AUTHOR'S NOTE: So, here we have a series partially inspired by Marvel's Acts of Evil, which itself was a spiritual successor to Acts of Vengeance. Basically, myself, my collaborator, and Writer of the Storm will each write two stories here involving one or more heroes or anti-heroes taking on villains they've never faced before, this first one being written by Writer of the Storm, and a massive thanks to him for collaborating with us, as always.
FYI, by the way, there's a chance this'll get bumped up from a T to an M once I've written one specific match-up which is going to require an M rating for me to properly write it. You can probably already tell which one it'll be, but I won't say just in case.
DISCLAIMER: I own absolutely none of the properties you will see here. All rights go to their respective owners.
Acts of Villainy
The Lyoko Warriors vs. Goldar: Pursuit of Power
From with on the surface of the moon sat a fortress of evil. Once a temple for a highly advanced and peaceful civilization, it was taken over and converted centuries ago by the sinister being who was sitting upon the throne inside the palace. Lord Zedd held his scepter by his side as he silently contemplated the next fiendish deed he would enact to try and conquer the nearby Earth. From a large balcony at the end of the throne room, he had an excellent view of said planet.
Long had Lord Zedd wanted to add this world to the many he had already conquered. Yet, every attempt by him and his second-in-command, turned wife and queen, Rita Repulsa had been thwarted by the forces of good known as the Power Rangers. Yet even together, their efforts were stifled. What was worse, as they fought for dominance of the planet, a new age of heroes had begun. A boom of younger warriors of justice arose, with heroes seemingly sprouting up everywhere. As a result, the Power Rangers were not the only obstacle in Lord Zedd and Rita's way. Sometimes these new heroes would even aid the Rangers when needed, infuriating the devilish couple dwelling on the moon.
Thoughts of his stifled efforts silently vexed the emperor of evil until a new nuisance caught his attention. "What is this?" Lord Zedd wondered out loud. "I detect a sudden spike in the Morphing Grid. One not of the Power pukes in Angel Grove."
Because the balance of the Morphing Grid was maintained by the constant struggle of good and evil, particularly between Zedd himself and Zordon, he was almost always aware of such changes. "How is this possible? Don't tell me there are more Rangers now on Earth! Don't I have enough to deal with between the Power brats and these other heroic pests sprouting across the world like weeds?!"
With a growl of fury, Lord Zedd stood up from his throne and walked over to the balcony overlooking the Earth. "Let us see what this potential new headache is."
A beam of concentrated red light flashed from Lord Zedd's visor and stretched to Earth, giving the dark lord sight of what was happening on the planet's surface. He scanned across the world until stopping on what he was certain was the point of origin for this new spike in the Morphing Grid.
"France?" Zedd wondered in surprise. Even more alarming was what he saw, which made him growl in frustration. "Those are not Power Rangers. They are just some random group of brats parading around in costumes playing dress up!"
Lord Zedd was proven wrong, for the kids he saw demonstrated extraordinary abilities. They were up against a squad of cybernetic mutants conceived by Dr. Anton Sevarius. Despite being outnumbered, the team of heroes was doing exceptionally well against the evil foes they faced.
"Not bad," Lord Zedd admitted. "Although clearly no match for superior forces such as mine."
That was when a thought came to the dark lord. "Wait a moment," Lord Zedd said in realization. "Those little brats are clearly inferior to the Power Rangers and thus surely inferior to my armies. If I could capture them, they could be the key to accessing the Morphing Grid's powers and give me what I've so long craved for. Evil Power Rangers. And maybe even... if their hearts are pure... the Zeo Crystal. GOLDAR! Get in here! NOW!"
Barely a second later, the golden warrior approached his master, bowing his head in submission. "You called for me, oh most evil one?"
"I want you to go down to Earth and capture a specific group of children," Lord Zedd commanded as he walked up to his most loyal servant. "A bunch of French brats have somehow tapped into the power of the Morphing Grid, allowing themselves to transform much like the Power Rangers."
"But they are not themselves Rangers?" Goldar inquired.
"Oh, look, so you have a brain after all," Lord Zedd said. "You should try using it more often. Like when you go down to capture those kids. Once they are in my evil clutches, through them, I will finally be able to harness the energy of the Grid and bend it to my will."
Lord Zedd turned away as he looked down at the Earth. "Finally, a team of evil Rangers to put up against those loathsome Power brats in Angel Grove. With them and these new kids out of the way, we'll be closer to taking this planet for our own."
He turned back to Goldar as he said, "Can it be done? Are you capable of kidnapping a group of children? A group of inexperienced, underpowered, insignificant children?"
"It will be done, Lord Zedd, my master. I promise you," Goldar said.
"Part of me doubts it, but I'm willing to give you this chance," Lord Zedd said.
"Where do I find these morphing children?" Goldar asked.
"The point of origin for the metamorphosis was a children's institute called Kadic Academy," Lord Zedd responded. "Go there, grab the kids, and bring them back here. Do you understand?"
"Yes, my most gloriously fiendish emperor," Goldar said.
"Go now and do my bidding," Lord Zedd commanded. "But one more thing before you depart. Do not say a thing to Rita. I want this to be a surprise for my beautifully vile queen."
Goldar nodded his head. "As you command."
A wave of golden flames formed around Lord Zedd's most powerful servant, fully enveloping him before disappearing, leaving no trace of the warrior. This left Lord Zedd alone to return to his throne where he sat in silence.
"Are you sure the coast was clear, Odd?"
"Oh, relax, Ulrich. Of course, I was sure. After all, when have I ever led you guys astray?"
"You sure you want us to answer that?" Aelita asked.
