Chapter 70 is here guys and I hope everyone is ready for the new chapter. Also Merry Christmas to everyone! Consider this my gift to you all and I hope you all like it. It took me a long while to get on this since I was working a lot, passed my finals, and buying gifts for my love ones.
So, I hope everyone is ready for this chapter. We are now getting close to the end. Don't worry this isn't the complete end…only the beginning. You get the idea.
Anyways, last time we saw our heroes getting together to come up with an idea of what they are going to do about Damien. What he is up to and how they will stop him. Also we got a moment with Tiberous and Alexis…a small one. But will they figure out what he is up to or will it be too late?
Tune in today to find out and also thanks guys for the reviews and support. I appreciate it and I am enjoying the comments you guys have left. Also thank you to my friend for his help as well and hope you are doing well my friend where are at. 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 Festival of Peace Part III
Almora
Hours passed and soon the festival was about to begin. There is a large stage that has been set up for the royal family and their guests. The stage is located in front of a large statue of an armored figure holding up a large sword. The statue is on a fountain which is surrounded by cherry blossom flowers and water.
In front of the statue there are a large number of people who are in attendance. With the royal guards standing by to make sure they don't approach the stage. Those who were in the city and couldn't make it to the royal palace are seen watching everything through their portable devices or viewing screens that are around the city. Fireworks are also seen being set up around the city as the people await to light them up.
The royal family are seen getting ready to go out for the festival to begin. Meanwhile, their guests have arrived to the stage and have begun taking their seats. Senators Mothma, Organa, Amidala, Chuchi, and Bonteri are seen being escorted by the Jedi who decided to stay standing. All while the royal guards stood nearby keeping their eyes on them.
Rick was also present, but was more with the royal guards. He decided to stay near the stage, but also be close to the guards. To keep an eye on everything. Even be close by the people to keep an eye on them.
The people didn't pay much attention to the senators or the Jedi since their focus has been to the royal family. Soon the family arrived and they begin heading towards the stage. The people kept silent out of respect for the royal family. They even give the royal family a respectful bow, to which the royal family give their own bow out of respect to their people as well.
Once that was done the royal family went to the stage where they greet their guests. The royal family and their guests soon took their seats as the king begins approaching the podium. There he turns to the people who are all waiting to hear his speech. The king took out his holojournal and begins reading his speech.
"A thousand years ago, our world once lived in peace along with much of the galaxy until the Sith returned. Wanting nothing but violence and destruction to all worlds in the galaxy. Our world was attacked by the Sith led by Darth Bane. Our cities, our towns, our homes, our history, and many of our people perished during the invasion."
As the king spoke the people listened. The people of Heiwa know this story and how many lives were lost in the fighting. All while the guests also listened carefully. They knew some of the stories, but some like the Jedi didn't know the Sith who invaded their world was Darth Bane.
The last Sith Lord of the Sith Empire and one of the most powerful. So, to find out he led the invasion of Almora was something they were surprise to hear.
"For five years our people were enslaved to the Sith. Millions were lost during the fighting and hope began to die within the hearts of our people. Until one day, my family's ancestor, Arthur rose up against the Sith. He brought our people together, he helped our people fight back, and gave our people hope once more!"
The people who were not in attendance cheered softly knowing the royal family's ancestor was the one who helped their people fight back. How he gave them hope in their hour of need. That he didn't give up even when things seemed hopeless. He had them fight through the darkness and liberate their world.
"Arthur, led our people in one last battle against Darth Bane and after a long gruelling battle our people defeated the Sith! Freeing us after years of oppression and giving us peace once more. However, this day isn't just remembered as the day our world was freed. It is also remembered for the people who lost their lives to give us back our freedom."
"If it wasn't for their sacrifice we wouldn't be here today," said King Ronin as he looks up to his people and smiled. "So, that is why we celebrate the anniversary of our freedom. We celebrate it for everything our ancestors have done for us, we celebrate it for their bravery, and we celebrate it so we never forget."
Soon the royal family and their guests stand up as the king begins finishing up his speech. "So, let us give thanks to our ancestors for everything they have one for us! And let us also remind our enemies who we are! That we are not afraid to fight, we are not afraid to bleed, and why we will never…EVER! GIVE UP!"
