Note: As far as I'm aware, the guys or gals who are pro-Rangers look forward to a confrontation with the 'Main Villain(s)'. I value them to,… just the consequences for such a vigorous desire might be particularly severe. Guess we'll see.
Note #2: In this chapter, there is a resurfacing of a topic from way back. It will prove vital to future altercations between the 3 groups.
Chapter 15. What A Hit, Eh ?
34 hours before the battle. A group of four individuals are engaged in a circle, trading ideas with each other about a joint activity.
"…I'm masterfully amazed that you'd enlist my aid in this mission."
"For me, let's just get on our journey without any hassle. I'd take that sign as a positive one when it comes to our mission."
"You would?"
"Unquestionably so, Nalmos."
"I think we're done with the preparation." – Almagro voices.
"I agree."
"For now, my friends."
"Glad to hear it."
In pristine coordination, the quartet begin marching towards a space ship.
Somewhere relatively close by. Mindful, thought capacity possessing beings often arrive in several distinct 'states', which someone could describe as concrete time intervals drenched in a single emotion. When a person delves into a serene state, a magnificent, highly impressionable act can be witnessed – the stare of one's eyes into the distance. The one of a kind female had gazed in such a manner, her deep purple eyes appeared to be expressing several ideas, possibly opposing in some never conceived way. To the extremely disciplined & perceptive, some of them might be identified. Luckily, no one had decided to act in such a manner, given Nemesis profound ruthlessness. You could say that would be a death sentence. At this exact time, the supremely attractive female is surprisingly unoffended by the range of emotions spilling out of her selfhood.
"These… emotions that I'm intaking… are like… a breeze of fresh air into my core. The magic night may yet… materialize today."
The processing of reality, in context to the future, is bizarrely honest, caring on one hand and vicious, forceful on the other. The vast majority of times such analysis would end fairly quickly for the physically irresistible female, but the fact of being to bring all the necessary pieces into their exact spot had created a strong repellent to chaotic forces, whether hers or someone else's.
"We should address the core reason why we're here." – someone lets out with masterful softness.
As if by coincidence the outer forces merge with the inner forces to manifest a holistic existence for the enthralling, admirably long, purple haired female. With little rush, she abandons the long distance stare and spins 180 degrees around, still relishing in the experience of being hole, in sync with all of one's existence.
"I agree, cousin."
One of her cousins rearranges their sight on somebody else.
"We should not overreact, overcommit at such a crucial time,… my lovely siblings."
"You realize you've changed from your trip,… brother?"
"Of course he knows. He's just keeping the air between us positive with a bit of…"
Nemesis confidently, maliciously giggles.
"…flirting."
All 3 beings had chosen to end their most recent verbal soliloquies with significant zest; whether it was pointing to something more energetic in the future remained to be seen.
"Your tactics haven't disintegrated in these years, brother. I welcome such prominence."
"As do I, Euphrosyne."
"I'm not sure which one of you two had larger input in the scheme to get me in this situation, but you both laid out the field. You created the rules for this game; I'm just… participating."
"Not buying that, Crius. If you truly opposed such a path, you would not have gambled on it; regardless of the probable physical pain you might have suffered from me, Euphrosyne or both."
"You believe it be that simple?"
"Yes. My entire existence is nailed on that."
"There is a chance you might be guided by unseen forces who are more than happy to intake the thrill from a special emotion you've found once again."
"Curiosity?"
"Passionate curiosity."
"The extreme kind." – the clean faced female voices firmly, yet not loudly.
The resurfaced proactiveness of the person who most would crave to spend an intimate night together in a field other than combat had enacted some modifications to the approach of this 'meeting' more to Crius than Euphrosyne. Since he could not leave this unsettling remain unchained within his intellectual sphere, an explanation proved to be compulsive. The one latched onto – the constant focusing on a single goal has led to some obliviousness when it came to relationships with his family members. Unsurprisingly, such an admission from a Demigod sparked at least some anger; not that it was shown.
"What's changed for you, cousin? You carry yourself right now as if the nightgown your wearing has not felt warm, empowering, lustful, craving for you for hears."
"Your subscription to this. Both of you being here, taking in my perfectly maintained body."
"We've seen you half-naked before."
"Perhaps,… but not with this much possible chaos on the horizon."
"Wise reply."