At this, the shorter, blond-haired boy frowned in annoyance, soliciting giggles from Aelita and Yumi both. The team had just demorphed, having returned to Kadic from a successful first field test of their new transformative abilities. Said powers allowed them to take on their Lyoko personas outside of the digital realm. While this was something they had accomplished before, this time was different. With the guiding wisdom of Zordon himself, the Lyoko Warriors had managed to tap into the Morphing Grid, empowering them with the ability to transform without need of the super computer. Before that, the team had been on edge since X.A.N.A. had been dormant for quite some time, meaning he was probably up to something especially devious. So they had been waiting for the next strike by the evil A.I. and had not wanted any distractions. However, a pep talk with the Power Rangers' mentor convinced them their superpowered personas were needed just as much in the real world as they were in the digital realm. Zordon did so strictly in belief that the world and, to an extension, the universe, could use more heroes and guardians.
"Hey, where's Jeremy?" Aelita asked as she and the others walked along their way.
"I'm sure it's just taking him a bit," Yumi said. "You know, he still has to go all the way to the factory."
"I don't see why," Ulrich said. "It's not really needed like when we're fighting on Lyoko."
"I don't know," Odd said. "You nearly got creamed a few times out there, Ulrich. Old Jeremy kept having to tell you to duck, weave, and nearly had to tell you to wipe after going and to brush your teeth before bed."
"As opposed to you, who does neither?" Ulrich quipped.
"Plus, you went left when Jeremy told you to go right, Odd," Aelita pointed out.
"Must you help our friends cut me down, Aelita?" Odd asked.
"You know, he's right, Aelita. You really shouldn't do that," Yumi said. "He's short enough as it is."
Realizing her mistake, Yumi looked to her friend and said, "I'm so sorry, Odd. That was way out of line."
She and the others had tried to be more sensitive to how their purple-clad friend felt about his height. This time, however, Odd just smiled and waved it off.
"Don't worry about it, Yumi. I'm slowly but surely learning to get better at accepting and embracing who I am."
"No, shit?" Yumi asked.
"I shit you not," Odd said confidently.
"Odd, that's great!" Yumi said.
"Yeah, Odd, way to go," Aelita said. "How'd you do it?"
"Online self-help courses," Odd said. "I read, and I apply."
"Wait... you can read?" Yumi joked.
"Of course, I can read!" Odd insisted.
"Yeah, how else can he understand those erotic Dragonball fanfictions he has on his computer?" Ulrich asked.
"That was private!"
"Then why was it open when you let me use your laptop to help study for a test?"
"I... Uh... Goddamnit," Odd said in defeat.
The others merely laughed before they heard another of their comrades running up behind them. Everyone turned to see their huffing, puffing, exhausted friend slow his approach as he got closer.
"Jeremy!" Aelita said in delight. Wasting no time, she ran up, put her arms around her boyfriend, and planted a big kiss on his lips, making Jeremy blush. "That was great! You really helped us pull through in that first mission!"
"Yeah, our new powers worked like a charm!" Odd said. "Way to go, Einstein! Your communicator things really came in handy too."
"Oh, I can't take all the credit," Jeremy confessed. "Without Zordon, Alpha, and the Blue Ranger's guiding hands, I don't know if I could have pulled off your morphers and communicators on my own. My specialty is in software after all. Not hardware."
"Hardware, software, so long as it isn't spyware, who gives a shit? Am I right?" Odd asked.
Jeremy found himself busting out laughing, surprising the others. "Oh, wow, Odd, that was hilarious. I'm surprised you knew the context to make that joke."
"Why does everyone think I'm an idiot?" Odd asked in frustration.
"Have you seen your grades?" Yumi replied.
This caused everyone to laugh except for Odd, who frowned instead. Seeing this, Yumi placed a friendly hand on his shoulder, enticing him to look her way. She displayed a soft, kind smile, the sight of which perked Odd up enough to bare a beam of his own.
"I wonder if I should try to contact Zordon later to let him know the first field mission was a success," Jeremy contemplated.
"I'm pretty sure he already knows, Jer," Odd replied. "Trust me."
"How many times am I going to have to ask you not to call me that?" Jeremy asked in annoyance. "I'd honestly prefer Einstein."
"Either way, my point stands," Odd argued. "Zordon was the one who sought us out and gave us the choice to become superheroes here in the real world."
"Hmm, I guess that's a good point," Jeremy said. "Still, I'd like to talk with him and converse about what we've done so far and what to do going forward."
"Hey, we'd better get to the gym," Aelita pointed out. "It's almost time for the pep rally."
"Oh, no. Oh, dear," Ulrich said in a sarcastic, monotone voice. "Whatever will we do if we miss a bunch of silly giggling cheerleaders while a bunch of incels shouts their heads off watching them?"
"Hey, I'm one of those incels!" Odd defended. "I mean, uh... you know what I mean."
"I would think of all people you'd appreciate a pep rally, Ulrich," Aelita said.
"Yeah, I mean, you are on the team everyone's rallying and... prepping for after all," Yumi added.
"I just want to play soccer," Ulrich responded. "Everything else is an unnecessary extra."
"Even Sissi?" Odd asked teasingly.
"Huh?"
"Did you forget she was on the cheer squad now, Ulrich?" Odd asked. "Seriously, I'm starting to wonder if you took too many blows to the head in that last fight."
"Now, why would that matter to him, Odd?" Aelita asked in a teasing tone. "Ulrich's made it clear many times that Sissi doesn't... What was the way you put it, Ulrich? She doesn't... do anything for you?"
"This despite your eyes saying differently on at least four occasions," Odd said. "Or is it more like three and a half?"
Everyone had a giggle at Ulrich's expense, including even Yumi. Part of Ulrich was surprised given their admittedly rocky but still immense history together. Then again, Ulrich remembered that they had agreed to take their pact about just being friends far more seriously than they had in the past. Despite wanting to be together for so long, Yumi and Ulrich slowly realized over time that they were not right for one another. Seeing that Yumi had gotten so comfortable and content with their agreement, in a way, relieved Ulrich, for he was not so sure he could move on. Since Yumi seemed to be doing so, Ulrich decided he was ready to do the same despite a slight tinge of regret over him and his former crush being unable to make it work.
