Last time- Ashley begins to act strangely towards her friends. Her friends begin to get suspicious but before they could even think about Tynan attacked once again. While the other rangers were fighting him in his monstrous form, Cael once again lured Ashley in. After transferring there blood between them he sent Ashley back to the ship only to confronted by her angry friends. Will Ashley realize what is happening? Will Andros come back in time?
Never what it seems to be
Chapter 5- Return of Red
Andros flew through the vast reaches of space on his galaxy glider. He stared out of his helmet nothing but stars near him now. It would only be a little more time until he reached the Astro Mega Ship. Then he would help his friends with this new threat, whatever it was. Yet he was happy to be returning. He could not wait until he saw Ashley again, his Ashley. From the moment he left it was heart wrenching. The tears brimming in her eyes as he left pulled on his heartstrings. While on KO-35, he dreamt of holding the yellow ranger in his arms again. Dreaming about how he would kiss her and her showering him with her sweet kisses. He snapped out of his daze when he saw the Astro Mega Ship in view.
The excitement filled him. He went full speed toward the ship. His home, family, and friends awaited him inside. Finally, he was at his home. Once inside the ship he de-morphed. "DECA!" he called to computer. "What time is it?" The computer responded instantly, "11:23 A.M. standard Angel Grove time." Andros nodded his head, his long hair falling behind his back. He looked around wondering if anyone was up and where they would be.
He decided to try the mess hall. If it was this early, someone must have been hungry. He walked through the ship halls, in his normal work attire. Once arriving at the mess hall, he peered in to find it occupied by all the other rangers, except Ashley, and his sister. "Hey guys," Andros, said stepping into the room. Everyone turned there heads to the entrance and stared in shock. "ANDROS!" they all shouted in union. "You're back but it's so early we thought you'd be back tomorrow." Cassie said. "I finished early" he responded. It was obvious to the others he was wondering where Ashley was. As the others were reading his mind they said, "Ashley is in her room." Andros smiled, wanting to see her.
Ashley was asleep in her room, dressed in a black top and pants pajamas. Her hair was sprawled all over her pillow yet she looked peaceful. She was on her back, one hand by her head and the other lying on her stomach. Absently the yellow ranger rubbed her neck in her sleep and then her hand fell dully to her side. The spot where Cael pierced her skin throbbed every so often. Yet unknowing to her, his tainted blood flowed through her. Once the final transfer would complete she would be wholly vampire.
As the yellow ranger slept, the door to her room opened and Andros entered. His eyes found her, looking gorgeous. She looked like an angel. The light emitting from the hallway made her light skin shine as if she truly was a celestial being. Swallowing the lump in the back of his throat, Andros moved closer to her. He had waited for so long to see her, to hold her in his arms. Finally, near the bed he looked down at her. He shifted slightly so his frame would not produce a shadow up on her face. Ever so gently, he sat down on the bed and looked at her face.
"Ashley," he murmured softly. He placed his hand against her cheek, which oddly felt cold to his touch. Still sleeping Ashley turned her face into the warmth of the red ranger's hand. Andros brushed her face with his thumb, touching silky soft skin. Again he whispered her name, wanting to wake her but afraid to. She looked so peaceful. When he removed his hand from her face, he heard a soft murmur.
"Andros?" he voice said drowsily. Her eyes slowly fluttered open. "It must be a dream… you are here with me!" she yawned. Reaching her hand to his jaw, she gently stroked him with her fingertips. Yet her hand felt heavy like lead. It fell down to his shoulder gently brushing across it like a feather. "Good night."
Andros noticed Ashley fall back asleep, her hand falling back to bed. Surprised that she could nod off like that the red ranger touched her forehead. It like the rest of her face seemed cold. Is she sick? Worried, the red ranger tried to wake her up again so he would be able to get her to the medical bay of the ship so they could run a diagnostic on her. Yet, she remained in a deep sleep.
I hear him calling for me. I want to wake up but I am so tired. I feel like I could sleep forever. Just lay in bed and sleep. That is all I want to do. Sleep.
