I don't own Power Rangers or Cross Ange; those belong to their creators. This is for fun, not profit.
Chapter 4: Understanding
After they arrived at the base, Dean soon brought Sayla along with her daughter to one of the lower levels. A door soon opens as Dean showed her a room for her and her daughter to stay in.
"Here. You can use this room for now." Dean said as they entered the room.
Sayla looks at the room to study her surroundings.
The room was big enough for one to two people, there was a bed on the side of the room and on the other side was a sink with a small fridge, there was a screen that showed and image of a lake with fresh green grass with a crystal blue sky along with a bright sun before it changes to the deep blue ocean filled with sea life.
"I know it's not much, but I hope you'll be comfortable here. It should be big enough for you and your daughter. You can find a fully functioning bathroom there." Dean said as he pointed at the door on the wall. "Also, there's a fully stock kitchen down the hallway on the left. There's plenty of food here, so you don't have to worry about a shortage."
"Thank you. I really appreciate this, Dean." Sayla said.
Salya then sits down on the bed before she looks at her hand, and Dean figures she still isn't used to not having the Light of Mana anymore.
"I guess you're still not used to it. Not being able to use Mana." Dean said, and Sayla nodded.
"Yes. It still feels so strange…It's almost like I lost a part of myself." Sayla said.
"Yeah, I know. Change isn't exactly easy. Take this from a guy who's been asleep for over 500 years." Dean said, and Sayla chuckled to hear that.
"I suppose that's true." She said before she looked at her daughter with a smile on her face. "But if it means being with my daughter forever, then it's a small price to pay. I really can't thank you enough for this."
"It's alright. Like I said, I was just happy to help." Dean told her. "Anyway, I should go. But if you have any questions, just be sure to let me or Pixel know."
"I will. Thank you." Sayla said.
Dean soon left the door and when it closed behind him, Dean soon saw Salamandinay and the others were waiting for him.
"We need to talk." Salamandinay told him, and Dean sighed.
'Should've figured this was going to happen.' Dean thought.
Dean, Pixel, Salamandinay and the others soon arrived at the command room as they were talking about Salya and her daughter.
"Honestly…what you did was very reckless and dangerous. You promised that you wouldn't draw attention while you were on the False Earth." Salamandinay said.
"I'm sorry about that, but what else was I supposed to do? They needed help and I helped them." Dean said.
"I'll admit, that is indeed admirable of you, but Embryo is bound to know that you're alive now." Salamandinay said.
"I know. But I wasn't going to abandon them like that. That's not who I am." Dean said before they stopped at the large computer. "Especially since they were talking about deposing a baby who did nothing wrong."
Dean then turns to them.
"Also, did you know about this whole Norma thing? And how they were being treated?" Dean asked, they didn't answer but their silence gave him the answer he needed. "So you did know."
Salamandinay nodded.
"Yes. We did." She answered.
Dean sighed before he sat down on the chair.
"You didn't think to tell me about it before I left? I thought we were supposed to trust each other?" Dean asked.
"You are right, but would you truly believe it even if we did tell you?" Salamandinay asked.
Dean sighed once again.
"Well…I suppose I can't deny that, given how crazy it would sound." Dean said.
"Either way, it still doesn't change the fact that it's dangerous to bring them here." Naga said.
"I have to agree with Naga on this. Embryo's wounds run deep, even if she doesn't know he exists, anyone who is associated with him in any way is viewed with hostility." Kaname told him.
"I know. Which is why I'm going to keep them here, until I can figure out what to do." Dean told them, and Naga huffed to hear that.
"In other words, you brought them here without planning ahead. Some great warrior you are." Naga said, and Dean narrowed his eyes.
"And what would you do if you were in my place?" Dean asked.
"Nothing. I wouldn't allow my emotions to cloud my judgment for the sake of my mission." Naga coldly answered.
"Why you little…" Dean said before Salamandinay turned to Naga with a disappointed look on her face.
"That's enough, Naga!" She said, and Naga flinched. "It's too late to change what happened. They're here now, instead of throwing blame to one another, we should focus on the task in hand."
Naga lowered her head.
"Right! My apologies, my lady." Naga said.
Salamandinay then turns back to Dean.
"I apologize for what Naga had said. I'll be sure to give her some much needed discipline when we head back." Salamandinay said, and Naga flinches to hear that.
"There's no need for that. This is on me, I was the one who acted without thinking." Dean said, and Naga sighed in relief.
"But, are you absolutely sure you can take care of them here?" Salamandinay asked.
"Yes, of course." Pixel said. "The base's systems and areas are well maintained, I made sure of that. Plus we have plenty of supplies here. So taking care of Sayla and her baby wouldn't be too much trouble."
"I see. That's good to hear." Salamandinay said.
"Indeed. Maybe it's better this way. At least her daughter won't be raised to be our enemy." Kaname said.
Dean blinks to hear that while Salamandinay and Naga turn to her in worry.
"Kaname!" Salamandinay said, and Kaname covered her mouth after realizing her mistake.
"What do you mean by that?" Dean asked, and they had nervous looks on their faces before Dean narrowed his eyes in suspicion. "There's something else about this whole Norma thing, is there?"
After seeing they can't hide it from the Red Ranger, Salamandinay nodded.
"Yes. But I must warn you, this won't be pleasing to hear. I hope you're mentally prepared." Salamandinay said before she began to explain.
(Play: Believe in Nexus by Masaaki Endoh)
(Instrumental) (As the song starts, two Earths appear one at a time before they collide against each other creating a flash of light which blinded the screen.)
(Sono te nobashi te mabayui ashita o tsukamitore! Mugen no sora hamatake Believe in Nexus!) (Five of the Nexus Zords had appeared as the Racer, Wolf, and Dozer Zords were racing on a large road while the Chopper and Falcon Zords were flying above them before they turned into a flash of light and flew into the vast open sky before the story's title appeared on screen.)
(Araburu kono shoudo daremino tomiranai!) (The Nexus Rangers were standing on a hill as they looked at the town where the Children of Aura resides as some of them in DRAGON form flew above them as they watched them in awe.)
(Hiri asa mi kirikou o taka maru kono Heart Beat!) (Then it changes to a split screen with Salamandinay looking at her Enryugo as it was still incomplete, and Ange who was in her room in Arzenal as she was seated on her bed while looking at her ring, before it changes to Embryo and behind him was a man hidden in darkness holding a Morpher in his hand.)
(Bi chinai sou o natato sekawaerai!) (Then it changes showing an army of Xedroids and behind them were Prince Crimson, General Swartz, and Cyber.)
(Koko de oarasatakunai Go For It!) (Next the screen changes to the Rangers commencing their Morphin Sequence as they Morph into their suits before their helmets appeared.)
(Tachiagare kodoku ni obiekuru e naide!) (The screen changes showing a fleet of Xe-Fighters and an army of Xe-Bots charging forward to attack, then changes to the Nexus Rangers loading their Zord Cards into their Morphers as they soon appear, and the Rangers jump into them.)
