A/N: Here is Chapter 20! Finally… It's amazing what happens when I am not actually working and writing stories. Here's the next chapter!
The rangers were hanging out in the lab as they turn to Seb, who was figuring out details for what was going on. The fact they weren't able to find Jack in over two weeks caused a little stress in the hideout. As Seb sat down, looking at the screen across from him, he tilted his head to the left as the door opened. Max grinned as he grabbed the silver box that was on the counter. The other rangers were also with Seb as Max sat down with the group.
"So…," said Seb, "You said you have some good news."
"I do," said Max, "I found a way to save Jack… but this would require an extra hand."
"An extra hand?" asked Grace, "Like…"
Max opened the box by opening the latch. As he opened the box, the rangers hovered over the box as they were looking at the device. It was a blue and orange device with a golden compass attached to it. It also had a black and silver band wrapped around it.
"That looks like an interesting… morpher?" asked Lamar.
"Yes," said Max, looking at the morpher, "This is the Detector Morpher."
Grace looked up as Max closed the box. She then turned to the others as she looked at the other rangers, "So, we will have a sixth ranger?"
"Yes," said Max.
Rachel and Grace grinned as they looked at each other. Max chuckled, "Nope."
"It's not Urara?" asked Rachel, in shock.
"Nope," a voice said, familiar. The girls turned around as Urara walked toward them. Urara sighed as she looked at them, "As much as I want to."
"Why did you turn it down?" asked Seb, "Off the record."
"Because… I think we need someone who can see things in a bigger light. Granted, I am a good analyzer, but someone I know would definitely fit the shoes," said Urara.
"Who were you thinking?" asked Seb.
"…" said Urara, "Cedric."
Seb looked at Urara, standing up as he looked at her, "Well… why?"
"Cedric proved himself time and time again," said Urara, looking at the red ranger, "Also, he deserves to prove to himself that he can do this."
Seb slowly nodded as he placed his hand on her shoulder, "Are you sure?"
Urara nodded as she turned to Seb, "Besides, without me, we couldn't have analyzed all of the artifacts."
Seb slowly nodded as he looked up. He reached for the silver box as he turned to Urara, "Where is he now?"
Chapter 20: The Dazzling Adventurer
"Say what?"
The look of Cedric's face was priceless as Seb was sitting with him. The sun was shining off of the coast of Lilycove City as the two rangers were talking it out. Cedric's face showed that he wasn't pleased with what was going on. Seb waved the Detector Morpher, looking at him.
"You've been selected to the be the sixth Relic Hunter Ranger," said Seb, "Relic Hunter Silver."
"Silver?" asked Cedric, looking at him, "Seb, no offense… but…"
"But, what?" asked Seb.
Cedric looked at Seb as he gulped, "Look, it was enough that I was evil and almost threw this region to the underworld of Hades. Why do you want me to be a part of the team?"
"You were when we fought Master Hades," said Seb.
"As a stand-alone warrior using dark magic to destroy him," said Cedric, looking at Seb.
"No, as part of a team," said Seb, looking at him. His eyes darted at Cedric as he looked at him, "Besides, I need you. Especially, if we can find my mentor and friend… this morpher can detect him."
"Well, find someone else," said Cedric, looking at the red ranger.
"No… you are it," said Seb, "I choose you. Besides, if we have to deal with them, meaning Nick, Chloe and Brent."
Cedric moved his face closer to him as he hissed at him a little, "I will handle those three my own way. Joining you will just be another headache. Plus, if you want your magic back, you have been fighting these goons for a while. You know what to expect…"
"You lost your powers to morph though," said Seb, "If anything, you are in the same category as well. Still can learn to use magic, but unable to morph."
"And I love the family reunion!"
As the screams filled the area, Seb and Cedric turned around as Archie arrived. Laughing, he, Matt and Shelly stood across with the Aqua Grunts as Seb stood in front of them.
"What do you want?" asked Seb.
"… Simple… to give some help," said Archie, "Matt… Shelly!"
Matt and Shelly grinned as they snapped their fingers. As they turned around, they saw a purple, green and navy beam materialize in front of them. Chloe, Nick and Brent laughed as they walked toward them.
"You…," said Seb.
"Hi, Seb!" shouted Brent, looking at Nick and the others, "We work with the Weather Syndicate now."
"You teamed up with Team Aqua… that must be absolutely thrilling," said Seb, striking a fighting pose, "Now, let's talk about more pressing matters, like returning Jack?"
"Oh, don't worry. I will be more than happy to return Jack…" said Nick, laughing, "That is, if you can hand over all access to the grid."
"Grid?" asked Cedric.
Seb shook his head, ignoring Cedric's comment as he was looking at the group of enemies that were serious about destroying him.
"Look," said Seb, "I don't plan on handing that over!"
Archie laughed as he looked at him, "As expected. Aqua Grunts!"
Raising his saber, the Aqua Grunts flew from all over the buildings around them. Immediately, the Aqua Grunts went toward Seb and Cedric with their sabers. Cedric and Seb jumped forward, flipping over as they landed on the ground. Immediately, Cedric took out his Shadow Morpher. Pressing a few buttons, he aimed his morpher at the grunts. Pressing a few buttons, a black and red aura shot out as a black hole appeared among the grunts, encasing them in a bind. Screaming, the grunts disappeared. Before Cedric could turn, Matt struck him with his saber. Cedric landed on the ground, noticing Matt cut him across the chest. Looking up, Matt laughed as he stretched his saber. Immediately, a streak of golden light hit him in the face as he landed on the ground. Looking up, Seb stretched out his right arm, looking at Matt. Matt looked up as he went to strike the duo. Nick, Chloe and Brent went to charge. Chloe and Brent flipped forward as they side kicked both of them with Nick jumping over them, kicking both in the face at the same time and then flipping back. As the two landed on the dirt, Nick walked over as he went toward Seb.
"Now, lets-," he started to say. Before he could do anything, sparks filled the air. Nick shook his head as he looked up, noticing Lamar and the others arriving to battle.