The crowd in attendance begin cheering and applauding loudly for the king as they all stood up. The rest of the people who are watching from around the city and planet all began cheering and applauding as well. Happy with what their king said and soon begin lighting up the fireworks. Soon the fireworks begin lighting up the sky as their 1000th anniversary begins!
As Ronin finished his speech he turns to his family and their guests before they begin leaving the stage so they can join the people. Ronin takes much of the adults towards the people where they begin greeting them. All while the kids walk behind them to speak to each other. All happy that nothing has happened so far. However, it doesn't mean it won't change soon.
Jake is approached by Ahsoka who stood by watching the people speak with the king. "That was a nice speech. I'm sure he worked hard on it."
Jake nods in response. "Mom helped him write it up. It also helped that they went to the sites where the fighting took place."
"I still can't believe your ancestor fought Darth Bane and won," said Ahsoka who was shocked to find out Jake's ancestor defeated a Sith Lord, especially someone that was well-known by the Jedi.
Jake smiled a little and nods. "Yeah. It was pretty cool when mom told us this story when we were little. Of course, back then we didn't know much about the Sith. All we knew is they were the bad guys and the Jedi were…okay."
Ahsoka should have figured that as they walk towards the people where Jake greeted them. It made her smile when she saw how well he is interacting with the people. She looked over to see Alexis, Rick, and even Numa interacting with the people. With Numa appearing to get along well with the kids.
Once Jake finished interacting with the people he was speaking to he turned to Ahsoka. "Everything okay?"
Ahsoka nods in response. "I'm fine. Just watching you all interacting with the people. I can sense they look up to you all. They have a strong connection with you and you have the same connection with them."
Jake turns to his people and couldn't help but smile some more as he turns to Ahsoka. "That's because we aren't like the others. We don't spend our days inside our palace and treat the people like commoners. We spend time with them, we learn from one another, and we help each other whenever something happens. That's why our people look up to us so much because they know we are there for them no matter what and we will fight for them unlike some politicians my mom knows."
Ahsoka knew that was true. She spend a lot of time with Padme to hear all these promises politicians make about doing what is right for their people. Only for them to go back on their word so they can make money from people who corrupt them. This causes distrust between the people and those who have the power that can affect their lives.
So, to see how much the people trust Jake's family and they look up to them is something that made her happy. Happy to know not all politicians or in the case of Jake's family are all bad. Well, except Tiberous. She's still not sure about him since there are people here who look up to him.
"So far no sign of Damien," said Jake causing Ahsoka to snap out of her thoughts. "Either he's waiting till we're hooked up on snacks or he's not going to show up."
Ahsoka knew that was always a possibility, but it didn't mean they should lower their guard. She tried to call out to the Force to sense for any sort of disturbance, but couldn't sense anything wrong.
"I wish I could tell you he will show up or not," Ahsoka looks around as the people continued celebrating. "The Dark Side of the Force clouds our vision, but I can sense something is coming. I'm just not sure if it's Damien or something else."
Jake nods in response knowing they can't rely much on the vision of the Jedi Order due to what has been happening. Barriss told them before the war began the Jedi couldn't see past the darkness that clouded their vision. Since this war began it has gotten worse.
To the point the Jedi can no longer rely on their visions like they have done in the past. On rare occasions they get bits and pieces, but not enough to find out what their enemies are up to.
"I think for now let's just try to have a good time and hope things actually do turn out well tonight," said Jake as he took Ahsoka's hand and leads her to the crowd.
Ahsoka didn't mind Jake holding her hand since the others were ahead of them. She just hope tonight things do go well and they won't have to worry about fighting…especially Anakin.
Meanwhile
Captain Rex watched the fireworks going off from the ship and sighed as he watches the people celebrate. Despite being told they had to stay on the ship they were still treated fairly. The king had send some of his people to bring the Clones food for them to have. Not the small meals they were given before, but rather a large banquet.
This surprised the Clones who didn't expect to be treated…well to be honest better than before. They didn't mind though as they took the meal and began eating them. For Rex and his brothers the food was nothing like they have ever tasted before. It was delicious.