(Nakama ma batte irukoto mou ichido omoidase!) (In his cockpit, the Nexus Red Ranger inserts his Battle Mode Card into his Morpher and his Racer Zord changes into the said mode.)
(Kowaku wa naisa akirame wa shinai donna tsugoi yatsu ni mo make wa shinai itsudatte o kino yuuki de Believe In Nexus!) (Then each of the Nexus Zord launch respective attacks on their enemies before the Kaiser Sphere in the sky. Then the Zords combine forming the Nexus Prime Megazord, and then energy appears around the Megazord before it flies at the Kaiser Sphere to attack and when it collides against the Sphere a large flash of light appears blinding the screen. Then it changes to both Earths before the Nexus Rangers along with the villain leaders appeared as they faced each other.)
"The Light of Mana?" Dean said, and Salamandinay nodded.
"Yes. I presume you saw the false humans using a type of energy when you were on the other Earth, correct?" She asked, and Dean nodded.
"Yeah, I did. They did say that whenever they used it." Dean said as he remembers the times the humans in Embryo's world used the Light of Mana. "It was almost like I was watching magic."
"I never saw it for myself, but that's mostly how their society works." Salamandinay said. "For the false humans' belief their Light of Mana is said to be the very essence of the universe and is said to be an unlimited energy source. But, it's actually a modified Dracunium design by Embryo himself."
Both Dean and Pixel were surprised by this.
"Really? Is that true?" Pixel said, and Salamandinay nodded.
That's when Dean realized something as he remembers seeing that Dracunium reactor in Embryo's world.
"Wait…This wouldn't have anything to do with that Dracunium reactor I saw does it?" Dean asked.
"Then you saw it too?" Salamandinay asked, and Dean nodded. "Then you must have been in the Misurugi Empire. If so then yes, that tower is indeed a crucial part of Embryo's world."
"How so?" Dean asked.
"I know you're already aware, but after Embryo had left the world in ruins, he sought out a new world to rebuild it in his image. He chooses that other Earth because it's where Dracunium unknown, thus he presents as a miracle energy. Thus, he created a Dracunium reactor in that world and modify it to suits his own needs. He even genetically modified the humans there to use the energy it produces." Salamandinay explained.
Dean placed a hand on his chin to learn this.
"I see. That definitely explains a lot now." Dean said.
"Yes, but I'm afraid that's not even the worst of it." Salamandinay said, and Dean was confused to hear that.
"What do you mean?" Dean asked.
"I believe in the old world, the saying is 'It's only the tip of the mountain'." Salamandinay said.
"It's actually the tip of the iceberg." Dean corrected her, and Salamandinay's cheeks turned red. "But please continue."
"Right…" Salamandinay said before she coughed in her hand. "At one point, Embryo's entire world was originally powered by the Dracunium reactor which he renamed the Column of Dawn. But as time went on and as his false humans had grown in size, so did their consumption of Dracunium energy more than a single reactor can produce."
"Wait…Could that be the reason why he took Aura? To use her as some sort of power booster?" Pixel asked, and the princess nodded.
"So that's why he took Aura. He couldn't take the risk of building any more reactors knowing what would happen." Dean said as he knows that control over the Dracunium reactors was the cause of the D-War.
"But even with Aura's great power, even that's not enough. Which is why Embryo started using the singularities to draw in our brethren all to harvest the Dracunium within their bodies." Salamandinay said in sadness.
Both Dean and Pixel were left horrified to learn this.
"That's…That's horrible." Pixel said.
"Damn…I know that Embryo is insane, but this is beyond maddening." Dean said.
"Yes. But that's not even the worst of it." Salamandinay said, and Dean was surprised by that.
"What? Then what else is there?" Dean asked.
Salamandinay was reluctant at first before she hardened her resolve and told him.
"You see, as a result of using Aura's energy, all of Embryo's false humans are connected to her. Because of that we interfere with their Mana connection by using our voice which in turn drives them mad and incapacitate them."
"Wait…If that's true, even if Embryo had full control of the singularities, you could have taken Aura back a long time ago. What could be stopping you?" Dean asked.
"Well, think about it. What's the perfect army that won't be affected by our voice, an army that isn't able to use Mana?" Salamandinay asked.
Dean blinks a few times before he realizes what she means.
"Oh my god…You can't possibly mean…?" Dean said, and Salamandinay nodded.
"Yes. The perfect army that is able to fight us is the Norma." She told him.
Dean was shocked to hear that.
"No way…That can't be true." Dean said.
"I'm afraid it is." Salamandinay told him. "That infant you saved, wasn't the only Norma, there are over hundreds of them. Maybe even a thousand. We only know this in bits and pieces, but when a Norma is identified in their world they'll be separated from their families and are taken to a secret military facility, all to be raised and trained to be soldiers against us."
"And…And no one was against this?" Dean asked, and Salamandinay nodded.
"I'm afraid so." She said.
"That can't be. I mean, didn't someone speak out against this? There must have been someone who thought that it was wrong." Dean said.
"Then tell me this, when you met that mother along with her child, did you see any such people defending them?" Salamandinay asked.
Dean flinches before he remembers how everyone just stood there and watched as Sayla's daughter was taken from her, and how that princess didn't even come to her defense and said that her daughter should be disposed of.
"I'll take your silence as a yes. There is a reason for that, but you may not like it." Salamandinay said, but Dean just looks at her.
"Just tell me." Dean said, and Salamandinay sighed.
"When Norma started to appear, there was civil unrest, but Embryo was able to use that to his advantage. From the day his false humans were born, he programmed each and every one of them that they are violent and antisocial monsters, and thus they are treated as outcasts and are viewed with contempt." Salamandinay explained.
"No way…" Pixel mutters in shock.
"Then…what about Sayla? If she was programmed to hate Norma, then why didn't she react like the others?" Dean asked.
"Well…It is rare, but there are times when Embryo's false humans are able to resist their programming and would protect their Norma children." Salamandinay answered.
"Rare, meaning she's not the only one." Dean said, and Salamandinay nodded.
"Yes, but there's only a small amount of them." Salamandinay said. "But that still doesn't change the fact that Embryo was able to gain his army against us. But in order to keep the false peace and prosperity he created, all information about us and the Norma being used as soldiers are kept secret from the false humans."
"Really?" Dean asked, and Salamandinay nodded.
"Yes. In the false Earth, we are named DRAGONs, and the ones who know about us and how the Norma are being used are high ranking government officials. But the ones who know the actual truth are among Embryo's inner circle." Salamandinay explained.
"So in other words, Embryo keeps the peace, he gets a disposable army, and he gets the energy he needs to power his world. It's like killing three birds with one stone." Pixel said. She would almost be impressed if she wasn't so disgusted by this.
Dean sighed as he placed a hand on his face.
"Normally, I would find all of this insane. But then again, this is Embryo we're talking about." Dean said.
