A/N 1: See Chapters 1, 15, 16 and 27 of Thirst for Revenge for that which does not belong to me.
Chapter 2-Specter Forced Back
Tuesday, June 10, 1997
7:40 p.m.
Angel Grove Youth Center
Angel Grove, CA
As the Rangers took defensive stances, Veronica Wright yawned as she, dressed in all black armor, drew her weapon, a long staff.
"Yawn," she said. "You can't beat me, not even in your silly little armor."
"We'll see about that!" said Jason. "Never underestimate the heart of a champion!"
"Enough!" Specter said. "Tengas, Piranhatrons, Quantrons, attack!"
"All right, guys!" said Jason. "Let's do it!"
As the footsoldiers and Rangers charged forwards to meet each other, the sounds of battle began to ring out.
Jason went first, charging at a group of about seven footsoliders. He snapped his left foot out, catching two Cogs simultaneously and knocking them to the ground. Next, he found himself surrounded by three Tengas. He used a hook punch to knock one down, and jump-kicked the next two.
Two Quantrons charged him, ready to attack. Jason tried hand-to-hand combat, but the two footsoldiers were much too strong.
"Zeo V Power Sword!" called Jason. Instantly, the weapon appeared in his hand. At his command, the sword lit up with red energy, and sliced through Dark Specter's footmen, knocking them down for the count.
Jason saw Justin surrounded by five footmen, and raced over to help.
Trini ducked underneath a punch from a Tenga, then flipped two Cogs over on their backs. Three Cogs grabbed her from behind, and were about to tackle her to the ground when Zack swept the Cogs' feet out from under them.
"Thanks," Trini said.
"No problem. Let's go help David."
They saw David fighting three Quantrons and went to help him.
Mondo had actually charged Kat and Tanya, but they were able to handle him easily. Mondo was throwing wild punches at the two Turbo Rangers, but they were not connecting. He also had no magical powers, and was not that mobile, so they were able to handle him easily.
Angela, Shawna and Lt. Stone worked in a group of three, amongst about fifteen footmen, Astronema and Ecliptor. Surprisingly, for their first time out, all three of them were holding their own.
David threw a punch at Mama D, who blocked it easily. He stumbled back when Divatox's mother swept his feet out from under him, but got right back up.
But he was right back on the ground, when Mama D launched a stream of purple lightning at him, trapping and tossing him against a lamppost.
"I'm going to enjoy this!" she hissed.
She was about to slam her hand down on the rope and electrocute David when something suddenly sliced through the rope, destroying it. Mama D turned, angrily to her right and saw Kelly holding her Dragon Dagger.
"You're gonna pay for that, Green Ranger!" she shouted.
"We'll see about that," said Kelly.
Unfortunately for Mama D, Kelly outmaneuvered her, and after six or seven minutes had her on the ground.
"Look out!" said David.
Kelly turned around, and saw Veronica charging, staff held high. Kelly simply turned around and punched Veronica in the face, then whip-kicked her, sending her flying into the Youth Center's wall.
Sabrina of Eltar's spaceship
Unknown Time
Those on Earth weren't the only witnesses to the impending battle.
Inside Sabrina of Eltar's spaceship, Zordon's eldest gasped.
Fortunately for her, she didn't need to call the other Rangers...they were right there with her.
"Wow," said Adam. "That's a major attack."
"No kidding," said Kimberly. "I think they'll need Andros and his crew, and Ninjor also."
"I agree, Kim," said Sabrina. "Time to get serious."
She took out a remote with several buttons, and pushed a large one right near the top.
"What are you doing?" said Adam.
"Giving our friends...a little help, sweetheart. Watch and learn."
She then activated a little surprise, which was headed directly for the battle site.
8:00 p.m.
Angel Grove Youth Center
"Man, we could sure use some help!" said Shawna as she blocked Ecliptor's sword with her own Zeo I Power Disk.
"Yeah, no kidding!" said Angela.
Several laser blasts suddenly rocked the ground, forcing the villains back.
When the smoke cleared, Ninjor and the Astro Rangers stood, ready for battle.
"Did someone say help?" came the voice of Andros.
"That's right!" Ninjor said. "The forces of evil shall never be allowed to prevail!"
"We'll see about that!" Veronica said, as she barely dodged Kelly's Dragon Dagger swipe. "DESTROY THE CITY!"
