Chapter Six: Mirinoi and Rashon - Tragedy
Alliance Red staggered back from Gokai Yellow's punch to his chest. As he regained composure, to Gokai Yellow's surprise, he flipped up his visor to reveal a second visor.
"Alliance Cyber Weapons: Engage!" Alliance Red yelled. The other three Alliance Rangers followed suit, revealing secondary visors of their own. Suddenly, they all glowed according to their ranger color until their weapons were materialized in front of them from the storage drive in their morphers.
"Red Bute!" A whip appeared in the Red Ranger's hands.
"Blue Cherry!" Alliance Blue yelled, the codename creating a bow with Morphing Energy powered arrows.
"Pink Reflections!" Alliance Pink's code activated a heart shaped mirror, capable of deflecting blasts and energy pulses.
"Green Menace!" The Green Ranger said, activating a slingshot type device with a pouch appearing on his belt filled with "Energy Pellets".
"Joe!?" Gokai Pink said, running to Gokai Blue. "What do we do!?"
"Hmm?" Gokai Blue said, turning to her.
"Well... I'm concerned! That was pretty showy! How do we top that!?"
"Easy." The Blue Ranger said. "With our fighting technique!"
"Right!" She said, jumping as she clapped in excitement.
"Gokai Sabers! Attack!" Gokai Blue commanded as they stared at the other Power Rangers.
"Stand down, pirates. Don't turn this into a bloodbath. Luka... please! We were a team before!" Alliance Red pleaded.
A stab of guilt hit Gokai Yellow. She looked down, lost in thought.
But... I need to look out for myself! I could've died if I stayed in The Alliance! For what? Nothing! Yeah... I need to take care of myself first... She justified.
"...But... I think I want a bloodbath, Rahp. I haven't bathed all week. You know, with me being a pirate and all..." She said, trying as hard as she could to sound like she believed in her cause without remorse.
"What's with you!?" Alliance Green demanded. He couldn't wrap his mind around their actions. All but one of the Gokaiger had been under the employ of The United Alliance at one point. In his mind it was obvious that The Alliance wasn't perfect, but it was to him one hundred percent better than letting the wind carry the universe about, unanchored by the lack of rules and bounds. He always felt safe within the guidelines The Alliance had set forth. He knew he would be able to awaken every morning and not be attacked by his own government if they decided one day they didn't like him. The laws enforced a sequence of events to keep everything in line. He couldn't dream of living a life of unpredictable events.
"By my own strength I make my path." Gokai Blue replied. "That's why I became a gun for hire before The Alliance had even fallen. I go where I want, when I want. No ties to anyone."
Gokai Pink looked down, sad. Joe had been her bodyguard for a good time before The Alliance fell and Rashon had been captured. She knew Joe was a hard man, but they had good times together. She thought of him as a brother and was hurt to hear he apparently didn't feel the same.
Alliance Pink noticed the drop in Gokai Pink's demeanor. "Well, if any of you don't feel that way, and actually care about protecting those who can't help themselves, it's not too late. You can still come over and help The Alliance."
"I agree." Alliance Blue said. "It may be fun living for the day and doing what feels good at the moment, and you may even be tough enough to never get into hard situations, but what about those who through no fault of their own have never received the chance to have power like we have, huh? What if fate didn't bring you five together? What if at least one of you weren't here? What if your mom or dad had gone to the conference instead of you, Princess Momomille? You'd be here on this planet right now, a prisoner of Master Vile's army. Wouldn't you be sitting, dreaming of someone to come and save you? Shouldn't you have compassion on others?"
Alliance Blue stared at each pirate before him. He had thoughts similar to these everyday. The chain of events which had led him to his current situation seemed unreal to him. He had been a student working his way through The Academy. One day, he heard of an internship that was starting, and had applied. He had thought he would be lucky to even be called for an interview, let alone be selected. He applied anyway, thinking it wouldn't hurt to try. He ended up being selected to Doctor Zedd's team to lead all of the undergraduates. Zedd had told him that on paper there were candidates stronger than him, but he felt different. He exuded leadership and that his determination would take him far.