The different flavors and tastes. It was better than the bland food they had to eat. They knew why they had to eat the food they are served, but this was something they never thought they would have.
Once Rex finished eating he took one of the fruit they were given and watches the fireworks. Each one a different color and each one exploding as a different shape. Some as flowers, some as warriors, and some as large creatures. He never saw fireworks like these before and was fascinated by them.
"Beautiful aren't they?" Rex turns around and sees a woman with long black hair, fair skin, white eyes, and wearing the uniform of the maids who work for the royal family. "One of our scientist created a formula that she was able to mix in with the fireworks. So when they go off they take on these forms you see before you."
Rex looks up in time to see another fireworks going off and sees it taking the form of a dragon like creature. "That explains that," he said before turning to the woman. "I'm sorry, but I didn't catch your name."
The woman turns to Rex and bows her head. "My name is Isabella. I am one of Lady Rachel's handmaids. She asked me to check on you soldiers and make sure everything is okay."
"We're doing all right. Thank you, Isabella," Rex replied before he introduced himself. "My name is Captain Rex and we appreciate all the royal family have done for us. Although, some of us are still surprised by the hospitality after our first time here."
Isabella nods understanding why the clone captain feels this way. "I hope you understand that not all of our people hate you or the rest of your brothers. I for example believe you are all brave warriors who risk your lives and you fight to help liberate worlds."
Rex let's out a small chuckle and smiles a little with what Isabella said to him. "Well, I appreciate it. I know some of your people view many of us as nothing more than mindless slaves that do whatever we are told to do. But I'm glad to know there are some people on Almora that don't think that."
Isabella smiles a little and nods. "Give it time. Perhaps if things go well then the people will see you aren't mindless and you your own person. I only wish the king would allow you all to go out to join our people in the festivities."
Rex knew some of his brothers wanted to go out too and explore the festival. He on the other hand wasn't like them though.
"Well, the others sure, but me? I probably would have stayed."
Isabella stares at Rex confused by his statement. "You don't like having fun?"
Rex cleared his throat and tries to clarify what he meant. "No, what I mean is I've been trained since I was born to fight for the Republic. Training every day to be ready for any sort of battle. Sure, there are times when we were able to loosen up a little, but it was always another way of them to train us. Since then my focus has been on my missions and making sure everything goes well."
Rex knew there were times when they go to Coruscant his brothers would go out to bars where they go to hang out to drink. But he rarely goes to these places since it is mostly for the new recruits. Not the soldiers who started in the war from the beginning. No, he uses any time he has to relax and clear his mind. Clear it of all the things they go through on their missions.
Isabella though has a feeling there is more to this than what he is telling her. "Captain Rex, if you don't mind me asking…do you know how to have fun?"
Rex turns to the handmaid confused by her statement and was about to respond until…well until he realized he wasn't sure how to respond to that. Did he know what fun is? Yes. Did he know how to have fun?
Well, that is a big no. He sets his food down and tries to respond to her comment at best he can. "I do know how to have fun," he lied. "I just choose to focus on my work."
Despite his response she knew he was lying and begins shaking her head. "Even in times of war one should to relax and have some fun. Life is short and you won't get much chances to have some fun."
Rex knew life is indeed short, especially for a Clone in battle. However, it didn't mean he will be able to have much fun in the ship. Sure, he and his brothers have some stuff they use to have fun, but it isn't as much fun as the people outside are having. But he knew they couldn't have any fun outside because of the rules.
"Well, if you have something in mind I'm all ears," said Rex who didn't mind trying whatever she suggests.
Meanwhile
The Power Rangers are seen arriving to the festival where the people are seen having a good time. Earlier the king took his guests to some of the activities the people have set up. All while the kids decided to go to another part of the festival. They went to the mirror maze where they had some fun seeing the different mirror images of their reflections.
Some making them look short, tall, bloated, skinny, and a new feature to appear as another alien race. Jake appeared as a Togruta with the same features as Ahsoka, while Ahsoka appeared human with dark skin and long braided dark hair. For Rick he appeared as Mon Calamari, while Barriss appeared as a green skinned Twi'lek, but her eyes changed to violet. For Rachel she appeared as a Zabrak with her own spiky head which she seem to enjoy, while Lux appeared as a Gungan.
