Chapter 4: Return to Where It Began
The People of Middleton Colorado have seen many things, but today seemed to be a bringer of new things. People ran in terror as a gigantic battle took place on the outskirts of town, quickly moving into the city. Five robots and a massive stone gorilla were locked in battle. Judging by the way the robots protected more then a few people even helped some to safety it was obvious who the good guys were.
And so you fell into the danger
And you're all alone tonight
The Phoenix Hyperzord shrill call sounded overhead of the battle field. "This is Phoenix," the Orange Ranger said from the Zord's cockpit. "Get clear guys, I'm gonna blow this sucker to pieces!" She said as the Zord flapped its fiery wings and dove down toward the massive monster. On its approach four missiles lowered from the robot's underbelly. "Missiles away!" Orange Ranger called out as the four missiles launched and exploded on impact on the monster's chest.
Well you're surrounded by the hurting type
And you just don't care for the sight
The stone gorilla shook it off then looked down at the large tank-like Tortoise Zord. It let out a roar and struck the massive black shell incredibly hard. "Hope that wasn't your best hit," the Black Ranger chuckled, flipping some switches in the cockpit. "Say hello to my little friends …" He said as the five hatches in the Tortoise Zord's shell began to open and a set of fifty missiles rose from the protective covering. The stone gorilla looked confused for a moment before the Ranger hit the fire-button on his controls and the Zord fired all two hundred and fifty missiles each hitting the target sending the monstrosity flying backwards, with Monkey Fist screaming and holding on for his life.
Well we'll come runnin' to your side
"I've got the little freak!" the Yellow Ranger said as the Serpent Zord slithered rapidly toward the downed Gorilla, it's fangs poised to strike the mutated human hanging on to the monster's shoulder. But just as the snake-like robot was about to strike, the Stone Gorilla grabbed it just behind its head. "Let go you ugly little bitch!" the Yellow Ranger cursed as the Zord's body flipped and flopped as the monster held it in the air as it climbed back to it's feet.
"I'm coming, Bonnie," the Blue Ranger called over the radio as the Panther Zord barreled toward the stone monster. But before the blue robot could slash or bite the Gorilla grabbed it by the neck too, holding both Zords apart and seemed greatly amused.
All of us are on your side
The stone Gorilla Zord chuckled looking between the two Zords in his hands, not noticing the red Gorilla Zord quickly approaching, nor did he see the large metal fist approaching till it collided with the rocky face of the monster sending it falling backwards and the two Zords falling to the ground free.
"We're getting no where," the Orange Ranger said as the Phoenix Zord flew down toward them and the Tortoise Zord rolled to their side.
"We've gotta take this big guy down," the Red Ranger said as the Gorilla Zord roared wanting nothing more then to tear into the stone gorilla again, "Before someone gets hurt!"
"Question: is someone a general statement," Black Ranger asked, "Or does she have long red hair and refers to everything and it's cousin as 'no big'?"
We'll take them
"Drop it," the Red Ranger snapped, "Ok, guys lets see what that big red button with the M on it does."
"Why not?" Yellow Ranger asked with a ting of arrogance.
"We've tried everything else." The Blue Ranger added.
"You're the boss," the Orange Ranger stated.
"Ooo button." Black Ranger cooed, staring at the specific button.
"Alright then, on my Booyah hit the little red button," Ron said opening the protective covering on the specific button on the Zord's control panel. "Booyah!"
We'll take them... Down
The five Rangers hit the button at exactly the same time and the five Zords went on autopilot with a mechanical voice in each cockpit "Hyper Megazord sequence engaged". The Tortoise and Panther Zords positioned themselves right in front of the Gorilla Zord. The Tortoise's shell slid down on its side and rear portion opened up and a series of connectors slid out of the back. The Panther Zord slid down on it's belly, it's legs folding up on it's side and four large wheels slide down from it's underbelly while connectors exactly like the Tortoise Zord's slide out toward the Gorilla Zord.
