{Intro song is Body Bag by Beartooth}
(One life, one decision) A light glides across a dark room before stopping on YellowPhantom and PinkPhantom.
(One life, one decision) A light glides across a dark room before stopping on BluePhantom and GreenPhantom.
(One life, one decision. Make sure it ends with you still living!) A light glides across a dark room before stopping on RedPhantom. RedPhantom then looked towards the screen before slashing it with his AgniBowblade.
(Music playing) The elements of the Phantomrangers dance around the screen while the Phantom Medals fall to the ground.
(1, 2, 1, 2, 3, go) The Phantom Medals hit the ground and revealed the words Spirit Sentai Phantomranger written in the elements and colors of each Phantomranger.
(How does it feel at the bottom of the barrel) Casey is in the library of her college with many papers scattered on the table in front of her. She then sighs and leans back in annoyance.
(All your friends don't care, no your friends don't care at all) Jason is at a skatepark failing to perform a trick and hurting himself. A group of people laughed at Jason and he hit the ground in frustration.
(How does it feel at the bottom of the barrel) Axis and Kizu are at their job finishing up cleaning when someone makes a big mess. Axis pinched the bridge of his nose while Kizu frowned.
(All your friends don't care, no your friends don't care at all) Paul B walked alone on the sidewalk, no one taking notice of him or acknowledging he was there.
(Rejected, rejected. You're never gonna be the one respected) Each Phantomranger is shown looking at their Spirit Changer with either sadness or unease.
(Infected, infected. This is the way that every life has ended) Each Phantomranger looked up to see Ben standing in front of them with a smirk.
(No, no! This life will swallow you whole!) Each Phantomranger gained determined looks before they all appeared side by side looking forward at three people.
(No, no! This life will swallow you whole!) The three people were revealed to be the androgynous woman, a man with black hair, and a woman with black hair with hot pink tips. The Phantomrangers readied themselves then put their Phantom medals into their Spirit Changers.
(If I could set the clocks back, I wouldn't be heading for a body bag) BluePhantom kicked two Husks then she shot three that were charging towards her. GreenPhantom flew around on his hoverboard, hitting several husks along the way.
(One life and one decision, make sure it ends with you still living) RedPhantom slashes two husks then shoots energy arrows at three husks that were about to attack both GreenPhantom and BluePhantom.
(Feel like I'm on the fast track to laying face down from a heart attack) YellowPhantom cut down several Husks then he punched one across the face. PinkPhantom kicked two Husks then he fell down and was about to be hit by a Husks. YellowPhantom moved to help PinkPhantom but couldn't due to having to fight another Husks
(One life and one decision, make sure it ends with you still living) RedPhantom slashed the Husks then helped PinkPhantom stand up. Yellow, Green, and BluePhantom regrouped with the two then the group looked forward.
(Make sure it ends with you still living) The androgynous woman and her companions stood in front of the group with an army of Husks behind them.
(Music plays) The Phantomrangers readied their weapons then charged at the army. The trio of villains charged at the Phantomrangers. RedPhantom then slashed at the trio.
(Make sure it ends with you still living!) The screen then shows the title Spirit Sentai Phantomranger in the Phantomrangers elements and colors.
In Ben's backyard, the Phantomrangers stood in a line while Ben was standing six feet in front of them. Ben stretched a bit then he said,"Today I will be assessing all your combat skills. Each one of you will come at me and try to land one hit on me."
"Sounds easy enough.",Axis said while putting his hands in his jacket pockets.
"Oh good, Axis is our first volunteer.",Ben said immediately after hearing Axis' comment. Axis took his hands out of his pockets and walked up to Ben, with Ben being shorter than him by six inches, before he said,"So all I have to do is hit you?"
"That's right. Make sure to actually try though, hold nothing back.",Ben said, his smirk present the whole time. Axis shrugged then he threw a punch at Ben but it was swiftly dodged. Axis looked at Ben and threw two more punches at the man. Ben dodged Axis' punches then proceeded to land a powerful elbow to Axis' abdomen that caused the masked man to gasp and stumble back before falling to his knees.