Once they finished with the mirror maze they went to some of the games stands nearby. The boys teamed up against the girls in some of the games, which ended with the girls getting the win. Even winning some prizes, which they gave to the guys. The guys didn't mind though since they figured two skilled Jedi and Rachel who is very skilled on her own were going to beat them.
The group begin walking towards the food court, while Rick looks at his Wampa plushy. "It's a shame we couldn't fight something like this in our first fight. It would have been a lot easier."
Rachel chuckled softly. "I probably wouldn't be able to kill something so cute and plushy…unless it tries eating me."
"Something the Wampa you all fought tried to do to me," said Ahsoka recalling her encounter with the mutated Wampa. "Still, I don't think I ever thank you guys for saving me that day."
"You don't need to thank us. It's what we do," said Jake knowing they owed Ahsoka more for the times she helped save them. "I'm just glad we arrived in time. I don't want to think what would have happened if we didn't save you."
Ahsoka blushed a little and moves her hand from under her robe to grasp his hand. "I know. And thank you for saving me."
Barriss looks over to notice what her friend is doing before turning to Rick. She knew she shouldn't try this in public, but she wanted to see how it felt like. So, she moves her hand from under her robe and took Rick's hand. Rick noticed this and smiled before grasping her hand back.
Rachel and Lux who were behind the two couples noticed this and smiled. They did the same thing they were doing, but if they turned around they would break it off since they don't want them to know yet.
"So, what would you guys like to eat?" Rachel asked as she looks at the different food stands nearby. "We have so many different options to eat or would you all prefer to wait till we get back to the palace to eat the fancy food?"
Lux could smell the different food and how good they smell. He probably should wait so he can join his fellow senators, but he wasn't in the mood for anything fancy.
"Well, you three are the experts…" he said motioning to Rachel, Rick, and Jake. "So, what do you think we should try first?"
Barriss nods in agreement. "I would not mind trying something new. So, whatever you choose I will try it."
"Ask as you shall receive," said Rick as they stop by one of the stands that is selling something called…pizza. "Here. We can try this one first."
"Well, well look what we have here," the group turn around and spot two individuals that Jake, Rachel, and Rick recognized.
"Oh no. Not these two," said Rachel as she lets out a small groan.
Both were young men around Rick's age. One has a short dark thin hair that is brushed back with gel, blue eyes, fair skin, and appeared husky. Wearing a dark shirt with a leather jacket over it, black gloves, boots, and jeans with a chain on his right hip. The other has short black hair, green eyes, fair skin, and appeared thin. He has around his neck a red scarf, dark shirt with a grey jacket over it, gloves, boots, and jeans with a chain on the left hip side.
Ahsoka leans over to Jake wondering who these two men are. "You know them?"
Jake sighed as he nods in response. "Paul Bulkmeier and Jason Skullovitch. Also known as Bulk and Skull. Also known as the resident bullies. And also known as dumb and dumber."
Bulk heard what Jake said and scoffed. "Oh really? If we're so dumb then how do you think we aced our test into becoming part of the Almorian security force?"
Rick almost laughed, but stops when he saw the looks on the two bullies' faces. "Oh? Wait you're serious? You two? How?"
"Well, we took the test and passed it with flying colors," said Skull as he gives a high-five to his friend.
"I find that hard to believe considering you two are…well you," said Rachel who doubts these two who had bad grades and only graduated after taking special assignments.
"Well…" Bulk begins getting close to Rachel. "Maybe if we spend some time together I think you will be very surprised what I can do."
Skull did the same getting close to Barriss. "Yeah. So, why don't you two lovely ladies dump these two losers and join us?"
Lux was prepared to make a move, but Rachel uses her hand to motion for him not to do anything. Barriss did the same to Rick who looks like he was ready to hit Skull. Both ladies seem to have the same idea in mind as did their friends. So their friends begin backing away as the two ladies make their move.
"Well, you two sure are making this very tempting. How about you give us a nice kiss and see how good you two are," said Barriss trying her best to be seductive, which wasn't easy, but it appears to work on Skull who got a little giddy.