Fight
The Gorilla Zord slammed its fists together before its chest and held them there. A moment later the fists seemed to screw in on themselves pulling the two forearms tight into the Zord's chest, giving it a more humanoid torso appearance while it's hunch-like piece split in half and slide to the side forming what looked like triangular shoulder-guards. It set down on it's rear and it's feet screwed into the lower legs, while they slid up over the thighs of the robot.
Fight
The Panther and Tortoise Zords, the Panther on the right and Tortoise on the left, rolled backwards and the connectors snapped into place on the Gorilla Zord's compressed legs. Newly uncovered rockets helped the massive machine rise, the Tortoise and Panther Zords bending slightly at neck area to form longer humanoid legs.
Fight
The Serpent Zord hissed and spat before it slung itself upwards, its tail portion opening up into connectors, then snapping into place in the left shoulder segment of the combined Zord. It shifted and took on an appearance of an arm as the Snake like head rose and jaw lowered and both slid backwards on the 'forearm' as a large fist slid out of where the Zord's mouth used to be.
Fight
The Phoenix Zord soared toward the combining machines and began a spin as connectors began to slide out from the lower rear area of the Zord. It snapped into place on the right shoulder segment as the flaming tail and wings of the Zord died away, and its orangey gold body began to shift and change. It extended at the midsection making more of an arm-shape. And its neck and head slid back as the breast area of the bird-like machine opened and a large fist rolled out.
The Gorilla Zord's face then slid forward and fell into the upper body of the Zord revealing a large metal face plate and a visor-shaped bridge window.
As the five Rangers rose into the single bridge area, controls and systems lit up. Once the last Ranger and Zord were in place a mechanical voice spoke in the bridge. "Hyper Megazord – Activated."
"Now that's … a neat trick …" Monkey Fist whimpered from his Gorilla's shoulder looking up at the towering Megazord. "I'll just leave this to you, my friend." Monkey Fist gave the Stoned Gorilla a quick bow before disappearing.
You know you must be strong and hold your own
'Cause the power's on your side
The monster grunted where its master once was, then turned to the Megazord and gave an unimpressed snarl before making a dash toward it.
The Gorilla threw a punch toward the Megazord, but it easily caught its fist in its right hand. The stone monster seemed honestly stunned by this, and didn't notice the twin fang-like spikes rising from the upper wrist of the Megazord's left arm, until it slashed its chest, sending the monster stumbling backwards.
The enemy will try to give you fear
But you never run nor hide
"Let me have a swing at him," Yellow Ranger said from her control panel.
"Go for it," the Red Ranger nodded, could almost see the evil smile spreading across the other Ranger's face through the helmet.
And we'll come runnin' to your side
We will protect you from your fright
The left arm reared back and the forearm shifted back into a snake-like appearance before it shot forward, extending straight toward the monster. The Stone behemoth had no time to react as the pointed snake-like head shot through its chest and on out its back.
The Gorilla screamed in pain as the arm retracted back and shifted back into its arm-like shape. "Ok guys lets finish this!"
The Megazord slammed its fists together at the thumbs, and then pulled them apart, a flaming broad sword forming between the fists, its handle in the right hand. The Megazord took a fighting stance with the blazing sword shining bright.
All of us are on your side
We'll take them
Winds began to blow rapidly between the Megazord and the Monster as the Zord held the sword in both hands and the Stone Gorilla finally took a fearful expression. "It's over," the five rangers said almost in one mind. "Wind Scar!" They called out as the Megazord lifted the sword high, then slashed it forward sending a blast of energy and pure wind toward the monster, completely consuming it and leaving nothing of the Stone monster in it's wake.
We'll take them... Down
Kim finally made it into the battle zone to see the Megazord standing triumphant. She watched in dejection as the Megazord walked away from the battle zone with people cheering for their heroes, their new heroes, the new heroes who replaced the old heroes. She sighed loudly before walking slowly toward her home, dragging her feet as she went.
