's edge and bounced off. Reacting quickly, Neela reached up and grabbed hold of the edge.
Ru'dth rolled up and smiled. "So easy this time, my dear Goddess," he said as he slowly walked to the pedestal's edge. Looking down at Neela he could see the struggling human barely hanging on by one hand and vying with her free hand to secure a second hand hold.
"Are you sure about that, Ru'dth?" she said as she let go of the rock face and soared over the lip at the Evil Warrior God.
"You were always full of surprises," he countered as he extended both his arms and cleared her arms. Dropping down onto his back, he lifted her with his foot and shot her into the center of the pedestal.
Neela flipped and landed on her feet, crouching low before firing several white energy blasts.
Ru'dth cart wheeled out of the way and countered with his own black energy spheres.
The two Hindu Gods battled, never getting the upper hand on one another. With each advancement Ru'dth made, Neela was able to avoid or counter – and the same was true with Ru'dth. As with all things of polar opposites, their balance was inescapable.
***
The Ultimate QiWarrior flew across the molten lake towards Bruch'oda. The giant form of the would be dictator of Earth was just as fierce as his normal form. Golden scales covered his dark scales and his reptilian body. As the QiWarrior brought his left leg forward to strike, Bruch'oda dropped to a low stance and blocked up and out, sending the ultimate QiWarrior to the side. Taking advantage of the opening, Bruch'oda reverse punched the combined form of the QiRangers in the midsection.
The strike to the abdominal cavity wasn't as strong as it could have been, as the QiWarrior arched his back to lessen the blow. Abdicating their failed attack, the QiRangers allowed the ultimate QiWarrior to fall to the side and roll up into a fighting stance.
"Impressive," Bruch'oda said as he cross-stepped forward and launched into a right roundhouse kick.
The Ultimate QiWarrior stepped left and blocked right to send the giant reptile off balance and followed through with a left leg sweep. Bruch'oda dropped like a sack of potatoes, coming crashing down on his back. The QiWarrior immediately followed-up with a reverse left punch to the solar plexus.
Each of the QiRangers could hear the bones snap in their enemy's chest as the snapped back their fist for a second strike.
"Gah!" gasped Bruch'oda as he double palm struck the Ultimate QiRanger, lifting him ten feet off him and sending the giant human backwards. "Lucky," he muttered coming to his feet and drawing into right bow stance and channeled Dark Qi into his chambered hands.
Firing the blast, Bruch'oda wasted not a single moment and followed the Qi Strike by running after the QiWarrior.
Looking up, the collective mind of the QiRangers saw the oncoming Dark Qi Strike and called forth the Water Qi Shield to their left arm. Raising the barricade, the QiWarrior dug his left foot deep into the granite flooring as the powerful Qi Strike broke against the Shield and carried past.
Sensing that Bruch'oda was approaching, the QiWarrior spun left and avoided a flying dragon kick. Continuing his spin, the QiRangers commanded the QiWarrior's arm to rotate and lead with the edge of the Shield directly at Bruch'oda's head.
The Golden Reptile sunk into a horse stance and trapped the QiWarrior's leading arm. Not losing any momentum, Bruch'oda stepped in and landed an elbow beneath his opponent's jaw. The blow was devastating to the QiRangers. The Ultimate QiWarrior instantly dropped the Qi Shield and stammered backwards. Stars filled their vision and every bone in their body ached.
Smiling, Bruch'oda moved in. Leading with a double palm strike, the giant reptile stepped forward and continued his assault.
The QiWarrior stepped back again, trying to absorb the blow, but was met by a right hook kick to the spine.
Falling forward, the QiRangers fought to keep their minds as one. "Focus," Leslie shared with the others as they rolled into reverse bow stance.
Keeping his balance on the rear leg, the Ultimate QiWarrior chambered both his arms and sprung forward, blocking outwards and cross chopping at Bruch'oda's throat.
The Golden Reptile swung his arms counterclockwise to deflect the blow and moved with a double palm strike. As Bruch'oda extended his arms, he blasted the QiWarrior was a wave of Dark Qi.
The opening left the QiRangers combined form exposed and the negative energy shot through their body. Like fire, the pain and agony of the Dark Qi wrapped around their minds and tore at the very fibers that kept them as one. Flying backwards, the QiWarrior skidded to a halt on the granite floor near the molten lake's edge.
