Chapter Twenty-Two: Earth, Rashon, Mirinoi, and the Ectomorphicons

Sentinel Knight looked around the glorious city. Although it was secluded from the rest of Earth by an extremely powerful force field, the knight was able to look out and see the ocean surrounding the giant island as if the barrier was not there. For those looking in from the outside world, however, they could not see the city on the island. If anyone were on the ocean piloting any sort of vessel and they happened upon the area which the city was located, strong otherworldly magic would emanate from the barrier and slowly move the vessel away from the city. The pilot and crew would only believe they were hit by extremely strong winds. This was the reason Sentinel Knight had chosen this city as one of his hiding places eons ago.

After speaking with the royal guardian, Thor, Sentinel Knight was allowed into the main court where the self-proclaimed god of the oceans sat upon his throne. Sentinel Knight bowed to one knee and lowered his head as a form of respect to the king of Atlantis.

"Ah, the knight who was given the Crown of the Gods! To what do I owe this great pleasure?"

"Great Poseidon, I-"

"Just as you go by a new name, I, too, go by a new name. I am now known by the name Neptune here on Atlantis."

"My apologies, King Neptune. I have desired to come before you today to ask about the jewel I entrusted you with."

Neptune chuckled. He stood up from his throne and unsheathed a sword. He pointed to a pearl near where the blade and the hilt met, hinting it to be the same pearl Sentinel Knight had asked about.

"I am glad to see it is in such a safe place." Sentinel Knight stated.

Neptune nodded. He placed the sword back in its holder and sat back down. He pointed at the knight and said, "You need not worry. I am trustworthy and powerful. There is no way I will be losing this. Why do you come to me now?"

"Because I fear. The waves of evil seem to be sweeping over the universe. We have enjoyed a long time where good was the overall force, but I believe evil may be trying to cause a dark age, to cause a gross equilibrium of power.

"With this in mind, I believe the time is not too far off that I will sucumb to the powers of evil and lose my physical vessel. If that were to happen, the Corona Aurora would be in evil hands once again and the forces of evil would discover the jewels I currently have on them are fakes. I don't believe it would take too long for our enemies to discover the locations of all of the jewels here on Earth." Sentinel Knight said, finishing his reasoning to the mighty king.

Neptune nodded. "Well, they would need to bring everything they had to take my empire down. Atlantis is a city of power, and won't fall quickly. We will do everything we can to ensure its safety."

Sentinel Knight nodded. "I was just hoping to inform you of the gravity of the situation. Be vigilant. We can't afford the Extreme Crystal to be formed. You and I both know what the potential fate of our universe would be if that were to happen."

Neptune's eyes were dark with the knowledge he had of the Extreme Crystal's potential. "Yes... yes we do. We cannot allow that to happen... I trust the other artifacts are safe?"

Sentinel Knight shook his head. "No, they are not. I have guarded the Corona Aurora for many years, but I do not know where most of those artifacts went. For all I know, Master Vile has them and is just waiting to get the Jewels of the Corona to finish what was started back then. I know for a fact he has theOrb of Doom."

Neptune's eyes widened. "It is worse than I feared, then. Thank you for the warnings. May the Power protect you, mighty guardian."

Sentinel Knight bowed and began to leave the throne room. As he did, he ran into another citizen of Atlantis. They both bowed as a salutations. Sentinel Knight was not happy to see him, though.

"Hello, Loki." Sentinel Knight greeted.

Loki did not seem pleased. "It's pronounced Lo-key, not Lok-eye. I'm not that Demon abomination."

Sentinel nodded. "My mistake. Please accept my apologies."

Loki shrugged. "Just make sure it doesn't happen again. By the way... have you seen Freya anywhere? I'm trying to find her to give her something..."

"No, I have not. Good luck in your search."