"The calvary arrived," said Archie, turning to them, "I would like to see this battle."
Matt and Shelly went to object, but Archie raised his hand. The two of them turned around as the other rangers helped Seb and Cedric up from the ground.
"Alright," said Seb, looking at the group, "Thanks!"
"You're welcome. We detected they were here," said Lamar, turning around, "Now, let Jack go!"
"Never!" shouted Nick, "Let's go!"
The other two rangers grabbed their Slayer Morphers and stretched them out. In auras of light, they transformed into their suits. The other rangers stretched for their morphers.
"Let's go!" shouted Seb.
"Relic Hunters, Start Up!"
Sliding the Relic Detectors across, the five rangers transformed into their suits. Nick and the others grabbed their weapons as they struck a fighting pose. Matt and Shelly joined with them as they had their weapons out. The Aqua Grunts stood in front of them, hissing as they withdrew their swords. Seb and the others reached for their Hunter Blades.
"Attack!" shouted Seb.
Within seconds, Lilycove City turned into a city of fun into a warzone like flash mob. Seb and the others were finishing the Aqua Grunts, slicing and dicing the grunts within seconds. As they landed on the ground, they immediately headed straight toward the stronger enemies.
Grace flipped forward as she did a spinning hook kick across Chloe. Chloe landed on the ground as Grace stretched out her saber. Chloe released her bow, shooting purple arrows. Grace blocked them as she placed her Hunter Blade back in her holster. A pink aura surrounded her hands as the Psychic Cutters arrived. Grace flipped forward as she went to slash with her blades. Chloe blocked it with her bow and then swung across with her bow, causing Grace to land on the ground.
Rachel swung her Thunder Scooper across as Shelly dodged the attack. Shelly laughed as she withdrew her harpoon. Shooting the harpoon, Rachel blocked it as she rolled underneath. As her weapon began to glow in a yellow aura, bursts of electricity surrounded it.
"Thunder Slash!"
As she released yellow lightning bolts, Shelly grinned as she snapped her fingers. A blue aura surrounded her as electric bolts inhibited the energy. Rachel looked at her in surprise as Shelly aimed her harpoon. Grinning, a blue beam shot out from the harpoon, piercing Rachel in the stomach. Explosions surrounded her suit as she landed on the ground.
Zander released his Swamp Blaster, shooting hydro blasts from his weapon. Immediately, Brent blocked it with his daggers. As he jumped forward to strike, Zander blocked with his blaster as Brent looked at him in the face. Pushing back and forth, Brent went to strike with his one dagger, only for Zander to kick one of the blades from Brent's hand. Zander then withdrew his Relic Blaster and pulled both triggers, shooting Brent in the stomach. Brent flipped backwards as he landed on the ground.
Matt swung his saber across as Lamar blocked it with his Doom Hammer. Lamar swung the hammer as it went over his head and struck him down, only for Matt to roll out of the way. Matt then took out a golden anchor from his left pocket and swung it across with a chain attached. Lamar was wrapped up as Matt hung on to the anchor. Using his saber, he touched the chain, releasing a golden energy beam. Lamar was electrocuted as he landed on the ground. As Lamar landed on impact, Lamar withdrew his Relic Blaster, shooting Matt in the chest.
Seb and Nick went at it with their weapons. Nick swung his saber as he struck across. As Seb blocked it, he kicked Nick in the chest. Nick turned around as he released a green beam from his saber, Seb blocked again. Flames emerged from his Blaze Lance as he charged forward with his lance. Nick struck the saber as a rock formation appeared in front of him. Seb flew backwards and landed on the ground. Nick laughed as he looked at him.
"You honestly think you can defeat me?" asked Nick.
Suddenly, a black beam of energy struck out, hitting Nick. Seb turned around as Cedric had his Shadow Morpher in hand.
"Cedric… what are you doing?" asked Seb.
"Saving your butt," said Cedric, pressing a few buttons. As he tried to release a spell, a black and red aura surrounded him. Seb watched as Cedric began to scream. The others turned around as Cedric started screaming. Black and red aura surrounded his whole body as he transformed into a humanoid Incineroar. The rangers watched as he had black and steel claws with greenish eyes.
"Cedric…," said Seb, "Are you…."
"ARRGH!" he screamed, releasing black and red aura beams. The rangers yelled as they dodged the attack. The Hunters and Team Aqua watched as Cedric screamed. Cedric released black and red energy beams as both sides were hit. Everyone took cover.
"What's going on?" asked Seb, looking at Rachel.
"I wish I knew," said Rachel.
"Destroy… Destroy!" he shouted.
Archie walked over toward the admin as he noticed what was going on, "Retreat!"
Matt and Shelly quickly nodded as they were dashing with Archie. Brent, Nick and Chloe turned around as they looked at each other. Immediately, they nodded as they started running the other direction.
"So…," said Rachel, "What do we do?"
Cedric roared as flames appeared from his fists. Seb turned around as he looked at Cedric. A red aura surrounded his body as he transformed out of his suit. The other rangers went to react to what's going on. When Cedric charged forward toward Seb. As his claws touched Seb's arms, Seb cringed as he felt the smoke coming from both arms. As Cedric roared, Seb's eyes began to glow bright gold as he pushed him back. Golden chains surrounded Cedric as he landed on the ground. Cedric roared, looking at him.
"Tell the team to expect company," said Seb.
An hour later…
Seb, without a shirt stretched his arms out on the main floor of the hideout, noticing the burns on either side of his arms and parts of his chest. He looked up as Grace was working up an extraction. Seb looked at her as she was using some herbs and molding them. Urara was helping her out as they were mixing new ingredients.
"I miss the Mystic Library….," said Seb.
"Why? Because I can make healing elixirs?" asked Grace.
"Pretty much," said Seb.
"Well, unfortunately, until we get our Mystic Force powers back… you are just going to have to deal with the good old fashioned medicine," said Grace.
Seb laughed, "Old fashioned? Just give me the Q Tips and the rubbing alcohol."
