QUEST FOR THE LUNATI TREASURE
Episode #16
"Memento"
CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS
As the sun disappeared over the deserted land all around him, Paolo Garza continued to run. He slid behind a large boulder, trying to steady his breathing. He held tight to the wooden box in his left hand, as he lifted his right wrist, glancing at his watch. He silently cursed himself. He was going to be late, very late.
Then, he heard the howl in the distance. It was getting closer. But that was just as he had planned it.
"Come on, big daddy," Garza said, in a whisper. "You don't have your two goons to back you up anymore. You'll be joining them soon."
He glanced over his shoulder. He knew he was only a few miles away from where he had hidden the stone tablet that he had used to trap Abaddon and Gadarel. Barbus would be on top of him within minutes.
He heard the howl again, piercing through the night sky. He checked his watch, a lone glow in the darkness. When he saw the time, he winced.
"Sorry sweetheart," he whispered to the sky.
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS
A young woman stood, still wearing her apron. She wiped another bead of sweat from her forehead. The kitchen was still warm from her cooking efforts and they could never afford air conditioning. As she glanced out the window over the sink, she saw nothing but darkness.
Anita Garza turned around and glanced at the kitchen table. It had been set for two. The candle continued to burn between the two plates, both loaded with food. As she saw the steam fading on the dinner, she raised her wrist.
But unlike her husband, Anita didn't look at her watch. She caressed the ring on her finger. She remembered when Paolo proposed. She remembered how he said life would be different and they wouldn't have to struggle as long as they were together. She remembered how impressed she was with the unique design of the ring. It was a golden band with a silver swirl wrapped around it. She remembered thinking it looked like a silver wave crashing against the gold. It was surely one of a kind.
But as she remembered those things, she suddenly realized that Paolo was wrong. They were still struggling…and they weren't together.
Detective Stephen Garza rubbed the ring hanging around his neck. It had become almost a nervous habit for him, since it was a part of his wardrobe that never left his body. He held his cell phone closer to his ear, as he stared into a mirror, seeing the ring slide through his fingers.
"I wouldn't have been able to get this done without you, Bec," Garza spoke into the phone. "I owe you one."
He heard her chuckle on the other end.
"You owe me hundreds at this point," Becca Shields shot back, as she sat at her desk inside the Silver City Police Station. "But who's counting. Did you hear about that hostage situation over at the Hartford Historical Society?"
Garza looked a bit nervous. He turned away from the mirror.
"No. What happened?" he probed, wondering if she already knew the truth of his appearance there.
"I don't know all the details but apparently some ninjas were looking for a painting belonging to that Garrett guy," Becca said. "How bizarre is it that it's the same guy you had me researching?"
"Quite a coincidence," Garza said, "Any casualties?"
"Nope," Becca said. "Hartford's Rangers took care of it."
"Less work for us then," Garza said.
"Are you planning on talking to Garrett before he leaves town?" Becca asked.
"I don't think he knows anything," Garza said.
"I thought you said he knew your father," Becca said. "That's why you had me run that background check, isn't it?"
"Not exactly," Garza said. "It was a relative of his that knew my father."
Garza walked over to his bed and glanced at the map he had copied that was hidden on the back of Garrett's painting. Garza studied it.
At that moment, he heard a knock at his bedroom door.
"Look, I got to go," Garza said, cutting short his phone call. "I'll catch up with you soon."
"Okay," Becca said, as the line went dead.
"Yeah," Garza called out, as the door opened, revealing James Durst, his sergeant and friend. "What's up?"
"Morning," Durst said. "I just wanted to let you know there's no more coffee. Sorry."
"It's fine. I've got the day off anyway," Garza said. "I'll pick some up."
"I can't believe you're actually gonna take the whole day. You've been a workaholic lately," Durst said. "I thought I heard you talking to someone. I wasn't interrupting, was I?"
"No. It was just Becca."
"You and Shields cooking up something?" Durst said, with a wink.
"It's not like that," Garza said.
"Good, cuz you know what they say about office romances," Durst said.
Upon Durst's mention of romance, the only image Garza had in his head was Jessica Lorrie.
"But what do I know," Durst said, a bit sadly. "My marriage is in the gutter and I got a divorce lawyer to pay. I'll see you later."
"Have fun," Garza said, as he followed Durst towards the front door.
"Only if you do the same," Durst said, as the door closed behind him.
Garza sighed, as he returned to his room, grabbing the map. He tucked it into the back pocket of his jeans and grabbed his black backpack that was on the floor. He peeked inside and made sure that his Tracking Striker was secured. He would need it for the next part of his journey.
"I have been impressed by your handiwork," Drakar spoke inside the dark cave.
He addressed someone standing out of his sight, in the shadows.
"You left part of Silver City in ruins," Drakar said. "I like your style. I'm prepared to make you an offer that I don't think you'll be able to refuse.
He paced, waiting for some kind of movement from the shadows, but he heard and saw nothing.
"The Hartfords are in possession of something that rightfully belongs to me. They have the Lunati sword," Drakar explained. "I know for a fact that you have the skills to sniff out the sword and regain it for me."
At that moment, he heard two small chuckles coming from the shadows. Drakar stopped pacing and stood, looking straight forward as Abaddon and Gadarel emerged from the darkness.
"And here we thought you wanted our technical savvy," Abaddon said.
"What I want is your ferocity," Drakar revealed. "I must have that sword back and my Draggs are not enough!"
Abaddon and Gadarel shared a glance.
"We're still listening," Gadarel said. "What have you to offer us in return?"