It took almost thirty minutes before Kim finally made it back to her home and was greeted by both her parents in the dinning room. "Kimmie Cub?" her father spoke up setting the paper down. Kim looked up curiously, even more so by the almost stern look in his eyes. "Kimmie, has Ron … acted out of the way lately, a little strange?"
"Ron?" Kim asked blinking in thought. She had almost forgotten about the whole ordeal earlier that morning but suddenly it all slammed back to her full force. Her eyes watered up before she dashed toward her room in sobs.
Next thing Mr. Possible knew, he felt a hard blow to the back of the head. He fell forward from the impact, and finally shook it off to turn to see his disgruntled wife with a disapproving look on her features holding a rolling pin. "What I say?"
Angel Grove, California has for the last twenty odd years been a very peaceful little Oceanside community. Though it has been years since a threat has been seen or a building destroyed by a giant monster the small city still held the sign "Welcome to Angel Grove: Home of the Original Power Rangers". No multicolored hero has been scene in this city for years … not until now anyway.
A single feminine figure stepped forward on a tall rooftop.
The Dark One has returned, my student,
The woman was dressed in skin tight green armor with gray arm and thigh coverings and golden shoulder pads connecting to a diamond shaped armor piece on her chest. Her face was hidden by a full helmet in the shape of what looked like a lizard or dragon. The pattern made the dragon's mouth the woman's visor, and her mouth was covered by a split face plate.
Yes, I have sensed it as well
She drew a strange dagger from a holster on her belt, before looking out over the rooftop she stood on toward the ocean's waves.
Take the coin that was returned to us by the Preserver; test these new champions, should they prove worthy aid them.
The metal face plate slide to the left giving access to the woman's smirking lips as she brought the dagger's hand-guard to her mouth.
I will do what I can.
People stopped walking on the streets and began looking around when the strange, haunting melody began to sound loudly through the air. The people who have been in Angel Grove years earlier, during the time of the Rangers recognized the tune and began moving away quickly.
After several moments of the short song repeating itself, the water in Angel Grove harbor began to bubble and become unsettled. A loud monstrous roar echoed through the harbor as a horned metallic head rose above water. The green, black and silver humanoid dragon robot rose from the watery depths and stomped on to land, the five red lights on its chest plate flashed and its drill-tipped tail wiggled and swung as it roared in anticipation in response to its musical summoning.
The Dragonzord had returned.
"TWEEEEEEEEBS!" Jason and Kimberly Possible heard as they patiently awaited the afternoon news to come on the television. They turned to see their young boys walking in, Jim holding Kim's ankles while Tim had his arms firmly wrapped under Kim's arms on around her shoulders holding her off the ground, moving quickly in the living room.
"What's going on?" Mr. Possible asked cocking an eyebrow.
"We're tired of hearing her mope and cry," Jim stated.
"So she's going to go talk to Ron." Tim continued.
"Wither she wants to …"
"Or not."
"I've already talked to him this morning," Kim barked wiggling and writhing in her brothers' surprisingly strong grip.
"That certainly went well," Jim stated. "Didn't it, Tim?"
"Apparently it was a knock out success, Jim," his brother nodded, narrow missing Kim's attempted backwards head butt.
"Jim, Tim," Mrs. Possible said sternly, "Let your sister go, Kimberly, after the news you will go to Ron's and talk. I'm not kidding, young lady, what ever happened between you two needs to be cleared up before you get hurt on a mission worrying about it."
Jim and Tim did as told and let Kim fall to the floor with a thud before taking their usual place on the floor between the couch and the TV. Kim sighed and stood up, dusting herself off, before sitting down beside her mother as the news already in progress.
"Shush, they're talking about the Rangers," Mr. Possible silenced his family while leaning in on the blond headed news reporter.
"This is Cassidy Cornell of Channel 9 News, reporting live from East Middleton where earlier today several eye witnesses saw a battle between what seems to be the latest team of Power Rangers and a stone monster. As par for Power Rangers this team's identity is a complete mystery while their attack vehicles seem to be animal based. Reports from the Silver Guardians and government department in charge of the now disbanded 'Lightspeed Rescue' Power Ranger team all comment that they do not have any connections with this new group." The woman informed, "The battle earlier today was kept in a low populated area and no injuries or deaths reported."