Starting from the most active participant, a fairly thick, white-purple vertical striped robe covers the body; the sexual craving enticing aspect would be the transparent nature at the front and back, carefully engulfing the passion tickling zones. Euphrosyne's nightdress is barely more conservative, cyan background is sprinkled all around with descending, butter yellow triangles. On top of that, a white lace circling around her breasts in a perplexing, hard to dissect manner. The male – the most casual, wearing a white background bathrobe, pine green ornaments going around the edge, jet black boxers resembling underwear.
Some exchanges of ideas forward. The undoubted up until this moment blood tied trio have shifted around. Crius remains seated in a chair, now just leaned back in a manner to suggest a retracted, non-spacious frame of mind; the brown haired female's sight is angled in a right angle with enormous intent of taking in the other two. The incredibly energetic, proactive in different spheres today female now rests her idyllic physique on the bed, not a large distance from her cousin; the beaming legs are crossed with each other, hands thrown back in a widening position. All in all, Nemesis continues to be the most passionate, enthralled in the present of the Demigod trio.
"… In the end, this pacing around the seemingly insufferable issue will lead us nowhere. Agree?"
"Yes." – two of them answer swiftly.
"So we must adapt."
"I'm not sure it's the wisest move, sister." – Crius voices calmly.
The females waste no time in processing the statement's implications. Yet, the 1st to fire back is the purple haired one.
"You believe her approach is worthless,… cousin?"
"No. It's just not the most forward thinking, Nemesis."
"You're not backing out?" – Euphrosyne asks with viciousness seeping through her voice.
This is somewhat unprecedented to the other two; a Demigod, regardless of sex, being unable to quell dissatisfaction in front of other Demigods – a baren sighting.
"Not at all."
"Then we're your aiming at?"
Crius is delighted to see a return to normalcy whether it be the voice or facial expression of his sister.
"The landscape."
He takes a deep breath; the provocatively dressed ladies remain silent.
"Despite my categorization,… our genetical progression,… our input, sacrificed energy for the greatest part of ourselves, we're still in a state of constant shift. Our emotions, impressions outlying the core of ourselves are heightened. It brings a range of satisfaction or,… at a sadness to me, dissatisfaction that eclipses the Type I's or II's."
The male drinks an emerald green beverage, weighs his options for the last time on a crucial matter.
"Question is – can this coexist with our desire to be… the best with the necessity of being… vulnerable with another Human?"
Even with all the preparation in the World, neither Nemesis, nor Euphrosyne could let this sacrilegious, according to them, inquiry not bother them. It creates strong currents of rage, callousness, resentment that are, logically, aimed at Crius. The protractedness from highly personal relationships, especially the immersive ones, stacks well with the discomfort, rising vileness from the accusation to ensure a swift end.
That is… if it was not for the arguably strongest of them being so pleased with the current trajectory of life that the thought of ending this unpolished, striking conversation becomes disgusting.
"Your words, Crius,…" – she begins.
Eyes softly close.
"…reaffirm to me that you still care about the magical moment that two or more people can share together."
An elegant elevation of the lids.
"It breeds… dreaminess into my existence."
Said adjective is expressed so passionately, zestfully, yet harmonically. Coincidently, this dissipates close to half of the rage that Euphrosyne harbors towards Crius. With such information, Polus would attribute the person, who delivered the message, to be monumental in ushering in such a positive shift; the same sex aspect might also help.
"Your speaking of breeding with the Type II's, aren't you, brother?"
"Just a consideration, sister. Motherhood & fatherhood are an experience that cannot be based through rationality alone. It is a unique and immersive life choice."
At that moment, the brown haired female decides to pursue the trajectory, which is hinged on aspiration, than the trajectory, which is based on prejudice, elitism, the superiority-inferiority dynamic.
"By your brief calculation,..."
Euphrosyne paints a smile on her face.
"…How much time it would take for the genetic pool to reach its peak once again?"
A few seconds of silence.
"A millennium. That would be my assessment."
"A timeframe that's uneasy to me. Not going to lie."
"Then it's a case of what kind of life you want to live, Nemesis. You desire an existence where you're masterfulness will fade out of the World or an existence where you'll have a chance at one day in the distant future being responsible for the salvation of our wonderful genes?"
A genuine chuckle of enjoyment.
"You're being incredible tonight, cousin. I hope it continues into our interlocking."
"Perfect timing, Nemesis."
The male jumps out of his seat.
"If there are no objections, I say we get on with it."
The female Demigoddesses exchange eyes with each other before springing upward also. The trios night would be immersed in the emotion that Crius & Nemesis voiced more than once.