"I am prepared to give you what you desire most," Drakar said, slyly. "If you deliver the sword, I will deliver the Silver Ranger!"
Abaddon and Gadarel shared another glance between them.
"An interesting proposal indeed," Abaddon seethed. "But simply handing over the Silver Ranger isn't enough."
"I'm sorry," Drakar said, putting up an objecting hand. "Did I say I would deliver the Silver Ranger? What I meant to say was that I will deliver Detective Garza…without his morpher."
Abaddon and Gadarel chuckled again, as they both locked eyes with Drakar.
"Now, we're talking," Gadarel said, before howling with delight, joined seconds later by Abaddon.
"You have a deal," Abaddon said.
Drakar nodded his head in triumph.
"I can't believe this. Even I'm stumped," Jessica said, as she sat on the desk belonging to Ian Hartford inside his office.
Dr. Hartford sat next to her in his wheelchair, as he feverishly typed on his laptop computer.
"Who could have stolen the painting if it wasn't Dark Shadow?" Jessica wondered.
"They were all present and accounted for when Spencer took the painting. They wouldn't have gone to all that trouble if they already had it," Ian surmised.
"Who does that leave? Drakar? Tarok?" Jessica wondered aloud.
"Tarok's foot soldiers were there helping Dark Shadow. Maybe their alliance is still intact," Ian said.
"I just get the feeling we're missing something," Jessica said.
At that moment, Spencer burst into the office, surprising both of them. He appeared to be stunned about something.
"Spencer, what is it?" Ian asked, impatiently.
"I know you asked me to hold your calls, sir, but Nora Hill just phoned. She says that Mr. Garrett's missing painting has been returned!" Spencer explained.
"What?" Ian said, appearing shocked himself.
He looked over at Jessica and saw the same look on her face.
"Who would steal a painting only to give it back?" she asked.
"Are they sure it's not another fake?" Ian asked.
"Yes," Spencer revealed. "She said that Mr. Garrett examined the painting himself. It's the original. He said he'd drop by on his way to the airport so you could get that scan."
"Well, this is all getting stranger by the moment," Jessica said. "It just doesn't make any sense."
"Unless whoever stole it was like us," Ian said, his brain moving a mile a minute. "Maybe all they wanted was to scan the painting for the map."
Ian began typing swiftly on his laptop again, drawing Jessica's attention.
"What are you doing?" she asked.
"I'm checking the surveillance cameras at the Historical Society again," Ian explained. "Whoever stole the painting caused interference on the cameras a few hours before the gala. That's why we couldn't pick up a visual on the theft. I'm hoping they weren't so careful in returning it."
Spencer walked over, joining Jessica as they peered over Ian's shoulder at the computer screen, which showed a camera mounted on the outside of the Hartford Historical Society building.
"There it is," Spencer said, pointing to the painting as it entered the frame.
Unfortunately, all they could see was an arm placing it on the ground near the entrance.
"We're dealing with a professional," Jessica said. "They know exactly where the cameras are. They're meticulously avoiding them."
Soon, the arm was out of the frame and all that was left to see was the painting. Jessica studied the picture and besides a slight movement of tire tracks in the corner of the screen, there was no other movement.
At that moment, the mansion seemed to start shaking, as they heard a large thumping. The trio braced themselves around Ian's desk.
"What is that?" Spencer asked. "An earthquake?"
Jessica stood up and instantly knew that to be a false assumption.
"The foundation's not shaking," she said, appearing troubled. "It sounds like it's coming from upstairs!"
The three rushed to Ian's elevator and took it up to the third floor. Following the sound, they approached the gym. Jessica swung the door open, not sure of what she'd find inside. But as she saw it with her own eyes, she couldn't help but smile. Spencer and Ian entered behind her to see Chris Hartford doing jumping jacks, as Zel stood in front of him, mirroring his movements.
"Chris!" Ian shouted over the loud music Chris had playing.
Chris grabbed the remote in his pocket and turned the music off, as he stopped jumping. Zel, however, continued to jump in rhythm.
"Zel, stop!" Jessica shouted, causing him to stop instantly.
"What is going on?" Ian asked Chris.
"Zel was bored, so I asked if he wanted to join me for a workout," Chris answered.
"Zel was bored?" Ian said, looking confused. "What is he doing out of containment?"
"He's a living, breathing being. You can't keep him in that dark box like the chalice," Chris said, as he gestured towards Jessica. "Am I right?"
"I'd settle for some piece and quiet, anywhere," Jessica said, before leaving.
"Chris, listen to me. The Lunati sword is very valuable to a lot of people and if we don't keep it secure, then there's more likelihood that someone will be able to steal it," Ian said.
"Why are you calling Zel an 'it'? He's not just a sword. He's practically a person!" Chris said. "You can't treat him like an object. He deserves some breathing room."
"I would like to see more of this city," Zel chimed in.
"No," Ian said, quickly.
"Dad!" Chris fired back.
"I'm sorry but it's too dangerous," Ian said.
Chris looked over at Spencer, looking for some backup.
"I'm sorry Master Chris but I have no jurisdiction on matters dealing with the treasure," Spencer said.
Chris let out an angry groan.
"This is not fair and you know it!" he said, loudly to his father, before storming out of the room.
Ian shook his head, as he watched Chris go. He looked up at Spencer for some backup, only to see him leave as well after giving him a nasty look. Ian glanced back over at Zel and saw the creature lower his head, almost in shame. Ian let out a groan of his own.
"Are you sure this is an exact copy of the map?" Becca asked, as she began taking measurements on the markings on it.