Bruch'oda smiled as he stood tall over his fallen opponent. "So easy," he thought to himself letting his fingers slide along his armor until they came to rest on the hilts of his twin straight swords. Drawing them out in a crossed pattern, Bruch'oda let his blade slither against one another while he cautiously walked forward.
Shaking its large head, the Ultimate QiRanger tried to clear its mind from the pain that filled every cell of its body. From the corner of its mask, the QiWarrior saw Bruch'oda approaching and drove Qi to his forearms to block two swift sword attacks from Bruch'oda. Not wasting any time, the QiRangers commanded their giant body to clear the swords out and executed a double front kick.
Despite being wounded, the QiWarrior was able to transfer an amazing amount of power into its feet and shatter the outer layers of Bruch'oda's armor plating.
The giant reptile flew backwards rolling on the hard granite flooring coming to a halt against the tall cavern wall.
The Ultimate QiWarrior stood tall and brought his hands together. As he slid them apart, the intricately ornate golden hilt of his Qi Saber materialized in his right hand. Pulling the hilt out towards his right, the blade materialized from thin air. Once fully materialized, Michael sent additional Fire Qi to blade, causing it to erupt in flames towing five meters in the air.
***
"Imprisonment has stifled your agility, Ru'dth," Neela said as she cautiously circled left around the angered Warrior God. "In the old days, you would have certainly dealt me a more serious blow than this little scratch I have here," she mentioned while glancing to her left shoulder. "I think you must be losing your touch."
Ru'dth growled as he sank lower into his stance, "I think you confuse skill and power Goddess. Had I wished a quick death for you, it would be so. However," he gloated, "I wanted to relish in this moment." The Warrior God drew his hands together and twin swirling masses of black energy appeared, "But I grow tired of your presence and bid you farewell."
Stepping forward into a leaning bow stance, Ru'dth sprung his arms forward and cast the negative energy at Neela.
Reacting quickly, she artfully somersaulted backwards avoiding the first strike, but as she landed the second sphere divided into six additional spheres.
Caught unprepared, Neela's eyes widened as she landed. Waving her hands in front, the Kundalini erected an energy shield that barely caught the brunt of Ru'dth's powerful attack. The collision of the opposing energies exploded in a rage of fury that sent Neela backwards against the granite floor.
Ru'dth smiled as he stepped forward and let two more energy spheres fly. The evil Warrior God couldn't help but to laugh as he two spheres divide into fourteen separate entities homing in on their target.
"It's over," he thought.
"Neela!" Gary shouted as he raced to cover the Indian woman that had come to help them. Jumping the final few feet that separated him and the energy spheres, Gary didn't quite know what to expect. His body was capable of so many things, but each time he had encountered the mystical abilities of the QiRangers, his nanobots didn't quite behave as expected. If this was to be his final sacrifice, then at least he was going out with a bang he thought. "Just use this to your advantage," he signaled to her.
Gary Staal landed squarely in front of Neela and spread his arms wide, accepting all fourteen of the black energy spheres. Each pounded his body and exploded with such tenacity that both Ru'dth and Neela had to turn their heads away from the flash of light they created.
The once quiet cavern erupted in a blood curdling scream as Gary absorbed the blast. To call it painful would be an extreme insult. As the energy poured through his mortal body, Gary experienced the pain of molten iron stabbed through his body and then the incredible burning sensation and it liquefied and melted outwards. Saliva frothed from his mouth as he fell to his knees and began convulsing.
After a few seconds, he stopped. In fact, he didn't move and silently, Gary fell to the ground.
Neela couldn't sense anything from her fallen comrade. The loss turned to rage as it filled her soul and transformed into strength acknowledged from the sacrifice Gary made. Picking herself up, she allowed her power to grow as never before.
Ru'dth stepped back into a defensive stance as he saw Neela's energy increase. Powerful ribbons of energy twirled around the seven Chakras and spread out over her arms and legs. Never before had he seen the Goddess so enraged and so powerful.
"This is far from over," Neela said through her teeth.
***
Bruch'oda opened his weary eyes. Traces of orange fluid filled his vision as blood poured from cuts he'd sustained in battle from the Ultimate QiWarrior. "Damn them," he thought as he used his incredible strength to pull himself out from the rocky walls of the cavern. "They will pay for this," he vowed.
As the pulverized granite fell to the undulating floor, Bruch'oda spun his twin swords and dropped into a reverse bow stance, sliding his right blade over his left forearm. For years he'd trained with his generals, but no one had ever posed such an even match as the QiRangers were doing now.