"You heard the lady," said Rachel who moves her fingers along Bulk's face. "Close your eyes and kiss me."
The two bullies begin smiling as they close their eyes and begin leaning in to kiss. The two ladies step aside then trip the men over causing them to hit each other. They fall to the ground and hold their noses where they hit each other. All while the people nearby begin laughing as the two ladies stood in front of the guys.
"Sorry, boys. But you aren't our type," said Rachel as she turns to Barriss and nods to where what to do next.
Barriss knew she shouldn't, but this is just some harmless fun. So, she lifted a nearby cake with the Force. Just as the two men got up in anger she drops it on both men's head. The crowd begins laughing again even louder as did the Power Rangers.
Bulk spits out the cake and pushes it off his head. "I hate those brats."
Skull on the other hand seems to be enjoying the cake. "Good cake though."
Meanwhile
While the kids are away to play, the adults are seen going towards a nearby exhibit where they are showing live animals. Both for the adults to see and the children to pet. Senators Chuchi and Mothma are seen with Master Shaak Ti looking at some of the large creatures that Almora has with a long grey trunk as their nose. Riyo Chuchi has never creatures like these before and was fascinated by them.
All while Senator Organa is with Master Windu, King Ronin, and Numa as they are with the reptiles. There was a long snake that Bail recognized when he visited Almora long ago. How it only eats fish and how gentle it is with the people of Almora, including the children. He pets the snake's head and it leans close to him appearing to recognize the scent of the human it encountered long ago.
The king meanwhile, lifted his granddaughter up so she can touch one of the lizards that they had in a case. Numa begins giggling when she felt how the lizard felt like and when she saw the eyes of the lizard moving around. One looking up and the other looking down. Ronin and Numa laughed together as they go look at the next creatures.
Meanwhile, Nathan is with his wife, Duchess Satine, and Obi Wan as they go to see a new exhibit that Alexis was working on with their scientist. She told Obi Wan how long ago Zane brought with him DNA samples of creatures that were extinct long ago on the old world the Power Rangers lived on. Using the technology that Alexis had they were able to clone these creatures and bring them back to life…at least some of them.
They weren't ready to bring back all these species. Just the friendly non-threatening ones. One of them Obi Wan recognized. It looked like his Zord, Titanus except this one was not a Zord, but an actual animal.
It was a large long-neck creature with a fin on its head, a large body, and lets out a gentle howl as it took a bite of the large trees that were set up for it to eat.
"Amazing isn't it?" Alexis asked towards Satine. "So beautiful, so gentle, and…" the creature stood up on its hind legs to get some of the plants before coming down causing a little shaking. "…well I was going to say graceful, but would be a lie."
Duchess Satine though didn't seem to mind and just looks up at the creature. "I am amazed that you were able to clone this creature from such an old sample. How did your friend get it?"
Alexis didn't mention she got the sample from Zane and lied she got it from an old explorer. "He found ways and made sure to keep it preserved. Just like we preserve and protect the creatures of this world. We don't hunt them for sports or for their fur. We care for them and know the importance of these creatures in our world."
"I can see why," said Duchess Satine as she sees the creature looking down at them. "They are all friendly…right?"
Alexis nods in response as she grabs a large leaf from the ground and gives it to Satine. "Move it up and let her take a bite."
Duchess Satine was about to decline doing that, until the creature leans its head down until it was in front of them. Satine got nervous when this large animal was in front of her. Alexis helps Satine though calm down and motions for her to lean the leaf over. Satine did so and the animal takes a bite out of the plant.
Duchess Satine begins laughing a little as she fed this large prehistoric creature. "Such a majestic creature."
"Yes she is," said Alexis as she begins petting the creature's head.
Obi Wan looks on smiling when he saw this. With everything Satine has gone through it was nice to see her having a good time. Smiling and laughing happily, which made him happy.
"Ahsoka told me you and Satine like each other, right?" Nathan asked getting a surprised reaction from Obi Wan. "It's okay. I'm not going to say a word about it to anyone. I also know unlike Ahsoka you are going to keep to your guns about the Code you Jedi have…but you only live once. You don't get moments like these anymore and you should use this chance to loosen up a bit before…"
Obi Wan knew where Nathan is going with this and sighed. "I know. I wish it was as easy as talking about it. However, for me? It isn't so easy."
