Chapter 2: Pusher
Six multicolored light streaks entered the power chamber. The Red Turbo ranger materializes Amber in his arms. Alpha points to a table in the middle of the chamber. "Over here Red" Alpha said, concealing the ranger identity. The ranger carefully laid the female's legs on the table first before lowering the upper body. "I'll take it from here Red." Alpha said moving the red ranger aside.
Alpha pulled out a silver-scanning device with the Turbo ranger emblem on the sides. He started the scan at the girl's feet moving slowly up her legs. All of a sudden her feet kick the scanner out of the robot's hand. The scanner landed beside the Blue ranger, he quickly jumped to the other side of Green ranger standing behind him for protection.
"She's possessed." He screamed.
Amber's body began to convulse followed by wolf like howls and growls. Her body rose from the table slowly turning over. She drops to the ground in a wolf like stance on all fours. Her eyes opened revealing the glowing yellow eyes. Drool falls from her mouth on to the table. The Pink ranger holds on to the Green ranger tighten her grip. Quickly Alpha pressed a button on the table, a yellow beam encased her body. Her joints give out underneath her first as she crashes on the table, passed out once again.
The Red ranger begins to walk over to the table but notices he isn't able to move as freely as he wanted. He takes note of the Yellow ranger clutched to his side. He focused on Amber's wolf like state he did overlooked his teammate's action. "It's ok, I only stunned her." Alpha said.
The Yellow ranger released her hold on the Red ranger. Freed from his teammate's grasp; the ranger walked to the table. The light faded away allowing the ranger to return to the girl to her original position. Alpha pressed another button, hard light clamp constructs restrained Amber. Underneath his visor the Red ranger shot the robot assistant a strange look. "Not necessary." the ranger said.
"A precaution" Alpha offered. Amber woke from her trance screaming at the top of her lungs, she struggled to free herself from the restraints.
"Ow Cas-Pink" Green ranger said feeling his becoming numb from her squeeze. TJ stepped back; Alpha shuffled to the table an injector in hand. He inched the instrument to her exposed right arm. She screamed as the fluid entered into her body. Her screams became a whimper, finally she calm. "Glad that's over." Alpha sighed.
"What kind of spell is she under?" the Red ranger asked.
Alpha nodded his head, "Not a spell a drug."
"Drug?" a confused Yellow ranger said.
"You mean like X or like a poison ?" the Green ranger asked.
"Neither. This drug does not have an earthly origin. I have witness these symptoms before, on Eltar. Not everyone from the planet is peaceful like Zordon. To combat the forces of evil many scientists and engineers develop biological weapons. This particular drug was experimental; thought to enhance the users' strength and speed. In addition to those enhancements it granted temporary invincibility, creating the perfect solider" Dimitria explained.
'A la Captain America" the Blue ranger said.
"I am not familiar with this person." Dimitria said.
"Not important. Anything else about the drug?" the Pink ranger asked.
"Depending on the dosage the rate of transformation could be accelerated. Outside of the canine transformation, the user feed off its victim's' life force. In Earth literature you refer to this as a Vampire; it is more parasitic than vampire." Dimitria said.
"A vampire Werewolf makes for an interesting story." the Blue ranger joked. His teammates looked at, he held up his hands offering an apology.
"Once reports of the side effects became public knowledge production shut down and all records destroyed preventing anyone from recreating it. The people involved tried by the Eltarian Judaical Council; the only ones free are under a work release program. None would be aligned with Divatox." Dimitria said.
"And I doubt she majored in chemistry." Green Ranger said.
"Someone is on her payroll we need to find out who. Dimitira we should involve the Blue Senturion. He works for the intergalactic police force." Blue Ranger said.
"My thoughts exactly. Although his memory wiped of a particular message; his time with the force could prove useful. I will have Alpha contact him." Dimitria said.
"In the meantime we found out how this drug is circulating through Angel Grove. When I found Amber I ask found one of those beasts. The drug is also carried in the beast's fangs." Red ranger said.
"Let's recap for a moment, Divatox somehow has release a super solider drug on the streets turning creatures into Vampire Werewolves who've either suck life force out of an person or turns them into a creature as well. Do I miss anything" Green ranger said.
"Sounds right. Two teams, one search the city for creatures; while the others play detectives." Red ranger ordered. Yellow ranger and Blue rangers stood next to the Red ranger.
"We'll play detective." Pink volunteered, Green ranger nodded.
"I'll send Blue Senturion your way." Dimitria said.
"Guess we are the hunting party." Yellow ranger said.
"Remember the creatures are really human. Try not to hurt them; I can build a large enough containment area for them. I can try to find a way to reverse the process, but time is of the essence. Amber progress is slow..."Alpha stopped his sentence.
"We gotcha...Rangers Back to Action!" Red ranger said. The five teens exited the Power Chamber.
Youth Center
Cassie and Carlos returned to the center, the music filled the room. The two teens stepped outside to discuss their plan.
"How are we going to track down the source of the drug?" Cassie asked
"We have to figure out who would be a likely candidate for this drug." Carlos said, "If this drug is to enhance one's strength and speed I can only think of a few people who would want to get their hands on them." Carlos said.
