Disclaimer: Not gonna happen…
Note: Sorry it took so long for me to get this up and posted. I've been catching up on schoolwork and other things. Also been busy moving apartments and getting situated and all that good stuff. Anyway, finally the characters are starting to come together, however slowly. That's all I really got…
Into The Darkness
Dustin and Archerina had gotten up early that morning to begin their trip towards the village, and the waning sunlight still gave them a little more traveling time. The nights were warm and the sky was clear so neither machine nor human were worried about having to establish a camp. All Dustin would do was roll out the mat he had grabbed from the house and Archerina…well she really didn't have to sleep as it was.
A loud roar caught both of them off guard as they saw something they hadn't expected.
"What was that?" Dustin looked for the source.
The source soon showed itself in the form of a massive dragon creature tearing itself from the ground.
"Well that answers that," Dustin replied.
"We should probably steer clear of that," Archerina spoke.
"Or we could go check it out…" Dustin got an unsure look from the machine woman, "I mean it could be cool…if we stay back a distance."
"Are you certain?" The machine princess said un-assuredly.
"Sure, it'll be fun," Dustin smiled, but maybe you should get your bow ready just in case.
Archerina nodded in agreement as she readied her bow.
Both human and machine slowly made their way towards the newly arisen creature.
Not far away two completely different individuals made their way towards the same goal.
"This is too weird Trini; I mean it's the Dragonzord…how?" Hayley spoke to the currently uniformed Crimson Ranger, minus helmet.
"I have no idea," Trini answered, "So do you think you can operate one of those?" Trini motioned towards the sword slung across Hayley's back.
"I'm not completely helpless, I mean I did work with the Green/White/Red/Black Ranger, I picked up a few things here and there. Plus…since I don't own the near indestructible spandex, this armor the Foils provided should make a decent replacement," Hayley motioned towards the light-weight, grey, leather-like armor that she had been fitted for…just in case.
"Just making sure, ya know I'd be more than glad to give you some lessons," Trini smiled at the red-head.
"I'll keep that in mind," Hayley replied, "let's hope I want need to use it any time soon."
The two continued to walk, drawing closer and closer to the Crimson Dragonzord.
The walk wasn't much further and soon they reached their destination. As they approached the low cliff overlooking the area of the newly awakened Dragonzord the massive creatures turned its head to view the two humans.
Dustin and Archerina also approached the Dragonzord, but from a different perspective.
"What's it looking at?" Dustin whispered towards Archerina.
"I'm not certain," Archerina answered, in an equally hushed voice.
"Well as long as it's not looking at…" Dustin didn't even have time to finish his sentence before the massive metal creature turned immediately towards his and Archerina's direction.
The Dragonzord let out a deafening roar as it focused on the human and machine.
(Trini and Hayley's viewpoint)
"I think he sees something," Hayley turned towards Trini, "maybe we should get down there."
"Or we could just let him eat whatever it is and…" Hayley noticed the stern look coming from Trini, "I'm just kidding. Come on, let's go."
The Crimson Ranger and her partner both began to descend down the rock face. Trini was in front and Hayley wasn't far behind, but both maintaining a sense of awareness of their surroundings.
(On the ground)
"Is it me or does it look like it wants to eat us?" Dustin tried to sound as unworried as possible.
"Maybe you…I'm a machine, probably not as appetizing," Archerina answered
"Be careful, that almost sounded like a joke…I'd hate to think I had any influence over you," Dustin smiled, despite being worried.
The Dragonzord moved its head in closer, though it didn't seem to want to attack, at least not yet. It eyed the two curiously, as if it was looking for something.
"You there, who are you?" A female voice, one that Dustin didn't recognize, shouted loudly.
Before Dustin could answer though, massive black hole appeared overhead. From the hole a large, pitch black creature appeared. Standing eye to eye with the fully erect Dragonzord, the creature let out an ear piercing shriek. Its bright red eyes glowed with fierceness, and on its massive hands each of the four fingers ended with long, silver talons.
A number of rock soldiers also appeared behind the monster.
"Of course…" Trini shook her head.
The Dragonzord beat its chest and let out an angered roar.
The black creature lunged towards the Dragonzord, its talons ready to attack. The two massive creatures met in a thunderous crash.
On the ground the rock soldiers clustered around the humans and machine. Trini and Dustin's head both became encased in their own respective helmets, Hayley withdrew her sword, and Archerina converted her bow to a sword. Each person met an opponent or opponents there weapons meeting the crude stone weapons the rock soldiers carried.
The Dragonzord and creature continued to battle, tearing up their surroundings. The Rangers and allies on the ground tried to dodge falling debris as well as battle their numerous attackers.
Eventually Dustin and Trini wound up back to back, Dustin had his staff drawn and Trini her sword.
"So I take it I'm not the only Ranger here," Dustin said, blocking another attack.
"It looks that way," Trini rolled over the Black Rangers back imbedding her sword into the creature whose attack Dustin had blocked.
