Chapter 55 is here and sorry for the lateness on this story. Been so busy with work and dealing with classes along with personal stuff that I was trying to get through. Still, continuing on with the second part of this arc. Still got a lot of things to get through before I get to where I want to take this story.
Also, thanks to everyone for the support of the stories I have put out. I appreciate it and hope you all had a good summer and you are all doing well with classes now. Things have not been going well in the world, but let us hope we can still get through it. Who knows, things could change for the better…hopefully.
Anyways, last time we saw our heroes finding out Kashyyyk is in trouble. The Separatist has invaded the planet and the Jedi want to assist them. With the help of the Rangers will they be able to accomplish their mission. Or will they run into some trouble?
Read on to find out how things will go. Thanks to my friend, who remains anonymous who helped out on this. I appreciate it dude and thanks for the help. Also, thanks again guys for support and reviews. I appreciate it guys and glad you all enjoyed the story.
Now, time for the disclaimer. I don't own anything from Star Wars or the Power Rangers. I just own my OCs, while Tiberous was made by my friend. Enjoy the chapter everyone and hope you like this.
The Cerberus Knight Part II
Kashyyyk
The home world of the Wookies is seen being surrounded by a blockade of Separatist ships. Preventing the Republic forces from breaking through and helping liberate the planet. The planet serves as a major navigational point for the Republic to use for their missions in the Mid Rim. However, due to the defense from the Separatist, the Republic has been unable to get through to help the Wookies.
The Wookies though continued their fight against the Separatist. They fought the Droid army by using the jungles to remain hidden. Using their environment to remain hidden and stay ahead of the enemy. However, the Jedi knew it would not be long before the enemy overpowers them or someone would be send to finish them.
A loud explosion erupted nearby as Separatist droids are seen opening fire on a small group of Wookies. They attempted to lure the Wookies out by leaving a large crates of weapons out in the open. It appears the Separatist commander in charge underestimated the intelligence of the Wookies. The Wookies managed to destroy much of the Droid army's tanks and create an opening for them to get the weapons.
They made their escape as they head into the jungle. Unaware an unseen foe is hidden up a large tree. He moves his rifle up and aims it at one of the Wookies. He opened fire and fires a blaster through the head of the Wookie, killing him.
The other Wookies saw this and attempted to fire back, but couldn't see where the shots came from. The unseen figure opened fire on the Wookies, but took his time taking each one down. One-by-one they fell until only a small group remained. He was prepared to open fire on them, but saw they were transporting the supplies away and didn't have any weapons.
He moves his blaster away and lets them go as he climbed down from the tree. The figure soon revealed to be a large 8ft tall humanoid feline creature. He has a dark mane that looked like a lion, his yellow feline eyes, dark fur, and sharp claws. He also appears to be wearing a dark brown coloured lion fur vest, a necklace around his neck, armbands on his arms, dark brown pants, and no shoes.
He walks over with his blaster as he approached the dead Wookies. Behind him a group of Damien's robots appeared. He motions for them to pick up the dead and transport them back to his camp. A Separatist tank drove by as a male Neimoidian appears from the vehicle and approached the figure.
"Why did you let them go?! You could have killed them all and we would have been done with the resistance from these filthy animals!" said the Neimoidian yelling at the figure.
The figure kneels down in front of the dead Wookie and closed his eyes. He soon spoke in a strange accent. "My master freed me to help hunt down these Wookies, but that I would do it my way. Not the way of how you and your incompetent leaders want."
The Neimoidian got upset with what the figure said and approached him. "I am in charge! You will do what I say or I will report you to Count Dooku. Then he report to your master so he will punish you for your disobedience."
The figure stopped moving and stayed silent for a minute. Causing the Neimoidian to act all smug thinking he got this freak to do what he says. That was until the figure moved his rifle up and shoots the Neimoidian in the head. Killing him as the droids nearby aimed their blasters at him, but then the robots aimed their weapons back at them.
The figure turns to the droids and moves his blaster up. "You have a choice. You either work for me or you will all be dismantle."
The droids are programmed to follow orders from their next high-ranking commanding officer. Ever since Damien's monsters appeared they have all been given their own rank for the droids to obey. So, they lowered their weapons and begin obeying him. The figure puts is weapon away as Warrior appeared.