The Ultimate QiWarrior wasted no time. Running forward, the armor-clad warrior wove its Qi Saber in a giant circle. Using the Fire Qi from Michael, the QiWarrior created a large fireball. Pushing it forward, the massive ball of fire rocketed towards Bruch'oda.
The giant reptile sunk lower into his stance and smiled. Channeling Dark Qi into his swords, the curved blades ignited and filled the area with fire.
The QiRangers' collective mind was shocked as Bruch'oda easily absorbed their fireball attack by deflecting the energy aside. "Never mind," Leslie told her friends, "We've got to push on."
The others agreed and continued racing towards Bruch'oda.
Bruch'oda met the Ultimate QiWarrior head on by springing forward and crossing his swords forming an 'X' as he neared their head.
Quickly the QiWarrior brought their Qi Saber in front to block the attack.
Bruch'oda's position gave him the advantage, allowing him to utilize extra leverage and press down on the QiWarrior's single blade. With each breath, Bruch'oda drew in more Qi from the molten lava that surrounded them, making him even stronger; allowing him to use what seemed like the entire weight of the mountain to press down on the QiWarrior.
It took everything the QiRangers' had to keep their Qi Saber between them and Bruch'oda's double set of blades. The sheer strength Bruch'oda was using was nothing they had seen before. Every muscle in their body ached from the incredible stress of trying to sustain a defensive posture. The Ultimate QiWarrior's arms began to buckle, signaling their weakness to Bruch'oda.
"I have them," he thought as he leaned down a little more. The sinews of his muscles began to snap form the stress he was placing them under, but his mind was too focused to pay attention to popping that began in his arms and legs and the spouts of blood that started to flow through his scales. Ignoring the pain, Bruch'oda pressed further, obsessed with destroying the Ultimate QiWarrior. He gritted his teeth and frothed at the mouth and pressed harder.
"Yield," Jayde Yee sent to her friends through the telepathic link.
The comment was met with skepticism and anger that one of their own would give in so easily, despite the difficulty they were having.
"Let the force pass," she clarified and the others knew at once what to do.
The Ultimate QiWarrior shifted his weight to the right. The new positioning weakened their defenses against Bruch'oda's swords, but also allowed them to pass harmlessly by as they stepped to the right and spun their left foot around in a sweep.
Bruch'oda saw what was happening and was too quick for the QiWarrior's sweep and monkey rolled forward.
"This is our opening," Michael thought as the QiWarrior stood up and leapt into the air with two spinning kicks.
Bruch'oda stood up and saw this kicks coming in his peripheral vision. Reversing his blades, he brought both his arms in front with the swords pointing backwards to deflect the strikes.
The QiWarrior's first kick was strong enough to knock down Bruch'oda's block and the second kick struck the giant reptile on the side of the head. The blow sent Bruch'oda reeling the QiWarrior's boot shattered his jaw and sent blood spurting in the air.
Landing in a defensive stance, the Ultimate QiWarrior was unrelenting in his attack, now that Bruch'oda was stunned. Moving forward, the QiRanger's combined form unleashed a powerful volley of punches. While Bruch'oda was able to block a great many of them, sever made it though his blocks and struck vital points in his chest and arms, weakening him further.
Trying to collect his thoughts, Bruch'oda leapt backwards, trying to give him some space to recuperate.
Relentless, the QiWarrior followed. Nearing their enemy, the QiRangers commanded their giant form to strike, hard and fast.
Bruch'oda was able to deflect the punch, but the QiWarrior countered with a strong grab. Twisting Bruch'oda's left arm counterclockwise, the sheer tension the Ultimate QiWarrior provided snapped the reptilian's arm bones.
Bruch'oda screamed in agony as he reeled back to counterstrike.
The Ultimate QiWarrior blocked the punch and countered with another wrist grab. Spinning the arm over, the black samurai shattered that arm as well.
Blood drenched the armored hands of the Ultimate QiWarrior as he held Bruch'oda's useless arms before him. Drawing his leg back, the QiRangers executed three flying kicks – each one higher than the next. The first stuck at Bruch'oda's Tan Tien, the second, his solar plexus, and the third, his neck.
Each bone crushing strike crunched Bruch'oda's body even more and sent him crashing to the granite floor beneath them. The reptile landed with a thud that echoed throughout the cavern and resonated deep within the QiWarrior's body.
Sending all their energy into the QiWarrior's right hand, the QiRangers jumped up and let out a powerful battle cry as they extended their right hand into a knife blade. The once black glove shimmered with in a multitude of energy and light as they drove it through Bruch'oda's midsection.
