Disclaimer: I definitely think we have established the fact that I do not own anything except Ivanox, the Dryads, Khyuss, and Caleb.
Whew, last part was intense, no? Well, some, not all, of the answers to the previous chapter are in this one. Funny how that works.
Thanks to the great reviewers!
fenestrae: Well, we must remember that Conner is bold, brash, and utterly tactless. With that in mind, I think him talking back to Ivanox and Khyuss is a given. So he does know that it is dangerous, but hey, it's humorous.
the real vampire: Don't worry, I didn't take it personally. It's good to see such a great reaction to the plot twists.
Titanium Gold: Lol...somehow I think you kinda did. As for Conner dying, that would be stereotypical, yes. But then again, I tend to put twists on stereotypical.
Yes, I seem to have a lot of adamant reviewers opposed to Conner dying...I'm not saying anything, but rest assured, it will be exciting!
Chapter 14
For His Pain, Part II
"Caleb, what's the price for defeating Khyuss?"
The other man remained quiet, each moment of hush passing allowing Conner's unease to raise another level. After a moment, Caleb raised his head, his weary eyes boring into Conner's.
"The ultimate sacrifice, Conner. One of you must die."
xxx
The weight of this new burden came crashing down, time skidding to a screeching halt as the Chosen Ranger gaped in stunned silence before his amber eyes burned, "No! I won't allow that to happen. No one is going to die!"
Caleb gave a remorseful shake of his head, "I'm sorry, Conner, but the death of one is necessary for Khyuss' destruction. One life for another."
"But who?" Conner demanded, "Who has to die?"
Another lengthy pause transpired as Caleb ran a hand through his disorderly locks, and the ghost hefted a sigh, "That, Conner, lies in your hands."
"WHAT?" The soccer star's eyes widened in disbelief, Caleb's news knocking him over the head.
"It is your decision who shall make the sacrifice in the final battle."
"What am I supposed to do? Pick names out of a hat? 'Hey, would you mind giving up your life so Khyuss can be destroyed?'" Conner hissed, his caramel eyes flashing with indignant fury.
"It's slightly more complicated than that." Caleb chuckled, ruefully, "When the final battle arises, you will know when the time is right to make your decision." At his final words, Caleb's human form began to glow, transforming the ninja into his former appearance of a ghostly phoenix.
"Listen to the song, it will show you the way."
"Wait, Caleb!" Conner pleaded as the spirit of his guardian started to fade into oblivion, "That's it! You can't tell me more?" As the last remnants of the apparition departed, Conner let out a low growl, slumping down exhausted and hoarse. With his energy waning away, the Chosen Ranger collapsed into unconsciousness, the seeds of the new development planting doubt in his already frazzled mind.
xxx
"Wait..." Tommy hissed, throwing out an invisible arm. The sounds of footsteps thundered through the vacant hallway. Shying back against the wall, the two rangers waited until the group of Dryads made their way down the corridor. Trent sucked in his stomach as one minion came dangerously close to brushing him. Eons passed before the creatures finally disappeared around the corner, and the two rangers slowly counted to ten before continuing on.
Turning into another dark, portentous hallway looking suspiciously like the one they had exited previously, Tommy and Trent snuck along the walls.
"Stop!" The pair halted at Hunter's command, "Turn here." They obliged, picking up their pace as they approached a dim blaze. Turning the corner, Tommy and Trent spotted a center room surrounded by machinery. Attached to the main device was their Chosen Ranger, slumped down in his bindings. Sharing a look of concern, Trent sidled up to the limp ranger, gently prodding him.
"Conner?" When the jock didn't respond, the panic began to slowly rise. Again, the white ranger shook the soccer player, this time a bit more urgently.
"Conner..."
The Chosen Ranger jerked, and raised bleary eyes to the artist, "Trent?"
Trent breathed a sigh of relief, seeing the jock respond, "Yeah, man. Hang on. We're gonna get you out of here." Moving back, the two rangers morphed, and drawing the Drago Sword, Trent hacked at the bonds holding Conner captive while Tommy retrieved Conner's morpher and communicator. Free from his restraints, the jock stumbled forward into Trent's arms. Nodding to the black ranger, the two rangers supported Conner as they exited the dungeons.