Zander grinned as he poured the rubbing alcohol on the back, where there were some burns. Seb jolted out of his seat as he looked at Zander angrily. Grace and Urara saw the bubbling on his back as Seb looked at him.
"I said Q Tips and rubbing alcohol… not dump an eighth a cup on my back…," said Seb.
"Hee hee…," said Zander, jokingly, "You asked?"
"How about I set you on fire?" asked Seb.
"Hey… hey… hey, relax," said Urara, pushing Seb down to sit. Seb sighed as a few green herbal droplets were placed along his wounds. Immediately, Grace wrapped medical tape on the spots. Seb sighed as he looked at them. Once the medical tape was placed on the wounds, Seb walked over as he looked at Cedric, who was sleeping, still in his form.
"How?" asked Urara, "Unless…"
"That's Incinizard without the Charizard…," said Lamar, looking at Urara, "I sense it."
"You mean… a piece of Incinizard is still there?" asked Rachel.
Lamar nodded as he looked over. Amy, who was walking over, headed toward the screen. Pressing the button, the rangers noticed the seven rangers on the screen.
"So…," said Urara, "While you were talking, we were doing an analysis of our Mystic Force powers. It seems that when our powers were stripped, eventually we should all be able to use basic magic."
"So…" said Lamar, "Like when I fought Jake and Suicune's essence was still there?"
"Precisely… remember when we took the legend forms and we almost became legendary Pokémon?" asked Urara.
"Yep…," said Zander, "Being a Virizion was not on my to do list."
"Right?" asked Urara, "When our powers were stripped… our DNA structure was able to acquire some fragments of Legendary Pokémon DNA."
"So… we can still use our magic?" asked Grace, "Just like how Lamar, Rachel and Seb can use it."
"Exactly. Until our Mystic Force powers are back, we can't really maximize our magic… now in Cedric's case…"
She pointed to Cedric's DNA and compared it to Lamar's. The rangers looked at it. Lamar's structure was normal with blue spots inserted into the genes. Cedric's was blackish and reddish all over the place.
"What is with Cedric's DNA structure?" asked Seb.
"When Cedric became Incinizard, my guess is 80 percent of his DNA has been converted to Incineroar genes… I don't see a single ounce of Darkrai," said Urara.
"I have seen this…," said Rachel, pointing to the screen, "Urara could you magnify Cedric's screen?"
Urara nodded as she touched the screen and magnified it. Rachel looked at the structure. There were black spots that were consuming the structure. Rachel looked at this as she turned to Urara, "Is there a way to contact Reshimé?"
"I think so…," said Urara, "She gave me a way to do it before she left. Why?"
"If we don't get her now, Cedric will no longer be a human being," said Rachel.
"What do you mean?" asked Seb, looking at her.
Rachel sighed as she looked at him, "When Cedric went to Hades Underground, Cedric had to give up his humanity… and unfortunately, when doing so, this is Hades DNA that I see."
"You mean… he was infected with it?" asked Grace, "Not just a spell."
"It is possible," said Rachel, "But, based off the damage…"
Rachel sighed as she looked at the group, "I don't know if we can reverse the process. There are very little Darkrai cells…"
"Darkrai helped purify some of the Incinzard genes… in this case, all of the Charizard genes of that are gone…," said Urara.
"So… when he used his magic on that mirror…," said Seb, "Don't tell me…"
"Darkrai's essence went with it…," said Rachel, "So, his magic was also stripped. However, because his DNA was still altered… it gave the Incinizard genes time to multiply. It will only be a few hours until his DNA becomes completely what you see…"
"So… now we have to save Jack and Cedric…," said Seb, rolling his eyes. He then turned around as he looked at the others, "Well, let's call Reshimé. We can at least try to solve one problem. Or at least you can."
"Where are you going?" asked Rachel.
Seb turned around as he looked at them, "I need to get my mind off of this… maybe figuring out where Jack is will help me ease my mind."
Grabbing his t-shirt that was on the chair, he headed toward the elevator. As the doors closed behind him, the others turned to each other. Urara sighed as she looked at Amy. Amy nodded as she turned around, "I am going to try some conventional methods to try to inhibit the DNA… until we can get Reshimé here."
"If you can, that'd be great," said Urara.
Amy nodded, "The best thing to do right now would be to keep him comfortable."
Meanwhile…
The doors opened up as Seb stepped into Meteor Falls. As he walked inside, he headed toward the center. As he looked at the screens, he sighed as he looked at the console.
"Alright, Jack…" said Seb, looking at the console, "We know Brent and the others took you. The question is… where did they take you?"
Pressing a few buttons, he then heard some clutter. Looking to his right, he withdrew his Relic Blaster. Picking it up, he walked over toward the balcony. As he headed straight toward the balcony, he looked to his right as he stretched his weapon, only to show that it was Zander.
"How'd you know I was here?" asked Seb.
"… It was the only place where I know Jack would be. Staying at the hideout isn't going to work for me," Zander said.
Seb sighed as he looked toward the hideout, "Well, what I am about to do is dangerous and I think its best you return with the others."
"And I am going to disobey your suggestion because I am not going to let our fearless leader go on a suicide mission alone," said Zander.
Seb turned around as he looked at him, "Well… You're crazy to join me…"
Zander nodded as he looked at Seb, "Our magic said should still work… right?"
"Well…," said Seb, "Yeah… but…"
"So, Jack met the Ranger Slayers here…," said Zander, feeling the floor. The floor was definitely made of dirt, "You forgot we are in the middle of the cave."
"… Where are you getting at?" asked Jack.
Zander closed his eyes. As a green aura surrounded his body, green footprints emerged from the dirt floor. Zander looked over as he looked at the footprints. Looking at Seb, Seb turned around as he looked at him, "So… they took him downstairs."
"Downstairs?" asked Zander, "Where does that lead to?"
"Zords," said Seb.
Zander grinned a little as he walked with him. As the door opened, Zander stood in shock as he was looking at what he saw. It felt like he was walking into a gigantic museum. Seb, ignoring Zander's reaction, climbed down the metal stairs as he looked at the path. He then noticed the foot dragging, heading toward the exit. The door was left open, leaving a breeze to enter. He looked at Zander as Zander turned over, noticing Seb's face. He snapped out of what he saw and headed toward him. Running toward him, Seb noticed the dirt tracks.