Everyday, Filcar thought about the day they unearthed the Zeo Crystal. He thought about what would have happened had Zedd not stopped him from sacrificing himself to save the squad. The scar on his thigh was a constant reminder to him not only of the spirit of teamwork he was glad he had, but also of the great leadership Commander Zedd had over them once they had been assimilated into the military. If there was anyone who deserved to be saved from Vile's tyranny, it was Zedd. If Filcar had decided to live life his own way, though, what would everything he sacrificed even mean? Who would save Zedd? Filcar knew he owed him.
All eight rangers heard clapping. They watched as Captain Marvelous walked into the area toward the other Gokaigers. He pointed at Alliance Blue and smiled.
"Nice speech, but if you say we are knocked around in the wind, why are you the one making arguments able to be knocked down by gentle breezes, hmm? Maybe I should call you my little blue strawman from now on." Marvelous said with a smirk on his face. "We aren't fighting for individuals: we are a team of five, fighting for each other. I mean, no offense, but Doc isn't someone who can fend for himself easily."
"It's true!" Gokai Green agreed as he tried to rid his jacket of wrinkles with his hands. His saber was tucked under his armpit as he rubbed his suit.
"See? Isn't exactly 'survival of the fittest', is it?"
"What about the people here and around the universe? Don't they deserve your help, just like Doc does? What makes him better!? Why does he get to be so privileged!?" Alliance Green demanded.
"Not my problem. Not anymore at least." Marvelous said. "If you guys wanna help others, more power to you. Just leave us alone."
"We have orders to bring you in. We can't let others in The Alliance think it is okay to abandon their post and break their word. If we don't do our duty and bring you in, it sends a message saying that anyone can leave whenever they want, regardless of any promises they made." Alliance Red said. "Then how can we feel safe? What if the unit set over my homeworld decides to call it quits? We have allocated resources based on each person's word, that they would sustain our government. If they desert, who will take their place? We will constantly be wasting time reorganizing our ranks!"
"Funny... weren't you and little boy blue forced into service?" Gokai Yellow asked facetiously.
"Yes, but the Morphing Masters were trying to maintain the sanctity of the law and order of the universe. Trying to not allow people like Master Vile to know about it and rule with horror and terror!" Alliance Blue answered with passion. "And you know how Vile learned of it!? A deserter! A man who wanted to become his own law! To do so, he has put billions of lives on the line. Guess what, pirates!? You're in good company with people the likes of Novact!"
Gokai Pink dropped her blade in disbelief. She had no idea that Novact had once been a soldier for The Alliance.
He's the man who enslaved my people. He's the one who chased us to Corsair to begin with... Are we turning into him!? Am I condoning the course of actions that enslaved my people!? She thought, waves of guilt sweeping her body.
"Marvelous... I'm confused... are we the bad guys!?" Gokai Green asked, fear in his voice.
"As well you should be confused, Doctor Goier." General Risp said as she teleported onto the scene. She had been listening long enough. She wanted her voice heard.
"I mean, you were a medical doctor! You were trained to save people! How could you leave them behind!?" Risp demanded. She had always been a symbol for authority in The Alliance, so the four former Alliance members of the pirates immediately stood erect as she began screaming.
"You were my example, doctor..." Alliance Pink said to Gokai Green.
"Shut up!" Marvelous yelled. "If we listen to you, we'll end up going the same way as The Alliance: to the grave!"
"It's talk like that... that's why we are in this situation! What if all you deserters banded with us!? How much stronger would we be!?" Alliance Red said.
"We're just wasting time now, Marvelous. You're not suited up so move to the side. We have a fight to get to." Gokai Blue said.
Suddenly, something flew through the sky. It landed in front of Captain Marvelous. He bent over to pick it up, smiling as he did.
"It looks like someone had a change of heart!" Marvelous said, showing his dilithium crystal to the other Gokaigers.
"Well, I guess we can't leave things uneven, can we?" Risp said, looking to the other Alliance Rangers.
"Gokai Change!"
"Victory!"
"Gokai Red."
"Alliance: Yellow."
Flicking his collar, Gokai Red looked again to his team. "Don't let their words get to you. Remember that we're in this together, got it? We'll always have each other's backs."
"Do you mean that?" Gokai Pink asked.