A dark haired man quickly approached Cassidy from the side and handed her a note card, then moved away. "Thanks, Dev," she said before reading the card. "A related incident happened just a short while ago a few states away in Angel Grove, California. Angel Grove is known as the small town where the first team of Power Rangers made their presences known protecting it from an unknown alien attacker later revealed as a witch known as Rita Repulsa and a warlord known as Lord Zedd… It seems two hours ago a strange musical sound echoed through the city before one of the original Power Ranger's Zords rose from the sea and disappeared in the country side. The Zord has been confirmed as the Dragonzord used by the Green Ranger before he mysteriously vanished, being replaced on the team by the White Ranger. How this connects with the events in Middleton is still a mystery, but only one thing is certain, forces beyond our military capability has struck, and the Power Rangers have yet again rose to the challenge to protect us. This is Cassidy Cornwell of Channel 9 News. Back to you Bill…"
"So the Rangers are really back huh?" Mr. Possible rubbed his chin, wanting to talk to Ron as soon as possible about his connection.
"Mom, Dad, you're both from Angel Grove originally," Kim stated looking to her parents questioningly. "Do you know anything about the Power Rangers?"
"Uhh, well you see, Kimmie Cub," Mr. Possible stammered nervously.
"The Power Rangers always kept their identities a secret, dear," Mrs. Possible spoke up without missing a beat, "They came, they fought the monsters, and left, that's all anyone really knows about them."
"You sure?" Kim asked, staring down her mother.
"Yes, and I'm also sure you have a young man you need to speak with," Mrs. Possible said walking up placing her hands on the girl's shoulders. "Kimmie, you've fought for other people's lives before, don't you think your friendship with Ron's worth fighting for too?"
Kim gulped and nodded, before silently leaving her parents and brothers.
"Think they'll be ok?" Mr. Possible asked, watching his little girl leave.
"I don't know," Mrs. Possible confessed, before whispering in his ear where the twins couldn't hear, "But right now, don't you think we have other things to worry about?"
Kim took a deep breath as she stood outside the front door of Bueno Nacho. She had checked Ron's home but his parents both said he wasn't there, she could think of one place he could be, and here she was. Now what?
Go in, throw herself at his feet and beg for forgiveness. She tried that already and it worked, now didn't it?
"Kimmie, you've fought for other people's lives before, don't you think your friendship with Ron's worth fighting for too?"
"I'll fight," Kim nodded, "that's what I'll do, I'll fight … but how … guess make it up as I go. Here goes nothing." She said walking in the door of the fast food restaurant. She spotted him in their booth instantly, but when she saw who was with him she almost fell in shock.
"Two out of three isn't bad," Brick said munching on his burrito as he sat with Ron, Josh, Zita, and Bonnie in the booth at the Bueno Nacho.
"Yeah, but with that one she got, she can call ugly pains like the one we just fought," Bonnie complained, poking at her taco salad. "Though we did kick it's…"
"Bonnie," Josh said warningly.
"I was going to say butt," Bonnie said defensively, shoving a meat covered piece of lettuce in her mouth, "Honest."
"Hey, Ron," Kim spoke softly approaching the group with a tray of food.
Bonnie blinked at the timidness in the girl's voice, but when she glanced up and with the look Kim was giving her she could tell she didn't like Ron anywhere near her. 'Guess she still doesn't like me then,' Bonnie thought with amusement.
"Kim," Ron said coldly, glancing away from the redhead. The four other occupants looked at each other in concern.
"Would it be ok …" Kim said unsurely. "I mean, can I set here?"
"Sure, go right ahead!" Brick said, standing up to give Kim his seat where Ron would be sandwiched between Josh and Kim. He then sat down roughly, pushing Bonnie and Zita together, ignoring their curses as he started back on his meal.
