p style="text-align: center;" data-xf-p="1"strongEpisode 3: A Pressing Engagement/strong/p
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p data-xf-p="1""You really are talented," Alpha squeaks in excitement and hands Noah a screwdriver. "I never would have thought of this."/p
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p data-xf-p="1"The two have been working under the supervision of Zordon, since just after breakfast. The collection of digital watches on the table, have been dismantled and put back together with additional pieces provided by the multicolored robot./p
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p data-xf-p="1""I doubt that Alpha, you're the one who made all of this." Noah gestures to the many consoles with still unknown uses./p
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p data-xf-p="1""Alpha One designed this place, with Alpha Two creating the Zords." Alpha admits with a bow of his head./p
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p data-xf-p="1""Did each ranger team have an Alpha?" He pauses and questions Zordon./p
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p data-xf-p="1""These powers have been used by eight teams before you," Zordon winces and is forced to explain. "But yes, four previous Alphas sacrificed themselves for Earth./p
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p data-xf-p="1""Almost done with these, let's get them connected to the system." Alpha Five tries to change the subject./p
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p data-xf-p="1""This will certainly make it easier to reach you," Zordon smiles at his ranger. "It makes me confident in victory, seeing how proactive you are."/p
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p data-xf-p="1"A bolt of pink energy enters the building, revealing a frowning Emma. Her hands are clenched and a faint trail of blood can be seen where her nails have dug into her palms./p
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p data-xf-p="1"Noah misses her arrival, to focused on the conversation and delicate work. When he turns, it's to the left and he continues to be unaware of his teammate's presence./p
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p data-xf-p="1""Everyone else on the team, they each have a fighting style." He connects the first completed watch and hums under his breath absently. "I need to do everything I can to not hold them back and this is all I could come up with."/p
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p data-xf-p="1""You shouldn't talk like that," Interrupts Emma, placing a firm hand on his shoulder and spinning him around in shock. "As far as I can see, you're working the hardest at this whole thing."/p
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p data-xf-p="1""Uh…" He stammers, startled at her arrival and more importantly by her proximity. "Thanks."/p
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p data-xf-p="1""Gia hasn't even been training for two years and with a reason to focus, she got good pretty darn fast." She tries to convey her belief in him. "You have a better reason than she does, so I know you can too. We just need to find the right style for you."/p
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p data-xf-p="1""What's her reason?" He blurts out curiously and doesn't see the flinch on her face./p
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p data-xf-p="1""She wanted to beat Skull up, still wants to her dad, and her trainer never taught her the whole martial arts about it only being for self defense." Emma gives a brief explanation, in hopes of not having to again./p
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p data-xf-p="1""Why does she want to beat Skull up?" His retort is automatic./p
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p data-xf-p="1""We grew next door to each other and I always had a crush on him." Emma shrugs awkwardly at his expression of disbelief. "He used to be really sweet and we were friends."/p
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p data-xf-p="1""Still don't see why Gia wants to beat him up." Noah switches which watch is hooked up and turns back with a socially inept frown./p
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p data-xf-p="1""He was my first boyfriend, the summer back before he started high school." Relieved to finally get this off her chest – without having to also deal with Gia's anger – has a half smile begin to spread on her face. "It was like all the movies said it was supposed to be and then… he met Bulk and changed."/p
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p data-xf-p="1""Oh," Noah goes silent./p
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p data-xf-p="1""Thanks for listening, Trini only ever says 'I told you so' and Gia is just to angry to let me vent." Her smile vanishes her eyes grow stormy. "Which reminds me why I'm here today. My sister was found… alive." Her lack of smile has Noah stop himself from celebrating./p
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p data-xf-p="1""That's not amazing news?" His frowns at Emma's trembling./p
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p data-xf-p="1""It should be, but was found next to Jason." She pulls absently at her pink sleeve and her lip starts to quiver. "Was anyone nearby when you put his body in the rubble Alpha?"/p
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p data-xf-p="1""Definitely not, I triple checked." His response is laden with indigence./p
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p data-xf-p="1""I thought so." Emma growls and begins to pace. "Because her eyes are the wrong color and the air around her just feels… wrong. Can follow her on the viewing globe Zordon, find out what she's really up to?"/p
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p data-xf-p="1""You did the right thing coming here," The answer is quick and has Emma sigh in relief. "Go observe, while I tune in to her mystical signature."/p
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p data-xf-p="1"Emma's half smile grows into a full one and she steps back within reach of Noah. "What do you feel more comfortable doing, kicking or punching?"/p
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p data-xf-p="1""Punching definitely," He snorts and rubs his sore calf. "I'm not very flexible and I feel every kick right now."/p
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p data-xf-p="1""Well we can work on that too," Dropping into a casual splits position, she smirks up at him. "Yoga helped Gia with kicking over her head, why don't you join us sometimes?"/p
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p data-xf-p="1""That would be really cool, thanks." Noah nods eagerly at how easily she springs back up to her feet./p
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p data-xf-p="1""We can ask Troy, he was doing a lot of punching." She suggests warmly. "Or maybe regular boxing, I know Gia's gym has a few people who could teach you."/p
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p data-xf-p="1""I'd rather embarrass myself in front of less people, so I'll ask Troy first." Noah doesn't even need to think about it. "Gym class is bad enough, I'm not paying to get mocked."/p
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p data-xf-p="1"The two follow Alpha and watch as the glass sphere displays the forest North of the city. Emma has biked that trail countless times and her eyes narrow at the sight of her sister. Trini checks her surroundings carefully and steps off the trail, heading towards the mountains and deeper into the brush./p
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p data-xf-p="1""Where is she?" Noah asks, having spent far less time in the local nature./p
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p data-xf-p="1""Briarwood." She answers and giggles when he sighs, having to ask for clarification. "It's the national park along the highway, the one between us and Stone Canyon."/p
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p data-xf-p="1""Okay, that's not a good sign," He admits with a gasp, when Trini enters a clearing with a dozen Putty Patrollers and doesn't get attacked./p
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p data-xf-p="1""Are they digging?" Emma looks up at Zordon and frowns. "What could they be looking for out in the woods?"/p
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p data-xf-p="1""Many things," He admits. "Vile is not the only foe who attacked this planet. He sent generals first and Earth endured a thousand years of strife before his arrival."/p
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p data-xf-p="1""We aren't the only rangers, are we?" Realizes Emma, making her mouth open like a fish. "You said you had allies, so why aren't they helping?"/p
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p data-xf-p="1""I hope they will, but evil is not only a product from the darkest reaches of space." Zordon's voice rumbles through his explanation. "Evil grows here on Earth as well and I fear my allies have fallen against them over the centuries, for none have answered Alpha's calls."/p
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p data-xf-p="1""I think you better get the others," Interrupting the ancient mentor, Noah directs his gaze back to the viewing globe. "Because something is definitely buggy with Trini."/p
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p data-xf-p="1"No longer wearing her normal clothing, Trini is now covered in a golden carapace. She berets the clay goons and directs them to dig faster, even slicing one in half when it fails to do so adequately./p
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p data-xf-p="1"The arrival of the other the rangers doesn't take long, with all three bolts of energy arriving before five minutes have passed./p
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p data-xf-p="1""What's the emergency Zordon?" Troy is quick to ask on his arrival, his eyes darting between the viewing globe and mentor./p
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p data-xf-p="1""My sister came home last night," Emma begins, with Gia's excited cheer having to be shut down hastily by Noah. "But something was wrong, so as soon as she left the house I came to watch her."/p
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p data-xf-p="1""Good thing she did," Backing her up, Noah points to the globe and Trini's monster form. "Because she turned into that and whatever they're digging for..." He trails off, his voice grim and humorless./p
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p data-xf-p="1""Can't be good for us." Grabbing his morpher reflexively, Troy looks at his team and considers the options available. "You guys think we should watch from here, or move into position now?" He tries to work with his team and not just command them./p
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p data-xf-p="1""We know they can teleport too," Gia reminds everyone with a scowl on her face. "I don't like the idea of missing them once they find whatever they're looking for."/p
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p data-xf-p="1""Good point," He nods back with a thoughtful look towards Alpha. "Can you send us to the forest, just outside of visual range?"/p