"Of course! Now pick up your weapon! We have our freedom to protect!" Gokai Red said as he produced his own Gokai Saber.
Alliance Yellow took her place next to her team and lifted up her visor.
"Yellow Striker!" Her weapon materialized: a long pole on which different attachments could be placed on the tip.
"We have to win this fight. It'll show you can't just leave your people behind. For The Alliance... We'll fight together. Ready? Battle formation!" Alliance Red said.
The Alliance Rangers formed their V-Formation for the first time with all five members. A surge of electricity began to shoot through them.
"Now what!?" Gokai Blue demanded.
"Hello?" The Alliance Rangers heard over their communicators.
"Who's there?" Alliance Pink asked.
"Hey, guys. It's me, Burai. I'm broadcasting from my ship in orbit. I was told to get here as soon as possible once I was told General Risp morphed. You guys need someone as your eye in the sky!"
"What's happening?" Alliance Green asked.
"That, Lieutenant Talp, is a little treat I installed into your suits. Once you guys get together, your morphers will junction to each other and you will all have a boost of energy!"
"Just the edge we need." Alliance Yellow said, twirling the Yellow Striker.
"Geez... we need to make this really showy, huh?" Gokai Yellow said.
Gokai Red nodded and motioned for the Gokaigers to attack. As they began to run forward, he cranked his arm around twice to get it ready for battle. He was not going to lose this battle.
Novact laughed and walked over to Tria. He kicked dirt into her eyes as she lay pinned under the tree, slowly having her life force drained by the Blue Globbor that connected itself to her. He pointed his sword at Tria's face.
"What a shame to waste the Zeo powers on you. I can only imagine what I would have accomplished with such power..." He said.
Zordon, half conscious, muttered, "Zeo...? Tria...?"
"Ah, you didn't know! Well, I have a little device I used back on Solaris 8 that was used to find the Zeo Crystal's energy signature. Well, wouldn't ya know it? One day I happened to notice the same energy signature on the Gold Ranger! Interesting find, isn't it?"
"You may beat us, Novact... but you're acting as if the war is done. Far from it. This war will go on for centuries. Across the entire universe! And in the end... good will triumph." Orion said, not as drained as Zordon due to his armor, infused with Morphing Energy.
"Oh, just shut it! I wish I finished you back on Solaris 8's moon when I had the chance." Novact said, irritated.
Novact walked to the Blue Globbor attached to Tria and touched the rubbery mask on it. It looked like a distorted version of Tria's face. A disturbing look could be seen on it as it was stretched over the Globbor's actual face. Novact kissed it on the cheek and turned to Tria.
"You know... I think that is an improvement. If you promise to wear your face like that, I may decide to let you live... As my queen... whaddya say, Sugar?" Novact began approaching Tria as he gave his invitation.
"Back away from the girl, you slug." A gravelly voice said from behind some trees.
"Huh? Who's there!?" Novact demanded.
"It is I, the man you should have cut down. Now reap the consequences of your arrogance!"
Suddenly, Novact found himself flying through the air, slamming into into a tree. As he slid down, he looked to see a red armored warrior standing in the midst of the approaching Blue Globbor. Each of the Globbor made sick gurgling sounds.
"It must be difficult being born a hideous monster. Fear not. I will soon end your miserable existence! Defender Axe!"
The lance which he used to attack Novact suddenly became an axe. He swung it with all his force and knocked the Globbor down. He felt bad injuring those who were connected to the Globbor, but knew his next feat would rectify his actions.
"My apologies to the prisoners." He said. "I needed space to do... this!" He swung his axe again and obliterated the trees in their vicinity, allowing sunlight to shine down on them. This act broke the hold on the victims, including Orion, Tria, and Zordon. Orion had been depowered by the Globbor's siphon, but was otherwise unaffected. Tria was still getting over what she was sure was a concussion.
"Animus?" Zordon said, regaining his strength, staring at the warrior before him.
"No, it is I, Magnus." He said, striking a Globbor once, instantly destroying it.
"How do you have the Animal Defender suit?" Zordon asked.
