Disclaimer: Same auld lang sine…
Note: First I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa/Solstice/whatever it is you celebrate. Basically I could just Happy Holidays and sum it all up. After that…um…there's not really anything to say here. Enjoy.
Into the Darkness
(Café in the Foil's Village)
"So you know about as much about this place as we do?" Trini asked Dustin, who had powered down his Ranger form, and remained only in his Ninja Academy garb.
Trini had also powered down and was wearing a style of clothing similar to that of the local Foils, a durable material similar to cotton, but stronger, the colors mostly black. Hayley remained had removed her leather armor, and was wearing a similar uniform to Trini's.
"Pretty much, I mean I probably would never have made it if it weren't for Archerina here," Dustin answered, "pretty much all I can tell you is that the wildlife around here is perfectly edible…for the most part."
"And I have never ventured far from my home in the woods," Archerina piped in, despite being in this world far longer than the others she really knew very little about the area.
"So we know a whole lot of nothing. Awesome," Hayley replied.
A female Foil brought a pitcher of something very much like tea to the table, as she poured a glass for the three humans. Apparently the Elders had told the locals to treat the humans hospitably, and they did so without any complaints. Many of the locals were still amazed by the human's presence. Also Deus, the talkative old Foil, had opened a permanent tab at the café for the humans to use at their convenience; money didn't seem to be an issue with him.
They rarely saw Hannah, Davis or Thomas, the three humans that had arrived with Trini and Hayley any longer. They seemed to have gotten fairly accustomed to the area, after being here for a short period of time. Hannah occasionally sought out the two females when she decided that Harris was getting annoying.
"So you aren't the only humans here then?" Dustin inquired.
"No, the others are around somewhere, but they pretty much do their own thing these days," Trini answered. "It's probably for the best to, I'd hate for one of them to get in trouble. I wish I could convince Hayley to join them, but she's kind of hard-headed."
"Well I couldn't let you have all the fun. The others though have pretty much realized we may be here a long while," Hayley spoke up, "and they're trying to make the best of a bad situation."
The same female Foil approached the table again, but this time her hands were empty, "Miss Trini, the lords wish to speak with you and your new allies."
"When?" Trini asked.
"Tomorrow around at noon," the Foil answered.
"No problem," Hayley answered.
The Foil left the table and returned to serving the others in the café.
"Well it's been a long day, maybe we should try and get some rest," Trini rose from the table, "I'll lead you two to where we're staying…if you're ready that is."
"Definitely," Dustin answered, "sounds like an awesome idea."
"Yes, I to would like a chance to rest as well," Archerina spoke.
The four of them made their way to the door, thanking the employees for their food. The streets were still busy, despite the night approaching, most of the traffic being the guards as they were preparing shift changes. The residents of the town were mostly heading in for the night, though some chose to remain outside and watch the new human and the odd metal creature that was with him.
One of the guards stopped and spoke, "Evenin Trini, Hayley…new people."
"Hey," Trini was surprised at the voice, "Thomas? What are you doing here?"
"Oh, I felt useless just walking around all day, and after I filled the Chief Guard in on what I did back on Earth, he did a few quick tests, and told me that I was more than welcome to help wit guard duty," Thomas answered, "though he was surprised that I wanted to volunteer."
"That's cool," Hayley spoke, "oh and this is Dustin and Archerina," she motioned towards the two she named. Motioning back towards Thomas, "and this is Thomas, he arrived here with us."
"Pleasure," Archerina responded first.
Dustin thrust out his hand, "pleased to meet you."
"You to, anyway I better get out there. I'd hate to make a bad impression on my first day. Good night guys."
Thomas continued towards the guard wall.
Trini continued to lead back to their quarters, pointing out the Hall of Lords as they passed, as well as the few other places she recognized. They had only been there a little over a week, but the village had become almost familiar.
They arrived at one of the larger houses in the village; obviously someone with some importance owned it.
"Well this is it," Trini motioned towards the front door, "shall we?"
