"This training isn't so bad," Holly Replogle says as she ducks under an
automaton's punch.
"You've yet to have to train on your own," Bethany Black, Holly's close friend and now constant companion says.
"True," Holly concedes. She backflips, then leaps forward and punches the automaton in the lower torso.
"Those two are a remarkable team," Silver Ranger comments to Jacolby as they watch the two girls spar with the automatons.
Six feet tall and heavily built, the automatons were currently programmed to fight like Spectrons, the foot soldiers of the Dark Specter's attack on Earth. Generally they were armed with likenesses of standard Spectron weapons. Right now they carried the blade weapons of Quantrons, the Dark Specter's previous army of shock troops and the basic ancestors of Spectrons.
"Yes, they are very good," Jacolby says, "they rely more on their teamwork than they do the Atlantean knowledge. You still prefer to fight alone and rely solely on the Atlantean knowledge."
"Not in a sword fight," Silver Ranger points out.
"No, you prefer to use your own amateur skills when wielding the Silver Saber," Jacolby says, "but when will you learn to work as part of a team?"
"When they can show me what being a team is," Silver Ranger replies, "if they can match my ideals of a team, then I will be a team player. Until then, I will merely work with them."
"This is not good," Jacolby mutters.
"You think I don't know that?" Silver Ranger demands, "I know they are worthy of the Atlantean Powers. If they weren't, then the Morphers wouldn't have picked them. But my standards are way higher."
"You demand perfection," Jacolby snaps.
"Maybe I do," Silver Ranger says calmly, "but its better to strive for perfection than it is to risk destruction."
"You seem to like risking destruction," Jacolby says.
"He just likes the thrill and the adrenaline rush," Alex says from behind.
Silver Ranger and Jacolby turn around to face Alex. Alex walks up, carrying a staff marked with various runes.
"He's never really had an exciting life before becoming a Ranger," Alex continues, "so now he's trying to get everything he can out of this experience."
Silver Ranger glares at Alex for a moment, then he begins to chuckle.
Connerly walks into the training room, exuding happiness.
"Greetings, Wizard Connerly," Silver Ranger says with a formal bow, "is there something going on?"
"We have detected the activation of a fourth Atlantean Morpher," Connerly says, "and its another one we thought lost."
"You mean another Morpher was remade?" Silver Ranger asks.
Connerly chuckles. "No, but it was in Pompei when the volcano blew. So was the Zord that goes along with it. They were both buried under tons of ash and lava. The Zord itself was in the volcano and a sudden upsurge in its power may have been what caused the eruption. "
"You mean our next Ranger will be from Italy?" Bethany asks. She and Holly had cut the simulation to listen to Connerly's announcement.
"Maybe, maybe not," Connerly says, "we may just be detecting its power. If that's the case, then we may be able to select who its power goes to. And if that's the case, then Alex will be able to join the fight."
"He would be welcome to join," Holly says, "its just too bad a Morpher has yet to decide he's worthy. We know he is worthy to be an Atlantean Ranger. Its just that his personality, his temperament does not match up enough to any of the existing Morphers. And all of those who possessed the Green Morpher were too different for us to determine what it looked for in a person other than that they have a strong code of honor and are dedicated to protecting others."
"What about how they fight?" Holly asks.
"They are either incredible hand to hand combatants or powerful mages," Connerly replies, "this is because the Green Warrior never had a weapon of its own."
"They didn't?" Bethany asks.
"No, the Green Warrior only had the Dagger that was part of its Ranger powers," Connerly explains, "and its main purpose was to control the Green Dragon Zord. The inherent magic in its metal created a template for the Green Morphin Ranger. The Green Morphin Ranger is almost identical to what the Green Atlantean Ranger would have been."
"Well, shall we go to Italy to find the Morpher?" Silver Ranger asks.
"Wait," Holly interrupts, "should we go Morphed?"
"Hmm, good question," Connerly says, "if you go Morphed, you might attract the Dark Specter's attention. If you go unmorphed, Silver Ranger won't join you, will you?"
"Probably not," Silver Ranger replies, "however, if the Morpher has picked someone and you find them, then just call me in. I can help convince them by appearing before them Morphed."
"Not a good idea," Alex says, "Dark Specter doesn't know their identities yet. He knows yours, and if you show up there as the Silver Ranger, then you'll give away their identities. That's a secret we have that the Dark Specter can't properly plan for."
"And we're gonna have to be really careful with the teleportation," Connerly says, "Dark Specter will be able to sense the teleportation energy for such a distance."
"Perhaps I should go alone, morphed," Silver Ranger suggests, "he knows who I am, I can handle myself fairly well on my own, and my appearance itself will convince the one who gets the Morpher, if anyone."
"Wait, do you speak Italian?" Holly asks.
"I don't speak any foreign language," Silver Ranger replies, "the only language I know is English."
"It doesn't matter," Alex says, "those who possess any form of Atlantean power can speak any language they come across and they can understand any language they come across."
"Then how did you understand the people of Atlantis until you learned their magic?" Silver Ranger asks.
"All those who step onto Atlantis immediately have a translation spell cast on them," Connerly explains, "it has always been so. It is part of the natural magic of Atlantis."
"Well, that explains a lot," Alex says, "still, I'm not sure if it's a good idea for you to go alone, Silver Ranger."
"Well, you're gonna have to deal with it," Silver Ranger says, "it's the only logical choice we have. He'll know basically what we're doing if I go alone, but at least I won't be defenseless if they ambush me and don't give me a chance to morph."
"The only problem is that only the America's have had experience with Power Ranger's, though the Pink Zeo, second Pink Morphin, and first Pink Turbo Ranger was from Australia," Connerly says thoughtfully, "and the Yellow Zeo and first Yellow Turbo Ranger was from Africa."
"That does raise a good point," Alex says, "if I'm not mistaken, most of the world didn't even believe that the Power Ranger's existed until the Countdown. There's a chance you'll be received in Italy at gunpoint."
"So Holly and I should go," Bethany says.
"No!" Silver Ranger says, "you would be defenseless and if Dark Specter chose to attack then you'd be dead before you had a chance to morph. And morphing is the only defense you have. Neither one of you are good enough to take on Spectrons unmorphed. You've only been fighting half-strength Spectrons. They fight at the exact level of skill that Spectrons possess, but they have only have the strength."
"What?!" Bethany demands, "you mean we've been fighting half-strength Spectrons the entire time?"
"Why?" Holly asks.
"Currently it is more important that you familiarize yourselves with their fighting style," Connerly replies, "once you do so, then you can deal with their full strength."
"In other words, technique is more important than strength," Holly says bluntly.
"It is a better foundation than strength for it will see you through if your strength fails," Jacolby says.
"Does Silver Ranger train with half-strength Spectrons?" Bethany asks.
"When he trains alone and unmorphed," Jacolby replies.
"Fair enough," Holly says.
"He fights with Spectrons that are maybe three times as strong as normal when he trains morphed," Jacolby says.
"So it'll be as if he is fighting unmorphed," Bethany states.
"No, that's as strong as we can make them," Connerly says, "they are as strong as any of the other teams of Power Ranger's. Particularly the Zeo Ranger's, who were the strongest Ranger's before you."
"Wow," Bethany says, "when will we be able to train with Spectrons that strong?"
"At the rate you're going, only if you're morphed will that ever happen," Silver Ranger says with a near sneer.
"Well, you don't have to be mean about it," Holly huffs.
"I'm going to Italy," Silver Ranger declares, "and none of you are going with me. The two of you can stay behind and train some more. And if Dark Specter attacks somewhere else, then you'll be ready to fight off the monster. With the Binary Zord 1, you have more power than I would in a Zord battle. And the two of you will gain more experience without me there looking out for you. You'll be able to grow on your own."
"Very well," Connerly says, "Silver Ranger, you raise enough good points. You shall go to Pompei alone. But be ready to retreat if you are overwhelmed and help can't come to you. Gaining another Morpher is not as important as losing one we already have in our possession, let alone the one with more power than any other."
"He's the strongest Ranger?" Bethany asks.
"The Silver Atlantean Morpher has more power than any other Morpher in the universe," Connerly replies, "the 'extra' member of each team, in most cases the sixth Ranger, is the strongest on each team. The Silver Morpher was the first Atlantean Morpher that was made, but it is the strongest. The second strongest Atlantean Morpher was the Green Morpher, but it is gone forever now."
"I'm going now," Silver Ranger says.
"Be careful dude," Alex says. Silver Ranger nods and disappears in a flash of silver light.
Silver Ranger appears among the ruins of Pompei, in the center of the ancient city.
"Wow," Silver Ranger murmurs, "this place must have been gorgeous before the eruption."
His wrist communicator beeps.
"Silver Ranger, do you see anything?" Alex asks.
"I just arrived," Silver Ranger retorts, "what do you think?"
"Just wonderin'," Alex says.