12 hours passed the fight. It should come to no surprise that boxing is a fierce sport; one person is trying to pummel the his or her opponent to submission with his or her fists. Once in the past people did not use gloves to land blows at each other, which would be highly traumatic in the modern day.
"OOOH! Close!" – Damon shouts.
"I still got enough sting to bite you!"
Swift leg movement, precise stance, high attentiveness – all of this is performed by two of the four non-hospitalized Power Rangers. Both are wearing normal, conservative length shorts, which represent their Ranger color. Soon, one lands a punch to the other's chest.
"Not bad, Maya." – the Green Ranger begrudgingly admits.
A spectator would require a maximum of 10 minutes to grasp who of the 2 combatants had more experience in this type of fighting; unless ignorance overwhelmed the mind. The Yellow Ranger practiced her punching, the way in which she landed her hit. Of course, in time the female addressed her stance, leg coordination, since through input from others she came to the understanding that boxing/ hand to hand combat requires several aspects of harnessing; it is not merely who has the best strike. Yet, Maya's arms did transform from toned to muscly in the wake of the Unknown & Scorpius.
"No, no, no."
Another incoming strike from the Yellow Ranger, target – stomach. The Green Ranger manages to parry it downward, attempt a counterattack. It is blocked and they go on a methodical, persevering, cautious jab session while moving within the confines of the ring.
Abruptly, the other healthy Rangers come in to the room/area.
"Looks like their enjoying their time." – Kendrix states.
"Well, Damon, was quite adamant of training harder for our future encounters."
It takes about a minute for the closely affiliated group to partake in a joint conversation. By that point, the 2 physically involved ones are regaining their energy, letting their body rest while resting on the ropes of the boxing ring; naturally, Red & Pink are on the ground, lower than them.
"What news you got?!" – Damon inquires with a cheeky grin.
"We came to a new discovery." – Kendrix answers calmly.
"Discovery? Of what?"
"Of what our Animal Spirits are capable of. They are able to focus in on the Unknown's trajectory/ planned goal."
"Their psychic?"
"Maybe, Damon."
"Whatever the case may be, my Spirit Animal has picked up the place where the Unknown is most likely to be." – Leo voices harshly.
This is where their age pays dividends: if they were teens, the chances of the last statement not triggering an unnecessary discussion would be monumentally low.
"You've got a planet?" – Maya softly asks.
"Correct."
"One the 3 of you will be going to in a couple of hours."
"You're not coming, Leo?"
"No, Damon."
He takes a deep breath.
"I'm going to stay behind and, as once I've heard said, 'man the fort'."
"A rational move." – the Pink Ranger responds.
"It is probably a wise decision. One of us guarding Terra Venture definitely helps with its protection."
Surprisingly, Leo shows a small smile.
"Good to hear that, guys. Just be careful. The Unknown are vicious."
"I think we can all agree on that." – Damon interjects jokingly.
"Let's just have faith that they are not that vile or desperate for another two fronted maneuver."
"That's the situation we are in. One thing is clear – we must be proactive. Reactiveness will get us… in grave danger."
With the deliberate, mellow highlighting of the ending, the trio are quick to understand the underlying message there and the reason behind that. Sometimes a truth or revelation, which is absolutely negative, discouraging, must be subverted, so that the mind does not develop unproductive tendencies. The most intriguing decision – a dividing up of their ranks; it comes with upsides & downsides as with anything that is chosen. Logically, everyone was betting on that the tactic would prove to be right one after the mission.
Onboard a spaceship. Within the main, pivotal, essential room a meeting on possible approaches is being held.
"… Whatever we think, the scans are as accurate as they're going to get."
"So we should just land on the planet with no hesitance?! Please, Gloria!" – Almagro spitefully lashes out.
"Relax, Almagro. We are all here for the same objective." – Polus states with vigor.
"She did not belittle you with the statement." – Nalmos adds.
The male Champion rapidly closes his eyes & submerges his mind into his essence; the remaining beings are calmly anticipating the disgruntled ones retort. Some may say this is a luxury and they would have a point. To the people in constant distress about work or family patient waiting on a person, who is not essential to their life, cause, seems useless, overconsuming.
A little time passes before his eyes become visible once again.
"My apologies, everyone. That was a bit too harsh from me."
"I do not see the need to explain yourself. This hardly impacts our cause."
"Maybe not you directly, Nalmos, but he did question my intelligence on the matter at hand."
"Will that become a hindrance to your effectiveness,… my selected Champion?"