Nearing the entrance, the groups were met with a group of Dryads, Ivanox in the lead. Propping up Conner up against a wall, Tommy and Trent moved to stand in front of him. Ivanox cackled, waving his sword.
"How quaint, the white and black rangers have come to save their savior." The cyborg's stance was cocky and smug, "We may have to move some things to accommodate you, but I am sure the dungeons have enough room for two more."
"Don't you wish!" Trent snarled, "Personally, they're more appealing with no inhabitants."
Ivanox laughed as his two opponents assumed fighting stances, "That is yet to be seen."
The two lines of fighters rushed at each other. Trent rolled under a swipe, sweeping the offending minion off his feet. Drawing his sword, he slashed a creature across the chest, following the strike with a strong cross to the beak, eliciting an explosion of feathers. Back flipping to avoid a kick, the white ranger dispensed a group of Dryads with a hail of laser arrows.
Tommy and Ivanox fought on, blocking and slashing. Pushing the black ranger back, Ivanox sent Tommy tumbling back with a blast from his sword.
"Tsk, tsk, Black Ranger, I would expect more from a veteran ranger."
"So how 'bout taking on a rookie?"
Ivanox lurched back as a strike from Trent's Drago Sword permeated his defenses. Recovering, the general squared up to the white ranger, ready to engage in the battle. Tommy rose as well to assist his younger teammate.
Swords locked as the three combatants traded blows. Dryads streamed from all angles, hopelessly outnumbering the two rangers. Helpless in his current condition, Conner could only watch as his friends attempted in vain to fend of their attackers. As a particularly brutal hit struck Dr. O in the midsection, the phoenix song commenced its haunting melody, bringing the Chosen Ranger to his knees. His amber eyes snapped open, glowing pure white, and the same ivory glow pulsated around his beaten body.
Tommy and Trent flew to the side, knocked away from Ivanox. Wheezing, the two rangers hauled themselves to their feet, the energy quickly deteriorating at the sheer numbers of their opponents. As they readied themselves for another bout with the Dryads and Ivanox, an eerie song floated over the din of battle, and the black and white rangers halted as they swiveled to find the source. Their gazes settled on the Chosen Ranger, kneeling in almost a meditative state, a steady radiance from his relaxed posture. The two Dino rangers gazed in wonder as slivers of energy snaked from the jock to encompass the Dryads and Ivanox in a barrier of flame. Lifting the group of minions bodily from the ground, the energy field flung the jumble of assorted lackeys headlong into a wall, rendering the group unconscious.
Stumbling to Conner's side, Trent and Tommy glanced down at the fire ranger as the light receded. Catching the white ranger's inquisitive gaze, Tommy shrugged, just as confused as his younger teammate. The jock's eyes drifted open, and Conner stuck out a hand to steady himself, his eyes bleary and unfocused.
"I'd ask you what that was, but I seriously doubt I'd understand it." Trent remarked, hauling Conner to his feet. The soccer star nodded weakly, smiling in gratitude.
"Good call."
Hurrying towards their destination of departure, the three rangers ducked to narrowly avoid the blasts from a fresh group of Dryads and Ivanox giving chase. Stopping at their selected spot, Tommy handed Conner over to Trent before swiveling to better ensure their escape as the black ranger raised his Brachio Staff.
"ENERGY ORB, ENGAGE!" As the science teacher thrust his weapon into the ground, the ball of energy knifed to the Dryads, crashing through the group. Ivanox dove to the side as the bodies of the rangers disappeared into particles of multiple colors. Ivanox sent a blast towards the quickly vanishing figures as a last attempt to recapture the Chosen Ranger. His final effort proved to be futile as his discharge tore through nothing but air. The cyborg growled, staring upward at the streaks of color rapidly vanishing from sight. His master was not going to be pleased.
xxx
Conner, Tommy and Trent landed heavily at Ninja Ops, the black and white rangers holding the soccer star aloft before he could collapse onto the floor. Easing him down on a bed, the team gazed anxiously at the jock's prone form, limp and weak. Tommy opened the container holding Conner's morpher and communicator and grasped the mystical sphere. Frowning, the black ranger felt an intangible tug yanking the morpher as the orb began to glow, similar to Conner's earlier predicament, and heat. Tommy retracted his hand as the heat vibrating from the sphere burned.