"Axey-chan.",Kizu said with concern while running to Axis' side. Axis coughed, then he looked up at Ben while saying,"How the hell?"
"While you have lots of power in your punches, your form is terrible and you leave yourself open."Ben casually said. Kizu looked at Ben then he stood up and threw a punch at Ben, who sidestepped it, causing Kizu to lose his footing and fall on his knees.
"Now that was terrible in both power and form,"Ben commented. He then dodged another punch from Axis and two from Kizu before he swept both young men's legs out from under them, causing them to fall on their backs. Axis and Kizu grunted when they hit the ground, with Kizu then saying,"Itei."
"Okay you both can go back, I've got an assessment of you two.",Ben said while helping Kizu and Axis to their feet. Axis and Kizu walked back over to the others, with Axis rolling his shoulders and Kizu holding his lower back in pain. Jason, Casey and Paul B watched Axis and Kizu sit on the porch then they turned their attention to Ben as he said,"Jason, you come up next."
"I don't think that's a good idea. Ya know I just ate before I got here and I don't want to get some bad indigestion.",Jason said in an unconvincing tone.
"Don't worry, exercise after eating is good for you.",Ben said with a smirk. Jason gulped then he syked himself up before charging at Ben. Jason threw a punch at Ben and was promptly flipped onto his back by the older man. Jason groaned then Ben looked down at him and said,"Like your spirit but that can only get you so far."
"Note taken.",Jason said in a pained voice.
"You want to try again?",Ben asked.
"No thanks, I'm good.",Jason said while getting up and walking over to the porch. Ben looked at Casey and Paul B then he motioned for them to come to him. Paul B and Casey stood still then Casey said,"Rock paper scissors to see who goes first?" nervously.
"Yeah.",Paul B nodded in agreement. He and Casey then played Rock Paper Scissors and he won. Casey cursed under her breath then she walked up to Ben and she readied herself before throwing three punches. Ben easily dodged the punches then he jumped over a kick before flicking Casey in the forehead. Casey stumbled back from the flick and grabbed her forehead while saying,"Ow, that hurt a lot more than it should've."
"Of course it did. Now Paul B."Ben said. Casey turned around and went to the porch while Paul B walked past her and up to Ben. Paul B began attacking Ben, with Ben dodging everyone of his attacks. Paul B tried to kick Ben but his kick was parried and he received a punch to the chest. Paul B stumbled back but then he threw several punches at Ben before having his fists caught, put to his chest, then he was punched in the chest. This punch sent Paul B tumbling backwards, with his stopping near the porch steps and he let out a sigh of defeat.
Ben relaxed himself then he said,"Okay, that was a good try from all of you. Got a decent gist of what you'll need to be trained on."
Ben pointed at Kizu and Casey,"You two need to gain more muscle and work on a fighting style that suits your skinny builds."
Ben pointed at Axis,"You need to learn to use more than your size and brute strength."
Ben pointed at Jason,"You need to learn to channel all that energy you have into a proper way of fighting."
Ben pointed at Paul B,"And you… well you just need to hone your skills more."
Ben then turned away from the group while saying,"Now, onto today's lesson."
"I thought you kicking our butts was the lesson?",Axis asked, somewhat agitated.
"Oh no, that was just me getting a feel for where I'll need to start with you guys. Today's lesson is going to help you all greatly in the likely event that a Specter grows.",Ben said.
"Grows?",Casey questioned.
"Yes, grow. As in one becomes a giant.",Ben casually said.
"You're kidding."Jason said, his face showing complete shock.
"No I am not. Don't worry, what I'm about to teach you will help in the case one does grow. Plus it will help you guys become friends.",Ben said with a smile. Casey and Jason nodded hesitantly while Paul B had an excited smile on his face. Axis rolled his eye while Kizu sighed while laying his head on Axis' shoulder.
Kizu then noticed what he was doing and moved his help while nervously saying,"Gomenei Axey-chan."