"How did they not seal the zord bay up on their way out?" asked Zander, "I mean there's a ton of zords in that cave."
"I know," said Seb, looking over. As he turned around, he noticed something ruby shining on the grass. Dashing over, Seb picked up the unknown artifact. Zander examined it. It was a ruby like crystal with a Torchic coin attached to it. Seb looked at it as he noticed a white note on the bottom. Ripping of the paper, he read the note.
"What is it?" asked Zander.
"A bunch of coordinates… and a crystal of some kind," said Seb.
Zander nodded slowly as he looked at it. His eyes looked at the grass and then at Seb, "Wait… Jack and the others used crystals to activate their zords…"
"So…" said Seb, he then looked up as he turned to Zander, "The Torchic Zord!"
Meanwhile…
Rachel, Urara and Grace were watching as Cedric was cringing in pain. Cedric was sitting in an electric cage, not sure of what was going on. As he tried to break out, purple bolts surrounded him as Cedric landed on the ground.
"I feel so bad for him," said Grace, "What do we do?"
"I wish I had an answer," said Rachel.
"Well… we need to figure something out and fast…," said Urara, looking at the cage.
"I am here!"
Urara turned around as the others looked around. Lamar walked over as he escorted Reshimé. As she was walking with them, another woman arrived. She wore a white magical dress with a silver crown above her head. She had tan skin with brown eyes as she headed toward them.
"Diana…," said Grace.
"Rangers… sorry to come down at an unprecedented time…" said Diana.
"No big deal," said Urara, "Well, for us."
Diana nodded, understanding her statement. Diana and Reshimé stood in front of the group as Diana took out her Mystic Morpher, pressing a few buttons, she knelt down as she began to speak in an unknown language. Reshimé knelt on the ground, also pronouncing in an unknown language. The other rangers watched as a white aura surrounded them. As a white beam struck out, Cedric was hit as flames began to dissipate. As he screamed, the rangers watched as his skin began to mutate back to human form. Within minutes, Cedric was knocked out, with his skin turning back to human form.
"So…," said Rachel, "That was it?"
"It's only temporary. The Shadow Morpher should have been able to purify those cells… I am assuming it has been damaged like your morphers," said Diana.
"That is correct," said Lamar.
"I see," said Diana, "Then, we need to figure it out fast."
Urara rubbed her chin as she looked at them, "What if we put it in the Detector Morpher?"
"No way," said Diana, "It has to be a magical thing. I mean, the technology that you have is beyond amazing… but no way."
Urara winked as she turned to her, "But, I have an amazing team."
Lamar spoke out as he turned to Urara, "I actually agree with Diana."
Urara turned around as she looked at Lamar, "What?"
"Yeah," said Lamar, looking at Cedric, "No offense, but Cedric has only been an auxiliary warrior. He helped us defeat Hades, definitely, but I don't see him as a good candidate for being the sixth ranger."
"I mean, Lamar has a point," said Grace, looking at Cedric, "What if it doesn't work… and worse… what if he uses these unknown powers? I would rather not take the risk."
Rachel looked at them, "But, that's what its all about."
The rangers quickly turned to Rachel. Rachel looked over as she turned to the group as she walked toward them, "I know you think I am crazy thinking about this but… we can't control what happened in the past with Cedric. I know I shouldn't be talking about this because I'm one to talk, but if anything we've learned, what was the one thing we learned as magicians?"
"Taking risks," said Lamar, looking at Rachel, "But, what's your point?"
"I am sure we can make this work," said Rachel, "How long do we have?"
Diana turned around as she looked at them, "You have about a good hour."
Urara grinned as she looked at them, "Come with me."
Meanwhile…
The rangers were dashing in the zord bay. As they were looking around, they were surprised as they were looking at the lights.
"I am surprised Nick, Brent or Chloe didn't capture them…," said Zander, looking at the blueprints.
"There are too many zords… where would they store them?" asked Seb.
Zander shrugged, "You never know. If its as big as Hades Underground, they probably have a gigantic base somewhere."
Seb looked up as they walked toward the end of the zord bay. Both of them stood in awe as they saw five zords standing in the far back, connected to pipes. From right to left, they saw a robotic Poochyena, an Abra, a Torchic, a Pichu and a Mudkip, all standing upright.
"The original zords," said Zander, grinning, "This is awesome, dude! Hopefully, I get to pilot one."
"Save your excitement… we got to get to the Torchic Zord," said Seb.
Walking toward the zord, Seb and Zander started climbing on the ladders that were on the side. As they got to the top, they arrived to the top platform. Noticing the entrance on top, Seb and Zander grabbed their Scope Shots and aimed at the yellow hair on top of Torchic. As the hooks went around, both rangers hopped on top as they landed on the head. Noticing how far they were from the top, Zander hung on for dear life as he went to place his feet on something stable. Standing up, he looked at Seb, "How did Jack do it?"
"Good question…," said Seb, pressing a button. Immediately, a door opened in between the two of them. Zander and Seb hopped into the cockpit. Looking at the cockpit, Zander was impressed with what he saw. Two red light fixtures that appeared on either side and a chair in front of him. There was a console in front of the chair. In the back was the Torchic coin, painted in red and white. As Seb sat in front, he noticed the green handles flashing around him. He then set his palms on the console. Immediately, the lights automatically turned on. Zander looked around as he saw the red lights flashing and the console. Seb then placed the crystal in the slot. As he did, the crystal began to glow in a red aura.
"Whoa…," said Zander, "Talk about an interesting start up."
"Yeah," said Seb, pressing a few buttons. He then noticed a map. Zander looked at the map as he saw a red dot north of Meteor Falls.
"Isn't that Route 114?" asked Zander.
"Yep…" said Seb, "What's hidden over there?"
Zander shook his head, "You're telling me. I know there was something in Fallarbor Town."