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p data-xf-p="1""I can, but first Noah has something for each of you." Alpha waddles over to a console, while Noah becomes the center of attention./p
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p data-xf-p="1""It's hard to get a hold of each other, especially if we aren't at home." He starts to hand out the color coded watches, each with silver, copper, and gold attachments. "So with these, we can directly tap into the teleportation network and the bases communications."/p
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p data-xf-p="1""You made us walkie talkies that teleport?" Gia looks impressed as she slides the yellow one onto her wrist, just under her black leather jacket and tucking it away from casual sight./p
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p data-xf-p="1""Essentially." Smiling in pride, Noah slips his own on./p
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p data-xf-p="1""Dude, I feel like a spy now." Jake holds his wrist up to his face./p
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p data-xf-p="1""This is incredible Noah," Agreeing with the others, Troy grins at the gift. "Thanks for doing this."/p
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p data-xf-p="1""My mom's still asking about Emma, so I wanted something more private than a house phone." He blushes from the praise and turns everyone back to the real problem at hand. "Although I think these may need some adjustments, because I can't seem to lock on to the forest's location."/p
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p data-xf-p="1""It's nothing you did Noah," Alpha corrects him. "The area is cloaked in some powerful magic, it is blocking our ability to teleport you."/p
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p data-xf-p="1""Better send us as close as you can," Insists Emma. "I know the way and if we're going on foot, we should get moving."/p
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p data-xf-p="1""Or you can use the Mega Cycles." Suggests Alpha, his eye flashing rapidly in glee. "I finished them a few decades ago and they'll be perfect for this."/p
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p data-xf-p="1""Good idea Alpha, take the rangers to them now, while I determine the range of the jamming field." The booming voice of Zordon agrees, with one of the sealed doors whooshing open at his word./p
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p data-xf-p="1"The five teens follow Alpha down to the workshop floor of the base, realizing how large the base actually is. When the overhead lights come on, the sleek bikes are revealed. The red one stands alone, but the black and blue bikes both have a sidecar./p
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p data-xf-p="1""I didn't think a robot would be so chauvinistic," Gia crosses her arms and frowns at the fact that she doesn't get to drive./p
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p data-xf-p="1""I had no idea who was going to get the yellow or pink Power Coins," Counters Alpha desperately in the face of her irritation. "Last time the blue and pink were brothers." He stands tall and puts his hands on his hips./p
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p data-xf-p="1""We can repaint ours," Offers a surprisingly relaxed Jake. "As long as you let me take her for a spin every once and a while."/p
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p data-xf-p="1""Really?" Snorts Noah at his friend's generosity. "You're going to give up driving one of these?"/p
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p data-xf-p="1""I'll be taxiing you all around when we aren't morphed." An unconcerned Jake climbs into the yellow sidecar. "Besides, this is way more comfortable."/p
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p data-xf-p="1""Thanks..." He gets a grateful look from Gia./p
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p data-xf-p="1""Are you ready Rangers?" Zordon's voice echoes through the workshop. "I have determined the edge of the barrier is several miles away from the dig site."/p
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p data-xf-p="1""Yeah," Troy grabs his morpher with intent this time and leads everyone in the sound off. "It's morphing time!"/p
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p data-xf-p="1"…/p
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p data-xf-p="1"The Mega Cycles thunder through the woods, the skill to handle the mighty machines having been implanted in the ranger's heads. The wide trails through the forest, make it easy for the sidecars to traverse the path./p
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p data-xf-p="1"When the three vehicles reach the section that Trini went off road, they come to a stop behind Troy. He turns to the other rangers and keeps his voice low./p
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p data-xf-p="1""Speed or stealth?" His words are calm, but the tapping of his foot reveals he does feel the stress of the situation./p
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p data-xf-p="1""Speed," Growls Emma, her hands locked on the weapons of her side car in a death grip. "I'm not letting my sister get away."/p
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p data-xf-p="1""So we don't get a repeat of last time," Troy whispers, but his voice is heard clear in everyone's helmet. "We keep the Z Cannon on half power."/p
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p data-xf-p="1""Agreed." The others speak as one, with variations on the wording./p
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p data-xf-p="1""You and Noah take her down, while we handle the Putties for you." Revving his engine back to life suddenly, he races off the roads and clears the way for the others./p
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p data-xf-p="1""What if they find… whatever it is they're looking for out here?" Jake asks, since no one else has brought up the worst case scenario yet./p
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p data-xf-p="1""We grab it from them and play keep away." Troy lets out as a low growl. "It took us almost seven minutes to get here, so we only have to make a clean break for it."/p
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p data-xf-p="1""Whoa..." Exclaims Emma in shock, as her helmet begins zooming ahead like a telescope. "I can see them,"/p
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p data-xf-p="1""And I can hear everything," Clutching at the sides of his helmet, Jake slumps forward in the yellow side car./p
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p data-xf-p="1""Our helmets seem to have a personalized feature," Noah sniffs experimentally, as a wave of smells assault him suddenly./p
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p data-xf-p="1""Everything is so bright," Groans Gia and starts to slow down. "I must have night vision in mine, how do I turn it off?"/p
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p data-xf-p="1""Tell me me someone figures it out," Whimpers Jake, as he curls up in his seat./p
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p data-xf-p="1""All I can see is glowing colors, Is it heat?" Wonders Troy, his vision distorted with a neon collage./p
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p data-xf-p="1""Alpha, how do we turn our helmets off?" Emma is the one who calls for answers./p
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p data-xf-p="1""They shouldn't have turned on without a command," He responds in confusion from the base. "Something must be supercharging you right now."/p
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p data-xf-p="1""We really can't let them find what they're looking for," Troy answers and slows down, with Noah pulling ahead of him. "Don't wait for us, we'll catch up!"/p
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p data-xf-p="1""Got it," He gulps and increases the distance between him and the others. "But don't take too long please." Doing their best to ignore Jake's whimpers, Noah and Emma disappear from view into the woods./p
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p data-xf-p="1""Keep the Putties off of me." Emma has her Power Bow drawn and pointed forward. "Trini is mine."/p
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p data-xf-p="1""Jake always said to never get in the way of a cat fight and I just thought he was being a perv," Comments Noah with a gulp. "But you're scarier than Gia right now, so don't worry."/p
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p data-xf-p="1""Good." Emma releases her bowstring and starts rapidly firing off as many arrows as she can./p
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p data-xf-p="1"The bike roars into the clearing, just in time to watch a half dozen arrows strike Trini's scorpion themed armor. Each one explodes in a shower of sparks, sending the monster girl bouncing along the dirt./p
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p data-xf-p="1"A barrage of lasers from the side cars cannon, impact the ground next to Trini and send a shower of dirt raining down onto her. Emma draws her Blade Blaster and leaps from the vehicle, charging for her already standing sister./p
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p data-xf-p="1""Smarter than I thought Emma," Cackles Trini, the cruel expression on her face distorting into the visage of a scorpion. "No point taking it easy on you out here, not since you figured it out anyway." She swipes forward with one of her massive claws, at the same time her tail shoots forward./p
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p data-xf-p="1"The dripping tip is definitely loaded with venom and comes dangerously close to stabbing into the pink ranger's chest. Blocking the claw strike with her blade, Emma kicks hard into the monster's face./p
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p data-xf-p="1""Not going to work anymore little sister, I'm far stronger now and I don't have any reason to hold back." Hisses Scorpina, her second claw backhanding Emma's face./p
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p data-xf-p="1"Enduring a spark shower of her own, she is sent sailing through the air and lands in a heap. Before Scorpina can take advantage of her fallen prey however, the twin blasts from the black and red cycles force her back./p
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p data-xf-p="1""We got your back," Gia calls out to the fallen Emma, drawing her Blade Blaster. "Lets light her up!" She leads the three way attack, with no complaint from either guy./p
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p data-xf-p="1""Are you sure you have time to deal with me?" Scorpina covers her face and endures the attack with ease. "Or did you miss Squatt and his bombs in Angel Grove?" She looks up at the sun and grins. You don't have long before he sets off the fireworks."/p
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p data-xf-p="1""You're lying," Emma denies the claim and gets ready for a second round./p
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p data-xf-p="1""Ask your blueberry boss," Her sister cackles in glee. "He should be able to detect them by now."/p
