p style="text-align: center;" data-xf-p="1"strongEpisode 4: On Fins and Needles/strong/p
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p data-xf-p="1""You actually did it, I'm impressed." Rita Repulsa accepts the small golden coin and holds it up for closer examination./p
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p data-xf-p="1""It better have been worth it, I almost got zapped for this thing." Retorts Scorpina with unbridled anger in her eyes./p
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p data-xf-p="1""Of course it is, Rita wouldn't have sent us after it otherwise." Squatt squeaks out his support./p
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p data-xf-p="1""If the rest of my forces are as useless as Goldar proved to be, it will be needed to destroy the Power Rangers." The sorceress cackles at the irritation on Scorpina's face. "It's useless like this," Rita realizes with a hiss and traces the large crack running through the coin. "Finster! Get to work fixing this, it needs to be charged."/p
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p data-xf-p="1""Yes mistress," The sniveling dog man accepts the coin with delicate hands and bows. "It will take some time to do it right, but it is possible."/p
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p data-xf-p="1""Baboo, go down to Earth and fetch me Goldar's body." Rita struts to her balcony and gazes down at the world below. "If he thinks death is all it takes to escape my service, you are all sorely mistaken."/p
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p data-xf-p="1""What about me your evilness?" Eager to please, Squatt almost dances in place. "Do you have something for me to do?"/p
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p data-xf-p="1""Since you have proven so adept at digging like a rat, I'm sending you to the place called Silver Hills." Rita strokes her chin and leers at the idea of ruling over the mud ball below. "The Sword of Darkness rests within the Nasty Knight's tomb. Recover the blade, the Knight shall lay waste in his search for it."/p
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p data-xf-p="1""Oh goody, he sounds strong." Squatt giggles madly to himself and shuffles from the room./p
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p data-xf-p="1""And me?" Scorpina glares daggers at the witch./p
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p data-xf-p="1""You will grab me a fresh subject for transformation," Rita allows a cruel sneer to cross her face. "It's time to truly begin this campaign of conquest and what better way than turning the innocent into our soldiers?"/p
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p data-xf-p="1""Does it matter who I get you?" The defiant general clarifies her instructions./p
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p data-xf-p="1""You know the rules, same as I do." Rita snorts at the idea of 'fair play', but will abide… for now. "As long as they're in public and have hit puberty, they're fair game. If they formally surrender, they are my subjects and safe from most harm."/p
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p data-xf-p="1""Why do we follow them?" Queries Baboo as he works on his disguise. "Wouldn't it be better for us, if we just attacked with everything you have?"/p
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p data-xf-p="1""Right now Earth can only maintain a single Ranger team," Rita explains, as if to a particularly slow child. "But if we escalate the battle beyond a contest of champions, the Morphing Grid will grow in strength and we will be facing multiple teams at once."/p
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p data-xf-p="1"…/p
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p data-xf-p="1"Only a week after the frantic rush to disarm the bombs, the rangers are back at the park to try this yoga thing. Deciding it would be a bonding exercise, all three of the guys have joined the morning sessions./p
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p data-xf-p="1""Don and Al still haven't figured out what the Putties dug up in Briarwood," Noah gasps out when he collapses. "How many artifacts do you think are buried, if they can't even narrow it down?" He pulls off his sweaty blue muscle shirt and throws it into a crumpled pile./p
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p data-xf-p="1""Dozens at least, maybe even hundreds." Lifting herself into a handstand, Gia doesn't even wobble with the wind. "Don and his friends been doing this for a long time."/p
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p data-xf-p="1""Al has finished repainting the bikes." Snorting at the public names for Alpha and Zordon, Jake does his best to match Gia's form. "He wanted to make sure I didn't feel pressured by you into swapping." Being more used to movement with his forms, he quickly loses balance and starts to shake./p
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p data-xf-p="1""Your ears still ringing?" She laughs when he finally falls over./p
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p data-xf-p="1""Nah, only lasted a couple of days and I've gotten some more practice in with it." Jake joins Noah at the picnic table and rests his forehead on the still cool wood./p
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p data-xf-p="1""You're awfully quiet this morning Troy, whats eating you?" Noah realizes he has yet to really say anything besides hello./p
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p data-xf-p="1""I killed Jason..." He whispers, his voice filled with shame. "You may all have been with me, but I pulled the trigger and I can't tell his mom and dad."/p
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p data-xf-p="1""I made the choice to swing for my sister." Emma gingerly approaches Troy and pulls him into a hug. "I get it."/p
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p data-xf-p="1""I don't know if my brother's a monster, or was just used as a sacrifice." Admits a distraught Noah. "I'm just trying to stay focused on improving myself so I can find out."/p