Garza glanced around the café to be sure that no one was paying them much attention. He then leaned over the table, so she could hear his lowered voice.
"I'm positive," Garza said. "I copied it perfectly."
"How did you find this anyway?" Becca asked, as she began typing on her laptop computer.
"You led me to Garrett and that led me to the map," Garza said. "Are you sure it has something to do with my father?"
"I'm positive," Becca said. "That interview you showed me of Sebastian Garrett in Scotland checked out. He was telling the truth about how he found that map he used for his recycled painting. It was a gift from his uncle who was a world traveler and found it while exploring some remote area in Texas. He was so vivid with the details and I was able to trace that uncle to Corpus Christi where your dad died."
"Then this map could lead me to something my father left behind," Garza said, quietly to himself.
Garza's mind filled with thoughts of the Ja'Vey. The demonic menaces had been trapped by his father only to be resurrected. Garza had tried everything to destroy them, but without the stone tablet, he was sure it was hopeless, until he came across that interview.
"Okay," Becca said, happily. "I've used the drawing of the map you made to create more detailed directions. Are you really gonna follow the trail?"
She printed out a copy of her updated map and handed it to Garza.
"That's the only way to find out what the big 'X' is," Garza said.
"Could be nothing," Becca said.
"And it could be everything," Garza said. "I don't have much family left, Bec. Just keep things quiet, okay."
"Of course," Becca said. "When are you leaving?"
"I don't know yet, but I'll be in touch," Garza lied.
He exited the café and mounted his motorcycle, securing his backpack and headed for the border. It was a long journey ahead and he wanted a head start. While he believed Becca would keep quiet, he couldn't guarantee how long she would after discovering he had gone to Texas. He wasn't sure what he'd find, but he was sure that it wasn't the business of the Silver City Police Department.
Chris Hartford strolled down a deserted street in downtown Silver City. The time of day, mixed with the huge construction project going on, didn't appeal to most pedestrians and most people stayed away from this street. It made it perfect for Chris's mission to show Zel more of the city. Chris glanced over at the transformed sword walking at his side. He couldn't help but chuckle as he saw the curiosity in the creature's eyes, as his head bobbed quickly from left to right, taking in the sights.
"It is remarkable how much has changed," Zel said, his voice full of innocence.
"It has been 500 years or so," Chris said.
"It's still very hard to believe so much time has passed," Zel said. "I was trapped in that mountainside for so long. If you hadn't come along, I might still be there."
"Actually, Addie beat me to it," Chris revealed.
"Addie?" Zel said, as he looked curiously at Chris, tilting his head. "I do not recognize the name."
"She pulled you from the mountain, so technically I guess she's the one who rescued you," Chris said, a bit somberly.
"Where is she now?" Zel asked.
"I—I don't know," Chris said, as he slightly lowered his head.
It was a question he wished he had the answer to.
"But, you'd want to steer clear of her anyway," Chris said, almost as if he had rehearsed the line to tell himself. "She's on Tarok's side."
"Then I agree with you," Zel said. "Any friend of Tarok's is an enemy to the crown. I just wish Tarok didn't have that as well. He will become more dangerous with every piece of the king's treasure he finds…and if he finds me, I will be powerless to stop him or anyone who collects all of the treasure."
Chris sighed.
"Perhaps we should return to your mansion," Zel said, as he continued looking around.
"Why?" Chris asked.
"Your father doesn't approve of this," Zel explained. "He wishes to continue protecting me."
"That's not all he wishes," Chris said, under his breath.
"What do you mean?"
"Look, my father doesn't deserve your loyalty. You don't have to do whatever he tells you," Chris said. "He's not your master."
"But if it had not been for his quest to locate the treasure, I might still be trapped on that mountainside," Zel said.
"My father didn't lift a finger to save you from Tarok or Drakar," Chris said. "And if he had his way, he'd use you just like Tarok would. That's why he wants to keep you under lock and key."
"You do not seem to trust him," Zel said. "If you can so easily associate him with Tarok, then why are you loyal to him?"
Chris sighed again.
"That's a very good question," Chris said.
The two continued their walk when they reached a barricade blocking their way. It was cut off to the public because of all the construction going on.
"What is going on here?" Zel asked curiously.
"Oh, one of the buildings was destroyed," Chris said. "I hear it got pretty crazy."
"Something highly destructive must have caused such damage," Zel said, as he examined all of the damaged areas being rebuilt.
"Yep," Chris said. "The Ja'Vey are more than a handful."
"The Ja'Vey?" Zel said, stunned to hear their names. "They are alive now as well?"
Chris simply nodded his head, knowing that if Zel knew who they were, he could be sure of their destructive tendencies.
"They were savages who preyed on many of the Lunati kingdom's people," Zel said.
"Let's just say their appetite hasn't slowed much since they were resurrected," Chris said.
"It is a dangerous time," Zel said. "It looks so much different than I remember, but it appears this world's troubles haven't changed much."
"Nope. There's just more of them," Chris said, with a chuckle.
At that moment, the two were caught off-guard by a huge blast of energy, which knocked both of them off their feet. Chris fell to the ground hard, rolling several feet away from the construction zone. Zel was back on his feet quickly, just as two black burs whizzed past him, striking him several times in the chest and legs.
Zel's body began to spark as he fell to his knees. Then, came the howling. He was instantly aware of who had attacked him, but their tactics had changed with the times. He looked up to see Abaddon and Gadarel standing several feet away, with their weapons drawn. They were pointed directly at him.