"It's okay, Kizu. I don't mind you laying your head on me.",Axis said nervously. Kizu nodded then he looked away to try and hide his elated smile. Casey took notice of this but didn't say anything about it.
Ben turned to the group and was about to say something but his phone alarm began blaring in his pocket and he took it out. He then said,"You'll have to learn the technique later; a Specter has appeared in the city. I'll send you to where it is."
Jason, Axis, Kizu, Casey, and Paul B stood up and tried to tell Ben something but they disappeared as Ben snapped his fingers.
The Phantomrangers appeared in a train station, with Axis having to catch Kizu, Casey and Paul B having to use each other to stay up right, and Jason kept his balance but went to a nearby trash can and threw up. Axis put Kizu on the ground then he said in a frustrated tone,"Anyone else incredibly annoyed by that guy?"
"No, I think we haven't known him long enough to get a good read on him.",Paul B said. Axis looked at Paul B then said in a deadpan tone,"You know, your optimism is kinda annoying at times."
"Eh, not the first to tell me that. Anyway, let's deal with this Specter."Paul B said with an excited smile. Paul B then ran away from the group, with the others following him. The group ran for half a block and stopped when they saw a Specter that was humanoid but made of wood and metal. This Specter also had red eyes and an axe for a left hand.
"Oh, an axe Specter. This'll be cool.",Paul B said before he and the others took out their Phantom Medals.
"RED, BLUE, GREEN, YELLOW, PINKPHANTOM READY!"
The Phantomrangers charged towards the Specter and began fighting it along with the husks that accompanied it. RedPhantom kicked a Husk then he flipped over a Husk and kicked it in the head before blocking two punches. BluePhantom punched a Husk four times then kicked two Husks in their chest. GreenPhantom dodged several attacks from three Husks then he jumped up and kicked all three in the head before punching one in the crotch.
YellowPhantom and PinkPhantom were fighting the Axe Specter. YellowPhantom dodged two swings from the Specter then he punched it twice before getting slashed across the chest. PinkPhantom kicked the Specter in the back then he dropped to the ground to avoid getting slashed. He then scrambled backwards, avoiding being bisected by the Axe Specter. YellowPhantom tackled the Axe Specter then he punched it so hard it flew back.
YellowPhantom helped PinkPhantom to his feet then asked with concern,"Are you alright, Kizu?"
PinkPhantom nodded,"Gomenei, Axey-chan."
"You don't need to apologize to me."
YellowPhantom then looked forward and he blocked a slash from the Specter but was then kicked in the gut and slashed three times. YellowPhantom fell to the ground and reverted into Axis causing PinkPhantom to say in concern,"Axey-chan."
PinkPhantom then dodged a slash from the Specter before having to be saved by both BluePhantom and GreenPhantom. The Axe Specter roared but changed into a small ball and flew away. BluePhantom and GreenPhantom reverted into their civilian forms then they helped Axis up.
Axis thanked the two then Paul B came up to the group asking,"Is everyone okay?"
"For the most part.",Axis said while holding his shoulder in pain.
"You sure? Because you kinda got creamed during the last bit of that fight buddy."Jason remarked. Axis glared at Jason, causing Jason to say,"And I will now stop talking."
Kizu had a saddened look on his face then he said,"Um, I have to go somewhere. Bye everyone."
"Oh let me take you, so you can get to wherever fast.",Axis said.
"No, I want to walk. Arigato, Axey-chan.",Kizu said before leaving. Casey watched Kizu then she went after him, telling the others that she was going to make sure Kizu got to his destination safely.
In a coffee shop that was close to where the Phantomrangers were, Corvus sat at a table sipping from a cup of tea and reading a book when the ball that held the Axe Specter flew into his hand. He looked at the ball and gained a satisfied grin before saying,"You've gotten strong in a small amount of time. I may possibly be holding the next Daemon."
Corvus then went back to his book but he stopped and looked towards a group of teens sitting near the window. He smirked while taking hold of his cane.