"I'll contact you if I see anything," Silver Ranger says, "Silver Ranger out."
Silver Ranger closes the communications signal.
"Now, where to look?" he asks himself.
Dark Specter watched the Silver Ranger's appearance with interest.
"What could he want in that ruined Earth city?" he rumbles, "could they be looking for another Morpher?"
"Master, I have good news!" Darkonda says.
"What is it, Darkonda?" Dark Specter asks.
"I have taken the liberty of contacting the Ogre of the Black Shadow," Darkonda says, "he is on his way to Earth. He is in what the Earthlings call Pompei. I detected an upsurge of a strange energy there earlier today, so I sent him to check it out."
"Very good," Dark Specter rumbles, "the Silver Atlantean Ranger is there, alone. The Ogre of Black Shadow can destroy him. But we need to stop the chance for reinforcements. Send someone else down to distract the other two Ranger's. Send the Hitotsu-Me Giant to destroy this city."
"What do the Earthling's call it?" Darkonda asks.
"Tokyo, Japan," Dark Specter says.
On Atlantis, things are in chaos.
"What is going on?" Holly wails.
"Dark Specter is attacking two cities this time," Connerly replies, "he has sent the Ogre of the Black Shadow to Pompei, presumably to destroy the Silver Ranger. He has also sent a monster we have identified as the Hitotsu- Me Giant to Tokyo."
"The Silver Ranger is gonna have to fight the Ogre of the Black Shadow alone," Jacolby says, "Bethany and Holly, you two ladies are going to Tokyo. You will have to use your Zords to battle this threat. He is larger than the Binary Zord 1 by two Zord heads. You are gonna have to use strategy to beat him. He is stronger than even the Ternary Megazord One, and you can't even use that while the Silver Ranger is in Pompei. And we can't sent it to you and you use it by remote because there is a good chance that the Silver Ranger will need it soon."
"So we're just gonna have to keep him busy until the Silver Ranger can help us," Bethany grumbles.
"And the Aqua Ranger, if we can get their Zord in use," Connerly adds.
"So we just gotta fly by the seat of our pants?" Holly asks.
"You got it," Alex says, "I sincerely wish I could help, but I don't know any spells that can hurt a Zord-sized monster."
"Both of these are monster, right?" Bethany asks.
"Yes, both of them are monsters," Connerly replies, "now go and stop the Hitotsu-Me Giant!"
"Right," Bethany says, "it's Morphin time! Bronze Power of Atlantis!"
"Platinum Power of Atlantis!" Holly cries out.
In twin flashes of bronze and platinum light, both girls are suddenly clad in the armor's of the Bronze and Platinum Atlantean Ranger's.
"Let's go show this giant that you don't mess with Earth," Bronze Ranger says.
The two female Ranger's teleport out in beams of bronze and platinum light.
"Um, are you sure Silver Ranger can take down this Ogre of the Black Shadow?" Alex asks nervously.
"Hopefully he'll surprise us," Jacolby says darkly, "otherwise, we'll need to find someone else to wield the Silver Morpher and try to come up with a reason for his death."
Alex stares at Jacolby in shock as they watch the events unfold through the magic of Atlantis.
Silver Ranger was getting frustrated. He had no idea how big Pompei was, and he had been wondering around for hours. And there was no sign of the Morpher or even another person! And there was no sign of anything that could pass for a Zord, either.
"Damn, where is everything?" Silver Ranger demands to no one.
"Well, I'm right behind you, Silver Ranger," a deep voice that just oozed with evil says just before the Silver Ranger is knocked down by a massive arm. As he gets back to his feet, the Silver Ranger sees his assailant.
He had a dark reddish-orange skin, spiky green hair, and dark green leg armor. He also wore purple wristbands, a green beard, two horns, and glowing yellow-orange eyes. And worst of all, he was thickly muscled. Not too much to hamper his movement. And Silver Ranger felt that those muscles gave him a lot more strength than it looked like he would have.
"I am the Ogre of the Black Shadow and I am here to destroy you, Silver Ranger," the creature says.
"An ogre, eh," Silver Ranger says, smiling carnivorously behind his mask, "guess you're not alive then, are you?"
"Not as you would classify being alive," the Ogre says, "besides, you won't be alive long enough for it to matter."
"Think again," Silver Ranger growls, "Silver Staff!"
The Silver Staff appears in the Silver Ranger's right hand. He bring sit forward and fires a bolt of silver energy at the Ogre of the Black Shadow. But the Ogre just takes a deep breath and blows out a dark black fog that pushes back the energy bolt.
"This- might be a problem," Silver Ranger mutters.
"This guy is huge!" Platinum Ranger cries out as she avoids being stomped on by the Hitotsu-Me Giant.
"At least his loincloth is closed!" Bronze Ranger says as she gets back to her feet, "otherwise we'd be having to destroy him for public indecency."
"Hey, this is Japan," Platinum Ranger jokes, "have you read the manga they send to America? It's lewd and extremely crude. These people wouldn't bat an eye at public indecency of this sort."
"Lets take him down with the Zords," Bronze Ranger says.
"Platinum Winged Unicorn, Zord of Atlantis! Power up!" Platinum Ranger calls out.
"Bronze Griffin, Zord of Atlantis! Power up!" Bronze Ranger calls out. Both Zords appear in a pair of flashes of bronze and platinum light. Both Ranger's leap into their Zord's.
"Platinum Winged Unicorn Zord, convert to Warrior Mode, now!" Platinum Ranger commands.
"Bronze Griffin Zord, convert to Warrior Mode, now!" Bronze Ranger commands. In a pair of flashes of appropriately colored light, both Zords convert to their Warrior Modes.
"Platinum Warrior Zord, power up!" Platinum Ranger says as her Zord completes its Warrior Mode transformation.
"Bronze Warrior Zord, power up!" Bronze Ranger says as her Zord completes its Warrior Mode as well.
"Griffin Battle Axe!" Bronze Ranger calls out, summoning the Bronze Warrior Zord's weapon.
"Winged Unicorn Partisan!" Platinum Ranger calls out, summoning the Platinum Warrior Zord's weapon.
"Why didn't they form the Binary Zord 1?" Alex asks.
"It may have more power than either Zord alone, but the Hitotsu-Me Giant has more brute strength than even the Ternary MegaZord 1," Connerly explains, "so they are obviously using the superior agility of the Bronze and Platinum Warrior Zords to hold him off until Silver Ranger can rescue them."
"Smart thinking," Alex says, "but can they hold him off without doing major property damage?"
"We can only hope," Jacolby says dryly.
"So, you think you can beat me with that stick?" the Ogre of the Black Shadow demands.
"No, but I can beat you with this sword," Silver Ranger says, "Silver Saber!"
Silver Ranger converts the Silver Staff into the Silver Saber and charges the Ogre of the Black Shadow. He ducks a strong punch, then leans in as he stabs into the thick gut of the Ogre. Sparks fly as the Ogre's defense spell is compromised.
"Urk!" The Ogre of the Black Shadow backhands the Silver Ranger into a nearby column. The Silver Ranger slowly picks himself up. The Ogre of the Black Shadow rips the Silver Saber out of his stomach and throws it aside. Black ichor oozes out of the wound.
"Very good," the Ogre says, "you managed to penetrate my defensive shield spell. Not many can. But now you die!"
The Ogre of the Black Shadow raises its right hand and sends out blast after blast of purplish-black energy at the Silver Ranger. The Silver Ranger cartwheels to the side to avoid the shot. He continues to cartwheel to avoid the other blasts. As he dodges the attacks, he passes by the Silver Saber. He grabs it in his right hand. He whips it around, forming his energy barrier. Three blasts of the purplish-black energy hits the barrier and are reflected back at the Ogre of the Black Shadow.
The Ogre barely has the time to raise am arm before his own attacks hit him. In an explosion of purple-black light, the energy erupts violently.
"Whoa," Silver Ranger mutters, "that was close. I could barely keep my concentration up to hold the barrier."
"You did well," a voice from behind him says. Silver ranger whirls around to see what appeared to be another Atlantean Ranger before him.
He appeared to be in an aqua colored version of the Bronze and Platinum Atlantean Ranger costumes. His shield was a metallic aqua. In his right hand was a staff that appeared to be made up of a pair of daggers. And he was about five feet tall.
"Let me guess: Aqua Atlantean Power Ranger?" Silver Ranger asks.
"At your service," the Aqua Ranger asks, "now who are you? You are not Jace, are you?"
"Who?" Silver Ranger asks.
"The holder of the powers of the Silver Warrior of Atlantis," the Aqua Ranger asks, "and why are we using these inferior powers?"
"How do you know of the Atlantean Warrior's from before the fall of Atlantis?" Silver Ranger asks.
"Atlantis fell?" Aqua Ranger scoffs, "preposterous! Atlantis is invincible!"
"Obviously you've been out of the loop for a while," Silver Ranger says, "whats your real name, kid?"