"Long time no see," Gadarel shouted.
"The past returns yet again," Abaddon spoke. "I have a feeling things will be much different this time around."
"Yes," Gadarel said. "We won't lose the sword, like we did when we destroyed the Lunati!"
The two opened fire and Zel ducked to shield himself from the blast. But the blast never touched him. He looked up to see the morphed Red Ranger standing in front of him. Chris took the brunt of the strike and fell to his knees, as his suit lit up with damage.
"Pesky Red Ranger!" Abaddon yelled, as he took to the air.
The black-clad demon aimed his twin blasters down at the Red Ranger, while he was still in the air. He fired just as Zel took flight himself. He jumped into the air, kicking the Ja'Vey demon in the gut, causing his laser blasts to land several inches away from the Red Ranger.
Zel landed on his feet, as Abaddon crashed to the ground several feet away from him, clutching his chest.
"You have not changed!" Zel announced, just as he was blasted again from behind.
The creature collapsed to the ground, as Gadarel appeared behind him, holding his blaster, which was twice the size of Abaddon's twin blasters. He squealed with glee, as he walked closer to Zel.
"And you haven't changed either," Gadarel professed. "You still fight honorably…so honorably you would turn your back on a dangerous opponent."
"Seems that's catching!" Chris shouted.
Gadarel's head turned quickly, only to be slashed in the chest by the Red Ranger's hand blaster in sword mode. Chris rushed to Zel's side, just as Abaddon pulled him away. Chris went for a punch but the Ja'Vey ducked the blow and kicked the Red Ranger squarely in the chest, sending him flying backwards into the construction zone, breaking several wooden beams, as he crashed through them.
Abaddon howled with delight, before turning his sights on Zel. He picked the creature up off the ground by the arm, just as Gadarel joined him, grabbing the other arm. At that moment, Zel looked up and his eyes glowed bright green. Using all of his strength, Zel ripped his arms from their hands, knocking them both backwards a bit.
"Lightning strike!" Zel shouted.
As they advanced upon him again, he began to rapidly punch and kick in every direction, catching both of them with several strikes that sent them both flying in opposite directions and colliding with the concrete below.
"Chris!" Zel yelled, as he rushed into the construction zone, trying to help the hurt Red Ranger to his feet.
At that moment, however, they were both struck with another blast from Gadarel's blaster. Chris and Zel both collapsed to the ground in a barrage of sparks from the impact. They both tried to get up, just as Abaddon got to his feet. He extended his hands, twisting his twin blasters in his hands. He opened fire on the foundation of one of the buildings, causing the rubble of it to collapse on top of the two.
Gadarel got to his feet and joined hi partner. The two slowly trudged closer to the wreckage, just as they saw rubble begin to move. Zel staggered to his feet, only to fall once again. With his power drained from the attacks, Zel transformed back into his sword form. Abaddon triumphantly picked up the sword and admired it in his grip.
"We have what we came for," he told Gadarel. "Now it is time to collect our reward!"
Gadarel howled with glee, before taking off at rapid speed with Abaddon. The Ja'Vey were gone in an instant.
As Garza's motorcycle sped down the highway, he remained focus on the journey ahead. Without looking back, he had been going at top speed, with his portable siren activated to prevent any traffic from standing in his way. As he gripped the handle bars a bit tighter, he wondered exactly where the map was leading him.
Paolo Garza fiercely clawed at the dirt beneath him, digging deeper and deeper into the dark soil. Every few seconds, he would pull his head up to listen for the approaching danger, that he knew wasn't lurking very far from him.
He heard nothing.
His head lowered and he continued to pull at the dirt, creating a larger hole in the ground. He looked to his right where the small wooden box sat. He knew what Barbus wanted to get his hands on. This piece of the Lunati treasure had become a symbol for the hunters and they each carried it with pride. Paolo had come to think of it more as a target and less as a badge of honor. He would taunt Barbus with the knowledge that he would never get his hands on it.
It would be just the leverage he needed to lure him right into the trap that would finally lock him away for good.
Paolo paused his digging once again. He heard the howl. It sounded closer than the last. He quickly dropped the wooden box into the large hole and began to replace all of the dirt he had disturbed.
Once he had finished burying it, he added a few more marks to the map. He stood up and began running, as he heard the approaching Ja'Vey demon. When he had gotten safely away from the spot, he heard the howl coming from above. He looked up to see Barbus clutching the trunk of a tree.
"Your doom is upon you!" Barbus shouted.
Paolo quickly tucked the map into his pocket, just as Barbus' heavy body landed on top of them, beginning an hour-long struggle.
"First I will torture you with the sight of me holding the Lunati pendant in my hands," Barbus announced. "Then, I will spill your blood on it and wear it as my medal of victory!"
Barbus howled loudly, giving Garza the opening he was looking for. He pulled the dagger from his pocket and stabbed Barbus in the throat with the weapon, halting his howls.
Paolo squirmed away from Barbus, as he gasped for air. Paolo stood above the creature and their eyes locked.
"You want this map to the pendant?" Paolo said. "Come and get it!"
Paolo ran off, heading closer and closer towards the stone tablet. He knew that he was running out of time. Barbus's attack had left him injured as well. He clutched his stomach, where Barbus's claw had pierced his chest. As he saw the blood on his hands, he couldn't help but think of his family.
He wouldn't be returning home. They would have to go on without him.
