Power Rangers GPX SIU

by DChan87

GPX AU: Southern Illinois University Carbondale is under siege by immoral alchemists with unknown intentions. Its best hope for defense are five superheroes calling themselves "Power Rangers". But they're also students at SIU, and schoolwork and personal lives mix with professional as they try to unravel the mystery of their alchemist enemies.

13. Once a Ranger, Always a Ranger

Hitomi VO: "Previously on Power Rangers GPX SIU!"

Sirius: "Why don't I help you out?"

Bridget: "I know that was you."

(Sean breaks down in tears)

Aaron: "I just wanted to tell him."

Kevin: "And yet you had the good grace not to say it out loud."

Sirius: "Everyone I've met calls me The Bloodletter!"

(The Rangers look like they're beating Sirius before he turns the tables on them. Suddenly a Green Ranger appears and chases Sirius off)

Green Ranger: "My name's Adam Park."

Power Rangers GPX SIU Episode 13: Once A Ranger, Always A Ranger

Warning: The following chapter contains emotional moments that may cause you to cry.

:-:-:-: Pooow-wer Ran-gers Grand Prix, G-P-X, GO! :-:-:-:

"Adam Park is in my apartment," said Sean. "Adam fucking Park."

"I take it you've heard of me," said Adam. "And I've heard of you, too; Well, the both of you, anyway."

"Yeah, I know," Sean groaned. Adam took a sip of milk that Sean had given him. The other Rangers were actually quite surprised a Ranger from the other universe had arrived. Before now the only way they could appear was through holograms generated by the Multiversal Morphing Grid. "So you're here to—"

"I'm here to help," said Adam.

"Yes, but we always assumed that you couldn't interfere in our universe," said Sean. "Isn't this breaking the rules? And what happens if people find out you're from another universe?"

"They don't have to," Adam replied. "I'm not here to interfere; I'm not even going to be here very long."

"Well that's all fine and dandy, but again, people might figure out you're not—"

"I said they don't have to find out!" Adam interrupted. "All they have to know is that I'm another Ranger, perhaps one of many Rangers recruited by 'Professor Gearhead'."

"I think he can pull it off," said Marty. Sean looked at Marty and smiled at him like he was making a joke. "What, I was serious!"

"Hey, I've seen crazier things in my universe," said Adam. "And yes, they can top whatever you can think of."

"Sure, that sounds nice," said Sean.

"Um, Mr. Park, how long are you going to be here for?" asked Hitomi

"Probably for only a few days," said Adam. "Sean said I can't interfere, so I can't stay."

"Better stay in a hotel," said Sean. "This is University Housing; you can't stay here for more than one day."

"Okay," said Adam. "Can I stick around, though?"

"Yeah, sure," said Marty.

"By the way, why did you come?" asked Aaron.

"Because I wanted to help," said Aaron. "We've already been watching you and your other-universe counterparts for a while. Tommy focuses on your counterparts and Jason has kept his eye on you. We wanted to help both of you, but Gosei told us to try and focus on one—"

"Who the fuck is Gosei?" said Sean.

"Sorry, that's two years away," said Adam. "Anyways, it was suggested that we only help one of you out, and after what happened to Sean's sister, we decided to help you guys out."

"What about the Orlando team?" asked Aaron.

"They're doing fine, last time we checked," said Adam, "Although Kalderon seemed to be massing a huge force to invade Orlando with."

"Great," said Sean, "Those guys better not get cocky. So where are you going to stay?"

"Do you have some place?" asked Adam. Sean thought for a moment and then a light appeared above his head… but not really.

:-:-:-: PRGPX :-:-:-:

"Sean, what is it this time?" Rob asked. He was standing at the door of his house, wearing an apron while they could hear Allie and Cassie wailing in the background. Allie was screaming for her mommy, Cassie was probably screaming for her milk. And Rob did not look very happy.

It was lucky he was a Power Ranger, too. "Um, we have a little situation," said Sean. "Long story short, this guy's from another universe and he needs a place to stay."

"Got any cash?" asked Rob.

"Yes," said Adam, "But these guys pointed out I could have my cover blown."