"I see you got rid of Lok Durd, Hunter. I don't believe Count Dooku will be pleased to hear you killed him after they worked to get him back from the Republic."
"He will not like it, but he doesn't have to know," said the figure now revealed to be called Hunter. "Besides, his stupidity was getting in the way. Now that I am in charge we will hunt down the Wookies better. We will round them up and lure the Power Rangers to us."
"To you," Warrior replied. "My master is sending me on another task. However, Torus will be keeping an eye on you so you best listen to him otherwise he will inform the master."
The Hunter smiled though as he lets out a small spit. "I believe once I bring the master the heads of the Power Rangers he will reward me for a successful hunt."
Coruscant
Three days has passed since the attack at the prison and things appear to be quieting down. At least on the planet. However, across the system the Separatist have used the prison attack to regain momentum against the Republic as they continued their attacks across the system. Even reinforce the defences of the planets they have under their control to ensure the Republic won't take them.
One of these planets is Kashyyyk. The home world of the Wookies and allies of the Republic. Their home was taken over by the Separatist forces. The Republic have tried to retake the planet time and time again, but each time their attacks failed.
This has caused the Republic a lot of their army, ships, and money to try helping retake the planet. To the point that some senators within the Republic are wondering if it is worth sending more resources to the planet. To waste more ships, soldiers, and resources to help the Wookies. Yes, the rest of the senate feel they should continue to try freeing the Wookies because of how strong of allies they are, but they need to figure out how to do it.
Padme came back from a meeting with Alexis who didn't look happy. Earlier the senate concluded they would work on freeing the planet of Kashyyyk once they find a way through the blockade. However, Alexis's mood was more upset with the meeting she had with her brother and father. Yes, they are allies with the Republic by making some trade with them, but they would not fight with the Republic or the Jedi.
"I still can't believe he won't do it!" Alexis shouted as they went to her office. "I mean, they have done so much for us in the past. Now he doesn't want to return the favour? What the hell?!"
"Alexis, please calm down," said Padme as she tries to help calm her friend. "I'm sure he has his reason."
"You want to know his reason? He doesn't want to waste too much resources on a single planet," said Alexis receding what her brother said earlier.
They would be able to engage in a fight against the Separatist for their attack their home world. Her brother, Tiberous suggested they start their first attack on a nearby controlled system. However, Alexis suggested they help free the Wookies. Explaining how they have been long allies with Almora and how they have fought side-by-side with each other when they needed help.
However, Tiberous argued to free the planet would cost them a lot of resources since he has seen how strong the blockade is around the planet. He didn't want to waste their resources on this one planet. Knowing it would take them time to regrow their forces. To this her father agreed, but vowed they would find a way to help the Wookie people, somehow.
"I know it won't be easy to retake the planet, but I don't like doing nothing while our friends are suffering," Alexis finished saying as she sat down on her seat. "Good thing is Nathan told me the Rangers are going to do something about this, but I feel it won't be enough."
Padme also heard about this idea from Ahsoka. How they plant to bring supplies to the planet for the Wookies to use. They will help them damage some of the Separatist forces on the planet. Allowing the Wookies to regain some control and hold their own until the Jedi can send reinforcements.
"I'm surprise Zane agreed to this. I thought he didn't want to continue using the Rangers for missions like these," not that Padme is complaining. She's glad Zane agreed to help them and the Wookies.
"Truth is the Wookies are very good friends of ours. Long ago we helped save them from a group of pirates that tried to enslave the Wookies," Alexis explained recalling the mission she had with her team when they were still Power Rangers. "We ended up saving them and we earned their trust. Zane also told us he got to meet them and entrust them with our secret."
"I see," Padme replied listening to the story. "I'm glad to know what you all did and I hope the Wookies when they see the others will remember them."
"Won't be hard to remember us," said Alexis as she chuckled a little. "It's not every day they meet colourful armoured strangers that can summon large robots to fight bad guys with. My only concerned though is this Cerberus Ranger showing up again."
Padme is one of the only few people outside of the Jedi and the Rangers that know about the Cerberus Ranger. The rest of the senate believe the one behind the prison attack is one of Damien's monsters. Alexis told Padme about it and how they need to keep it a secret. Out of concerned how the public will react if they find out the monster is a Power Ranger.