"Yes. But now you see the current state Embryo's world is in. The cruelty and hypocrisy behind its false peace." Salamandinay said, getting Dean's attention. "I understand your need to protect others which I find very honorable, but everything you've seen in the other world, surely must be willing to help us now."
Dean lowered his head as he thought about it. He then remembers all the things he saw on the False Earth and remembers the people he met there, then he remembers how Sayla's daughter was taken away from her due to being born different than the other humans. But, despite that…
Dean soon raised his head and gave his answer.
"Look, I understand that Aura is important to you and I understand your rage against Embryo. But…I'm sorry, I can't be a part of this." Hearing that surprised Salamandinay and her subordinates.
"What?" Salamandinay asked.
"Why not?" Kaname asked.
"After seeing how Salya and her daughter were treated there, I was angry that the people would act like that even if they were programmed to behave that way. But…despite that, I can't be a part of something that puts innocents in danger." Dean said.
"Innocent?! You dare say that after everything we told you, and what you saw?!" Naga asked in rage.
"I do." Dean nodded.
Pixel turns to Dean and to Salamandinay's group before she sighed.
"I'm sorry, but I'm with Dean on this." Pixel said, which surprised them once again as they turned to the AI.
"What?" Naga said.
"You are?" Kaname asked, and Pixel nodded.
"Yeah. We only have one job here, protection. We only fight when we have to, and it's mostly for safeguarding the world and the people who live in it. And that obligation applies to other worlds, we only fought to protect people, not endanger them." Pixel told them.
"What?! And you think the people in the False Earth deserve the same?!" Naga asked.
"I do." Pixel nodded.
"You…can't be serious about this?" Kaname asked.
"I'm sorry. But that's just the way we operate here." Pixel said.
Dean then turns away from them.
"Listen…I don't want to be rude, but it might be best for you three to leave now. I need time to process all this…" Dean said before he placed a hand on his face.
Enraged by that, Naga was about to speak out but Salamandinay stopped her by bringing her arm in front of her and Salamandinay shook her head telling Naga to stand down, she obeyed and lowered her head.
"Very well. If that's what you truly want, then we won't force you to change your mind." Salamandinay said.
"Thank you." Dean said.
Pixel then flew in front of them.
"Follow me to the transporter. I'll take you home." Pixel said before she flew to the transporter and Salamandinay's group followed her.
Salamandinay and her subordinates were standing on the transporter, and Pixel used her keyboard to set the coordinates.
"I know this won't mean much, but I'm sorry we can't be much help to you." Pixel said.
"It's alright. But I hope you reconsider soon." Salamandinay said.
"We'll see." Pixel said before she pressed a button to transport them to their home.
Pixel then turns to Dean.
"Are you really sure about this?" Pixel asked, and Dean sighed as he placed a hand on his face.
"In all honesty, I'm not sure myself." Dean said.
After Salamandinay, Naga, and Kaname had returned to the temple. They were in the main room with the High Priestess and the Shrine Maidens waiting for them.
They then explain the details of Dean along with his origins and the things they learn from him, but they were a bit skeptical about it.
"And that's all I have to report." Salamandinay told them.
"This is truly your honest report, Salamandinay? Because, I find this difficult to believe." One of the Shrine Maidens said before the others began to speak.
"I agree. A man who's been asleep for over 500 years just suddenly woke up just when monsters attacked us. The idea of this is complete lunacy."
"That's right. For all we know he could be an agent of Embryo, even worse, he might use his powers to attack us."
As the Shrine Maidens continue to discuss Salamandinay's report, both Naga and Kaname begin to whisper to each other.
"I guess we should've known this would turn out like this." Kaname said, and Naga nodded.
"Agreed. But then again, who would actually believe a story like this?" Naga said.
"Well…I guess I can't deny that." Kaname said.
They soon heard one of the Shrine Maidens suggest a bold plan.
"We should send the full force of our army against him."
Hearing that surprised and worried Salamandinay, Naga, and Kaname.
"I agree. He should be eliminated before he can pose a problem."
"I second that."
"Wait, Shrine Maidens!" Salamandinay calls out getting their attention. "Please, I strongly recommend that you reconsider this. I know this is difficult to believe but this Dean person hadn't done anything wrong. I think we should give the benefit of the doubt."
"Should we? You told us that this guardian from the old world has no intention in helping us."
"Indeed. How can we possibly trust someone like that?"
The Shrine Maidens continued to speak one at a time, and Salamandinay grew concerned, but then the High Priestess raised her hand and the Shrine Maidens lowered their voices.
"That is enough. I understand your worries, but we need to be better than this." She told them.
"Right…Forgive us, High Priestess." One of the Shrine Maidens bowed her head.
"It is alright. Even if this Dean Reilly is a threat, we cannot allow even more of our brethren to lose their lives fighting him. Not until we get Aura back." The High Priestess said. "Salamandinay."
"Yes?" She said.
"You are to keep an eye on him until further notice. Understood?"
Salamandinay and her subordinates bowed her their heads.
"Of course. By your command." Salamandinay said.
After the meeting was concluded, Salamandinay, Naga, and Kaname were walking in the hallway together.
"Well, that could've turned out better." Kaname said.
"Maybe, but I still think we should've eliminated him when we had the chance." Naga said, and Salamandinay stops walking and turns to her subordinate.
"That's enough, Naga." Salamandinay said, and Naga flinched. "It's already been decided, so let it go."
Naga bit her lip before she raised her head.
"I'm sorry, my lady, but I can't. I still find it a mistake to let him go. Despite everything he saw in the False Earth, he's not even willing to help us. How can we possibly trust someone who can't choose his side?" Naga said.
Salamandinay lowered her head as she wasn't sure herself.
'In all honesty, I'm not sure myself.'
(Next day)
Inside the hidden base, even though it was early in the morning Dean was seen in a martial arts gym as he was punching on a punching bag while wearing boxing gloves.
As he was punching on the bag, Dean recalls the events he experience in Embryo's world and then he remembers the events of the D-War, he could still hear the explosions in his head along with the fearful screams of people who were running away, he then remembers seeing the mummified bodies in the shelters, and he then remembers how he failed to stop Embryo and how Kurt defeated him.
Dean grits his teeth as he pulls back his fist and infuses it with his enhanced strength, he soon punches the bag with that fist which sends it flying as the chain broke off and left the large hole on it before it smashed into the wall and then to the ground.
The filling of the punching bag begins to spill out of the bag and lying beside it were several other broken bags.
Dean took a moment to breathe as sweat covered his body, he then heard someone clapping, he looked and saw it was Pixel who was in the room.
"Nice, Dean. That's your tenth punching bag after your fifth all-nighter." Pixel said as she brought out a holographic screen which showed the said count.
"Which would make it fifty bags, right?" Dean asked before he took off his gloves and walked to his towel and water bottle which was placed on a bench. "I know it's your job, but do you really need to watch over me all the time?"
"Well, like you said, it's my job." Pixel said.
"Hmm-hmm." Dean hummed before he picked up his bottle and towel, he used his towel to wipe away his sweat and drank his water.