"Cool, I'm Dustin by the way," the Black Ranger dropped to a knee and placed his fist firmly into the ground, causing the soil to open and pretty much swallow one of the rock soldiers.
"Trini," the Crimson Ranger withdrew her sword from the collapsed creature, blocked a stone axe with it, as she thrust the Dragon Dagger into the chest of yet another rock creature, causing it to collapse into a pile of rubble, "and that's the Dragonzord." She motioned towards the massive metal creature battling the black being.
The Dragonzord had the black creature at its mercy after a fierce battle, sparks shot from the chest of the Crimson beast, but it seemed to merely be an annoyance at worst. Tripping the black creature with its tail, the Dragonzord reached down to it fallen opponent and lifted the creature into the air, throwing it hard against a rock wall.
The massive black monster realized that it was fighting a losing battle and turned the opposite direction of the action, attempting to flee from the abuse.
The Dragonzord turned to follow, but fell forward, barely able to move. More sparks flew from its chest, brighter and more frequently. The damage more sever than it had seemed.
The black creature noticed the collapse, seeing it as a new opportunity; it turned back towards the Dragonzord. Leaping at the Crimson Zord, it readied its talons for another strike.
A loud howl echoed nearby, and then a second, as two canine-like silhouettes stood over the battle, one significantly smaller than the other. Both creatures leapt at the black titan, sinking their teeth deep into the black flesh.
The black monster shrieked in pain as these new attackers entered into the fray.
The Dragonzord continued to try and get back to his feet, slowly making progress.
"This is new," Dustin looked towards the new events unfolding.
Archerina and Hayley were still battling the last of the remaining rock soldiers, both burying there blades into the stony hides. The two women turned almost simultaneously, still in the moment, there blades met in a loud clang.
"My bad," Hayley said as she eyes the female machine.
"It's okay," Archerina replied.
"So I guess we can back-off," Hayley questioned.
"I agree," Archerina backed away from the red-haired human and turned to watch the giants nearby battling.
The two new figures were now in the light, and with all the rock soldiers destroyed the Rangers and allies could get a better view of the creatures. They were very much like giant wolves, the smaller be roughly seven feet at the shoulder and the larger standing at least ten feet. Both had dark fur, and both had a grey mane, similar to what a lion would have. The two wolves…for lack of a better term…continued tearing away at the black creature, until it seemed nothing more than a lifeless mass. As the finally broke free of their attacks the black body of the creature seemed to melt into the ground, leaving nothing but its talons on the ground, and what looked like a massive oil spill.
The wolves approached the Dragonzord and began to…try and help it to its feet.
"So what's going on here exactly?" Hayley walked up behind the Black and Crimson Rangers, speaking to the newly de-helmeted Trini.
"No idea," Trini put the Dragon Dagger to her lips and played the summoning tune again, this time in reverse.
Finally, with the aid of the wolves, the Dragonzord got to its feet and moved clumsily to the hole which it had broken from. In moments it vanished into the depths of the ground.
The two wolves moved towards the Rangers, sniffing the air surrounding both Crimson and Black. They narrowed their eyes onto Dustin and the smaller of the two growled something, though it didn't sound threatening.
"I think he's talking to you," Archerina walked up beside the Black Ranger, also no longer in his helmet.
Dustin didn't speak; he just reached his hand forward and gently placed it on the muzzle of the large wolf.
The wolf made an approving noise, only to look towards the larger wolf made a similar sound. The larger wolf turned his head towards the direction behind them, and the smaller nodded in approval. Turning away the two wolves ran away at alarming speeds.
"I think they were saying that they wanted to help me," Dustin had a puzzled look on his face, "does that sound weird?"
"No weirder than anything else going on here," Hayley looked towards the Black Ranger, "Dustin!?"
"No way," a smile came over Dustin's face, "Hayley! Wow I haven't seen you in awhile. How'd you get here?"
"I could ask you the same thing," Hayley returned the smile.
"Oh yeah," Dustin reached over towards Archerina and placed his hand on the machine woman's shoulder, "this is Archerina, she's been helping me out since I got here."
Archerina nodded in introduction.
"Oh, and this is Trini Kwan, the original Yellow Ranger," Hayley motioned towards the Crimson Ranger.
"Awesome, I knew that name sounded familiar, I was a Yellow Ranger to," Dustin stated, "but I got a new color scheme."
"I take it you two know each other," Trini questioned.
"Yeah, we met a while back," Hayley answered, "but we can play catch-up later, I think we should get back to the village."
Trini agreed, and Dustin and Archerina thought it a good idea to follow.
(The Dark One's Lair)
"Your pathetic soldiers failed again Thrax," Goldar spoke angrily.
"You act like it's my fault. No one told me there would be two Rangers, and what was with those over-sized poodles?" Thrax replied.
"It seemed to me that Thrax's Titan had the upper hand until those things showed up," Trakeena moved beside the son of Rita and Zedd.