Cassie drew a blank, she humped her shoulders.
"Athletes. This drug sounds like a steroid. I am willing to bet someone here knows about it." Carlos answered.
Cassie frowned before she replied, "Gross generalization. No evidence to support your theory." Cassie said.
Carlos smiled, "Watching Law & Order episodes again. I understand your point, but given the information Dimitria provided who else would Divatox experiment on?" he asked.
Cassie humped her shoulders, "It could be a number of people bodybuilders, officers, martial arts, etc. Anyone suitable in creating an army against us. This whole situation creeps me out. Still hard for me to imagine Divatox is essentially causing death."
Carlos nodded his head. "Yeah, she's moved away from the looting and revenge schtick. As rangers we have to properly respond regardless of how it makes us feel. " he said placing his hand on her shoulder. Cassie nodded her head agreeing with her teammate's sentiment.
"We'll ask around here and hopefully someone can give us a lead to the local source. I highly doubt Divatox is making personal contact." Carlos said. Both teens departed from one another to questioned the patrons of the club.
Divatox's sub
Killer Needle stood when Divatox entered his lab. "Your constant intrusions are becoming irritating." the monster said.
Divatox stopped, she placed her hands on her hips. "Look pal while he may have sent you. I'm the one in charge, meaning you will submit to my authority. You are in no position to talk about irritations. While a highly addicted drug the users are perishing at an accelerated rate. I can not create an army from the dead. The rangers have become suspicious and no doubt investigating. Those side effect creatures of yours are running around unleashed. So if anyone is irritated it would be me." she yelled.
"Not my fault, the users decides to how much to take. The recommended dosage produces soldiers. If I cut back on the dosage anymore they won't be able to respond to the drug. This is the closest you have ever gotten to taking over the world I'm sure of it. Patience." Killer Needle said.
Divatox had a disapproving look on her face. "Unacceptable, refine your drug or our partnership is terminated." Divatox said stomping out. The monster sat back in front of the computer screen, he rubbed the top of his head.
Angel Grove Night Skyline
In Lightning Cruiser TJ and Ashley flew over the buildings. TJ had been quiet since leaving the command center. "Everything alright?" Ashley asked breaking the silence. He shook his head, "Just thinking about how if we had wait another song she wouldn't be laying there while something inside her eats away at her." TJ answered.
"TJ don't do this to yourself. Before last night we knew Divatox was carrying black bags around the city. Because of last night we know about the drug and we've spent most of the day trying to figure out where the drug is being sold. " Ashley said trying to reassure her leader.
"It's time like this when I wonder if Tommy would have made the same decision. Did he make the right choice in picking me?" TJ questioned.
"I never heard you talk like that. I'm a bit shock that you would even say anything like that. Of course Tommy made the right decision choosing you to take over as leader. I can't imagine anybody else doing this." Ashley said.
TJ shook his head. "Sorry I shouldn't have said that."
"What you're feeling is not unusual. Carlos, Cassie, and myself wonder if we are living up not only to Adam, Kat, and Tanya, but to the Power Ranger legacy. For awhile I was just a cheerleader with great fashion sense. Now I shoulder a great responsibility one I was honored to receive. However, great it is being a ranger it bares heavy consequences. I question my role and my actions constantly. I am comforted by relying on my friends. We have some much respect for you leadership. I'm not trying to flatter you, but you are strong, courageous, and caring. How could we not be moved by you. " she said, she felt her eyes watering. The girl faced out the window drying her eyes.
"Thanks Ashley." TJ said. Her talk changed his mood from somber to pleasant. She was correct in the short time he had led the rangers; TJ and the rangers had prevented Divatox's conquest of the Earth. He lifted his communicator to his face, "Justin have you found of the creatures?" TJ asked.
"No sign of any of them. I've scanned the area several times. I retraced the area next to the center. It's like they went into hiding." Justin reported.
"Divatox called them off, she knows we are looking for them." TJ said.
"TJ this is Carlos." his voice came over the communicator.
"Go head." TJ responded.
"Cassie and I were met with resistance from the clubbers. But, we did it a lead. Blue Sentrion is meeting us at possible warehouse where the drug maybe manufactured. We'll call if it turns out to be true." Carlos said.
"Ok be careful." TJ said ending the communication. Ashley returned her attention to the ranger. She place her hand on his arm squeezing it softly, she flashed a smile to him. He returned the smile. One of the monitors in the vehicle lit up, Ashely pressed a button next to the screen. "Found them near the Luna hotel." she said. TJ nodded his head turning the steering wheel in the direction of the hotel.
Both Mountain Blaster and Lightning Cruiser arrived in front of the hotel. The three teens exited their vehicles. They looked around the area finding no sign of the beasts. Suddenly a scream was heard from inside the building. The teens exchanged glances before rushing inside the building. A bellhop held up a chair fending off a few of the creatures and pirrahnatrons.
TJ grabbed a nearby vase and aimed the object of the back of the head of one creatures. The pack turned away from the bell hop. Two of the henchmen summoned blades dashing at TJ. The teen dove in between the henchmen avoiding their weapons. From the floor TJ foot swept the nearest pirrahnatron knocking him into the other one.