"Kid?" the Aqua Ranger repeats in disgust, "I am over thirty years old, youngster?"
"Listen and listen well," Silver Ranger says, his voice rising slowly, "tell me your name and maybe I can sort this out."
"Fine," Aqua Ranger grumps, "I am called Gary Drake."
Once more, Silver Ranger was glad that his helmet concealed his face. He was slack-jawed in amazement. If this guy was telling the truth, he wasn't a new holder of the Aqua Morpher. Instead, he had been an Atlantean Warrior in the battle with the Dark Specter thousands of years ago.
"Tell me the names of your teammates," Silver Ranger says, "I have a fairly good idea what is going on."
"Why should I tell you?" Aqua Ranger demands.
"Because the holder of the Silver Morpher is the leader of the defenders of Atlantis, be they Atlantean Warriors or something else," Silver Ranger snaps, "and as you can see, I possess the Silver Morpher. Now speak up!"
"Jace was never this foul-tempered," the Aqua Ranger mutters.
Silver Ranger felt his insides go numb in amazement. It was true.
"Welcome to twelve thousand years in the future, Gary Drake of the Atlantean Clan Drake," Silver Ranger says, the Silver Morpher teaching him how to do a proper Atlantean bow.
"What?" Aqua Ranger demands.
"I'll explain this later," Silver Ranger says, "can you summon your Zord?"
"Kid, I am the Aqua Zord," Aqua Ranger says seriously.
"Great," Silver Ranger mutters, "delusions of grandeur."
"No, I became one with the Golem Zord during the Dark Specter's attack," the Aqua Ranger explains, "in doing so, I was stuck in its body, sharing the body with the spirit of the Golem. But in doing this I gave it the ability to shrink to a human size body. Only problem was that it is proportionate to the Golem Zord. In other words, I'm pretty much a midget."
"I'll say," Silver Ranger chuckles, "oh, and we're currently called the Atlantean Power Rangers. Still the strongest force of good in the universe and we don't even have all the Morphers. More on that later. Bronze and Platinum Ranger's are in trouble and they need the Ternary MegaZord 1."
"Got it," the Aqua Ranger says, "I call upon the power of the Aqua Golem, Zord of Atlantis!"
The Aqua Ranger opens up his right hand and his costume shimmers and he begins to grow until he is basically what could pass off for Zord size. The Aqua Golem Zord was more broadly built than most Zords. A visor served as eyes.
"Now that is a short Zord," Silver Ranger chuckles, "I call upon the Silver Dragon, Zord of Atlantis!"
The Silver Dragon Atlantean Zord appears in the sky and lands in what was likely the plaza of Pompei.
"Not so fast!" a raspy voice says from behind.
Silver ranger turns to see the Ogre of the Black Shadow getting up. A dark mist forms around him and he begins to grow to Zord proportions.
"What?" Silver Ranger gapes, "your still alive? You're worse than a cockroach."
The Silver Ranger leaps into the cockpit of the Silver Dragon Atlantean Zord.
"Silver Dragon Zord of Atlantis, power up!" Silver Ranger says, "convert to Warrior Mode!"
The Silver Dragon Zord initiates its Warrior Mode conversion sequence while the Aqua Golem Zord kept the Ogre of the Black Shadow busy. The only problem with this was that the Aqua Golem Zord only came up to the Ogre of the Black Shadow's waist.
"You have to be kidding me," the Ogre laughs as he picks up the Aqua Golem Zord by the throat, "this is one of your Zords? Pathetic!"
A blast of silver energy causes the Ogre to let go of the Aqua Golem Zord clutch his hand in agony.
"Let my new ally go," Silver Ranger growls from the Silver Warrior Zord's cockpit, "now let's rumble."
"Wait," the Aqua Ranger's voice pipes up on the comm. system, "let's go for the Armor Mode."
"Armor Mode?" Silver Rangers asks, puzzled, "whats that?"
"The way the Aqua Golem Zord combines with the other Zord's is by forming a sort of armor for the Warrior Mode's, increasing their strength by half. And with the Silver Warrior Zord being the strongest of all Zord's, we have a very powerful combination here."
"Then lets do it," Silver Ranger says, "Silver Warrior Zord, Armor Mode activate!"
The flashes of aqua colored light erupt around the Aqua Golem Zord and it splits into several pieces. The legs attach to the Silver Warrior Zord's legs and form leg armor. The torso molds around the torso of the Silver Warrior Zord, forming a shield similar to the Silver Atlantean Ranger's shield, only aqua in color. The head becomes a helmet and the arms become new arm guards and the weapons become arm blades.
"Silver Warrior Zord, Armor Mode! Power up!" Silver Ranger calls out.
The Ogre of the Black Shadow attacks the Silver Armored Warrior Zord, but his attack is stopped by a punch to the face.
"Wow, this power is incredible," Silver ranger says as he feels the strength of the Silver Armored Warrior Zord coursing through his body through the mind link.
"You'll pay for that," the Ogre of the Black Shadow growls.
"Silver Armor Arm Blades!" Silver Ranger calls out. The arm blades snap around, ready for action.
"Armor Blade Strike!" Silver Ranger calls out.
The Silver Armored Warrior Zord carves a double circle in the air, reinforcing the first circle with the second (each circle is being carved by one arm blade). He then slashes diagonally with each arm twice, then slashes with both arms horizontally.
With the final slash, a wave of energy erupts from the circle and hits the Ogre of the Black Shadow. Moments after the wave hits the Ogre of the Black Shadow, he explodes.
"Okay, now to get to Tokyo," Silver Ranger mutters.
"Where?" The Aqua Ranger's voice comes from the comm. unit.
"Its where the Bronze and Platinum Ranger's are fighting another monster. They need the power of the Ternary Megazord 1."
"How many Ranger's do we have?"
"Just me, Bronze and Platinum Ranger's, and you," Silver Ranger replies, "the Green Morpher was melted down and was made into several Power Coins to fight another enemy since its true power could not be accessed and the other two Morphers are at unknown locations since they are not emitting any power whatsoever."
"Well then, lets go help our teammates," Aqua Ranger says. The Silver Armored Warrior Zord vanishes in a flash of silver light as it teleports away.
The Bronze Warrior Zord crashes into another building as the Hitotsu-Me Giant tosses both Warrior Zords around like rag dolls.
"This guy is too strong!" Platinum Ranger cries as she is knocked into the sky, "we need some help?"
"Did somebody ask for help?" Silver Ranger asks over the comm. unit.
"What took you?" Bronze Ranger asks, "and where are you?"
"Behind you," Silver Ranger says, "Armor Blade Strike!"
A wave of energy flies over the Bronze Warrior Zord and hits the Hitotsu-Me Giant. As the smoke from the explosion clears, the Hitotsu-Me Giant is unscathed.
"Um, I think we're in trouble," a new voice says.
"Who is that?" Platinum Ranger asks, "and what happened to your Zord?"
"The Aqua Ranger," Silver Ranger replies, "and this is the Silver Armored Warrior Zord. The Aqua Golem Zord can form a suit of armor for any humanoid Zord."
"That's great!" Platinum Ranger says, "that should really boost our arsenal."
"But how do we use it?" Silver Ranger asks, "the Binary Zord 1 is as strong as the Silver Armored Warrior Zord."
"We should try the Ternary Megazord 1," Aqua Ranger suggests, "Silver Armored Warrior Zord, detach!"
The Armor separates from the Silver Warrior Zord and reforms into the Aqua Golem Zord. The Silver, Bronze, and Platinum Warrior Zords revert to the Silver Dragon, Bronze Griffin, and Platinum Winged Unicorn Zords.
"Begin Ternary Megazord 1 transformation!" Silver Ranger commands.
"Right!" Bronze and Platinum Ranger reply in unison.
The Bronze Griffin Zord changes, forming legs similar to those like the Binary Zord 1. The Silver Dragon Zord shifts, the wings folding over the front of its body. The legs pull in, as do the arms. The head folds over the chest and pushes into the chest, forming a sort of armor. The Platinum Winged Unicorn Zord splits down the middle. The legs come together to form a pair of arms. The wings fold over upon themselves until they are simple protrusions. The Silver Dragon Saber, the Bronze Griffin Battle Axe, and the Platinum Winged Unicorn Partisan come together to form the Ternary Lance. The Griffin Battle Axe and the Winged Unicorn Partisan combine at the blades, with the Dragon Saber sliding into a slot on the Griffin Battle Axe to form the point of the lance.
"Ternary MegaZord 1, power up!" Silver, Bronze, and Platinum Ranger's say in unison.
The Hitotsu-Me Giant grapples with the Ternary MegaZord 1. The Ternary Megazord 1 puts up its best defense, but the Hitotsu-Me Giant is too strong. The Ternary MegaZord 1 is thrown into a nearby skyscraper.
"This guy is tough," Silver Ranger says as they bring the Ternary Megazord 1 back to its feet, "we gotta figure out how to pilot this thing!"