The six sat quietly in the small booth, none enjoying the awkward silence. Finally Kim spoke up. "I heard on the news some Power Ranger things happened in Angel Grove today too," she said softly, "I'm going to go investigate, see what I can learn about these Power Rangers. Ron … I …" She started unsurely, placing her hand on his, "Ron, I need … I need my partner … I need my best friend."
Kim's heart shattered for the second time that day as Ron jerked his hand away, and gave her a small glare before turning to his food, "Monique's available. She's a better partner probably. I'm not going to dodge bullets for you anymore Kim, find another decoy."
Kim mouth worked, but all that came out was a small sob. She nodded quickly and left the booth, leaving her tray of burritos.
"Ron!" Bonnie scolded, surprising the group, "Kim's holding out the olive branch! What's wrong with you? Don't you care?"
"Number one, I do care," Ron stated holding up a finger, "Number two, I'm not going to drop everything and get hurt again. She's cut me more times then I can count … I'm not sure I can really open myself back to her so soon at least …" he said holding up a second finger, "Number three, I can't get close to her especially now, that Shiva has an interest in her already, if she found out Kim's best friends with a Power Ranger, she'll hurt her to get to me … us, I won't let that happen. Maybe after all this is over we can patch things up … but not yet."
The table grew silent as none of the others knew quite what to say to that. The tense moment was broke when Brick reached over and took one of Kim's discarded burritos. "Brick!" Zita scolded.
"What?" he asked, taking a big bite from the Mexican wrap.
Kim sat on the sidewalk on the other side of the Bueno Nacho drying her eyes as best she could before picking up the Kimmunicator and paging Wade.
"What's up Kim?" Wade asked, then noticing her puffy red eyes, "Kim, are you ok?"
"Yea, I'm ok, Wade," Kim lied, "listen can you call me in a favor to get me to Angel Grove, California?"
"Sure thing, Kim," Wade said, typing on his computer, "Two for Angel Grove …"
"One, Wade," Kim said softly, "Just one …"
Wade looked unsure, but typed it in anyway, "Ok, I got you a free round trip ride to Angel Grove, meet at the airport in thirty minutes."
"Thanks, Wade, you rock." Kim said, lacking the usual luster she usually spoke with.
Kim stood up, and started her walk toward the airport, hoping investigating the history of the Rangers and possibly learning the identities of the latest team might get her mind of her troubles with Ron.
To Be Continued …
Disclaimer: the song used in this chapter is "Fight" by the Mighty RAW
Next Chapter:Game Over
And coming soon …
A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away …
"For over thousands of generations the Jedi Knights were guardians of peace and justice in the Republic. Before the dark times … before the Empire." -Obiwan Kanobi
"I BEAT YOU ONCE!" Jedi Knight Josh Mankey screamed as he swung his lightsaber at the armored figure, only to have the blade easily blocked. "I BEAT YOU! I BEAT YOU!" Josh cried out more in fear then anger, as he attacked again.
"You are merely proving how very little you know of the Jedi code," the masked Sith breathed in a deep voice. "A Jedi never uses the Force to attack, only to defend."
"What do you know of being a Jedi?" Josh hissed, readying his saber, "Look at yourself, think about that before putting me down, Stoppable."
Josh's lightsaber fell to the ground with a clang as he rose into the air gripping his own neck, gasping for air. "Know this, Mankey," Darth Demonus breathed. "Ron Stoppable is dead."
A time of heroes …
"YORI!" Ron cried out as the Echani Jedi dashed toward Darth Fist with her twin lightsabers drawn.
Yori's Lightsabers collided and the Semion warrior grinned at the woman. "You dare face me alone, child?"
"I do not face you alone," Yori hissed, spinning around to slash at the Sith Lord. "The Force fights with me!"
A time of regret …
"WHY?" Jaina pushed the heartbroken Jim Possible away, tears streaming down her face, "Why did he have to die? Why him?"
"Jaina …" Jim choked, "He died saving me and Kim … would you rather us to have been killed?"