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p data-xf-p="1""You did fine for a beginner," Assures Emma, a relaxed smile on her face. "A few weeks of this and you should start noticing a real difference. It will help with learning a fighting style, have you put anymore thought into which one?"/p
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p data-xf-p="1""I have to admit, it was a lot more fun than I thought it would be." Noah slips his glasses back on now that the physical exertion is over./p
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p data-xf-p="1""If I knew all it would take to get Noah to workout, was a pretty girl asking him," Jake teases his friend playfully. "I would have paid one to ask years ago."/p
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p data-xf-p="1""So I should be bribing Gia," Noah retorts with a smirk of his own, which makes Jake sputter to everyone's amusement. "To get you in the library?"/p
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p data-xf-p="1""You did a good job making the Noah level stuff seem understandable," He shrugs and turns to Gia, a look of acceptance on his face. "If I really want to be a vet, I need to get my grades up. Could you give me a hand sometimes on my biology?"/p
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p data-xf-p="1""If you hadn't literally just said it was animals, I'd think that was some kind of pickup line." Gia considers the request and makes a counter offer of her own. "But Billy's dad wants me to clean up the garage, so give me and Emma a hand bringing the junk to the dump."/p
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p data-xf-p="1"A scream from down by the beach has all five spring up and make a break for the sound. As they dash across the sand, the sight of a bleeding girl has them pick up the pace. A trail of wet and bloody sand leads down to the lake./p
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p data-xf-p="1""What happened?" Jake reaches the girl a year or two younger than them first, her sandy blonde hair and pale pink one piece are a stark contrast to the crimson blood staining the beach./p
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p data-xf-p="1""It came out of the lake and grabbed Ryan," The injured girl gasps out with a very pale face./p
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p data-xf-p="1""She's lost a lot of blood." With his hands pressed against the wicked slash on the girl's side, Jake desperately tries to do something useful. "Go call an ambulance!" Emma stands in a rush and does as requested, sprinting at full speed towards the burger shack./p
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p data-xf-p="1""What grabbed Ryan?" Troy presses for information./p
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p data-xf-p="1""A shark," The girl groans, her eyes wide with terror. "It was so fast, I couldn't do anything."/p
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p data-xf-p="1""Don't move around so much," Jake chides her, with a stern look at Troy. "We need to keep the blood on the inside, alright?" She giggles in spite of the pain, a sign she's growing delirious. "Now what's your name, I'm Jake."/p
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p data-xf-p="1""Dana… Dana Mitchell." Her lips are pale when she finally answers./p
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p data-xf-p="1""I haven't seen you around before, are you new or visiting?" Jake keeps her focused on him./p
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p data-xf-p="1""We just moved to town, my dads at a meeting and I'm looking after my brother." Dana's eyes cross in worry and she starts to tear up. "Where's Ryan?"/p
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p data-xf-p="1""We need to get her to the hospital and then go find him," Gia hisses to Troy, which causes his hands to begin trembling./p
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p data-xf-p="1""Go for a swim?" His eyes dart between the lake and Gia, before he sighs. "I uh… can't really swim. I can keep a lookout on shore, make sure no one else gets nabbed." He looks down at the grass, avoiding eye contact with anyone./p
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p data-xf-p="1""Probably a better idea for us not to all go down anyway," Noah agrees and completely misses the fact that it was supposed to be an embarrassing secret. "I haven't actually rented from the Surf Shack before, so I'll keep watch with you."/p
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p data-xf-p="1"…/p
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p data-xf-p="1"A knock on the Mayor Daniel's door, has his three guests turn and look back in irritation. When the solid door open a moment later, a pale faced aide sticks her head inside./p
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p data-xf-p="1""I don't want to interrupt Sir, but we've had another attack." She turns to Captain Mitchell and gives him a sympathetic wince. "We got a call from the hospital and your daughter is in critical condition, with reports that Ryan is also missing."/p
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p data-xf-p="1""What!" The stern faced, but extremely loving father jumps to his feet./p
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p data-xf-p="1""Some teens at the beach found her and kept her stable until an ambulance could reach her." Reciting what she was told over the phone, the mayor's aide does her best to fill in the frantic father./p
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p data-xf-p="1""I'm sorry, but I need to reschedule this meeting." No one thinks to deny the man, letting him dash from the office in a hurry./p
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p data-xf-p="1""Stone," The Mayor turns to the now highest ranking member of his new security force. "It looks like we have a test run for you and the squad, try and get one alive for study please."/p