"No… its west of Fallarbor," said Seb, looking at him. His eyes grew as he looked up, "Wait… that's the Fossil Maniac's house."
"Fossil Maniac?" asked Zander.
"There's a story that there was an underground passage that connected under the region… specifically under the desert…," said Seb.
"So… we are going underground…," said Zander.
"No… I am…," said Seb, looking at Zander, "In case something happens, I need you and the others to protect the planet while I save Jack."
"Got it," said Zander.
Seb turned around as he reached for his morpher, "Ranger HQ, come in."
"Yes," a voice said, recognizing it was JT's.
"JT, we found Jack's location," said Seb.
"Where?" asked JT.
"He's in the Desert Underpass…," said Seb, sighing, "I am going to send Zander back. I am going to go in…"
"Alright…," said JT, "Reshimé is here. We are currently working on infusing those damage cells into his morpher."
"How?" asked Zander, "That's a mystical thing. It can't hold!"
"If we can hold our magic, then this can work," said Seb.
Zander pressed a button on his morpher, "JT, I am staying."
Closing the morpher, he looked at Seb as he looked at him. He turned around as he looked at Zander. Zander nodded as he pressed a few buttons on the console, "Are you sure?"
"Yup. Let's save him!"
Seb turned around as he looked at the zord schematics. He looked up, grinning, "Jack, forgive me… looks like I am taking your zord on a joyride. Torchic Zord, launch!"
Meanwhile….
Jack was tied up to the wall as he was looking at the Hunter Slayers. Nick and Chloe were laughing as they were turning to him.
"So…," said Nick, looking at him, "How are we doing?"
Brent grinned as he stepped into the room. He looked up as he turned to Nick and Chloe, "Well, thanks to the zord blueprints we downloaded, we were able to make Megazords of our own. They are currently hidden behind the door."
"Really?" asked Chloe, grinning, "Well, then…"
Nick laughed, looking at them, "Well, I guess we are going to have some fun. We get zords, we get ranger powers… all thanks to Jack."
Jack shook his head as he looked at him, "… You asshat."
"Yep, I am. And now that we have everything… we don't need you anymore," said Nick, laughing. He then snapped his fingers. As Brent walked over, he headed toward one of the consoles. Grinning, he looked at the chains that Jack was tied to. Brent pulled the lever, red bolts surrounded Jack as he started screaming.
"Take this!" shouted Nick, laughing.
Suddenly, a vibration was felt from above. He looked up as the earthquake started. Looking up, a beak bolted through the ground as light poured out. As Jack winced, the others looked up as Zander jumped down, landing on the ground.
"Zander!" shouted Jack.
Zander rolled across as he released his Relic Blaster. Pulling the trigger, a golden beam was pulled as the system exploded. The red sparks diminished as Jack relaxed. Brent turned around as Zander dashed over toward Jack. Brent threw one of his daggers, only to block it. Zander then took out his Hunter Blade, slashing the chains as Jack was set free. Jack turned around as he looked at Zander.
"Thank you," said Jack.
Jack barreled through as he leapt toward one of the consoles, grabbing his morphers that were left on the counter. Before he could turn around, Chloe released arrows from behind, almost missing Jack's right shoulder. As Jack turned around, Chloe went to strike again. Jack squatted and rolled forward, sweeping Chloe with his left foot. As Chloe landed on the ground, her bow flew over as Jack grabbed the bow. He turned around as he used her bow. Releasing a purple arrow, the arrow pierced the console. Chloe turned around as she looked at the green beeping on the arrows. Laughing, Jack threw the bow as the arrow exploded the systems attached to the wall.
"No way!" Chloe shouted.
Zander turned around as he grabbed Jack by the shoulder. Nick and Brent charged forward as Zander released his Scope Shot. Attaching to the top, Jack and Zander escaped up as they landed in the cockpit. As Jack sat down in the cockpit, Seb looked at him as Jack grinned.
"Thanks for borrowing my zord," said Jack.
"Great… a robotic Torchic found our hideout…," said Nick, "We need to use those Megazords in the back."
"Uh…," said Jack, laughing as he looked at them, "You will have more problems. Flame Wheel!"
Torchic raised its head and released a stream of flames throughout the hideout. Brent, Nick and Chloe dodged the attack as the flames streamed through the headquarters, blowing up every system attached to the wall and into the Megazord lot. Gears, pipes and everything crushed on the robots as they landed on the ground. As the tunnel shook, the rocks fell down, crushing the hideout.
"Alright!" Seb shouted.
"So much for their hideout," said Zander, looking at Seb as he turned to Jack.
"Let's scram…," said Jack, pressing a few buttons as the Torchic Zord started going back to Meteor Falls. As they left, the smoke started to clear. Nick stood up as he looked at the rubble. As he noticed rips and tears in his clothes, he looked at Brent and Chloe, who were in the same condition, struggling to get up.
"Alright…" said Nick, grabbing his saber, "It's time… we destroy Lilycove City… and bring the rangers to our level."
Brent laughed as he turned to them, "Oh yeah…"
Chloe turned around as she looked at them, "Now, it's personal."
An hour later…
The doors opened as Zander, Seb and Jack walked inside. As Jack sat down at a chair, the other rangers turned to him. Grace walked over as Jack looked up, "Jack… are you okay?"
"I have to admit, I am glad you two found me. They were going to kill me," said Jack.
"What did they want anyway?" asked Grace.
"They encrypted the morphing grid technology… and have created Megazords similar to what you have," said Jack, looking at them.
"Wait… how?" asked Lamar, looking at Jack and the others, "Aren't our ranger powers encrypted with security?"
"Yes," said Jack, "Only three people have access to the grid. Myself, Daniel Dragonfly and I gave Seb a code. In case something happened, Seb would be able to access the grid and figure out what's going on."
"But, where was Claydol in all of this?" asked Seb, looking at him, "You would think Claydol would be there."