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p data-xf-p="1""Zordon, is she telling the truth?" Troy calls it in to double check, unwilling to leave such a claim unanswered./p
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p data-xf-p="1""Good timing Troy," Answers Zordon with a strange hiccup to his voice at the mention of his name. "Alpha was just about to call you. Three bombs have been detected and require you to disarm them immediately./p
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p data-xf-p="1""We'll handle this," Gia insists, knowing Emma won't be leaving this fight. "You said you wanted to drive every once in a while, so here's your once." She teases Jake as he hops onto her seat./p
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p data-xf-p="1""As long as it gets the sound to end, I'm fine letting you drive forever after this." He and Noah disengage the side cars and follow Troy from the battle. "I'm not going to be here, so you don't have to worry about impressing me."/p
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p data-xf-p="1""Take your own advice, I don't want to have to break a new black ranger in already." Gia calls her own farewell and goes back to back with Emma./p
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p data-xf-p="1""See, told you she likes me." He crows to Noah, before racing after the guy to clear the jamming field./p
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p data-xf-p="1".../p
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p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""You're sure it's at City Hall?" Troy demands frantically, as yet another room is empty and the Mayor's security grows angry behind him./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""It most definitely is," Confirms Alpha. "The energy signature matches the one at the mall, as well as the one over at the power plant."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""I'm not finding it anywhere, I'm going to need more specific directions." He looks for anymore doors that haven't been checked yet./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""I knew this was a hoax," One of the four security guards growls to his fellows. "He sounds like a kid."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Quiet," Commands Troy, trying to maintain what little authority he has left. "Energy build up means heat." He activates his helmet's thermal sensing./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"Ignoring the bodies in the building, his gaze is drawn to the maintenance tunnel running beneath the building. Figures only slightly above room temperature are shuffling back and forth in the confined area, with a glowing red device between the lot of them./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""It's in the tunnels below us, where's the entrance?" Troy draws his blade blaster and follows the only guard still eager to follow his orders./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""This way." He has his own baton at the ready and reaches the heavy steel door to the tunnels, panting far less than his grumpier coworkers. "Inside here Sir."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""You should evacuate once I go in, try and clear the blast radius in case I fail." Remembering how badly he did yesterday, Troy grips his blade tightly./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""No can do." The grumpiest guard shakes his head in denial and crosses his arms firmly. "If a bomb really is down here, we need to make sure it's taken care of."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Okay, but you need to remember the Putties are made from clay." Troy grabs the door handle and exhales slowly. "Go for head shots, or they'll just overwhelm you. The more unique monsters are the kidnapped people they transformed."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Holy shit..." The oldest security guard gasps. "Really?"/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""The lion man in gold armor," Needing to tell someone what happened, Troy admits his failure. "It was only killing him, that we learned he was… a member of my family." He manages to catch himself at the last second./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""They took almost two hundred people between all the attacks so far." The helpful guard goes pale, but switches his baton for a handgun. "This really is an invasion, isn't it?"/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Yeah, but we need to focus on this." Keeping calm, Troy places a hand on the red head's shoulder. "These things are about twice as strong as a person and way more durable, but they're slow and extremely stupid."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"Troy waits for the men to gather what courage they have, before he thrusts the door open and leads the charge into the maintenance tunnel. With his far superior speed, Troy throws himself over the Putties as a distraction./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"The sudden action has the Putties turn to follow his descent, which leaves them open to a barrage of handgun fire. In such a confined area, a blind orangutan could eventually make a head shot and they make several./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"The four manage to tear apart the heads of seven clay men before running out of ammo. While they split the attention of the foot soldiers, Troy charges towards the few still standing foes and proceeds to slice them into confetti./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""You know how to disarm that thing… right?" The grey haired guard manages to stammer out and point at the beeping bomb./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""I have a few ideas," Responding abruptly, Troy patches back into the radio and cautiously approaches the device. "Found my bomb, can you teleport it out of here Alpha?"/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""That would be most unwise Troy," Alpha's response is expected, but still unwelcome news. "It would have a very high probability of detonating as soon as I lock onto it."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Than I'm going to need someone to walk me through this." Checking the timer, he breathes a sigh of relief at the nineteen minutes remaining./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""How'd you find yours'?" Interrupts Jake from his own mission at the mall. "I can't find mine anywhere."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""I used my helmet," Troy admits, which has Jake growl in frustration./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Seriously?" He mutters under his breath. "You better have some Aspirin waiting for me back at the base Alpha."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""It wasn't even half as bad this time," Troy rushes to reassure Jake. "Whatever is being dug up is loaded with power, you can handle it this time."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""He's right Jake, I can actually track the smell I want right now." Noah makes his own situation known. "And I smell something foul, like a combination of pickled snail and gunpowder."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Alright, let you know when I'm ready for my own how to guide." Jake sighs and activates his own helmet. "Stay safe you guys."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"…/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"As soon as his sense of smell was increased, Noah's feet began leading him straight towards the sickly aroma. It allows him to save time and ignore dozens of rooms he would have had to search otherwise and leads him to the main generator./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Should have figured it would be here." He summons his Power Lance and keeps it in the more defensive pole-arm form. "Caught you… blue handed?" Noah's cry sputters out and loses what fierceness it had./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"The barely five foot tall monster is bright blue in color, with a pebbly texture covering most of his skin. A large bumpy protrusion extends from his head, with his clothes being a garish collection of old fashioned pilot garb./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""I was kind of expecting someone more intimidating," Noah steps forward warily, his lance spinning slowly in his hands and ready for action. "I think even I can beat you."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Everyone thinks they can push Squatt around, but now I'm the one doing the pushing!" He reaches into the leather satchel at his side and begins to toss grenades at the blue ranger. "Once I deal with you, I'll blow this city to smithereens."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""I thought you needed us as captives, not corpses?" Noah ignores everything but the blue goblin man and proceeds to bat back as many explosives as he can./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""It's so hard to find any of the buried treasures, but sifting through the rubble will be a breeze." Throwing himself to the side, Squatt narrowly avoids being engulfed in his own blast. "Uh oh."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"The accelerated beeping from the planted bomb, has Squatt panic and climb to his feet. He takes a look at the blue ranger and thinks better of battle, choosing instead to vanish in a cloud of foul smelling smoke./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""My bomb's been damaged." Turning his radio back on, Noah wastes no time and rushes to the explosive. "I have no idea how long I have left, the timer is blank."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Get started and tell me exactly what you do," Troy is quick to answer. "I'm going to copy your homework."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"…/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"Taking the others' advice, Jake activates his surround sound hearing and manages to sort through the noises. When he hears the familiar voice of Skull crying out in pain, it is followed by the warbled babbling of the Putties above him./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Hang on, I'm coming." He leaps up to the second floor, before repeating the leap up through one of the skylights./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"Erupting onto the roof of the mall and landing in an impressive shower of glass, Jake summons his Power Ax. Bulk and Skull have been bound with two friends, but unfortunately none are gagged./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"With them is a black teen Jake can't recognize and Sharkie. The unknown guy looks exactly like how an extra would dress, with a very generic face. Like he was only intended for a single episode and never even got a name in the credits of life./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""It's a Power Ranger," Bulk roars in excited hope. "We're saved!"