Ashley rushed to Bellhop's side. "Are you ok?" she asked.
"Yes, I was placing a suitcases into a departing customer's vehicle when those things came out of nowhere. I ran inside told the everyone to hide in the office." he panted. Once he caught his breath he watched TJ take out the two pirrahnatrons and Justin lured the creatures outside. "What are you kids doing? Those things are dangerous." he said.
"Sir locked the doors once we leave do not let anyone come out." Ashley insisted. The guy balance the idea of allowing the teens to handle the situation against protecting his customers. Against his feeling he consented. TJ and Ashley went outside where more creatures emerged from the shadows. The teens looked around the night hide them from public, quickly the teens initiated their transformation into rangers. One of the creatures grabbed the Blue rangers' neck. Justin's breathing became labored, she struggled to free himself from the creature's grasp. The creature slammed the ranger into a patio statue. The statue crumbled under his weight. Justin lifted his head watching the creatures circle around him; his vision became blurred his head dropped everything becoming black.
The Yellow ranger unholsterd her blaster shooting warning shots into the pack. The creatures jumped back snarling at the ranger. "Alpha how is that containment unit coming along?" Ashely asked into her communicator.
"Construction takes time, but almost complete" Alpha responded.
The Red ranger summoned his turbo sword, using the hilt he drove the weapon into the midsection of a creature knocking it back. The Yellow continued to fire around the Blue ranger pushing the creatures back. From behind the ranger felt three claws scrape against her back; she fell forward. Her back felt inflamed, she flipped to her side aiming her weapon at her assailant. "No" Red ranger yelled tackling the creature on the hotel steps. The creature chopped at the Turbo ranger, he back flipped on to the ground.
The Yellow ranger slowly rose to her feet, her back aching. She grabbed the Blue ranger's right foot dragging him away from the pack. The Red ranger grabbed the legs of the creature on the steps and swung him into the pack. The ranger touched his helmet, "Alpha has to be now. I can't allow to my team to hurt." he yelled. The turbine laser materialize on top of Mountain Blaster. The laser fired a green laser net over the pack. The creatures howled, snarled, and scratched at the net. Once subdued the pack vanished. "Package received" Alpha said over the comm line.
Warehouse District
Later on that night Blue Senturion, Carlos and Cassie followed several piranatrons carrying body bags into an abandon warehouse. They watch from afar as a free piranatron knock on the door, the door opens another piranatron looks around making sure the group wasn't followed. Feeling secured the doorman signal the others to enter. The trio dash across the street over to a window each peered into the warehouse. The group carrying body bags tossed the bags into a furnace. Cassie turned away from the window burying her head into her hands. "Oh my gosh...their families." she cried.
Carlos wrapped his arm around the Pink ranger pulling her close to his chest. "Hey, it's ok" he said softly.
"Pink ranger, I know you are upset. It is unfortunate what happen to the these people. Shutting down this operation preventing other lives from perishing will honor those no longer with us." Blue Senturion said.
The Pink ranger nodded her head, "Sorry guys for being emotional; not very super heroine like. You're right Senturion let's do this."
"I don't think so," Elgar said ambushing the rangers and Blue Senturion. The heroes prepare to fight Elgar, but a school of piranatrons appears behind him. "Looks like the odds are in my favor. Now come along quietly." Elgar said pulling out his card saber. The two rangers held up their hands. "You too Officer" Elgar said pointing his weapon. The ranger's ally reluctantly rose his hands above his head.
Cassie moves her hands close together pressing on to her communicator, opening a communication line in the power chamber. "Move it along before the other rangers catch wind of what's going on here." Elgar voice said in the power chamber. Alpha locked on to Cassie's communicator signal. He pulled a visual of the three captured heroes escorted into the warehouse on the viewing screen.
"Alpha alert the rangers. How are the creatures doing?" Dimitria asked.
"Still subdued. We have time before the drug corrodes their insides. Time I fear is running out if the rangers can not get their hands on the drug." Alpha answered.
Minutes Later
The Red ranger holds his auto blaster in his hand as he walks along the wall of the warehouse. "This is where Alpha track Carlos and Cassie to. They have to be inside here." TJ said.
"Do we knock on the door or..." Justin said trailing behind TJ . The ranger kicks the door into the warehouse. The door flies across the room smashing into a couple of bottles of the drug. The break creating a puddle of yellow goop, but that is the only thing the rangers seem to find in the warehouse. Justin pulls out his turbo navigator scanning the area. "They're gone." Ashley said examining the empty warehouse.
"Um guys we don't to stay here longer. In fact we need to leave now." Justin said moving back slowly. "I want to look around for clues." TJ said taking a step forward.
"No TJ, Divatox has left us a present. It's been a while since she has done one of these." Justin said grabbing on to the red ranger's arm.
From a remote location Elgar, a few piranatrons and the captured heroes watched the warehouse burst into flames.
"Good ole detonator always does the trick." Elgar said. "I wish had brought some marshmallows." He adds.
"NOOOOOOO!" Cassie screams, she drops to her knees.