Through the thick layers of fog of sleep, Ashley could still hear Andros calling to her. She tried so hard to fight the compulsion that her body needed sleep. It was too hard though. Fighting it was too hard. What could it hurt anyway? I will just sleep for a little while longer.
Cursing could be heard from outside their coffins. Tynan and Talon awoke, there bodies becoming heavier with each passing second. "Cael," Talon spoke, her voice full of anguish. "What is it that keeps you up?" The prince of the vampires swore eloquently. The black haired prince was standing; his body feeling like it would topple over. After clearing his throat, Tynan was able to get the attention of his prince.
"That fool that girl cares for so deeply has returned," his eyes darkened. "This could ruin my plans if he interferes. I was able to keep Ashley from interacting with him but she fought my compulsion. I sent her to sleep, hopefully until tonight but that mere boy could free her. Love is a powerful emotion that runs within them and ties them together. Yet if I bring that yellow ranger into our world, she will be wholly mine. She will bow to me and follow me like an obedient servant and together we will destroy the Power Rangers and become supreme rulers of this world."
Talon looked at him weakly. The mere mention of love brought her to look at Tynan and then turn away. "Do not fear my prince for if those other rangers try and interfere we shall eliminate them. Without that infernal being known as Zordon these children are helpless." Tynan grinned wickedly. A small sadistic grin crept on the face of the prince. "If the other rangers try to aid their friend you will handle them. The red ranger will feel my wrath as I slowly crush every bone in his body and drain it of all its blood."
Cael closed his eyes and reached into Ashley's mind. He felt her sleeping peacefully but Andros continuing attempt to awaken her rang through. The dark prince pushed Ashley into a deeper sleep to make sure when he went to rest she would not wake up. Before retreating, he sent a wave of affection to her, pulling her into his world even more. Yet unlike the warm feeling Andros gave her this one was cold. Sleep my dear Ashley. Sleep until I call to you. Tonight is when we shall become one, king of the vampires and his queen of the vampires.
Slowly he pulled out of her mind and returned noticing that both Tynan and Talon have returned to their slumber. Rubbing his eyes, he could feel his body already become stiff. It took all his might to drag himself back to his coffin. It was reaching noon the time when he and all his kind were most vulnerable. That is when the sun is at its peak, which would incinerate them if they were caught in it. Cael rested in his coffin as it slowly slid closed. His eyes closed and his body became fully paralyzed.
When he was unable to wake up Ashley, Andros picked up the yellow ranger and carried her to the med lab. She was dead weight in his arms, not to mention cold. Her face also looked more pale then usual and Andros could only guess that something was terribly wrong. Once inside the lab he laid her on a table. "DECA," he called to the ships computer. "Get Alpha down here right away and the other rangers." The ship acknowledged him and then did as told.
Andros pressed a button to start a scan on Ashley checking her vital signs. As that happened one by one the other rangers and alpha came in looking worried. Their worry only grew when they found Ashley on the examining table not awake. "Andros what is going on?" Cassie said fearfully. "Something is wrong but I don't know what. She won't wake up and she is cold." Cassie placed a hand on her friend's forehead and indeed, it was cold. "Alpha can you run a full diagnostic on Ashley?" Alpha nodded. "Yes, but it will take several hours to get the results." The scan Andros placed on Ashley was a to check the normal things, temperature, blood pressure, things a check up at the doctor would take care off.
"Nothing is too farfetched." TJ said as he looked at the analysis on her. "Her temperature is a bit down but other then that she looks fine." Everyone looked at the output on the screen. Andros was still not convinced. "I should still be able to wake her up. I know something is wrong." Something was terribly wrong. Cassie went to Ashley's side, touched her cold hand, and stared at her pale face. What had happened to her best friend? Carlos moved to the other side of the bed and looked at Ashley. His dark eyes focused on her. He studied her face as if he was trying to figure something out yet he could not put his finger on it.
The sun is almost down.
We should call her to us.
The other rangers will find her. We need a decoy.
I shall do it master.
Then Talon, I need you to do something for me.
As you wish, my Prince.