/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""You just sit tight Bulk, I'll have you all free in no time." Forgetting that the punks are supposed to be strangers, Jake rolls forward and leg sweeps the Putties away./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""The Black Ranger knows my name," Exclaims the no longer terrified Bulk. "Must have seen my unbeatable record at the Juice Bar." He winks at Sharkie and holds his hands up eagerly./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""See, easy peasy." Jake does his best to disguise his voice when he remembers he should. "Get the others free and out of here." He slices through Bulks rope with his ax and helps him up. "I got to teach these dweebs how to dance."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Dweebs?" Blinking at the familiar phrase, Bulk starts to untie Sharkie./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Anyone who hurts innocent people is a dweeb," Explains Jake with a smirk. "I might even have to call them a worthless geek, because that's all a bully is to heroes like us." Bulk goes pale at the words, redoubling his efforts to free his friend./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"Not sparing the punks a second glance, Jake swings forward and cleaves the head off of one Putty. The next one to approach is bisected just above the waist, with the third losing both arms. Lacking the brains to know it's already over, the remaining Putties charge the Black Ranger in an attempt at overwhelming force./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Tag, you're it!" Launching into a sideways flip, he flings himself over the Putties and draws them away from the bullies. "Oh your cheaters I see." He kicks the next one off the roof, grinning at the splattering thud that follows./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Oh and the crowd goes wild," He takes a quick bow at the cheering from Bulk and his friends, before finishing off the rest of the Putties as quickly as he can./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"When the last one is a pile of twitching clay, he hurries over to the car sized bomb. Finding fourteen minutes left on the timer is a relief – but when he hears Noah panicking over the radio – he's forced to remain quiet./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""What is this thing?" Not realizing the danger everyone is still in, Skull kicks the device./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""A bomb." Blocking Skull's second ignorant kick, Jake stares down the scrawny teen. "So maybe get off the roof and try clearing the mall for me."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""You heard the Black Ranger guys," Bulk grabs Skull by the shoulder and pulls him away. "My friend needs us to help him save the day, we're basically Power Rangers now."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Good thing these visors are one way," Snorting to himself as the four punks race off the roof, he rolls his eyes and starts following the instructions being given. "But I really wish my hands would stop shaking."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"A roar of primal anger echoes over the city and in the distance, the sight of a rapidly growing figure can only make Jake blink in shocked worry./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""You guys hear that?" Troy asks once the bellowing ends and the massive form begins to march towards Angel Grove./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""I can see it and she's coming straight for the City." Growls Jake as each stride of the arachnid women brings her nearly a mile closer. "We got maybe two minutes before she's stepping on buildings."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""What happened in Briarwood?" Troy directs his words to the silent Emma and Gia, hoping it's not yellow and pink that will need to be replaced. "You girls okay?"/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Some goblin freak showed up and my sister told him to take over." Of the two missing rangers, Emma is the first to respond. "We had to get clear when she started growing."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""How close are you three two finishing?" Gia cuts in. "Because we're going to need some more muscle for this."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Hold her off as long as you can," Desperate for an answer, Troy insists the girls begin without them./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""You heard him," Gia's excited grin can be heard. "We need Pleisto-Zord power now!" The shriek of the pink falcon is followed almost instantly by the roar of the yellow tiger, making the massive scorpion pause./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Let's do this," Emma's words are lacking in her normal cheeriness./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"A salvo of missiles launch from her Zord's folded wings and impact the twin claws of Scorpina, shielding her from the brunt of the attack. Wasting no time, Gia follows up the attack and sends her own bolt of lightning at the monster./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"Watching Scorpina strike upwards and leave a deep gouge in one of the falcon's wings, Jake can only growl in frustration. When she catches the leaping yellow tiger and begin pulling it apart, Jake reaches for his personalized gadget./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""I'm going to do something stupid... hope it works." He warns the others and begins to blast the bomb with the freezing fluid. "I'm not dead yet, so I'm pretty sure cold works." Jake grunts, only stopping when the explosive is frozen solid and no longer lit up./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""What did you do!" Noah roars at his friends lack of patience./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Froze it and now I'm going to smash it." He looks up and sees Gia's Zord be thrown towards the ocean. "The girls need a meat shield, so I'm up. Mastodon power, now!" The trumpeting of his Zord brings relief to Jake's frayed nerves and he swings his ax downwards./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"It shatters the bomb into hundreds of pieces, but miraculously does not explode. Breathing out in disbelief, Jake calls in his success./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""I really didn't think that was going to work." He leaps towards his approaching black protector. "Jake is in the seat and ready to turn this monster into mince meat." He starts to charge and collides with the massive woman./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"She catches his massive tusks each claw, but begins to get pushed back. While Scorpina is locked in a grapple with the mastodon, it lifts it's trunk and sprays more of the freezing mist. Enveloped in the cloud, a second shriek of pain comes from the giant monster./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Nice timing, she hits hard and is faster than someone that size has any right being." Gia announces her return, by having her Zord leap for the monster's rising tail and catching it in her jaws./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Which Is why I can't let her go, or she'll dance all over the city." Jake admits that his Zord lacks the mobility for a second chance at a clean hit./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""You guys did great," Troy's voice is a relief, but the roar of his ape and the howl of Noah's wolf are even more welcome. "But is it okay if we join the party now, or are you trying to keep the girls to yourself?" His teasing smirk can be heard by everyone./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Be my guest, she just wants to two step." The Mastodon is finally lifted off it's front legs and tossed to the side, crashing into the forest and uprooting dozens of trees. "And my Zord has four left feet."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Rangers." Zordon's reassuring voice comes through with perfect clarity. "It is time for you to combine your Zords."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Alright Zordon," Agrees Troy, as a glowing red crystal forms in his hand. "Let's bring them together everyone. We need Megazord power, now!"/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"As soon as he inserts the crystal into his console, the other four rangers follow suit. Running beside each other the yellow tiger and blue wolf lower themselves to the ground and role forward on wheels. Attaching to both of them as the body, the red ape's arms fold inwards./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"Next to combine is the ebony mastodon, with it's body splitting in half and attaching to both shoulders of the rolling tank. The final one of the Zords to connect, is the pink falcon and it rests on the ape's shoulders' to form the head./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"Racing towards the startled Scorpina, the many weapons begin to fire in unison. The five colors of laser strike the champion of evil and send her crashing onto her back with a pained hiss./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Oh you have some more tricks I see," Holding her tail aloft, Scorpina sneers at the Megazord and returns fire with her own sickly green energy beam./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Hold on!" Noah blurts out./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"The combined ability of the zords is not additive, but increases by multiplying the power of each. With the sudden increase in combat power, Scorpina begins to look worried./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""If she gets behind us, we're screwed." Realizing they have a lot of fire power but almost no mobility, Gia speaks up with a hiss of her own./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Offense or defense?" Troy agrees and leaves the decision on how to finish this a group matter./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""I'm tired of taking hits," Grumbles Jake. "I say we go all out and end this."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""I'm with Jake," Emma chimes in. "Trini would want me to stop her, no matter what."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Alright, lets change to Battle Mode." Pressing a few commands on the console before him, Troy's seat switches places with Emma./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"The Megazord begins to stand and the red apes head rises from the chest, while the falcon rests on the chest as additional protection for the rangers inside. They take an experimental step forward and cheer as one./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Oh, your sister has no idea what she's in for now." Troy raises the mastodon's head as a shield and raises it's other hand towards the suddenly stormy sky./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""We need the Mega Sword!" Emma calls out and summons the powerful weapon, causing it to impale the ground right before the massive machine./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Let's do this!" Roars Gia in full support./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"The Megazord's free hand barely grabs the Mega Sword in time, but Emma begins to channel all auxiliary power to the weapon. They don't give Scorpina time to recover and swing the enormous weapon forward, sending a beam of rainbow energy into her./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"It strikes the fallen form of Trini and tears through the body like tissue paper. None of the blood that Jason displayed from his fatal wound is present, with the remains looking more like dandruff and not meaty chunks./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""I think she... molted." Trying to make sense of the strange remains, Noah offers the only explanation he can come up with./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Gross." Jake gags as the Megazord pokes at the biggest piece with it's sword, causing it to crumble like dust./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""So my sister is going to be home tonight?" Growls Emma angrily. "I'm terrified of leaving my dad alone around her."