Polus's addressing could not have been more enigmatic if he attempted it another 10 times. A rational, understandable course of action by the leader. In any multiple participating mission, inner group turmoil might prove to be the deciding factor.
"Not at all, Lord Polus."
She lowers her head, then swiftly tilts it back.
"I'm just making my viewpoint on the conflict clear."
"Good answer, Gloria."
Just before reevaluating the current situation, the male Demigod looks at the sole person from his cousin's ranks. The male in question remains silent, perceptive, analytical & calm throughout their exchange; moreover, he only voices himself once. Once!
Several hours later. Every planet is unique – no groundbreaking news there. Despite seeing the characteristics of the surface through the window in descent, everyone reaffirms their view the moment a platform extrudes onto the surface in a diagonal manner. Mahogany red, boysenberry purple, jam purple – all of these interpretations are valid; the unquestionable fact is the color of the surface is a mixture of red & purple. Also, the sky holds more purple than red, but barely separates itself from the ground. Without knowledge of density, one might assume that there is no sky on this planet. Mysterious winds blow past the platform, beings begin marching out of their spaceship.
"Any traced hostilities, Gloria?"
"As of yet, not even one, my Lord."
"Perfect. We do not need interference in our mission."
"So should be every mission." – Nalmos states calmly.
Though, the male Champion's breath seems to be distorted, a bit unnatural.
In orbit around the planet.
"This is the place?"
"Yes." – Maya answers.
To the duo of listeners involved, the blonde females inquiry is labeled redundant, pointless, yet that viewpoint is not voiced. Most likely the Rangers are being foresightful of a confrontation with the Unknown; if that is the case, then squabbling, raising tension would be detrimental to their mission. None of them harbored illusions that the task they had in front of them was going to be smooth sailing.
"Scans are picking up small traces of life on the planet."
"Small traces, aye?"
The Green Ranger constructs an intriguing viewpoint.
"Maybe the Unknown are concentrated enough so that their life signal mass is overwhelming to any other signal."
"Worth a try, I guess."
Kendrix swiftly inputs a code into the main computer of the Astro Megaship.
[On the surface]
"The lack of water, oxygen and food hinges us too much."
"Don't underestimate us, Nalmos. I've made some quick calculations and our state is not that dire."
"We are on a tight schedule, nonetheless, Lord Polus."
"Then let's get moving. No need to overstay in such an empty landscape." – Vaultric lays out his view with little emotion.
With that, the males track back to the ship for a specific reason with the female Champion remaining to continue the surveillance. Some people would scoff at the 'precautionary ones'; to them, the situation would be treated as being too overprotective. All of that is fine when one's somewhere where they've already been; Polus & company put themselves in a completely opposite state.
20 minutes later. As the encounter tracker ticks along, the approach becomes more sophisticated with each tick if one or a group is not consumed by arrogance. Naturally, said arrogance can easily be accompanied by insanity. Damon, Maya & Kendrix crawl up to the top of a mountain chain and… ferociously drop down to the ground at the Green Ranger's initiative. Logically, the other suited Humans react to this abruptness.
"What is it, Damon?" – Kendrix asks.
"We're 100% on the mark, Kendrix."
"What makes you say that?" – Maya questions in her normal tone.
"The moment I saw a ship in the field beyond this mountain I knew we've gotten lucky."
"Still… We need to be sure that it's them."
"That may be difficult."
[Near the platform]
"I trust you've rechecked the distance."
"No doubt."
"On average the distance is 16 kilometers (~10 miles)."
"More than enough for our hoverbikes."
"Anyway, here's the rundown. I'm leaving you in charge of 8 warriors. Your task – making sure the ship is operational until we get back. They are under your command. Anyone, who attempts to flee this planet, will be dealt with… maliciously. Clear?"
"Clear."
"Us four will be keeping the communication line alive. If anybody significant threatens our ship, you call us back immediately. Can you handle that, Gloria?"
The latest inquiry from the male Demigod is filled with severeness, masked urgency, probably implying a high standard of perseverance.
[Back up top]
"Their insanely well-coordinated."
"How many? – Damon asks with a tint of fear.
"17."
To some degree, each Ranger feels a rush of grimness, ghastliness in their emotional sphere. The sophisticated approach is forced into rehab due to the staggering odds of failure.
"Man! That's more than we've ever faced!" – the Green Ranger shouts in an unorthodox fashion, giving the impression of wanting to be vocal, but also silent, focused.