Jack sighed as he looked at Seb. He looked at the ground as he turned to him, "Claydol is very old. He's been around for as long as Rayquaza. However, we have learned that Claydol's health is declining. It's because of Rayquaza's spell, Claydol was able to live through a lot of history. Ever since Rayquaza died and the whole world turned inside out, that was the only hole in the picture. What would happen to Claydol? So, that's why I started investigating on the Crown of Weather. As of right now, Claydol's hibernating. He instructed us unless something major happens, only call when needed. So of course, that's why Claydol is not there."
Lamar stood there in shock, "Wow."
"Yeah," said Jack, "Anywho, they hacked into the system, learned about all of us and constructed Megazords based off the zords. They are constructing multiple Megazords all similar to yours. And they plan on selling them to Team Magma, Team Aqua and Team Dracos."
"So, it's almost like selling military secrets to use for world domination in a way?" asked Lamar.
Urara looked at them as she looked at Diana. Diana then turned to them as she was looking at the book, "If this is true rangers, that means Magiland is also in trouble."
"… Especially if both the Mystic Titan Megazord and the Solar Express Megazord were in the history archive," said Urara.
"And… the Mystic Legendary Megazord," said Reshimé, "Plus any other zord combination in that archive. That means the Ranger Slayers know about every spell, every zord finisher…"
"Yeah," said Lamar, sighing as he looked at Jack, "So, how would we counteract that?"
"We haven't thought of that yet. But, we should come up with a plan," said Jack, "And we will have time. I used the Torchic Zord to burn the whole entire hideout. It's going to take them a while to reconstruct and rebuild."
"How's Cedric doing?" asked Seb.
Reshimé walked over as she turned to him. Seb observed as Cedric was on the ground, knocked out. This time, he was in human form. As he was asleep, he looked at Reshimé. Reshimé sighed as she looked at him, "So, we managed to keep Cedric stable and reverse the process. But, it's only temporary."
"Okay…," said Seb.
"Urara had this really good idea to use the Detector Morpher to contain the remaining cells of Incineroar," said Reshimé, "We were able to make that happen, but he would need to wear until we can repair all of your morphers… which has been a very slow process."
"I understand that," said Seb, looking at Cedric.
As Seb walked forward, Cedric's eyes opened up as he looked at him, "Seb… why am I in a cage? Dear? Diana?"
Reshimé sighed as she turned to Cedric, "Honey, we have a solution to this whole thing."
"Um… did you answer my question?" asked Cedric.
Seb sighed, "Your Incineroar cells of Incinizard have taken over you. We had to call Diana and Reshimé to solve some things. Unfortunately, with the Shadow Morpher destroyed, it has multiplied the Incineroar cells, taking your body. Diana and Reshimé with the help of Urara and the team decided that you would have to wear this."
Cedric looked at Seb as Seb raised the Detector Morpher in his hand. Cedric rolled his eyes, "You have got to be kidding me? No way."
"At least you will be able to control what's going on there," said Seb.
"Seb, I am not going to join the team," said Cedric, "I am the Shadow Wizard. I can't be a Relic Hunter."
"Your powers are gone, just like all of ours. And what's worse is that our problem has escalated!" said Seb, raising his voice.
"What do you mean?" asked Cedric.
"Our so-called former friends used Jack's codes," said Seb, pointing to him, "They were able to duplicate new technology based off of our weapons."
Cedric looked at Jack, "Is this true?"
Jack nodded slowly, "Yep. And it's only a matter of time before they use it. But, right now, you have to make a decision. Either you strap that on… or lose your human self."
Before Cedric could say anything, the red lights started blaring in the headquarters. Turning around, the other rangers were looking at the screens as they saw Chloe, Nick and Brent destroying a few things along the blocks of Lilycove City.
"Come on rangers!" shouted Nick, morphed, "You don't show up, we blow up this whole city!"
"… I will stay and continue to convince him," said Seb, "Lamar, go."
Lamar nodded as he turned to the others, "Rangers, let's go!"
Lamar, Grace, Zander and Rachel stood in a line as they had their Relic Detectors in their hands.
"Relic Hunters, Start Up!"
Sliding the morphers, shades of black, pink, blue and yellow surrounded them as they transformed into their suits. The four rangers dashed out of the room, heading to the room. As the doors closed behind them, Seb turned around as he looked at Cedric.
"Cedric…," said Seb, "Let's have a chat."
Cedric looked up as he looked at him, "There's nothing to talk about."
"Yes, there is," said Seb, looking at Cedric.
Cedric's eyes narrowed as he looked at Seb. Seb stretched his hand as he tried to make contact. He took out the keys that were on the counter and unlocked the cage. Cedric walked out as he looked at him, "Seb…"
"Cedric, I am not asking you to join our group. I am asking you to wear this to protect you. I don't want to lose my cousin over something that Master Hades did to you. Your wife was worried about you. I was worried about you!" shouted Seb.
Meanwhile…
Lamar and the others were dashing in the streets of Lilycove City. As they arrived, Chloe, Brent and Nick arrived as they looked at their opponents.
"Guess who showed up?" asked Chloe, laughing as she was looking at the burning building.
"Enough smack talk," said Rachel, "You wanted us…"
"Yeah… all five of you," said Nick, "Even though Seb and Jack destroyed our base, its time we ended you all personally."
Lamar laughed as he looked at him, "Well… those that steal from us don't survive. Can't believe we actually have to do this…"
"I agree," said Zander, grabbing his Relic Blaster, "It makes me sick."
Immediately, Chloe and Brent jumped forward as they went to strike. The four rangers dodged the attack and the battle began. Immediately, it was the girls against Chloe, Brent vs. Zander and Lamar facing off with Nick.
Back in the hideout…
Cedric turned around as he looked at him, "I didn't mean to worry you. I didn't mean to worry Reshimé. Especially with what they were trying to do. Unfortunately, when I destroyed the mirror, I wasn't expecting to lose everything."
Reshimé looked at him, "But, Cedric… it doesn't matter now. I am just glad you're okay."
Cedric said nothing as he turned to her. She then turned to Diana, who was standing there, "Cedric, is it because you are afraid that you can't trust yourself?"