The Evil Warlord's eyes burst open as blood shot from his mouth as he screamed. Each of his limbs contracted at once as the force severed his body in two.
Retracting their bloodied hand, the ultimate QiWarrior watched as the last of the evil ones from the Shadow Realm had been destroyed. Turning their gaze to the central pedestal, they saw Neela continuing to fight Ru'dth.
"Let's finish this," each of the QiRangers thought and commanded their giant body to jump across the molten lake.
The QiWarrior landed beside the Fire Mystic Door and paid no attention to Neela, Gary, or Ru'dth. The QiRangers were focused only on sealing the door and banishing evil once more. They could hear the battle raging besides them, but knew Neela would protect them. Dropping into a bow stance, the QiRangers prepared for an Ultimate Qi Strike – the only way to seal the door and free Earth from the tyranny of the Shadow Realm.
The white light of the Ultimate Qi Strike shone like a super nova exploding in the night's sky as it sealed the last of the Five Mystic Doors. With the energy once more contained, Mt. Fuji shook while the shockwave vaporized the lifeless bodies of the Shadow Warriors and Bruch'oda.
In their mind, the QiRangers smiled as they stood and turned to see Ru'dth grinning.
"You didn't think that would stop me, did you?" he asked.
The QiRanger's hearts sunk, realizing that the battle was not over. "How?" they asked in their united voice as Neela joined them at their side.
"The Doors only destroy those from the Shadow Realm. Ru'dth is from Earth, like me. We have to defeat him here," she answered
"Shit," the Ultimate QiWarrior said as he dropped into a defensive stance, trying to figure out the best way to attack such a magical being.
"Two against one?" Ru'dth sarcastically asked. "I think I need to change the playing field." Bringing his hands together, the Warrior God cried out, "Zol Xachole Va!" Black strands of energy shot out from his fists and encircled his body. The heat from the dark energy made the molten lava feel like ice compared to it and forced Neela and the QiWarrior back a few steps.
Ru'dth began screaming as the power he unleashed shook the entire cavern.
"What's happening?" the Ultimate QiWarrior asked.
Neela didn't have to answer as the QiRangers saw Ru'dth absorb the energy he released. The power, once folded in on itself, exploded, vaporizing the entire mountain from the timberline up.
It took several minutes for Neela and the QiRangers to recover from the blast had been so strong it dissolved the link between the six warriors of justice and laid them out over the countryside. One-by-one they slowly got up and pushed past the aches and pains to come to their feet. Covered in bloodied bruises, now that their armor had vanished, the QiRangers got their first glimpses of what happened.
Gone was the picturesque peak and countryside. The only thing that remained was an enormous crater filled with magma and a one hundred meter tall Ru'dth laughing at them.
As they assembled together, one single thought went through their minds, "What now?"
Luís Morris took a few steps forward as his eyes tracked upwards. His left leg drug behind, as the day's fighting was taking its toll. "Dios mio," he uttered barely able to comprehend such a monstrous adversary.
"There's no way we can make a dent in him," Seth sadly said. "He'd crush us."
Each of the QiRangers struggled to gather the internal strength to finally put an end to the war that had ravaged the Earth, but the sheer size of Ru'dth standing in what was left of Mt. Fuji overloaded their senses.
Ru'dth continued to billow with laughter as he looked down on those that stood against him. More than fifty times their height, he knew he needed to do nothing more than squish them like the ants they were. "Not so brave and determined any more, are you?" he asked from his high vantage point.
The incredible power of his voice sent shockwaves through the seven warriors that were poised to stand against him, resonating through their bodies and shaking the ground. Deep in their minds, they knew at once what the ancients had seen when they spoke of deities and magical beasts of old.
Robert clenched his fists and planted his cybernetic legs deep into the soil. "I'm not giving in this easily," he said.
"Do you have an idea of how we can cope with that?" Leslie asked hobbling forward and pointing to Ru'dth. "I hope you do. I really do, because I'm flush out."
Robert turned to Neela, "What about you?" he asked.
Holding her right shoulder in her left arm, Neela stumbled closer to the others. "There's nothing I can do. He's so powerful."
"You told us you're the opposite sides of the coin, right?" Robert asked.
"Yes," Neela answered, nit sure where Robert was leading her. "We are the same."
"Then if he was able to enhance Bruch'oda and the others, can't you do the same to us? I mean, what would happen if you gave us the Kundalini power by joining us in the meld?" Robert wondered.