Padme knew it would be bad and cause the public to lose trust in the Power Rangers. Just like they did with the Jedi.
"Do you think they will be able to stop this Cerberus Ranger?" Padme asked.
Alexis didn't tell her friend how the Rangers ended up getting hurt from the fighting. She didn't want her to be concerned about them since they don't want her to worry.
"I'm sure they will. It is true they didn't do so well the first time, but now that they know what they are up against they will be ready," said Alexis as she begins receiving a message from Nathan. "Looks like they are on their way to the planet. I guess all we can do now is wait and see if we can convince the Senate to change their mind."
Padme knew that is all they can really do. "I just hope they will be enough."
Kashyyyk
Meanwhile, on the planet a small army of Separatist droids are seen marching through the jungle. With them is a transport vehicle that is carrying Wookie prisoners. They had just attacked a hidden Wookie village that helped wounded Wookie soldiers and helped heal them. The village was found, but most of the fighters had escaped with some of the villagers.
The rest were rounded up and taken on transports. To be taken back to camp for slave work. As the vehicle takes them to the camp a large tree falls down on the tanks in front of the army. The droids begin inspecting the area the tree fell down, but never came back. The commando droid in charge prepares to contact for backup when he is suddenly lifted off the tank he is in and send flying into the trees.
Suddenly, three cloaked Jedi appeared as they charge at the Droid army. The droids opened fire as they try shooting down the Jedi. The Jedi deflected the blasts as they continued charging at the enemy. A group of Super Battle Droids march over and fired rockets at the Jedi.
The Jedi used the Force to redirect the rockets at the nearby tanks. Destroying them as the Jedi leap over and begin slicing through the droids.
Meanwhile, in the vehicle where the prisoners are kept the droids inside decide to try backing away from the fighting to fin another path. However, they are stopped when they hear loud thuds landing on their vehicle. Followed by their own Droids shouting, opening fire, and then scream. The doors are forced open as the attackers are revealed to be Wookies.
The Wookies opened fire and destroy the droids before going to free the prisoners. They get them out of the vehicle, while the Jedi continue driving the attention of the droids to them. Droidekas begin rolling towards the Jedi as they prepared to attack them. However, they are shot by the Power Rangers as they appeared from the jungles. The Red, Yellow, Blue, and Green Rangers appeared as they rush over to help the Jedi. Summoning their weapons as they help destroy the remaining army.
Soon the droids are defeated and the Jedi begin leaving the area with the Wookies and the Power Rangers. Once they got far enough they regroup to join the Wookies.
The Jedi remove their hoods to reveal who they are. It is Obi Wan Kenobi, Barriss Offee, and Ahsoka Tano. The three Jedi approach the Wookies who appears to be speaking to a small cloaked figure. He appeared with the Wookies and helped lead them to the jungle. They look over to see the Wookies looking over their own people to make sure they are all okay.
"Are they all right?" Obi Wan asked towards the cloaked figure.
The figure removes his hood to reveal to be Master Yoda. "All safe they are. Only minor injuries they suffered."
"We're glad to hear that," said Ahsoka as the Wookies approach them.
Barriss and Obi Wan removed their hoods and revealed themselves as they bow their heads. The Wookies bow back as they are happy to see the Jedi have arrived. They then turn to the Power Rangers and begins bowing their heads to them. The Rangers noticed this and recalled what Zane told them.
How years ago the Rangers before them helped save the Wookies from being enslaved. They went came to this world to save the Wookies and freed them from slavery. The Wookies promised to keep their secret hidden from the Republic. Now, the Rangers have returned to save them once more.
One of the Wookies who appears to be the leader of the group speaks to the Rangers as Master Yoda translates for them. "This is Tarfful, he is the leader and happy he is to see you all once more, Power Rangers."
Jake, Rick, and Rachel turn to each other to correct the Wookie. To let him know the three of them are not the original Rangers. However, Nathan spoke up first and bows in return.
"It is an honour to see you all again and we are glad to be back to help you all," said Nathan as he recalls his time helping the Wookies and is glad to be back to help them. "I only wish we had arrived sooner to help you're people. Just as you helped us long ago."
Tarfful though replied stating he is glad they have come and are honoured to be fighting with them once more. Nathan translated for the others and bows before the Wookie. Tarfful bows back before he leaves to speak with the other Wookies. The Rangers and Jedi turn to Nathan after what he did.