As the Lyoko Warriors entered the school gymnasium, they found that everyone else was already there. A lot of eyes fell on the group as they walked in, making them feel a bit awkward.
"This is so ridiculous," Jeremy whispered. "I'm with Ulrich. This whole thing is entirely pointless. Why should we all be taken away from our studies to hear all about how great a sports team is? No offense, Ulrich."
"None taken," Ulrich replied as he and his friends found some seats.
Unfortunately, they were a row up from two other students who did not particularly care for them. Nicholas and especially Herb glared back at the team of secret heroes. Odd responded by hooking the sides of his mouth, pulling them back, sticking out his tongue, and making his eyes roll. Ever since the Lyoko gang had come onto friendlier terms with Sissi, the principal's daughter, Herb, and Nicholas had become far less so to them.
Rather than let it get to them, the Lyoko Warriors watched as Mr. Delmas walked up to a podium and gave a speech. Shortly after, Jim came out and said some words of his own. Most students were already bored to tears, while others found the team coach's flippant onstage antics amusing.
"This is asinine," Jeremy whispered to Aelita. "This is insanity."
"Well, which is it, big boy?" Aelita asked in a sultry tone. "Is it asinine, or is it insanity?"
Jeremy looked taken aback by how flirtatious his girlfriend had chosen to be at that particular moment. "It's both and then some," he replied, shaking off his nerves.
"Oh, I don't know, Jeremy," the pink-haired girl said. "I think it's kind of cute. Or at least the concept is. A whole school rallying together to support their team and all."
"Yeah, but clearly, these drones aren't rallying for shit," Odd said. "But I expect that to change in five... four... three... two..."
"And now, to really put some pep in your spirit!" Jim announced boldly. "Put your hands, feet, and voices together for the Kadic Academy marching band and cheer squad!"
Instantly, many different students got out of their seats and started cheering as the cheerleaders themselves ran out onto the stage followed by the band. Everyone watched as the cheer squad did their routine to the marching band's music. While Odd had "respectfully" declined the principal's request to join in on guitar for the rally song, he had to admit, hearing the band put their all into it got him in the mood for school spirit. The same seemed true for Aelita and Yumi, along with most of the students. At that moment, they looked more united than they had been in a long while.
Ulrich even found himself in a better mood, although his eyes were solely on Sissi. Seeing her on the cheer team and dead center in the middle as the captain felt unreal. He remembered the times she had tried out for the squad before and was always rejected. It seemed like since she and the Lyoko Warriors were on friendlier terms, Sissi had mellowed out a great deal, and all the eccentricities of her past had subsided. Everything that was holding Sissi back in the past from being liked or accomplishing her goals seemed to no longer be a factor.
As a result, Ulrich also saw Sissi in a new light, showing him certain qualities he had never noticed before about her. He did not have exact words for these feelings, but, in short, Ulrich saw Sissi more and more as someone he would not mind being around more often. Such a thought, surprising as it was, just as shockingly put a smile on Ulrich's face.
A flash of flames appeared dead-centered in the gym, interrupting the festivities. Instantly, all the joy, unity, and jubilation were replaced with panicked screams as kids got up and ran in fear. Only, as they reached the exits, the doors popped open to reveal monstrously grotesque beings behind them. Similar aliens appeared in front of the doors, students, and faculty seemingly out of nowhere. The Lyoko Warriors, having stayed close together, recognized these monsters instantly.
"Putties!" they said in unison.
"SILENCE!"
Everyone turned back to where the earlier flames originated from, having heard the voice come from there too. They all gasped in horror and huddled to the floor upon seeing the golden-armored monster they knew for giving the Power Rangers some of their most harrowing battles. Only now, they were not seeing him on television, the world wide web, or even in a newspaper. Goldar stood before them, menacing as ever as he gazed across the gymnasium, arms threateningly extended at his sides, one hand holding his mighty sword as his wings were spread wide. Many shuddered in fear as the space griffin's red orbs scanned the room.
"I am Goldar, first general of the mighty Lord Zedd and Rita Repulsa!" the alien monster exposited. "My master has sent us here to find a group of four specific kids. Kids with the power to transform into super beings who have chosen to protect your sorry hides! Perhaps you've heard of the exploits of these children? They just had their first mission today! Hell, odds are that some of you pasty-faced nitwits ARE those super brats!"
The Lyoko Warriors looked at each other in horror. All of them, that is, except for Odd.
"Do you think he's talking about us?" the blonde-haired boy wondered.
"Sssshhh," his friends shushed him.
"Stop!" Principal Delmas exclaimed as he stood up. "Please, spare the children! They are mere innocents."
"Shut up, you old blowhard!" Goldar growled as he marched towards the principal.
He was cut off when Jim stepped in his way, fists up. "Back off, monkey boy! You're not laying a hand on Mr. Delmas or any of the kids! Try it, and I'll show you some moves I learned training with the Shaolin Monks!"
"Shaolin Monks?" Goldar asked with a tilt of his head.
"I'd rather not talk about- GAH!"
Jim was cut off by the back of Goldar's fist smacking across his face, instantly dropping the gym teacher to the floor. Gasps and screams filled the air as all gazed at the fallen form of someone they knew so well.
"Please, stop this!" Sissi begged loudly through her sobbing. Then she got up off her feet. "We're just a school full of students and teachers who didn't do anything to you!"
"Hold your tongue, you little brat!" Goldar said as he pointed to Sissi. He then made his way over to her. "Get back in line with the rest, or else!"
"Don't do this!" Sissi pleaded.
Growling angrily, Goldar slapped his hand across Sissi's face, dropping her to the floor. She had not lost consciousness, though, for she was now crying all the more as the side of her cheek swelled and throbbed.
"Elizabeth!" Jean-Pierre shouted as he ran to his daughter's aid. "You monster!"
However, he was intercepted partway by two Putties who grabbed Jean-Pierre by the arms, one kneeing him in the gut as well. The Kadic principal gagged intensely, feeling all the breath leave his body as he fell to his knees.