"Dean, I know you've always been an exercise nut, but I'm starting to worry about you. Don't you think you should sleep now?" Pixel asked.
"I've slept for over 500 years. I think I have my fill now." Dean said, before he heard his stomach growling.
Dean's cheeks turned red and Pixel narrowed her eyes.
"Seems like your stomach needs its fill though." Pixel said, Dean coughs in his hand.
"Well…I guess I can't deny that." Dean said, and Pixel chuckles.
Dean was walking in the hallway as he was still using his towel with Pixel flying beside him.
They were close to the door that leads to the dining room, before they heard a plate breaking as they stopped.
"What the hell?" Dean said before he and Pixel entered the kitchen to see what happened.
They saw the broken plate on the floor and standing close to it was their guest Sayla as she had a worried look on her face.
"Miss Sayla?" Dean calls out, and Sayla flinches before she turns to him and Pixel.
"Oh, Dean! I'm so sorry, I wanted to get something to eat and then…" Sayla explains before she looks down at the plate again.
Dean and Pixel look at the plate.
"I see." Dean said, and Sayla was worried about what he'll do. "I'll take care of it then."
Sayla blinks to hear that. Dean manages to find a broom and dustpan along with a vacuum, the Red Ranger then uses the broom and dustpan to gather the larger pieces while Sayla looks at him in concern.
"Oh, no. You don't have to do that." Sayla told him.
"It's fine. You're my guest here. Also, don't worry about a broken plate, we have plenty." Dean said before he uses the vacuum to clean up the smaller fragments.
After cleaning up the broken plate fragments, both Dean and Sayla soon had breakfast together.
"How is it?" Dean asked.
"It's good. But I still wish you would've let me cook." Sayla said.
"Sayla, it's alright. Like I told you, I was just happy to help. You don't owe me a thing." Dean assured her.
"But…I still feel like I could help out." She said.
Dean smiles before he places a hand on her shoulder.
"You don't have to feel indebted to me. You're free now, and if I was in that situation again, I wouldn't mind doing it a second time." Dean told her.
"Alright…If you're sure." Sayla said.
Dean smiles before he removes his hand and resumes eating.
"By the way, how's your daughter?" Dean asked.
"She's sleeping right now. I really appreciate the crib." Sayla said as her daughter was sleeping in the said crib in their room.
"You should thank Pixel for that." Dean said before he turned to the AI. "Don't hesitate to ask her for anything else. She'll make just about anything, from diapers to pacifiers."
"Personally, I found it a waste of my talents. But hey, I have a soft spot for cute kids like her." Pixel said, and Sayla chuckled to hear that.
"Well, either way I'm really grateful." Sayla said before she resumed eating.
Dean smiles to see her smiling.
'It's nice to see her smile. It really makes it worth it.' Dean thought.
After finishing his breakfast and taking a shower, Dean was in the command room and was seated in front of the computer.
He was looking at footage and photos he took with his Morpher while he was in the other word, and Pixel was next to his side as she looked as well.
"I have to say, despite the dark secret behind it, it's amazing what they could do. Levitating objects, creating force fields, and the ability to create matter out of nothing. It's truly remarkable." Pixel said.
"Yeah, and it seems like they also used it for fuel and electricity." Dean said. "I also saw a princess there, so it's safe to assume they're being led by a king and a queen."
"Huh? So, they're following an aristocratic system. Who knew that Embryo was that old fashioned?" Pixel said.
"But, that was only one country. Who knows if there are other countries being led by different systems." Dean said, and Pixel placed a hand on her chin.
"That's a good point. We should ask Salamandinay and miss Sayla about that." Pixel said.
"Yeah." Dean nodded.
He then looks back to the footage.
"But, it still doesn't change the fact that Embryo has total control over them. And that there weren't any Rangers to stop him. I know he's powerful, but there could've been at least some resistance against him when he arrived." Dean said.
"Well…If I had to guess, it must be safe to assume he had some extra help." Pixel said, and Dean sighs to hear that.
"Yeah…" He mutters before he remembers his confrontation with Embryo and how he fought against the man known as Kurt.
Dean placed a hand on his face to remember that.
"Why, Kurt? Why did you do it?" Dean mutters to himself with Pixel looking at him in concern.
"Oh, Dean…" Pixel mutters before they hear a beeping sound, and a window appears on the computer screen. "Seems like that thing is ready now."
"Good…I might need the distraction anyway." Dean said before he stood up and left with Pixel watching him.
Pixel sighed sadly before she turned to the computer and brought out footage of the Kaiser Sphere on the screen.
"Well, here's hoping that nothing goes wrong today."
(Meanwhile)
In the Kaiser Sphere, Prince Crimson along with Swartz and Cyber had contacted one of their commanders before the door opened and entered the command room.
The commander had a large bulky red body with a shield and wielded a club and was also wearing a long black loincloth. He had a silver face with gold colored with two tusks pointed upward with black pieces around his neck, and his head was quite tall with a red glass cover on top of his head that showed his brain. He also had light blue lines in front of his body connected to silver circles that lead up his left leg to his chest and to his right knee.
This is Commander Volcanic.
"Out of my way! Stand aside you fools!" Volcanic said as he pushed aside some Xedroids that were in his way and smashed a few of them with his club.
After shaking his head in disappointment, General Swartz soon moved in front of the commander and Volcanic stopped attacking the Xedroids.
"Commander Volcanic, that is far enough!" Swartz told him. "At least show some proper restraint to his highness."
"Hmph! You might be the general here, but I can do whatever I want!" Volcanic said as he rested his club on his shoulder.
"Why you insolent little…!" General Swartz said as he had the urge to attack the disrespectful commander, but Prince Crimson raised his hand telling him to stand down.
"Stand down, general. I don't mind his behavior." He told him.
"But…Your highness…" General Swartz said, but the look in the prince's eyes made him lower his head and placed a hand on his chest. "As you command."
Volcanic chuckles to see that before Prince Crimson turns at him with a dark look, which frightens Volcanic.
"Oh! Pardon me, your highness." Volcanic said as he kneels before the prince.
"Commander Volcanic, I understand you're aware of the current problem we're facing?" Prince Crimson asked, and Volcanic nodded.
"Yes, of course! We're actually fighting an actual Power Ranger, right?" Volcanic asked in excitement, and the prince chuckled in amusement.
"That's right. And he needs to be taken care of before he becomes an even more problem. Can I trust you to handle it?" Prince Crimson asked, and Volcanic nodded as he stood up.
"You bet I can!" Volcanic shouted as he raised his club before he flinched and bowed his head. "I mean…Of course, I can. You can count on me, your highness."
"Good. Now prepare your troops and move out." Prince Crimson ordered, and Volcanic nodded.
"As you wish." Volcanic said before he left the room. "Alright! I've been waiting for some excitement!"
General Swartz groans before he turns to the prince.