Loki frowned and walked away, continuing his search. Sentinel sighed and walked out to the outer court of the main portion of the castle. He looked up and spoke the ancient incantation. Power emanated from around him, coating him in a magical membrane that would allow him to diffuse through the barrier protecting Atlantis. He then shot up to the sky and headed toward space, to continue his life of seclusion to protect the universe from the dangers of the Corona Aurora.

As he blasted off into space, Deviot watched the knight disappear into the cosmos.

"Interesting... my scanners were correct. Sentinel Knight was on Earth. Doing what? Hmm..." He said, talking to himself. He was on a small shuttle he used to travel back and forth from his various tasks to Bansheera's castle. He gingerly stepped over the corpses of the Psycho Ranger as he approached his computer. He hadn't yet returned to his lab and was unable to store them properly.

"Interesting..." Deviot said, looking at his monitor. "So, there's some sort of protective bubble in the middle of one of Earth's oceans... What are you hiding there, Sentinel? I must know! Hahaha!

"There is but one thing that Sentinel Knight specializes in, and that would be the jewels of the Corona Aurora. Whatever Sentinel Knight is hiding behind thatforce field must be a key to unlocking the crown's full power! I will get behind that force field. And then... I will rule the universe! Hahaha!"
. . .

Beelzebub paced back and forth. He didn't know what he was going to do. His three most trusted generals had been destroyed. He was alone.

I don't believe this... After everything I worked for, I've lost it all. The Holy War all but destroyed me, but it was worth the sacrifice. Never again will I be a puppet for the Ethereals. But what happens? Right when I'm going to win, that idiot Lothor comes in with his own agendas and turns everything on its head, and I was sucked right into it! If I could do it all again, I wouldn't have let those powers distract me.

After lamenting past decisions, Beelzebub slumped down against a wall. He was back in the room in which he had been imprisoned for millions of years. Since he had spent so much time thinking in that room, he felt that since he was needing to rethink his strategy, this would be the best place for him to do so.

Oh, Bansheera... you horrible witch! I should have never trusted you... Beelzebub thought. Wait... that's it... I can use her own tactic against her. If she tricked me with an alliance, then I shall do the same. Yes!

Beelzebub shot up, a smile on his face. He knew what he had to do.
. . .

Arriving on Rashon, Miha was disappointed to find the once green planet a desert. No signs of indigenous life could be seen.

"Rahp said he wanted to meet here." Marvelous said, putting an arm around his teammate.

"I don't understand... How did the planet survive the explosion? It makes no sense..." Doc said, looking around in awe. "What sort of power could do such a thing?"

"Do we want to know?" Luka said, raising an eyebrow.

"You should." Rahp said, appearing while walking over a hill. Priscilla, Filcar, Claire, and Reon followed behind him. "We found a sword nearby that may answer what happened here."

"Lead away, General." Joe said, waving a hand to the Alliance Rangers. Following them over the small hill, they saw the sword in the middle of what appeared to have once been a small valley.

"So...?" Marvelous asked. Miha stared at the object, not knowing what it was.

"Burai ran some tests on the thing. Inside of it is a current full of Lifestream."

"Lifestream? What is that?" Miha asked.

"Lifestream is to a planet what blood is to beings like us." Doc replied. "When someone passes on from this life, their physical body returns to the planet and returns what they are made of to help the planet recycle its resources. One of these things is what part of the LifestreamLifestream they were endowed with. It has been all but proven that the spirit, what defines our personality, is not taken with the Lifestream and is a separate thing."

"Well, this thing here, according to Burai, has readings of life." Reon said, pointing to the sword.

"So, it took Lifestream and spirit?" Luka asked.

"Fascinating... I've never seen anything able to contain or even isolate spirit matter... What sort of contraption is this!?" Doc said, staring at the sword in awe.

"We don't know. Burai found metals compounded into this thing which he said he's never seen anywhere in the universe." Priscilla said to her former mentor.

"What does this all mean?" Asked Joe.

"It means that this sword is what saved Rashon. This sword was some sort of defense mechanism when the planet exploded, taking all of the spirits of the living from the planet and their Lifestream, storing it in itself. At least, that's Burai's hypothesis." Priscilla reported.