Rob shook his head, annoyed with Sean's insistence. "You're lucky I'm a Ranger too," he said, pointing at Adam.

"Really, what color?" asked Adam.

"Silver," he replied. "Come on in I'll show you around." Adam followed him in, looking around at Rob's house.

"Looks nice," he said.

"Yeah, it's nice for our income," Rob replied. "Okay, don't worry, she'll be okay," Rob said, trying to console the wailing Allie. "I'm sorry, her mother—Sean's sister—got bit by a Mannequin. We were worried about her."

Adam could see just how much the families of the Rangers in this universe were affected. In his universe, there was rarely an attack on the family of the other Rangers. If there was, it wasn't really much of a problem, except when Wes's dad was nearly killed. But that was a different example. It is, however, about as close to this example as he can think of. Just watching Rob taking care of his daughters as best he could gave him a knot in the pit of his stomach.

"Bridge knows," said Sean. Adam and Rob turned around. Even Maria (who'd snuck up behind Sean) was taken aback by this. "She told me."

"How?" asked Adam. "I mean, how—"

"She recognized my voice," said Sean. "She is my sister after, all. I'm not as surprised now as when she told me."

"So… Bridget knows we're…" Rob said, covering Allie's ears. "What am I going to do now?"

"It's not like she's going to tell anyone," said Sean. "She's gonna keep our secret." Maria, Adam and Rob all sighed in relief.

"You scared me," said Adam.

"Well it's not like it's really going to change much, the Lightspeed guys didn't even bother with secret identities!" said Sean.

"And I might as well say this now," said Rob, "I think there's something going on with Chief Granger."

"Something going on, what do you mean?" asked Sean.

"He doesn't seem to care about the guy who attacked yesterday," said Rob. Sean looked at Adam, a little concerned.

"We'll get SWORD to look into him," said Sean. "Those guys make the CIA look like newbies."

"I hope you're right," said Adam.

:-:-:-: Power Rangers GPX :-:-:-:

Drake watched Sirius sharpen his sword. The previous day's battle with the Rangers caught the Ouroboros Society off guard. Even though Sirius (barely) pulled out the victory, he still had to deal with the Rangers and a newcomer. His reaction, however, provoked a different response.

Whereas Ronald, got infuriated after losing to the Rangers the first time (and hence drew the Society into conflict with them), Sirius seemed actually happy to lose. The reason for those was simple: He finally had a worthy opponent. Just like the Ouroboros Society. Now Sirius was planning to attack Carbondale again to get at the Rangers. How he would do it was a completely different manner.

The sparks flew left and right while he sharpened his sword. He took it off and looked at it. A smile told Drake that Ronald was satisfied with the sharpness of his blade. "What are your plans?" he asked.

Sirius gave Drake a look. Since the two have known each other since they were 10 years old, they knew what the other was thinking when they looked at each other. "You are going to attack, of course," said Drake.

"Of course," said Sirius. Drake sighed.

"And what are you planning, specifically?"

"I think I'll smoke the Rangers out," he said.

Drake sighed again. "We do that by sending a monster to defeat them," he said. "How are you going to be any different?"

Sirius examined his other sword. He began to sharpen this one, as well. Drake was not sure if he was ignoring him or simply so focused on his blade that he forgot about Drake. "That hospital, where the Red Ranger's sister is," said Sirius, "Looks defenseless."

"Do not," said Drake. "Do not bring the Rangers into a personal battle. If anything, you will only provoke their rage."

"Exactly," said Sirius. "Unlike you, I like fighting an angry enemy. It's so much more fun."

"You are worse than a Norse berserker," said Drake.

"Except I don't go berserk," said Sirius. "Of course, that might just be an empty threat."

"Knowing you Sirius, I doubt it," said Drake. Sirius chuckled, refusing the answer the other alchemist. He just went back to sharpening his sword. "When will you attack?"

"Today."

:-:-:-: PRGPX :-:-:-:

"You know, I kind of like this place," Adam said while sipping some coffee at the Student Center Starbuck's with Aaron seated across from him. "It's a lot better than UC Angel Grove. That place was too condensed and cluttered. This place, on the other hand, is just right."