"And we've faced them when we were 4. Now there is only 3 of us."
"Then it is crucial that we pick our time to strike with extreme precision."
"It'd still be very beneficial if they split up."
"Undoubtedly."
"I believe they will."
"Reason?!"
"The Unknown strike me as a group that is massively practical, pragmatic. Standing in one spot – does not translate."
In a couple of minutes, a burst of movement comes to fruition; Polus, the 3 male Champions and other warriors launch forward. Formation wise: Polus & Vaultric – in front, other warriors – middle, Nalmos with Almagro – at the back. Obviously, the Rangers are alert to this.
"YES! They've split up."
"Great. Which one's do we pursue? The stationary or the leaving ones?"
"The leaving ones. Main reason – their leader is in front of the ones traversing away from us."
"Could that be the Great One?"
"Not a 100% sure! Just take it and look."
Often the best persuader is the truth; the Pink Ranger uses this view as a means to get them moving. The muscular up top female takes the specially designed binoculars to gaze onto the leaving group. Being foresightful, the person swiftly analyzes every being. Immediately after finishing said task, she says:
"Kendrix's right. The person in the front is the one in charge here."
"Then let's get after him. We've seen the destruction the Unknown can cause."
"Agreed, Damon. We do not need a repeat of that. We're the chosen protectors of the Universe."
After the blonde female's motivational speech, the trio hustle behind the top of the mountain chain. You could say that they had 'unfinished business' with the Unknown.
About midway. Abruptly, the male Demigod jolts his right fist up & stop his vehicle; unsurprisingly, his entourage stops as well.
"Problem, my Lord?!" – Nalmos inquires with zest.
"An unseen development!"
The wind nestling, gliding through the ravine was creating significant distortion, so a rising of the pitch had to be engaged.
"At what point are we, Vaultric?"
"Barely more than 50%." – he answers unfazed.
Soon, Polus conjures up a new approach.
"Gloria. Can you hear me?"
"Yes, Lord Polus. What do you need?"
"There is a divergence of paths in front of us. You recall the most stable crust concentration's probability zones?"
"Yes. I'm looking at them now."
"Great. Where is the most stable crust?"
[Somewhere high up, in the distance]
"They're diverging again?"
"Bizarrely – yes. This time they divide into 3." – Kendrix answers.
"We must maintain our pursuit of their leader. He is the key to our success on this planet."
The other 2 Rangers notice the streaming confidence, determination from the brown haired female.
10 minutes forward. Where last time only Crius's cousin got off his hoverbike, this time all of the beings within visible range of him step back onto the surface. Dissecting their preparation, the 4 undistinguishable warriors have a sword attached to a belt, barely interfering with their movement by being in a case on the side of a thigh. A laser pistol takes a spot on the other thigh's side. Then we come to Vaultric, his cousin's male Champion. Fairly tall, muscular arms, admirable stance, posture – some of his physical traits. The armor is tricolored: white and black making up more than ¾ of the it with emerald green being splashed all over the protective layer. Jet black gloves kept his arms relatively safe; a monstrous rifle hanged on some harnesses on his back. No need for an in depth dissection to come to the conclusion of a sophisticated design.
"We've arranged the machine for the procedure, my Lord."
"Well done, Elvis. What's the accuracy in its current situation?"
"The screen show 88%. Now we await your command to insert the 'Life Cartridge'."
"You are free to commence the identification, rundown of this planet's outer surface."
He respectfully bows and walks back over to the mentioned machine. A minimum of 30 cubic meters (~1060 sq. feet) cyan blue-grey not a cone, nor a trapeze form of object is 'clamped' onto the ground; the other 3 warriors are patrolling around it in close proximity, which is understandable. It does seem to fall to the unique rather than common contraptions within the society of the Royals.
"You look disinterested,… Vaultric?"
For the 1st time on this journey Crius's special warrior lets some emotion seep through his filter; this way, the response is said with honesty, disappointment.
"Up until now, I do not see the need for me being here. I'm confident that any other Champion of your could have accomplished as much as me."
"Without a doubt."
He closes the gap between their bodies into less than a meter (~3 ft).
"Just be patient. Your unorthodox behavior when things erupt could be key in furthering our race's evolution."
"I'm being diligent." – the Champion expresses naturally, in a moderate positive manner.
"Splendid."
He shows a wide smile.
"It's exactly what I wanted to here."