(A lakeside)
Maya had fallen asleep, but T.J. still stayed up, keeping an eye on her. He had bandaged the wounds to the best of his ability, but he knew it was only a temporary fix. Several hours later he realized that Maya was steady, and that she was going to be okay for the rest of the night. He didn't want to, but he knew it would be better if he got a few hours sleep, and he propped himself against a tree nearby, and closed his eyes.
As he slept he felt himself pulled into a dream-like state, but it felt like he had actually drifted into his own dream, before him stood a large figure, garbed in grey. Somehow T.J. felt as if he was supposed to know who the figure was.
"Welcome warrior, it is an honor to speak to the one that was chosen by the great ape to carry on my spirit," the voice was soft, but strong.
"Your spirit? So these powers are yours?" T.J. asked.
"Not exactly. It seems the spirits of the Great Warriors has chosen a new form to take on," the grey-garbed figure spoke.
"How did we get here? Where is here? What exactly is going on?" T.J. spouted out several question.
"All will be revealed in due time I assure you," the figure replied.
"Can you at least tell me what you are?" T.J. asked.
"We were Great Warriors; the one's who condemned the Dark One to the Underworld. Our powers have faded greatly, some more-so than others, though it seems the others have chosen new hosts for their powers," the grey figure continued.
"No not all of them," a new voice spoke, and a new figure appeared. This one was strong looking, and clad in black, "your sister is unable to choose a host; she is too far gone to even make a poor decision."
T.J. gave the black figure a confusing look. His sister? He didn't have a sister. He noticed the grey figure turning towards the black figure, and realized that he meant the grey figure's sister.
"I figured as much, she had withered away so quickly…" the grey figure's was solemn.
"Is it too late to pass on her powers?" T.J. asked without even meaning to.
"No Grey Warrior, she is just unable to select an appropriate host," the black figure spoke.
"What if I know someone?" T.J. responded.
"Do you mean this girl with you?" The black figure asked, "She is not even sure who she is. She is unstable; unable to be trusted…she is a loose cannon."
"She's a Ranger…I trust her," T.J. responded.
He didn't know whether or not the figures cared what or who he trusted. He had trusted Elsa, and that didn't end well, but he knew with Ranger powers Maya would be okay. The added strengths that came with the powers would allow her a much more rapid recovery, and he hoped that it would allow her to remember who she was, at least partially.
"It is not my call, I would advise against it, but the responsibility would lie on her brother," the black figure spoke.
"If it can allow her to live," the grey figure answered, "I trust the Grey Warrior."
"Much as before, my words are not heeded, know this though Grey Warrior, as you have made the decision, so must you reap the consequences," the black figure responded, "if she proves a poor host, it is your life. You two shall be bound."
"I understand," T.J. nodded.
"Thank you warrior," the grey figure turned towards T.J., "the powers shall be passed."
T.J. felt himself waking up. The grey and black figures faded from his sight. The image of Maya sleeping came into view. In his hands he felt something small and round; it was a stone, similar to that which rested on his headband.
Moving to the injured woman, T.J. placed the stone into Maya's hand. A dark blue light engulfed the body.
(Someplace not of this world)
Maya was lost…she was cold and confused. Images flooded her mind, images of blood, death and pain. She couldn't face it…it was too much…
"Maya?" A strange, female voice spoke.
"It's too much, I can't…I won't," Maya curled into herself.
"You have to, you're needed," the voice spoke again.
"No more…no more…no more…" Maya repeated herself over and over.
Maya was gone; she had given up her humanity to survive. She was a killer, a fighter…she could never face the world again. Her hands had countless creatures' blood on her hands, sentient creatures; many only did what they had to do to survive. She couldn't ever face that reality again, here she could do no harm, here she was alone, and here she wouldn't have to face the world. She wasn't sure where here was, but she didn't care, she would remain there.
"Maya…" the voice spoke.
Maya wouldn't answer.
The voice became a body, the body of a woman. At first she was a blur, but then she became clearer, she was a young woman with light skin, pointed ears, and bright green eyes. She was dressed in dark blue armor, a long bow mounted on her back.