"I witnessed Animus' destruction and could do nothing to stop it. That same day, I took the Animal Defender armor and had Burai modify it to fit into my armor as a temporary energy booster. I did it to honor my friend's memory. In this form, I call myself the Mega Defender." Magnus said as Orion and Tria began rushing hostages away. As they ran off, Zordon could hear them transforming.
"It's morphin' time! Gold Ranger power!"
"Power of Light: Activate!"
"Now, how is it you are alive, Zordon?" Mega Defender asked.
"The Orb of Doom didn't destroy me." Zordon said as he ducked an attack. Mega Defender promptly destroyed the Globbor as Zordon moved away.
"The Orb just sent me six months into the future." He lied.
"Interesting..." The Defender said. "Well, I suppose you are caught up on the state of things."
"Yes. I am currently on a quest to find Master Ivicar. I hope he can help us put The Alliance back together so we can better fight Vile." Zordon replied.
"Your quest at the moment should be survival!" The Mega Defender said as he jumped at Zordon, knocking him out of the way. As Zordon landed, he saw Mega Defender get hit by a blast. He instantly regressed into his base form as Magna Defender.
"You're right, Magna Defender." Novact said. He had yellow eyes as he started walking towards the downed hero. "I should've finished you when I had the chance. I will make sure to never make that mistake again."
Novact began coating his sword with Yellow Magic. The emanation from the power could be felt yards away where Zordon was standing. He unsheathed his red saber and ran toward Novact. Novact simply blasted Zordon. He flew back to where he had been standing moments earlier.
Getting into a position where he could hurl his yellow energy from his blade to where Magna Defender struggled to stand, Novact laughed.
"I have you in my sights, Magna Defender. Don't worry, though. After I destroy you, I'll make sure to pass by your planet to meet your people. Then I'll ensure you are not alone by destroying them all! But not before paying your lady friend a visit. What was her name? Piku?" He smiled as he saw Magna Defender clench his fists in fury as he got to his feet.
"I... will crush... you... like... the bug you are... traitorous scum..." Magna Defender threatened.
"Not in this life!" Novact said, sending waves of Yellow Magic directly at the weakened Magna Defender.
. . .
"Alright! Let's make this showy!" Gokai Red said as they ran down to meet the Alliance Rangers.
"Stick together, rangers!" Alliance Red yelled.
"Wait a moment!" Someone yelled from the side, rushing into the middle where the two sides were to meet. He put out his hands to stop everyone.
"You again!?" Gokai Yellow asked. She was the first to recognize it was the boy who had stolen Marvelous' dilithium crystal moments earlier.
Forgetting he was trying to show a pirate like attitude, Gokai Red said to Guy, "Don't be out here. It's dangerous."
"I'll be fine! Watch me now!" Guy said, a smile from ear to ear.
This is it! My time to shine! He thought proudly.
"This is official Alliance business, kid. Scram!" Alliance Green ordered.
Still smiling, he pulled out a small crystal. He had painted it right after tossing Marvelous his crystal back. He wanted to make sure everyone was morphed before making his grand entrance, but also wanted to look as "legit" as possible, which is why he took the time to go and find some paint to make his crystal match the color he was intending to don.
"Gokai Change!" Guy yelled enthusiastically.
"Huh!?" All ten rangers said, staring as the boy pulled out a morpher which looked similar to the Gokaigers.
Pushing the button, his morpher scanned the crystal while currents of energy from the Morphing Grid were infused into the crystal. Once it had attained an artificial energy signature identical to a dilithium crystal, the morpher tapped the same section of the Morphing Grid the Gokaigers had tapped. From there, the morpher converted the energy to match the template Guy had stored in the morpher's databanks. The energy washed itself over him, creating his silverpower suit and helmet.
Just like you rehearsed... Guy thought as the transformation ended. He had made a sort of "sales pitch" to show how he fit in with the five established rangers. He had practiced it in his ship while on his way to Rashon. He hoped the pyrotechnics and light show he had set up around the ten rangers as they argued would work correctly.
Finally ready, he moved to the side so both teams could see him. He put his hand in the air and started his pitch as a fiery star appeared behind him.
"There's a deep red sun on my back;
"There is justice in my blue heart;
"Bathing everyone in my yellow cheers;
"My squishy cheeks are pink;
"The green fresh leaf of a new hero!