Tynan stretched out his massive wings as he got out of the coffin. He would play the decoy by luring the rangers away. He needed to wait though for the most perfect moment to strike. It was still light outside and he would not be at full strength if he fought the rangers. "Be careful," Talon said, placing her small hand on his shoulder. Tynan looked down at her tiny frame. He gently placed a claw under chin, looked into her eyes, and smiled. "These rangers are puny; I fear them as much as I fear a human." His claw caressed her, his wing wrapping around her. "You my dear Talon are so beautiful."
"And that is all I am to you and the world, beautiful." She hid the bitterness in her voice but reached up and touched his jaw. "Good luck," She then moved away headed up the stairs from the home. She had to complete her easy task. Once she was gone, Tynan looked at Cael who was going to prepare the upper room for when Ashley would arrive. He would entice her. Then he would make the final blood transfer making her a creature of the night.
"Shall I go now master?" Tynan asked. Cael nodded to him. Tynan glided up the stairs and headed out into the darkening sky. Cael walked through the sub basement and as he did, each torch flicked off as he did. Walking up the steps, he sealed the door behind him and then went up to the main floor. He glided up the wooden steps to the master bedroom. This room was dusty and mangy as the others. A large bed laid was in the room, dressers and nightstands were covered in half melted candles. There was also a vanity with candles on it. It had been ages since this room was last used. The last time was several years before Zordon had trapped them in the subbasement.
Upon examining the room, he knew it would never do. With a wave of his hand, the beddings and pillows flew off the bed and into a closet. Then with a quick movement, one by one the candles lit. The tiny flames danced around lighting up the dark room. The vampire prince turned head toward the vanity and then cleared the dust from the mirror. He stared long and hard and saw no reflection of him in the mirror. Just then, he saw several things floating behind him. Spinning on his heels, he turned and saw Talon carrying several parcels in her hand. "Here is everything you wanted." She said. He smiled and took them from her. "Go stand guard." He ordered. The blond bowed and left. He took the new beddings and laid them on the bed. It was black and a dark red. When the room was to his liking, he took the last parcel and lay in on the bed. Then closing his eyes he waited for the time was right to awaken his Ashley.
Tynan waited for some prey. He watched the streets for people to use. His eyes darted around until he saw a group of people. They were just some teenagers coming home from a club, some of them a little tipsy. He smirked, his white fangs revealed. They would do perfectly to get the power rangers attention. He stretched his gargoyle like wings out and swooped down toward them. The teenagers did not expect anything until they heard a loud screech. Looking up, they all let out a scream as the creature that known as Tynan swooped down to attack them. Several of them went off running while others dropped in fear, screaming like banshees.
Come out come out Power Rangers
"There is an attack on Angel Grove." DECA's voice boomed. The five rangers and Karone looked up from Ashley and moved over to a screen. DECA displayed the monster attacking. "That's the one that been attacking people!" Zhane exclaimed. "We have to stop it!" The rangers all rushed out one by one but Andros held back looking at Ashley. Karone placed a hand on her brother's shoulder and said, "Do not worry I'll look after her." She tried her best reassure him. With one last look, he left the room and headed for the jump tubes.
The Rangers arrived on earth, seeing Tynan holding a teenage boy in with on hand by the throat. "LET HIM GO!" the blue ranger shouted. Tynan grinned. "He matters little to me. I have been waiting for… you!" with a loud wail, he flew at the rangers with incredible speed, slashing at each of them. Andros, however, pulled out his spiral saber and ran at Tynan. He slashed at his back, which angered the vampire. He whipped his tail around knocking the red ranger off his feet.
"What is this thing?" Andros wondered aloud. Tynan smirked. "I am a creature of the night, and I am here to destroy you!" When he went to attack, the black ranger jumped in and attacked him with his lance. Then the other rangers took out their blasters and fired at him. Tynan moved out of the way just in time. He was slow. He needed nourishment. That was when his eyes spotted on of the teenagers, still scared and unmoved. With immense speed, he flew toward her and grabbed her by the hair. Yanking her up he tilted her head to the side and fed.
"WHAT THE…" Andros shouted. After quickly taking over pint of blood, the vampire dropped her to the ground and grinned. "This will be more then enough to destroy you."
As Tynan was doing his job, Cael was doing his. He pushed himself into Ashley's mind, bringing her out of her sleep. Come to me. His voice commanded inside her head. Come to me Ashley, it is time.