"That's nice," said Aaron. Adam could see something was wrong with his fellow Green Ranger. He had barely touched his coffee and was clearly sulking. Well, now, being a Ranger, Adam felt he had to say something.

"What's wrong?" he asked.

"I just feel so—"

"Inferior?" Adam interrupted. Aaron nodded. Adam put his jacket on and urged Aaron to follow him. However, seeing as he was unfamiliar with the layout of the Student Center (even if it is just one long hallway) he let Aaron lead him to a small amphitheater outside the south entrance of the Student Center where they could have their conversation. "Let me guess, you're resenting the Red Ranger."

"I'm not the only one," said Aaron.

"Yes, I've heard of him," said Adam, "in both of your universes."

"Is there something about Green Rangers that makes us green with envy?" asked Aaron.

"Not me," said Adam. "I settled into my role pretty quickly."

"Role?" asked Aaron.

"Every Ranger has a role," said Adam. "Red is usually the leader, although there have been exceptions. Blue is usually second-in-command and apart from the both of us, the Green Ranger is well… goofy." Aaron scoffed his laughter. "Just be glad you're not one of those Green Rangers."

"I don't think I can be," said Aaron. "But the other guy thought he was entitled to be Red Ranger, so he was angry."

"And that cost him dearly," said Adam. "Sometimes, the other Rangers can be difficult to work with, but in the end, they always stick together. It's the battles you go through that make you the unstoppable teams you are. And judging by Sean's determination and refusal to give up—although retreating is a smart move—you guys are following his lead in a way that impresses all of us.

"But I don't want to be just a follower," said Aaron.

"And you don't have to be," said Adam. He leaned forward and pointed at Aaron. "Judging by the way you're talking, you're taking this opportunity for granted. You are one of the select few—the first Rangers in this entire universe. This is a huge honor! Sure, you're putting your life on the line, but that's a risk we all take. You don't have to be content with your position. The danger comes when you start to think that you start to resent everyone else. You've seen what happens."

"Of course," said Aaron.

"Now, you'll have to give Sean a chance to recover from what happened to him, but you can tell him you feel insecure with him," said Adam. "You can use the others as fuel to your fire. Just do in a way that doesn't harm anyone. You're a team, not a group of individuals, after all. Everyone does their part. You just need to find out what your part is, got that?"

Aaron nodded. Adam patted him on the shoulder as he got up and got ready to go. "I have to get to class," he said.

"I'm not stopping you," Adam replied. He gave Aaron a smile as he walked off to class.

"Impressive speech," said a voice from behind. Adam turned around and saw Rob standing behind the hedgerow that surrounded the amphitheater.

"When did you get there?" asked Adam.

"About a minute ago," said Rob. "I didn't know he was so insecure."

"It happens," said Adam. "I'll admit I got tired of Tommy from time to time."

Rob laughed. "I don't have time for that," he said. "I have my own mission, just like Kevin."

"What's he doing?" asked Aaron.

"He's talking to a teacher here who may know a few things about alchemy," said Rob. "So far he hasn't had as much luck, but we think he's biding his time."

"I take you guys already have some roles figured out," said Adam.

"He is a TA, and he can't talk to the others, so in one way it's a good thing he doesn't speak to them as much," said Rob.

"At least he has a mission," said Adam. "And aren't you supposed to be on duty?"

"I'm on break," Rob said with a chuckle. He walked inside, with Adam following.

"Do you know any good places to get some lunch?" he asked.

"Of course," said Rob, "But I can't go with you."

:-:-:-: Power Rangers GPX :-:-:-:

It was late afternoon. Sirius stood on a corner near the Amtrak station blending in as much as he could. His swords where hidden from view, though. He looked around, hoping no one could see him. That was when he pulled his phone out. "Yes, this is Sirius," he said. "I'm going to attack the hospital in 60 minutes." He hung up and began his trek to the hospital.

Now he was going to see how well the Rangers responded.

:-:-:-: PRGPX :-:-:-:

As Aaron studied, he looked over at Sean and Maria. They were looking at Sean's laptop, looking for something. "What are you looking at?" he asked.

