Alice and Cooper stood atop of the hotel's balcony. Alice was shaking, and Cooper was trying his hardest to appear calm. The darkened sky stood like an open sore upon the Earth. Neither of them knew what to say about it, the sheer terror was vast and completely overwhelming.

They had seen the explosion a few moments before, but that seemed distant in comparison, Cooper doubted the two events were even related.

Suddenly Cooper's phone began to ring. He checked the caller I.D and quickly moved the phone to his ear. "This is David Cooper." He said in a stern voice. He nodded for a few moments while Alice could make out a rough sounding male voice sizzling from the phone. "Yes, sir." He said finally.

"Who was that?" Alice asked.

"My boss," Cooper replied calmly. Cooper then walked over to his nightstand and dressed himself up in his uniform, making sure to include his Armor Locking Pistol on top of his standard firearm.

"What are you doing?" Alice was beginning to panic. She threw clothes over herself, forgetting to check if they were even clean. She then threw a light jacket over herself as she watched Cooper preparing to leave.

"My boss told me to get the hell out of here." He replied, "The Silver Guardians can't fix this mess, and nobody knows what to do."

Cooper rushed out of them room, and Alice followed close at heel. "Are you actually going to listen?"

David Cooper smiled.

Vega, Len, and Kit approached Rocky's Dojo. The entire thing was in utter disarray. Loose paper and drywall gleamed under the streetlights. The moment Vega's eyes caught the limp body on the ground she resisted the urge to scream. Beevil had been reduced to a bloody mess. Her purple eyes stared blankly at the black, moonless sky.

Vega couldn't begin to imagine what happened here.

"Nice place," Len said ground inside was coated in dried blood, Vega hoped that it belonged to Beevil.

Depression and fatigue weighed Vega down. Everything seemed hopeless to her the strange sky was a fairly nice representation of her current feelings, blank and void of light.

"It looks like they actually did it," Len said to himself.

"Did what?" Vega asked she was starting to get a knot in her chest.

"They summoned Zoltar."

Zoltar, the name rang inside her head. She remembered the tale told by the strange man in the forgotten lands. "Oh no." Was all she managed to say.

"Wait?" Kit asked he seemed strangely distant, probably preoccupied with thoughts of Maya. "Whose Zoltar?"

"A very bad guy," Vega replied.

"Nice." Kit said, "More bad guys to worry about."

Vega swiftly dashed to Rocky's work bench. She hoped there'd be something she could use, some Deus Ex Machina that will fix all of her problems.

Naturally, there was nothing. Vega took a deep breath and collapsed into Rocky's chair. Everything had gone down the drain. The entire universe was ending, literally. Zoltar was planning on killing every single living organism in the universe.

"Don't lose hope, Ranger." A voice said from behind Vega. She whipped around to catch Ninjor staring at her.

"What can we do?" Vega asked, "My whole team is dead, there are about a million Armored Riders, and now Zoltar is back."

"You are forgetting something." Ninjor said, "You are a Power Ranger."

Vega threw her hands up, "Thanks! Great wisdom you've got there."

Ninjor didn't bother to formulate a snarky response. "Zordon was just a Power Ranger at one time."

Vega remembered stories of Zordon from her homeworld. He was a galactic celebrity, a legendary hero.

Ninjor continued, "He carried the spark of Ryukin. The power to fight against impossible odds and come out on top." Ninjor placed his hand on Vega's shoulder. "He changed history, as can you."

"How, though?" Vega asked, but Ninjor was already gone.

Zoltar approached the Alphabet Soup compound. He smiled as he stepped around a plasma burn that ran across the sand. He could sense the power that brewed in the place. A power he would soon claim.

An interesting warrior in green armor guarded the door. The warrior took one look at Zoltar and opened the door. The exchange earned a grin from Zoltar, he made a mental note to give that young man a relatively painless death later.

Zoltar strolled through the tech-filled hallways. Humans had a similar sense of fashions as Eltarians during his era, so he found the sight to be relatively pleasant and nostalgic.

Zoltar quickly found Dr.X's laboratory. The ginger haired scientist grinned uncontrollably as Zoltar entered the room. That reaction was strange, to say the least, he usually conveyed strong fear in all that saw him.

"Do you like what you see?" Dr.X asked.

"Yes," Zoltar said, "Very retro."

Dr.X frowned momentarily, then collected himself. He then presented Zoltar with a monitor that displayed a new Armored Rider suit. "I've designed it to align itself with your energy signal."

Zoltar smiled, "Very impressive." The boy was proving himself to be of an intelligent breed. He was young and smart, people like that had the potential to become powerful tools.

Dr.X opened his desk and retrieved another Advent Deck. Zoltar took the pieces of technology and examined it carefully. The thing was actually impressive, eons better than anything Zoltar assumed humans were capable of producing. It was no wonder Zordon loved these humans so much, they were practically a spitting image of early Eltarians.

Zoltar looked around him, he'd been so absorbed in examining the Advent Deck he hadn't noticed that the rest of the Armored Riders had flooded in. He glanced at all four of them. They were a marvelous specimen. The five of them would become a battle task force, one stronger than anything Zordon could have constructed.

