Chapter 8

A Solitary Flame Haze

"Speaking"

'Thoughts'

"Flashback / Transmissions"

"Magic/Powers/Effects"

Location/Date/Time Change

(Power Rangers Mystic Force Theme)

Surge walks through a destroyed temple, her cabal by her side. Vulcan stares at the Great Flame as Embr is shown in a reflection. The Great Flame shakes before it explodes. Ten multi-colored flames circle around before flying into different directions.

Here come the Power Rangers, Here come the Power Rangers, Here come the Power Rangers

The five Inferno Rangers lock their brackets together before pulling them apart, with their animal spirits consuming them in flames. They then morph into their Ranger forms and pose behind a large explosion.

Alright let's go, it's time to turn it on

Shinra Kusakabe as the Red Inferno Ranger

Set the record straight, We're gonna come through to right the wrong

Rin Okumura as the Blue Inferno Ranger

Fight evil, Ranger's powers standing strong! We got it going on

Ayaka Kagari as the Yellow Inferno Ranger

We got it going on! (Inferno Force! Yeah!)

Shoto Todoroki as the Green Inferno Ranger

Stop! Freeze! Rangers here, there's no need to fret

Shana as the White Inferno Ranger

We're the ones that will make a way, here to make a change.

Vulcan and Embr walk through the base, with various allies of the Rangers flashing before them.

When there's troubles we don't play, We come together to save the day!

Embr stands in front of the Rangers with a serious expression before they all charge forward in their Ranger forms.

Let's go, let's go, let's go, let's go!

All five Rangers then begin charging at a swarm of flying enemies before Windstormes swoops down.

Here come the Power Rangers

Shinra hits a school of Tritons before they burst upwards.

Here come the Power Rangers

Rin and Shana stand back to back and swing their blades at Timbus and Tramor.

Here come the Power Rangers!

Ayaka flys overhead and drops Shoto onto the field, fire and ice rolling off his body as he smashed into the ground sending Tritons flying.

(Inferno Force! Yeah!)

Rin pulls his sword back before launching a wave of blue flames forward.

Here come the Power Rangers

Several Zords rush forward as a series of explosions erupt around them.

Here come the Power Rangers

The Rangers gather together as Caliburn is formed before they unleash their attack.

Here come the Power Rangers

Then, the Rangers discard their casual clothing in favor of new suits before their Morph.

(Go! Go! Go! Go!)

In the cockpit of their Megazord, the Rangers all swing their arms in unison.

Here come the Power Rangers

A megazord stands tall before it shows Vulcan and Embr watching the battle through her orb.

Here come the Power Rangers

A large amount of shadowed figures emerge from Voltaire's cloak as Windstorme, Tramor and Timbus stand next to him, Surge over all of them.

Here come the Power Rangers

The five drop into various poses as an explosion of fire goes off behind them.

(Inferno Force, let's go! Yeah!)

Surge walked along the path as a small green ball bounced in front of her before she stopped it with her foot. Picking it up, she turned to the side and saw a small boy of her species run over. Donned in a simple black shirt and shorts, he had on simple footwear as his 'hair' stopped an inch off his head. "Is this yours?"

The child nodded as she offered his toy back to him. "You shouldn't let what's precious to you slip away."

He nodded and took the ball before an older woman pulled him back, the ball slipping out of his hands. Clad in an elegant lavender dress with a teal design on it, she wore glasses and high heels made of coral. Her green 'hair' was braided down her back as she looked down at the child. "Tidus, stay away from her." The mother ordered him. "Sweetie, get back in the house. I'll bring your toy back with me."

Tidus quickly ran back into the nearby house as the two women stared at each other. "Lilus, I see your as protective and passive as ever." Surge chuckled in amusement. "Tell me, how has Neptus been? Still distraught?"

"He's fine." Lilus growled back. "Don't pretend you actually care about him."

"I never pretend, my dear." Surge said, eyeing the woman up and down. "Seems like you two have been having fun."

Lilus covered her stomach in defense. "We all know what you came to do. Just do it and go."

"And here I was hoping we could catch up." Surge chuckled. "Very well then."

The two women passed each other as the mother picked up the ball. Surge turned her head and saw her people closing windows and shuffling their children inside their homes. Walking along, she ignored it all as she passed a drunken man sleeping in an alley.

Dimension X192

Misaki City

People ran for their lives as Tritons scrambled through the city. One roared on top of a mail box before a flying kick knocked it off. "These guys just don't know when to quit." Shinra said in annoyance, flying over the street. A sudden attack brought the team to Shana's world and they transformed just as soon as they arrived.

"Less talking, more fighting!" Shana snapped back, charging at the school. She slashed at a nearest fish monster before blocking a shot.