"Trying to find out more about Sirius the Bloodletter," said Sean. "Did you have a nice chat with Adam?"

"Yes," he replied. "He told me we all have roles."

"I've settled into mine," said Maria, "Long ago, anyway." Sean chuckled in response.

"Looks like he's left survivors," said Sean. "An entire village in England was slaughtered except for a 12-year-old girl who hid in the pub. Heck of a place to hide. She said Sirius seemed to be erratic with his killing, but he was also focused."

"How is that possible?" asked Aaron.

"Maybe he just got caught up," said Maria. "I knew we've gotten focused while fighting."

"It says he was looking for one person," said Sean. "Perhaps he doesn't like leaving witnesses. If that's the case, we'd better stop him before he does any—hold on." He checked his phone and answered it. "Yeah?" he said. As he listened to the voice on the other end, his eyes widened in horror and Aaron and Maria could tell something was up. It was not good. "When? An hour? Oh, no, that doesn't give them time. No, of course we'll be there! See if they can get as many people out of there as possible!" He hung up the phone and got up, grabbing his black leather jacket.

"What is it?" asked Maria.

"Sirius is going after the hospital," said Sean.

"WHAT!?"

"Yeah, I know!" he replied. "Get your shit together; we'll be there to meet the bastard!" He got on his communicator and started talking. "He's going after the hospital! Be there in one hour!"

:-:-:-: Power Rangers GPX :-:-:-:

The hour was almost up. Sirius began sauntering through the streets of Carbondale. He decided to announce his presence, blowing up a car that had been parked at the Amtrak station. People started running, but he ignored them except for the sound of their screams. Oh, how he loved the hear that! Any one who got in his way was cut down. He was not going to stop for anything.

He passed by the main square of town. The cops who tried to stop him were also cut down. But they got the message that he was there to face the Rangers, no one else. It was best they stayed out of his way. He could either take East Main St or West Jackson St. Either one worked just fine. In the end, he turned on to East Main St and followed the road there.

As he walked forward, the bystanders stayed out of his way. However, that was when he noticed eight figures standing in the intersection of East Main St and North University Avenue.

The Rangers had arrived. They stood tall and defiant, waiting for Sirius to arrive. As he approached, they stood their ground. Maria, out of reflex, grabbed for Sean's hand and gave it a squeeze. He returned it. It calmed the both of them down knowing they were there.

As for Aaron, he tried to stay calm. A hand on his should from Adam made him ease up. He took a deep breath and waited for Sean to make his ultimatum. "Sirius the Bloodletter!" Sean called out, "Take one more step and we will kill you!"

"Who the hell are you to order me?" he asked.

"I said STOP RIGHT THERE!" Sean shouted. Sirius smiled and stopped, putting his hands up.

"Okay," he said. "Now who the hell are you?"

"Your worst nightmare," said Sean. He displayed his morpher and puller his key out of the jacket. Everyone readied their morphers. "This is as far as you go, Sirius!" he said. "READY!?"

"READY!"

"GPX, START IT UP!"

"IT'S MORPHIN' TIME! ZEO RANGER FOUR, GREEN!"

Sirius was momentarily blinded by the light before he looked again. There they were, the Power Rangers, in all their spandex-clad glory. "So you're the Power Rangers!" he said. "I had no idea!"

"We're full of surprises!" said Sean. "The threat still stands! Come any closer and die!"

Sirius laughed. Just to see what would happen, he took a goose step and approached them. Suddenly, he felt a blow to his face, and he twirled around before noticing the Silver Ranger had attacked him first. "Very well then," he said, drawing one of his swords. He launched himself at Silver, but Rob got out of the way.

The first one he fought was Sean. His GT Sword clashed with Sirius's sword and the two ground it out in the middle of the intersection. Sean tried to push Sirius to the south, but Sirius held his ground. He drew his sword back, which caused Sean to stumble forward. He took a swing at Sean. Sparks flew from Sean's suit and he fell backwards. However, he recovered and attacked Sirius again.