Neela paused for a moment and thought. Something so drastic had never occurred to her, as it was never tried or needed in the past. As Neela stood in silence, the other QiRangers quickly got behind the idea and voiced their support of Robert's proposal.
"It's crazy enough to work," Seth came forward saying.
"Count me in," Jayde seconded.
"I don't see why it wouldn't work. If we form the QiWarrior and you meld with us, we should be able to produce the same results," Leslie said, trying to convince Neela of their plan.
"Or die trying," Luís soberly added. "But either way, if we're going out, I want to go out with a bang and this will certainly provide that."
"So what do you say, Neela?" Robert asked moving a little closer. Out of all the QiRangers, his body was able to better handle the stress of constant fighting due to his enhancements, but mentally, the day had taken its toll. Robert desperately wished to end the fighting.
"I," Neela began, "I just don't know." Her dark eyes were filled with doubt for the first time since she had met the QiRangers.
That fact didn't ease the QiRangers' fears but did force them to make a leap of faith. Beginning with Michael, each in their hearts knew this was the right course of action. Every fiber in their body knew that alone they would face utter defeat, but as before, if they combined their powers and thoughts, nothing could stop them. Master Li knew it from long ago and shared that wisdom with them in the Sahara desert, now it was their time to share it with Neela.
Without speaking, the QiRangers circled around Neela. Leslie and Michael stood at true north and linked hands. They were flanked by Luís and Jayde, who finally joined hands with Robert and Seth. As the QiRangers joined their physical bodies, they began to link their minds once more. Every breath took in more and more Qi and fueled their desire, determination, and will to fight on, no matter the cost.
Ru'dth spied what was happening and instantly knew what his enemies were attempting to do. He had suffered for so long, trapped in the medallion behind the fortress walls of Bruch'oda's palace, the Warrior God would not yield at the end and wouldn't quietly allow his enemies to ride up against him. Using his giant strides, he easily climbed out from the crater he created in the bowls of Mt. Fuji.
"No!" he screamed, shaking heaven and earth as he saw the five elements of nature merge with the QiRangers and then meld together in the center, focusing tightly on Neela, the Kundalini Goddess.
The Strength and wisdom of the Kundalini was great, but she had never experienced such power and connection to those around her. Wind and lightening flashed around the seven humans as they absorbed one another's power and made it their own. Neela's face lit up as she tiled her head backwards and looked skyward.
"Zol Xachole Va!" she cried out as white energy enveloped all six QiRangers and Neela. Spreading like cotton candy fibers, the powerful energy cocoon hardened with crackling thunder echoing in the forest around them.
As Ru'dth came closer, a dirty snare came across his face as he realized he was too late.
Bursting out of the energy cocoon and growing to a height of one hundred meters was a giant white samurai warrior. Every inch of his armor was covered in the finest pearl and his face hidden behind a white mask. Etched in gold on the chest of the giant was the six elemental signs embraced by a serpent. With their minds acting as one, the QiRangers and Neela commanded the Kundalini Warrior to drop into a defensive stance.
Not wishing to waste any time, Ru'dth didn't wait to attack. As the Kundalini Warrior sank lower, preparing for him to strike, Ru'dth spun on his left leg and whirled his right leg around and snapped off a roundhouse kick at his enemy's head.
The Kundalini Warrior blocked and trapped the kicking leg breaking Ru'dth's shins and shattering his knee. With the right leg flopping harmlessly in the air, the Kundalini Warrior quickly side snap-kicked to Ru'dth's Tan Tien.
The powerful shot of energy overloaded his system and sent him flying backwards across what was left of the mountain, landing in a thicket of trees. Molasses-like think blood oozed from his right leg as he pressed past the pain to come to a standing position.
"Ju gUmqi LusOm!" he cried out while raising his hand overhead, commanding the heavens to light fire to the Kundalini Warrior.
Instantly, thousands of lightening bolts shot down from the sky, exploding around the mountain. With each strike, the mountainside became more crater- filled from the tons of soil being vaporized. The Kundalini Warrior used his sense of energy to jump, roll, and duck under strikes and closed the distance between he and Ru'dth. With each step, the Kundalini Warrior was more than ever, determined to achieve his goal- destroy Ru'dth.
Jumping into the sky, the giant white warrior circled his hands and brought them in front as he descended on Ru'dth.
The Warrior God rooted his single foot and extended his hands upward in a cross block.