"Maya?" The woman reached down to touch the former Galaxy Ranger.
"No more…no more…no more…"Maya repeated.
"You're lost…" The woman dropped her head…
(Back in the world)
"Maya?" T.J. reached out and placed his hands on the woman.
Maya slowly woke up. She stiffly sat up and looked around.
"How do you feel?" T.J. asked.
"Where am I?" Maya asked.
"Maya!?! You're moving. You're talking. It worked!" T.J. smiled as he looked at the girl in front of him. She was wearing a navy blue Ranger uniform, her arms and legs in black.
"Who's Maya? My name is Terran," the voice was Maya's voice, and it came from Maya's body, but something didn't sound right.
"Terran?" T.J. was confused.
"Who are you?" Maya/Terran asked.
T.J. looked into the face of the former Yellow Ranger, apart from the long scar that angled over her face she looked just the girl he had met years ago. Though something was off…her eyes…the left was Maya's brown-colored eye the other…the right…the right was a bright green.
"Maya? What's wrong?" T.J. asked the woman.
"I told you, my name is Terran. Where are the others? Where is my brother?" Maya/Terran asked.
"Others? Brother?" It then dawned on T.J. He wasn't talking to the former Galaxy Ranger he was talking to one of the ancient warriors. He was talking to the grey figure's sister…who had somehow possessed Maya. "They're gone. You're not even who you think you are."
"What do you mean? You're crazy," the Navy Ranger replied.
"No, come here and look," T.J. flagged her over.
Maya/Terran looked into the water where T.J. had motioned. She saw her reflection. It wasn't the long-eared Foil visage she was used to seeing; it was a brunette human, with a large scar running diagonally across her face. She ran her hand over her face…he was right…
"How did this happen?" Maya/Terran asked T.J.
"I have no idea…but we need to figure it out," T.J. answered. Not really sure what else to do in this situation, T.J. introduced himself, "Well…Ma…Terran…I'm T.J."
"Well…T.J." The Navy Ranger turned towards the Grey Ranger, "I guess…we should try and figure things out."
(The Dark One's lair)
"Surprise, surprise another Ranger shows up," Trakeena watched the goings on alongside Thrax, Goldar and Elsa. The Dark One had retired to build his energy, which was probably a good thing at this moment. The generals really didn't need their lord to witness the birth of a yet another Ranger.
"Those pesky power pests always seem to travel in packs of five," Thrax shook his head, "with others to be announced."
"This is all your fault," Goldar turned towards Thrax and Trakeena, "if you two had done your jobs right we wouldn't have this problem."
"Of course, pass the blame onto someone else. You seem to excel at that," Trakeena returned.
"Watch your tongue insect," Elsa once again came to Goldar's defense.
"Should I send some of my pawns against the Rangers?" Thrax asked, not ready to get into yet another argument.
"No," Goldar answered, "you and the insect go yourselves. Take some of those worthless rock creatures if you want."
Thrax didn't argue this time. He'd been looking forward to facing these new Rangers, and now he was given a chance. He grabbed Trakeena, who was ready to continue the argument and dragged her behind him. They both stepped into an open portal and vanished into the blackness.
"What about me general?" Elsa asked the winged ape.
"You'll come with me, I want to visit an old friend," Goldar laughed.
Elsa smiled as she nodded an approval. Opening another portal, Goldar and Elsa stepped into it vanishing into the blackness themselves.
End note: Well next chapter I'll get back to the Cole fiasco, and reveal the other Vampire. As you can tell I'm finally having the various Rangers meeting up and what not…before long there will be a complete team and all. Also I'm not sure if I mentioned it before, but the over-all appearance of the Ranger uniforms are based on the appearance of the Ninja Storm uniforms (some of the coolest costumes in my opinion), with a darker palette of colors (Crimson, Navy, Grey, Black…and not so much with the White) as opposed to the primary colors usually used (Blue, Green, Red, Yellow, Pink, Red, etc…).
TBC