In the shopping district, Kizu walked along the sidewalk not paying attention to anyone and fiddling with his fingers. He did notice when Casey began walking beside him and he said,"Oh, Casey. I didn't know you were going this way."
"I wasn't, at least not before you walked off from the rest of us."Casey said. Kizu nodded then he said,"I know what you're about to say; I am terrible at being a Phantomranger."
"Well I wasn't going to say that but now that you bring it up, I did notice that you're not too good at fighting."Casey said with an inquisitive tone. Kizu rubbed his arm shyly,"I wish that was all of it but I'm not good at a lot of physical things. Today was just more proof of that."
Casey looked at Kizu,"Why are you so hard on yourself? Not everyone is good at everything."
"No, there are people who are good at everything."
"Like who?"
"Axey-chan."
"Axis? I doubt he's good at everything, considering he has yet to so any of us his entire face.",Casey said. Kizu immediately looked at Casey and said with conviction,"Don't talk about Axey-chan like that."
Casey was taken off guard by the sudden conviction from Kizu and she nodded in response. Kizu and Casey then began walking again until Casey stopped them both and said,"Wait a minute, that's what this is about."
"Nande?",Kizu questioned.
Casey ignored what Kizu said and stood in front of Kizu, who was the same height as her, and she said with a smile,"You've got a crush on Axis."
Kizu's eyes widened and he said in a flustered tone,"Eh?! Iē, I don't have a crush on Axey-chan. Why would you think that?"
"Well in the last week or so I've known you guys, you always blush whenever Axis compliments you and you go out of your way to help him in fights. Not to mention how you call him Axey-chan while the rest of us just call him Axis.",Casey explained to Kizu. Kizu stuttered briefly then he held his head low and said sheepishly,"It's true, I have a crush on Axey-chan."
"I thought so.",Casey said.
"Please don't tell him though.",Kizu pleaded.
"I won't tell him Kizu, but I have to ask; why haven't you told him?",Casey asked while crossing her arms.
Kizu hesitated then he said,"I haven't told him because I don't think he'd share my feelings. I mean, he's such a nice person and he's strong, brave, and his voice is so nice to hear."
Kizu motioned to himself,"And then there's me. I'm skinny, weak, and although I like myself I don't think he'd like that I am a genderless danshi."
Casey put her hands on Kizu's shoulders then she said in a caring tone,"Kizu, you're a good guy and I think Axis knows that. Yeah you may not have all that he does but you're great as you are. Plus I think you'd be surprised by what someone else likes, especially since you've probably never asked him."
Kizu looked at Casey, taken aback by how caring she was towards him. He then nodded and smiled along with Casey. Casey and Kizu then began walking once more with Casey saying,"If you want, I can help you with talking to Axis."
"Hontoni? I mean, really?"Kizu asked eagerly. Casey nodded then Kizu hugged her while saying,"Arigato!" happily. Casey and Kizu then began walking once more until they disappeared from where they were.
Casey and Kizu appeared in a park next to Axis, Jason, and Paul B. The trio looked at Casey and Kizu with Paul B saying,"Whoa, Ben works fast."
Casey and Kizu looked at the three then they looked forward to seeing many Husks and the Axe Specter attacking the civilians that were at the park that day. The Phantomrangers got out their Phantom medals and said,"Phantomise." while putting the medals into their Spirit Changers.
"RED, BLUE, GREEN, YELLOW, PINKPHANTOM READY!"
The Phantomrangers summon their weapons as they charge at the Husks and the Axe Specter. RedPhantom slashed several Husks then he kicked two and shot three. BluePhantom shot several Husks, avoiding being hit by attacks as she did so. GreenPhantom rode his board around and hit any Husks he could with it. YellowPhantom slashed three Husks then he was slashed in the back by the Axe Specter. PinkPhantom gasped then he ran towards YellowPhantom, who was slashed five more times by the Axe Specter. GreenPhantom hit the Axe Specter in the head, taking its attention away from his teammates.
"Axey-chan, daijobu?"PinkPhantom asked concernedly.