Several seconds past. The Rangers are already discussing their plan of action against the Unknown. They are in 3 mindsets: Kendrix is for a more passive approach, observing, calculating the time to strike in the distant future; Maya's enthralled assess the distances between their enemies, since they were quite spread out, and surprise attack the one that has the least favorable position to be aided; Damon – jump out and strike with their Quasar saber blasts at the machine with the intent of its destruction giving them enough time to render their foes unhostile.
"…the 2 distinct enemies are at least 50 meters (~160 ft) away from whatever that machine is. We can launch at them right here, right now."
The ladies of the Ranger group feel a substantial uneasiness about plunging at the two, more than likely, strongest opponents, especially when both are actively looking around themselves, constantly judging the landscape. The memory of just confidently striding into a battle with Exceer still pulsated in their mind; yes, the attack was of the surprise kind, yet the performance proved to be barely enough. They'd reluctantly admit that they even needed help from a fellow Human to win out in the end. More to Maya than to Kendrix, an inkling about them knowing of their presence & deliberately pretending not to know had brought her confidence down a good amount. At that time, the fear of not seeing Leo again helped in remaining strong in her convictions.
"Whatever our plan is, we've got to move swiftly."
"I do not think it's the best move." – Kendrix fires back at Maya.
"It's all well…"
"The two, who split off, might jump us from the rear. We have to chance it."
The Pink Ranger did not struggle to grasp such a genius tactical play.
[In a clearing]
"The procedure is fully underway."
"How long will it take?" – Polus inquires menacingly.
"6-7 minutes."
"Fine. Be ready to strike if something appears from nowhere."
"Understood."
The instinct loyalist reacts positively to the started procedure; there were a lot of factors, which had to be taken in, several decisions that had to be made, so that, according to him, a grandiose leap forward could be made.
Suddenly, an unprecedented jolt of suspiciousness is felt by Polus; a slight change in posture is implemented.
"Hmmm."
Acting on his habits, the instincts to shift the visual organs at the suspicious point are left alone. Eyes land on stable rock formation, according to the Demigod, somewhere between 300 to 400 meters (~1000-1300 ft) away. The time to develop one's mind can enable a hefty sum of advantages, one of whom is deducing the most likeliest explanation. It could not have been Nalmos, Almagro; the relatively noiseless atmosphere did not suggest of a gigantic, unknown creature.
[…]
"We use our sabers power to shoot at the machine. Hopefully, the damage done to it will dislodge their ability to fight competently."
The other Rangers affirm Maya's idea; both are subconsciously enamored by the muscular female's final decision. She, more or less, polished Damon's idea & relayed it to the others in a more tactical, experienced manner.
[…]
"Vaultric."
"I want you to scan there."
Crius's Champion remains stoic, takes in the information from the World with little disfunction residing within him, at least – in the conscious self.
"Reason, Lord Polus?" – he inquires in a deep, bass tone.
"I sense that we're being spied on."
In a split second, the emerald green armor wearer takes off the monster rifle of his back and ferociously, yet unwaveringly aims it at the place where fingers were pointed just seconds before.
[…]
"They've moved about."
"It's now or never."
"Guess we'll see how much we've improved."
[…]
"No obvious sign. Heh."
Vaultric turns a specific dial on his gun's scope where the view becomes unnatural, fairly frightening. Though given the male's approach, the radical transition has the opposite effect on him.
"So?" – the Demigod asks calmly.
"You're right. 3 beings crouching behind the peak." – the warrior answers with immense speed.
The member of the Royals processes the information quickly. A swift countermeasure is on the horizon, when…
From out of nowhere.
"HYAAAH!" – the trio shout with conviction.
The Power Rangers make themselves visible to the Unknown.
"QUASAR SABER STRIKE!"
Everybody blasts a beam of light at the machine.
[…]
"ELVIS! RANGERS! COUNTERFIRE!"
"RIGHT AWAY!"
The 4 warriors around the large object draw their pistols and open fire on their beams. Fearing the worst, using foresight, Maya shouts:
[…]
"Let's get after them while they try to stop it!"
"Say no more!"
The Green Ranger begins his descent down to the clearing. At that moment, Kendrix catches a glimpse of an incoming laser bolt, lets out:
"Damon, watch out!"
Luckily, the warning is heard in time for the male to repel the bolt away from his heart.
"Thanks, Kendrix."
Soon, Polus is struck with an ambivalent emotional rush: on one hand, the attack on his machine had failed; on the other hand, the explosion was far closer to it than to the Power Rangers.
"Be vigilant, you guys. One of them has a long range rifle." – the Yellow Ranger states cautiously.