The Inferno morpher radiated a harsh, vivid light, wandering lazily through the air towards its bearer. The team watched in fascination as the mystical device rested lightly on the Chosen Ranger's chest. The steady glow emitted from the morpher basked the jock in its warm illumination sending slivers of fire meandering across his torso. Conner arched upward as his body absorbed the power. Stunned silence ruled the atmosphere as the rangers observed the deep, wide gashes on his face close and heal, the only trace of their existence in the faint remnants of the blood still adorning his face. As the glow receded back into the sphere, Conner settled back into the pillows, and his eyes closed, allowing the fatigued ranger to enjoy a restful sleep well deserved.
xxx
He stumbled into Ninja Ops, barely able to stand without the help of Dr. Oliver and Trent. His entire torso was covered with bruises and cuts, contrasting with the deeply tanned skin. What was left of his workout pants was raggedy and filthy. As his two teammates escorted him in, he weakly lifted his head to focus haunted, honey eyes, gazing out through patches of blood to briefly lock on his.
"Argh!"
As the memory of Conner's haunted eyes encompassed his vision, Hunter toppled from his surfboard, unable to keep control, and plunged headfirst into the sapphire waters of the Pacific Ocean. Spluttering to the surface, the crimson ranger clambered back onto his board to straddle it. Ruffling his damp hair, Hunter stared out into the horizon, lost in thought.
From a distance away, Tori looked out in concern at the currently brooding crimson ninja. He had that contemplative look on his face as his hand drifted to his hair to absently tousle the dirty-blond locks. Something was bothering him.
"Hey, are you okay?"
Hunter strained out a lazy grin seeing Tori paddle out towards him, "Uh, yeah. I'm fine."
Tori narrowed her eyes, "Liar."
Hunter huffed out a sigh, "You know me too well."
Climbing off her surfboard, she hauled herself onto his, facing the thunder ranger. Tori scooted closer to Hunter, reaching up to twine her arms around his neck, tilting her head so that blue eyes met blue.
Hunter shook his head as his arms wound around her waist, "It's stupid."
Tori smiled gently, resting her forehead against his, "Not to me."
"It's not fair, you know." Hunter stated, "I mean, Conner has to deal with so much. He's the Chosen Ranger, he's constantly risking his life for billions of people he doesn't even know, and he just went through days of torture and suffering that people only put in horror movies." Hunter sighed.
"It just seems like so much to ask of this kid, and he just graduated from high school."
Tori inched closer to Hunter, pressing a reassuring kiss to his lips, "Maybe you're just guilty you aren't sharing in this burden."
The crimson ranger swallowed hard, "Or maybe I'm just guilty this is happening in the first place."
xxx
"That Conner is in your hands. It is your decision who will make the sacrifice in the final battle."
Conner shot bolt upright in bed, sweat pouring down his forehead. Shaking Caleb's words from his head, the jock ran both hands through his hair in frustration. One person had to die, and he would dictate those actions. Conner growled. How could he be burdened with this information? As if he didn't have anything else to deal with... Waves of guilt, frustration, rage all washed over his body. In days' time, he would point the finger that would send one hapless, unknowing person to the chopping block. Pushing back the covers, Conner slipped out of bed to venture outside to ponder this predicament.
xxx
Kira journeyed down to the infirmary to find Conner absent from his bed. Panic wafted through the yellow ranger as she began a frantic search through the Wind Academy. What if he was captured again? What if he was injured beyond what they all initially though? The worst of situations played through the musician's mind. Each dojo, the living quarters, even the Ninja Ops central room were all devoid of the Chosen Ranger. Skidding to a stop at the edge of the patio overlooking the gardens, Kira expelled the breath she hadn't realized she was holding, glimpsing Conner situated by the central fountain idly juggling his soccer ball.
xxx
Knee, knee, instep, forehead. The ball drifted through the air, kept aloft with Conner's movements as the jock manipulated the sphere. Up, down, up, down, the ball bounced off the various parts of his body as Conner continued his ponderings. Inwardly, he chuckled. How ironic was it all? His life used to revolve around that ball, around the game. That's what life was to him: a game. Life was a game where he was the leading scorer. Now...