"Last time we came here I took up learning how to speak their language," Nathan explained. "I always felt it is better to understand any culture we visit so we can learn from them."
"And learn you have indeed," said Master Yoda who is pleased to see the Green Ranger used his knowledge well. "Return the Wookies we must to their home. Begin planning we must on protecting their city from the invasion."
"We'll scout ahead then," said Obi Wan as he turns to Barriss and Ahsoka then motions them to follow him.
They do so as Master Yoda goes to speak with the Wookies. This allows the Rangers to be alone, while seeing how many of the captured Wookies they saved.
"I still can't believe the Separatist are willing to use the Wookies, both young and old to work in their slave camps," said Rachel who found this disgusting what Dooku has his droids doing here.
"It is Count Dooku. The guy would probably force babies to do his labour work if he wanted to," said Rick as he begins scanning the area. "We shouldn't stay here long though. It won't be long before they catch up to us."
"I agree," said Nathan as he turns to Rick and Rachel. "You two, stay close to the women nd children. Jake and I will cover the rear."
The two Rangers nod before they go help get the children and women ready. Jake meanwhile looked around the jungle and sighed.
Nathan turns to his son and could tell something is bothering him. "Something on your mind?"
Jake nods in response. "I don't want to jinx this, but the whole rescue felt a little…too easy. I mean, for us sure it would be very easy. However, even if we didn't get involved I doubt it would have been a problem for three Jedi to help the Wookies break these prisoners out."
Nathan begins to agree with his son. This rescue was too easy for them, especially from the Separatist who have been strict on escorting their prisoners like the Wookies.
It was then he sensed something is off and tackled his son down as a blaster shot missed them. The Wookies and Jedi saw what happened as more shots are seen firing at them. The Jedi motion for the other Rangers to get the prisoners to safety. All while they use their lightsabers to deflect the blaster shots.
Nathan and Jake activate their weapons as they charge into the jungle to attack the droids. They see Commando Droids in the tree firing at them and see one with a rocket launcher. Aimed right at the Wookies. Jake throws his sword and hits the droid. Causing it to fire its weapon to the ground beneath them.
Nathan and Jake leap up to the tree as they begin charging at the droids. The droids see this and charge at the Rangers. Jake rushed up the tree and smashed his way through two of the droids, before the third tackled him to the ground. Nathan used his dagger to destroy the droids and makes it to the top.
The droid that has Jake pinned down tries to strangle him, but Jake managed to kick it into the tree. This caused the tree to shake as the droid that he threw his sword at came falling down. Jake sees the droid in front of him come at him once more, but he flipped over and kicks the droid behind him. The destroyed droid fell near Jake as he grabs his sword and swings it at the droid behind him.
Meanwhile, Nathan used his Dragon Dagger to take out the droids as he charged it up. He swings his weapon and unleashed a green energy blast, which destroyed the droids.
Seeing the danger is gone he jumps down next to his son and checks on him. "You all right?"
Jake nods in response. "I'm fine, but that felt too easy too."
Nathan nods in agreement as suddenly two bola weapons are seen heading towards them. They hit Nathan and Jake as it begins sending electrocution through their bodies. The two Rangers fall to one knee as Damien's monster, Hunter appeared. He approached the trapped Rangers, while carrying with him a sword.
"How disappointing," spoke the Hunter as he lets out a spit to the ground. "I was hoping for a much bigger challenge from you Rangers. Ah well, I will still take your heads."
However, before he could attack them, Nathan broke free of his restraints and slashed the Hunter across the chest. The monster falls to the ground as Nathan frees his on.
"You all right?" he asked as he gets a nod from his son. "Good, now let's work together," he said as he sees the Hunter recovering.
The Hunter begins laughing as he gets up and sees his foes broke free. "Vampira was wrong about you, Green Rangers. You may be old, but you still have a lot of fighting spirit. This I am happy with."
"Enough games. You must be one of Damien's monsters, right?" Jake asked as he got his weapon out.
The Hunter though sets his weapon down and moves his hands up. "I am and I did not come here to fight you. At least, not yet. You see I am here because I want to make a proposal for you. As you know the Droid Army is heading to the city of Kachirho. You know why yes?"
Nathan nods in response. "The oil refinery. If it is destroyed then the Republic won't be able to fuel their vehicles when they get here."