He made Sirius turn around, keeping him in place. That was when Sirius felt several shots hit him in the back. Kevin and Rob had shot him. He broke away from Sean and raced towards the two. However, he felt a blow to his side and fell down. He looked up to see Adam getting ready to thrust his Zeo Sword down on him. He rolled out of the way and blocked Adam's sword attack. He also turned Adam around and then kicked him in the gut.

He whipped his head around to see Hitomi and Maria coming in. He ducked to avoid Hitomi, but then he felt Maria's boot to his face. After a dazed moment, he jumped away from Hitomi. Then, all of a sudden, he burst towards Maria and slashed her before she had a chance to see him. "Ay dios MIO he's fast!" she said.

"Dammit!" said Marty. He saw Sirius coming right at him. He wound up his hammer and took a big swing at the alchemist assassin. Sirius dodged and then took his sword pommel and jabbed it into Marty's gut. However, Kevin grabbed him and pulled him away.

Sirius's gloves began to crackle again. However, Kevin was not going to be fooled this time. He twisted his arm behind his back and shoved him to the ground. Sirius "oof'd" as he felt some of the wind knocked out of him.

"Stay away from that hospital if you'll know what's good for you," said Kevin.

Sirius threw him off and delivered a side kick to Kevin. He got out of the way and when Sirius tried to grab him, he dodged it again and shoved Sirius to the ground.

"I'm impressed, Rangers," he said. They all gathered around him. He was surrounded; Rangers on all sides and no way to escape.

That simplified his problem.

He grabbed his sword and with his incredible speed, went after Marty first. The Gold Ranger groaned and screamed as Sirius attacked almost unmercifully before he felt a boot to the side of the head. It was Sean, who was helping out his best friend. "Don't even think about it!" said Sean.

Sirius wiped his mouth off and gripped his sword. He got up and charged Sean, but Sean blocked his attack. The rings on Sean's boots began to spin as he tried to stay in place. Sirius was pushing him closer and closer to the hospital. Suddenly, he felt himself tumble over the sign in front of the hospital. Sirius had broken through!

Suddenly, Sirius was drawn away from Sean. Adam had grabbed Sirius and was dragging him away from Sean. Sean got back up and punched Sirius in the left cheek.

Sirius growled. The Rangers had him on the run. However, he was not done. His glove began to crackle again and he grabbed Adam.

KA-BOOM!

The resulting explosion sent Adam flying backwards and he crashed into Rob. The two tumbled for a few feet before stopping. Sirius was going after Sean, getting aggressive. However, Sean ducked and left it up to Maria, whose fist connected with Sirius's left cheek. She helped him up and the two went after the assassin, attacking with an intense fury.

Sean's sword collided with Sirius's swords and Maria added a little extra for support. They both took their chances against him. They had them on the run, and Maria was going after Sirius with such intensity even Sean was surprised. "DON'T YOU DARE HARM MY BOYFRIEND'S SISTER!" she shouted. Sirius stopped, surprised at what he just heard.

"About time I heard that," said Rob. Everyone else's eyes (if you could see them) were wide and full of surprise.

"Maria, you're not supposed to say that yet!" said Sean, "The part about us being boyfriend and girlfriend, I mean."

"Sorry," she replied before kicking Sirius in the shin. The assassin was not happy, but he did not hop around like a cartoon character, he just retaliated by swinging his sword at Maria. She ducked and slammed the handle of her dagger into his gut. He felt the wind knocked out of him and then a blow to the back as Sean had just slammed his elbow into his spine.

The assassin coughed as he regained his breath, but he got back up right as he saw a more aggressive Marty rushing forward, brandishing his hammer at him. Marty brought his hammer down but Sirius rolled out of the way. He blocked Marty's hammer with his sword as best he could, but it's a hammer. It's not easy! Marty thrust the head of his hammer at Sirius, but Sirius jumped out of the way.

Then he felt something hit his back and his face collided with the head of the hammer. He rolled off, holding his face in agony. "That was me," Adam said, placing his boot on Sirius's back.

"You guys are better than I thought," he said with a laugh.

"You're not angry?" asked Sean.