Garza stopped his motorcycle as he rode onto a deserted stretch of road that resembled a desert, given the sporadic appearance of trees in the sunny area. Garza removed his helmet and glanced at the map, realizing the street would no longer help him. Garza replaced his helmet and pointed his motorcycle off the road. He sped through the tan dirt, causing dust to fly up past him as he sped on his way.
"I cannot believe you disobeyed me!" Ian shouted at the top of his lungs.
He stared at Chris Hartford who was hunched over on his bed, holding his own injured chest, as Spencer wrapped him in bandages. Jessica stood at Ian's side near the door to Chris's bedroom.
"Now look what's happened!" Ian said. "We've lost the Lunati sword!"
"He has a name!" Chris shouted, causing himself more pain. "And we didn't lose anything. I lost him. I lost Zel, a living being and I'll get him back."
"You can barely move," Spencer said, objecting. "I think you may have cracked a rib."
"So much for impenetrable suits," Chris mumbled.
"You're so reckless," Ian said, angrily, before looking up at Jessica. "We have to get the sword back."
Jessica nodded and headed for the door.
"Wait for me," Chris said, trying to stand up, only to have Spencer push him back down.
"I don't think so," Spencer decreed. "I would suggest you not go running off after them alone either, Miss Lorrie."
"I'm not going after them alone," Jessica said. "I have a plan."
"Which is what?" Ian inquired.
"There's one person I know who can track the demons down," Jessica said. "I'm calling in a favor."
Jessica rushed off without another word. Ian grimaced at the thought of getting Detective Garza involved in their business again.
It didn't take long for Jessica to arrive at the Durst house. She had been disappointed that Garza hadn't answered his cell phone. She was unaware that given the high speed of his motorcycle and his intense focus, he hadn't heard his cell phone or his morpher when she called. She pulled up around the corner from the house, before dialing another number on her cell phone.
This time, however, a woman answered.
"Silver City Police Department of Detectives, how may I help you?" the woman spoke.
"Yes, is Sergeant Durst in?" Jessica asked.
"Yes. What may I tell him this is in reference to?" the secretary asked.
Jessica promptly hung up and pulled up to the front of the house. As she did so, she noticed the house wasn't deserted, despite Garza's motorcycle being absent. She saw a young woman standing in front of the house on her cell phone, carrying several files and holding a laptop computer case. Jessica exited the car and the young woman caught sight of her.
"I know you," Becca said. "You work for Ian Hartford don't you?"
"You have me at a loss," Jessica said. "You know so much about me but I don't know anything about you."
"I work for the Silver City P.D." Becca explained. "Detective Garza's a friend of mine. He's mentioned you people."
"You people?" Jessica said, annoyed.
"Look, I don't know what you're doing here, but no one's home, so I suggest you be on your way," Becca said, sternly.
"Do you know where I can find Garza?" Jessica said.
"No," Becca said, clutching the files in her hands a bit tighter.
"You know if you're going to keep your job at the police department, you should really become a better liar," Jessica said. "Where is he?"
"I'm not telling you anything," Becca said.
"That's all right," Jessica said. "I have my methods."
She jumped back into her silver jaguar.
"But you already know that since you've heard about us people," Jessica took off in her car.
Becca watched the car speed off and turn a corner. She shook her head.
"I certainly hope I can convince you to be more forthcoming than the Pink Ranger can!"
Becca turned around to see the voice belonged to the large red dragon creature she had seen on the news before. Her eyes grew wide, as several of his foot soldiers appeared around her. She tried to run, only to bump right into Drakar. He grabbed her by the arm.
"Now, you will take me to Garza!" Drakar said, as he chuckled victoriously.
Under the heat of the Texas sun, Garza had abandoned his motorcycle, as he continued to follow his map, wondering what his father had left behind. He knew the feeling he got from holding the dagger in his hands when he trapped Barbus in the stone tablet. His father had held that weapon so many times before. It gave him strength. Garza hoped that whatever his father had left behind now would do the same in his fight against the remaining two demons.
He finally reached the spot marked with an 'X' on his map. Garza pulled the Tracking Striker from his backpack and ran it along the ground around him. After several sweeps, the device located a faint Lunati signal coming from under ground. He placed the Tracking Striker back in his bag, alongside his morpher. He retrieved the small portable shovel he brought along and fell to his knees, beginning to dig.
Garza gripped the shovel in his hands with anticipation. He was so curious about what his father was doing with a piece of the Lunati treasure. He could feel his pulse quicken as he continued to dig. If what he had heard about the treasure was true then this piece could be just as powerful as the sword he had seen in action before. It could help him in his battle. It would be the gift he needed most from his father.
But as he pierced more of the soil beneath him, he heard something approaching, getting louder by the second. Before he could drop the shovel in his hand, he heard the swarming mumbles of the Draggs, as they surrounded him. Garza was shocked at the presence of the Ferum warriors. He quickly swung the shovel, taking out three of the creatures, as he nailed them each in the face. He ducked a punch from another, driving the shovel into the creature's chest. He continued to fight off the creatures, until he heard the booming voice of their leader.
"Stop!" Drakar shouted to him.
Garza looked over to see Drakar manhandling Becca.
"Play nicely or I may have to hurt your friend," Drakar said.
Garza's breathing remained heavy, as his eyes filled with fury.
"I'm sorry," Becca said, sadly.
"Let her go," Garza said, angrily.
"With pleasure, but first you will hand over your morpher," Drakar said.
Garza's eyes shifted to Becca. He could see the confusion on her face. She didn't know what Drakar was referring to. Garza dropped the shovel and picked up his back pack. He tossed it towards Drakar and the Ferum leader caught it with his free hand. He peeked inside and saw the Silver Ranger's morpher and Tracking Striker.