All of the villains, plus the footmen, raced towards downtown in an effort to destroy it.
But suddenly, a series of golden rockets shot down from seemingly out of nowhere, and the villains and footmen were hammered mercilessly.
"The hell was that?" said Zack.
"It was the cavalry, was what it was! Look at them!" Jason said. "I think we all know who fired those shots, and it wasn't someone on Earth! Sabrina HURT them! They're all teleporting away!"
Sabrina's spaceship
"Nice shot!" said Tommy.
"Accuracy was always my strength," Sabrina said. "They'll be more careful next time, though."
"Hahahaha...look at em, Handsome!" said Tommy, as she pointed out the villains were beginning to retreat. "See how they run!"
"Yeah," said Tommy, grinning. "Run like the cowards you are."
"Eh, I don't think we should be celebrating yet," Sabrina said. "They rarely retreat this easily. That's why I have another surprise...or two...prepared."
"You're just full of em, aren't you?" said Kim.
"You know it."
8:15 p.m.
Angel Grove Youth Center
"Well, that was easy," said Jason. "Let's get back inside and continue partying."
But before they could demorph, several blasts hit the ground in front of the Rangers and Ninjor. They turned to see Veronica, Bomblinator (whom Divatox had wisely sent upon retreating) and Scorpina's clone.
"You're not going anywhere, you puny brats!" Veronica said.
"That's right, because I'm gonna go bombs away on you!" Bomblinator said.
"We'll see about that, cretins!" Ninjor said.
Lunar Palace
"Indeed we will, you annoying do-gooders!" Specter said. "Henchmen, it is time for those three to grow!"
As Divatox contacted her ship, Mondo said, "Klank, Orbus, get down there immediately!"
Angel Grove Youth Center
As the Rangers were about to turn their attention to the fight, Klank and Orbus appear on the scene, far enough away where the Rangers can't press an attack.
"I think these three could use a boost!" Orbus said.
"Ye are so right, me lad," Klank said. "Are you ready?"
"As ready as I'll ever be!"
"Around and around, and away ye go!" Klank said as he threw Orbus towards two of the henchmen.
"Here's a boost!" Orbus said. There was a green flash of energy surrounding Bomblinator and Veronica, and both grew to giant heights.
Just then, twin torpedoes rained in, surrounding Scorpina's clone. When the smoke cleared, the beautiful warrior duplicate stood as a gigantic scorpion monster.
"Oh man!" Tanya said. "We need backup!"
"No kidding!" Shawna said.
"We're going to have to use the Zords for this one! This one's gonna be heavy duty!" Jason said.
"Right. Guys, to the Megaship! We need the Megazord pronto!" Andros said as the Astro Rangers disappeared
"Let's do it!" Kelly said. "Time for Dragonzord Power!"
Much like her sister's boyfriend had once done, she played the notes which summoned the Dragonzord. Moments later, it rose up out of Angel Grove Harbor and headed towards downtown, trying to intercept the three monsters before they could get there.
"Let's join her!" Jason said. "We need Zeozord Power, now!"
From the Underground Chamber's holding bay, the Zeozords raced for the battle scene as one.
"Let's go!" Jason said as the Rangers teleported into the Zords, and made the calls.
"Zeozord V, ready!"
Zeozord IV, set!"
Zeozord III, ready!"
Zeozord II, ready to move!"
"Zeozord I, check!"
"Zeonizer Crystal, power up!" said Jason. "Activating Zeo Megazord!"
"They could use a little help," Trini said from ground level. "What do you say? Is the Turbo Megazord ready after Saturday night?"
"I'd rather you not use that Megazord," came a voice from Trini's necklace.
"Sabrina," Trini said. "You'd rather not take a chance, right?"
"Yes. I'd rather give it another two days to repair. Go back to the Underground Chamber and monitor the fight. Use the Turbo Megazord only in extreme energency. I'm sending the other Rangers some help. They can handle this fight with three to four Zords. That includes you, Ninjor...you need to go back to the Chamber."
"Right," said Kat. "Let's head out, guys."
With that, the five Turbo Rangers and Ninjor disappeared.
Back up top, the Rangers had formed their Megazords, which totaled to three in all.
"Ha!" Veronica said. "You think your puny little Megazords can stop us? Here's something nice and toasty for you to think about!"