"Shining silver! And of course, my name is..." As the big reveal was to happen, he spun around, the motion triggering the machines he set up. Silver confetti flew through the air.
"Gokai Silver!" He said. He was ready to amaze everyone in attendance.
"No way!" Gokai Green said.
Gokai Yellow turned to Gokai Red, saying, "He morphed!"
"But how?" Gokai Pink asked.
Gokai Red stood, peeling confetti off his suit and staring at the new ranger.
Continuing her thoughts, Gokai Pink said, "Did Villamax recruit other pirates? Were there other crystals? I can't remember..."
Gokai Red shook his head. "No, there were only five crystals in Villamax's possession."
Gokai Blue folded his arms and approached Gokai Red. "But that's... obviously a Gokaiger, any way you look at it."
"Kid... allying yourself with those pirates is not the smartest thing you can do. Now, you haven't done anything yet, so stop before you're added to our arrest list." Alliance Yellow advised.
Gokai Silver smiled under his helmet. "Take a look at my power, everyone! Then... let me join you, Gokaigers! Let's go!"
And with that, Gokai Silver charged the Alliance Rangers.
"Well, I guess we'll have to have the guys on the ship prepare an extra stall..." Alliance Blue said.
Alliance Pink sighed. "Let's get this over with. These guys are getting on my nerves. We still have to find Vile's forces, if anyone's forgotten."
Grunting, Alliance Red met Gokai Silver and they started fighting. Alliance Red whipped the Red Bute and caught Gokai Silver's arm. Simultaneously, Alliance Yellow, with a Power Orb attached at the end of the Yellow Striker, hit Gokai Silver's chest. To their surprise, it did not affect him. A silver sheen appeared as the Yellow Striker made contact. Flexing his bicep, Gokai Silver flung Alliance Red into the air, causing him to land on the other three Alliance Rangers.
"Ha! Do you see my strength!?" He said, looking at the other Gokaigers.
"How in the... how is he so strong!?" Gokai Green asked.
"There's something wrong here..." Gokai Red said.
"Why? Silver with envy?" Gokai Blue asked, laughing, to which Gokai Red grunted in reply.
What Guy had not known when he programmed his morpher, was that he was continually boosting the normal crystal lying in his morpher to mimic a dilithium crystal. This constant boost was altering the power regulator in his morpher, causing it to feed him more power than he was planning. For the time, he was a super powered ranger.
"Guys, this ranger's powers are exponentially increasing!" Burai warned the rangers. "Be careful! Try the V-Formation on him."
"Right! V-Formation!" Alliance Red ordered. The rangers fell in line behind him. They could feel their morphers sync. A burst of energy coursed their bodies. They charged Gokai Silver.
"Gokai Spear!" He yelled as it materialized in his hand. He spun it around with finesse. His Morphing Energy coursed through it and once it connected with the oncoming rangers, it sent them flying back.
"Gun Mode!" Gokai Silver ordered. He then fired on each Alliance Ranger as they attempted to stand.
"I'm pulling you out." Burai said, inputting some codes into his computer.
"I'm the commanding general here. No you are not!" Alliance Yellow screamed as she was teleported back onto her ship.
"...I did it..." Gokai Silver said. Grabbing his spear with excitement, he thrust it into the air. "My first victory!"
The other Gokaigers ran up to him, demorphing as he did.
"Are you here to take our treasure!?" Luka demanded.
"How do you have the same powers as we do?" Ahim inquired.
"Who are you!?" Doc said, getting to the point.
"Please, don't rush me all at once!" Guy said, pleased.
As Marvelous stared at him, he heard something behind him. He turned to find himself facing Villamax.
"Interesting..." Villamax said, parting the wall of pirates to get to Guy. "Very interesting... you will want to come with us immediately. I have a lot of questions for you and I don't want you destroyed."
"Huh!?" Guy said, stepping back.
"Not by me, of course. Gokaigers?" Villamax said, turning around. "I regret to say this planet has been compromised. We need to leave as soon as possible, or we will all be destroyed."
"What!?" Ahim said, grabbing Villamax's arm. "What do you mean?"
