Chapter 19

The Shattering Effect

Fury raged through his blood as he cursed loudly at the lost connection. Not long ago, unimaginable energy flowed freely through the veins of his magic, the source for much of his power. Now it stopped. He felt the energy leave him, like a receding tide. How did this happen? The Star Road was fueled by wishes made by fools who dreamt their lives away. It was incessant; it could never stop, not right now, not when he was preparing to launch an attack to subjugate the world. Forgeron considered himself a powerful sorcerer, but without the aid of the Star Road, he would not be able to keep his entire army enslaved under his magical influence and spells. The lost power weakened his strength, but he could still perform devastating spells. He knew the brainwashing charm he used on Koopa's army would fade away soon. He would have to rely on his own flunkies in the meantime. He could count on them. Yes, now everything did not seem too serious now that he thought of it. Plus, Mario was still under his Binding Spell. Over the years he developed specific spells for the creation of his army. The first wave of attack was a failure, but his time he knew he would prevail, since Mario was under his command. However, he needed to know why he could not sense the Star Road's present anymore.

Muttering an incarnation, he made a gesture and he slit the air with his staff, creating a dark black rip before him. It widened until it resembled an over, and it showed a distorted and slightly blurry image of seven swift streaks of colours flying through the sky. He instantly realized what had happened to the Star Road, someone had shattered it into seven shards, making it impossible to drain now that wishes could no longer fuel it. If he could just find those Stars…

"Rangers," his raucous and husky voice ordered, "I need you."

"Yes, sir!" five different voices chorused and soon a group of followers appearing, making various poses.

"We fight for evil," said the red one, obviously the leader of the pack.

"We live for perniciousness," a jet-black ranger said, showing his deadly sharp axe.

"We endeavor destruction," spoke an azury figure, striking a position.

"We don't believe in righteousness," said a chubby yellow flunky.

"We're splendid," uttered a pink ranger, blowing a kiss with a wink.

"We are…" the leader trailed off, waiting for the others to join. "The Axem Rangers: Untamed Strength!"

"Silence!" roared Forgeron, making the rangers quiver under his wrath. "Enough of your speech, I have something important for you to do."

"What is it, my Lord?" asked the scarlet leader, kneeling down to show respect for the figure concealed in the shadows. Pleased that he got their attention, Forgeron continued, "The Star Road has been destroyed into seven Star Pieces. I need you to retrieve them for me."

"Piece of cake," said the darkest ranger. "We'll get them for you."

"You damn well better," threatened the evil lord, "or you'll meet the consequences."

"Ooh, are they nice people?" asked the pink ranger, which fumed Forgeron greatly. The others noticed his irritation and thought of something quick to prevent him from blowing his top.

"We won't fail you," the other rangers assured, which calmed him down, and left.

Forgeron watched their departure and decided he could not rely on them completely. Luckily, he did not tell them the only known location of one of the Star Pieces and called for Mario. The brainwashed plumber entered the dark throne room and bowed his head low.

"Mario, you are the only reliable person I have," said Forgeron. "I want you to go to the ocean off of Seaside Town and retrieve the Star Piece. We need the power of the Stars to finish what I started all these years ago."

His servant bowed again, but before he could turn his back, the malicious lord added wickedly, "Also I want you to annihilate the bastards who thought they could keep me from reaching my goal. They will pay dearly for destroying MY power source. Understand? Good, that is all."