"Your Highness, I strongly recommend that you reconsider this. Commander Volcanic's record of insubordination makes him unsuitable for this mission." He told him.
"Yes, as you keep telling me over hundreds of times. But his record hardly matters here, what matters now is taking care of that pesky Ranger and we need Volcanic's strength for it. Do I make myself clear?" Prince Crimson asked as he gave the general a warning stare.
Swartz flinched before he bowed his head.
"No. Forgive me, Your Highness."
Prince Crimson huffed before he leaned on his hand.
'Red Ranger…I hope this time, you'll suffer an agonizing death.'
In her room, Salamandinay was lying on the bed with a hand on her face. She was still in deep thought about Dean's decision.
While she understood his reasoning and not putting any non-combatants at risk, she really thought that Dean would be willing to join her side after seeing the cruelty and injustice in Embryo's world, but he refused to fight on their side.
'It still doesn't make any sense. Why would he…?' Salamandinay thought before she heard someone knocking on her.
"Yes?" Salamandinay said as she sat up.
The door opened and behind it was Naga and Kaname.
"Pardon us, Milady. But our scouts reported that the red warrior had appeared in the ruins once again. The council ordered us to investigate" Naga said.
"Very well." Salamandinay said before she got off the bed.
Salamandinay along with Naga and Kaname were riding on the larger DRAGONs as they soon arrived at the ruins where Dean had been spotted.
The DRAGON then landed in an area that was close to where he was spotted. Salamandinay and her subordinates soon jumped off before the princess rubbed on its head.
"Thank you. We'll proceed on our own from here." She told him and the DRAGON soon flew away.
Salamandinay and her two subordinates begin to move on foot, they soon stop behind a wall as they spot Dean as they spy on him from afar.
He was wearing his Ranger Suit and was standing in front of the very shelter where they first met.
"Just what is he doing?" Kaname said.
Naga focused her sights on his hands.
"I think he's holding something." Naga said.
Salamandinay looked at Dean's hands as well and saw that he was holding a bouquet of flowers.
"Flowers?" Salamandinay said.
The Red Ranger then knelt down to place the flowers on the ground and placed a hand on his chest and lowered his head.
Now curious about this, Salamandinay walks to Dean which worries Naga and Kaname.
"Wait, Lady Salamandinay." Naga said in worry.
As she was walking towards him, Dean soon noticed her as he turned to the DRAGON Princess. Dean then turns away from her.
"What? Are you spying on me again? Or are you here to kill me?" Dean asked, and Salamandinay shook her head.
"Neither of those things. I was just curious what you were up to." Salamandinay said before she noticed that the Red Ranger was kneeling in front of a large object. "What is this?"
"Look at it and you'll see." Dean said before he stood up.
Salamandinay soon moves in front of the large object that Dean had placed in front of the shelter.
Naga and Kaname moved in front of it as well, they saw that it was a stone memorial filled with names, and Salamandinay concluded they were the names of the people who had died inside.
"Is this…a memorial?" Salamandinay asked.
"Yeah." Dean nodded. "Mostly for the people who died inside. I didn't want to disturb the bodies, so I figured this was the best thing I could do for them."
"I see." Salamandinay said. "May we give our respects?"
"Be my guest." Dean told her.
Salamandinay, Naga, and Kaname soon prayed their respects as well.
"Was this the reason you keep appearing in the ruins several times? To place these stones?" Salamandinay asked, and the Red Ranger nodded.
"Yeah. I figured it was the least I could do, after I failed." Dean said.
"But…I told you, you weren't at fault about this." Salamandinay said, but Dean lowered his head.
"Maybe…But it doesn't change what happened." Dean said before looking at the memorial stone. "After I woke up, I kept thinking about the people who died inside. How they lived in fear, how they starved to death…or how they died to infighting. All because I failed to stop Embryo."
Dean tightly clenches his hand.
"Sir Dean…" Salamandinay said in sadness before she looked at his hand, she then reached out and gently grabbed hold of it.
When the Red Ranger notices it, he soon turns to the DRAGON Princess.
"What are you…?" Dean said.
"It's alright. I know I don't speak on their behalf, but I'm sure they never blamed you for what happened. And you didn't fail all of us, I mean me and my people are still here. Isn't that enough?" Salamandinay asked.
Dean sadly turns away from her.
"A bit…But it still doesn't change what happened." He said.
"Then…Will you tell what you did during the great war?" Salamandinay asked.
Dean was surprised at first before he turned to the DRAGON Princess and saw that she wasn't going to back from this by the look in her eyes. Dean sighed and soon explained.
"When the D-War first broke out, many lives were lost. Even after the first day, I could smell the blood and smoke from the ground. Both sides were still in a stalemate for total control over the Dracunium reactors."
"Then what did you and your allies do?" Salamandinay asked. Dean sighed once again.
"Even though we have the power to stop it, me and my friends choose not to get involved." Dean told them which was surprising to hear.
"Really?" Salamandinay asked, and Dean nodded.
"Yeah. Our job first and foremost was to serve and protect the people. So, instead of choosing a side to fight on, we mostly focus our efforts on rescuing every single person we could find. Civilians and soldiers alike." Dean explained.
"That's surprising. I thought with your power, you would've used it to end the war." Salamandinay said.
"Well, we didn't. We're not a world police force or dictators, we're guardians. Despite our power, we don't decide the world's fate. If we end up opposing our will to others, then we'll be no different than the monsters we fight against." Dean told her.
Salamandinay and her subordinates were surprised to hear that. Salamandinay then has a better understanding of the kind of person Dean Reilly is, he's the kind of person who would save anyone regardless of who they were or the things they did and would never endanger them despite the wrongs they did.
Salamandinay lowered her head before she turned to the Red Ranger.
"Sir Dean…I…" Salamandinay said, but before she could finish…
They soon heard someone roaring and slamming their weapon on the ground. Everyone looked and saw a shockwave heading towards them.
"Look out!" Dean said as he grabbed onto Salamandinay and jumped to the ground, Naga and Kaname soon jumped to the ground as well as the shockwave went past them.
Dean soon turns to Salamandinay who was coughing due to the smoke and dust.
"You, okay?" Dean asked, and Salamandinay nodded.
"Yes…Thank you." Salamandinay said.
"Ah man…I miss!"
Everyone looked and saw it was Volcanic who sent that shockwave as he lifted his club from the ground.
"Great…Just what I need, another annoyance." Dean said as he and the others stood up. "I'm guessing you're from the Kaiser Empire?"
"That's right! Name's Volcanic! Xedroids!" Volcanic calls out and a squad of Xedroids soon appeared before him as they were ready to fight.
Dean was ready to charge at them to attack but then another squad of Xedroids appeared in front of him and Salamandinay.
"Not good." Dean said before he grabbed Salamandinay's hand. "This way!"
"Huh?" Salamandinay said before she and Dean ran away together with the Xedroids following behind them.
"Lady Salamandinay!" Naga said as she was about to chase after them, but Kaname held her back.