"What I don't get-" Rin spoke up, slicing a trident in half before hacking into the leg. The creature dropped to a knee before a spear tip stabbed to the heart, killing the Triton. "Is why they're attacking a random building. Thanks, by the way, Shoto."

"Not a problem, Rin." Shoto replied.

"If I had to guess, I'd say they want something." Ayaka surmised, hurling a storm of fireballs at the school. "Or someone."

"Who the hell could they-" Shana was cut off when she noticed Timbus, in a strange pair of goggles, pulling a bag against what looked like the wind. Inside her helmet, her eyes turned red and she saw what looked like a cross between a bull and a scorpion pulling on the bag with three hands. "No way…"

"They wouldn't…" Alastor was in shock of the dramatic action.

"Not happening!" She rushed at the wooden construct only to get tackled into a building, feathers falling to the ground.

"You aren't going anywhere, human!" Windstorme, in those same goggles growled, punching Shana in the gut. She gasped for air before he grabbed her helmet and slammed her into the sidewalk. "Timbus, hurry up!"

"It would be easier with assistance!" The alien shouted, writhing with the bag.

"I'm a fighter, not a kidnapper." The griffin declared, unsheathing his blade. "Speaking of…" He raised it high before bring it down, intent on stabbing the girl.

"INCOMING!" Shinra flipped in the air and blasted Windstorme with the sole of his boot, sending him end over over end. Unknownst to him, the enemy crashed into the pulling Denizen, freeing the bag.

"Excellent work, Windstorme." Timbus declared, slinging the writhing bag onto his shoulder.

"The hell are you talking about?" The aerokinetic asked, unknowingly stabbing into the invisible hybrid. "I just got thrown like a rag doll. How is that excellent!?"

"Because now, we can go!" A watery portal opened up behind them and the golem jumped into it. Annoyed, Windstorme sheathed his blades and turned to the portal.

"Oh no, you don't!" Shana charged at the portal, only for Shoto to grab her shoulder and pull her back as the portal closed. "YOU IDIOTS!" Shana shouted as she turned to the other four.

"Idiots?" Rin asked as the five deactivated their suits. "We just saved you from charging head first into the bosses lair. How does that make us idiots?"

"We had to stop them from taking that bag!" Shana shouted, pushing Shoto away.

"Why? What's in the bag that was so important you would risk following them to their base?" Ayaka questioned, squinting her eyes.

"Shana, you know they don't understand how our world works." Alastor pointed out. "It's time we share everything with them."

With annoyed huff, Shana sheathed her blade and looked up at her teammates. "They took a Crimson Denizen."

Aquaton

"Get it in there, now!" Voltaire ordered as the other two wrangled the bag into the chamber. Opening it up, a slimy snail with a conical shell, razor sharp teeth and three eyes raced towards the door, only for it to close on its face.

"Let me out!" The Denizen shouted, trying to drill its way out with its shell.

"Damn thing was harder to get here than I thought." Windstorme complained, taking off the goggles. "What are we even doing with this pipsqueak?"

"Upon scanning the White Ranger's world, I discovered an anomaly." The scientist explained, walking over to the control console. "After further study, I found a new form of life, one that can absorb spiritual energy from human beings. With this, and our newest item, I believe I can create a monster that will end the Rangers for good."

The Denizen turned around and found a guillotine in the same pod. Lightning sparked from the machine before a blinding flash of light once again filled the lab. Timbus and Windstorme lowered their arms as the pod door opened, smoke bellowing out of the chamber.

Two thick wooden legs propelled it forward as the pelvis had a large, circular hole in it. Bloodstained wood constructed the rest of the body as heavy metal chains hung off the side as arms. Attached to the arms were a pair of heavy angled blades, ready to swing. A black mask acted as a face and a metal blade was hidden within, aimed to slice at the hole.

"Alright, now THIS is what I call a monster!" Windstorme chuckled as he walked over to it. "So, what do we call you, 'Razorfist'?"

"You may call me Guillator." The monster replied, unusually polite.

"…Okay?" The griffin was taken aback by the nature of the new creature.

"Well, shall we begin hunting the Rangers?" Voltaire questioned, stepping forward.

"YOU will not." All four turned to the entrance to see Tramor walking into the lab. "You have a deal to keep, Voltaire."

"Rocky, where have you been!?" Windstorme chuckled. "You find yourself a girlfriend?"

The stone being pushed him aside and stepped towards Voltaire. "The League of Villains has demanded you keep up your portion of this arraignment. And they made it perfectly clear that if you do not, they will not supply us with anything we require."

"Eh, screw them." The griffin dismissed from the humans. "We don't need them anymore."