Conner let the ball drop, its shiny redness mocking him from its location on the ground. In a rush of savage frustration, the inferno ranger drew his foot back, sending the sphere whistling out into the distance. Holding his head between his hands, Conner sunk to the ground, his back against the fountain base. The added weight to his destiny fell heavily across his shoulders, buckling his knees with its load. If the world had no business being at his fingertips, the power to dictate life and death should not be within a light-year radius. For possibly the first time in his life, Conner was hopelessly, utterly, without a doubt lost.
"Aren't you supposed to be resting?"
Conner's head snapped up at the intrusion to his thoughts. The jock relaxed, and he forced out a grin as Kira approached, "I won't tell if you don't."
An eyebrow shot up as Kira sat down, turning to face him, "Tell what, exactly?"
Conner's grin grew even wider as he gave a flippant toss of his head, shifting the haphazard strands off his forehead, "That the sight of me shirtless renders our normally sharp-tongued yellow ranger speechless."
The hazel spheres directed his way narrowed, "You wouldn't..."
A corner of his mouth quirked upward in a smirk, "Are you willing to take that chance?"
With a growl, Kira launched herself at the Chosen Ranger, tackling him to the ground. They rolled on the soft grass, fighting for control. The yellow ranger shifted her weight and pinned the jock to the ground, straddling his midsection. Conner grasped her wrists, and she tussled to free them. With an almighty tug, Kira wrenched her hands from his clutches to restrain his arms. A mischievous glint shining in her eyes, Kira began tickling the soccer star into submission. Conner's body bucked wildly as Kira's fingers sought out his most sensitive areas.
"Ah, Kira! C'mon! STOP!" The jock pleaded with the yellow ranger as she continued the onslaught.
"Aw, the mighty Chosen Ranger can't handle a bit of tickling?" Kira teased, prompting another bout of Conner's laughter. Sneaking her hands under the soccer player's wife beater to better assault him, Kira paused as her fingers brushed against the raised skin against his chest. Sensing the yellow ranger's hesitation, Conner glanced upward to catch the shock in her hazel orbs. Swallowing hard, Conner hefted himself up on his elbows to raise a guilty gaze to hers. Wordlessly, she tugged on the hem of the garment, whisking up over his head. Drawing back, Kira studied the scars running in a shatter pattern across his chest. The musician gently ran her hands across the final remnants of the horrid past few days and felt him shiver at her touch. A hand drifted up to graze the small scar indented in his eyebrow while a thumb skimmed over the split in his lip. His own hand reached up to catch hers, squeezing reassuringly.
"Is that where..." Kira couldn't bring herself to finish the sentence, choking back the sob worming its way through her throat as Conner's head bobbed up and down.
"Did...Did it hurt?"
Conner's voice barely reached a whisper as the pain flashed through his honey eyes, "Worse than anything I've felt before."
Kira's eyes plummeted to the ground as the fought to control the tears threatening to flow their path, the fear sure to be evident in her voice, should she speak. The yellow ranger felt the hand not twined with hers reach over to cup her cheek as Conner lifted her gaze to become engrossed in his gaze.
"Hey, don't cry, love."
Kira shook her head, "I'm sorry. It's just...I thought I lost you when Ivanox captured you."
Conner's soothing voice cut through her panicked ramblings, "Kira, I promised you I'd always be there for you. I don't intend to break that promise."
The musician before him sniffled lightly, "But what if someone dies, Conner? What if you die?"
At Kira's haunted inquiry, his breath halted, and Conner felt his heart clench. Kira stared up at the Chosen Ranger as his hand dropped from her cheek, and the soccer star drew back away from their embrace. Frowning at the frightened glint in his amber orbs, Kira tentatively placed a hand on his bicep.
"Conner, are you okay?"
Pulling away, the Chosen Ranger abruptly rose to his feet, yanking on his discarded top, "It's nothing, Kira. I've got to go. I'm not feeling too hot." Conner strode away briskly, leaving Kira to her already confused thoughts.
xxx
In his bed, Conner laid his head back against the headboard, silently cursing his destiny. Of all the people to talk to, he knew he could vent to Kira, but the jock refused to burden her with his problems. Staring at a hole in his blankets, Conner held his head in a hand, sifting his fingers through his hair. He had no idea where to go from here.
Kira followed the jock into the infirmary to find him huddled on his bed, staring impassively out into space, his forehead creased with unknown enigmas. Kira could sense something was troubling the soccer player, and she refused to allow him to push her away. Settling down next to the distraught boy, Kira gazed out at Conner's bowed head.