"Stephen?" Becca said, shocked to learn of his secret identity.
"Take him," Drakar ordered his Draggs.
The creatures swarmed Garza, pulling him away from his digging spot and closer towards Drakar. The Ferum leader walked over to the spot where Garza had been digging. He pushed Becca down on the ground, near the shovel.
"Dig!" Drakar ordered.
Becca eyed the shovel and then looked back at him.
"No," she protested.
"Why don't you let me do that?" Garza called to Drakar. "I'm faster!"
Drakar turned to Garza and chuckled.
"I don't want you anywhere near the Lunati treasure that is buried here," Drakar said.
Garza appeared shocked that Drakar was aware of the buried treasure.
"Yes," Drakar confirmed. "I know what lies beneath the soil. The Hartford's seek it as well."
He didn't mention his surveillance tactics, despite Garza's confusion.
"Besides, you have a date and I wouldn't want you to get too dirty," Drakar said, as he began to laugh triumphantly. He turned back to Becca. "Dig!"
Becca picked up the shovel and began digging in the spot Garza had started.
Jessica's fingers flew around the keyboard in front of her at the long desk in the Tracking Lab beneath the Hartford mansion. She had two terminals going at the same time. Her usual computer of choice was in the middle, with the tracking satellite systems activated. But, she was using the monitor next to it for some tracking of her own. As she finished entering the data, she activated the search systems. She took a deep breath, hoping to find what she was looking for.
Chris Hartford walked slowly into the laboratory. Jessica glanced over her shoulder and saw him heading towards her. She looked surprised.
"Up and around?" she said, as he sat at the seat next to her, putting him in front of the other computer.
"You know I'm a glutton for punishment. Did you find Garza?" Chris asked.
"Nope. I'm still looking," Jessica said, as the computer in front of her beeped.
She looked closer at the blinking silver beacon on the screen, which began triangulating a position for that exact location.
"I'm tracking his morpher," Jessica said. "It looks like he's in Texas."
"He must be feeling homesick," Chris surmised.
At that moment, the monitor in front of Chris began blinking as well. He looked closer at the satellite tracker's coordinates as it picked up the signal from the Lunati sword.
"Found Zel," Chris said. "This is weird."
"What?" Jessica said, as she downloaded the coordinates to the location of Garza's morpher, transferring them to her tracker.
"They took Zel to Texas," Chris said, almost stunned. "And they're on the move."
Jessica's head jerked over to see the computer screen for herself.
"Oh my god," she said, as she began feverishly typing on her own keyboard, bringing the two tracking systems' data into one singular program, leading her to an instant answer. "They're going after Garza with the sword. They're close."
Jessica jumped up from her seat and headed towards the zord holding bay at the rear of the Tracking Lab.
"Right behind you," Chris said, as he ran to catch up, still holding his ribs.
"You know, Silver Ranger, you don't seem so tough without your power," Drakar said, as he gripped the backpack even tighter in his hand.
Drakar reached out, gripping Garza's chin in his hand.
"I can feel real fear in you," Drakar spoke. "Are you afraid that I will take all of your valuables? I already have the morpher which you stole from me! Next, I will have the piece of the Lunati treasure buried here. And then, I will add it to my collection."
"What collection?" Garza asked curiously.
"The one I'm about to start," Drakar chuckled, just as a chorus of howls were heard in the distance.
Garza's eyes grew wide, as he was instantly aware of the approaching Ja'Vey. He almost cursed himself. His headache should have been a warning, but he had been fooled into thinking it was only stress from Drakar's attack and capture of Becca.
Drakar turned to see the two Ja'Vey walking slowly towards them. He nodded his head, as he spotted the Lunati sword shining in the sunlight. The Ja'Vey got close enough to see Garza being held at bay by the Draggs.
"I see you've kept up your end of our deal," Abaddon said to Drakar. "That is good for you. We don't take kindly to betrayal."
"I have no reason to deceive you, especially when you bring such a special prize," Drakar said, staring at the sword.
"I believe it's time for a trade," Gadarel said, practically salivating at the sight of Garza being detained.
"What about her?" Abaddon said, unable to shake the smell of human flesh in the area.
He pointed at Becca, who paused her digging.
"She is mine!" Drakar commanded.
"Just let her go!" Garza yelled. "She's not a part of any of this."
"You are in no position to bargain, Silver Ranger," Drakar said, before turning back to Becca. "Keep digging!"
Becca continued to dig, as Drakar blocked the Ja'Vey from her path.
"I suggest you take your prize and hand over the sword," Drakar said, showing no fear.
Abaddon handed Drakar the sword and he could instantly feel its power pulsing through his body. Drakar moaned with pleasure.
"Yes," he said. "I can feel it in my bones!"
Standing at Drakar's sides, Gadarel and Abaddon both locked eyes with Garza in the grasp of the Ferum. They advanced towards him, as he could feel his headache intensifying. But before the demons could get too close, a massive laser blast landed at their feet, knocking both of the creatures away from Garza.
The detective looked to the sky, where the red and silver Hyper Jet zoomed by. The Red & Pink Rangers jumped from the speeding jet down to the ground, with their hand blasters already drawn. The Red Ranger fired upon Drakar, who was still holding Zel. The Pink Ranger fired her blaster at a few of the Draggs surrounding Garza.
He took his chance, as the two holding them were caught off-guard by the onslaught. He planted his foot in the chest of one of the Draggs, freeing one arm. He ducked under the Dragg holding his other arm and punched the creature across the face, causing it to stagger backwards, freeing his arm. Garza ran towards the Dragg hitting a flying kick that sent the creature crashing into his motorcycle.