"It seems similar to the Binary Zord," Platinum Ranger observes, "who should take control of movements?"
"What are the other two jobs?" Silver Ranger asks.
"Energy modulation and navigation," Platinum Ranger replies, "energy modulation appears to deal with how energy is spread throughout the Zord. We can put everything in one shot, but the Zord will then be out of power."
Silver Ranger thinks quickly. "Hmm. I have a plan on how to take him down. Platinum, you take care of energy modulation. Bronze, you deal with navigation. I'll control body movement."
"Shouldn't Platinum take care of body movement?" Bronze Ranger asks, "after all, a lance is a lot like her own weapon."
"I'm not inexperienced in weapons like the Ternary Lance," Silver Ranger replies, "remember, I was doing this for nearly a month before either of you came aboard. I trained with various weapons so I could makeshift with whatever was nearby in case Dark Specter caught me unmorphed. I especially trained with other weapons after we discovered that Dark Specter knew what I looked like."
"We don't even know that," Bronze Ranger mutters.
"Still, I can handle fighting with the Ternary Lance," Silver Ranger continues, "now take your positions. Aqua Ranger, prepare for Armor Ternary MegaZord transformation."
"Affirmative," Aqua Ranger replies.
"Armor Ternary MegaZord, activate!" the four Ranger's call out in unison. The Aqua Golem Zord splits into its Armor components and fit around the Ternary MegaZord 1. The Dirks of the Aqua Golem Zord fit onto the hilt of the Dragon Saber portion of the Ternary Lance.
"Armor Ternary MegaZord, power up!" the four Ranger's call out in unison.
The Hitotsu-Me Giant takes a step back in fear, then charges the Armor Ternary MegaZord 1.
The Armor Ternary MegaZord blocks with a single fist and teleports out of the city while still in contact with the Hitotsu-Me Giant.
They appear on the same island that the Silver Ranger beat Divorx on.
"Armor Ternary Lance!" Silver Ranger calls out, summoning the weapon of the Armor Ternary MegaZord.
The Hitotsu-Me Giant growls and throws a punch at the Armor Ternary MegaZord's face. The Armor Ternary MegaZord blocks with the Armor Ternary Lance and throws the Hitosu-Me Giant off-balance.
"Armor Ternary Strike!" Silver Ranger calls out, "half power!"
The Platinum Ranger channels half the energy needed for a full Armor Ternary Strike into the Armor Ternary Lance.
The Armor Ternary MegaZord carves a circle in the air with the tip of its Lance, then performs a trio of slashes: two diagonal and one horizontal.
The attack knocks up a huge cloud of dust that concentrates around the single eye of the Hitotsu-Me Giant.
"Now we can properly execute some hit and run tactics," Silver Ranger explains, "its main weakness is that single eye. Take it out and it is completely blind. I'm willing to bet that its senses of sight and sound are all but non-existent. Now let's whittle this guy down so we can hit him with our maximum power."
"How are we gonna whittle him down?" Bronze Ranger asks.
"How else?" Silver Ranger replies, grinning underneath his helmet, "we hit him until the damage adds up and he can't take any more."
"I'm glad we have such a master strategist for a self-appointed leader," Platinum Ranger says sarcastically.
"Actually," Aqua Ranger says from the comm. unit, "the holder of the Silver Morpher is supposed to be the leader."
"You're saying we have to take this idiot's orders?" Bronze Ranger demands.
"Hey, I'll gladly listen to any ideas you have," Silver Ranger says, "now can we please get back to the business at hand?"
The Armor Ternary MegaZord stabs at the Hitotsu-Me Giant with its Armor Ternary Lance, cutting through the monster's defense fields. It follows up with a strike to the kneecaps and then a punch to the gut that sends the Hitotsu-Me Giant sprawling.
"Wanna say we try to finish this fight?" Silver Ranger asks.
"Giving you full power now," Platinum Ranger says.
The Armor Ternary Lance glows with bronze, aqua, silver, and platinum light as it charges up to its full power.
"Armor Ternary Lance Strike!" The Armor Ternary MegaZord 1 carves a circle in the air with the tip of the Lance. It then slashes to the diagonal down- right and then to the horizontal left. It finishes the strike with an upward slash to the left. A wave of energy that is silver, bronze, platinum, and aqua in color hits the Hitotsu-Me Giant, obliterating it thoroughly.
"Well, that's that," Bronze Ranger says, "lets teleport back to Atlantis and meet our new team member."
With that, they all teleport out in their respective colors.
Upon arriving at Atlantis, the four Ranger's head for the Council to introduce, though it could be reintroduce, the newest Ranger to them.
Upon entering the Council room, the Aqua Ranger kneels before the Elder, Eleanor, and Connerly. "Elder Duncan, Lady Eleanor, and Wizard Connerly. It is good to see you again."
"Do we know you?" Eleanor asks, puzzled.
"Milady, it is I, Gary Drake, the Aqua Warrior of Atlantis."
"Gary?" Connerly asks, stunned, "we thought you were dead."
"No, milady, I simply became one with my Zord," Aqua Ranger replies, then dimorphs in a flash of aqua light. In the place of the Aqua Ranger was a miniature version of the Aqua Golem Zord.
"What the heck?" Platinum Ranger shrieks.
"Wow, you weren't kidding midget," Silver Ranger chuckles, "you really are an adult."
"Hey!" the Aqua Golem Zord Miniature cries out, "don't make fun of me or I'll ram my fist down your throat!"
"Gary, be nice," Eleanor says soothingly, "he was the first to receive the powers of Atlantis."
"And he has taken up this fight against the Dark Specter more seriously than these other two," Jacolby adds.
"Jacolby?" the Aqua Golem Zord Miniature asks in surprise, "what have you been doing since I last saw you?"
"Training the next generation of Atlantis' defenders," Jacolby replies, "though none of them show the promise that you or Jace showed."
"Who is Jace? Or was in this case."
"Well, Platinum Ranger, Jace was the previous holder of the Silver Atlantean Powers," Connerly answers.
"So he was my predecessor," Silver Ranger muses.
"Gary, I think you should meet the new Ranger's," the Elder says, "Ranger's, please demorph introduce yourselves."
In flashes of bronze and platinum light, the Bronze and Platinum Ranger's demorph.
"May I introduce Bethany Black, Bronze Atlantean Ranger," Connerly says, "and this is Holly Replogle, Platinum Atlantean Ranger. And apparently, the Silver Ranger still isn't gonna tell any of his fellow Ranger's his identity or show his face."
"You're right, I'm not," Silver Ranger replies, "now, I gotta go. Its almost suppertime and I'm starving. And, um, Gary? Pardon me if I'm being insulting, but you might wanna think up a new name. You're not exactly human anymore."
"And your point is?" the Aqua Golem Zord Miniature asks.
"Calling you a human name when you're no longer human is just plain creepy," Silver Ranger says solemnly, "I suggest you come up with a nickname until we can either get you a human body."
"What do you suggest?" the Aqua Golem Zord Miniature asks.
"How about Petite?" Silver Ranger suggests. Alex chuckles.
"Um, does it have any special meaning?" the Aqua Golem Zord Miniature asks.
"It means 'small' in French," Alex explains.
"And who might you be?" Petite asks.
"That is Alex," Silver Ranger answers, "he's kinda our support member. We're hoping that an Atlantean Morpher would choose him, so we've already begun training him."
"And if a Morpher doesn't select him?" Petite asks.
"I've been learning Atlantean magic to back then up when they need it," Alex replies.
"And he's been learning an astounding amount for a non-Atlantean," Connerly says with pride, "he is by far one of the quickest students I have ever had."
"You are taking him as a personal apprentice?" Petite asks, astounded, "but you have never taken an apprentice!"
"It is high time I did," Connerly replies, "and I doubt I'll ever come across another apprentice as skilled as Alex has shown to be. He has learned all of the basic magic of Atlantis in only three months."
"Three months?" Petite asks, "that's an incredible amount of time, especially for a non-Atlantean."
"Well, it is time for us to go now," Alex says, "it is dinner time."
"I, of course, will stay here on Atlantis and learn what has happened since I was last conscious," Petite says.
"Of course," Silver Ranger says. In a flash of silver light, he dimorphs and teleports out in that flash without anyone seeing his face.
"How did he do that?" Bethany asks in surprise.
Alex shrugs. "He practices."
With that, Alex teleports home in a flash of white light.
"Well, I hope you like the twentieth century," Bethany tells Petite, "but I gotta get home or I'll be grounded." She teleports home in a flash of bronze light.
"Same here," Holly says, "gotta go." She teleports out in a flash of platinum light.
"So those are the new Atlantean Warriors, huh?" Petite asks.
"No, those are the Atlantean Power Ranger's," the Elder says, "come old friend. Let us fill you in on what has happened since you were last with us."