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p data-xf-p="1""I'll do my best sir," Jerome Stone salutes the forward thinking mayor and grabs the frazzled scientist by his collar. "Lets go Phenomenus. You wanted to see the action, didn't you?"/p
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p data-xf-p="1""Well yes, but I meant a recording of you." The bald man stutters in panic, as he is dragged behind the officer. "I'm not trained for field work!"/p
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p data-xf-p="1"…/p
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p data-xf-p="1"Standing on the beach far enough away from the scene of the accident that the police are unaware of the teens' presence, three of them strap on an oxygen tank. Gia double checks the hoses for any leaks, by quickly rubbing oil over then and smiles when no bubbles appear./p
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p data-xf-p="1""We're good to go, lets hurry before they decide to cordon off the whole lake." She jerks her head in the direction of the cops, which has Jake and Emma start walking towards the shore./p
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p data-xf-p="1""You guys are sure you know what you're doing?" Troy asks with concern plastered on his face./p
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p data-xf-p="1""You grow up here and you learn how to do a lot of these kind of things," Noah explains with an embarrassed shrug. "I may not be, but this city is really into it's outdoor activities."/p
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p data-xf-p="1""We've been doing this since we turned twelve," Agrees Emma with a smile at Troy's concern. "Don't worry about us, it's the kid I'm concerned about."/p
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p data-xf-p="1""I hate to say it Emma," Gia stops with the water reaching her waist. "But I think it's going to be too late for Ryan."/p
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p data-xf-p="1""If he was just a snack, why haven't we seen more blood?" She denies the suggestion. "It makes more sense if he's been captured like the others, so we need to find him fast."/p
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p data-xf-p="1""Go. If something happens you can beep us." Troy urges them on./p
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p data-xf-p="1"Gia leads the way in her butter yellow bikini, with Emma following in her own pink one. Bringing up the rear of the search, Jake keeps his eyes peeled on the lake bed and not on the shapely rears before him. When they make it deep enough that weeds no longer cling to them, they catch sight of a cavern./p
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p data-xf-p="1"It doesn't have a large opening and is barely big enough for an overweight man to squeeze inside, but the orange glow makes it impossible to miss in the gloomy water. Gia looks back at the others, making sure they also see the glow and leads them towards it./p
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p data-xf-p="1"A swift form surges through the mud and heads straight towards the trio, creating a cloud of muck to block out the rangers' vision. Once they have been obscured from sight, the thing rises swiftly and grabs Emma in it's claws. Restrained and helpless, she is pulled down into the muck before anyone can react./p
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p data-xf-p="1"When the water finally clears, it has Jake and Gia begin to frantically search for Emma. Realizing that she is nowhere to be seen, Gia grabs Jake's arm and points to the orange glow. Nodding in understanding, he follows her towards the entrance of the cavern./p
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p data-xf-p="1"While Gia hesitates at the mouth of the cave, an arm reaches out and grabs her air hose. As she struggles to get away, the hose is severed and a cloud of bubbles block Jake's vision once again. Her efforts do nothing and she is yanked inside the tunnel./p
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p data-xf-p="1"Squeezing into the entrance after her, Jake worms his way through the tunnel and emerges in a small and yet air filled cavern. An unconscious boy is being tended to by the missing Emma, while Gia gasps for breath in front of him./p
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p data-xf-p="1"The creature that captured them is nowhere to be seen, but half a dozen even smaller tunnels give several options for ambush. Seeing the remains of Emma's air tank have been chewed on as if by a shark, Jake groans and looks at Gia's likewise ruined gear./p
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p data-xf-p="1""I don't know how we're getting out of here with only one air tank and that thing in the water." Taking off his own tank, he makes sure it's sealed tight./p
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p data-xf-p="1""Is that Ryan?" Gia ignores the obviousness of Jake's statement and instead helps Emma with the now coughing preteen, doing her best to ignore the tight confines of her location./p
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p data-xf-p="1""I don't know, but this means we can't morph now." Gia blinks in realization, with Jake's words being like a bucket of ice water./p
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p data-xf-p="1""I turned on my communicator's alarm, but I have no idea if they're busy with this slippery shark." He growls and kneels beside the others./p
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p data-xf-p="1""Now that the adrenaline rush is gone," Admits Gia, as it's her turn to grow pale and begin shaking. "I'm realizing how little room we have in here."/p
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p data-xf-p="1""Are you claustrophobic?" Jake finally understands and backs away as much as he can./p