"If they can," said the Hunter as he took out a holocron and shows the Droid Army. "Count Dooku has ordered me to lead this army to fight against the Wookies and destroy them all. However, I refuse to take part in this massacre."
"Why? I thought you want to kill the Wookies?" Jake asked.
"Ah not true," the Hunter replied as he begins explaining. "You see, I enjoy a good hunt. A worthy hunt where I face off against the best warriors and we fight. I would never though lower myself to use cheap tricks, cheat, or attack civilians."
"If this is true then why did you help round up the hostages? And why did you attack them earlier?" Nathan asked as he didn't trust this monster.
"I did not round them up," the Hunter replied. "That was Count Dooku, who gave the orders. I also knew you would come for them and save the Wookies from any harm. Even see the attack coming to save them all."
Jake knew it was a trap, but not this way. This monster did all of this to lure them out so he can fight them honourably. He probably wouldn't have believed this had he not remembered his encounter with the Warrior. So, perhaps like him this monster has a sense of honour?
"What do you want then?" Nathan asked wondering what the Hunter is after.
"I want to fight you, Green Ranger," the Hunter replied. "I want to fight you one-on-one. Alone and without any of your friends. If you defeat me I will send you the codes to help shut down the Droid Army. If you lose then I take your head."
Nathan turns to his son and knows this feels like a trap. There is no way Damien would let one of his monsters go rogue like this. However, he knew this could also be their chance to take out the Droid Army without anyone getting killed. So, against his better judgement he decides to go with this.
"Very well, but on the condition that your robots stay out of this fight," said Nathan who wanted to make sure the Hunter didn't get any sort of help.
"I do not require such wasteful robotics to help me with my hunt," said Hunter as he grabs his weapon and puts it away. "I accept your terms though and I will face you in one hour on an island that exists between both the land where the droids are at and the oil refinery. Be there, Green Ranger and let us have an honourable hunt."
The Hunter soon vanished as he left the two Rangers alone. Nathan sighed as he puts his dagger away.
"I wonder if I made the right call," he said to himself.
"I think you did dad," said Jake who felt this is different. "This Hunter seems a lot like the Warrior I fought. Sure, they serve Damien, but I believe they do have a bit of honour."
Nathan turns to his son and sighed as he placed his hand on his shoulder. "I believe you, but it doesn't mean they are all the same. I also doubt Damien would have a lot of monsters that have honour as part of his rank."
"I like to believe differently," said Jake as he sees the others waiting for them. "Let's get back. Once we figure out what our game plan is then we can decide what to do next."
Nathan nods before he turns to the direction the Hunter was at. He knew if he did deny this challenge there is a chance he will try doing a lot of harm. Not to them, but to the Wookies. However, if he is wrong and this is a trap then it will be bad for them.
Still, he has to try and see if he can help the Wookies. He begins heading back, while also wondering if the decision he makes will end up saving everyone.
Meanwhile, the Hunter looks on as his prey leaves with the other Jedi and Rangers. As he leaves he sees the Warrior approaching him.
"Do you truly believe he will fight me?" Hunter asked as turns his attention back to the Rangers.
"He will," said Warrior as he turns his attention to the Red Rangers. "He knows he won't have much of a choice if what he is left with is fighting against the entire Droid Army. Although, I hope you keep him distracted so I may have my fight."
"You will get your fight with the Red Ranger," said Hunter as he gets up and turns to the Warrior. "Provided we do it soon before the master sends his new pet to deal with them."
"Then let us not wait any longer," said Warrior as the two monsters disappear into the darkness.
That's the end and it looks like the hunt is on. Things don't look well for the Ranger if they are being hunted. Will they still be able to save the Wookies and free their planet? Or will they run into some more trouble since hence the name of the title and all.
Well, you will need to tune in next time to see how our heroes will do. How Jake will do against the Warrior. How the Rangers will deal with the Separatist army. And how Nathan will do in his first fight in a long time.
Check out the next chapter to find out. Also, thanks again guys for the reviews. I appreciate it and glad you are all enjoying this. I appreciate the support and reviews.
Anyways, please be patient for the next chapter and hope you liked this. If you all liked this then please leave some reviews. Just no negative flame reviews please. Take care everyone, see you all next time, and take care!