"Naga, no! Even if you follow them, you'll only get in Sir Dean's way!" Kaname said.
"But…the princess…" Naga said.
"All we can do now is to have faith in him." Kaname told her, and Naga gritted her teeth as she knew that she's right.
'You better keep her safe. Because I'll make sure you'll pay if you fail.' Naga said.
Dean and Salamandinay were running in one of the ruined buildings, they were about to head towards the exit, but then the Xedroids soon appeared in front of them blocking their path.
They soon saw more Xedroids appearing behind them as they began to surround them, Dean and Salamandinay placed their backs against each other as the Xedroids began to move close to them.
"Dammit…Sorry, I guess I didn't think this through." Dean said.
"It's fine. I'm sorry for being a burden to you." Salamandinay said.
Dean tries to think of a plan to fight the Xedroids all while trying to keep Salamandinay safe, and soon has an idea in mind.
"Hey, princess." Dean said, getting her attention. "Have you ever danced before?"
"Huh?" Salamandinay said before she shook her head. "No, I haven't."
"Then I hope you're a fast learner!" Dean said as he grabbed onto both of her hands.
"Wait! What are you…!" Salamandinay said.
Dean soon pulls her close as they begin to spin together while moving to a Xedroid, Dean stretches out Salamandinay's arm along with his own as he kicks at that very droid.
Dean soon spun with Salamandinay once again in a formal dance pattern before he stretched out their arms once again as Dean used that chance to back-hand punch one Xedroid behind them.
"Pardon me!" Dean then carried Salamandinay in his arms as he spun her around using her legs to attack some charging Xedroids while landing some kicks with his own legs.
Dean then brought Salamandinay to her feet as they began to dance once again as the Red Ranger punches and kicks any Xedroid that was charging at them.
"I'm sorry. I hope I'm not being too rough on you." Dean said as he kept on attacking Xedroids, and Salamandinay shook her head.
"No! I actually find this most exhilarating!" Salamandinay said with a smile on her face.
"Then I hope you're ready for this!" Dean said as he raised Salamandinay's hand and spun her around while moving around her.
"Nexus Blaster!" The Red Ranger soon pulls out his Blaster and fires at the remaining Xedroids around them.
After he shot them down, Dean stopped spinning Salamandinay as they finished with the DRAGON Princess fallenend and rested on Dean's arm as the Xedroids fell to the ground before they exploded.
"Oh my! I have to say, you're quite the skilled dancer." Salamandinay said.
"I had a lot of practice." Dean said.
Dean then helped Salamandinay stand on her feet before they left the building, he soon uses his Morpher to contact Pixel.
"Hey, Pixel, I need you to transport Salamandinay to the base." Dean told her.
"I'm already ahead of you." Pixel said.
"But, what about you?" Salamandinay asked.
"Still need to take care of the big guy before he becomes a problem." Dean said.
"Very well. I wish you luck." Salamandinay said before Pixel transports her to the base.
"There you are!" A voice calls out.
Dean turned and saw that Volcanic had arrived.
"You've got a lot of nerve running away like that!" Volcanic said in rage.
"Sorry about that. I had to take care of some personal business." Dean said before he assumed his combat stance. "But now, you have my undivided attention."
"Good! Just the way I like it!" Volcanic said before he charges at the Red Ranger, and Dean does the same.
Dean lands the first hit as he punches on Volcanic's chest, but the commander didn't even feel that, Dean then punches on his chest three more times but he ends up hurting himself as he groans and flicks his hand.
Volcanic then slams his shield on Dean's face and swings his club at him, Dean uses his arms to block it but is forced to skid back a few feet, when he stops he flicks his arms as he still felt the damage of his attack.
"Dammit! Even in Ranger form, I still felt that." Dean said.
"Come on! Is that the best you could do?!" Volcanic exclaimed.
Dean soon pulls out his Nexus Blaster and fires at Volcanic as he charges at him.
Volcanic blocks his laser blasts with his shield, and Dean soon jumps at the commander to kick at him, but Volcanic blocks it with his shield which surprised Dean before Volcanic pushed his leg away and slams his club at the Red Ranger, sending him flying as he spun in the air and falls to the ground.
"Gah…Guess that big body isn't just for show…" Dean mutters as he stands up, and Volcanic laughs at him.
"Don't think I'm the same as Snider! No one can match me in terms of strength and endurance!" Volcanic said as he pounds his fist on his chest.
"Oh really? Then let's put that to the test!" Dean said as he pulled out the Jungle Fury Card.
"Load Legendary Ranger Card! Jungle Fury!" Dean said as he loaded the Card into his Morpher and pressed the middle button, he soon transformed into the Jungle Fury Red Ranger and assumed a martial arts stance. "Spirit Unleashed!"
"Huh! Like a costume change can beat me!" Volcanic said before he charged at the Red Ranger, and Dean did the same.
Volcanic swung his club at the Red Ranger, and Dean uses the Jungle Fury Red Ranger's strength and martial arts prowess to parry, he then lands several martial arts punches on the commander's chest, and Volcanic was able to feel that before the Red Ranger lands an energy enhanced punch on his chest which sends Volcanic flying as he crashed into a nearby wall.
Dean chuckles before he looks at his fist.
"I'll never get tired of doing that." He said before he kissed his fist.
Volcanic roared as he stood up and soon glared at the Red Ranger who turned to him as he changed to his base form.
"Damn you…I won't forgive you for that!" Volcanic said in rage.
"Then let's finish this." Dean said as he pulled out a card with an image of a sword on it.
"Load Weapons Card!" Dean said as he loaded the card into his Morpher.
Dean then moved his Morpher in front of his chest and appearing out of it was digital blocks of energy which formed a red blueprint of a sword, then a red beam of light appeared from the Morpher as it created the said weapon.
After it is completed, the Red Ranger grabs onto it and wields it in his hand.
The sword resembles a red katana, and the card slot serves as the saber's guard with the 'N' symbol on both sides. Above the guard was a race car that was at the back of the blade.
"Nexus Racer Saber!" Dean declared as he swung his sword to the right and slid his hand on the back end of it.
Volcanic charges at the Red Ranger once again, and Dean waits for him as he assumes his stance with his sword.
Volcanic swings his club at Dean, and the Red Ranger parries it with his sword and lands two slashes on his chest which force the commander to stumble back.
Volcanic then swings his shield to attack the Red Ranger with it, but Dean blocks it in time and manages to push back the shield and slashes on Volcanic's chest followed with the kick.
Dean soon spinned around and slashed Volcanic on the chest once again which sent the commander to the ground.
Volcanic groans as he slowly stood back up. Dean soon brings out his Super Charge Card.
"Load Super Charge Card!" Dean said as he inserted the Card into his Saber's card slot.
Then the car part on his sword revs up as its wheels spin rapidly and the blade soon glows in energy, the headlights on Dean's helmet soon lit up and the Red Ranger assumes his stance with his Saber as he held it with both hands, then car wheels made out of red energy appear beside his feet as they spin rapidly.