"I'm sorry. I wouldn't have sent us here had I known Vile's intentions for this planet. He is remodeling this entire solar system for one of his bases. He needs this area empty, so he is going to destroy this planet." Villamax said, not buffering the information because he did not know this was Ahim's homeworld. In actuality, he did not know she was who she actually was to begin with. She had always been Ahim to him, not Miha.
"No! We have to stop it!" Ahim cried.
"What? That is out of the scope of our mission! It is unfortunate, but nothing we should trifle with. Unless you want to get back on Vile's radar, I demand we leave immediately." Villamax ordered.
"This is my home! We can't let this happen!" Ahim said, tears coming down her face.
"Oh, my... I do apologize, young one." Villamax said, bringing her in close for a hug. "I do. I had no idea. I'm sorry I found out too late, then. There is really nothing that can be done. Once the Tenga Warriors moved their energy supply, there was no way to track them or stop them."
"You mean, the source the Alliance Rangers were trying to get to?" Doc said as Luka elbowed him in the gut. She had already figured out their role in the scenario and was hoping Ahim did not.
"Wait... you mean we...!?" Ahim said, shocked.
"Oh, no..." Guy said, staring down.
"Now, let us go or we'll share the same fate!" Villamax repeated.
"Noooo! My parents! I must get them!"
"There is no time! Save yourself!" He said. He grabbed her as she started trying to run away. Right at that moment, they felt an explosion.
"It has begun..." Villamax said. Looking out on the horizon, like a white tidal wave, massive energy was fast approaching them.
"To the Galleon!" Marvelous yelled. The Galleon, on auto pilot, swooped down. They all jumped in, except Ahim, who was carried onboard by Villamax. She was sobbing.
The Galleon sped as fast as it could, both vertically and horizontally. It was trying to get into space as fast as possible while still trying to outrun the bomb's blast. Finally getting into space, all seven of the ship's crew looked out from the balcony as the planet was covered in the energy wave. Then, suddenly, the planet exploded.
"NOOOO!" Ahim yelled, dropping to her knees. Marvelous ran and wrapped his arms around her.
"It's our fault!" She yelled. "If we hadn't interfered... it's our fault..."
. . .
As the Yellow Magic was to hit Magna Defender, a large object landed in front of him and took the hit. Looking up, Zordon and Magna Defender saw a massive beast. It snorted. A man made himself visible by jumping up and down on the beast's head.
"Look who came from Earth to help out!" Zordon could hear Yoral shout down. He jumped down and landed next to Zordon.
"I was told over this communicator by someone from the Order of the Claw the other animals gave me that this guy's name is Toro." Yoral said, showing Zordon the communication device.
"Others?" Zordon said. As he said this, he heard screeching and howling behind him.
"Nooo!" Novact screamed as he saw the eight animals begin to approach, squashing Tengas and Globbor as they approached.
Once they made their way to the area, Trinity leapt from the top of the white animal's head. Smiling, she ran and gave Yoral a large hug. Before Zordon could sneer in disgust, Trinity hugged him, too. He had mixed feelings.
"Zordon? Yoral? Meet our new friends!
"You've already met one of the Red Lion Brothers. His name is Leon!
"Here is the wolf, Lobo.
"The condor, Galcon.
"The gorilla, Nago.
"The wildcat, Ingat.
"The rhino, Faor.
"The phoenix, Ave.
"And the shark, Ryl." They each roared in greetings.
"Where is Novact?" Magna Defender asked, staggering toward Zordon.
"I don't see him. I think he got scared off..." Zordon replied, looking around.
Magna Defender clenched his fists. "I need to go back to my world, then. Novact will want revenge and I must ensure I am there, waiting for him."
"Everyone is safe and accounted for." The Gold Ranger said, appearing on the scene. Orion in his armor appeared shortly behind her.
"What impressive beasts!" Orion said, staring up at the warriors sent from the Animal Realm.
"They're beautiful..." Tria said as she demorphed.