Well, how did yu like that chapter? Please review and tell me what you think of it.
"You've yet to have to train on your own," Bethany Black, Holly's close friend and now constant companion says.
"True," Holly concedes. She backflips, then leaps forward and punches the automaton in the lower torso.
"Those two are a remarkable team," Silver Ranger comments to Jacolby as they watch the two girls spar with the automatons.
Six feet tall and heavily built, the automatons were currently programmed to fight like Spectrons, the foot soldiers of the Dark Specter's attack on Earth. Generally they were armed with likenesses of standard Spectron weapons. Right now they carried the blade weapons of Quantrons, the Dark Specter's previous army of shock troops and the basic ancestors of Spectrons.
"Yes, they are very good," Jacolby says, "they rely more on their teamwork than they do the Atlantean knowledge. You still prefer to fight alone and rely solely on the Atlantean knowledge."
"Not in a sword fight," Silver Ranger points out.
"No, you prefer to use your own amateur skills when wielding the Silver Saber," Jacolby says, "but when will you learn to work as part of a team?"
"When they can show me what being a team is," Silver Ranger replies, "if they can match my ideals of a team, then I will be a team player. Until then, I will merely work with them."
"This is not good," Jacolby mutters.
"You think I don't know that?" Silver Ranger demands, "I know they are worthy of the Atlantean Powers. If they weren't, then the Morphers wouldn't have picked them. But my standards are way higher."
"You demand perfection," Jacolby snaps.
"Maybe I do," Silver Ranger says calmly, "but its better to strive for perfection than it is to risk destruction."
"You seem to like risking destruction," Jacolby says.
"He just likes the thrill and the adrenaline rush," Alex says from behind.
Silver Ranger and Jacolby turn around to face Alex. Alex walks up, carrying a staff marked with various runes.
"He's never really had an exciting life before becoming a Ranger," Alex continues, "so now he's trying to get everything he can out of this experience."
Silver Ranger glares at Alex for a moment, then he begins to chuckle.
Connerly walks into the training room, exuding happiness.
"Greetings, Wizard Connerly," Silver Ranger says with a formal bow, "is there something going on?"
"We have detected the activation of a fourth Atlantean Morpher," Connerly says, "and its another one we thought lost."
"You mean another Morpher was remade?" Silver Ranger asks.
Connerly chuckles. "No, but it was in Pompei when the volcano blew. So was the Zord that goes along with it. They were both buried under tons of ash and lava. The Zord itself was in the volcano and a sudden upsurge in its power may have been what caused the eruption. "
"You mean our next Ranger will be from Italy?" Bethany asks. She and Holly had cut the simulation to listen to Connerly's announcement.
"Maybe, maybe not," Connerly says, "we may just be detecting its power. If that's the case, then we may be able to select who its power goes to. And if that's the case, then Alex will be able to join the fight."
"He would be welcome to join," Holly says, "its just too bad a Morpher has yet to decide he's worthy. We know he is worthy to be an Atlantean Ranger. Its just that his personality, his temperament does not match up enough to any of the existing Morphers. And all of those who possessed the Green Morpher were too different for us to determine what it looked for in a person other than that they have a strong code of honor and are dedicated to protecting others."
"What about how they fight?" Holly asks.
"They are either incredible hand to hand combatants or powerful mages," Connerly replies, "this is because the Green Warrior never had a weapon of its own."
"They didn't?" Bethany asks.
"No, the Green Warrior only had the Dagger that was part of its Ranger powers," Connerly explains, "and its main purpose was to control the Green Dragon Zord. The inherent magic in its metal created a template for the Green Morphin Ranger. The Green Morphin Ranger is almost identical to what the Green Atlantean Ranger would have been."
"Well, shall we go to Italy to find the Morpher?" Silver Ranger asks.
"Wait," Holly interrupts, "should we go Morphed?"
"Hmm, good question," Connerly says, "if you go Morphed, you might attract the Dark Specter's attention. If you go unmorphed, Silver Ranger won't join you, will you?"
"Probably not," Silver Ranger replies, "however, if the Morpher has picked someone and you find them, then just call me in. I can help convince them by appearing before them Morphed."
"Not a good idea," Alex says, "Dark Specter doesn't know their identities yet. He knows yours, and if you show up there as the Silver Ranger, then you'll give away their identities. That's a secret we have that the Dark Specter can't properly plan for."
"And we're gonna have to be really careful with the teleportation," Connerly says, "Dark Specter will be able to sense the teleportation energy for such a distance."
"Perhaps I should go alone, morphed," Silver Ranger suggests, "he knows who I am, I can handle myself fairly well on my own, and my appearance itself will convince the one who gets the Morpher, if anyone."
"Wait, do you speak Italian?" Holly asks.
"I don't speak any foreign language," Silver Ranger replies, "the only language I know is English."
"It doesn't matter," Alex says, "those who possess any form of Atlantean power can speak any language they come across and they can understand any language they come across."
"Then how did you understand the people of Atlantis until you learned their magic?" Silver Ranger asks.
"All those who step onto Atlantis immediately have a translation spell cast on them," Connerly explains, "it has always been so. It is part of the natural magic of Atlantis."
"Well, that explains a lot," Alex says, "still, I'm not sure if it's a good idea for you to go alone, Silver Ranger."
"Well, you're gonna have to deal with it," Silver Ranger says, "it's the only logical choice we have. He'll know basically what we're doing if I go alone, but at least I won't be defenseless if they ambush me and don't give me a chance to morph."
"The only problem is that only the America's have had experience with Power Ranger's, though the Pink Zeo, second Pink Morphin, and first Pink Turbo Ranger was from Australia," Connerly says thoughtfully, "and the Yellow Zeo and first Yellow Turbo Ranger was from Africa."
"That does raise a good point," Alex says, "if I'm not mistaken, most of the world didn't even believe that the Power Ranger's existed until the Countdown. There's a chance you'll be received in Italy at gunpoint."
"So Holly and I should go," Bethany says.
"No!" Silver Ranger says, "you would be defenseless and if Dark Specter chose to attack then you'd be dead before you had a chance to morph. And morphing is the only defense you have. Neither one of you are good enough to take on Spectrons unmorphed. You've only been fighting half-strength Spectrons. They fight at the exact level of skill that Spectrons possess, but they have only have the strength."
"What?!" Bethany demands, "you mean we've been fighting half-strength Spectrons the entire time?"
"Why?" Holly asks.
"Currently it is more important that you familiarize yourselves with their fighting style," Connerly replies, "once you do so, then you can deal with their full strength."
"In other words, technique is more important than strength," Holly says bluntly.
"It is a better foundation than strength for it will see you through if your strength fails," Jacolby says.
"Does Silver Ranger train with half-strength Spectrons?" Bethany asks.
"When he trains alone and unmorphed," Jacolby replies.
"Fair enough," Holly says.
"He fights with Spectrons that are maybe three times as strong as normal when he trains morphed," Jacolby says.
"So it'll be as if he is fighting unmorphed," Bethany states.
"No, that's as strong as we can make them," Connerly says, "they are as strong as any of the other teams of Power Ranger's. Particularly the Zeo Ranger's, who were the strongest Ranger's before you."
"Wow," Bethany says, "when will we be able to train with Spectrons that strong?"
"At the rate you're going, only if you're morphed will that ever happen," Silver Ranger says with a near sneer.
"Well, you don't have to be mean about it," Holly huffs.
"I'm going to Italy," Silver Ranger declares, "and none of you are going with me. The two of you can stay behind and train some more. And if Dark Specter attacks somewhere else, then you'll be ready to fight off the monster. With the Binary Zord 1, you have more power than I would in a Zord battle. And the two of you will gain more experience without me there looking out for you. You'll be able to grow on your own."
"Very well," Connerly says, "Silver Ranger, you raise enough good points. You shall go to Pompei alone. But be ready to retreat if you are overwhelmed and help can't come to you. Gaining another Morpher is not as important as losing one we already have in our possession, let alone the one with more power than any other."
"He's the strongest Ranger?" Bethany asks.
"The Silver Atlantean Morpher has more power than any other Morpher in the universe," Connerly replies, "the 'extra' member of each team, in most cases the sixth Ranger, is the strongest on each team. The Silver Morpher was the first Atlantean Morpher that was made, but it is the strongest. The second strongest Atlantean Morpher was the Green Morpher, but it is gone forever now."
"I'm going now," Silver Ranger says.
"Be careful dude," Alex says. Silver Ranger nods and disappears in a flash of silver light.
Silver Ranger appears among the ruins of Pompei, in the center of the ancient city.
"Wow," Silver Ranger murmurs, "this place must have been gorgeous before the eruption."
His wrist communicator beeps.
"Silver Ranger, do you see anything?" Alex asks.
"I just arrived," Silver Ranger retorts, "what do you think?"
"Just wonderin'," Alex says.
"I'll contact you if I see anything," Silver Ranger says, "Silver Ranger out."