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p data-xf-p="1""Only completely." Grabbing her knees in shaking hands, Gia slides onto her backside and closes her eyes./p
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p data-xf-p="1""Hey, focus on me Gia." Emma whispers soothingly. "We're going to get out of here, you'll see."/p
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p data-xf-p="1""You take Ryan and my tank." Offers Jake. "Get help and the police divers can find us easy."/p
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p data-xf-p="1"Realizing they can morph once she's gotten the kid out, Gia opens her eyes and takes the offered oxygen tank. Once she attaches the working one to the twelve year old, she takes Ryan's hand and leads him to the narrow exit./p
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p data-xf-p="1""Two breaths and then pass the mouth piece to me," Gia explains softly. "We're going to need to be fast okay, so don't freeze up even if something happens to me."/p
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p data-xf-p="1""Okay," He gulps back in obvious terror, but follows her back into the water./p
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p data-xf-p="1"…/p
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p data-xf-p="1""Have you two seen Sharkie?" Bulk and Skull approach Troy and Noah, with matching disgruntled frowns on their faces. "She was supposed to meet us here hours ago."/p
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p data-xf-p="1""No, sorry." Noah points at the bloody beach and the cops. "We've kind of been preoccupied."/p
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p data-xf-p="1""What happened?" Forgetting his missing friend for the moment, Bulk peers at the crime scene. "Did a body wash up?"/p
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p data-xf-p="1""Girl got attacked by a shark and her brother is missing." Trying to get them to clear off, Troy does his best to be brief./p
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p data-xf-p="1""Seriously, a shark attack?" The larger punk growls in anger and shoves Noah back a few steps. "Skull may be a complete moron, but you can't fool me that easily."/p
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p data-xf-p="1""Yeah!" Skull enthusiastically chimes in, only to frown a moment. "Wait a second..."/p
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p data-xf-p="1""Not now Numbskull, these dorks need to be taught a lesson." Bulk steps towards the fallen Noah, only for Troy to block his way./p
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p data-xf-p="1""You really want to start something, with the boys in blue right here?" His words are enough to make Bulk pause and reconsider his actions./p
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p data-xf-p="1""Fine, we can settle this later." Bulk snorts derisively./p
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p data-xf-p="1""Yeah later!" Skull slams a fist into his open palm, only to scurry after Bulk when he realizes he's alone./p
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p data-xf-p="1""Jake's alarm is going off," Hissing under his breath, Noah holds up his flashing watch. "Something is going wrong, we should morph."/p
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p data-xf-p="1""Good call," Agrees Troy and he leads them into the bushes. "Great ape!" He whispers once the pair are out of sight./p
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p data-xf-p="1""Dire wolf!" A flash of red and blue light fades away, revealing the two rangers./p
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p data-xf-p="1"Yells are soon followed by gunshots and screams of pain, mixed with horrified shrieks of the onlookers. Rushing out of the foliage, has the rangers witness a blood bath on the beach./p
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p data-xf-p="1"A humanoid shark is dashing across the blood slick sands, tearing chunks out of the officers. They may not be fleeing like during the first attack, but maybe that would have been better./p
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p data-xf-p="1"The monster is incredibly fast, with both rangers struggling to keep it in sight. By the time they cross only a few hundred yards, only three out of eleven officers remain standing./p
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p data-xf-p="1""Get your people off the beach!" Troy roars and slashes for the Slippery Shark with his Power Sword, only for it to blur around the attack and send him sailing away in a shower of sparks./p
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p data-xf-p="1""We'll hold it off until the other rangers get here," Adds Noah, who sends a salvo of lasers at the shark. "We need the area cleared, so we can use our big guns!" His confident instructions turn into a pained yelp, as he is sent rolling by the speedy monster./p
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p data-xf-p="1"With both rangers laying in agony on the red sand, the monster stands over the red ranger and bends down with an open maw. A crack of thunder echoes and the Slippery Shark clutches it's cheek with a shriek./p
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p data-xf-p="1"Two more bangs come suddenly, followed by a quick emptying of the officers' clips. Less than half of the bullets strike and none do more than graze the monster, but the distraction is enough for the red ranger./p
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p data-xf-p="1"Leaping into the air, he focuses his energy through his blade and swings at the irritated shark. Catching the monster clean across the back, an explosion knocks the creature to the ground./p
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p data-xf-p="1""I said go!" Repeating himself but with more command in his voice this time, Troy sends the officers scurrying to get the fallen off the beach./p
