Last time- Andros has returned from KO-35 to help the rangers fight off this new threat. Upon returning, Andros discovers Ashley in a deep sleep and is unable to awaken her. Cael had put her to sleep until he had awakened to call her to him. To distract the rangers Tynan went out and attacked several teenagers to give Ashley time to escape. Ashley then makes her way to the house in which the vampires live. Still under Cael's compulsion, he places her into a gown ready for the final blood transfer. At the same time Carlos figures out that the creatures attacking are vampires. Can the rangers save their friend or will she become Cael's Queen of Vampires?
Never what it seems to be
Chapter 6- To the rescue
"A vampire," Andros said slowly. Andros had heard about vampires in books and movies. Carlos even spoke about the incident with a vampire he encountered. Yet the fear of Ashley now being controlled by one made his heart ache. Carlos nodded his dark eyes serious. The room was dead silent, all eyes on the black ranger. Finally, he spoke again, "All the symptoms show it. Sleeping all day, change in attitude, becoming pale, it all points to it. Also did you not notice how the monsters never came out during daylight?" The other rangers nodded. Just then, a thought crossed through Cassie's mind. She felt her hand begin to tremble. She held onto a chair and looked at everyone else. Her stomach was churning.
"You guys," the pink ranger spoke shaky. "Ashley's new friends… they never met her until after dark." Horror filled the eyes of each ranger and Karone. Andros felt his hand clench tightly. It was then Alpha noticed the console was blinking. He shuffled over there and pressed a button. "Rangers look the results to Ashley's tests!" he said. Everyone looked over the robot at the computer screen. To their horror, they saw the results say there is an infection traveling in her blood stream, tainted blood. "Ashley's body has not yet discovered the infection. The body should force it out of her as long as no more… is introduced."
TJ snapped his fingers. "That must be how she is changing." He said deriving to a conclusion. Without hesitating Andros shouted, "DECA can you pinpoint Ashley's location?" The computer did a quick scan and replied to him. "She is at the outskirts of Angel Grove Woods." The computer spoke. Andros nodded and then looked at his fellow rangers. "We have to save her." The red ranger said firmly. The others nodded. They headed for the jump tubes. Once there they slid down them morphing as they went.
On Earth, they landed in the center of Angel Grove Woods. They had their hands on their Astro Blasters, not sure what to expect. They were on high alert as they hurried along the forest to the location in which DECA had instructed them to go. Andros however was worried. He did not know what to expect. What if Ashley was already a vampire, would he be able to save her? Ashley, please be okay. I am coming for you!
Cael rubbed his thumb over the pulse in her neck. He could hear her heart beating in his sensitive ears. He leaned over her so he could take in her sweet fragrance. She was so beautiful. Soon she would be like him, a creature of the night, a vampire. Already she was becoming pale, and soon her slender body would go through its monstrous transformation. He imagined her like him, hunting unsuspecting humans and draining them of all their blood. Placing a gentle kiss on her neck, he was prepared to take her blood when his head snapped up.
Tynan and Talon who were near by also felt a disturbance in there sanctuary boundaries. "Someone is here," Hissed the blond haired vampire. Cael let out a low growl and then with a wave of his hand the candles extinguished. Taking Ashley by the arm, he turned to Tynan and Talon. "The Power Rangers are here to take back their friend." He said coldly. "Take care of them but leave the red ranger to me. I want to deal with him… personally." A wicked smile crept on his face. He then took Ashley down the stairs. Tynan and Talon looked at one another. "Ladies first," Tynan offered with a smirk. Talon gave him a grin and then went down the stairs. They could not wait to greet the rangers.
Tynan and Talon walked out the front door and stood on the stone steps. Coming through the gates of the perimeter were the five power rangers. The two vampires, with their keen eyesight could see them in the dark. Although it was easy to see the bright colors that, some of the rangers wore anyway.