Cedric stood there silently. He darted his eyes at Diana. It was like she called him out right on the spot. Cedric looked down as he looked at him, "I don't think they trust me. They think I'll turn around and become Incinizard or something."
Seb turned around as he looked at him. He then looked at the screen, seeing his friends getting slaughtered by the team. He then turned around as he looked at him, "Cedric, I trust you."
Cedric looked up as he turned to him, "Do you?"
Seb nodded quietly as he stretched his hand out, "Yes."
As Cedric went to stretch his hand, he felt a red aura surround his right hand, turning into a claw. As it shrunk back to a human hand, he held it firmly. He looked up as he turned to the others being slaughtered, "It's your decision, but I have to go."
Nick laughed as he was looking at the other four rangers. Rachel, Grace, Zander and Lamar were stumbling as they went to get up. Rachel looked at Grace as Zander and Lamar tried to get up. Lamar groaned as he looked at them.
"We need Seb…," said Rachel.
"Where is he?" asked Grace.
"Still trying to convince him…," said Zander.
Nick laughed as he pointed his saber at Lamar's neck. The rangers turned around as Lamar gulped. Before he could do anything, Nick went to thrust his saber into his ribs. However, before the blade made impact, a golden blast hit Nick in the stomach. Nick turned around as he looked to see Seb with his Relic Blaster in his hand.
"I was going to kill your friend," he said.
Seb shook his head, "If you are going to kill my friends, you got to go through me first."
Meanwhile…
Cedric turned around as he was watching the whole battle. As he watched a few matches, he looked down as he turned to Jack. Jack looked at him as Cedric turned to him. Reshimé and Diana walked over as they looked at Cedric. Cedric then turned around as he looked at what was going on. As the other rangers were getting hit, Seb was getting damaged by the attack.
"Urara…," said Jack, looking over.
"I don't know if they will last much longer. Their weapons have increased in power, causing more critical damage to their armor," said Urara, "If we don't do something now…"
Cedric looked up as his eyes began to glow bright red. He screamed as flames surrounded him, transforming him into Incineroar. He walked over, grabbing Jack by the neck. Jack cringed as he looked at him, "… Cedric…"
"Cedric, please…," said Diana.
Reshimé looked over as she turned to the Detector Morpher. As she grabbed the morpher, she threw it to Jack. Jack caught it with one hand as Cedric dragged him out of the room. Urara turned around as she looked at them.
"Cedric's anger must've released those cells," said Reshimé, "Jack will have to act fast."
"I hope he gets there in time," said Urara, "Grabbing Jack…?"
"True," said Diana, "If he was truly Incinizard, he would've killed Jack."
Urara sighed as she looked at the screen, "I hope they'll both be okay."
Nick snapped his fingers. Looking at his left, Chloe released a few arrows. Seb dodged the arrows as he pulled the trigger, shooting Chloe in the stomach. He then released his Blaze Lance. Nick laughed as he charged forward with his saber.
Seb landed on the ground with the others as explosions surrounded him. As his back landed on the concrete, Nick stepped on his stomach. Seb cringed in pain as he tried to fight. He looked up as the Tyranitar Blade was stretched toward his chest.
"Goodbye, Seb!"
He went to thrust the blade deep, only for flames to strike Nick. Nick stumbled backwards as he noticed a humanoid Incineroar screaming. Seb turned around as he noticed the Incineroar with Jack around his shoulder. Jack knelt down as he looked at Seb. The others rushed toward the group as a black aura surrounded the creature. Cedric rolled his eyes as he fell to his knees. His clothes had a few tears and rips, looking at them.
"What happened?" asked Seb.
"Jack… quickly," shouted Cedric, looking up, "I only have a little amount of time."
Jack reached for his back pocket. Cedric looked up as Seb grabbed his wrist. Before Cedric could question, Seb wrapped the Detector Morpher around his wrist and pressed the green button. A red aura surrounded Cedric as Incineroar's energy began to transfer into the morpher. Red bolts surrounded Cedric as he stood up, feeling normal as he struck a fighting pose.
Cedric looked up as he then turned to Nick. Nick laughed as he looked at the rangers with his saber, "You saved Cedric… that's nice!"
Cedric looked at Nick as he turned to him, "Yes, I did. I've just about had it with you three. To think that you sold your souls to evil… you aren't worthy of the Crown of Weather."
Chloe laughed as she turned around, looking at Cedric, "Well, your magic is worthless now… your friends are powerless. There's nothing you can do."
Cedric grinned as he looked at them, stepping forward, "You have no idea what I'm capable of."
He then raised his Detector Morpher. The other three rangers were in shock as he pressed a golden button on the morpher. Red lights began to activate as he looked up, "Relic Hunters, Start Up!"
Pressing the golden spinner, a silver aura surrounded Cedric's body. A black background surrounded him as an orange blueprint of his suit appeared with his weaponry. The orange blueprint transformed into a ball as hit Cedric with energy. Cedric had a black suit with silver boots and gloves with powder blue rims. He also had a silver buckler with a teal shaped blaster on the left side. He had a white chest plate with the same Poké Ball symbol like the other five. On his shoulders, he had orange lights that were flashing on either side. His helmet began to materialize, shaped like a Metagross with red lighting along the mouth.
"What the-?" asked Nick.
"No way!" shouted Brent, "That wasn't in the archive."
"Great," said Chloe, "One of them."
Cedric stepped forward once again as lights appeared all over his suit.
"The Dazzling Adventurer… Relic Hunter Silver!"
"Relic Hunter Silver?" asked Nick, "A sixth ranger isn't going to stop us!"
Cedric got into a fighting stance as he put his fists up. He looked at Nick as he twitched his neck. Nick laughed as he dashed toward Cedric. Cedric performed a slip with his upper body and threw a roundhouse kick at Nick's back. Nick fell as he landed on the ground. He then kicked Brent and Chloe with both feet, one at a time. As the two hunters landed on the ground, Brent bounced back as he grabbed his Draco Daggers. Throwing them across, Cedric withdrew his weapon.
"Steel Sniper!"