Ulrich had watched intently as Sissi suffered Goldar's wrath. The sight of what cruelty had befallen Sissi infuriated him. For whatever reason, Ulrich felt a burning rage coursing through his body. Almost right after the principal was grabbed and put down by the Putties, he stood up.
"You son of a bitch!" Ulrich shouted angrily. "Go! Lyo-"
Before the enraged boy could finish his morphing sequence, the others on his team grabbed Ulrich and pulled him down to the floor where everyone else sat.
"Who said that?" Goldar demanded angrily. "Reveal yourself, child, or doom your fellow humans to a fate worse than death!"
"Ulrich, what do you think you were doing?" Jeremy asked. "You can't just jump into a fight here with all guns blazing!"
"You especially can't morph in front of the whole school," Aelita interjected.
"Well, we can't just sit here and let this happen!" Ulrich argued.
"We're not going to either," Yumi assured.
"You have a plan, Yumi?" Aelita asked.
"Yes, I do," Yumi said before beckoning her friends to come closer.
They did so as the tallest of the group whispered her strategy to them. When they all pulled back, Jeremy looked greatly distressed, obviously none too enthusiastic about the plan.
"Why me?" Jeremy asked.
"You can't morph," the others said bluntly.
"And unfortunately, you can't be the guy in the chair this go-around," Odd said.
"Sorry, Einstein," Ulrich, Odd, and Yumi said together.
Aelita placed a hand on Jeremy's shoulder and flashed him a reassuring smile. "You can do it, Jeremy. You've got this."
Jeremy perked up just the slightest bit, finding courage in him that he rarely had to use. He first put it to use by stealing a quick kiss from Aeltia, making her gasp in surprise, her face feeling flushed as well. Hoping he had not just used every bit of bravery he possessed, Jeremy slowly started crawling into position while the others headed elsewhere. They stayed low and moved slowly enough that the Putties would hopefully not notice. Goldar was too busy walking up to the fallen principal of Kadic Academy and grabbing him by the throat. The alien monster lifted Jean-Pierre off the ground as the middle-aged man looked on in pure terror.
"Perhaps I should make an example out of this feeble, helpless old man!" Goldar exclaimed. "Nothing draws a hero out like threatening the life of a weak, pathetic, elderly worm!"
Goldar cackled loudly, not noticing the frightened Jeremy looking to his friends, who gave him the thumbs up. After taking a deep breath, Jeremy, somehow, someway, actually managed to force himself up on his feet.
"Hey, you big bully!" Jeremy shouted. "Why don't you pick on somebody your own size?"
"Huh?" Goldar grunted. He turned in the direction he heard the computer nerd's voice come from, seeing said boy standing defiantly. "What is this nonsense?"
"Put Principal Delmas down! Now!" Jeremy demanded as he pointed. "Quit being such a scumbag!"
"Silence, human!" Goldar demanded angrily. "You clearly have no idea who you're dealing with!"
"Don't care either! Later, you simian-face miscreant!"
With that, Jeremy turned and started running towards the back of the gym.
"Seize him, you fools!" Goldar shouted as he dropped the principal.
Instantly, half the Putties ran after Jeremy, leaving several doors unguarded.
"Simian-faced miscreant? Seriously?" Ulrich asked.
"That's Einstein for you," Odd shrugged.
"I thought it was clever," Aelita defended.
"You would," Ulrich roasted.
"Focus, ladies," Yumi said.
She pointed to the door they were closest to. It was left unprotected by the Putties charging after Jeremy. This was their big opening, and the Lyoko Warriors were sure to take advantage of it.
"One... two... three!" the group of friends quietly counted.
They rushed to the door as fast as possible while staying ducked down. Surprisingly, they managed to reach the door just as Jeremy was surrounded by the Putty Patrollers. Unfortunately, Odd pulled the door open too fast, making a loud click that echoed. This made him wince in regret while the others silently scolded him with scowls before pushing him through the door.
"What?" Goldar shouted before looking as the door closed. "Get those kids! Bring them back!"
Two Putties ran after the Lyoko Warriors while babbling in their incoherent language.
The kids burst through another door that led into... "The girls' locker room," Odd observed.
"So this is what it's like in here," Ulrich stated.
"Eh, you get used to it," Odd said proudly.
"Eww," Aelita and Yumi said at the same time.
"Come on, guys, let's do it!" Ulrich encouraged.
The others nodded their heads just before the door opened behind them. When they turned around, the kids found two blubbering Putties slowly approaching them.
"Is it just me, or do they sound like angry turkeys?" Aelita asked.
"I was just thinking the same thing," Odd said. "Thanksgiving came early this year!"
"It's morphin' time!" Yumi stated. The others looked at her, making her shrug. "It seemed right."
The approaching Putty Patrollers' babbling snapped the Lyoko Warriors back to attention. They raised their Lyoko symbol-shaped morphers and called out, "Go! Lyoko!"
The morphers lit up, as did the kids a half second afterward. After a second more, the flash reached maximum brightness, making the Putties turn away just before the light disappeared. Left in its place were the Lyoko Warriors... now adorned in the outfits they had most prominently worn in the digital world of Lyoko.
The kids all struck a quick battle pose with a loud "HIYAH!"
"Remember, everyone, go for the Z," Yumi instructed, now under her hero persona of Geisha.
"Right!" the others agreed.
Ulrich, now the hero, Swordsman, rushed up to the Putty on the left, driving the back of his elbow into his golem-like foe's chest. Then he swung the back of his fist up into the alien henchman's warped and distorted-looking face, making the Patroller stumble backward. Swordsman wrapped up with a direct left hook to the features.
At the same time, Geisha flipped forward on her hands, getting closer to the other Putty Patroller, who reached to grab her with his mitt-like hands. Ducking to avoid being caught by the space golem, Yumi also spun around, kicking her foot back into the Putty's gut, making him hunch over while grabbing at his mid-section. Geisha stood up and swung her other foot into her foe's face, snapping him into an upright position. Finally, the Japanese hero thrust her foot out for a standing side kick to the monster's chin, making him fall to a knee.