As the rangers neared the entrance they noticed the two 'humans' standing on either side of the doorway. They two looked as if they were guards, protecting the entrance to the dwelling. Tynan stepped forward as he did his body began to shape shift into the creature the rangers knew all too well. He snarled at them his fangs showing. Talon stayed back, her arms crossed, and her eyes fixated on the rangers.
"Careful," TJ warned Andros. Andros stared at him. "Where's Ashley," he demanded an answer. Tynan cold laughter echoed in their ears. Andros took a step back as the vampire stretched out one of his claws toward the house. "Inside," Tynan hissed. "If you want her go and get her." Zhane placed a hand on Andros's shoulder and pulled him back. "Go get Ashley we can handle these two." Not sure whether to leave or not he looked at the other rangers who nodded in agreement. Talon, who was listening smiled and moved from her post and went to the other side of rangers, still in human form.
Andros slipped by easily, too easy for his liking. It only added to his worry, knowing that something was waiting inside. Once he was inside the other rangers noted that they were surrounded. Zhane and TJ stared at Tynan, weapons ready. Then in a burst of speed, they headed off into battle.
Carlos and Cassie stared at Talon, who was still in human form. Her long blond hair billowed in the breeze and her amber eyes stared at the two rangers. "I don't like to hit a girl," Carlos said gripping his weapon. Talon smirked, "Lucky me." Then in a second, her fangs exploded out her mouth and her beautiful human form changed into a hideous beast. Her body expanded so now her small frame was over six feet tall. Her eyes were crimson and her skin was nearly translucent. Her nails on her fingers and toes expanded several inches and now the female vampire was standing on the balls of her feet. Black leather wings exploded out of her back as well as whip like tail. Her long blond hair now looked musty and dead. With a loud howl, she flew at the two rangers ready to fight.
Inside the house, Andros found himself traveling down the depths into the basement. As he reached the basement, all he could see was the darkness, until a torch lit itself. Andros jumped in shock. He was not sure what to make of it but he continued, carefully. As he went torches lit one by one leading him to another stairwell. Sucking in a sharp breath the red ranger pulled out his Spiral Saber and headed down the steps. Once at the bottom of the steps he found himself in another dark room. Mustering up all the courage in him, he took a step, at the same time the torches in the room burst into flame. He looked around and then let out a gasp.
Sitting in a throne, dressed in a long black dress and spiked heals was Ashley. Her hair let loose and had a beautiful red rose holding back a section of hair from her face. Her eyes looked glossy, as she was lost or not all there. Andros took a step toward her when a sinister laughter filled the room. Andros stopped short and scanned the room. "Who's there?" he called out. Stepping from behind a pillar the long black haired prince revealed himself. He was sporting a black turtleneck, black fingerless gloves, black jeans, and shiny black boots. A long black cape draped over his shoulder that reached the ground. His white skin looked even whiter then usual. His eyes stared at the red ranger and then he grinned, a fang showing.
"So, you are the red ranger," Cael said walking behind Ashley. "She has talked about you constantly. I really wanted to see what all the fuss was but I see nothing. You seem just like your little friends pathetic and weak. Oh how rude of me. My name is Cael Drake, Prince of the vampires." He bowed slightly, his eyes never leaving the red ranger. Andros gripped his spiral saber tighter, under his helmet his eyes were burning with rage. Cael glided toward the yellow ranger, his hands finding her neck. "So beautiful is she not?" Cael could tell anger was surging in the red ranger. "That is why I chose her as my queen. She was alone and needed a friend or lover."
"SHUT UP!" With a sudden flash of speed, Andros whipped out his astro blaster and shot at Cael. The prince moved out of the way to avoid the hit. "ASHLEY WAKE UP!" Andros begged but she did not respond. The vampire prince moved in front of Ashley blocking the red ranger's view of her. "She belongs to me boy," Cael hissed. "Only one more blood transfer between us and she will be wholly vampire, my queen." Andros growled and ran toward the vampire ready to attack. Cael used the rash ranger's choice at a head on attack to his own advantage. He moved out of the way and then kicked him into a wall. Andros crashed in a heap but got up. He clutched his arm but he ignored the pain.