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""I'll spend the night and we can take turns keeping watch," Offers Gia, hearing the strain in her friends voice./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Good call," Troy agrees with the decision and adds. "We'll keep our communicators handy, so don't hesitate to call."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""You really are talented," Alpha squeaks in excitement and hands Noah a screwdriver. "I never would have thought of this."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"The two have been working under the supervision of Zordon, since just after breakfast. The collection of digital watches on the table, have been dismantled and put back together with additional pieces provided by the multicolored robot./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""I doubt that Alpha, you're the one who made all of this." Noah gestures to the many consoles with still unknown uses./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Alpha One designed this place, with Alpha Two creating the Zords." Alpha admits with a bow of his head./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Did each ranger team have an Alpha?" He pauses and questions Zordon./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""These powers have been used by eight teams before you," Zordon winces and is forced to explain. "But yes, four previous Alphas sacrificed themselves for Earth./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Almost done with these, let's get them connected to the system." Alpha Five tries to change the subject./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""This will certainly make it easier to reach you," Zordon smiles at his ranger. "It makes me confident in victory, seeing how proactive you are."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"A bolt of pink energy enters the building, revealing a frowning Emma. Her hands are clenched and a faint trail of blood can be seen where her nails have dug into her palms./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"Noah misses her arrival, to focused on the conversation and delicate work. When he turns, it's to the left and he continues to be unaware of his teammate's presence./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Everyone else on the team, they each have a fighting style." He connects the first completed watch and hums under his breath absently. "I need to do everything I can to not hold them back and this is all I could come up with."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""You shouldn't talk like that," Interrupts Emma, placing a firm hand on his shoulder and spinning him around in shock. "As far as I can see, you're working the hardest at this whole thing."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Uh…" He stammers, startled at her arrival and more importantly by her proximity. "Thanks."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Gia hasn't even been training for two years and with a reason to focus, she got good pretty darn fast." She tries to convey her belief in him. "You have a better reason than she does, so I know you can too. We just need to find the right style for you."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""What's her reason?" He blurts out curiously and doesn't see the flinch on her face./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""She wanted to beat Skull up, still wants to her dad, and her trainer never taught her the whole martial arts about it only being for self defense." Emma gives a brief explanation, in hopes of not having to again./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Why does she want to beat Skull up?" His retort is automatic./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""We grew next door to each other and I always had a crush on him." Emma shrugs awkwardly at his expression of disbelief. "He used to be really sweet and we were friends."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Still don't see why Gia wants to beat him up." Noah switches which watch is hooked up and turns back with a socially inept frown./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""He was my first boyfriend, the summer back before he started high school." Relieved to finally get this off her chest – without having to also deal with Gia's anger – has a half smile begin to spread on her face. "It was like all the movies said it was supposed to be and then… he met Bulk and changed."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Oh," Noah goes silent./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Thanks for listening, Trini only ever says 'I told you so' and Gia is just to angry to let me vent." Her smile vanishes her eyes grow stormy. "Which reminds me why I'm here today. My sister was found… alive." Her lack of smile has Noah stop himself from celebrating./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""That's not amazing news?" His frowns at Emma's trembling./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""It should be, but was found next to Jason." She pulls absently at her pink sleeve and her lip starts to quiver. "Was anyone nearby when you put his body in the rubble Alpha?"/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Definitely not, I triple checked." His response is laden with indigence./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""I thought so." Emma growls and begins to pace. "Because her eyes are the wrong color and the air around her just feels… wrong. Can follow her on the viewing globe Zordon, find out what she's really up to?"/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""You did the right thing coming here," The answer is quick and has Emma sigh in relief. "Go observe, while I tune in to her mystical signature."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"Emma's half smile grows into a full one and she steps back within reach of Noah. "What do you feel more comfortable doing, kicking or punching?"/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Punching definitely," He snorts and rubs his sore calf. "I'm not very flexible and I feel every kick right now."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Well we can work on that too," Dropping into a casual splits position, she smirks up at him. "Yoga helped Gia with kicking over her head, why don't you join us sometimes?"/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""That would be really cool, thanks." Noah nods eagerly at how easily she springs back up to her feet./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""We can ask Troy, he was doing a lot of punching." She suggests warmly. "Or maybe regular boxing, I know Gia's gym has a few people who could teach you."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""I'd rather embarrass myself in front of less people, so I'll ask Troy first." Noah doesn't even need to think about it. "Gym class is bad enough, I'm not paying to get mocked."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"The two follow Alpha and watch as the glass sphere displays the forest North of the city. Emma has biked that trail countless times and her eyes narrow at the sight of her sister. Trini checks her surroundings carefully and steps off the trail, heading towards the mountains and deeper into the brush./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Where is she?" Noah asks, having spent far less time in the local nature./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Briarwood." She answers and giggles when he sighs, having to ask for clarification. "It's the national park along the highway, the one between us and Stone Canyon."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Okay, that's not a good sign," He admits with a gasp, when Trini enters a clearing with a dozen Putty Patrollers and doesn't get attacked./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Are they digging?" Emma looks up at Zordon and frowns. "What could they be looking for out in the woods?"/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Many things," He admits. "Vile is not the only foe who attacked this planet. He sent generals first and Earth endured a thousand years of strife before his arrival."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""We aren't the only rangers, are we?" Realizes Emma, making her mouth open like a fish. "You said you had allies, so why aren't they helping?"/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""I hope they will, but evil is not only a product from the darkest reaches of space." Zordon's voice rumbles through his explanation. "Evil grows here on Earth as well and I fear my allies have fallen against them over the centuries, for none have answered Alpha's calls."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""I think you better get the others," Interrupting the ancient mentor, Noah directs his gaze back to the viewing globe. "Because something is definitely buggy with Trini."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"No longer wearing her normal clothing, Trini is now covered in a golden carapace. She berets the clay goons and directs them to dig faster, even slicing one in half when it fails to do so adequately./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"The arrival of the other the rangers doesn't take long, with all three bolts of energy arriving before five minutes have passed./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""What's the emergency Zordon?" Troy is quick to ask on his arrival, his eyes darting between the viewing globe and mentor./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""My sister came home last night," Emma begins, with Gia's excited cheer having to be shut down hastily by Noah. "But something was wrong, so as soon as she left the house I came to watch her."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Good thing she did," Backing her up, Noah points to the globe and Trini's monster form. "Because she turned into that and whatever they're digging for..." He trails off, his voice grim and humorless./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Can't be good for us." Grabbing his morpher reflexively, Troy looks at his team and considers the options available. "You guys think we should watch from here, or move into position now?" He tries to work with his team and not just command them./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""We know they can teleport too," Gia reminds everyone with a scowl on her face. "I don't like the idea of missing them once they find whatever they're looking for."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Good point," He nods back with a thoughtful look towards Alpha. "Can you send us to the forest, just outside of visual range?"