Surprisingly, the Putty got back up and even attempted a standing roundhouse kick to Geisha's face. However, she easily ducked and rolled out of the way, allowing the other girl in the group to take over. Sailing through the air, Aelita, now under the name of Angel, kicked her feet directly into the Putty's chest Z before back flipping away. Halfway through her flip, Angel shot a burst of pink power from her hand.
"Energy field!"
She saw the Patroller crumble into pieces just as her feet touched the ground. Aelita took the chance to smile at her accomplishment before turning to see Odd, now under the guise of Wild Katt, run forth to get his shots in. His sights were set on the remaining Putty, who was throwing fists at Swordsman but missing each punch. Because he was so distracted, the purple-clad hero managed to jump in and take the space golem by surprise with a flying Superman punch directly to the Z. The Putty Patroller babbled in despair before crumbling into rubble.
"Oh, yeah, I'm definitely going to enjoy being a superhero IRL," Odd said as he looked himself over.
"There's still people out in the gym that still need our help," Geisha said.
"Jeremy," Angel said worriedly.
"Then let's book it," Wild Katt said heroically.
"Right!" the others agreed.
With that, the Lyoko Warriors rushed out of the girls' locker room as they discussed their strategy.
Goldar growled as he slowly approached Jeremy, who was surrounded by two-thirds of the Putties in the gym. The other kids looked on in utter terror, including Herb and Nicholas despite never liking Jeremy. All of the adults in the room who were not unconscious wanted nothing more than to rush in and try to rescue the helpless student. Yet, none of them could bring themselves to, knowing either the Putties would stop them or they would suffer Goldar's wrath.
"Looks like we have a little hero here," Goldar said before turning to the other hostages. "Take notes on how a 'hero' like this boy is truly rewarded."
Goldar grunted as he raised his blade, prepared to run it through Jeremy, who shuddered and shut his eyes, not wanting to see it coming. However, Goldar stopped himself and tilted his head to the side.
"Unless you're one of the kids I'm looking for," Goldar wondered out loud.
Before he could go on or get an answer, he was suddenly struck in the back between his outstretched wings, the impact igniting a burst of sparks. Goldar exclaimed in pain as he turned, spotting a glowing disc spinning through the air away from him. He was so busy watching it that he failed to see the blur of Swordsman rushing in, using his super sprint as he grabbed Jeremy before running over to the other hostages.
Goldar's red eyes widened as he noticed that the Putties guarding the doors were being blasted away into rubble. Then he saw what was destroying his soldiers. Two discs like the one that hit him previously, pink energy orbs, and tiny arrowheads that seemed to have explosive properties. Meanwhile, once Ulrich was amongst the other hostages, he set Jeremy down on his feet.
"Looks like we got here just in time," Ulrich said proudly.
"A few seconds sooner wouldn't have hurt," Jeremy replied.
"What are ya gonna do?" the hero shrugged.
"I can't believe Yumi's plan actually worked," Jeremy said.
"Not yet," Swordsman said. "Get out of here with the others fast. We'll clear a path."
"Right," Jeremy complied before he turned to run. "Head for the exits!"
"Everybody get out of here now!" Swordsman demanded.
"Move it or lose it!" Wild Katt said as he directed the people towards the doors.
"Everybody run!" Angel called from above.
"Go, go, go! We'll cover you!" Geisha assured the fleeing students and faculty.
As the people ran, Goldar spotted the heroes protecting their getaway. Swordsman stood at the head of the bunch as he drew his twin blades from their sheathes on his back. Geisha and Wild Katt stood further back and spread out a bit to cover Swordsman's sides. Angel flew high above and further back to protect the people escaping through the side doors.
"Finally," Goldar mused quietly. A loud growl then escaped his mouth before pointing his sword forth. "Get them!"
With that, all the Putties behind Lord Zedd's general ran forth at the foursome of heroes. Swordsman met the challenge head-on, swinging his katanas about expertly. Even though half the Putties got by the blade-wielding warrior, the rest were cut to rocky pieces that crumbled to the floor. Ulrich moved like lightning, cutting down what Patrollers he could with his twin swords. Piles of rock and dust lay at Swordsman's feet before it was over.
"Leonardo, eat your heart out," Ulrich said before striking a quick pose.
He looked ahead at Goldar, who growled as he took two steps forward. "I've been looking for you."
"Well, you're in luck... because you just found us," Swordsman declared as he glared intensely. "Whether or not that's actually lucky for you remains to be seen. But I'm leaning towards not."
"You kids clearly have no idea who you're dealing with!" Goldar exclaimed angrily. "It's about time I teach you!"
"Well, we're in the right place to learn," Ulrich said. "School's out, loser! Bring it!"
With that, Goldar and Swordsman ran at each other, blades ready to strike.
At the same time, an energy field flew down, striking one Putty from a trio in the chest. Instantly, he was blasted away into dust as the other two looked on in disbelief. Then they looked up as Angel flew towards them, firing two more pink orbs from her hands.
"Energy field!"
One of the blasts hit dead center, making the alien golem break apart. The last shot missed its target, but Aelita rebounded quickly, de-energizing her artificial wing constructs. Angel fell directly toward the last remaining Putty in her sights, landing a big kick to his Z. As the heroine backflipped away, Zedd's henchman fell to pieces. Seeing what she had accomplished, the pink-haired warrior smiled as she wiped her hands before putting them on her hips. She even jutted a hip out for a pin-up-like pose.
Angel's moment was interrupted when she heard the babble of more Putties coming her way. She turned and saw a duo of Patrollers approaching her.
"Don't stare too long, boys," Aelita said with a giggle. She then raised her finger, wiggling it at them in a reprimanding manner as she winked and smiled. "You might just go blind."