"I won't let you hurt her," he sounded brave. Cael laughed. "You can try and save her but you will fail." The dark prince then flew at the red ranger but Andros was able to roll out of the way. Cael ricocheted of the wall and flew once again at Andros, his claws extended and ready to slice him to pieces. Andros jumped into the air at him and then whipped out his spiral saber and slashed at him. Cael howled in pain as his tainted blood dripped at his fingertips. As he turned to face the red ranger Andros fired and the ceiling above Cael, sending debris falling atop of him.
Knowing he had little time until Cael would pull himself out of the wreckage, he ran to Ashley. "Ashley, talk to me," he said taking her hands. "Wake up we have to get out of here. Please, come on Ashley wake up. I beg of you wake up." Ashley's eyes closed and opened again. "Andros?" she said weakly. The red ranger helped her up and held her close to him. The fog that clouded Ashley's mind began to lift as Andros held her. She could sense something was not right. Rubbing her temples, she looked over at the morphed Andros. "What happened?" she asked still a little dizzy.
Suddenly movement could be heard from the side. Taking her hand firmly he began to lead her up the steps. "No time to explain now we have to get you out of here." He led her up the stairs and several times the yellow ranger stumbled. The spiked heels she was wearing made it hard for her to walk especially going up the steps. Once on the main floor Andros saw a back door. Knowing that there was fighting going on in the front he decided it be best to go through the back. He pulled Ashley along and out the door.
After pulling himself out of the rubble, the dark prince growled. He black gargoyle like wings burst out of his back. Instead of flying through the halls, the dark prince burst through the floors of the house and flew strait into the air, letting out a terrible scream. His eyes found the red ranger and his queen.
As they were running across the uneven ground, Ashley lost her balance. Andros lost his grip on her hand. Instantly he spun around to see if she was okay. "My ankle," Ashley cried, "I think I sprained it." Cael landed on the ground a few feet away, his eyes lingering on Ashley. His wings folded back, his cape covering the holes in his turtleneck.
"C-Cael!" the yellow ranger said bewildered. Andros got in front of Ashley to protect her from harm. "Ashley, he's not what he seems. This guy is a vampire and he has been using you. He wants to make you his queen." Instantly Ashley felt herself become sick to her stomach. She pressed her hands against her mouth to keep herself from screaming or crying. "And what a fine queen she will be," Cael grinned.
"Ashley, get ready to morph," the red ranger said. Regaining her courage the yellow ranger nodded but when she went to morph, she found her morpher gone. "Looking for something?" Cael held up the yellow ranger's morpher, a grin spread across his face. "Do not worry my dear you will not need of this silly trinket, I assure you." Andros swallowed back a lump in his throat. Cael moved slowly, trying to get eye contact with Ashley. Every time he made a move though, Andros was there to block him. Realizing he could not hypnotize her then he would enchant her. With the blood transfers he did, it would be easy.
"Ashley," his voice was soft and gentle. "Come to me, I want to protect you." Ashley felt his control over her beginning to take over again. "Fight it Ashley!" Andros said. "Stay strong." Covering her ears, she tried her best to ignore his compulsion but it was difficult. Again, he began to speak, his voice so angelic that it was unnatural. She tried her best to block out his voice but it was proving more and more difficult. Andros slowly knelt by to Ashley, placing his hand on her shoulder. His other hand was against the trigger of his blaster, ready to fire any moment at Cael.
In the front of the house, the other sound of fighting is heard. Zhane and TJ were taking on the monstrous form of Tynan. At times one ranger would attack him when the other was down. As soon as the other was knocked then the other would take his place. Tynan had to keep his guard up at all times. It was odd for him that the rangers, when they were together, could barely hold their own but know they were fighting relentless. Why, what is driving them so hard to defeat me? His mind could only wonder that for a brief second as TJ flew into the air sending several blasts at him. The vampire held out his hand to protect his body from attack. His hand receives three sharp, painful hits. His hand began to burn, blood gushing out. Tynan let out a low growl and then flapped his enormous wings making a dust cloud the area around him. When TJ went to take another shot all he got was air.