"Garza!" the Red Ranger shouted, getting Garza's attention.
Garza turned to see Chris using his hand blaster in sword mode to block Drakar's attempts to swipe at him with the Lunati sword. Chris had grabbed a hold of Drakar's other arm with his free hand. He gripped Drakar's wrist tightly and kicked Garza's backpack out of Drakar's hand, sending it flying into the air.
"Look out!" Jessica shouted, as she saw Abaddon & Gadarel running towards Garza.
The detective looked behind him and saw the two coming at him. He took off running and launched himself into the air, grabbing the pack. He fell to the ground, rolling to his knees. He aimed the Tracking Striker in blast mode, firing on the two Ja'Vey. The blast hit the demons squarely in the chest. Their momentum caused them to flip backwards, landing hard on the ground. Garza strapped on his morpher, pressing the activation button.
"Silver Ranger, Start Up!"
Garza morphed instantly and sprinted towards the two Ja'Vey who were not staying down. He transformed his weapon back into a striking staff as he ran.
Several feet away, Becca found her digging complete. She hit something hard with the shovel. She dropped to her knees and began removing the dirt with her hands until she uncovered the wooden box that had been buried for years. She held it in her hands and looked back up to see Garza fighting as the Silver Ranger. She still couldn't believe her eyes.
Then, her gaze was blocked, as a group of Draggs blocked her vision. They all seemed to be coming at her, with eyes locked on that box. Becca's eyes grew wide. A last blast caught two of them in the chest, sending them flying away from her in a barrage of sparks.
Becca turned her head to see the Pink Ranger had fired on them. She watched Jessica Lorrie fly through the air, catching the third Dragg with a kick to the chest. She ducked a punch from the fourth creature and fired her hand blaster, sending him flying as well. She helped Becca to her feet and saw Becca's eyes once again focused on Garza.
"I see why you were looking for him," Becca said, still stunned.
"You all right?" Jessica asked.
"Yeah," Becca said. "Thanks."
"Just stay close," Jessica said, as she blocked Becca from the next wave of approaching Draggs.
Gadarel quickly transformed his long blaster into a sword, swiping at Garza, who managed to duck the strike. Abaddon came from the other side, firing his twin blasters. Garza ducked around Gadarel, holding him at bay with his Tracking Striker at the demon's throat. Abaddon opened fire and hit his comrade instead. Garza continued moving forward, using Gadarel as a shield.
The Ja'Vey demon collapsed to the ground and Abaddon howled furiously. He took off running towards Garza, who flipped over him, landing behind the creature. Garza spun around with his Tracking Striker outstretched. As Abaddon turned to attack he was caught by the slashing strike of the weapon, sending a burst of energy straight through his chest. His entire body lit up with damage as he fell to the ground.
Gadarel crawled over to his comrade on the ground, as Garza began slowly walking towards them again.
"Until next time," Gadarel seethed, as he grabbed hold of Abaddon and the two disappeared.
The Red Ranger had his hands full with Drakar's new weapon of choice. Drakar swiftly used Zel to knock the Ranger's hand blaster several feet away. Drakar swiped his claw at the Red Ranger using his other hand, which caused him to fall to the ground. With Drakar standing over him, Chris thought fast.
"Power Staff!" he yelled, as the red weapon materialized in his hands.
He used the pitchfork-shaped weapon to block Drakar's swipe, but he could still feel that the Lunati sword was too strong. He quickly kicked Drakar in the chest, causing him to stagger away from him. The Red Ranger jumped to his feet, as Drakar regained his footing and advanced on him again. Chris ducked the next blow and stabbed at Drakar's chest with the three-pronged blade at the tip of his weapon.
Drakar staggered backwards once again, as his chest sparked with damage. He was only swayed for a moment, however, as he blocked the Red Ranger's next strike and swiftly swung the Lunati sword at the Red Ranger's chest, causing him to practically explode given the pure energy emitted from the weapon. Chris collapsed to the ground, clutching his ribs once again.
Drakar laughed loudly.
"The power is mine!" he shouted, before disappearing in a ball of fire.
"No!" Chris shouted, reaching out his hand as if he could still grab hold of Zel before Drakar was gone.
But he was indeed too late. Drakar had escaped with the Lunati sword.
Jessica continued to fend off the Draggs as they came near Becca, but the disappearance of Drakar, soon led them to retreat as well. Seconds later, Garza had de-morphed and joined them, checking on Becca's condition. Still morphed, Jessica ran to Chris's side, making sure he was okay. She looked up to see Garza hugging Becca, holding her close, as she gave him the wooden box she found. Jessica took a few more fleeting glances before grabbing Chris and leaving the area.
Several hours later, Chris Hartford found himself sitting in his father's office, listening to his drawn out disappointment in the day's events. He couldn't help holding his injured ribs, as he stared off, wondering when his father would stop talking.
"The complexity of this quest has changed all over again," Ian said, angrily. "With the Lunati sword in Drakar's hands, there may be no stopping him!"
Ian finally finished his scolding. As he looked at Chris, he noticed he barely seemed to be paying attention.
"Don't you have anything to say?" he wondered.
Chris turned his head to look Ian in the eye.
"Are you expecting me to apologize?" Chris said, with a quiet fury. "I'll never forgive myself for losing Zel. He was promised protection and he didn't get it. Now, he's in the hands of a madman with a grudge the size of Silver City. I know I messed up."