"We'll just have to be fully focused." – the Pink Ranger says.
[…]
"The machine… seems alright."
"True. But I suspect they're coming down?"
"Exactly. Their coordination is admirable, but it will impact their ability to meet us in close combat."
The leader of this mission takes a few seconds to bask in a previous decision; who does not yearn for validation, even if it's by the Universe?
"I trust you'll do your best, Vaultric. I'll send 3 fighters to your aid while I'll safeguard the machine. Hold them out as long as possible." – a now harmonious Polus explains.
"They're going to be too tired to engage you, Lord. I'd not recommend that."
"Well,… then it's good that you're not on their side."
A bright smile appears on the male Demigod's face; then a calculated walk is enacted.
[…]
The Ranger trio know about their dwindling chances of victory, despite not voicing it openly or clearly within their respective minds. Not hard to grasp the degree of difficulty when running down a mountain chain and deflecting lasers at the same time. Also, their foe is smart, cunning, since the shots are always shifting around the upper body. Normally, it might not be that detrimental, but a divergence of concentrated energy, which can be brutal on impact with the body, urges the mind to calculate the angles as perfect as possible.
[…]
"You 3 go aid Vaultric, Elvis stays here with me."
"Yes, Lord."
With little hesitance, the machine appears to be less guarded to a surface level observer; logically – 2 is less than 3. Atlas's brother diverts some attention to the prospect of the Rangers getting close enough to him.
"Not a horrible idea. I'd like to knock one of them out."
The just sparkled cheerfulness magnifies the maneuver that would be sacrilege not to use. At a normal pace, Polus presses a button on his communication device that begins to a ruby red light.
"Then again. They are going to have to incapacitate Vaultric to get to me."
A rise in confidence happens again.
3 minutes before the scan's completion. The constant fire of the laser bolts made the Rangers' arms muscles sore; given their physical workout on that part of the upper body, Leo's girlfriend was in the most advantageous position. Through the descent down the mountain, an overwhelming idea entered her mind. Said idea became more profound as time went on. So,… it should come as no surprise what took place the moment a ferocious evaporation of the distance was conceivable, imaginable.
Abruptly, nearing the clearing, the Yellow Ranger gambles and within milliseconds of a dodge shoots up in the sky, angles her saber downward, in a slashing motion.
"Not that fast."
Vaultric judges the distance, fully aware of the consequences. In a few seconds, the male Champion dodges Maya's attack; moreover, she slams onto the surface. To the male's surprise, his foe takes little time to recuperate energy and charges at him.
"Smart move."
The unprecedented situation forces adjustments – the task list gets rewritten. He swiftly places back his rifle in its previous position; the rest of his mind's abilities are used in evading strong, callous slashes from the Yellow Ranger. At the same time, Damon, whose left shoulder was brazed by Vaultric, and Kendrix immerse themselves in a battle with the 3 aiding fighters.
Several seconds later the duo are standing 10 meters (~33 ft) apart, relatively removed from the other combatants.
"What's your reason for being here?" – the female asks righteously.
"What's your reason for spying on us?"
He fires back with a question of his own.
"Your association with the female we battled previously. I think her name was Mekasta. She had a support group dressed in similar armor, just different coloring."
The person ponders his next retort. The ability to paint a cohesive picture in one's mind urges recognition; even when such capability is displayed by an enemy.
"Tsss! Tsss! Tsss!"
Damon is enthralled to keep powering his strikes at the enemy. It visibly shows the benefits of the mentioned tactic with his 2 opponents movement's wavering; maybe these warriors did not view preparation that crucial as Crius's Champion. The Pink Ranger locks her weapon with her enemy.
"Don't think for a moment we're the same,… Ranger. I won't allow myself to become complacent or indecisive."
He swiftly narrows his eyes, picks up a short sword and launches at the Human female. She is able to react and the 2 beings become engrossed in a dangerous confrontation.
2 minutes remaining. The Green Ranger reaches a breakthrough – with one of the two feeling his hand shaking, a drastic tactic is employed that is achieved, given the fact that said being falls onto the ground. Now Damon is 1v1. The positivity soaring due to the negated enemy strengthens the male's will to continue and brightens the view on the chance of claiming victory. Not long after, Kendrix overcomes her enemy with a lethal slash along the waist; the ferocity is enough to penetrate the armor. Just looking at the quantity shift, Damon's & Maya's view on the task at hand becomes… tangible.
"Ahh!"