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p data-xf-p="1""Let's boil some shark!" Noah attaches his pressurized water cannon and sprays the monster, with Troy sending a wave of his flame next./p
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p data-xf-p="1"The cloud of steams is hot enough to be felt through the suits, but the Slippery Shark only roars in anger./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Oh that was a bad idea dweebs!" The monster hisses in a feminine voice and removes her fin. "Taste my Shark Fin Boomerang!"/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"The body part is thrown with deadly accuracy and soars straight for Noah's throat. At the last second however, it is stopped by a desperate grab. Before Noah can have a chance to feel any relief, the weapon jerks backwards towards the monster./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"Only a mid air tackle from Troy saves the blue ranger from meeting the shark's open maw. When the pair land in a tangled heap, Troy is now the one holding the fin./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""You idiot, why didn't you move?" Troy growls at Noah, who isn't going to take that./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Why'd you get in my way, I was using his momentum against him!" Watching the bickering begin, the Slippery Shark cackles to herself and blurs away towards the city./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Some help over here!" Gia's head bursts through the waves and she calls towards the shore frantically, Ryan in her arms and making her struggle to stay afloat./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"Noah gives a dismissive snort to the red ranger's inability to swim and dives in himself, surging across the lake with powerful strokes. Taking the awestruck preteen, he brings the boy back to the beach and carries him over the bloody sand./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""The Power Rangers..." Gasps Ryan, as in the commotion Gia was able to dive back under water and morph unseen. "You have to save the people in the lake!" He shakes off his amazement and insists they save the ones responsible for his freedom. "They still need help."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Don't worry kid, we'll get them." Troy gives the yellow ranger the signal and with a sigh, she reenters the lake. "Now let's get you to your family,"/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Uh… Red?" Pointing at the parking lot, Noah is the first to see three black vans pull up and half a dozen heavily armed people exit each one. "What's going on?"/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""The mayor hired my dad to run his security force," Ryan explains to the two superheroes, with stars in his eyes and a dopey smile on his face. "He was at his first meeting this morning, it's why Dana was looking after me today..."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Oh no… Dana!" He starts to grow frantic and tries to look for her on the beach. "You have to find my sister!"/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""We already did," Troy assures Ryan, making sure to block the view of the beach with his body. "She's at the hospital already."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""You mean Jake did," Muttering under his breath, Noah waves down the approaching soldiers. "The kid is safe, but we need to go after the shark."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Her lair is at the bottom of the lake," The yellow ranger reemerges from the lake, with Jake and Emma sharing the oxygen tank behind her. "She's going to be coming back eventually."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""We'll clear the park out, get an ambush ready for when she does." The commanding officer grins with feral glee./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Your equipment better have more kick than the cops," Troy shakes his head and explains who's blood is on the beach. "Because that took less than fifteen seconds."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""I'm fine, but the smell is making me nauseous." Not faking her reaction in the slightest, Emma looks green as she tries to get away from the beach. "Can I go?"/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Yeah, but you can expect to hear from the Captain about this," Lt Stone concedes with an impressed look at the two teens. "He's going to want to thank you for saving his kids. Hell, even I don't think it's a waste to reward you for something like this."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""The hospital is going to be overwhelmed soon, we got a bloody trail right to the wharf." A second officer adds, her brown eyes locked in steely calmness. "If you two are sure you're alright, we don't have the means to insist otherwise."/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""Zordon." Troy calls back to base, as he and the others carefully step over the bodies on the pier. "Why is this monster killing so indiscriminately?"/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Yeah, the last few really had a snatch and grab style." Checking inside a stall, Jake goes pale beneath his helmet and steps away quickly. "Why is this one different?"/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""A spell of siphoning has been placed over the city," Zordon explains, but it doesn't relieve anyone. "Each life taken by the Slippery Shark, is being used to empower something or someone."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""If you could actually throw a punch," Coldly Troy growls at the blue ranger, making the other three pause in confusion. "All of these people would be alive."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""And if you could do more thank grunt like a caveman, you wouldn't have killed your cousin." Noah hisses back viciously, which has Troy throw the first punch./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""You guys, cut this bullshit out!" Throwing herself at Troy, Gia manages to pull him back./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Yeah!" With Noah restrained in a bear hug, Jake barks his own angry rant. "We don't have time for this nonsense, we have a Shark to find."