Geisha leaped above Angel's head as she threw her glowing Tessen fan at the twin Putties. It hit one right in his chest Z, making him burst into rubble while the other looked on in shock. Yumi caught her fan in mid-fall before she landed on her feet ahead of the remaining rock creature. The Putty went for a high back spin kick, but the Japanese heroine ducked it successfully before unleashing several rapid body shots. After eight blows, Yumi switched to jabs, landing four to the Z before swinging a right cross to the face. Then she grabbed the Putty's arm and twisted it to judo-flip the stone monster forward. In mid-flip, he started crumbling away. Nothing was left by the time he was supposed to hit the ground.
"Now, that's how it's done," Yumi said as she posed and fanned herself.
Meanwhile, Wild Katt was running at a particular Putty, his arm outstretched as he took aim. "Laser arrow!"
The small arrowhead struck the golem's Z head-on, causing him to explode into pieces. Odd stopped and looked at the dust left by his attack, smiling proudly.
"Next time the Power Rangers are having trouble with these guys, they better just call us to deal with it," the purple-clad hero boasted.
However, he was interrupted by a Putty jumping in from the side. Wild Katt got knocked down with a flying kick that sent him rolling away. Even though the kick hurt, Wild Katt quickly got back up, brushing himself off and turning to face the Putty that got him. Unfortunately, he did not see another alien golem coming up behind him, allowing the fiend to club Odd in the back.
"Ow!" Wild Katt exclaimed as he stumbled forward.
The Putty he had been facing rushed forth and went for a high side kick to finish the feline-like hero. However, Odd saw it coming and quickly rolled out of the way, leaving the Patroller to kick his comrade right in the Z. As the Putty Patroller crumbled away, the cohort that did him in looked on in horror while bringing his large hands up to the sides of his face.
Seeing an opening, Wild Katt jumped in front of the last remaining Putty and punched him across the face four times in a right-left combo. Then the cat-like hero bared his claws and scratched them across his foe's chest Z before jumping up, spinning away, and kicking his foot back into said Z. The Putty Patroller could only stumble and babble in terror before he was nothing but dust.
"How typical," Odd said before turning and scooping up some residue to examine it. "Always falling apart over me. Just like Putty in my hand."
Unleashing dual battle cries, Goldar and Swordsman swung their blades at one another. The two swords collided, making Swordsman pull his blade back and swing the other forth, only for Goldar to also block it with his lone blade. Grunting fiercely, Goldar kicked his foot forth faster than the samurai-like hero could see, getting him in the ribs. Although the attack stunned Swordsman and nearly made him drop to a knee, he persevered. With a loud scream, Ulrich thrust his foot forth for a side kick that landed in the golden space warrior's chest.
As Goldar stumbled back, Ulrich thrust both his swords forth. "Impact!"
The twin sword tips struck Goldar in his chest, igniting a burst of sparks as he stumbled back. Shockingly, he fought passed the strike and swung his foot into Swordsman's right knee. Screaming in anguish, the samurai dropped to a kneeling position against his will as Goldar swung his sword at the fallen hero. Two slashes of the weapon struck Ulrich in his chest, making sparks fly as the hero fell to the floor.
Goldar cackled as he gazed upon his fallen adversary. "No mere human child will defeat the greatest warrior in the galaxy, boy!" he declared.
"Leave him alone!" Yumi shouted.
"Huh?" Goldar grunted as he looked to his right.
Twin Tessen fans flew spun in his direction, glowing brightly. Goldar swung his sword swiftly, knocking away both weapons with ease.
"Energy field!"
Goldward turned to the left and looked up at two pink orbs heading his way. Again he blocked with his blade.
"Laser arrow!"
Goldar looked ahead to see the small projectiles heading his way and swiftly swung his weapon again. There was a small burst every time the arrowheads hit the space monster's blade, but it did no damage. A loud grunt from Yumi got Goldar's attention, allowing him to see a screaming Putty flying his way. Too late to stop it, Goldar was knocked onto the floor by the Patroller's body colliding with his.
Yumi, Odd, and Aelita ran up to Ulrich's side as he tried forcing himself back onto his feet. "You okay?" Geisha asked worriedly.
"Just really pissed off," Swordsman answered. "And I already know who I'm taking it out on."
The quartet of protectors turned to see Goldar stab his sword angrily through the back and chest of the last Putty. Only able to get on his knees before the strike, the Putty screamed before crumbling away. All that was left was Goldar, who growled as he looked ahead at the Lyoko Warriors while they stared back in defiance.
"Lord Zedd sent me specifically to get you," Goldar said while pointing his sword at the kids. "You will accompany me to his moon palace now!"
"Yeah, that'll happen," Ulrich said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
"In about ten thousand years," Odd added.
"Too soon, Katt," Aelita replied.
"You can forget it, Goldielocks," Yumi defied. "We're staying right here in Paris where we're needed."
"I'm not giving you a choice, you brats!" Goldar exclaimed.
"If you want us, you'll just have to come and get us," Angel defied further.
"And good luck with that," Wild Katt added. "We're not really the best with authority. Just ask Jim."
"You're coming one way or the other!" Goldar shouted.
With that, he swung his sword forth, releasing six gold laser bolts from the blade.
"Shield!" Wild Katt proclaimed as he crossed his arms in front of him.
The energy barrier did appear, but when Goldar's projectiles struck it, the collision ignited a fearsome blast. Odd was knocked onto his back, leaving his teammates to go at Rita Repulsa and Lord Zedd's top general. Geisha and Angel spread out at the sides while Swordsman took the center. Aelita shot forth one of her energy blasts, but Goldar cut right through it with his sword. Then he covered his eyes with a free hand before removing it, unleashing several red, orange, and gold bolts from his orbs. Angel leaped away, but when the eye bolts hit the floor, they ignited an explosion that sent the helpless girl sailing further than she could control as she screamed in despair.