It was a teal shaped blaster with an extended silver nozzle. On the blaster, it had black and red designs with a green scope that was attached. Pulling the trigger, teal beams pierced the daggers as it landed on the ground. Chloe and Brent looked at each other as Chloe went to grab her weapon. Immediately, Cedric pressed a red button on the side.
"Automatic Mode!"
Pulling the trigger, a spray of teal beams emerged from the blaster, shooting Chloe in the chest. Brent turned around as he went to grab his daggers, only to get hit by the attack. He then turned around as Nick went to slash him with his saber.
Jumping back, Cedric pressed a green button on the weapon. Immediately, a metal plate attached to the nozzle.
"Meta Tector!"
Swinging the weapon, Nick was slashed across as Cedric used the weapon. Nick went to strike with his saber again, only for Cedric to knock it down. He then used the weapon as if it were a sledgehammer, swinging it to his right side and then slamming it on the ground, releasing a psychic energy. Nick lifted off as if he lost all gravity. He looked up as Cedric's helmet began to glow in a silver aura.
"Meteorite Strike!"
Swinging the weapon, a silver line of energy emerged with pink and silver beams. Immediately, Nick yelled as an explosion surrounded him. Brent and Chloe looked at each other as Nick landed on the ground, a green aura surrounded him. Coughing up blood, Nick looked up as Cedric aimed his weapon at him.
"Retreat…," said Nick.
"What?" asked Brent.
"You heard me… retreat," he said.
Chloe turned around, "You must be insane!"
Nick carefully got up as he looked at him, "You and your friends may have won today. You may have saved your friend but mark my words… Relic Hunters! We will do whatever it takes to find the jewels and steal the ones you have for our own reasons!"
Immediately, Brent and Chloe grabbed Nick on both sides as a blue aura surrounded them, causing them to disappear.
Cedric turned around as he looked at the other rangers. A silver aura surrounded him as he looked at the group.
"So," said Seb, "What did you think?"
"How were you able to…," said Cedric. Seb grinned as he reached for his device. A black and red aura surrounded it, "I was able to figure out a way to keep Incineroar in your morpher. This is only until we can get your Shadow Morpher regenerated."
"Thanks," said Cedric, looking at him.
"You can come join us at Café Cruz tonight," said Rachel, grinning, "It's our last night in Lilycove City before we leave."
"I... will think about it," said Cedric, grinning, "Why don't you go heal yourselves?"
Rachel nodded as the rest of the group left. Seb turned around as he looked at him. Cedric slowly nodded as Seb responded without silence. With a slight grin, Seb turned around as he walked away to meet with the rest of the group.
Later that evening…
Cedric walked toward the rangers, noticing the Detector Morpher strapped to his left hand. He looked at the five rangers as they were sitting on the beach of Lilycove City. Jack, who was alive and well, was sitting with the group. The group was sitting amongst other people at a beautiful restaurant. The tiki torches were lit as the rangers were dressed in Hawaiian shirts.
"So… at least Cedric joined the team," said Jack, "Where did Diana and Reshimé go?"
"They had to return to Magiland," said Rachel, "From what Urara told me, things were uprising over there with what they learned here. But, Reshimé asked we take care of him."
"True…" said Lamar, sighing, "What a mess."
"Yeah," said Seb, looking at Jack, "Unfortunately, now we have to deal with this."
Grace grinned as she was looking at the group, "I am just glad that Cedric is one of us now… this will be an interesting adventure."
"Yep," said Zander, looking over, noticing Cedric heading over in their direction. The rangers turned around as they noticed Cedric wearing something different. Cedric was wearing a grey short-sleeve jacket with red stripes on either side with a black t-shirt underneath. He then wore blue jeans with grey and white sneakers.
"Cedric, welcome," said Grace, grinning.
Cedric sat down as he looked at the group. The rangers were silent as they were looking at him. Cedric grinned slightly as he noticed a waiter walking toward him.
"What would you like sir?" he asked, looking at him.
Cedric looked at the menu that was currently on the table. He then turned to him, "I will have a Magma Mai-Tiki Vodquila."
The waiter nodded as he walked away. Cedric looked at Jack as he turned to him, "You don't have to thank me for saving you."
"I wasn't expecting it," said Jack, grinning, "You did enough."
Cedric nodded slowly, turning to Seb, "So, where are you heading next?"
"Mossdeep Island… we have to get to Mossdeep City for Rachel's next badge," said Seb, raising an eyebrow, "You could join us."
Cedric raised an eyebrow, unknown of what to say or do. He was surprised that Seb asked him to join them. Cedric gulped as he looked at the rangers, "Well, I would have to think about that. There's so much that I have to think about. And there's so much I would have to do."
"Like what?" asked Rachel, looking at him.
"I have to adjust to things," said Cedric, "I haven't been myself since Incinizard. Reshimé really helped me be more of who I once was, but now with what has been going on…"
"You are afraid that we are going to get hurt," said Urara, looking at him, "And if you can trust yourself and if we can trust you."
Cedric stopped talking as she looked at him. Urara grinned as she was sipping a glass of wine, "Cedric, after being on this team for a while…"
"You get to know each other," said Cedric, grinning, "I guess you are right."
As the waiter arrived with a glass of the Magma Mai-Tiki Vodquila, the rangers were amazed at what it was. It was a silver glass with red and orange swirls. It had a cherry and orange attached. Cedric grinned as he went to sip the glass. He was amazed at what he saw, "I think this will definitely be an amazing journey."
"Agreed," said Lamar, looking at Cedric, "Welcome to the team… again!"
Next Chapter:
Cedric: What do you mean this suit is a prototype?
Archie: They took my robot!
Nick: The Thunder Cannon is ours for the taking!
Rachel: We really need your help…
Cedric: Is it even worth it? You know I work alone.
Poké Rangers Relic Hunters Chapter 21: Armed and Dangerous
Cedric: What is this?
Jack: You'll see!
A/N: So, if you didn't call it, you can now. Cedric is the sixth ranger for the team! And you will see a lot more gadgets and other things. So, I wonder where we head with this? Guess you will have to wait and see!
