Mz. Daydream: It's okay, when I was writing I had to be careful not to call him Andros by mistake too. Also, I made a point of never saying whether or not Phantom really does have scars, he just thought he might. I leave it up to you to decide whether or not he does.
AH/AY: Which two?
Arwennicole: Fine, have your theory. It could be wrong! (No, really he is.)
jenny: Really? You really liked it? That makes me so happy!
Phantom Rogue: Yes, very together.
ooo
Disclaimer: I still own nothing!
Author's Note: Today's my Birthday! Yay! That means that you all get an extra long chapter! Well, longer than usual. So, I expect a great deal of birthday wishes and thank yous in those reviews! Come on people, share the love!
Be Careful What You Wish For…
Chapter 9 - Devastation
"Galactus has Ashley?" Jeff asked. He, Karone, Zhane, Phantom, and Cassie were all sitting around the table on the MegaShip. "Galactus has Ashley!"
"You need to move on," Karone said.
"You've said that about ten times now," Zhane said.
"Okay," Jeff said, taking a deep breath. "We need to save her."
"We need to save the others first," Cassie said. "Hey!" she said to silence Jeff's protests. "I saw the way Galactus looked at Ashley and I saw the way she never looked at him. She's a big girl, she can take care of herself, but the others definitely need our help more. Ashley would agree with me," she added, effectively shutting Jeff up for the rest of the conversation.
The team decided to get Justin next since he was youngest and thus most impressionable, and because what was being done to him would be harder to fix than the spell that was being done to Carlos or whatever was happening to T.J.
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"You can't fight this forever," Divatox purred in his ear. "Soon you'll give in."
"I will never give in," T.J. grunted each word with considerable effort.
Divatox just laughed. "Yes you will."
ooo
"It looks like they sent the welcoming party," Zhane said as they reached the edge of the Triforian system. The Machine Empire had been sent to topple the Triforian one and had already set up extensive borders around the system.
"Power up weapons and shields," Karone said. "Everybody hold on."
It turned out that "everybody hold on" wasn't such a great plan. The Rangers, including the new Pink Astro Ranger, were soon captured and taken to see Mondo and Machina.
"I was wondering who would lose their Ranger first," Mondo said. "It figures it would be Ooze, he was always so overly confident."
"What have you done with Justin?" Cassie demanded.
"Come here Cyborg," Machina called. "We hope that he will be the first in a long line of once-human machines."
The Rangers turned to see Justin, or what could have been Justin. His left arm had been totally replaced by a robotic one, as had the bottom three-fourths of his right leg and his left knee. His right eye, ear, and cheek, as well as his nose, had been replaced by a metallic mask with circuits and lights visible on its surface.
"Oh, Justin," Cassie breathed. The Pink Ranger highly doubted that even true love could cure Justin of what had been done to him.
"These are the Power Rangers," Mondo said. "Tell them who you are."
"I am Cyborg 0001. I am a servant of the Machine Empire."
"No!" Cassie cried. She broke free from the guards, raced over and took Justin by the shoulders. "You are Justin Stewart, Blue Turbo Ranger."
"I am Cyborg 0001," he said without emotion and grabbed her wrists. Cassie sucked in her breath at the strength he possessed; she was soon kneeling before him.
"Let her go," Machina ordered. Justin did. "Leave us." When Justin was gone she turned back to the Rangers. "I believe Ooze will be happy to have you back," she said to Cassie. "And I am sure Dark Specter will be able to find homes for all of you."
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"Oh my God," were not the first words Galactus wanted to hear that morning. He forced his eyes open to see Ashley franticly pulling her clothes back on.
"I can't believe I did that," she muttered.
"If it makes you feel any better, it was quite enjoyable."
She glared at him. "That is the problem. My friends are in trouble and I should not be giving pleasure to the person who put them in trouble… or taking pleasure in him for that matter."
"Well, at least I know you enjoyed yourself as well," Galactus grumbled. He pulled himself out of bed and laid a hand on her shoulder. It was meant to comfort her, but instead she recoiled.
"Don't touch me," she whispered. "Don't ever touch me again."
It was Galactus turn to step back. He dropped his hand, hurt written on his features, though she could not see them with her back to him. "Is there anything else you want me to do or never do?"
"Let me go," she said in a small voice. It was the first time she had made the request of him. She had always spoken of her friends freedom, never her own. She turned suddenly, her eyes pleading. "Let me go to free them and I promise I will return to you when I am done."
"You could die," Galactus said simply.
"And you won't allow that to happen," she bowed her head.
"No. But I will send Ecliptor to help your friends."
Her head shot up once more. "Really?" Galactus had never heard her voice take on such a tone, it was as if she was a small child and he loved her even more for it.
"Really."
"Thank you!" she threw her arms around his neck. Gently, he pulled away from her, careful not to touch her anymore than she had already touched him.
"You told me never to touch you again," he said simply, grabbed a tunic and walked out of the room.
Ashley was left alone, feeling as if she had just strangled a puppy.
ooo
"This isn't working," Divatox raved.
"It will work, my queen, you must give it time," Porto said.
"I don't want to give it time! I want that stupid Ranger to give up now!"
"Do not worry, soon he will weaken and Maligore will be able to take over his body."
"He had better," Divatox growled and stormed off the bridge.
ooo
"Phantom Ranger," a voice whispered from beyond the door.
"Who is there?" Phantom asked.
"Ecliptor. I have been sent to save you."
"What?" five voices asked at once. The door swung open then to reveal Ecliptor and two very immobile robots. "Come, we must hurry."
"Wait," Karone said, "why are you helping us?"
"There is no time, we must hurry."
"This is no time to look a gift horse in the mouth," Jeff said, rushing out the door.
"A what?" Zhane demanded, but was soon dragged out by Phantom.
The group raced through the hallways, meeting virtually no resistance to their passage. Ecliptor had planned well.
"Wait," Cassie said as they neared the MegaShip. "What about Justin?"
"That is taken care of," Ecliptor said. The whatever-he-is ushered the Rangers onto the ship and no one had the sense to stop him from entering as well. When they had managed to take off someone finally noticed them and a battle began. The MegaShip was faster than anything the Machine Empire had though, and was soon leaving the Solar System.
"Now," Karone said, getting up from her seat and slamming Ecliptor into one of the walls. "What about Justin?"
Ecliptor held up a strange purple jewel and pressed one of its faces. A blue form teleported onto the bridge and collapsed, it was Justin.
"I would suggest you restrain him, he is still part of the Machine Empire," Ecliptor said.
Phantom and Zhane hurried to do that while Karone held Ecliptor. When they returned she asked, "Why did you help us?"
"Galactus wishes to keep the Yellow Ranger happy and she will not be so until all of her friends are free."
"What makes him think we won't come to free her ourselves?" Cassie asked.
"Nothing, but he does not believe she will leave with you."
"What?" Jeff asked, then sank into one of the chairs as realization hit. "He's her Fet-na."
"Yes."
"I think we need to talk," Jeff said, "now."