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Blue's only use on this team is his brain," Struggling in Gia's grip, Troy hisses at the nerd. "If he can't find this monster, he should just turn his coin in and we can find someone useful."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""If you can't do anything but hit stuff, maybe we should replace you with a gorilla!" Noah isn't going to take that and with unusual levels of ferocity, he spits back at Troy. "At least the silent treatment from it would make sense, do you just think you're better than us?"/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Only you," Noah breaks free from Jake's grip and turns away from everyone. "She's a shark and went straight for the ocean, we should be looking out their." He points at the twenty odd boats floating in sight of the wharf./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Why is it's lair in a lake?" Troy denies the idea instantly. "You go for a swim if you want, I'm going to keep looking here and be useful."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""How about Blue and I put our Mega Cycle in surf mode and check the bay," Trying to play peace maker, Emma makes a suggestion. "While the rest of you keep investigating here?" She sounds hopeful and since Troy has no reason to be angry with her, he agrees to the plan easily./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Sounds good, keep an eye on our tech support." Troy dismisses the blue ranger without a second thought and continues the search of the massacre./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""You three stay safe too," She calls to them and lets Noah climb onto the bike first, before sliding into the side car./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Can you believe that moron?" Noah doesn't even wait for them to be on the water, before he starts to complain. "How the hell was a muscle head like him made leader?"/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Why are you two being like this?" She retorts, her patience nearly gone. "You're acting like Gia on a bad day."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""I had the Slippery Shark's boomerang," Taking his eyes off the ocean, Noah tries to explain his perfect reasoning. "And I was going to ride it back in for a take down, but he jumped into me and knocked us both down. He started bitching at me as soon as we got back up."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""And you don't find that strange?" Emma raises an eyebrow and snorts at the claim./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""You think the monster turned us against each other?" Shaking his head at the idea, Noah catches a whiff of blood. "Wait, I think I can smell her!" He focuses on his helmet's enhanced sense of smell and filters out the heavy scent of the ocean./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""You can?" She exclaims in amazement. "All I got was telescopic vision."/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"Dude, what the hell has gotten into you?" Jake grabs the red ranger's shoulder and firmly holds him in place./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""You heard him," Defending himself with a huff, Troy reminds them of the earlier exchange. "He said I killed Jason."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""And I heard you blame him for all of this," Gia growls and stands beside Jake in support. "Neither of you are innocent in this."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""I tore through their friendship, now watch me do the same to you!" The cackling shriek of the Slippery Shark comes from below, with her erupting through the pier and charging for the three rangers./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"The black and red ranger are sent flying from the impact in a shower of sparks. While they sail through the air, she continues her attack and pounces on Gia, her claws tearing into the front of the yellow ranger furiously./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Gia!" Jake gets to his feet first and swings his ax into the shark's back, only for him to be swatted aside again./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""We need to work together on this," Trying to form a plan, Troy pulls the black ranger back to his feet./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""You sure you can?" Snorts Jake, but he does concede with a nod. "Sorry, what are you thinking?"/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Freeze the pier and me and Yellow will keep Slippery Shark of balance for you." Troy raises his sword in one hand and draws his shorter blade in the other. "Hey fish face, my turn!"/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"Leaping through the air in an attempt to not have his approach heard, Troy swings both weapons downward. Sparks erupt from the monster, but it barely does enough to get her off Gia./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""You'll have to try harder than that Ranger," Snarls the monster, her mouth dripping blood as she roars in anger./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Alright, you asked for it!" Jake sprays the monster and the wood beneath her, creating a nearly instant ice rink. "Lets see how good you are at hockey!" He charges forward and slides across the ice, only flipping into the air for an overhead ax kick at the last second./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Lets see how good you are at dying!" The shark yells in triumph, as soon as a familiar wand shoots from the sky and embeds itself in the wood nearby./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"A stream of violet energy, surges out of the magical artifact and causes the monster to reach epic proportions. Her weight shatters the pier and as the three rangers tumble into the surf, Slippery Shark wades towards to cruise ship in the bay./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Snack time!" Her roar echoes over the ocean, with screams able to be heard all over the shoreline./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""We need to do something!" Gia gets ready to call her saber tooth tiger, but hesitates. "Will our Zords just sink?"