Crashing down, the Kundalini Warrior split Ru'dth's block and landed on his foot.
The pain from the impact was more than any Ru'dth had experienced before and his mind drifted from defense to that of controlling the pain that ravaged his body.
Spying the opening, the Kundalini Warrior reached up with their right arm and took hold of Ru'dth's throat under the jaw and with their other hand, then grabbed the back of his head. Snapping their body to the left, the combined form of Neela and the QiRangers ripped the head from Ru'dth shoulders. As the Kundalini Warrior sunk into a left bow stance, all the evil energy that was Ru'dth was released, sending flames high into the sky.
A powerful sense of elation briefly passed through the Kundalini Warrior before the QiRangers felt Neela being ripped apart from them.
"With Ru'dth gone, there is no need for me," she shared in the brief instant she had left and all the power she possessed evaporated, leaving the six QiRangers standing alone on Mt. Fuji.
They looked around, barely breathing, not tempting fate by uttering a single word. As the sounds of their lungs and hearts filled their ears, they realized it was finally over. Earth was safe once more.
***
A year passed since the QiRangers had defeated evil with the assistance of Neela. Many had paid the ultimate price in the age old war between good and evil and before man was to set foot again on the blue gem of the solar system, the leaders of the world wanted to make sure that petty in-fighting would never lead to a path of destruction.
It took tremendous time and countless hours of debate, but the Earth Alliance was finally formalized on the LEO Station and ratified among all colonies. Man now spoke with one voice and was ready to reclaim his home.
***
It was a warm, sunny day in the tropics. Robert Dwyer sat on the dais with his fellow QiRangers. He no longer wore the fatigues of a NASO operative, settling for the classic Gis of old. He wasn't alone in that wardrobe selection – all the QiRangers dressed in their Gis and sat quietly as they watched the world leaders read speech after speech, proclaiming how man had come together in the year and from this point forward it would usher in, "a new age," the speaker repeated.
"If I hear that one more time, I'm going to vomit," Gary Staal leaned over and whispered into his friend's ear.
Robert smiled and laughed to himself. In the heat of the final battle, he had lost track of what Gary had done. He never realized that he saved Neela by absorbing an attack from Ru'dth - something that gave him and the others enough time to react and destroy the Warrior God. By some miracle, his nanobots were able to handle the dark energy and preserve him.
Robert turned to face his friend and stared into Gary's blood-red eyes – the only alteration to his body that never faded after the encounter with Ru'dth. "You're going to get us in trouble," he mouthed.
Gary leaned back in his chair and chortled as the next and final speaker came to the podium.
By this time, Leslie had stopped listening what was being said. Still after one year, she was trying to understand why things happened as they did. How the Doors were opened, why the lives were lost, how would she protect the future?
Because the second theme in every speech was how, by working together, the people of the world could avoid such a future catastrophe. Leslie closed her eyes and gently shook her head as Michael squeezed her hand. They both knew that good could not exist without evil. Good had triumphed for now, but evil would surly rear its head again. "I hope we're ready," she thought.
Michael squeezed her hand again, "We will."
***
Many years had passed since the last great battle between good and evil, so much so, that its legendary tales were nothing more than lore for young children. The QiRangers had abandoned living among the populace, seeking the solitude in the sanctity of the Great Vault some time ago. Knowing the nature of the universe and seeing so many pass away before them, not being able to age eternal, they desired to live out their time besides the ancient tombs of the Masters, waiting.
Under the faint light of the gemstones, a single QiRanger's eyes opened. "It's come," the QiRanger thought.
Without uttering a single word, the other QiRangers instantly knew feeling in the pit of their stomach. Once something so vile has touched your life, you never forget it, they were told – and it was true. A world had passed since they last encountered such evil, but they knew it the instant it manifested – just as one instinctively knows the warm feeling of walking into the sun for the first time.
Slowly, the QiRangers came to their feet. Their eyes hung low, barely lifting from the floor, unable to bear the thought of what was about to transpire. It was with a heavy heart they prepared themselves mentally for the next battle against evil. Since they left the world behind, they had spent each meditating and preparing for this single experience. The QiRangers knew this battle would be even more challenging than the last.
Not because time had passed or that they were older. Not because those on the planet would fail to recognize the warning signs. While these indeed would be factors in the outcome, it was something else that made this source of evil more troubling. Something they had known for a long time, but could never come to terms with.
This time evil came as one of their own.
***
End of Chapter Seven: Eternal Flame
End of Godaikoku Sentai QiRanger