"Allies should never be dismissed until Surge says they should." Timbus spoke up. "She is our leader after all."

"Very well." The scientist declared. "I shall head there at once. Timbus, take Guillator with you and destroy the Rangers." He walked forward before suddenly coming to a stop. "And Windstorme," The griffin perked up at the mention of his name. "Do. NOT! TOUCH! ANYTHING!"

"Fine, fine." Windstorme huffed in annoyance.

Dimension X192

Misaki City

"So, you've been fighting a battle against supernatural beings who can steal human energy…" Shinra repeated as the five sat down at a park table. The four other-worlders had a bottled drinks near them while Shana opened up a pre-packed melon bread. "And to do it, you guys made a contract that makes you essentially a fiery immortal… Am I getting that right?"

"In a nutshell, yes." Shana replied, pulling out the treat. "That's a very good way to put it."

"This sounds like the plot of a bad comic book." Rin stated with a deadpan face.

"You've been to worlds where magic is real, super heroes are a professional job, and people transform into flaming monsters, but THIS is too much for you?" Shana questioned in annoyance before taking a bite out of the treat. She smiled at the sweetbun before feeling the glare from Shinra. "Wa?"

"Nothing, nothing. It's just… This is the first time I've ever seen you act like a kid." The leader honestly answered. His soda bottle soon hit him between the eyes. "The hell!?"

"You asked for it." Shana huffed, taking another bite of her treat.

"This still doesn't explain why they would kidnap one of these 'Crimson Denizens'…" Shoto said, taking a sip of his water.

"Considering their penchant for bringing objects to life, we should be worried." Ayaka added, opening her bottle of sencha tea. "They might have made something worse than ever."

"And if we know Power Rangers, the monsters ALWAYS get worse." Rin added on, unintentionally jinxing them.

An explosion destroyed the stand there were in, scattering the five across the ground. Shana pushed herself up to find the others near by, the treat still in her mouth… until the burnt bun crumbled to ash and blew away in the wind. "We meet again, rangers." The five turned to see Timbus walking next to a new monster.

Before the living execution device could speak, the Flame Haze was in their face, red eyes and her sword in hand. "…Die." She declared, slashing at the two. Guillator raised his blade and the metal clanged in the street as Tritons charged at the other four. Shana kicked the monster back before landing on the shield of the golem.

She jumped off the buckler and pointed her bladed down, intent on stabbing Timbus in the head. Just before impact, a chain wrapped around her leg and pulled her to the side. Shana slammed into the ground as the chain retracted to the monster. "Such unwomanly behavior." He declared in disappointment.

"Do not underestimate her." Timbus declared. "Any of them." The pair turned back to the other four as Ayaka hurled a pair of flaming spears at the two. The wooden golem tanked the attack behind his shield as Guillator sliced it in half. The smoke obscured their sight as Shinra suddenly blasted both of them with his feet.

Spinning around, he forced the two aliens back as ice suddenly attacked Timbus. He smashed through the jagged edges before dodging a blue slash from Rin. "Your fight is with us." Shoto declared.

"Let's go, termite food!" Rin shouted before the two charged the wooden being.

Shana slashed a blade of Guillator back before ducking the right one. Sliding underneath, she tried to attack the legs only to get kicked in the gut. She gasped for air before the monster stomped on her neck. "Foolish girl." He declared before raising his blades over the head.

A fireball blasted the creature back as Shinra spun around, repeatedly kicking the monster. He dropped to his back and nipped up before hitting the frame. "See ya!" Fire shot out of his soles and pushed the monster back. "Okay, here's the plan."

"No plan. Just kill it." Shana snapped back, holding her blade near her face. "He needs to pay." She shot forward, confusing the two.

"All this for a stupid melon bread!?" The leader questioned.

"I'm as surprised as you." Ayaka added before the two flew forward.

Guillator let his blades drop and swung them in an 'x' fashion. Shinra and Ayaka flew to the side to avoid while Shana jumped over the crossing point. A smirk crossed the monster's face before he pulled his arms back. The chains wrapped around the Flame Haze before pulling her in. "Now, you're mine!"

A large blade was revealed from under the mask before it dropped down. "Shana!" Shinra blasted himself forward, tackling Shana out of the way. The blade cut the metal chain in two, making the monster cry in pain as it went slack, freeing Shana from her bindings.

"Calm down." Shinra ordered. "You can't seriously be this pissed off over a stupid melon bread!"

"Back off!" Shana pushed him off before the pair noticed the chain snaking back to the monster.

"I would not do that again." Guillator warned, blue flames fusing the arm back into place. "Now, you'll pay for this."