/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""It's only waist deep on the monster," Looking at how deep the water is on Slippery Shark, Troy grows more confident with each word. "The Megazord will be fine."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""I hope so," Jake mutters, worried about the red and blue ranger being able to work together./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Rangers, you do not have to rely on only a single Megazord formation." Alpha's voice comes in clearly through the helmets, sounding as stressed out as Jake and Gia currently feel. "Since Noah and Troy have been affected by the Boomerang Fin, the will only have trouble working as a team."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""I'm sending schematics for the Megazord Aquatic mode now, I hope you're ready to take the lead on this battle Jake." Alpha sounds nervous, but that could just be his normal worry./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""What do you mean?" Responds the black ranger, as the Pleisto-Zords cross the vast distances and head for the battle./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""The Zord that forms the head, is the ranger in charge of motion controls." Explaining how the ability to create different formations works, Alpha already sounds more sure of himself. "The other four seats in the cockpit, handle the weapons, engines, shields, and scanners."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Cool, so I get to drive this time?" Jake grins as the Zords appear on the shoreline. "Mighty Machines, combine!" He holds his right hand skyward and gleefully makes his own war cry./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"Instead of the wolf and tiger forming the legs, this time the red ape splits in half from head to waist. It bends over with each arm adding mass to the two legs, allowing them to extend in length and connect to the black mastodon forming the head and body./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"The blue wolf connects to the right shoulder, while the yellow tiger attaches to the left. As the Megazord's head has the trunk wrap around it almost like a snorkel, the pink falcon lands on the back of the massive machine./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"It's wings hiss and fold backwards, with each rotating until the resemble a massive propeller on the Megazord's back. Each ranger's individual cockpit emerges in the center of the combined weapon, with roll calls being called off one after the other./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Noah's in, let's bring this baby for a spin!" He slides into place behind the console in charge of shields./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Emma too, now time to shine!" She brings the engines to a ready state, balancing the amount of energy being used from each Zord./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Gia's in the seat, so this Shark's about to get beat!" The yellow ranger takes her place at the weapons console, bringing them all online./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""It's Troy, lets see if he can feel us now!" He roars from his seat at the communication and scanning station, ready for revenge on this monster./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Jake is here, no need to fear!" Jake slides into the driver's seat and sends the Megazord stepping forward and into the ocean./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Incoming from the north..." Troy calls out with a confused frown. "Five bogies and they'll been in visual range any second."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""They must be from the Turtle Cove air force base," Explains Gia, realizing that's the closest source of fighter jets./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Maybe we won't be needed at all." Emma is hopeful, but keeps her hands on the controls in resignation./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Don't count on it, we need to engage before they get here!" Sending the Megazord diving forward, Jake engages the enormous propeller and torpedoes through the water./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""We aren't going to make it, they're here!" Warning the others, Troy points to the ten lines of smoke heading towards the Slippery Shark./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Brace for impact!" Noah calls out to late, as the shock wave sends the Megazord rolling onto it's side and the rangers are thrown around the cockpit./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""It barely even phased her..." Checking the systems for damage, Troy finds the monster almost entirely unharmed./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""But it sure pissed her off!" Gia warns the others, just in time to watch the Shark Fin Boomerang slice through two of the jets in a single throw and a third get it's wing ripped off on the return./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Cover them," Troy commands, with Jake grunting in agreement as he rights the Megazord. "We can't let them throw away their lives here."