"And that is why we want it!" A voice said, appearing seemingly out of nowhere.

"Who's that?" Marvelous asked.

"Diabolico..." Replied Rahp, getting into a fighting stance.

Loki appeared directly behind him. "I'm ready to rumble!"

"Oh, great. Demons." Joe said, recognizing their gait.

"Give us that sword. The Queen demands it."

"I don't know who this 'Queen' character is. I just hope it's worth being destroyed for her." Luka said, smirking.

"The only ones who are to be destroyed are you." Diabolico said, pointing at the ten rangers.

"Let's do this." Rahp said, readying himself to morph.

"Right behind you." Marvelous said, nodding to his team.

Meanwhile, in space, Guy stared at the monitor with Burai. Burai looked to Guy and placed a hand on his shoulder.

"I can take care of all of your communications from up here. Please, don't worry. I'll be fine."

"But..."

"Really. Go. I got this."

Guy looked down, worried. "If you say so... I'll trust you."

"Private Lovel? I need you to escort him to the teleportation room."

BJ approached the two and nodded. He motioned for Guy to follow him. As they left the command room, Burai looked at his monitor as the rangers finished morphing. He watched as they charged toward the two Demons.

"Good luck, my friends..." He said. He knew the power the Demons had, and could only hope they would be able to stand their ground.
. . .

"Yes, Rita?" Count Dregon asked over his communicator.

"The Alliance wants to up the stakes. They attacked me head on. Rush in and take the fight to Edenoi."

Dregon smiled. "With pleasure..."

He ended the call and looked out from his ship. Looking at the planet he desired to rule over, he was content. He would finally have them under his iron fist.
. . .

General Hydro Hog landed on Aquitar. Moisture permeated the air around him. Wherever his eyes turned, he could see ocean bodies. He knew he would be able to absorb as much water as he pleased from this rock. His dehydration powers would be used to their most extreme capabilities here.

"Tenga Warriors!? Come to me!" He cried out. Suddenly, he found himself surrounded with the feathered beasts. "I need you all to follow me. I hear this planet is under a civil war. We're going to find those who oppose the Aquitians and... offer them our services!"
. . .

Rita sat on her balcony, staring at Earth. She snickered as her two top generals approached her as she had requested.

"Goldar? Scorpina? I have a special mission for you!"

"What is it, my empress?" Goldar asked, bowing slightly.

"I just noticed four of the strongest fighters of the Animal Realm vanish into the portal I created. They are heading toward Mirinoi's side of the universe."

"And how does that concern you, Empress Rita?" Scorpina asked.

She smiled. "Without those four, Earth is weak. I want Zordon and his lackeys to see what happens when you try and mess with the queen of mean! Hahaha! Attack Earth now. Make the Order of the Claw wish they had stayed in the Magic Realm!"

"Yes, my empress!" They both cried out, saluting by crossing their arm across their chest. They turned and left the room to gather Tenga Warriors to assist them in their invasion. As they did, Rita smiled.

While Finster works on the Zeo Crystal, I need to up my game. I can't just sit on one powerful artifact and call it a day... No. While I set in motion my organized chaos throughout the universe, I will have my own plan in motion. I will find Sentinel Knight and obtain the Corona Aurora for myself...
. . .

Michael approached his team. They were sitting in the main room of the Astro Megaship, having lunch.

"I have bad news, everyone. Mirinoi is sending out a distress beacon. It seems as if they are under attack. I don't know if they will be able to get through this without... intervention."

The Space Ranger team looked at each other. They hadn't been on very many missions, and they were weary about jumping into the fray of so many incidents with little training.

"Look," Shawn started. "We want to help people out and all, but don't you think this is getting a little too much? Can't we take a quick break or something?"

"So, you would feel comfortable relaxing here, chatting up a storm, while innocents are being destroyed? You would do this, knowing full well that you had the power to save some people?" Michael asked, looking at his friends indignantly.