Shana braced herself to charge, her namesake at the ready."Stop being a kid! You're smarter than that!" Shinra grabbed her arm and pulled her away as a chain blade slammed into the ground between them

"I said back off!" Shana suddenly turned around and kicked Shinra hard in the shin. He yelped while letting her go, rubbing his knee. Turning back to the monster, Shana clashed blades with him.

"How can you be a Ranger if you act so immature? I almost feel sorry for your friends." Guillator confessed as Shana widened her eyes.

"THEY AREN'T MY-" She didn't finish as Guillator headbutted her, causing to drop her sword. Covering his arm with blue flames, Guillator unleashed it on Shana, sending her flying into a water fountain nearby. Water shot out of the damaged fountain as Shana pushed herself up.

Moving her wet hair away from her eyes, Shana saw her sword nearby and attempted to grab it, only for Guillator to step on her hand. "I do hope they remember you..."

Guillator prepared to end Shana...

"GET AWAY FROM HER!" Rin suddenly pounced Guillator from behind, causing him to stumble away from Shana. Gripping his katana in a reverse grip, Rin stabbed the monster in the shoulder, making him yell in pain.

"DAMN FOOL!" Guillator tried to get Rin off his back, but his bladed arms made it difficult.

"Can you stand?" Ayaka rushed over and helped Shana up.

"I'm fine. We still need to kill that thing." Shana stood up and winced as she looked at her hand. Ignoring the pain, she went to grab her sword.

"Don't be so reckless. We need to attack together." Ayaka reminds her, though Shana seemed to ignore her.

"Shana, listen to them." Alastor warned his partner.

"WOAH!" Rin suddenly flew by as Guillator glared at the female Rangers, hatred in his eyes.

Ayaka quickly launched a counterattack on the monster. Turning to the side, he launched his blade and the chain wrapped around Ayaka's broom. He pulled on it and sent Ayaka crashing to the ground, face first into Shana.

Instantly, Shinra was behind him and went for a kick with extra 'oomph' with his fire power. He hit his mark and pushed the monster back, scruff marks all over the ground. The Fire Soldier pressed the advantage and charged again before going high to avoid the blade. The blunt side suddenly hooked his shirt, pulling him close. Shinra suddenly vanished and the monster turned, slashing Shinra with the blunt side hit.

A red aura suddenly shot out of the teen, floating just off his body. "I'll take that!" The left blade shot forward and hit the aura, absorbing the energy. Shinra gasped in pain as the color left his skin. The last of the aura left and the two rangers bounced on the ground before coming to a stop. Shana pushed herself up to find that Shinra's eyes had turned solid white, his hair now a duller color.

"Shinra!" Ayaka rushed over to help the two, only to get hit by a shoulder tackle from Guillator. Rolling along the ground and protecting Shinra, she looked up to see flames coming from the feet of the monster. "He absorbed his powers?"

"His powers… aura… soul. I'll take it all!" The monster declared before shooting forward. Ayaka summoned her broom and spun the staff, blocking the blades.

"Give." Ayaka pushed on the broom, forcing the monster back. "It." Pushing Guillator back, she held up her hand like a gun as a mass of fire balls appeared around her. "BACK!" She 'fired' it and the orbs shot forward, forcing the monster to swat at the onslaught, creating a massive amount of smoke.

Ayaka spread her arms and a flaming spear took form before she gripped it. "Is that for me?" She turned around to fight, only to get hit by the same technique. She pulled on the arm, desperately trying to get away, only for a headbutt to seal her fate. "Worthless."

Ayaka fell to the ground, her powers and energy gone as well. Guillator kicked the motionless witch away, forcing Shana to duck. Glaring at the monster, she charged in anger as Shoto slid next to Ayaka for her protection. "We need to retreat." He declared.

"No, we can fight!" Rin snapped back, Shinra over his shoulder.

Shana suddenly slid next to them, killing that idea. "Embr, get us out of here!" She shouted.

"Consider it done!"

"Ugh! This is bull-" Rin was cut off as the quintet vanished in flames, just before two blades hit the ground.

Tempura

"What is wrong with them?" Shoto asked as the two men set the drained Rangers on a slab of stone. "They look… dead."

"They aren't dead." Embr replied, holding her hand on Ayaka's wrist. "I'm getting a pulse. But it is weak. More importantly, the Embers are still with them."

"That's what you're concerned about!?" Rin asked in anger. "We just lost two of our friends, and all you care about are the Embers!?"

"What even happened to them?" Vulcan questioned.

"It's what I tried to warn you about." Shana spoke up, catching everyone's attention. "A Crimson Denizen was used to make this monster. That means it has all the same powers as one."