"Are you kidding me?" Sirius replied. "You lot are the best fight I've had in years! I'm actually getting tired!"

"Glad we're helping," said Sean. "Now let's discuss the terms of your surrender. If you do, you might get a plea deal and get off life without parole. If not… well, you're probably gonna die."

"In that case," Sirius's gloves began to crackle and he grabbed at Adam. Adam got out of the way, but Sirius grabbed Marty. The resulting explosion sent Marty flying towards the sign and he crashed into it, taking out the "DALE" part of Carbondale.

After a moment of shock, the Rangers attacked again. They swarmed Sirius in an attempt to overwhelm him, but wielding both swords, he was able to block all of them save for Adam, who was over at the sign helping Marty up.

Hitomi threw a reverse roundhouse kick at Sirius, but he ducked. He blocked her next punch and hit her back. Kevin caught her and threw her back at him and she delivered a nice punch to him. However, he grabbed her and tossed her to the side. He grabbed Kevin's helmet and elbowed him in the head, making him fall backwards.

When he got away, Sirius grabbed both his swords and turned on his speed. He ran circles around the Rangers. Sparks flew from their suits as he did his thing and they fell backwards. Then his gloves began to crackle. He clapped his hands, put them out and as if it was magic, the explosion and they were thrown backwards by the force of the explosion.

Marty had recovered and punched Sirius right in the face. He then grabbed the assassin's jacket and went to town on him like this was a hockey game. Sirius fell to the ground and tried to get Marty off, eventually kicking the Gold Ranger off of him. He got back up and slashed Marty with the sword in his left hand.

He didn't let Sean sneak up from behind. He stepped out of the way and tripped Sean up. He lifted his sword and was about to bring it down on him but his attack was blocked by Adam's Zeo Sword. Adam threw his sword off and took a couple of slashed at Sirius. The assassin fell backwards.

He sighed in annoyance. That was when Aaron rushed forward and kicked him in the face. He threw several more punches and kicks at Sirius, which caused him to fall backwards onto the damaged sign.

Sirius took his gloves and caused another explosion. The Rangers were thrown backwards on the street but they got back up pretty quickly.

Sirius had gotten more aggressive though, and used his speed to take out the Rangers one by one. They landed on the ground, groaning and moaning. Sirius then went straight for Aaron. The Green Ranger tried to get up, but he put his foot on Aaron's chest. He lifted his sword. "Prepare to die," he said. Aaron's eyes got wider in horror. His breath quickened and his heart began to pound. Sirius brought his sword down.

"AAAAHHHH!"

"AAAAADAAAAMMM!" Aaron shouted.

"NOOOOOOOO!" Sean screamed.

Sirius's sword was sticking out of Adam's body. The green in his suit mixed with his blood. Sirius drew his sword from Adam's body, causing him to jerk.

Then, Adam spun around and attacked Sirius. The other Rangers got up and began to try and help their fellow Ranger. Aaron was too shocked to move, but eventually he got back up and attacked Sirius.

Sirius tried to get back at the Rangers, but they weren't letting up. Suddenly, Sirius created another explosion that knocked the Rangers back and HERE COMES ADAM!

Even though he was mortally wounded, Adam pressed on. He went after Sirius with incredible vigor, driving him backwards. Sirius tried to defend, but it was all for naught. Suddenly, he too, felt something stick right through his body. He looked down and saw that Adam's sword had been jammed straight into his body.

He felt cold. He could barely stand. His vision began to fade. When Adam drew his sword out, he fell backwards on the ground. He gagged on his blood. He looked up at the sky as he got colder. His vision faded and soon, the blackness engulfed him.

Sirius the Bloodletter was dead.

At the same time, Adam collapsed onto the ground. The other Rangers rushed to his side. "Adam!" Sean said, taking off his and Adam's helmet. He looked pale and blood was trickling out of the sides of his mouth. "Hang on, okay?"

"Adam!" Aaron shouted. He looked absolutely devastated.

Adam could barely talk. It was only when Hitomi lifted his head up that he could talk. "Is he…"

"He's dead," said Sean. Adam smiled.