Veronica opened her mouth, drew back a deep breath, and let loose a stream of fire at the Zeo Megazord.
"I've got this one!" said Kelly. "Dragonzord Water Attack!"
A stream of water suddenly flew from Dragonzord's chest, essentially neutralizing Veronica's attack.
"You're gonna pay for that one, Kelly!" Veronica shouted, as she charged the Dragonzord.
"Not so fast!" Kelly said. "Dragonzord Missiles! Fire!"
The Dragonzord launched its missiles, and Veronica couldn't get her staff up enough quickly to block them. She was sent flying and crashed into the street.
That little distraction was allowing the Zeo Megazord to take on the new Scorpina, and the Astro Megazord to face off against Bomblinator.
"Zeo IV Battle Helmet!" said Justin. Instantly, Zeo V's Battle Helmet was replaced by Justin's.
"Let's see how you like a breath of not-so-fresh air, poser!" said Justin.
A green gas flew from the head of the battle helmet, causing Scorpina to choke on it. She crumpled to the ground in a heap, losing her breath for a moment.
The Astro Megazord, however, wasn't faring so well, as Bomblinator was gaining the upper hand.
"Man! I forgot this guy was around!" said Andros. "Wish Sabrina would have given us a scouting report on him."
"Oh no! He's thrown bombs onto the Megazord!" said Ashley. "They'll detonate any second!"
"Time's up, Rangers!" said Bomblinator, as he activated the detonators, which caused sparks to fly from the Megazord's chest.
"Man, we can't take another shot like that!" said Andros. "We could use some help!"
Suddenly, four blasts of golden fire rained down on Bomblinator, sending them hurtling backwards.
"You were saying?" said Ashley. "I think that's the cavalry!"
On auto-pilot, Sabrina's Zord stood, ready for attack.
"More the merrier," said Veronica in her bored tone. She charged at the Cougar Zord, but a second round of Dragonzord's missiles sent her flying again.
Veronica quickly recovered however, and continued her charge at Scorpina's Zord, even though she didn't know the Zord was on autopilot.
The two Zords fiercely exchanged weapons, until Veronica seemed to get the upper hand, as she scored several hits with her staff. An energy blast followed, sending the Cougar Zord staggering.
But Dragonzord's tail put an end to it, smashing Veronica across the chest and knocking her down
Unfortunately, Dragonzord's celebration pose was interrupted by electricity flowing through it. Kelly turned, horrified, to see the nouve Scorpina's tail wrapped around the Dragonzord.
"Oh no you don't!" said Kelly, playing a few notes.
At the rookie Ranger's command the Dragonzord's tail spun around violently, dislodging Scorpina's tail instantly.
As the two continued to duel, Andros continued to pilot the Astro Megazord in position to where it had Bomblinator in a good position.
"Astro Megazord Saber, now!" shouted Andros.
The Astro Megazord's saber lit up with energy, and zoomed towards Bomblinator. When it connected, the monster was destroyed in a spectacular explosion.
"Yes! Right on target!" shouted Andros.
"FOOLS!" shouted Veronica, in obvious anger. "You've destroyed our monster! We'll be back, and next time you won't be so lucky.
As both villains faded away, Rangers old and new cheered loudly.
Sabrina's spaceship
"That was awfully impressive," said Kim. "Man, Kelly did a number on Veronica." Kimberly said this with obvious pride, since Kelly was her cousin.
"That beatdown will, hopefully, keep Veronica's nasty side in check," Adam said.
"Veronica's nasty side, in check? Unfortunately, that will never happen," said Aisha.
As the Rangers kept on chit-chatting, Sabrina ordered her Zord back to the Underground Chamber's holding bay, then asked,
"Alphrane, how long until we reach Eltar?"
"Three to four days, still."
"Fine," Sabrina said. "You guys up for some dinner? I got a great grill in the rear of the ship if you're interested. I brought all kinds of hot dogs, brats, burgers..."
"As long as you don't set fire to your own ship, I'm for it," said Rocky.
"Second that," Adam said. "After watching that battle, I could use something to eat."
The rest of the Rangers nodded as well.
"Then follow me if you would, my friends," Sabrina said as she led the way to the back of her ship.