"Where did he go?" the blue ranger wondered aloud. "TJ, look out behind you!" Zhane warned. The blue ranger spun around but it was too late. The second he turned around Tynan slashed at him. Then with one furious kick, he sent the blue ranger tumbling across the ground. Zhane ran over to him quickly checking his friend, as well as covering him. "You all right?" the silver ranger questioned. TJ nodded in response and slowly began to get up as Zhane ran at Tynan. Tynan prepared for his attack catching the silver ranger's silverizer with his hand, the hand he caught TJ's blast.
The blade sliced deeper as Tynan held it tightly to prevent the Silver ranger from pulling it back. It proved to be an error for at the same time the blue ranger jumped over Zhane and Tynan. The vampire lifted his head only to see his ax slash him down his back. Tynan screeched in pain and then used his wings to push bother rangers away.
Across the yard for them Talon was facing Carlos and Cassie. Unlike Tynan who relied on brute strength, she was quick and agile. Her head shot up as she heard her fellow vampire cry. With a quick whip of her tail, she sent both Carlos and Cassie skidding across the ground.
What is wrong Tynan? Talon asked communicating telepathic with him. She could hear his agony echoing in her head. They seem so much stronger… as if something as possessed them into fighting harder. Talon knew Tynan was strong and brave. He never ever showed any amount of fear. Yet, she could hear his voice faltering. Do not worry once Prince Cael takes Ashley the other rangers will fall quickly. She tried to reassure him but she too was worried.
Talon moved out of the way, as the pink ranger tried to use her satellite stunner but the black ranger was there to attack with his lunar lance. He hit her across the face. Talon growled. She then charged at him at high speeds and then suddenly spun around and wrapped her tail around him, restraining him. Carlos gasped trying to get free but her tail constricted. Cassie gasped and ran to help her comrade when Talon flung the black ranger strait into the pink, sending the two colliding to the ground. "Are you okay?" Carlos asked pulling himself up. Cassie nodded and said, "Yeah… let's get this witch." Talon heard the comment and then let out a low growl in her throat. "You wish I was a witch," she hissed, claws extending.
Cassie looked at Carlos and then noticed he was attaching his lunar lance to his astro blaster. She stood up blocking Talon's view of him. "Well at least I'm not some demented freak of nature. Not to mention ugly." Talon twitched, her teeth grinding. "What… did… you… call… me?" He voice was pure venom. She glared at Cassie with fire. Without thinking, she ran at Cassie ready to stab her. Carlos on the other hand finished modifying his weapon, jumped over Cassie, and fired at Talon. Talon took the hit. The repeated blasts hit her claws, snapping them, and her shoulder. Talon cried out in agony as the pain spread.
Tynan, hearing her cry, whipped at Zhane and TJ then rushed to her side. Tynan watched her body shape shift back into her human form. He picked her up in his arms. "Talon, you are injured," he spoke coldly glaring at the rangers. She grimaced but then smiled. "I'll be all right, I underestimated them." Tynan's crimson eyes looked softly at the blonde-haired vampire but when his gaze turned to the rangers, it was ice cold. The rangers held out their blasters ready to hit them but when the blasts came Tynan's wings sheltered them. When the firing stopped, the two were unharmed. Tynan then took a step back and flew high into the air.
Where are you going? Cael's voice penetrated Tynan's thoughts for escape. Talon is injured I must get her to safety. Tynan was flying to a sheltering place. I need you to keep the other rangers busy get back there or you I will personally destroy you! Cael's threat shook Tynan worse then the rangers. After setting Talon back down in a safe place, he quickly returned to take on the four rangers.