Silver Ranger closes the communications signal.
"Now, where to look?" he asks himself.
Dark Specter watched the Silver Ranger's appearance with interest.
"What could he want in that ruined Earth city?" he rumbles, "could they be looking for another Morpher?"
"Master, I have good news!" Darkonda says.
"What is it, Darkonda?" Dark Specter asks.
"I have taken the liberty of contacting the Ogre of the Black Shadow," Darkonda says, "he is on his way to Earth. He is in what the Earthlings call Pompei. I detected an upsurge of a strange energy there earlier today, so I sent him to check it out."
"Very good," Dark Specter rumbles, "the Silver Atlantean Ranger is there, alone. The Ogre of Black Shadow can destroy him. But we need to stop the chance for reinforcements. Send someone else down to distract the other two Ranger's. Send the Hitotsu-Me Giant to destroy this city."
"What do the Earthling's call it?" Darkonda asks.
"Tokyo, Japan," Dark Specter says.
On Atlantis, things are in chaos.
"What is going on?" Holly wails.
"Dark Specter is attacking two cities this time," Connerly replies, "he has sent the Ogre of the Black Shadow to Pompei, presumably to destroy the Silver Ranger. He has also sent a monster we have identified as the Hitotsu- Me Giant to Tokyo."
"The Silver Ranger is gonna have to fight the Ogre of the Black Shadow alone," Jacolby says, "Bethany and Holly, you two ladies are going to Tokyo. You will have to use your Zords to battle this threat. He is larger than the Binary Zord 1 by two Zord heads. You are gonna have to use strategy to beat him. He is stronger than even the Ternary Megazord One, and you can't even use that while the Silver Ranger is in Pompei. And we can't sent it to you and you use it by remote because there is a good chance that the Silver Ranger will need it soon."
"So we're just gonna have to keep him busy until the Silver Ranger can help us," Bethany grumbles.
"And the Aqua Ranger, if we can get their Zord in use," Connerly adds.
"So we just gotta fly by the seat of our pants?" Holly asks.
"You got it," Alex says, "I sincerely wish I could help, but I don't know any spells that can hurt a Zord-sized monster."
"Both of these are monster, right?" Bethany asks.
"Yes, both of them are monsters," Connerly replies, "now go and stop the Hitotsu-Me Giant!"
"Right," Bethany says, "it's Morphin time! Bronze Power of Atlantis!"
"Platinum Power of Atlantis!" Holly cries out.
In twin flashes of bronze and platinum light, both girls are suddenly clad in the armor's of the Bronze and Platinum Atlantean Ranger's.
"Let's go show this giant that you don't mess with Earth," Bronze Ranger says.
The two female Ranger's teleport out in beams of bronze and platinum light.
"Um, are you sure Silver Ranger can take down this Ogre of the Black Shadow?" Alex asks nervously.
"Hopefully he'll surprise us," Jacolby says darkly, "otherwise, we'll need to find someone else to wield the Silver Morpher and try to come up with a reason for his death."
Alex stares at Jacolby in shock as they watch the events unfold through the magic of Atlantis.
Silver Ranger was getting frustrated. He had no idea how big Pompei was, and he had been wondering around for hours. And there was no sign of the Morpher or even another person! And there was no sign of anything that could pass for a Zord, either.
"Damn, where is everything?" Silver Ranger demands to no one.
"Well, I'm right behind you, Silver Ranger," a deep voice that just oozed with evil says just before the Silver Ranger is knocked down by a massive arm. As he gets back to his feet, the Silver Ranger sees his assailant.
He had a dark reddish-orange skin, spiky green hair, and dark green leg armor. He also wore purple wristbands, a green beard, two horns, and glowing yellow-orange eyes. And worst of all, he was thickly muscled. Not too much to hamper his movement. And Silver Ranger felt that those muscles gave him a lot more strength than it looked like he would have.
"I am the Ogre of the Black Shadow and I am here to destroy you, Silver Ranger," the creature says.
"An ogre, eh," Silver Ranger says, smiling carnivorously behind his mask, "guess you're not alive then, are you?"
"Not as you would classify being alive," the Ogre says, "besides, you won't be alive long enough for it to matter."
"Think again," Silver Ranger growls, "Silver Staff!"
The Silver Staff appears in the Silver Ranger's right hand. He bring sit forward and fires a bolt of silver energy at the Ogre of the Black Shadow. But the Ogre just takes a deep breath and blows out a dark black fog that pushes back the energy bolt.
"This- might be a problem," Silver Ranger mutters.
"This guy is huge!" Platinum Ranger cries out as she avoids being stomped on by the Hitotsu-Me Giant.
"At least his loincloth is closed!" Bronze Ranger says as she gets back to her feet, "otherwise we'd be having to destroy him for public indecency."
"Hey, this is Japan," Platinum Ranger jokes, "have you read the manga they send to America? It's lewd and extremely crude. These people wouldn't bat an eye at public indecency of this sort."
"Lets take him down with the Zords," Bronze Ranger says.
"Platinum Winged Unicorn, Zord of Atlantis! Power up!" Platinum Ranger calls out.
"Bronze Griffin, Zord of Atlantis! Power up!" Bronze Ranger calls out. Both Zords appear in a pair of flashes of bronze and platinum light. Both Ranger's leap into their Zord's.
"Platinum Winged Unicorn Zord, convert to Warrior Mode, now!" Platinum Ranger commands.
"Bronze Griffin Zord, convert to Warrior Mode, now!" Bronze Ranger commands. In a pair of flashes of appropriately colored light, both Zords convert to their Warrior Modes.
"Platinum Warrior Zord, power up!" Platinum Ranger says as her Zord completes its Warrior Mode transformation.
"Bronze Warrior Zord, power up!" Bronze Ranger says as her Zord completes its Warrior Mode as well.
"Griffin Battle Axe!" Bronze Ranger calls out, summoning the Bronze Warrior Zord's weapon.
"Winged Unicorn Partisan!" Platinum Ranger calls out, summoning the Platinum Warrior Zord's weapon.
"Why didn't they form the Binary Zord 1?" Alex asks.
"It may have more power than either Zord alone, but the Hitotsu-Me Giant has more brute strength than even the Ternary MegaZord 1," Connerly explains, "so they are obviously using the superior agility of the Bronze and Platinum Warrior Zords to hold him off until Silver Ranger can rescue them."
"Smart thinking," Alex says, "but can they hold him off without doing major property damage?"
"We can only hope," Jacolby says dryly.
"So, you think you can beat me with that stick?" the Ogre of the Black Shadow demands.
"No, but I can beat you with this sword," Silver Ranger says, "Silver Saber!"
Silver Ranger converts the Silver Staff into the Silver Saber and charges the Ogre of the Black Shadow. He ducks a strong punch, then leans in as he stabs into the thick gut of the Ogre. Sparks fly as the Ogre's defense spell is compromised.
"Urk!" The Ogre of the Black Shadow backhands the Silver Ranger into a nearby column. The Silver Ranger slowly picks himself up. The Ogre of the Black Shadow rips the Silver Saber out of his stomach and throws it aside. Black ichor oozes out of the wound.
"Very good," the Ogre says, "you managed to penetrate my defensive shield spell. Not many can. But now you die!"
The Ogre of the Black Shadow raises its right hand and sends out blast after blast of purplish-black energy at the Silver Ranger. The Silver Ranger cartwheels to the side to avoid the shot. He continues to cartwheel to avoid the other blasts. As he dodges the attacks, he passes by the Silver Saber. He grabs it in his right hand. He whips it around, forming his energy barrier. Three blasts of the purplish-black energy hits the barrier and are reflected back at the Ogre of the Black Shadow.
The Ogre barely has the time to raise am arm before his own attacks hit him. In an explosion of purple-black light, the energy erupts violently.
"Whoa," Silver Ranger mutters, "that was close. I could barely keep my concentration up to hold the barrier."
"You did well," a voice from behind him says. Silver ranger whirls around to see what appeared to be another Atlantean Ranger before him.
He appeared to be in an aqua colored version of the Bronze and Platinum Atlantean Ranger costumes. His shield was a metallic aqua. In his right hand was a staff that appeared to be made up of a pair of daggers. And he was about five feet tall.
"Let me guess: Aqua Atlantean Power Ranger?" Silver Ranger asks.
"At your service," the Aqua Ranger asks, "now who are you? You are not Jace, are you?"
"Who?" Silver Ranger asks.
"The holder of the powers of the Silver Warrior of Atlantis," the Aqua Ranger asks, "and why are we using these inferior powers?"
"How do you know of the Atlantean Warrior's from before the fall of Atlantis?" Silver Ranger asks.
"Atlantis fell?" Aqua Ranger scoffs, "preposterous! Atlantis is invincible!"
"Obviously you've been out of the loop for a while," Silver Ranger says, "whats your real name, kid?"