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""I know!" Angling the massive machine towards the sharks unprotected back, Jake has them surge forward with Mega Sword drawn./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"Instead of charging it to it's capacity, Gia keeps the sword's power at a respectable fifty percent. The glowing blade carves through the waves and with an explosive slash, the monster collapses./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"The impact sends a wave towards the shoreline, swiftly growing to over fifty feet in height and making everyone worry./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Gia, get the Cryo-Cannon online!" Trying to keep the panic from his voice, Jake aims the hose and sprays./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"The mists collides with the wave just before it reaches the beach and leaves a wall of ice separating the sea from the shore. The ocean going side of the wave rocks the boats in the bay, but is already losing momentum when it vanishes from view./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""This is the Red Ranger." Troy hacks into the remaining jets radio. "Thanks for the assist, are you all accounted for?"/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""… This is Yellow Eagle." A female voice answers after a moment of hesitation. "We lost one on impact, but the Coast Guard is already moving to recover the other two. Now get off this channel, it's supposed to be secure."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Good thinking Troy," Noah acknowledges, before he realizes what has been said earlier in the day. "Um and sorry about what I said, I have no idea what came over me."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Don't worry about it," Shaking his head and groaning, Troy waves off the apology. "Whatever that monster did to us, I almost wanted you dead more than her. I'm sorry too, now let's move on with life and save the world."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""That's why you're the leader," Gia admits with an impressed look on her face. "I hold a grudge."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""The shark… look!" Looking down at the glowing body of the Slippery Shark, the rangers watch her begin shrinking./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"The toothy scales fall off in droves, leaving the beach soon to be covered in them. In moments, no sign of a giant monster is visible, only a naked blonde girl being fished from the ocean by the Coast Guard./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""We did it!" Emma cheers in glee at successfully defeating a monster, without killing them. "We really did it this time." She collapses onto her console, giggling happily to herself./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""I just we knew what to do sooner..." With a heavy voice laced with guilt, Troy leans back in his seat and goes silent./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Can you teach me karate?" Noah asks after a moment of awkward silence. "You weren't wrong, I need to learn how to throw a punch." The rangers teleport to the Command Center, with the zords returning to rest automatically./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Only if you help me on my math, because I do need help with that." As the five bolts of energy race across the sky, they experience it like a slow motion water slide./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""I'm free all week," Admits Noah with a chuckle. "I'm free most weeks actually, especially considering my only friend is also a ranger."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Jake's not your only friend," Troy rejects that idea, but then gets nervous. "At least I hope you consider me one too."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""After everything we've gone through this, we're all friends and I'll even say so in public." Gia's confident voice comes from the crackling yellow light./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Still need help cleaning out the garage?" Asks the black light, with Jake's grinning voice. "Cause if Noah's going to be busy, I'm available."/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""Not even halfway charged!" Rita shrieks in frustration at the golden coin in her palm. "How can it still need more sacrifices!"/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""The conversion rate is the problem Mistress," Finster tries to explain. "As an artifact of goodness, it gains only trace power from the sacrificed souls."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Is that why it didn't make me and Scorpina super strong, but it powered up the rangers?" Asks Squatt, a confused expression marring his pale blue face./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Exactly," Confirms the sinister mechanic./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""So instead of charging it the same way we do ourselves..." Rita realizes, a gleam of cruelty shining in her eyes. "We need to steal the power from another good source."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Or you can keep making sacrifices, but that could take years." Finster agrees, which has the villains shiver in worry. "And we don't have that long." He reminds them of Vile's eventual return./p
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p data-xf-p="1""We won't let the souls go to waste," Grabbing her head and growling, Rita makes a bold declaration. "Goldar can make use of them, in his new and far superior body."/p
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p data-xf-p="1""Grab another hostage and make me a monster Finster, one that can really show these rangers what Mighty is." She sneers at the dog man and hisses. "The girl had far to much darkness in her, she was weak!." Turning to Baboo, she smacks him across the face with her recovered wand. "Find someone with inner strength, so Finster can turn it into real power."/p
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p data-xf-p="1""It will be done your evilness," The navy dark blue ape man whimpers. "I've been looking for candidates and have the perfect one. Principal Caplan will be perfect."/p
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p data-xf-p="1""Oh he always said I would make something out of myself one day," Cackles Rita, her mocking voice echoing through her moon palace. "I don't think he expected me to make something out of him."/p