Cael stared at Andros, still in his human form. His black cape billowed in the breeze and settled down. The yellow ranger's morpher was tightly in his fist. Andros had tried to use his ability to snatch it out of his hands but he could not. Ashley was still trying to fight his compulsion. "Geh… GET OUT OF MY HEAD!" she wailed. Come to me my queen, I love you. I want to be with you. I would never leave you as he did. He left you alone. I know how you felt, alone, sad, and above all hurt. You wanted to be with him but he betrayed you. That is why you clung to me like a lost child. You needed love, you need reassurance and I gave you all that. Ashley was on the verge of tears, Andros tried to help her but she began screaming. Knowing the only way to help her, he would have to attack the prince.
Whipping out his blaster he shot at him but Cael just moved out of the way with ease. Casually he took a loose strand of hair and brushed it behind his ear. He smiled and then said, "I did underestimate you but you cannot defeat me out in the open." He stepped closer, his eyes searching for Ashley. Andros shot at him again but he moved out of the way, doing a back flip. He landed gracefully on the ground, grinning. "Boy, I have lived centuries. There is no way you can defeat me!" Andros mustered up all the courage in him. "We'll see," he replied in a no nonsense tone. "Come and get me if you are not afraid, little boy." Cael mocked. "You are brave so far away but I can smell your fear." With his spiral saber in one hand and his astro blaster in the other, Andros ran strait at him. Cael's mouth curved into a smile. As the red ranger was about to hit him Cael moved out of the way so fast, that he was nothing but a blur. It was then Andros had realized his mistake.
Spinning around he saw Cael now holding Ashley in his clutches. The yellow ranger fought to break free but the black haired prince held her tightly to him. One arm was wrapped around her body, pinning her to his chest, and her arms at her sides. His other hand was holding her neck gently. "Ashley," Andros said seeing the terror in the yellow ranger's eyes. "A-an," before she could finish saying his name Cael squeezed her throat forcing her to silence herself.
"Pity isn't it?" Cael said as he buried his face into Ashley's brown locks. "You could not save her." Ashley struggled to break free when she stomped her spike heel into Cael's foot. The prince grunted releasing his grip on her. The yellow ranger tried to run but he grabbed her arm and flung her back to him. "LET HER GO!" Andros yelled out seeing his girlfriend struggle. Cael brought her toward him, grabbing a handful of her hair; carelessly the rose in her hair fell out. "Her fate belongs to me," the dark prince hissed. His eyes then turned down to Ashley and then quickly his head bent down to hers.
At first Andros thought, he was going to do the blood exchange but he was wrong. Cael was not biting her. He was kissing her, long and on full lips. At first, Ashley was too afraid to react. Then she began to bang her fist against him but it proved useless. Andros took a step forward as Cael pulled away, licking his lips. "She tastes divine," he complemented with a sadistic smile. Andros held out his blaster ready to fire but with Ashley as a human shield, he could do nothing. Cael grinned as the girl continued to struggle in his grip.
"Are you afraid to face me?" Andros shouted. Cael stared at him and then looked at Ashley. "If you want her back so much then we will fight to the death… you red ranger versus the prince of the vampires." Andros glared at him behind his black visor. "Done!" he agreed. Ashley looked at Andros in horror. What have you done?
Cael realizing Ashley was a distraction pushed her violently out of the way. She fell to the ground, hitting her head hard. Gasping, Andros wanted to run to the unconscious girl but the dark prince stepped forward. "You have no idea what you just agreed to boy," Cael said. With a swift movement, his cape fell to the ground. His eyes began to change to a blood red color. His body began to transform into its true form.
Author note- This is the end of chapter 6. I hope you all enjoyed it. Next time Andros and Cael will square off in a fight, but can Andros defeat the Prince of vampires? Will the other rangers defeat Tynan and come to aid their leader. With Ashley unconscious and now Cael in possession of her morpher what will become of her. What about the blond vampire, Talon, will she come to aid her prince and fellow vampire. The exciting conclusion is coming up in the final chapter of "Never what it seems to be."