"It's not like that!" Cory said. "We just don't want to risk losing our sanity."

"If we don't get time to ourselves, to rest a little, we're gonna get burned out." Angela said.

Michael shook his head. "Fine, do what you will. I guess that's why you are all volunteers anyway. I can't force someone to have commitment. I'll see you all when I get back."

"Whoa, what!?" Eric said, shooting up and walking to his best friend. "Listen, man... I don't think that's such a good idea. You can't go out there, alone, trying to save the universe."

"That's what I was doing before you guys joined me, and I guess that's what I'll be doing again. Now, if you don't mind, I'd like you to let me go. I'm not forcing you to come with me and no one is forcing anyone to stay, understood?"

Eric looked down and noticed he had subconsciously grabbed Michael by the arm. Relenting his grip, he bid his friend a safe journey to Mirinoi. Michael had already piloted the ship within range of the planet. Approaching the chutes, he jumped down and felt himself be teleported to the site of the disturbance.

What he saw when he landed gripped him with fear. He had remembered seeing the schematics on Zordon's worktable several times when he would go in to consult with Research and Development back when he was with The United Alliance. The two beasts whose form he saw on the blueprints towered before him. Their chrome armor acted as a warped mirror, bending everything around them in the reflection they gave back to the world. Michael watched his distorted image morph into the Black Space Ranger.

"Let's rocket!" He called, activating his Astro Morpher. He leapt to the side as one of the giant zords blasted where he had once stood.

"The Ectomorphicons Hornitor and Scorpitron... I guess they really were stolen after the Final Siege. I need to beat these creeps fast."

"May I be of assistance?" Magna Defender asked, approaching his former teammate.

"Magnus! What are you doing here?" Black Ranger asked, surprised.

"Magna is one of Mirinoi's neighboring planets. I came when I picked up a major disturbance on the planet. The people here are so primitive that they are more defenseless than my own people. I couldn't stand by and watch them be destroyed." Magna Defender replied.

"I was close by on patrol when I got the distress signal. I assume they belong to you?" Black Ranger asked.

"Correct. I have been trying to find a weakness to these machines, but I can't quite figure it out."

"How are you fighting these things!?" Black Ranger asked Magna Defender. They both stared on as the zords marched away, blasting trees, forgetting about them.

"With perseverance... and a little help from him." Magna Defender said, pointing to something behind Scorpitron. When Black Ranger looked up, he could see a bull rushing forward, slamming its skull into the back of the Ectomorphicon.

Black Ranger stared as the two Ectomorphicons blasted Toro away. They then immediately turned around and continued blasting trees in the woods. After a few moments of them ignoring their enemies and blasting trees, while Black Ranger and Magna Defender ran behind them, Black Ranger had a thought.

"They're looking for something." Black Ranger said.

Magna Defender nodded. "I can see that now. Good observation. Now, what do you think it is?"

Black Ranger shrugged. "I have no clue. I just hope we can figure it out soon."

As Toro attacked again, being thrown off to the side, he found himself being caught by some strong arms.

"Huh?" Toro asked as he was set back on all fours. He turned to see a familiar face.

"Looks like you could use some help, ol' buddy." Faor said laughing. "I'm gonna show them what the Rhino Spirit can do!"

Toro turned to see three lions approach him. He bowed to the black one, saying, "Black Lion, my king. It is an honor to have you here."

Black Lion nodded. "When I received Magnus' distress beacon, I knew I needed to help. Magnus does not call for help unless it is absolutely necessary. Now, boys?"

The Red Lion Brothers Leon and Lionel looked to their father. He stared into each of their eyes and said, "I need you to go out there and bring these machines down. Can you do that?"

Lionel nodded. "Yes, my father. I will make our people proud." He roared and ran off to fight.

"I'm gonna rip these guys apart!" Leon said, laughing.

Black Lion furrowed his brow. "Now, son, remember: discipline in your fighting."