/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""I can, but first Noah has something for each of you." Alpha waddles over to a console, while Noah becomes the center of attention./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""It's hard to get a hold of each other, especially if we aren't at home." He starts to hand out the color coded watches, each with silver, copper, and gold attachments. "So with these, we can directly tap into the teleportation network and the bases communications."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""You made us walkie talkies that teleport?" Gia looks impressed as she slides the yellow one onto her wrist, just under her black leather jacket and tucking it away from casual sight./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Essentially." Smiling in pride, Noah slips his own on./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Dude, I feel like a spy now." Jake holds his wrist up to his face./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""This is incredible Noah," Agreeing with the others, Troy grins at the gift. "Thanks for doing this."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""My mom's still asking about Emma, so I wanted something more private than a house phone." He blushes from the praise and turns everyone back to the real problem at hand. "Although I think these may need some adjustments, because I can't seem to lock on to the forest's location."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""It's nothing you did Noah," Alpha corrects him. "The area is cloaked in some powerful magic, it is blocking our ability to teleport you."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Better send us as close as you can," Insists Emma. "I know the way and if we're going on foot, we should get moving."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Or you can use the Mega Cycles." Suggests Alpha, his eye flashing rapidly in glee. "I finished them a few decades ago and they'll be perfect for this."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Good idea Alpha, take the rangers to them now, while I determine the range of the jamming field." The booming voice of Zordon agrees, with one of the sealed doors whooshing open at his word./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"The five teens follow Alpha down to the workshop floor of the base, realizing how large the base actually is. When the overhead lights come on, the sleek bikes are revealed. The red one stands alone, but the black and blue bikes both have a sidecar./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""I didn't think a robot would be so chauvinistic," Gia crosses her arms and frowns at the fact that she doesn't get to drive./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""I had no idea who was going to get the yellow or pink Power Coins," Counters Alpha desperately in the face of her irritation. "Last time the blue and pink were brothers." He stands tall and puts his hands on his hips./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""We can repaint ours," Offers a surprisingly relaxed Jake. "As long as you let me take her for a spin every once and a while."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Really?" Snorts Noah at his friend's generosity. "You're going to give up driving one of these?"/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""I'll be taxiing you all around when we aren't morphed." An unconcerned Jake climbs into the yellow sidecar. "Besides, this is way more comfortable."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Thanks..." He gets a grateful look from Gia./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Are you ready Rangers?" Zordon's voice echoes through the workshop. "I have determined the edge of the barrier is several miles away from the dig site."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Yeah," Troy grabs his morpher with intent this time and leads everyone in the sound off. "It's morphing time!"/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"…/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"The Mega Cycles thunder through the woods, the skill to handle the mighty machines having been implanted in the ranger's heads. The wide trails through the forest, make it easy for the sidecars to traverse the path./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"When the three vehicles reach the section that Trini went off road, they come to a stop behind Troy. He turns to the other rangers and keeps his voice low./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Speed or stealth?" His words are calm, but the tapping of his foot reveals he does feel the stress of the situation./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Speed," Growls Emma, her hands locked on the weapons of her side car in a death grip. "I'm not letting my sister get away."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""So we don't get a repeat of last time," Troy whispers, but his voice is heard clear in everyone's helmet. "We keep the Z Cannon on half power."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Agreed." The others speak as one, with variations on the wording./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""You and Noah take her down, while we handle the Putties for you." Revving his engine back to life suddenly, he races off the roads and clears the way for the others./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""What if they find… whatever it is they're looking for out here?" Jake asks, since no one else has brought up the worst case scenario yet./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""We grab it from them and play keep away." Troy lets out as a low growl. "It took us almost seven minutes to get here, so we only have to make a clean break for it."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Whoa..." Exclaims Emma in shock, as her helmet begins zooming ahead like a telescope. "I can see them,"/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""And I can hear everything," Clutching at the sides of his helmet, Jake slumps forward in the yellow side car./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Our helmets seem to have a personalized feature," Noah sniffs experimentally, as a wave of smells assault him suddenly./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Everything is so bright," Groans Gia and starts to slow down. "I must have night vision in mine, how do I turn it off?"/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Tell me me someone figures it out," Whimpers Jake, as he curls up in his seat./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""All I can see is glowing colors, Is it heat?" Wonders Troy, his vision distorted with a neon collage./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Alpha, how do we turn our helmets off?" Emma is the one who calls for answers./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""They shouldn't have turned on without a command," He responds in confusion from the base. "Something must be supercharging you right now."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""We really can't let them find what they're looking for," Troy answers and slows down, with Noah pulling ahead of him. "Don't wait for us, we'll catch up!"/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Got it," He gulps and increases the distance between him and the others. "But don't take too long please." Doing their best to ignore Jake's whimpers, Noah and Emma disappear from view into the woods./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Keep the Putties off of me." Emma has her Power Bow drawn and pointed forward. "Trini is mine."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Jake always said to never get in the way of a cat fight and I just thought he was being a perv," Comments Noah with a gulp. "But you're scarier than Gia right now, so don't worry."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Good." Emma releases her bowstring and starts rapidly firing off as many arrows as she can./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"The bike roars into the clearing, just in time to watch a half dozen arrows strike Trini's scorpion themed armor. Each one explodes in a shower of sparks, sending the monster girl bouncing along the dirt./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"A barrage of lasers from the side cars cannon, impact the ground next to Trini and send a shower of dirt raining down onto her. Emma draws her Blade Blaster and leaps from the vehicle, charging for her already standing sister./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Smarter than I thought Emma," Cackles Trini, the cruel expression on her face distorting into the visage of a scorpion. "No point taking it easy on you out here, not since you figured it out anyway." She swipes forward with one of her massive claws, at the same time her tail shoots forward./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"The dripping tip is definitely loaded with venom and comes dangerously close to stabbing into the pink ranger's chest. Blocking the claw strike with her blade, Emma kicks hard into the monster's face./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Not going to work anymore little sister, I'm far stronger now and I don't have any reason to hold back." Hisses Scorpina, her second claw backhanding Emma's face./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"Enduring a spark shower of her own, she is sent sailing through the air and lands in a heap. Before Scorpina can take advantage of her fallen prey however, the twin blasts from the black and red cycles force her back./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""We got your back," Gia calls out to the fallen Emma, drawing her Blade Blaster. "Lets light her up!" She leads the three way attack, with no complaint from either guy./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Are you sure you have time to deal with me?" Scorpina covers her face and endures the attack with ease. "Or did you miss Squatt and his bombs in Angel Grove?" She looks up at the sun and grins. You don't have long before he sets off the fireworks."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""You're lying," Emma denies the claim and gets ready for a second round./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Ask your blueberry boss," Her sister cackles in glee. "He should be able to detect them by now."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Zordon, is she telling the truth?" Troy calls it in to double check, unwilling to leave such a claim unanswered./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Good timing Troy," Answers Zordon with a strange hiccup to his voice at the mention of his name. "Alpha was just about to call you. Three bombs have been detected and require you to disarm them immediately./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""We'll handle this," Gia insists, knowing Emma won't be leaving this fight. "You said you wanted to drive every once in a while, so here's your once." She teases Jake as he hops onto her seat./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""As long as it gets the sound to end, I'm fine letting you drive forever after this." He and Noah disengage the side cars and follow Troy from the battle. "I'm not going to be here, so you don't have to worry about impressing me."