Zoltar glanced at Dr.X's monitor screen. The Dark Ninja Legion was outside. The one known as Vexacus hadn't survived, he's instead obliterated himself to reduce the Ranger's numbers. That was an honorable move and Zoltar respected it.

Zoltar moved over to Dr.X's desk and retrieved the scientist's microphone. "Look for the remaining Rangers." He said in a bored voice, "And kill them before they manage to regroup."

Alice had gotten the signal only moments after she and Cooper had left the hotel. The message had been simple, and for once she actually agreed with what it had to say. Cooper and Alice followed the coordinates to a strange looking cave outside of Stone Canyon. Once inside they were greeted by Ninjetti Navy, Ninjetti Green, and a strange looking man Alice didn't recognize.

"I'm glad you came," Cameron said.

"We didn't exactly have a choice," Alice replied.

Cooper looked around the room, he frowned and turned to Jonathan. "Where's Reese?"

Jonathan directed his eyes towards the ground. It was then that Alice realized they appeared to be red and puffy. "He's dead."

Cooper took a step back, "What?"

"Dead!" Jonathan exclaimed, "Didn't you see the explosion? That was Reese getting sprayed all over the sidewalk."

Cooper didn't know what to say, Jonathan's sudden outburst was jarring, to say the least. Cooper didn't quite know how to explain the emotion he was feeling. It was something hollow and terrifying.

The word came to him like a blow to the chest. Heartache. Why did he feel this way? He supposed it was because he actually loved Reese, in a very reserved way. He hadn't known Reese for more than a few weeks yet the thought of his death sent Cooper spiraling downward. Maybe it was some deep rooted sibling affection. Maybe it was Reese's appearance, and how it reflected Cooper's own.

That thought caused another pain in Cooper's chest. Their resemblance was directly related to their father… How could Cooper love someone who was a spitting image of the man that ruined his own childhood?

"So your team got glassed and you need back up?" Alice asked. It was weird to see her attempt to gain control over the situation, but Cooper respected it.

"Yeah," Cameron said darkly. "Stone Canyon is gone, but we might be able to stop things here before they get out of hand. Zoltar is an infection and we need to stop him before he spreads."

Alice looked to Cooper, her eyes glimmered with insecurity, she had worked up enough energy to make her statement, but that was all.

"We don't have a choice," Cooper said, "If we don't stop Zoltar it's game over." Cooper found he was eager to fight. Maybe if he was lost in battle he could manage to forget the hollow feeling in his guts.

Vega received the signal by complete accident. It somehow had managed to float across the city and become intercepted by her Morpher. The signal was from Cameron and the message was simple. They needed help. So after a quick rest, she decided it was time to move out and go find him. Kit and Len followed behind her. She supposed they were apart of the team now, or at least what was left of it.

"So," Len said in a strange voice, it appeared to Vega that he was trying his hardest to sound civil. "Do you have any family in KO-35?"

"How did you know I'm from KO-35?" She asked with a skeptical eye.

"I was briefed on all the Ninjetti Rangers during my training." Len replied simply, "The Government has been keeping track of the Rangers since 1993."

"Well one, that's creepy, and two, no I don't."

"Harsh." Len said, "What happened."

"What do you think happened?" Vega asked, "They died."

Len's face flushed a red color, "I didn't know, for all I know Kerovians jump right out of the womb and start kicking ass."

"No, we're humans, not lizards." Vega didn't really want to talk about her parents, the thought still left a nasty feeling in her gut.

"I have a family." Len admitted, "A mother, a father, and a little brother."

"Good for you." She said dryly.

"They think I'm dead, though."

Vega's eyes opened more, but she didn't speak.

Len continued, "I was supposed to be dead when I was in the military I got sniped." He pointed at a scar across his temple, "Went right through. Dr.X saved me, though, he took my dead body and filled it with all these complicated machines. I used to thank him for saving me, but now I'm not so sure."

"Why's that?" Vega asked after a few moments of silence.

"What's the point of being alive if everyone you love thinks you're dead?"

Three figures suddenly materialized from the darkness. Vega recognized them far too well and armed her blade.

"I'm sorry to interrupt the soap opera here." Devon said with a grin, "But I've got a job to do." Following behind Devon was Jabbar and Shimazu.

The three heroes armed their transformation devices.

"Ninjetti Power!"

"Armored Rider!"

"Ride the Dragon!"

Wing Knight jumped at Shimazu, he armed his blade and swung it swiftly into the ninja alien. Shimazu laughed as he dodged the swipe, "You were betting off staying with Zoltar."

"Sorry, it wasn't my cup of tea." Wing Knight said.

"Oh, I see." Shimazu said sarcastically, "I guess you'd rather die!" He then materialized a dual bladed staff and began to swing wildly at the Armored Rider.

Devon transformed into Twisted Crimson and lunged at Dragon Knight. The two of them slashed and parried, moving with the swift sophistication of hardened warriors. "It's only a matter of time before you join us." Twisted Crimson said to Dragon Knight.