Moon Palace
"Ugh," Veronica said as she stamped up and down the Moon Palace. "I wanna get my hands on that Eltarian bitch and KILL her! We had them, right there and she killed our attack!"
"Join the club," Lady Chaos said. "She partially fouled up my plans for the conquest of Earth!"
"Yes, she makes me mad," Specter said as he paced up and down. "She's already fouling up my plans because she allowed those Rangers to escape! Not to mention she's obviously had a hand in the Zeo and Turbo powers, and Andros and his team are with them! The Zeo powers have NEVER been that strong before!"
"My thinking is we need to find where Sabrina and those Rangers are!" said Rita. "They're obviously not on Earth!"
"I've got just the thing," Specter said. "Astronema, Divatox, Maligore, Rito and Ecliptor, come here!"
"Yes, my lord?" said Ecliptor.
"You five are to take the Dark Fortress and go searching for Sabrina and those Rangers. Report if you find them soon, but if after three days you cannot track them down, report back here anyways. I know of a way I can track her, but I don't want to give it away. Now go."
"Yes, my lord," Ecliptor said as the five hustled out.
"In the meantime, we will continue peppering the Rangers with attacks," Specter said. "They have help, but there are ways I can beat them. The Earth will still be ours."
Tuesday, June 10, 1997
9:00 p.m.
Underground Power Chamber
Angel Grove, CA
"Congratulations on a job well done, Rangers," said Ninjor.
"Thank you," said Jason. "It was our pleasure."
"Man, riding in those Zords was so COOL!" Justin said.
"I think we ALL felt that way after we used the Zords the first time, Justin," Trini laughed.
"Justin, there's something you have to remember," Jason said. "Those things aren't toys."
Justin nodded silently, as he'd seen how the Rangers coolly operated their Zords in the past.
"But why do I get the sense that he's holding something back?" said Justin.
"Probably because he is, young one," said Ninjor. "That battle was a test. The next fight will not be such. It will be more vicious and brutal. This is far from over, my friends."
Sabrina's spaceship
"Man, watching that battle was awesome," said Tommy. "I didn't know Justin had so much venom in him. He gave Scorpina's knock-off clone a pretty good beating."
"I couldn't be prouder of Kelly," said Kimberly. "She nailed Veronica and GOOD. I know she doesn't like Veronica and never has."
"Who does like her?" Tommy said.
"Probably pretty close to nobody," Kimberly said. "Something struck me though. I was watching the aftermath at the base, and Justin said it's far from over."
"I agree with him. The fight against evil never ends," said Tommy. "They'll find that out rather quickly. This Specter dude is eventually not going to play by the rules."
"But we'll be there for each other, whatever it takes," said Kim. "Let's go to bed, Handsome."
"Let's do, Beautiful," said Tommy as they held each other and climbed into bed.
Meanwhile...
"This is a great night," Adam said as he and Sabrina walked through the spaceship.
"Tell me about it," Sabrina said. "Any night I can use my grill and any night evil gets knocked down a peg is a very good night."
"I laughed when I heard Justin say that riding in those Zords was cool," Adam said.
"Hey, let the guy play with his new toys!" Sabrina said, lightly smacking Adam on the arm. "You were the same way the first time you piloted the Thunderzords, remember? You were literally giddy!"
"Yes, I was that way," Adam said. "I just don't show it that often. But the first time we formed the Megazord, I was bubbling with excitement."
"Being a Ranger is about doing the right thing, but I enjoy what I do," Adam continued. "I wouldn't trade this for anything in the universe."
"As long as the team has that attitude, we'll be fine," Sabrina said. "Stick together, trust in each other, don't panic when things go haywire, and have fun."
"I think Tommy has fun fighting Goldar," Adam said, "because he knows Goldar can't beat him."
"Goldar, you must remember, treated him like a dog when he worked for Rita," Sabrina said. "I was there. I saw what happened. Tommy doesn't forget stuff like that."
"Amazing," Adam said, "considering that boy forgets everything in sight."
"He has his faults but he's a great leader," Sabrina said.
"That he is," Adam said. "And we beat Specter with almost no help from him."
Just remember that the next attack Specter has won't be so careless. We need to get to Eltar, and soon, before he finds us. He will, eventually. He's not stupid," Sabrina said.
"We will. I have faith in us. We'll get there," Adam said.
"I do too."
TBC...