In the medical bay, Ashley's eyes snapped open. She sat strait up, which caught both Karone and Alpha in shock. "ASHLEY," Karone shouted. "You are all right!" She hugged the yellow ranger but instead of hugging her back, Ashley pushed her away. She stepped off the bed and began to walk out the door. "Ashley where are you going?" the red ranger's sister called out. She ran into the hall to stop her but when she did Ashley turned around and kicked her in the stomach. Next, the yellow ranger, still under Cael's compulsion, slammed her into the wall of the ship and turned to leave.
"Oh no, Karone," Alpha called as he the robot rushed to her side. Karone looked up and noticed Ashley glaring then with another hard kick she knocked Alpha down. Then before she knew it, Karone was hit harder, making her black out.
Come to me Ashley. Go to the Angel Grove Woods.
Ashley followed his voice; the black magic whirled around in her head. She found herself going down her jump tube and landing outside Angel Grove woods. Heading inside, her eyes were distant yet she followed his voice. Through the dark woods, she went without stopping or wondering where she was going. It took only several minutes to find the house. Standing outside the closed gates she looked waited. The gates opened for her allowing her inside the boundaries. Come to inside, up the stairs.
She did as she as instructed. Walking inside the house, she followed his voice, calling to her. The steps creaked as she walked up them, with nothing but her socks on. She stopped shortly at the top of the steps. From the side she could see light coming from a room, and his voice calling to her inside. She continued into the room. The candles flickered, as if dancing. Lying on the bed was the black dress she had seen while walking home with Cael, as well as spiked heel shoes, and a black shawl.
Cael placed a hand on the nape of her neck, causing the yellow ranger to shut her eyes. He breathed against her neck, listening to her pulse rise, tempting him to bite her now. Softly he rubbed the vein in her neck with his thumb. Next, he touched her lower lip with his thumb, as he buried his face in her brown locks. She smelled sweet. Put on the dress, my dear. His command pushed in her mind. He took the dress into another room and placed it on. When she finished Cael motioned for her to sit at the vanity. He comb through her hair gently, her hair soft like silk. As he let her hair fall loosely to her shoulders, he noticed something on her wrist. It was her morpher. He slipped it off her delicate wrist and placed it at his die. You will not need that trinket anymore.
At the same time Talon walked in. "Master, should Tynan return?" she asked. "She is with us now there is no need for him to fight them." Her voice was full of concern for her fellow vampire. Cael nodded and summoned him to return. "When Tynan returns the ceremony can begin." Cael said placing a single rose in Ashley's hair.
Return Tynan I have her.
Upon hearing this, Tynan looked at the rangers. Together they were a formable team. He growled though. "We'll finish another time rangers. I have more important things to attend to." The vampire then flew off top speed from the rangers. The rangers looked in shock. "What was that all about?" the pink ranger said watching him disappear into the night. "Let's get back to the ship and see if we can track him," Andros said. "Right!" the others agreed.
Once they returned to the ship they headed, still morphed, down the halls. As they walked though, they came down the hall that had the medical bay where they saw Karone and Alpha lying on the floor. "KARONE," Andros said rushing to his sister's side. "Are you all right, what happened?" Helping up Karone, she looked at the rangers trying to think of what happened. TJ and Cassie helped up Alpha. "It was Ashley," she said weakly. "She woke up and… attacked us." Andros felt his blood run cold. Without thinking, he rushed into the medical bay expecting to see the yellow ranger but she was gone.
"It was like she was possessed," Karone continued. Andros stared long and hard at the bed, not noticing the blinking like on the console. "This is too weird." Cassie said. "What is going on?"
"That monster was a decoy," Carlos said. "He was using us to get us out of the ship so Ashley could leave. I also think I know what is going on with her." Everyone looked at the black ranger. He took a deep breath. "I think whatever is attacking people is a vampire and I think Ashley is being controlled or even turning into one!"
Author's note- Sorry for the long wait, so many things came up. Anyway, hope you enjoyed this chapter. Will Andros and the other rangers save Ashley or will she become the vampire queen? Find out in the next chapter.