"C'mon, Jockboy," Kira coaxed, "tell me what's wrong."
The Chosen Ranger gave a faint shake of his head, "It's nothing."
"Oh no you don't." Kira scrambled onto the bed to clamber onto Conner's lap. Cradling his face gently between her palms, the musician raised his eyes to meet hers. Kira lovingly captured his lips in a sweet kiss. Conner grasped her hips, pulling her closer, fitting her petite frame against his. Kira obliged, wrapping her legs around his waist. Pulling back, the yellow ranger stared intently into the inferno ranger's eyes, cloudy with an indiscernible emotion.
"Don't shut me out, Conner." The musician whispered. Conner blinked before laying his head against her chest, drawing her tightly to him. Kira stroked his chocolate locks, rocking them back and forth.
"Kira, what if you had the power to dictate life and death?" Drawing away, Conner raised pleading eyes to hers.
Taken aback, the Dino ranger frowned slightly, "What do you mean, Conner?"
The jock shrugged slowly, "What if you could decide who lives and who dies?"
Kira shook her head, "I don't know. I doubt I would use it."
"But what if you had to?" Conner pressed, "What if it was necessary for something to happen?"
Kira's brow furrowed as she pondered her answer as well as Conner's motive for asking the question. After a moment, she gave a weak shrug, "I'd do my best to make sure it didn't come to that."
Satisfied with her answer, Conner relaxed, which made it difficult for Kira to continue. Praying that he wouldn't close up again, Kira ventured forward.
"Why, Conner?"
As expected, the jock tensed but seeing the genuine concern and curiosity, Conner softened, "I'm kind of just putting things into perspective." The soccer player admitted, "I've had a lot of close scrapes. Makes me wonder who's calling the shots."
"I guess someone up there likes you." Kira chided, ghosting a kiss across Conner's lips. The Chosen Ranger smiled, brushing a strand of wavy blonde hair from her forehead. Sliding his hand to the back of her neck, Conner brought her lips down to meet his. Kira reciprocated the gesture eagerly, parting her lips to accept his tongue. All the worry, fear, and anxiety fled under the sweet sensation of their joined lips, and Kira deepened the kiss, the height of passion steadily rising. Gently breaking away, Conner wrapped his arms around the musician's petite waist, clinging to her securely.
"Stay with me?"
Nodding, the yellow ranger eased down on the soft mattress, curling up into Conner's solid torso. As the Chosen Ranger's breathing slowed to a steady, even pace devoid of the turmoil wracking the ninja, Kira lay awake. She could sense something was bothering the fire ranger, who seemed adamant about keeping it to himself. Before drifting to sleep, Kira hoped he would see they were all there for him, should he need it.
xxx
Deep in the mountains of Blue Bay Harbor, a machine of mass destruction gleamed deep in the depths of the sorcerer's lodgings. Heavy, silver-plated armor covered every inch of the body. Each limb was designed for the purpose of utter mass destruction, and a light amethyst glowed through the conduits energizing the monster, the result of the powers coursing through its veins. The head of the monster resembled that of a bug's, its eyes glowing red like its creators. The body and torso was blocky; the machine would not be fast, but it would be powerful, its hands holding the ability to change into a multitude of different weapons. Conner's contributed fire energy glowed steadily, the combination of his power as well as Khyuss' giving the monster immense supremacy.
With a push of a button, the machine sprang to life, its joints creaking and moaning as they activated for the first time. Each weapon was tested: the sword, the blaster, the spear, all proving successful. The armor also underwent evaluation, different elements pounding relentlessly against the body of this new creation. It was a machine; no emotions, no sense of pain. Its sole purpose was to destroy, and destroy it would, attacking relentlessly with no sagacity of mercy, only ruthlessness. The rangers did not stand a chance.
Khyuss turned his general, and his pointed teeth split into a wide smile. The sorcerer was pleased. Very pleased. Ivanox nodded with satisfaction as well, and a single sentence floated from the villain's mouth, tinged with malice and glee.
"It is finished."
Coming Up:
The first half of the final battle
Well folks, as you can see, this story is coming to a close. The next chapter is action packed with the destruction of one foe. So stay tuned!
Roxie