Geisha released a loud battle cry as she went for a flying kick. However, Goldar stepped aside and easily avoided the attack, letting the Japanese heroine land before him. Refusing to relent, Yumi faced the monster and threw a flurry of punches and kicks at an unimaginable speed. Despite how impressive her fighting prowess was, though, Goldar dodged it all with no problems at all. He even went on the offensive, striking Yumi in the face with a punch that nearly dropped her to the floor. Then he leaped up for a jump kick that caught Geisha in the shoulder and sent her sliding across the way.
With a loud grunt, Swordsman jumped in, landing directly in front of Goldar. Instantly his swords were flying, as was Goldar's lone blade, blocking every strike Ulrich went for. There was no doubt that Swordsman knew how to use his katanas and truly deserved his name. However, Goldar was clearly skilled in the art of sword fighting as well. The younger blade wielder could not land a single cut on his foe. It was absolute chaos as metal was swung about, the clanging of each block permeating loudly in the air.
As if things were not hard enough for Ulrich, Goldar ended up smacking one of his foe's swords away with his own before swatting the other clean out of Swordsman's hand. As the dislodged blade fell and slid across the floor, Goldar raised his sword to swing it down upon Swordsman. Ulrich was barely able to bring up the lone katana he had left, holding it in both hands and blocking Goldar's attack. There was a bit of struggle that Goldar was dominating as he pressed down, slowly forcing Swordsman to a knee. Then the golden-armored monster drove his knee into Ulrich's chest before thrusting the tip of his sword into it. A flash of sparks ignited as the samurai hero was sent sliding back.
Yumi was getting back up when Goldar ran over and swung his sword upon her, taking her down in another burst like Ulrich had suffered. As Geisha screamed in agony, Goldar looked down upon her and laughed in wicked delight before spotting Wild Katt getting up. Quickly the space monster charged at the purple-clad hero, raising his blade high at his side. Odd turned just in time to see the griffin-like evildoer coming his way and raised his arms to activate his energy shield. With a loud battle cry, Goldar swung his sword onto Wild Katt's barrier, causing an energy discharge in the form of more sparks.
"Why are we so much more sparky?" Odd wondered out loud.
Despite his attempt at levity, the power from Goldar's swing had made Wild Katt's arms feel like they would snap in half despite his shield. Instead, Goldar ducked low and swept Wild Katt's legs out from under him, taking him down once more. Sinister chuckles escaped Goldar's mouth as he stood up, towering over his fallen prey. Before he could do anything, however, two blasts of energy hit him in the back, making Goldar stumble as they ignited across his hide.
"Who dares?!" Goldar shouted as he turned.
He growled upon finding Angel flying across the way as she opened fire on him again. Swinging his sword about, the golden warrior easily blocked Aelita's energy blasts. Then, with a loud grunt, Goldar swung his sword in Angel's direction, sending a large, swooping energy field of his own at her. Angel nose-dived just in time to avoid the blast which hit the gym's ceiling. It ignited an explosion that left a gaping hole as debris rained down from above. Luckily for Aelita, she flew out of the way just in time, avoiding the wreckage.
Meanwhile, Odd looked up to see Yumi extending her hand to him, Ulrich following close behind as he placed one of his blades back in its sheath.
"You guys notice what we just did?" Yumi asked worriedly.
"You mean that the gym just got a new skylight?" Odd asked as he accepted Yumi's hand.
"We need to take this outside before the whole place collapses," Ulrich said. "The gym can't take much more of this."
The trio turned and saw that Goldar was still fixated on Aelita, which gave Odd an opening. "Laser arrow!" he exclaimed while taking the shot.
A stream of four arrowheads flew forth, hitting Goldar in the back and causing several small explosions across his hide. Despite screaming in pain, the evil being did not fall but instead turned to the source of his pain. Goldar snarled with hatred as he gazed upon Wild Katt, Geisha, and Swordsman.
"You wanna step outside, buddy?" Odd said as he pointed a thumb to one of the side doors.
"We insist!" Yumi exclaimed before tossing one of her fans.
Rather than try to block or dodge the spinning disc, Goldar reached out his free hand and caught the glowing weapon. Sparks flew across his mitt, but despite the pain, Goldar persevered and even crushed the fan, holding it out for the heroes to see.
"Let's get going," Odd said nervously.
"I'm for that," Ulrich agreed. "Angel, we're heading out!"
"Right!" the pink-haired hero complied as she flew after her friends.
She landed behind the other three as they ran for the closest door.
"You won't get away!" Goldar exclaimed before thrusting his sword forth.
Several energy bolts were fired at the team, who had just made it through the doors when they were struck. The Lyoko Warriors were sent flying toward the field next to the gym. However, there stood the majority of the hostages that had been in the gym previously. They were joined now, though, by several police officers, paramedics, and firefighters. Everyone gasped or screamed as they looked on in fear at the team of heroes laying at their feet. A loud roar made the crowd turn towards the gym door, giving them a view of Goldar as he flapped his wings, lifting himself into the air.
"Move! Everybody move!" a policeman exclaimed.
Not needing to be told twice, the people began to run off the field, many of the civilians screaming as they did so. Meanwhile, the Lyoko Warriors were left to slowly got back on their feet.
"Are we winning yet?" Odd asked in a pained voice.
"You guys thinking what I'm thinking?" Ulrich strained to say.
"That we're getting our collective asses kicked?" Odd asked. "Yeah, we've noticed."
"We need a plan and fast," Yumi said.
"I have one," Aelita said.
"We're all ears, princess," Ulrich replied.
Everyone gathers around as Angel told them her strategy. The others got smiles on their faces as they looked at one another and nodded approvingly.
"Yeah, yeah, that's it!" Odd said.
"Good idea, Aelita!" Yumi exclaimed. "I mean, Angel!"
"Let's do it!" Ulrich said.
A loud growl from above made the heroes all look up before quickly spreading out. They moved just in time to avoid Goldar as his sword stabbed into the ground. He then pulled it up and swung it about as the quartet of heroes spread out around him.