"Wait, you mean they had their life energy stolen?" Rin surmised. "But you said who ever that happens to fades away and everyone forgets about them. So why are they still here and we still remember them?

"Perhaps it is because they are from different worlds that they aren't acting like normal victims." Alastor hypothesized from Shana's neck. "Or maybe the Embers are keeping them in here. Regardless, our mission is now clear: slay this abomination and retrieve their life force."

"We might want to hurry. Look at this." Shoto added from Shinra's feet. Everyone turned and looked down to see his body starting to fade away in blue fire.

Shana turned and rushed to the door. "Where are you going?" Vulcan asked, making Shana stop.

"Heading out to kill this thing." She bluntly answered. "This is a job for a Flame Haze. Humans are just a liability in these kind of situations."

"You do remember that we're supposed to be a TEAM, right?" Rin asked in annoyance, only for Shana to ignore him as she kept walking. He clenched his fist tightly before speaking up. "GET BACK HERE!"

His shouting caused everyone in the room to look at him while Shana stopped. Even Embr seemed to be caught off guard by the anger in his voice.

"Look, I don't know what the hell's going on with you, but right know, we're down TWO Rangers. We can't lose anyone else!" Rin marched over to Shana and stared down at her. "We NEED each other. Otherwise, we ALL lose. And I don't wanna see another one of my friends like that." He pointed to the two downed Rangers.

"I can understand your frustration, Rin." Alastor calmly retorted. "If this were like any of the other creatures we've fought, then we'd welcome your help. But this is a Crimson Denizen and only a Flame Haze can defeat it."

"You've seen how powerful it is." Shoto added on as he walked up to his teammates. "Even if you went alone, you wouldn't be able to defeat it. Only together can we win."

"Look, we get you've done all this by yourself for a long time. It's badass and stuff, but right now, this is too big for you to go in guns blazing. For once, stop acting like you're hot shit. We're gonna help you, even if you don't like it." Rin finished with a tone of finality, with Shoto nodding in agreement.

Shana stared at the two, no back down in either of their eyes. She was honestly impressed by their bravery. "Alright, let's do it."

"That's great. Glad you're all on the same page now." Embr sarcastically said, Shinra having faded up to his ankles. "Now go out there and fight this thing before we lose these two forever!"

Dimension X192

Misaki City

Timbus leaned against an alley wall as Guillator walked away, humans fading into ash. "This is gluttonous." He huffed.

"I need the energy." The monster replied, looking at his blades. "Soon the Red and Yellow Rangers will be dead. And then we can go after the other three."

"I despise this strategy." Timbus declared. "It is far too passive."

"Then let's speed things up for you." The two turned around to find the three targets standing in front of them. "Let's do this!" Shana shouted before the three crossed the arms and quickly broke it.

"Unleash the Heat!"

Rin burst into blue flames as a cheetah snarled in the background. The phantom feline raced forward and spread wide, enveloping him in a blue, white trim spandex suit. The same boots and gloves adorned him before the belt wrapped around his waist. A hood burned into existence before he gained a cheetah themed helmet. Blue fire burned onto his belt, taking the form of a cross.

Shoto ignited into a green blaze as a gorilla boomed in the void. The transparent primate jumped and spread itself wide, coating him a green and white spandex suit. Boots and gloves adorned his limbs as a belt wrapped around his waist. Like the boys before, he gained a hood around his neck before the gorilla head became a helmet. The green flames burned two letters onto the buckle, a 'U' and an 'A'.

Shana became coated in white flames as a deer bellowed. The hoofed animal charged and awkwardly spread itself, coating Shana in a white, ivory trimmed spandex outfit. Tall heels coated her feet as ivory gloves covered her hands. The same kind of belt and skirt appeared as the deer head hardened into a helmet. Alistor was lifted from around her neck and placed into her buckle, the whole thing glowing.

Rin slapped his left hand on his chest. "Ember of Power! Blue Inferno Ranger!" He then threw a few punches before he pulled his right fist back, his left fist brought up in front of him.

Shoto thrusted a hand before before clenching it into a fist. "Ember of Duality! Green Inferno Ranger!" He pulled it back while lowering his other hand under it.

Shana clapped her hands together before turning her back on her enemies, looking over her right shoulder. "Ember of Youth! White Inferno Ranger!"

"POWER RANGERS! INFERNO FORCE!"

"Let us end them." Timbus declared, only to find Guillator was already ahead of him. Swinging his blade arms, the monster forced the trio apart. Rin landed on the ground before blocking a slash from behind.

"I need no help to end these pathetic humans!" The monster shouted, fireballs appearing around him. The projectiles shot forward and exploded upon impact, knocking Rin into the streets. Pushing himself up, Rin saw people running away as a chain blade flew past him. Flying towards a woman, Shana deflected the blade as she glared at the monster.