"Then I did my job," said Adam. He gagged again. He lifted his hands up. Sean grabbed his right and Aaron, who was fighting back tears, grabbed his other. "I'm glad I could have…" He gagged again. "… Done something." He smiled. "Once a Ranger…"

"Always a Ranger," Sean finished. Adam smiled again.

With that, Adam Park, one of the greatest Power Rangers of his time, departed for Valhalla.

His grasp went weak, but the other Rangers held onto him. There was not a dry eye amongst that bunch. "Semper Fi," Rob said with a salute. The other Rangers stood up and saluted their fallen comrade from another universe. They all pulled out their blasters and in a quiet, but powerful moment, with a few people watching, gave Adam a final 21-gun salute.

:-:-:-: PRGPX :-:-:-:

With the battle over, the Rangers took Adam's body to a nearby field. It was out of the way, so no one could see the Multiversal Morphing Grid. Sean activated the Grid as the others placed Adam's body down in the field. He was still wearing his Ranger suit, but it was wrapped up to stop the bleeding. In a short moment, the Grid began to give off a light.

A figure appeared. It was Jason again. "Hey guys," he said. "What's—" he saw Adam's body on the ground. "Is he—"

"He went out how a Ranger should," said Sean.

Jason lowered his head. He nodded and prepared to bring Adam to the other universe.

"He died trying to save me," said Aaron.

"There's no better way for a Ranger to go out," said Jason.

"We have some beers and music for him," said Sean. He pulled the cooler over to them and opened it up. The Rangers (save for Hitomi) each pulled out a Budweiser, opened it and raised a toast to the sky.

"To Adam Park," said Jason. "One of the best Rangers I ever knew. I hope he's in a better place."

"He's in Valhalla, assuming it exists," said Sean. "Flute, Kevin."

Kevin nodded and began to play the flute he brought with him. He played a sad, mournful song as Adam's body began to de-materialize to be sent to the next universe. As the flute played, Sean began to sing.

"The minstrel boy to the war is gone,
In the ranks of death you'll find him;
His father's sword he has girded on,
And his wild harp slung behind him;

The lyrics were familiar to Maria, who's heard them before and she began to sing along, too, as did Rob.

"Land of Song!" said the warrior bard,
"Though all the world betrays thee,
One sword, at least, thy rights shall guard,
One faithful harp shall praise thee!"

By now everyone had joined in (except for Jason) in giving Adam one final musical send-off.

"The Minstrel fell! But the foeman's chain
Could not bring his proud soul under;
The harp he loved ne'er spoke again,
For he tore its chords asunder;
And said "No chains shall sully thee,
Thou soul of love and bravery!
Thy songs were made for the pure and free
They shall never sound in slavery!'"

"SEMPER FI!" Rob shouted as Adam's body finally disappeared.

"Rest in peace, you awesome sonuvabitch!" Marty shouted.

"Once a Ranger!" Sean shouted,

"ALWAYS A RANGER!"

:-:-:-: Power Rangers GPX :-:-:-:

Sean VO: "Next time, on Power Rangers GPX SIU!"

Sean: "Bridge is being released!"

Kevin: "Hello, Dr. Nelson."

Drake: "The Rangers have made our fight personal."

Bellatrix: "You devastated my lover."

(Shots of the Rangers fighting a badger monster. The monster grabs Aaron by the throat).

Sean VO: "That's next time on Power Rangers GPX SIU!"

End chapter

Wow. I can't believe I just did that. I just killed off a very popular Ranger. Although, I really hope I gave him a good treatment, characterization and a great Dying Moment of Awesome for you guys to be happy. No, Johnny Young Bosch isn't dead, but I felt something had to happen. But I'll admit, I got teary-eyed writing this. I hope you guys get teary-eyed as well. You can tell me right down there! Don't give me some emotionless "Cool. I got sad." Say something emotional, dammit! Like, "NOOOO! ADAAAAAMMM!" A great Ranger just died, show it!

Oh, and to the people editing this story's TV Tropes page, please don't add Adam's death, okay? I want people to read this, so just mention a tragic death or something like that and tell people to come here and read it.