"Surrender and submit to the power of Lord Zedd and Rita Repulsa!" Goldar exclaimed as he looked across the way at his opponents. "Know this, you silly children! I can finish you anytime I'd like and even tear your whole city apart with my bare hands! But Lord Zedd has given me a mission, and I plan to finish it by any means necessary!"
"Take us if you can, dirtbag," Swordsman said defiantly.
"I can't believe we're being threatened and getting our butts kicked by a giant baboon," Wild Katt commented.
"This baboon will rip your head off, you little brat!" Goldar exclaimed angrily. "So long as I bring most of you back alive, Lord Zedd will be merciful! One less hero in the universe to deal with!"
"HIYAH!" the Lyoko Warriors exclaimed as they struck a quick battle pose.
Goldar laughed just before the teenage protectors went on the attack. Geisha threw her only remaining Tessen fan at Goldar, who prepared himself to catch it. However, the Japanese hero put her hands to the side of her head and closed her eyes, activating her telekinesis. The disc flew to the side before Goldar could grab it, befuddling the villain. This distraction left him open to energy shots from behind by Angel, followed by laser arrows from the left by Wild Katt. Every blast hit true, igniting several explosions across Goldar's hide. The evil monster screamed in pain while looking around hatefully at the heroes that shot him.
"You're going to pay for that!" Goldar roared.
"Super sprint!" Swordsman shouted as he ran up to the griffin-like fighter. "Triangulate!"
Goldar stopped in his tracks as Ulrich ran around him. "What?!" the villain growled as he looked around. "I must've taken a bad hit to the head. I'm seeing three!"
Indeed, as Ulrich continued running in a triangular pattern around Goldar, it seemed like there were three of him standing around the monster, holding their katanas at the ready. With a frustrated growl, Goldar swung his sword at the Swordsman ahead of him. He was cut down and disappeared, leaving only two left. Before Goldar could strike either of them next, Geisha's fan flew in from the side, striking the fiend in his head. As sparks flew, Goldar stumbled backward. The two remaining Swordsmen ran in, swiping their blades at Goldar's head and legs, taking the villain off his feet.
"Laser arrow!"
"Energy field!"
Wild Katt and Angel fired upon the fallen fighter, the latter taking to the air. At the same time, Geisha caught her fan and rushed up to Goldar, leaping into the air at the halfway point. Then she threw her weapon down at him striking the fallen monster in the face. Screaming in pain and anger, Goldar forced himself to roll up onto his knees. As he went to stand up, however, Swordsman and his clone ran up, combining into a single being as the samurai swung his katana upward. Sparks flew as Goldar crashed onto his back while Swordsman turned away, proudly holding his sword out in front of him.
"That would have looked great in slow-mo," Odd observed.
Goldar roared in frustration as he stumbled back to his feet and turned to the Lyoko Warriors. "This isn't over, you little brats! You haven't seen the last of me!"
Goldar disappeared in a flash of golden fire, leaving the Lyoko Warriors to look on proudly. Angel landed next to her friends, smiling at her team's accomplishment.
"YES!" the Lyoko Warriors exclaimed proudly, each putting a hand in together for a team display of unity.
"Way to go, guys," Yumi said. "We did great today."
Jeremy stood amongst the crowd gathered in the courtyard of Kadic Academy. He looked around nervously as several of his classmates and the faculty either received medical attention or talked with the police. At the moment, his thoughts were only on his friends.
'I hope they're okay.'
"Jeremy! Hey, Jeremy!"
At hearing Odd's every irritating voice, the science whiz turned to Odd with Yumi, Ulrich, and Aelita as they approached him.
"Aelita! Guys!" Jeremy exclaimed happily.
He ran to meet them halfway, making Aelita run ahead of the others. The reunited couple embraced each other lovingly and shared a kiss before taking the time to look into one another's eyes.
"Jeremy," Aelita said longingly. "I'm so glad you're safe."
"I was more worried about you guys," Jeremy said.
"Well, worry no more, Einstein," Odd said. "We is here."
"I can see that," Jeremy said. "I'm ecstatic that you guys are alright. Now... the gold guy?"
"Gone," Yumi said. "He got away."
"I prefer to think of it as we sent him packin'," Ulrich interjected.
The others agreed before sharing a laugh.
"Great job, you guys," Jeremy said. "You proved yourselves worthy as heroes today by standing toe-to-toe with one of the Power Rangers' most deadly foes."
"Yeah, barely," Ulrich said. "I hate to admit it, but that dude... Goldar... he's lasted for a reason. He's one nasty fighter."
"I'll admit that I was worried there for a bit," Yumi said. "Goldar is really fucking scary."
"Yeah, but so are we," Odd insisted. "Clearly, if we managed to scare him off like we did by kicking the ever-living crap out of him."
"Still, we've got a long way to go as heroes in the real world," Yumi admitted. "This fight proved it."
"Maybe, but we'll learn," Aelita said. "Let's give credit where credit is due. We won today. Twice, counting those mutants we defeated before Goldar showed up. What we accomplished today is no small feat. No one died on our watch, and that's something to be proud of. If we can do that today, imagine what we'll do tomorrow and every day after so long as we stay dedicated to the cause."
"Well stated, Aelita," Jeremy said as he held his girl close. "Couldn't have said it better myself."
The pink-haired girl looked away, giggling as she smiled and blushed.
"Ulrich! Guys!"
Everyone turned to see Sissi heading their way.
"Oh, hey, Sissi!" Yumi said as she waved the girl over.
"Are you okay?" Ulrich asked. "He didn't hurt you bad, did he?"
"Oh, no," Sissi said as she rubbed the bruise on her face. "It still hurts, but it's not throbbing like before."
"Thank God," Ulrich said. "I'm glad you're gonna be okay."
"Th- thanks, Ulrich," Sissi said.
A serious, contemplative look crossed Aelita's face as she thought to herself while her friends talked amongst themselves. 'It was hard today, but we got through it. If we keep up like this, it might lead to bigger things in the future. Perhaps one day I'll even be able to find you... Mom.'