Dean then charges at Volcanic using his wheels and moving fast as a race car.
"Don't think that could beat me!" Volcanic said as he readies his shield to block it.
"Nexus Racer Saber, Final Attack!" Dean shouted as he slashed through both Volcanic's shield and body as he moved past the commander before he stopped.
"How can I be beaten by a puny blade?!" Volcanic said as static appeared around his body before he exploded.
Dean swung his sword down and swipes his thumb on his helmet.
"It's not just any blade, it's also a race car." Dean said.
In the Kaiser Sphere, news of Volcanic's defeat soon reached the prince and he wasn't pleased by this.
"What?! Commander Volcanic was defeated?!" Prince Crimson said in rage which frightens the Xedroids.
"Yes, Your Highness. I'm afraid so." General Swartz said.
The prince growled as he tightly clenched both of his hands in rage.
"Grrr…Cyber!" Prince Crimson exclaimed as he turned to the scientist.
"I'm already on it, Your Highness. Activating the Kaiser Reanimator." Cyber said as he connected his cables and activated the said Reanimator, then it soon appeared and fired a beam to Volcanic.
On the ground, the beam soon landed on Volcanic's remains as it soon revived him as he grew into a massive giant.
"Hahaha! I'm back and bigger than ever!" Volcanic declared.
Dean soon looks up at the revived giant.
"For now!" Dean said as he pulled out his Zord Card. "Load Card!"
Dean soon loads the Card into his Morpher and presses the Zord button on it.
"Deploy, Nexus Racer Zord!"
The Nexus Racer Zord was racing in the tunnel of energy before it appeared in the city, and the Red Rangers jumped and entered his Zord.
When he entered the cockpit, Dean soon placed his Morpher to the controls and inserted the Battle Mode Card.
"Load Card! Activate Battle Mode!"
The Racer Zord soon changed into its battle mode and stood in front of the now giant Volcanic as it was ready to fight him.
"Come on!" Volcanic said as he charged at the Racer Zord and it soon did the same.
Volcanic swings his club at the Zord, the Racer Zord blocks it with its forearm and pushes it back, the Racer Zord then punches on Volcanic's chest two times before the commander blocks another punch with his shield and pushes it back.
Volcanic uses this chance to slam his club on the Racer Zord's chest which shook the cockpit a bit.
Volcanic then attacks the Zord with his club once again.
"Not this time!" Dean said as he pushed the lever forward and back.
The Racer Zord dodges Volcanic's attack by jumping over as it jumps high in the air.
"Spinning Ax Kick!" Dean said as he pushed the lever forward and spun the wheel.
With its leg out, the Nexus Racer Zord spins rapidly as it falls to Volcanic and lands an ax kick right on top of his head.
"Ow! That hurt!" Volcanic said as he fell to the ground.
"Deploy, Nexus Saber!" Dean said as he pressed the button on his steering wheel.
The Nexus Racer Zord soon wields its sword, and the Zord uses to slash on Volcanic two times before the commander blocks its next attack with his shield, Volcanic then pushed the Racer Zord's sword back and bashes his shield in front of it forcing the Zord to stumble back.
Volcanic soon attacks the Racer Zord with his club once again, but the Zord was able to block it with the Saber and they soon clashed their weapons a few times before they brought their weapons in a lock.
"Now let's really put your strength to the test!" Dean said as he pushed the lever forward and pressed on the gas pedal.
The engine on the Racer Zord's chest begins to rev up as its visor lit up, and the Zord begins to march forward and pushes Volcanic back.
"What the…?!" Volcanic said as he tried to push the Racer Zord back, but it was futile as the Racer Zord continued to move forward. "Impossible! No one can match me in raw strength!"
Dean roared as he slams on the gas pedal once again followed with a turn on his steering wheel, and with that the Racer Zord manages to cut Volcanic's club in half as the commander stumbles back.
"No! My precious club!" Volcanic said as he looked at his now broken weapon.
"Super Nexus Blaster!" Dean calls out as he raises his hand.
The Super Nexus Blaster soon flew into Dean's hand, and the Red Ranger prepared and aimed it at Volcanic.
"Nexus Racer Zord, Final Saber Slash!" Dean shouted as he fired at Volcanic.
The Nexus Racer Zord soon charges at the commander and slashes through his body.
"No! But I'm the strongest there is!" Volcanic said as he fell to the ground and exploded.
"Never underestimate humans!" Dean said.
In the Kaiser Sphere, news of Volcanic's second defeat after he was reanimated reached the leaders of the base as Swartz told the report the prince.
"I'm sorry, Your Highness. But I regret to report that Commander Volcanic was defeated."
"I see." Prince Crimson said as he tries to remain calm and composed, but he quickly loses his temper as he slams his fist on his throne's armrest, breaking it.
Seeing that frightens Swartz, Cyber, and the Xedroids before the prince stood up.
"I'm going to my chambers. I need to clear my head." Prince Crimson said before he left. "And someone fix that chair!"
The Xedroids moved in to repair the prince's throne.
"Well…the prince's temper is going to be problematic." Cyber said.
"For once, we're in agreement. We need to find a way to deal with this Ranger soon. Before it gets out of hand." General Swartz said.
"Indeed. But how…Hmm…" Cyber said before he notices something on his computer.
He was detecting a faint energy source on the Earth's surface.
"This is…" Cyber said before Swartz turned to him.
"Did you find something? What is it?" Swartz asked.
"I can't say for sure, but it might be the solution to our Ranger problem." Cyber said as he contacted his cables to the ports. "Let's see if I can find it."
Cyber then begins to locate the source of energy, to see if it can help deal with their Ranger problem.
After returning to the base after his battle against Volcanic, Dean soon arrived at the command room and saw that Pixel, Salamandinay, Naga, and Kaname were waiting for him.
"You're back, thank goodness." Salamandinay said.
As Dean walked to them, he soon took off his helmet.
"Sorry to make you worry like that." Dean said.
"It's alright. I'm glad that you're safe." Salamandinay said.
Naga stares at them in jealousy while Kaname tries to calm her down.
They were now standing in front of the computer watching footage battles against Snider and Volcanic.
"I know we experience all of this in person, but I still find it unbelievable. Beings that life in the stars. A way to turn the defeated into giants. And a machine that is able to change forms and fight them. Do these kinds of things happen often?" Salamandinay asked.
"No. It will only get weirder from here on out." Dean told her.
Salamandinay blinks before she chuckles.
"My, you certainly have a sense of humor, Sir Dean." Salamandinay said.
"I get that alot. And please, just call me Dean, you don't have to add the 'sir' to it." Dean told her.
"Very well then, Dean." Salamandinay said as she and Dean smiled at each other, and Naga was a little jealous to see that.
Pixel then coughs in her hand.
"Hate to ruin the mood, but Dean, don't you have something to say to the princess?" Pixel asked.
"Oh, right…" Dean said before he coughs in his hand. "Listen, I know I had trouble explaining it before, but I…"
Salamandinay stops him by placing a finger on his lips.