"Damn fool…" Timbus mumbled in annoyance.

A metal blade was pointed at his neck, making him turn to the Green Ranger. "So, what will you do?" Shoto asked.

Timbus brushed the point aside and looked at Shoto. "He said he could defeat you on his own. I have no doubt he could. I wish to see if he is more than just words." He stepped aside and left the world through a watery portal.

Pulling his spear back, Shoto rushed out into the streets before blocking an incoming chain. He stabbed into the ground and pole-vaulted over a fireball before ripping it out of the ground. "What's going on?"

"Just trying to stop this thing from taking our energy! You know, the usual!" Shana shouted as she parried an attack before cutting the chain in half.

Rin swung his blade and a wave of fire launched off it. It crashed into Guillator who blocked with his arms, the wood chipping and torched slightly. His arm returned him before he glanced to the side and swung his left blade. It flew towards a girl with ribbons in her hair as she screamed in terror, holding up a bag in defense.

Shana flipped in the air and landed on the chain before slicing it. She turned and grabbed the flying chain before flinging it back at the monster. "Get out of here, now!" She ordered.

"R-right! Thank you!" The girl, known as Kazumi, replied with gratitude before running away.

Shana turned back to see Rin slid next to her, Shoto spinning his spear to deflect the blades. "We're getting no where like this!" Shana exclaimed in anger.

"There must be a weakness to this creature." Alastor surmised.

Another blade shot at a fleeing man nearby, forcing Rin to blocked the attack. "What's with this guy?" Rin asked in annoyance. "It's like every ten seconds, we have to stop him from attacking people."

"It's like he's refueling…" Shana mumbled. "Could it be?" Her surprise caught the boy off guard. "I think I have a plan." Shoto slid back before throwing fire at the monster, forcing it back. Looking behind, he found his teammates rushing over. "Shoto, give us some privacy." Shana requested before a dome of ice covered the three.

The fire died as Guillator swung his arms, the blades hooking into the ice. "That feeble shell won't protect you!" He snapped the chains and the ice shattered, unleashing a bomb of fire. The creature raised its arms and protected itself, only to get kicked in the face by a blue boot. Rin jumped off the monster before a spear went into Guillator's head.

The monster chuckled as it pushed the spear-tip to the side, forcing Shoto back. "Get over here, guys!" Shana shouted near some stairs. The males rushed over and the three race down the stairs. Guillator followed them in annoyance before slicing a pair of doors open, stepping inside a parking lot.

"You think you can hide from me!?" Guillator swung his arms and the blades sliced through anything in their path. His blades retracted and he marched through the damaged concrete. Shana rushed from behind and sliced his back. He turned and stabbed into the ground before a piece of ice punctured his arm.

"SHOW YOURSELVES!" He spun in place and his blades ripped through the cars before coming to a stop. Panting at the effort, he scanned around the bay for any human.

"What's wrong? Feeling tired?" Rin teased, angering the monster into a charge. "See, our problem was thinking we needed to out muscle you." Rin confessed before jumping back from a swing, slicing through cars and pillars.

"Not going to happen." Guillator declared, his blade slowly retracting to him. "I'm the ultimate creation… I'm part Denizen!" He bent over at the knees and started panting for breath.

"You're right. And if you're part Crimson Denizen, then you have their weaknesses too." Shana said, stepping forward. "You use Power of Existence for your attacks and to put yourself back together. And that means, you get weaker and weaker the more you use it. You probably could get more if we let you attack people, but in here…"

Guillator snapped up in shock before swing his arms wildly. Rin and Shana sliced the chains apart, making the beast cry in pain. "Time to take back what you stole!" Shoto declared as their weapons started glowing, much to their surprise. The two blades were suddenly magnetized, pulled towards the side of the spear.

"This is new." Shana confessed.

"Guess since we can't use Caliburn, this is the next best thing." Rin suggested. "Shoto, take aim and fire." He and Shana placed their hands on his back, their Ember's energy flowing towards the weapon's tip.

The monster pushed himself up and ran for the door, only to find it blocked by a wall of ice. Shoto pulled his arm back before throwing it forward. The javelin caught ablaze and punctured Guillator's head. Less than a second later, he burst into the three colors of the rangers before falling to the ground, his body crumbling into broken pieces of wood.

Orbs of red and yellow left the blades before they vanished before their eyes. "Great plan, Shana." Shoto told her. "But how did you know this place was abandoned?"

"I didn't it. It was dumb luck." Shana confessed.

"And… what would have happened if it wasn't?" Rin asked, concerned about her answer.