"What do you mean?" Dragon Knight asked.

Twisted Crimson laughed, "You're a tool of Zoltar, your own will is irrelevant."

Dragon Knight slid an Advent Card into his gauntlet.

Attack Vent!

A wave of fire impacted against Twisted Crimson, sending sparks from his dark armor.

Ninjetti Blue circled around Jabbar. The cloaked monster was strangely calm. He didn't carry any weapons, instead, he held his long arms low.

"I want you to know that I've seen the end," Jabbar said in an ominous voice. "It doesn't look good for you."

"I don't care what you have to say." Ninjetti Blue replied.

She lifted her blade upward, aiming it at his throat. In one fluid motion, she lunged at the villain. Her blade stabbed into his throat, blood gushed around as Jabbar gasped for air.

Blood leaked from his mouth as Jabbar muttered his last words. "It… won't… be… Zoltar." Jabbar gasped for a few moments then collapsed to the ground.

Twisted Crimson noticed the fall of Jabbar and decided to cut his losses. The last two members of the Dark Ninja Legion fled.

Julie watched Zoltar from afar, her mind was buzzing with ideas. Zoltar was making Julie feel insecure. He was powerful, more powerful than she'd ever be. He was smart too. Everything Dr.X wanted.

She'd have to find a new tactic towards gaining the affection of Dr.X, and she already had an idea of how she'd do that. For now, though she'd have to wait.

Vega, Kit, and Len entered Nova's cave. The place was eerie to Vega, she'd hadn't ever been inside before. Len seemed to be admiring the setup, he opened his mouth to say a snarky comment, but he was abruptly stopped by Cameron and Jonathan.

"What are you doing here?" Jonathan asked.

Len smiled, "I'm here to save your ass."

Jonathan scowled at the Armored Rider, "Who says my ass needs saving?"

"Probably that little distress signal you sent out."

The tension between the heroes was becoming overwhelming, it seemed like a cup far too full, and it was only a matter of time before it spilled.

"Guys." Vega said in a powerful tone, "Knock it off." Vega knew she had to defuse the conflict before it had time to spiral out of control. She knew that the team couldn't afford to fight amongst themselves, especially with so many other enemies to worry about.

Vega looked around, it was then that she noticed Alice and Cooper among the strange clay rocks. She figured she shouldn't be surprised, Cameron had said he needed all of the help he could get.

She was a bit relieved, they didn't have nearly half the manpower they needed, but it was better than nothing. Her, Cameron, Jonathan, Kit, Len, Alice, and Cooper. It was the seven of them versus whatever Zoltar had to throw at them.

Suddenly Cameron rushed over to the rest of the Rangers, his face was colorless and his eyes were wide. Before he could even speak the Rangers knew what was coming next. "Zoltar is making another appearance." Cameron pointed his finger at the monitor that displayed him standing with his four Armored Riders among the blacked carnage.

"That's where the explosion occurred." Cameron clarified.

Vega clenched her jaw. "Luke…Rocky…"

"He wants to fight." Jonathan said in a shaky voice, "Are we gonna?"

"Hell yeah," Vega said, anger welling inside her.

"We don't know what he's planning." Cameron said, "This could be another trap."

"Of course, it's a trap." Jonathan spat. "The big bad Eltarian wants a showdown."

"Do you really want to give it to him?" Cameron asked.

"Course I want to give it to him." Vega said, "Let's give him what's coming to him."

The rest of the Rangers were getting ready for the strike. Cameron was doing some last minute adjustments to his Morpher while Vega was running through drills in her head. Jonathan knew he should be doing something similar. This was going to be the endgame, and the outcome would entirely depend on how he played, yet he was mesmerized by the contents of Nova's workstations. He knew in his gut that what he needed to win would be hidden among the stray wires.

The moment his eyes locked upon it, he felt a chill down his spine. The weapon gleamed like hellfire. It was a staff made similar to Jonathan's normal weapon, only this was fixed with a golden blade at its tip.

Jonathan could feel it's immense power that leaked around it. He could feel the way it called to him, begging to be held. The weapon had been made for him. The Navy Ranger knew that.

He lifted it in his hand, the powerful energy washed over him. Jonathan knew he was ready for the fight. He was ready to take Zoltar down.

Dr.X had received the call he'd been waiting for. It was only a matter of time before the government noticed his activity.

"What the hell are you doing?" The stern voice of Alphabet Soups director said through the phone.

"Oh don't worry, I'm well aware of what I'm doing," Dr.X said cooly through the phone.

"Stone Canyon is beyond repair, what do you have to say for yourself?"

"Good riddance. It was an eyesore anyhow."

The director didn't speak for a while, and when he did his voice took on a very soft tone. "If you go any farther with this stunt we will be forced to label you as an international terrorist."

Dr.X laughed, "Do it! I don't care! Good Luck bringing me in, I have all the power I need. You gave me all the power I need, and yet you still pretend to be the good guy." Dr.X hung up the phone, he couldn't hide the grin on his face.