He goes on to tell Nathan about how he was taught to follow the rules since he was young. Sure, Qui-Gon tried to teach him about bending the rules from time to time, but it went against what he was taught. With Anakin they did try bending a few times the rules here and there. But nothing that would resort in them getting in trouble with the Council.
Once he finished Nathan sighed as he looks up into the sky. "You know, Qui-Gon believe it or not was a lot like you when we first met. He was stubborn and followed the rules. However, as time began to pass he began loosening up more and more. To find the Code wasn't what all Jedi should follow."
Nathan moves his hand up so he can continue. "Let me finish. Yes, the whole attachment things is something a Jedi should be careful with and Qui-Gon learned that the hard way. But keeping those emotions down and never expressing them then it can be even worse. It can isolate you from everyone, cause you to fall into darkness, and then lose yourself."
Nathan turns to Obi Wan and finished things up. "I'm not saying you should tell her you like her, but what I am saying is you should spend some time with her. Enjoy the time you two have with each other. And if one day it leads to you two falling for each other then don't be afraid to go through with it. Love is not a bad thing and it can help make you stronger."
Obi Wan listened carefully to what Nathan said and turns to Satine. He wasn't sure if love is what the two feel for each other, but it doesn't mean they should try seeing if it is or not. Perhaps this festival can be a good chance to try it. If of course things don't go bad.
"It is an idea, but I should wait for the right chance to try it," said Obi Wan as he turns back to Nathan. "Thank you."
Nathan nods in response. "Anytime. Now, let's go join the ladies and…" suddenly a large explosion erupted from around the city.
"Nathan! What the hell is that?" Alexis shouted as the animals begin roaring in a panic.
"Those explosions came from the locations where Zane's machines are placed at," said Nathan as he realized what is happening. "Shit. It's starting. Obi Wan, get the others back to the palace. I'm going to go find the others."
Obi Wan nods as he leads the women away. As he did Alexis shouted out to her husband.
"Be careful! And keep the kids safe!"
Nathan nods in response. "I will and I love you!" he shouted back before running off as he takes out his morpher. "It's Morphin' Time!" he soon transformed into his Green Ranger form and runs past the people to find the others.
Forest
Meanwhile, Tiberous had left the festival earlier to help plant the explosions to Zane's machines so they can be destroyed. He begins activing also a jammer to help cause the communications from working properly. It is only temporary since he only needs to capture his father, have Damien kill off his family, the senators, and the Jedi before saving the day.
Once he got what he needs he will turn on Damien and take his rightful place as ruler. He will then turn his attention to Count Dooku and the rest of the Republic.
But first. He presses some buttons on his wrist gauntlet and sees a hologram of the ship where the Clones are located in. He presses a button and the bomb he planet under the ship exploded. Killing off all the Clones inside so the Jedi won't have their mindless drones get involved.
"Now. It's time for me to make my move…" he stops as he looks up into the sky and sighed. "Forgive me mother…brother…but I must do this in order to make our people strong and save them from the weakness father has brought on us all."
That's the end of the chapter and looks like the final fight has begun. Tiberous you dick you blew up the only thing keeping Damien from coming to Almora. What is going to happen now that his army will arrive? Will our heroes be able to stop him in time?
Tune in next time to find out what happens and I want to thank everyone for the reviews. I appreciate the support and sorry for taking so long on the chapter. I appreciate the patients though. Glad to know you guys still support the story.
Also, yeah I decided to bring in my own Bulk and Skull characters. Their first names though are from the actors who played them. Also, the animals…yeah if you figured out what is the animal that Satine is feeding then you get an internet cookie with milk. Good thing for her is it didn't sneeze like from Jurassic Park.
Anyways, I am off now to spend time with my love ones. Please be patient for the next chapter and if you all liked this then please leave some reviews. Just no flame reviews please. Take care everyone, be safe, see you all next time, and if I don't have another chapter up by New Year's then…MERRY CHRISTMAS YOU FILTHY ANIMALS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!