"Kid?" the Aqua Ranger repeats in disgust, "I am over thirty years old, youngster?"
"Listen and listen well," Silver Ranger says, his voice rising slowly, "tell me your name and maybe I can sort this out."
"Fine," Aqua Ranger grumps, "I am called Gary Drake."
Once more, Silver Ranger was glad that his helmet concealed his face. He was slack-jawed in amazement. If this guy was telling the truth, he wasn't a new holder of the Aqua Morpher. Instead, he had been an Atlantean Warrior in the battle with the Dark Specter thousands of years ago.
"Tell me the names of your teammates," Silver Ranger says, "I have a fairly good idea what is going on."
"Why should I tell you?" Aqua Ranger demands.
"Because the holder of the Silver Morpher is the leader of the defenders of Atlantis, be they Atlantean Warriors or something else," Silver Ranger snaps, "and as you can see, I possess the Silver Morpher. Now speak up!"
"Jace was never this foul-tempered," the Aqua Ranger mutters.
Silver Ranger felt his insides go numb in amazement. It was true.
"Welcome to twelve thousand years in the future, Gary Drake of the Atlantean Clan Drake," Silver Ranger says, the Silver Morpher teaching him how to do a proper Atlantean bow.
"What?" Aqua Ranger demands.
"I'll explain this later," Silver Ranger says, "can you summon your Zord?"
"Kid, I am the Aqua Zord," Aqua Ranger says seriously.
"Great," Silver Ranger mutters, "delusions of grandeur."
"No, I became one with the Golem Zord during the Dark Specter's attack," the Aqua Ranger explains, "in doing so, I was stuck in its body, sharing the body with the spirit of the Golem. But in doing this I gave it the ability to shrink to a human size body. Only problem was that it is proportionate to the Golem Zord. In other words, I'm pretty much a midget."
"I'll say," Silver Ranger chuckles, "oh, and we're currently called the Atlantean Power Rangers. Still the strongest force of good in the universe and we don't even have all the Morphers. More on that later. Bronze and Platinum Ranger's are in trouble and they need the Ternary MegaZord 1."
"Got it," the Aqua Ranger says, "I call upon the power of the Aqua Golem, Zord of Atlantis!"
The Aqua Ranger opens up his right hand and his costume shimmers and he begins to grow until he is basically what could pass off for Zord size. The Aqua Golem Zord was more broadly built than most Zords. A visor served as eyes.
"Now that is a short Zord," Silver Ranger chuckles, "I call upon the Silver Dragon, Zord of Atlantis!"
The Silver Dragon Atlantean Zord appears in the sky and lands in what was likely the plaza of Pompei.
"Not so fast!" a raspy voice says from behind.
Silver ranger turns to see the Ogre of the Black Shadow getting up. A dark mist forms around him and he begins to grow to Zord proportions.
"What?" Silver Ranger gapes, "your still alive? You're worse than a cockroach."
The Silver Ranger leaps into the cockpit of the Silver Dragon Atlantean Zord.
"Silver Dragon Zord of Atlantis, power up!" Silver Ranger says, "convert to Warrior Mode!"
The Silver Dragon Zord initiates its Warrior Mode conversion sequence while the Aqua Golem Zord kept the Ogre of the Black Shadow busy. The only problem with this was that the Aqua Golem Zord only came up to the Ogre of the Black Shadow's waist.
"You have to be kidding me," the Ogre laughs as he picks up the Aqua Golem Zord by the throat, "this is one of your Zords? Pathetic!"
A blast of silver energy causes the Ogre to let go of the Aqua Golem Zord clutch his hand in agony.
"Let my new ally go," Silver Ranger growls from the Silver Warrior Zord's cockpit, "now let's rumble."
"Wait," the Aqua Ranger's voice pipes up on the comm. system, "let's go for the Armor Mode."
"Armor Mode?" Silver Rangers asks, puzzled, "whats that?"
"The way the Aqua Golem Zord combines with the other Zord's is by forming a sort of armor for the Warrior Mode's, increasing their strength by half. And with the Silver Warrior Zord being the strongest of all Zord's, we have a very powerful combination here."
"Then lets do it," Silver Ranger says, "Silver Warrior Zord, Armor Mode activate!"
The flashes of aqua colored light erupt around the Aqua Golem Zord and it splits into several pieces. The legs attach to the Silver Warrior Zord's legs and form leg armor. The torso molds around the torso of the Silver Warrior Zord, forming a shield similar to the Silver Atlantean Ranger's shield, only aqua in color. The head becomes a helmet and the arms become new arm guards and the weapons become arm blades.
"Silver Warrior Zord, Armor Mode! Power up!" Silver Ranger calls out.
The Ogre of the Black Shadow attacks the Silver Armored Warrior Zord, but his attack is stopped by a punch to the face.
"Wow, this power is incredible," Silver ranger says as he feels the strength of the Silver Armored Warrior Zord coursing through his body through the mind link.
"You'll pay for that," the Ogre of the Black Shadow growls.
"Silver Armor Arm Blades!" Silver Ranger calls out. The arm blades snap around, ready for action.
"Armor Blade Strike!" Silver Ranger calls out.
The Silver Armored Warrior Zord carves a double circle in the air, reinforcing the first circle with the second (each circle is being carved by one arm blade). He then slashes diagonally with each arm twice, then slashes with both arms horizontally.
With the final slash, a wave of energy erupts from the circle and hits the Ogre of the Black Shadow. Moments after the wave hits the Ogre of the Black Shadow, he explodes.
"Okay, now to get to Tokyo," Silver Ranger mutters.
"Where?" The Aqua Ranger's voice comes from the comm. unit.
"Its where the Bronze and Platinum Ranger's are fighting another monster. They need the power of the Ternary Megazord 1."
"How many Ranger's do we have?"
"Just me, Bronze and Platinum Ranger's, and you," Silver Ranger replies, "the Green Morpher was melted down and was made into several Power Coins to fight another enemy since its true power could not be accessed and the other two Morphers are at unknown locations since they are not emitting any power whatsoever."
"Well then, lets go help our teammates," Aqua Ranger says. The Silver Armored Warrior Zord vanishes in a flash of silver light as it teleports away.
The Bronze Warrior Zord crashes into another building as the Hitotsu-Me Giant tosses both Warrior Zords around like rag dolls.
"This guy is too strong!" Platinum Ranger cries as she is knocked into the sky, "we need some help?"
"Did somebody ask for help?" Silver Ranger asks over the comm. unit.
"What took you?" Bronze Ranger asks, "and where are you?"
"Behind you," Silver Ranger says, "Armor Blade Strike!"
A wave of energy flies over the Bronze Warrior Zord and hits the Hitotsu-Me Giant. As the smoke from the explosion clears, the Hitotsu-Me Giant is unscathed.
"Um, I think we're in trouble," a new voice says.
"Who is that?" Platinum Ranger asks, "and what happened to your Zord?"
"The Aqua Ranger," Silver Ranger replies, "and this is the Silver Armored Warrior Zord. The Aqua Golem Zord can form a suit of armor for any humanoid Zord."
"That's great!" Platinum Ranger says, "that should really boost our arsenal."
"But how do we use it?" Silver Ranger asks, "the Binary Zord 1 is as strong as the Silver Armored Warrior Zord."
"We should try the Ternary Megazord 1," Aqua Ranger suggests, "Silver Armored Warrior Zord, detach!"
The Armor separates from the Silver Warrior Zord and reforms into the Aqua Golem Zord. The Silver, Bronze, and Platinum Warrior Zords revert to the Silver Dragon, Bronze Griffin, and Platinum Winged Unicorn Zords.
"Begin Ternary Megazord 1 transformation!" Silver Ranger commands.
"Right!" Bronze and Platinum Ranger reply in unison.
The Bronze Griffin Zord changes, forming legs similar to those like the Binary Zord 1. The Silver Dragon Zord shifts, the wings folding over the front of its body. The legs pull in, as do the arms. The head folds over the chest and pushes into the chest, forming a sort of armor. The Platinum Winged Unicorn Zord splits down the middle. The legs come together to form a pair of arms. The wings fold over upon themselves until they are simple protrusions. The Silver Dragon Saber, the Bronze Griffin Battle Axe, and the Platinum Winged Unicorn Partisan come together to form the Ternary Lance. The Griffin Battle Axe and the Winged Unicorn Partisan combine at the blades, with the Dragon Saber sliding into a slot on the Griffin Battle Axe to form the point of the lance.
"Ternary MegaZord 1, power up!" Silver, Bronze, and Platinum Ranger's say in unison.
The Hitotsu-Me Giant grapples with the Ternary MegaZord 1. The Ternary Megazord 1 puts up its best defense, but the Hitotsu-Me Giant is too strong. The Ternary MegaZord 1 is thrown into a nearby skyscraper.
"This guy is tough," Silver Ranger says as they bring the Ternary Megazord 1 back to its feet, "we gotta figure out how to pilot this thing!"