Orion turned away from the animals to extend his thanks to all of his colleagues for the help they offered. Back at the new Alliance headquarters, he had noticed all of the activity occurring around the universe and decided he would do what he could to help the planets who could not defend themselves. Because he felt Mirinoi was safe for the time being, his next stop was Edenoi. He planned on going there to free the Edenites from Count Dregon, while also extending an apology to his friend, Kamen, on behalf of what was left of the Morphing Masters.
Zordon turned again to look at the beasts when he noticed Orion. He was standing there, with an odd look on his face. Slowly, blood began dribbling out of his mouth down his beard. The giant animals began screaming, feeling something amiss.
"Orion!" Magnus said, ripping off his helmet.
Zordon stood, jaw dropped open. Staring closely, he saw a shimmer behind Orion. Tria noticed it as well and quickly recognized it.
"Novact..." Tria said. She had forgotten that on the day Rito dropped his golden cog the first time Vile attacked an Intergalactic Conference, Novact was there with him, also using a golden cog.
"How is that possible?" Yoral asked.
At that, Novact appeared behind Orion with a smile on his face. He inched toward Orion's ear.
"I never leave a job unfinished. You have been living on borrowed time since Solaris 8. I hope you took advantage of it." Novact said, sneering.
Pulling the blade out of Orion's back, he kicked him, making him land on his face. Novact's eyes were glowing yellow.
"Do not cross me! I am a dark wave, ready to engulf all in my path! Haha!"
"You're disgusting." Trinity said.
"You will pay for your treachery..." Magnus said.
"Not in this life! Haha! Now, where was I off to? Oh, yes! There's a certain lady on Magna who is pretty lonely right now. Let's see if I can keep her company in her final moments..." Novact said, winking at Magnus.
"Ahhh!" Magnus yelled as he ran forward. Team Victory followed him, ready to unleash their fury. The animals, seeing Orion was out of the way, raced forward as well.
"Until next time!" Novact said as he teleported onto the Dark Wave, hidden in orbit around Mirinoi.
"No!" Tria yelled.
"Orion..." Zordon said, kneeling down where he lay. Turning him over, he saw he was still breathing.
Coughing, Orion looked at those around him. He smiled. "I knew I should have got Cestria to come with me here."
Tria, tears coming down her face, laughed. "Just hold on and we'll get her."
Orion looked at Zordon. "Hey, kiddo. I'm glad it was you who replaced me in Research and Development. Burai's a good guy, but you got spunk. Keep on fightin', got it?"
Fighting back tears, Zordon nodded.
"Magnus? Stay strong, okay? Ya gotta hard head sometimes. Don't let it get ya in trouble..." Orion said, winking.
"Novact will pay, Orion. Don't you worry." Magnus said, placing his fist to his chest as an oath he was making with Orion.
"There are things more important than revenge, Magnus." Orion said. He didn't want the care of the universe to be put to the side because of his death.
Suddenly, a bright light burst out of his body. Zordon fell onto his back from the sheer power it emanated when it blew past him. They all shielded their eyes as it hovered over them in the form of an orb.
"Well would ya look at that..." Orion said. He was surprised his power was floating over him, waiting.
"I guess what they said was true..." Orion said.
"What is happening!?" Zordon asked, eyes fixed on the light.
"A while ago, I found out something interesting about myself... I was adopted!" He chuckled as he revealed this information.
Seeing the others were waiting on him, he continued. "I was raised on Andresia, but I was born a Karminion."
"Wow..." Tria said.
"Unbelievable!" Magnus exclaimed.
"A what?" Yoral asked.
"It's a being that, once it dies, passes its power onto other people." Zordon answered.
Using what little power he had, Orion grabbed a fallen branch and turned it into a small box. The light descended into the box and Orion closed it.
"Save your energy!" Trinity exclaimed.
Orion smiled. "There isn't enough Morphing Energy to heal me now, young lady. Thank you, though. Magnus?"
"Yes, Orion?"
"I want you to care for this. When the time is right, I want you to give it to warriors who will need it. I trust you. You'll know when the time is right."
Gripping Zordon's hand, Orion looked into his eyes. "Do everything you can to win this fight."
As Zordon nodded, the expression on Orion's face changed. As his eyes glazed, his body fell limp and the life left his body. Orion was gone. Suddenly, his body became a bright light and floated away into the sky.