"Then we'd be dead." She answered as a beam of energy hit the rubble.

"Well… we should probably get out of here now." Rin said before the three rushed out just in time as a restored, giant Guillator burst out of the building, blades shining in the sun.

"I'VE HAD ENOUGH OF YOU!" He swung his left arm and the blade tore through the city, crushing anything in its way.

"Let's get him." Shana declared as their respective colored flames surrounded the trio.

"INFERNO ZORD: TAKE FORM!"

Rin crouched downward as a cheetah snarled. He launched himself forward and the animal grew around him, coated in blue flames. The beast snarled before breaking into a sprint, turning into a blue and black mechanical feline.

Shoto jumped into the air and reached up as a gorilla bellowed around him. Hanging in the air, the green fire engrossed him before the gorilla over took him. The beast clanged its chest before the third beat hardened it into a green and black mechanical primate.

Shana jumped forward as a deer cried around her. One final jump launched her into the air before her entire body was covered by the metallic deer. It landed on the ground before shaking its head, a set of antlers growing out of the crown.

"It's about freaking time!" Shana cheered, steering the deer into a gore of the monster. Guillator blocked the antlers as they hit the chest before hooking the cervidae and slamming it to the ground. Raising it's right arm to stab into the zord, Guillator missed Shoto coming up and pulling on the arm.

Rin jumped up from the front and pushed the monster to the ground, growling in his face. "Get off me!" A chain blade wrapped around his neck before Guillator spun up and and threw him at the other two. "You're all dead!" Holding up his hands, they merged into one giant blade as he stepped forward.

A blast of fire push the giant back before a large shadow dived ar the monster. Landing on the ground, a large red wolf howled as a giant yellow owl tackled Guillator to the ground.

"Shinra! Ayaka! You guys are okay!" Rin cheered.

"Thanks to you guys." Shinra declared. "Now let's take this thing down!" Ayaka landed her Zord on Shoto's shoulder as all five suddenly started glowing.

"What's happening?" Shana asked in confusion.

"Something that only happens when all the Zords are together." Shoto explained with a soft smile. "It's time we combined!"

"Like in Bazooka Mode?" Ayaka questioned.

"No, something even better." Shinra chuckled before all five sets of bracelets started glowing. "Let's burn this freak!" He crossed his arms as the other four did the same.

"Inferno Zords, Unite!"

Guillator pushed himself up just in time to see five beast jumping into the air. Shoto's Zord growled before the head split in two, followed by crack in the body. Shinra's wolf jumped and the legs folded into its torso. It landed in the gap as the canine body opened from the neck. The section folded down and revealed armored detail and a glowing blue orb. The gorilla arms locked in place as the stubby legs folded up.

The cheetah and the deer folded their legs into the body before their bodies bent ninety degrees at the neck, the horns on the deer flying off. Ayaka's owl flew over them before the talons latched onto the upright rears, the wings folding into the body. The top have floated down and made contact with the legs, an explosion of fire fusing the two together.

The wolf head roared before it morphed into a knights helmet, the tail acting as a helmet plume. Inside, all five Rangers were moved into a large cockpit in the chest. With a stomp of its foot, five colors of fire erupted around as it landed on the ground.

"Vesuvius Megazord! Ready for combat!"

"Okay… this is pretty cool." Shana confessed. "Starting to see why you guys liked this show so much."

"Let's kick this guy's ass!" Rin shouted before pushing on his joysticks. The massive robot started walking forward before swinging a fist. The axe handle connected to Guillator's face, spraying giant splinters all over the city.

"You think this little trick makes you special?" The monster asked before swinging his blade, hitting the robot. Sparks shot out of the body as it stumbled backwards.

"Okay... little harder to control when there's five pilots." Shinra confessed as the Megazord stood its ground. "We have to fight together."

The others nodded in response as the Megazord reached behind and grabbed the Dear Zord's antlers. It pulled on them before they transformed into a pair hook swords. Guillator roared as he rushed towards the Megazord, only to get slashed in the chest. He then fired a burst of blue flames, forcing the Rangers to cover up.

"Keep the flames on us! We can't let him hurt anyone!" Shoto ordered as the Megazord began to get pushed back. The people all ran as far as they could, the legs of the Megazord dragging along the ground. The five Rangers gritted their teeth before pushing forward with all their might. The Megazord slowly before to march forward, despite Guillator's flames damaging it. With a united battlecry, the Megazord charged through and slammed into the monster, causing him to cease his attack.

Swinging the blades, the megazord sliced and spun, carving up the wood frame. Guillator swung its left chain, but the crescent guards blocked it, allowing them to hook the chain and rip it apart. The giant screamed in pain as the broken pieces of metal faced away in flames. "Looks like he's all out of power." Shoto observed.