Chris stood up gingerly, as he felt the soreness more intensely on his feet.
"But I'll never apologize to you," Chris said. "You treated him like he was just another relic for your collection. I'll never apologize for treating him with respect and the honor of a warrior. He deserved a helluva lot more than he got in this house!"
"If he had stayed in containment he would still be here," Ian shot back.
"You still don't get it," Chris said. "All you care about is putting the treasure together so you can wish for new legs. To hell with everyone else. To hell with human rights!"
"He's not human!" Ian shouted.
"He's not just an object either," Chris yelled back. "But you couldn't see that because you're so selfish."
"Well, I hate to break it to you, son, but you're just like me," Ian said. "You took him out of here just to spite me. Admit it! You didn't care about protecting him. All you cared about was sticking it to me, so that makes you just as selfish. You need to learn that as long as you carry that morpher and fight at my side, you need to obey my orders."
"At your side?" Chris said, with a chuckle. "What a joke. You really are fooling yourself into thinking this is all about you. Well, you know what? You better be prepared because the day is coming that you're gonna look to your side and find no one standing there."
Chris walked out of his father's office. With him gone, Ian slammed his fist down on his desk in frustration.
Stephen Garza sat on the grass of the cemetery next to his sister's grave, still holding the wooden box. He hadn't opened it since his return from Texas. He sat there, simply staring at it.
"I thought I might find you hear," Jessica spoke.
Garza looked over to see her walking towards him.
"I guess you figured it out by now," Garza said.
Jessica knelt in the grass next to him. She sighed.
"I had my suspicions after the painting was returned," she said. "Mixed with how you fled the Historical Society so quickly that night, I knew something was up. I analyzed the tire tracks in the corner of the security video and they matched your motorcycle."
"You're good," Garza said, trying to smile. "I thought I was completely of range."
"I needed that map," Garza said. "My father drew the original. He buried this box there and I had to know what was inside."
Jessica pulled her tracker from her pocket and scanned the box. She looked curiously at her tracker.
"The Lunati trace is so small," she deduced. "It's not a piece of the treasure. The pendant would have to be much bigger. Why don't you open it?"
Garza opened the box and the first thing he saw was a white piece of paper. He pulled it out and unfolded it. Garza was greeted with his father's handwriting. He placed the box on the ground. Jessica peeked inside and saw the only other thing inside was an old necklace chain. She scanned it with her tracker and discovered it was the source of the signal. She figured it must have originally been the chain that held the Lunati pendant.
Garza took a deep breath as he read his father's note:
If you're looking for the hunter's pendant, you've come to the wrong place. That small piece of silver has been passed down through many generations of hunters. This may be my final quest as the Ja'Vey hunter and I couldn't risk letting that badge of honor and courage fall into demonic hands.
If I don't return to my home, I know they will be safe. No one will ever find the pendant. If they tried, they'd be looking for the wrong thing. Badges of honor can come in all shapes and sizes and the greatest triumph I could have committed was the day I had that piece of jewelry melted down into something I could protect in the most unlikely place.
As Garza leaned over reading the note in one hand, his other hand drifted to the necklace that carried his mother's wedding ring that he wore around his neck.
"Oh my god," he said, as he realized what his father was talking about.
Garza held tight to the ring, as he looked over at Jessica. She scanned the ring with her tracker and got just the reading Garza was expecting.
"The pendant," Jessica said, in disbelief. "He used it to make the ring. You've had it all along. It's so small our satellite system never picked it up."
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS
Anita Garza stood still in the kitchen of her small apartment, still waiting. As she glanced up at the clock on the wall next to the table, she saw that it had struck midnight. The food was now cold and the candle had almost completely melted away.
Tears fell from her eyes as she looked down, caressing her large, pregnant belly. Anita walked over to the table and took off her wedding ring. She placed it on the table and blew out the candle, before leaving the kitchen. The moonlight shined through the window above the sink, casting a light down on that ring on the table.
A young boy entered the darkened kitchen and locked eyes with the ring, before looking to the moon. Young Stephen's eyes returned to the ring, as he heard his mother's cries coming from the next room.
"My grandmother was right," Garza said, as he thought back to his final time with her. "She said it was the heart of my legacy."
Jessica scooted a bit closer to Garza as he leaned against his sister's headstone.
"I guess they'll be coming after it now," Garza said, thinking of the factions.
"No one knows about it," Jessica said. "The box only had a chain in it."
Garza looked at her. He could see the sincerity in her eyes.
"You won't tell Hartford?"
"This is your legacy," Jessica said. "My job was to help Dr. Hartford keep the treasure out of evil hands by collecting and protecting the relics. You're the greatest protector I know."
"It will never fall into the wrong hands," Garza said. "I'd stake my life on it. I feel the same way about you."
Jessica smiled. Garza caressed Jessica's cheek, as they locked eyes, slowly leaning toward one another for a kiss.
In the distance, a small black car pulled up to the cemetery. Becca Shields was behind the wheel. Sergeant Durst had told her where she could find Garza. She was hoping to make sure he was all right after their adventure. But from her car, she could tell that another had beaten her to the cemetery. She saw Garza kissing Jessica Lorrie in the moonlight. She took a deep breath and pulled off.
THE END
Next time on
Quest for the Lunati Treasure
Bishop is back in fighting form and itching
for his next battle. When a hidden spring of the
Lunati's sacred water is located, all of the factions
want their share, leading to a massive fight. But
when Addie gets too close to the danger, the Black
Hunter is left with a critical choice to make.