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Take your own advice, I don't want to have to break a new black ranger in already." Gia calls her own farewell and goes back to back with Emma./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""See, told you she likes me." He crows to Noah, before racing after the guy to clear the jamming field./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1".../p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""You're sure it's at City Hall?" Troy demands frantically, as yet another room is empty and the Mayor's security grows angry behind him./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""It most definitely is," Confirms Alpha. "The energy signature matches the one at the mall, as well as the one over at the power plant."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""I'm not finding it anywhere, I'm going to need more specific directions." He looks for anymore doors that haven't been checked yet./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""I knew this was a hoax," One of the four security guards growls to his fellows. "He sounds like a kid."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Quiet," Commands Troy, trying to maintain what little authority he has left. "Energy build up means heat." He activates his helmet's thermal sensing./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"Ignoring the bodies in the building, his gaze is drawn to the maintenance tunnel running beneath the building. Figures only slightly above room temperature are shuffling back and forth in the confined area, with a glowing red device between the lot of them./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""It's in the tunnels below us, where's the entrance?" Troy draws his blade blaster and follows the only guard still eager to follow his orders./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""This way." He has his own baton at the ready and reaches the heavy steel door to the tunnels, panting far less than his grumpier coworkers. "Inside here Sir."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""You should evacuate once I go in, try and clear the blast radius in case I fail." Remembering how badly he did yesterday, Troy grips his blade tightly./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""No can do." The grumpiest guard shakes his head in denial and crosses his arms firmly. "If a bomb really is down here, we need to make sure it's taken care of."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Okay, but you need to remember the Putties are made from clay." Troy grabs the door handle and exhales slowly. "Go for head shots, or they'll just overwhelm you. The more unique monsters are the kidnapped people they transformed."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Holy shit..." The oldest security guard gasps. "Really?"/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""The lion man in gold armor," Needing to tell someone what happened, Troy admits his failure. "It was only killing him, that we learned he was… a member of my family." He manages to catch himself at the last second./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""They took almost two hundred people between all the attacks so far." The helpful guard goes pale, but switches his baton for a handgun. "This really is an invasion, isn't it?"/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Yeah, but we need to focus on this." Keeping calm, Troy places a hand on the red head's shoulder. "These things are about twice as strong as a person and way more durable, but they're slow and extremely stupid."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"Troy waits for the men to gather what courage they have, before he thrusts the door open and leads the charge into the maintenance tunnel. With his far superior speed, Troy throws himself over the Putties as a distraction./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"The sudden action has the Putties turn to follow his descent, which leaves them open to a barrage of handgun fire. In such a confined area, a blind orangutan could eventually make a head shot and they make several./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"The four manage to tear apart the heads of seven clay men before running out of ammo. While they split the attention of the foot soldiers, Troy charges towards the few still standing foes and proceeds to slice them into confetti./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""You know how to disarm that thing… right?" The grey haired guard manages to stammer out and point at the beeping bomb./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""I have a few ideas," Responding abruptly, Troy patches back into the radio and cautiously approaches the device. "Found my bomb, can you teleport it out of here Alpha?"/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""That would be most unwise Troy," Alpha's response is expected, but still unwelcome news. "It would have a very high probability of detonating as soon as I lock onto it."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Than I'm going to need someone to walk me through this." Checking the timer, he breathes a sigh of relief at the nineteen minutes remaining./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""How'd you find yours'?" Interrupts Jake from his own mission at the mall. "I can't find mine anywhere."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""I used my helmet," Troy admits, which has Jake growl in frustration./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Seriously?" He mutters under his breath. "You better have some Aspirin waiting for me back at the base Alpha."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""It wasn't even half as bad this time," Troy rushes to reassure Jake. "Whatever is being dug up is loaded with power, you can handle it this time."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""He's right Jake, I can actually track the smell I want right now." Noah makes his own situation known. "And I smell something foul, like a combination of pickled snail and gunpowder."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Alright, let you know when I'm ready for my own how to guide." Jake sighs and activates his own helmet. "Stay safe you guys."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"…/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"As soon as his sense of smell was increased, Noah's feet began leading him straight towards the sickly aroma. It allows him to save time and ignore dozens of rooms he would have had to search otherwise and leads him to the main generator./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Should have figured it would be here." He summons his Power Lance and keeps it in the more defensive pole-arm form. "Caught you… blue handed?" Noah's cry sputters out and loses what fierceness it had./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"The barely five foot tall monster is bright blue in color, with a pebbly texture covering most of his skin. A large bumpy protrusion extends from his head, with his clothes being a garish collection of old fashioned pilot garb./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""I was kind of expecting someone more intimidating," Noah steps forward warily, his lance spinning slowly in his hands and ready for action. "I think even I can beat you."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Everyone thinks they can push Squatt around, but now I'm the one doing the pushing!" He reaches into the leather satchel at his side and begins to toss grenades at the blue ranger. "Once I deal with you, I'll blow this city to smithereens."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""I thought you needed us as captives, not corpses?" Noah ignores everything but the blue goblin man and proceeds to bat back as many explosives as he can./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""It's so hard to find any of the buried treasures, but sifting through the rubble will be a breeze." Throwing himself to the side, Squatt narrowly avoids being engulfed in his own blast. "Uh oh."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"The accelerated beeping from the planted bomb, has Squatt panic and climb to his feet. He takes a look at the blue ranger and thinks better of battle, choosing instead to vanish in a cloud of foul smelling smoke./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""My bomb's been damaged." Turning his radio back on, Noah wastes no time and rushes to the explosive. "I have no idea how long I have left, the timer is blank."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Get started and tell me exactly what you do," Troy is quick to answer. "I'm going to copy your homework."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"…/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"Taking the others' advice, Jake activates his surround sound hearing and manages to sort through the noises. When he hears the familiar voice of Skull crying out in pain, it is followed by the warbled babbling of the Putties above him./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Hang on, I'm coming." He leaps up to the second floor, before repeating the leap up through one of the skylights./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"Erupting onto the roof of the mall and landing in an impressive shower of glass, Jake summons his Power Ax. Bulk and Skull have been bound with two friends, but unfortunately none are gagged./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"With them is a black teen Jake can't recognize and Sharkie. The unknown guy looks exactly like how an extra would dress, with a very generic face. Like he was only intended for a single episode and never even got a name in the credits of life./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""It's a Power Ranger," Bulk roars in excited hope. "We're saved!"/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""You just sit tight Bulk, I'll have you all free in no time." Forgetting that the punks are supposed to be strangers, Jake rolls forward and leg sweeps the Putties away./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""The Black Ranger knows my name," Exclaims the no longer terrified Bulk. "Must have seen my unbeatable record at the Juice Bar." He winks at Sharkie and holds his hands up eagerly./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""See, easy peasy." Jake does his best to disguise his voice when he remembers he should. "Get the others free and out of here." He slices through Bulks rope with his ax and helps him up. "I got to teach these dweebs how to dance."