"Now let's finish this!" Shinra declared.

The team hooked the swords together at the tips, before the megazord swung it over the head. The first slash from the sharpened hilt went from Guillator's right shoulder to his left hip before a second sliced it in half at the waist. The Megazord caught the handle and held them out in front of itself as Guillator fell over before exploding.

"First Megazord win! That was awesome!" Rin cheered with a fist pump. "I can't wait to tell Yukio!"

"Maybe after we get him back... and the others." Shana reminded as the Blue Ranger chuckled. Soon, the Megazord disappeared in a flash of fire, with the residents of Masaki city questioning what just happened.

"Finally! Back in the world of the living!" Shinra sighed as he went to the fridge to get a drink.

"You're all lucky Shana knew its weakness. Otherwise, we'd be down two Rangers." Embr commented with her arms crossed.

"Glad to know you care so much." Rin bluntly told her.

"I have to ask, and please don't take any offense." Vulcan started while looking at Ayaka. "But... how did it feel to be... like that?"

"Strangely enough, it felt like a dream." Ayaka confessed while taking a seat. "I never felt pain and it was almost calming."

"Hopefully, this is the last time it happens." Shoto spoke up as he turns toward Shana, who seemed unusually quiet. "Shana? Is there something wrong?"

"..." Shana did answer immediately, simply gripping her skirt. The others just look at her in confusion before the White Ranger stands up, giving them a glare. "You guys... are so annoying."

"Huh?" Almost everyone asked in confusion as Shana goes over to Shinra.

"You need to work on being a better leader. And stop with that creepy smile. It freaks everyone out." Shana goes over to Rin. "You're loud and dumb. Not to mention you make so many stupid references, it hurts my head!"

"Hey." Rin gives her a glare as Shana goes over to Shoto.

"You act edgy and sometimes, you take things WAY too seriously. Lighten up!" Shoto blinks in confusion as Shana goes to Ayaka. "You need to stop acting like you know everything! And if you care about this Takemiya guy, just marry him!"

"..." Ayaka says nothing as Shana marches over to Embr.

"We're still people, not tools. Don't go bossing us around. If you want us to listen, go out and fight!" Shana blurted out as Embr glares at her. She then marches over to Vulcan, who stares at her nervously before Shana walks off.

"At least say something..." Vulcan mutters in disappointment.

"You guys make me wanna rip out my hair sometimes! But..." Shana's angry rant died down as she lowered her head. "I... I... I liiiii..."

"What?" Shinra raised a brow, not hearing her.

"I... liiiii... you..."

"Speak up. We can't hear you." Rin told her with a frown.

"I SAID I LIKE BEING WITH YOU GUYS! YOU'RE MY FIRST REAL FRIENDS, OKAY!?" Shana finally lets out with a bright red blush. The Rangers look at her in genuine surprise.

"Shana grew up isolated from humans. That is why she is socially awkward at times." Alastor explained. "But I believe she genuinely sees all of you as friends. This may be a selfish request, but please do take care of her."

"ALASTOR!" Shana glared at her pendant before noticing the looks of amusement on the male Rangers' faces, with Ayaka even giving her a raised brow. "SHUT UP! SHUT UP! SHUT UP!" With that, Shana marched off.

"Awww. She does care." Rin chuckled as the others just shake their heads.

Stepping along the path, Surge paid no mind to any branches or rubble in her way. In a large opening, she finally reached her goal. In the middle of a forest, there was a large stone slab. Reaching the overgrown stone, Surge rested her hand against the memorial, a somber look on her face.

"Rest assured, I will avenge your deaths." She declared.

A rustling caught her attention, but she just stared at the monument. A male of her species stood behind her, this one much taller than her. In beige robes and holding scrolls in his hands, his short blonde 'hair' went less than an inch off his head. "The same place, every year."

Surge stood up and glanced behind her shoulder, glaring at the man. "Hello, husband."

Sorry for the long wait on this, life has gotten a bit crazy for me and my beta readers. But with this, we've finally visited all five Ranger worlds. I honestly didn't think I'd like Shakugan no Shana because it is a romance and… I don't really like romance. But the characters and action in it definitely won me over. If you haven't seen any of it, I urge you to do so.

The Megazord has finally arrived and goddamn was it fun to write. Probably redesigned it at least five times before coming up with a solid look. And if you want a hint, this whole 'item and living thing' combination will be how the monsters are made for the REST of the story.

You'll see more of Surge in the next chapter, which probably won't happen until next year. So 'til then, enjoy your lives and happy holidays!

Beta read by The 3rd Dragneel and TheExcadrillComics