"No, it's alright. I understand now." Salamandinay said before she removed her finger. "You put others first instead of yourself, regardless if they're friend or foe. You won't help us fight, because you only want to avoid putting innocents in danger, which is something I find very admirable. So, which is why when the time comes, I won't force you to join a side."
Really that surprised everyone, especially Naga and Kaname.
"What?!" Naga said.
"Are you sure?" Kaname asked, and Salamandinay nodded.
"Yes. I know this isn't my decision to make, but I'm willing to put my trust in Dean, regardless if he's willing to fight with us or not." Salamandinay said, while reluctant they won't argue about it.
"Thank you for understanding. But you shouldn't exclude me from this just yet." Dean said, getting their attention. "Well it's true I don't want to endanger humans, it still doesn't change the fact that Embryo is still a danger to both worlds and that he needs to be stopped. So, when the time comes and if the situation calls for it, I'll be ready to fight him."
Salamandinay smiled before she bowed her head.
"Thank you. That is reassuring to hear." She said.
"So, I guess this means we're all friends now?" Pixel asked and Dean nodded.
"Yeah. You can bring them out." He told the AI.
"Them?" Salamandinay said.
With a snap of Pixel fingers, three wristwatch devices appeared before Salamandinay. They looked similar to Dean's Morpher but they were colored gray with two white buttons.
"Consider these as your honorary badges to the base. They're communications devices based around the Nexus Morphers. This way you can contact us or if you need to, you can teleport to the base at any time." Pixel said.
"Truly?" Salamandinay said as she, Naga, and Kaname took the devices.
"Yes. I figured these will be useful since we'll be working together." Pixel said.
Salamandinay and her subordinates put on the devices on their wrists.
"Thank you. We'll take care of these." Salamandinay said.
"You should really thank Dean. This was his idea." Pixel said before she turns to the Red Ranger.
"Oh, really?" Salamandinay said with a sly smile.
Dean coughs in his hand.
"Anyway…I think it's about time we exchange notes. We need to figure out what Embryo's next move is going to be." Dean said.
"Actually, Dean, there's something we should discuss first." Pixel said and Dean turned to the AI.
"What is it?" Dean asked.
Pixel and Salamandinay turned and nodded at each other. Pixel then brings out her keyboard and uses it to bring out a singularity on the computer screen.
"It's about the singularities." Pixel said.
"Okay, but what about them?" Dean asked.
"Well, think about it. They're different from the Transportal Devices, but they're still a means to travel between dimensions." Pixel said.
"And Embryo has been using them for over hundreds of years now." Salamandinay said.
"And despite that…the Morphin Grid hadn't shown any signs of destabilization." Pixel said, which really shocked Dean.
"What? But that's impossible, there could've been some sign." Dean said.
"There isn't." Pixel shook her head. "Trust me, I've checked the Grid myself, and so far things have been stable."
"No way…" Dean mutters. "What could it mean then?"
"I'm not sure." Pixel said before they turned to the image of the singularity. "But the one thing I do know is that these singularities are only a piece of a larger puzzle."
Looking at the singularity, they couldn't help but wonder the secret behind it.
Dean sighed as he rubbed the back of his head.
"Well, I guess that's one mystery we really need to solve." Dean said before he placed a hand on his chin. "If only there was a way to spy on Embryo, even for a brief moment."
Salamandinay does have a way for that, but before she could tell him, she turns to Naga and Kaname who silently nodded to her, saying that they'll support her decision. Salamandinay nodded back before she turned back to Dean.
"Actually, we do have a plan for that and it's already in motion." Salamandinay said, and Dean blinks to hear that before he turns to her.
"Really?" He asked, and Salamandinay nodded.
"Yes. But, you might not approve of it." She told him, and the Red Ranger had a sneaking suspicion that she might be right.
Dean sighed before he looked at her.
"What is it then?" Dean asked.
Salamandinay then begins to explain the details of the said plan to the Red Ranger.
(Meanwhile)
In the Misurugi Empire, after Dean had brought Sayla and her daughter to the other Earth, the officers that were searching for them had reported to their superiors.
"What?! What do you mean you hadn't found them?!" Their commander shouted and they flinched in fear.
"We're sorry, sir! We search the entire building and question all of the occupants, but we have yet to find them or how they were able to escape." One of them said.
"I have no need for excuses!" He shouted once again and they flinched once again. "Do you understand how this will affect us? If we let a Norma escape all because of a single teenage boy, then we'll be a laughing stock among the Norma Management Board. So I want them found now!"
They soon saluted their commander.
"Sir! Yes, sir!" They soon moved out to find Dean, Sayla and her baby daughter.
The commander then placed a hand on his head.
"Damn it…How could this possibly happen?"
In a dark alleyway, two hooded men were spying on the officers.
"Man, this is really unexpected. Here we were about to rush in to save that baby and to convince the mother to come with us, but someone already beat us to it." One of them said.
"But the only question is, just who was responsible?" His partner said.
"Yeah, that's a good point. You think it might be a new sympathetic group? Or do you think it's a survivor from the…You know."
"Probably the former, the latter is too unlikely." He said before he saw that several of the officers began to move out. "Either way, we can't investigate it right now. We should head back before someone spots us."
"Right." The other nodded before they left without anyone noticing them.
Unknown to the officers is that two men were watching and listening to their conversation via their own eyes and ears using holographic screens.
One of the men was seated on a chair while the other was standing by his side.
The man on the chair raised his finger and with a swipe of it, the screen changed to the Norma Management Board as they were discussing the Norma baby along with Dean and Sayla.
"So there's still no sign of the baby and the mother along with that criminal?"
"Yes. The commander in charge along with his officers are still looking for them."
He then changed the screen of two officers trying to identify Dean.
"What do you mean he doesn't exist?"
"It's exactly as I said, sir. I tried looking for any information about him, but there's nothing. No date of birth, no hospital record, I can't even find his name." He said before he showed a wanted poster of Dean.
With a tap of his finger, the screen stops to that wanted poster. The man narrowed his eyes to see Dean's face on it before he hummed.
"Well, this is certainly a surprise. It would appear that our old friend is still alive." The man on the chair said.
"I hate to be blunt, master. I did warn you we should've looked for his body. He's too stubborn to die that easily." The man who was standing on his side spoke out, and the master waved his hand.
"Fine, fine. I'll admit it, you were right. But still, this is concerning. If he makes contact with the DRAGONs, then it will only be a matter of time before he figures out the plan. We should deal with him before that happens." The master then turns to his servant. "Can I trust you to handle it, Kurt?"
"Of course. You don't even have to ask." Kurt nodded.
On Kurt's wrist was a white colored version of Dean's Nexus Morpher in its watch mode, showing that he was a Power Ranger.
To be continued...The Children of Aura
There you have it, hope you like it. Review to tell me what you think of the story.
Today's Villain
Volcanic
Design: Orion Zodiart from Kamen Rider Fourze