Jaina said nothing and Jim's heart plummeted.
"I … I see …" Jim whispered, "I'll … I'll be going then …" he said running away from the girl.
"Jim wait! I'm sorry!" She called after him but it was too late.
A time of monsters …
Luke Skywalker cried out in pain as his bionic hand flew across the museum floor, and with it his lightsaber. The Jedi Master fell to his knees and looked up at what was left of one of his most prized students. "Ron … why?"
"Why, Jedi?" Darth Shego asked walking out of the shadows confidently. "Why not?"
Ron stared to the Dark Lady of the Sith for a moment.
"Do you like what you feel, Ron?" Darth Shego asked in an almost seductive tone. "The hatred … the anger … the power?"
"Yes," Ron replied without a hint of hesitation.
"Would you like me to teach you more?" Shego asked, stepping even closer.
"Ron … don't …" Luke whispered, trying to pull himself back to his feet.
"Yes." Ron replied again.
"Excellent," Shego whispered before placing a hand behind Ron's neck and kissing him hungrily.
A time of Legends ending
"Awe shit!" Han cursed as the Millennium Falcon shook wildly. "Chewy, how bad were we hit?" he asked trying to keep the out of control freighter in the air. He listened to the Wookie's roars. "Damn, that bad?" he asked before Chewbacca grabbed him and jerked him into out of the cockpit, dragging him kicking and screaming to the escape pods.
"I'M NOT LEAVING MY SHIP!" Han yelled as he jerked away from the seven foot warrior. He stared down the Wookie for a moment, before Chewbacca spoke in a series of growls and roars.
"I'm not going to die, but I'm not leaving my ship," Han stated firmly, "Has she ever failed us?"
Chewbacca was silent before he turned and started back toward the cockpit. "That's what I thought, now lets get this bucket of bolts on the ground in as much of one piece as possible."
The Falcon continued its downward spiral toward the solid ground of Dantooine. "Hang on, Chewy!" Han said as the ship hit with incredible force and skidded along the rocky ground of the planet.
A time of new heroes
Jacen, Jaina and Anakin solo stood in their Jedi Robes, glaring down at the Sith Apprentice Darth Gemini. "We know what you've done, Gemini," Anakin spat.
"Do you now?" the Sith Apprentice asked with an amused tone.
"You killed Jim," Jacen spat, lighting his lightsaber.
"That's cute," the Sith asked, his grin hidden behind his half-mask. "So are we going to talk or fight?" he lid his double edged red lightsaber and glanced at the still silent Jaina Solo. "What's it to you? I thought his dead brother was more important to you three."
The Sith barely got his saber up in time to block Jacen's angry attack.
A time of a second purge
"There's only supposed to be two!" Kyle gasped as he tried to free his arm from the rubble; glancing around at the remains of the Jedi Academy, at the fallen students and Knights, and the three hooded figures standing in the middle.
"Always carry a spare," Darth Shego grinned at the Jedi Master. She then glanced to Darth Demonus. "Are they all dead?"
The unconscious Bonnie and the several young Padawans and students curled together in the shadows reflected in the Dark Lord's visor. "They're all gone."
"All dead over here," the youngest Sith Lord, Darth Gemini said, masking the still breathing children with his own force power as his master, Demonus was doing.
Demonus lifted the rubble off Kyle Katarn's arm, and lifted the injured Jedi by the collar. "Tell Master Skywalker to pay CLOSE attention to what transpired here, Katarn." The Sith hissed, "Know that the weak will be culled, so that the strong will rise." And with that he dropped the man and followed the other two back to their shuttle.
STAR WARS
KNIGHTS
OF THE
NEW REPUBLIC
Episode II
The Second Purge
Coming January 14, 2005
"Mesa knowed Jedi once," Boss Binks nodded to the four Jedi Knights, "Yousa reminding me muchly of Annie." The old Gungun said pointing toward Ron. "Tough in the force was he, yousa muchly powerful too me tinks."