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Dweebs?" Blinking at the familiar phrase, Bulk starts to untie Sharkie./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Anyone who hurts innocent people is a dweeb," Explains Jake with a smirk. "I might even have to call them a worthless geek, because that's all a bully is to heroes like us." Bulk goes pale at the words, redoubling his efforts to free his friend./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"Not sparing the punks a second glance, Jake swings forward and cleaves the head off of one Putty. The next one to approach is bisected just above the waist, with the third losing both arms. Lacking the brains to know it's already over, the remaining Putties charge the Black Ranger in an attempt at overwhelming force./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Tag, you're it!" Launching into a sideways flip, he flings himself over the Putties and draws them away from the bullies. "Oh your cheaters I see." He kicks the next one off the roof, grinning at the splattering thud that follows./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Oh and the crowd goes wild," He takes a quick bow at the cheering from Bulk and his friends, before finishing off the rest of the Putties as quickly as he can./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"When the last one is a pile of twitching clay, he hurries over to the car sized bomb. Finding fourteen minutes left on the timer is a relief – but when he hears Noah panicking over the radio – he's forced to remain quiet./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""What is this thing?" Not realizing the danger everyone is still in, Skull kicks the device./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""A bomb." Blocking Skull's second ignorant kick, Jake stares down the scrawny teen. "So maybe get off the roof and try clearing the mall for me."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""You heard the Black Ranger guys," Bulk grabs Skull by the shoulder and pulls him away. "My friend needs us to help him save the day, we're basically Power Rangers now."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Good thing these visors are one way," Snorting to himself as the four punks race off the roof, he rolls his eyes and starts following the instructions being given. "But I really wish my hands would stop shaking."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"A roar of primal anger echoes over the city and in the distance, the sight of a rapidly growing figure can only make Jake blink in shocked worry./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""You guys hear that?" Troy asks once the bellowing ends and the massive form begins to march towards Angel Grove./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""I can see it and she's coming straight for the City." Growls Jake as each stride of the arachnid women brings her nearly a mile closer. "We got maybe two minutes before she's stepping on buildings."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""What happened in Briarwood?" Troy directs his words to the silent Emma and Gia, hoping it's not yellow and pink that will need to be replaced. "You girls okay?"/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Some goblin freak showed up and my sister told him to take over." Of the two missing rangers, Emma is the first to respond. "We had to get clear when she started growing."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""How close are you three two finishing?" Gia cuts in. "Because we're going to need some more muscle for this."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Hold her off as long as you can," Desperate for an answer, Troy insists the girls begin without them./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""You heard him," Gia's excited grin can be heard. "We need Pleisto-Zord power now!" The shriek of the pink falcon is followed almost instantly by the roar of the yellow tiger, making the massive scorpion pause./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Let's do this," Emma's words are lacking in her normal cheeriness./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"A salvo of missiles launch from her Zord's folded wings and impact the twin claws of Scorpina, shielding her from the brunt of the attack. Wasting no time, Gia follows up the attack and sends her own bolt of lightning at the monster./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"Watching Scorpina strike upwards and leave a deep gouge in one of the falcon's wings, Jake can only growl in frustration. When she catches the leaping yellow tiger and begin pulling it apart, Jake reaches for his personalized gadget./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""I'm going to do something stupid... hope it works." He warns the others and begins to blast the bomb with the freezing fluid. "I'm not dead yet, so I'm pretty sure cold works." Jake grunts, only stopping when the explosive is frozen solid and no longer lit up./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""What did you do!" Noah roars at his friends lack of patience./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Froze it and now I'm going to smash it." He looks up and sees Gia's Zord be thrown towards the ocean. "The girls need a meat shield, so I'm up. Mastodon power, now!" The trumpeting of his Zord brings relief to Jake's frayed nerves and he swings his ax downwards./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"It shatters the bomb into hundreds of pieces, but miraculously does not explode. Breathing out in disbelief, Jake calls in his success./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""I really didn't think that was going to work." He leaps towards his approaching black protector. "Jake is in the seat and ready to turn this monster into mince meat." He starts to charge and collides with the massive woman./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"She catches his massive tusks each claw, but begins to get pushed back. While Scorpina is locked in a grapple with the mastodon, it lifts it's trunk and sprays more of the freezing mist. Enveloped in the cloud, a second shriek of pain comes from the giant monster./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Nice timing, she hits hard and is faster than someone that size has any right being." Gia announces her return, by having her Zord leap for the monster's rising tail and catching it in her jaws./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Which Is why I can't let her go, or she'll dance all over the city." Jake admits that his Zord lacks the mobility for a second chance at a clean hit./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""You guys did great," Troy's voice is a relief, but the roar of his ape and the howl of Noah's wolf are even more welcome. "But is it okay if we join the party now, or are you trying to keep the girls to yourself?" His teasing smirk can be heard by everyone./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Be my guest, she just wants to two step." The Mastodon is finally lifted off it's front legs and tossed to the side, crashing into the forest and uprooting dozens of trees. "And my Zord has four left feet."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Rangers." Zordon's reassuring voice comes through with perfect clarity. "It is time for you to combine your Zords."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Alright Zordon," Agrees Troy, as a glowing red crystal forms in his hand. "Let's bring them together everyone. We need Megazord power, now!"/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"As soon as he inserts the crystal into his console, the other four rangers follow suit. Running beside each other the yellow tiger and blue wolf lower themselves to the ground and role forward on wheels. Attaching to both of them as the body, the red ape's arms fold inwards./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"Next to combine is the ebony mastodon, with it's body splitting in half and attaching to both shoulders of the rolling tank. The final one of the Zords to connect, is the pink falcon and it rests on the ape's shoulders' to form the head./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"Racing towards the startled Scorpina, the many weapons begin to fire in unison. The five colors of laser strike the champion of evil and send her crashing onto her back with a pained hiss./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Oh you have some more tricks I see," Holding her tail aloft, Scorpina sneers at the Megazord and returns fire with her own sickly green energy beam./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Hold on!" Noah blurts out./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"The combined ability of the zords is not additive, but increases by multiplying the power of each. With the sudden increase in combat power, Scorpina begins to look worried./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""If she gets behind us, we're screwed." Realizing they have a lot of fire power but almost no mobility, Gia speaks up with a hiss of her own./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Offense or defense?" Troy agrees and leaves the decision on how to finish this a group matter./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""I'm tired of taking hits," Grumbles Jake. "I say we go all out and end this."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""I'm with Jake," Emma chimes in. "Trini would want me to stop her, no matter what."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Alright, lets change to Battle Mode." Pressing a few commands on the console before him, Troy's seat switches places with Emma./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"The Megazord begins to stand and the red apes head rises from the chest, while the falcon rests on the chest as additional protection for the rangers inside. They take an experimental step forward and cheer as one./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Oh, your sister has no idea what she's in for now." Troy raises the mastodon's head as a shield and raises it's other hand towards the suddenly stormy sky./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""We need the Mega Sword!" Emma calls out and summons the powerful weapon, causing it to impale the ground right before the massive machine./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Let's do this!" Roars Gia in full support./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"The Megazord's free hand barely grabs the Mega Sword in time, but Emma begins to channel all auxiliary power to the weapon. They don't give Scorpina time to recover and swing the enormous weapon forward, sending a beam of rainbow energy into her./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"It strikes the fallen form of Trini and tears through the body like tissue paper. None of the blood that Jason displayed from his fatal wound is present, with the remains looking more like dandruff and not meaty chunks./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""I think she... molted." Trying to make sense of the strange remains, Noah offers the only explanation he can come up with./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Gross." Jake gags as the Megazord pokes at the biggest piece with it's sword, causing it to crumble like dust./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""So my sister is going to be home tonight?" Growls Emma angrily. "I'm terrified of leaving my dad alone around her."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""I'll spend the night and we can take turns keeping watch," Offers Gia, hearing the strain in her friends voice./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Good call," Troy agrees with the decision and adds. "We'll keep our communicators handy, so don't hesitate to call."/p