Even with the highest energy reservoir in her arms, the brown haired female is feeling the depletion, rising severity when dealing with the current blade 'X' shape. The formidable male enemy notices the scales are turning in favor of him and Polus; also, the timetable is looking better and better.
"Let's diminish their members now."
Suddenly, a significant wave of force is flooded through one arm; consequently, the blade lock begins to tremble. Obviously, the dynamic here is appearing grimmer than the other for the protectors.
"You're not getting back to YOUR leader!" – the Green Ranger shouts.
With the arrival of his colleague, they waste mere second in rendering the last aiding fighter unhostile to them.
"Yeah, Kendrix."
"Well done, Damon. Though our job is not done."
"No argument there."
[Near the machine]
"They've defeated our help, my Lord. Maybe I should join the fight?"
"No, Elvis. Let Vaultric deplete their energy. Once they get to us, their chances of conducting any damage will be nonexistent. Also, our priority is to protect the Surface Magician." – Polus explains, oozing confidence, calmness in every sentence.
"Understood."
[Back at the other spot]
"Not going the way you viewed?"
The Yellow Ranger is narrowly holding back an upward attack from Vaultric; the entire Qasar saber is shaking to the sides, especially at the point where it's held. For the considerable time of their dual, she is on the defensive, visibly, unquestionably struggling to land a significant blow after her foe drew his short sword.
"You're not defeating her!" – the Pink Ranger screams.
The male Champion is alert to the fast arrival of the other Rangers, managing to block an upward strike to his shoulder from Kendrix. Damon's saber is the next one to be repelled by him, but the scales shift once again – now back in favor of the Power Rangers.
1 minute left. The quarter had inched closer to the machine's point, much to the disdain from Vaultric. Do not get it confused – the confidence level was still high; the conversation with Polus should have indicated that to an observer.
"We've got to be more unpredictable! The other 2 will be here in a couple of minutes!"
"Logical assessment."
"Then we must separate to achieve victory." – Maya states harshly.
Suddenly when blocking an attempt by Kendrix, the male's legs are caught under a vicious smash from Maya. The impact is enough to trigger a fall from Vaultric. Naturally, the brittle moment is the opportunity for them to enact their tactic. In a split second, the Green Ranger gets out of the area where their current foe can do damage and rushes onward to the massive object and the duo surrounding it.
"A respectful move."
The Pink Ranger is getting ready to make the male immobile when he shows bizarre, stunning remaining energy to roll along the ground about 10 meters (~33 ft). Unfortunately, his close combat weapon gets left behind near the feet of the Rangers.
Of course, Elvis & Polus are aware of the arriving of the Green Ranger with the latter rushing to engage him before he gets close enough to both the machine and his leader.
"That's as far enough as you go, Ranger!"
The scream is nestled with contempt, dismissiveness, disrespect.
"You keep thinking that!" – Damon fires back cheerfully, sure of himself.
"Your deranged." – Kendrix states.
Right now Vaultric is aiming to deal significant damage to her with his fists. Subconsciously Maya evaluates this action as the separating one between him & Mekasta, why he is closer to Exceer than her. The non diminishing determination is prevalent within their current foe; a characteristic of who he is.
In a few seconds, Damon sees an opportunity to rid himself of Elvis and rush at their leader. Given their recent conversation, said opportunity is not wasted. With a damaging hit onto the lower part of Elvis's arm, he slips away from him.
"AAAAAH!"
Simultaneously, Vaultric manages to get the Yellow Ranger onto the ground. The sight of an especially vulnerable position sparks him into overdrive.
"Enough of your persistence."
The swift idea echoes in the head before the male takes out a dagger to drive it into Maya. Kendrix realizes the severity of the situation and uses one of her last remaining drops of energy to try and deter his attempt.
"I've got him."
Less than 15 meters (~50 ft) separate Damon & Polus's bodies colliding. The Demigod shows a callous, joyous grin; decides to shift his eyesight to the Ranger in a specific pace. 10 meters… 9… 8… 7… 6… 5… The Green Ranger fully grasps the utopian, idealistic view that the leader is surprised by the speed of which he's coming at him. Polus's eyes land on the suited being, arms remain still.
"Hah!"
4… 3… 2… 1… Damon spears his saber forward in an angle to hit at Polus's chest. Another grin is shown before… In supreme, unmatched speed, the Demigod gets in a position to avoid the attack, lifts his arm up and connects with the Ranger's neck. An immense force is transmitted between them.