"It seems similar to the Binary Zord," Platinum Ranger observes, "who should take control of movements?"
"What are the other two jobs?" Silver Ranger asks.
"Energy modulation and navigation," Platinum Ranger replies, "energy modulation appears to deal with how energy is spread throughout the Zord. We can put everything in one shot, but the Zord will then be out of power."
Silver Ranger thinks quickly. "Hmm. I have a plan on how to take him down. Platinum, you take care of energy modulation. Bronze, you deal with navigation. I'll control body movement."
"Shouldn't Platinum take care of body movement?" Bronze Ranger asks, "after all, a lance is a lot like her own weapon."
"I'm not inexperienced in weapons like the Ternary Lance," Silver Ranger replies, "remember, I was doing this for nearly a month before either of you came aboard. I trained with various weapons so I could makeshift with whatever was nearby in case Dark Specter caught me unmorphed. I especially trained with other weapons after we discovered that Dark Specter knew what I looked like."
"We don't even know that," Bronze Ranger mutters.
"Still, I can handle fighting with the Ternary Lance," Silver Ranger continues, "now take your positions. Aqua Ranger, prepare for Armor Ternary MegaZord transformation."
"Affirmative," Aqua Ranger replies.
"Armor Ternary MegaZord, activate!" the four Ranger's call out in unison. The Aqua Golem Zord splits into its Armor components and fit around the Ternary MegaZord 1. The Dirks of the Aqua Golem Zord fit onto the hilt of the Dragon Saber portion of the Ternary Lance.
"Armor Ternary MegaZord, power up!" the four Ranger's call out in unison.
The Hitotsu-Me Giant takes a step back in fear, then charges the Armor Ternary MegaZord 1.
The Armor Ternary MegaZord blocks with a single fist and teleports out of the city while still in contact with the Hitotsu-Me Giant.
They appear on the same island that the Silver Ranger beat Divorx on.
"Armor Ternary Lance!" Silver Ranger calls out, summoning the weapon of the Armor Ternary MegaZord.
The Hitotsu-Me Giant growls and throws a punch at the Armor Ternary MegaZord's face. The Armor Ternary MegaZord blocks with the Armor Ternary Lance and throws the Hitosu-Me Giant off-balance.
"Armor Ternary Strike!" Silver Ranger calls out, "half power!"
The Platinum Ranger channels half the energy needed for a full Armor Ternary Strike into the Armor Ternary Lance.
The Armor Ternary MegaZord carves a circle in the air with the tip of its Lance, then performs a trio of slashes: two diagonal and one horizontal.
The attack knocks up a huge cloud of dust that concentrates around the single eye of the Hitotsu-Me Giant.
"Now we can properly execute some hit and run tactics," Silver Ranger explains, "its main weakness is that single eye. Take it out and it is completely blind. I'm willing to bet that its senses of sight and sound are all but non-existent. Now let's whittle this guy down so we can hit him with our maximum power."
"How are we gonna whittle him down?" Bronze Ranger asks.
"How else?" Silver Ranger replies, grinning underneath his helmet, "we hit him until the damage adds up and he can't take any more."
"I'm glad we have such a master strategist for a self-appointed leader," Platinum Ranger says sarcastically.
"Actually," Aqua Ranger says from the comm. unit, "the holder of the Silver Morpher is supposed to be the leader."
"You're saying we have to take this idiot's orders?" Bronze Ranger demands.
"Hey, I'll gladly listen to any ideas you have," Silver Ranger says, "now can we please get back to the business at hand?"
The Armor Ternary MegaZord stabs at the Hitotsu-Me Giant with its Armor Ternary Lance, cutting through the monster's defense fields. It follows up with a strike to the kneecaps and then a punch to the gut that sends the Hitotsu-Me Giant sprawling.
"Wanna say we try to finish this fight?" Silver Ranger asks.
"Giving you full power now," Platinum Ranger says.
The Armor Ternary Lance glows with bronze, aqua, silver, and platinum light as it charges up to its full power.
"Armor Ternary Lance Strike!" The Armor Ternary MegaZord 1 carves a circle in the air with the tip of the Lance. It then slashes to the diagonal down- right and then to the horizontal left. It finishes the strike with an upward slash to the left. A wave of energy that is silver, bronze, platinum, and aqua in color hits the Hitotsu-Me Giant, obliterating it thoroughly.
"Well, that's that," Bronze Ranger says, "lets teleport back to Atlantis and meet our new team member."
With that, they all teleport out in their respective colors.
Upon arriving at Atlantis, the four Ranger's head for the Council to introduce, though it could be reintroduce, the newest Ranger to them.
Upon entering the Council room, the Aqua Ranger kneels before the Elder, Eleanor, and Connerly. "Elder Duncan, Lady Eleanor, and Wizard Connerly. It is good to see you again."
"Do we know you?" Eleanor asks, puzzled.
"Milady, it is I, Gary Drake, the Aqua Warrior of Atlantis."
"Gary?" Connerly asks, stunned, "we thought you were dead."
"No, milady, I simply became one with my Zord," Aqua Ranger replies, then dimorphs in a flash of aqua light. In the place of the Aqua Ranger was a miniature version of the Aqua Golem Zord.
"What the heck?" Platinum Ranger shrieks.
"Wow, you weren't kidding midget," Silver Ranger chuckles, "you really are an adult."
"Hey!" the Aqua Golem Zord Miniature cries out, "don't make fun of me or I'll ram my fist down your throat!"
"Gary, be nice," Eleanor says soothingly, "he was the first to receive the powers of Atlantis."
"And he has taken up this fight against the Dark Specter more seriously than these other two," Jacolby adds.
"Jacolby?" the Aqua Golem Zord Miniature asks in surprise, "what have you been doing since I last saw you?"
"Training the next generation of Atlantis' defenders," Jacolby replies, "though none of them show the promise that you or Jace showed."
"Who is Jace? Or was in this case."
"Well, Platinum Ranger, Jace was the previous holder of the Silver Atlantean Powers," Connerly answers.
"So he was my predecessor," Silver Ranger muses.
"Gary, I think you should meet the new Ranger's," the Elder says, "Ranger's, please demorph introduce yourselves."
In flashes of bronze and platinum light, the Bronze and Platinum Ranger's demorph.
"May I introduce Bethany Black, Bronze Atlantean Ranger," Connerly says, "and this is Holly Replogle, Platinum Atlantean Ranger. And apparently, the Silver Ranger still isn't gonna tell any of his fellow Ranger's his identity or show his face."
"You're right, I'm not," Silver Ranger replies, "now, I gotta go. Its almost suppertime and I'm starving. And, um, Gary? Pardon me if I'm being insulting, but you might wanna think up a new name. You're not exactly human anymore."
"And your point is?" the Aqua Golem Zord Miniature asks.
"Calling you a human name when you're no longer human is just plain creepy," Silver Ranger says solemnly, "I suggest you come up with a nickname until we can either get you a human body."
"What do you suggest?" the Aqua Golem Zord Miniature asks.
"How about Petite?" Silver Ranger suggests. Alex chuckles.
"Um, does it have any special meaning?" the Aqua Golem Zord Miniature asks.
"It means 'small' in French," Alex explains.
"And who might you be?" Petite asks.
"That is Alex," Silver Ranger answers, "he's kinda our support member. We're hoping that an Atlantean Morpher would choose him, so we've already begun training him."
"And if a Morpher doesn't select him?" Petite asks.
"I've been learning Atlantean magic to back then up when they need it," Alex replies.
"And he's been learning an astounding amount for a non-Atlantean," Connerly says with pride, "he is by far one of the quickest students I have ever had."
"You are taking him as a personal apprentice?" Petite asks, astounded, "but you have never taken an apprentice!"
"It is high time I did," Connerly replies, "and I doubt I'll ever come across another apprentice as skilled as Alex has shown to be. He has learned all of the basic magic of Atlantis in only three months."
"Three months?" Petite asks, "that's an incredible amount of time, especially for a non-Atlantean."
"Well, it is time for us to go now," Alex says, "it is dinner time."
"I, of course, will stay here on Atlantis and learn what has happened since I was last conscious," Petite says.
"Of course," Silver Ranger says. In a flash of silver light, he dimorphs and teleports out in that flash without anyone seeing his face.
"How did he do that?" Bethany asks in surprise.
Alex shrugs. "He practices."
With that, Alex teleports home in a flash of white light.
"Well, I hope you like the twentieth century," Bethany tells Petite, "but I gotta get home or I'll be grounded." She teleports home in a flash of bronze light.
"Same here," Holly says, "gotta go." She teleports out in a flash of platinum light.
"So those are the new Atlantean Warriors, huh?" Petite asks.
"No, those are the Atlantean Power Ranger's," the Elder says, "come old friend. Let us fill you in on what has happened since you were last with us."
Well, how did yu like that chapter? Please review and tell me what you think of it.