Turning around and running to join the battle, Leon yelled back, "Yeah, I know! I'm a disciple of winning and having fun while doing it."

Black Lion rolled his eyes and shook his head. Toro approached the king of the Animal Realm as he did this and said, "Are you upset with me for my sudden departure?"

"No, I am not. You were always a free spirit, Toro. I knew the day would come that you would forge your own path. I was disappointed that it happened to coincide with your little unauthorized escapade with Leon and his ragtag group of friends, but I supposed the end result is the same."

Toro nodded before saying, "He's a good kid, you know... Leon. He's not like his brother, Lionel, but he has a good heart. His... unorthodox methods are just an extension of his wanting to not be compared to Lionel's near perfection in everything he does."

Black Lion grunted. "I appreciate the, uh, advice, Toro. I will look into that. Now, if you aren't too injured, shall we... wrestle these foes?"

"It would be an honor to fight by your side, your highness."

The two animals roared and sped into the battle. Teeth and claws met metal and pincers. The five animals dug deep as Magna Defender and the Black SpaceRanger fired shots at the Ectomorphicons, hoping to hit something that would slow them down. It did not appear as if it was working for them.

"Any room for us?" Zordon said, running up to his comrades.

"Zordon of Eltar? Am I ever glad to see you." Magna Defender said.

"So, it is true. The rumors. You live." Black Ranger said, hugging Zordon.

Zordon pointed at the Ectomorphicons. "Not for much longer if we can't get these two under control. I know what they're capable of and I don't think any of us want to see them get to their potential."

Yoral slowly made his way to the Morphing Masters as they spoke. He laughed as he heard them speak about strategies to get to their control panels on the inside.

Zordon frowned a bit. "Yes, Yoral? Do you have something you wish to share with us?"

Yoral pointed his chin at Zordon. "Yeah, I do. It's called pure power. Zocato power!" As he proclaimed his Zocato power, a black and blue cloud shot out and shockwaved toward the Ectomorphicons. It missed Scorpitron but hit Hornitor head on, causing it to fall onto its side. Toro and Lionel pounced on it and tried dismembering it. They were having a tough time getting through the exoskeleton.

"Wow! Sweet power!" Black Ranger said, congratulating Yoral.

Yoral looked Zordon from head to toe while talking to Black Ranger, saying, "You ain't seen nothin' yet. My powers get stronger by the day!" Yoral thought of his session that day with the Ghost of Darkness. He had felt as if the techniques the ghost had taught him had already greatly increased his power.

Tria, Trinity, and Dulcea ran to meet with the others. They had finished hiding the Ragnarok and were ready to join the fight.

"So... what are we doing?" Trinity asked.

"They're standing around while I have been fighting." Yoral said.

"Watch your tongue, kid, before I rip it out and slap you with it." Magna Defender said, jabbing Yoral in the chest with his index finger. "We're trying to discuss a real strategy here. You can go off and show the world how strong you are all you want, but don't you dare act as if you're a solo fighter in this battle. Understood?"

"How dare y-"

"I said 'understood'!?"

Yoral swallowed hard. "Understood..."

"Good. Now run along and play." Magna Defender said, turning his back on Yoral. Yoral's face burned with anger. He turned, waiting to see Trinity run to him for support and to comfort him in his humiliation. Instead, he saw he join the others in their talk of strategy.

I'll show them true power... That's the real strategy. The ONLY strategy! Yoral thought as he rushed toward the Ectomorphicons standing their ground against the five warriors from the Animal Realm.

At that moment, Lionel found himself flying through the air. Blood was gushing out of his chest.

"Lionel!" Black Lion roared. He rushed to his son. "What happened!?"

"I'm okay, father. The scorpion slashed me bad. I'm sorry to say, though, that I won't be able to keep fighting. If I do, then I may not be okay."

"It's okay, son. You move off to the side and heal."

The group looked up to see what had happened to Lionel when they heard him roar out in pain. They turned to see the three remaining fighters begin to lose ground. Even Yoral's Zocato power seemed to not being doing much to the Ectomorphicons.