"You should both remember who you're speaking to," Elsa came to the defense of Goldar, "the master did choose General Goldar as his first, for good reason I'm sure."
"Of course you'll stand up for your big monkey," Thrax hissed at the pale human woman.
"You're bone-headed uncle Rito had more sense than you'll ever have," Goldar roared back at Thrax, "and you Trakeena are about as worthless a bug as your father before you."
"Take that back you winged baboon, my father was twine the warrior you would ever be," Trakeena leveled her staff towards the black-armored Goldar.
"If you so much as try to attack him, I will empty a can of Raid so fast onto you, you won't know what hit you," Elsa glared at the insect woman.
"I'd like to see you try…" Trakeena returned.
"All of you! Quiet!" The Dark One's voice came from nearby, "these Rangers seem to be a large thorn in my side, and your petty quarreling will not aid in their defeat. If any of you know what is best for you, you will curtail your tongues and find a way to assure my rising."
Thrax, Trakeena, Elsa and Goldar all turned towards the voice and kneeled, "yes milord," they all responded.
(The Coliseum)
"It's time to let the human go," a black and green figure spoke to an overweight, dark-skinned Foil.
"Nonsense Ecliptor, the crowd loves her," the Foil replied.
"But her time here is over; she's fought more battles than any other slave warrior. She has paid her dues," Ecliptor focused on the Foil, "I didn't come to this world and agree to help you with this battle arena, just to force beaten women into battle, even if she once was a Power Ranger. This Coliseum was designed as a chance for prisoners to voluntarily compete in battles, and if they survived a certain number they would be free, not as a slave bloodbath. The girl has survived her battles and has brought a lot of money; it is time to let her go"
"First off you didn't come to this world of your own free will…period," the Foil responded, "secondly you fell into MY world, and as such you will abide by MY decisions. My decision is that the girl will continue to fight. Now, this conversation is over."
Ecliptor shook his head in disgust as he turned and left the room.
"Oh yes, Ecliptor, ready the human…tonight she'll fight," the Foil called out behind Ecliptor.
(Maya's cell)
The familiar pounding came on the door. Maya had barely begun to heal from her last battle.
"Get ready, by special request you'll be bat…" The guard's voice was cut short.
The door came open with a loud clank as the outside lock hit the floor.
Maya backed away; she wasn't sure what was happening.
In the door frame was a broad, black figure. In his hand was a large sword, and by his feet was the body of the guard, "Human, you have at most 5 minutes to get away, it would be in your best interest to go…swiftly."
Maya was confused. She had no idea what was going on…
"Are you listening? Leave here. Now!" Ecliptor raised his voice and moved clear of the door.
The tone of his voice told her what she needed to know. She took the opportunity that was presented. Even in her more savage state, survival was still a key instinct, and she knew she wouldn't be able to survive another battle so soon after the last one.
She bolted from her cell, and made her way towards the nearest exit. The other prisoners cheered and hollered as the human made her way.
An alarm sounded throughout the prison, within moments other armed guards were flooding into the hallway.
The overweight Foil waddled from his office, "What is going on here!?"
"A prisoner has escaped," on of the guards answered, "the human."
"The human?" The Foil's voice dropped, "find me Ecliptor, this is his doing I'm certain."
"Look no further, I'm right here," Ecliptor stepped forward.
"What do you think you are doing?" The overweight Foil fumed.
"Breaking her of her contract, she did her time, she's free now," Ecliptor replied.
"Never," the Foil withdrew a sword from his waist.
Ecliptor laughed at the sight, he'd stand no chance at all, "Are you serious?"
The fat Foil sliced clumsily with his sword, Ecliptor easily blocked and kicked the massive being hard in the gut, knocking him to the ground. He tried to roll back to his feet, to no avail, "Guards! Kill the traitor!"
Several of the armed guards who had come into the hall turned towards Ecliptor. They turned their focus from the escapee onto their new assigned target.
Ecliptor readied himself, he would be able to hold his ground for a time, but eventually they would over power him. Regardless, he'd take as many of them with him as he could.
The over-weight Foil got to his feet again, "What did you think you would accomplish?"
"I didn't think I would accomplish anything, I already have accomplished it. She'll be back, she'll see to it that this slave show will end…you've never met a Ranger before. They always return, stronger and in greater numbers. This slaughterhouse will fall, my best advice for you is to pack up your earnings and clear out, but your greed won't allow that will it. So just be ready for the circumstances that will come," Ecliptor answered as he was covered in armed guards.
The other guards continued after Maya, if she didn't hurry they would catch her. She moved faster, her freshly closed wounds re-opened, and the sharp pain came back to her, but she continued running.
The exit was within reach, after she got out of the cell she would be in the wild. She would be in her element. She just had to reach the door…
TBC
End note: If it seemed that Ecliptor's role was simply a throw away cameo...well for the most part it was. He was always one of my favorite villains, and I just wanted a chance to use his...however briefly...I may expound on his role later, but then I again I may not.