"Yeah, I just need a sec.",YellowPhantom said in a pained voice. PinkPhantom began to panic in his mind then he looked at the staff in his hand and got an idea. PinkPhantom then stood up and held his staff to YellowPhantom while saying,"Kaifuku."
A stream of green magic went into YellowPhantom from PinkPhantom's staff. YellowPhantom stood up once it was done and he moved his arms while saying,"Whoa, how's you do that?"
"Shiranai, I just thought about you being healed and… and,"PinkPhantom said, trailing off at the end. PinkPhantom then stumbled into YellowPhantom's arms, with YellowPhantom catching him while saying with concern,"Whoa whoa, Kizu."
The other Phantomrangers ran over to YellowPhantom and PinkPhantom with RedPhantom asking,"What's wrong with Kizu?"
"I don't know, he healed me then he just fell over.",YellowPhantom said with some worry. PinkPhantom slowly stood up and weakly said,"Watashi wa daijōbudesu, tada hontōni nemuku kanjimashita." (Translation: I am okay, just felt really sleepy)
"Eh?"RedPhantom questioned while blocking several slashes from the Axe Specter.
"What did he say?"BluePhantom asked.
"He said he got sleepy."YellowPhantom said while he and PinkPhantom helped RedPhantom. PinkPhantom hit the Specter in the gut with his staff then YellowPhantom slashed the Axe Specter three times. The two then punched the Specter in the chest simultaneously, making it tumble backwards. YellowPhantom fist pumped while PinkPhantom cheered before yawning, which made YellowPhantom become concerned. The Phantomrangers regrouped with GreenPhantom saying,"Nice punch guys."
"Let's finish this thing.",RedPhantom said while readying his bowblade.
"Not so fast.",The Phantomrangers heard coming from around them. It was then that Kou, Corvus and Xiya appeared in front of the Axe Specter, facing the Phantomrangers. Corvus was now wearing a black fedora that had a red strip around it on his head also.
"What the? Who the heck are you three?"GreenPhantom asked.
"We're the Daemons little chicken. I'm Xiya, Daemon of the blade.",Xiya said confidently while flipping her hair out of her face.
"Uchū no dēmon, kōdesu.",Kou said in her normal emotionless way. (Translation: I am Kou, Daemon of the cosmos."
"And I am Corvus, Daemon of desire. Pleasure to meet you all.",Corvus said with a sly smirk while tipping his hat to the Phantomrangers. He then turned to the Axe Specter and walked up to it,"Now you seem to have accumulated a lot of power but sadly you're not able to turn into one of us. Don't worry, you'll be put to good use."
Corvus then stuck the end of his cane to the Axe Specters chest and it roared in pain, even when Corvus took his cane off of it. Corvus looked at the Phantomrangers then said,"Till we meet again, Phantomrangers." as he, Xiya, and Kou disappeared from where they stood. The Axe Specter roared for a moment then it grew to being a giant.
All of the Phantomrangers gasped, with PinkPhantom getting behind YellowPhantom and GreenPhantom almost falling off his hoverboard.
"Is this what Ben meant by defeating Specters before they grow?!"YellowPhantom said with apprehension.
"I was honestly hoping that he wasn't being literal."GreenPhantom said in a fearful tone.
"Aren't you guys going to fight the giant Specter?"Ben asked from the Spirit Changer on RedPhantom.
"How are we supposed to fight a giant?!"BluePhantom yelled.
"Oh right, I never taught you guys how to do that. Paul, say the name you heard your Spirit Changer say when you inserted your Phantom medal into it then you follow that with Phantorise."Ben explained in a rather casual manner.
Each Phantomranger tilted their head in confusion then RedPhantom said,"Agni Phantorise?"
"PHANTORISE!",the Spirit Changer announced as RedPhantom was engulfed in red aura and flown into the air. RedPhantom then had a giant red robotic dragon appear under him and he appeared in a cockpit. He looked around and said,"What the?!"
"AGNI PHANTOMBEAST READY!"
"Phantombeast?!", BluePhantom and the others said with surprise.
To be continued…