Zordon shook his head. "We need a plan and fast. If we don't get one, then we may not get out of this battle with our lives."
. . .

"My queen..." Maligore said, bowing before Bansheera's throne.

"Yes, my loyal servant?" Bansheera asked.

"I have intercepted a distress beacon from Mirinoi. They are under attack."

"Mirinoi? I don't remember receiving any requests from Vile about attacking Mirinoi... I know I haven't ordered any myself. Is it Scorpius?" Bansheera asked.

"No. I've done some investigating and it appears to be an invasion by the Ectomorphicons." Maligore stated.

"Him!" Bansheera said in anger. "I knew he'd pop in eventually. He just couldn't resist."

"My thoughts exactly, my queen." Maligore stated.

"I want you to get Loki and Diabolico, and get over to Mirinoi immediately. See to it that he is stopped before he gets... whatever it is he's trying to get. He knows Lothor's ways and that in and of itself makes him too much of a threat." Bansheera ordered.

"My queen, are you aware that Diabolico and Loki are currently attempting to retrieve the Savage Sword for you on Rashon?" Maligore inquired.

"Yes, I am. But, I still want them to be pulled out from there. The Savage Sword will mean nothing if he rises to the power I knew he wanted. I should have never trusted him! Argh!" Bansheera screeched at the end of her statement and slammed his fist into the arm of her throne.

Maligore took a step back, shocked. He had never witnessed such emotion come from his queen. He, for the first time, was fearful. "I will ensure Diabolico and Loki are with me on Mirinoi as soon as possible." He then saluted and dashed out of the throne room.

Bansheera looked down. She realized she had dug her fingernails into her palm in anger. Blood dripped down and onto her throne. She began breathing rhythmically, trying to regain her composure. Smiling, she stepped off her throne and approached the platform next to her golden box. In the middle of the platform, a fully healed Novact stood with his eyes closed. He was in the moment, absorbing his new powers.

Bansheera smiled. "I still have some cards up my sleeves. Soon, you will be ready, and you will be one of the darkest warriors this universe has ever known. My enemies won't know what hit them when you arrive!"
. . .

In the back of Finster's laboratory, a slab against the wall moved. From the hidden wall, Lord Zedd snuck out. He was a bit disoriented, but he was able to find his way to a poorly lit part to hide in case someone was in the area. From Finster's communicator, he could hear the operator, Squatt, informing all of those under Project White Genesis of the news in the universe.

"Count Dregon is currently unleashing his full power on Edenoi. Let's see if those Edenites will be strong enough to survive!

"We have a mysterious attack on Mirinoi, and it seems to not be related to our cause. Involved are Zordon and his crew. We hope to hear of their demise soon!"

Zedd turned and looked out into space. He could make out Earth from where he was, able to see out the balcony a few feet away. He wiggled his hand in front of his face, causing his digits to move slowly.

Now is my time... Now I will get my vengeance on Count Dregon! Lord Zedd thought. He concentrated on his power and suddenly found himself flying through space, toward Edenoi.

As Lord Zedd traveled, Commander Zedd watched from the prison of what used to be his body. He watched as his head moved from side to side, spying the planets and other celestial bodies they passed by. He could feel his mind racing with strategies to battle Dregon, but the thoughts were not his. Commander Zedd then traveled deep into the recesses of the section of his brain where he kept all of his memories stored and separated from the Dark Lord. In his mind fortress, Commander Zedd began thinking to himself.

I had control over my body at one point. I can do it again. Zordon needs me on Mirinoi. If I don't do something, he may be lost forever. I need to strike at the right moment and get control again. I know I can do it...

Lord Zedd continued to travel at mind numbing speed through the universe. Happy, the only thing going through the Dark Lord's portion of his host's brain was how sweet his vengeance will be when he imagined himself standing over Count Dregon, ready to plunge his fist into his chest to squeeze out his heart. Zedd laughed at this. He knew he would have his revenge.