Abbey flipped as she dodged beneath the blow, glowing green sword searing the wind above her head as she rolled to her feet and readied another parry. Lena was fast, far stronger than she'd expected. When last they'd fought, Abbey had been unmorphed, unprepared for the girl's ability, but even now with her suit, she was struggling to keep up.

"Little Abbey Carmichael," Lena laughed. "Thought you hated fighting; finally found a spine?"

"Thought I'd make an exception," Abbey growled back. "I don't like it when people mess with my friends. Or pretend to be one."

"Oh please, like it was hard. One lost look and you were fawning to help the new kids. You only have yourself to blame, really."

"If that was a mistake, then let me correct it."

The two girls lunged, soaring over the rocks and landing by the shore as their weapons clashed again. Mileena's blow was stronger, Abbey's blade rebounding as she was forced on the backfoot, feet dancing between the rocky ground as Mileena went on the attack. Every blow forced Abbey further in retreat, and her desperate parries were the only thing keeping her safe from the unending onslaught.

She needed to stop running, she needed to fight back.

She needed a plan.

The rocky outcrop was behind her, a perilous corner that Mileena was gleefully steering toward. Time to change the game.

Thinking fast, Abbey leaped further, twisting as she brought up her legs and slapped her feet to the vertical surface to vault overheard as Mileena roared and charged to follow up. Now with vantage, Abbey flipped her blade into a blaster, squeezing the trigger to unload upon her enemy. A rain of sapphire light burst from the barrel, blasting the ground as Mileena stumbled in desperate defense.

Abbey's sword had already flipped back down as she'd landed, spinning in readiness for another bout. With a snarl Mileena whipped around, already lowering to prepare for another attack.

Good, she'd made her angry, insulted that someone as skittish as Abbey could dare to land a blow. Now she just needed to use it.

"Is that the best you've got?" Abbey taunted. "It's a wonder I didn't do this sooner. And think the others were going to waste their timing in helping me."

"A guilt they'll carry when they stand over your remains!" Mileena roared. She lunged, crossing the gap with blinding speed, taking all Abbey had just to block. As the two girls returned to the bout, Abbey once again backed on the defensive, blade flashing across her body in a desperate attempt to fend off her enemy.

But she didn't need to beat her, she was just the distraction. She just needed to hold on.

And Abbey could only pray that it would be enough.

The swords clashed with violent force, the Dark and Security sabers locking as neither combatant willed to relent. It was all Erika could do to hold on, her feet skidding back as the Dark Ranger's strength pushed against her. The gravel crunched, heels digging deeper as he loomed, pressing her back in his advance. Finally feeling the weight grow too strong, Erika relented, dropping low and spinning as the Dark Ranger surged ahead.

She swung, her blade slicing while her enemy was exposed. But the Dark Ranger was too quick, whipping around and batting the saber as he skidded in readiness to go again.

This is even more difficult than Erika had expected. When last they'd fought, the whole street had been their arena, Erika's enhanced abilities allowing her to put distance between them when she needed to recoup. But the need to stay close was hampering her, forcing Erika to block when she'd rather dodge, dipping low when she'd rather leap.

It was only a matter of time before one of the Dark Ranger's blows would get through, and that alone was likely to send her reeling away and the connection. And she couldn't stay on the defense forever. If Erika didn't do some damage to keep up, then the fatigue would start doing the Dark Ranger's plan for him.

She needed a new plan.

"Hilary," she muttered. "How're we going there?"

"I'm in, but there's even more here than I thought," Hilary replied. "Xaviax hasn't figured out what we're up to yet, but I need you to keep going for a while longer."

Easier said than done. As Erika stood there panting, the Dark Ranger was already turning, his body steering toward where the other Rangers were fighting.

"Is this all you've got?" he scoffed. "I should have let ArcKnight deal with you. I'm done here."

Through gritted teeth, Erika stifled a snarl, feeling the challenge prickle at her nerves, pulling at the instincts that compelled her to strike. Prick. She'd show him what a fight was.

But even as the flames within eagerly urged Erika to lunge, her limbs tensed, holding her back from throwing herself in with full fury. She needed the fight, but she'd get nowhere in dropping her guard for the sake of her pride. She needed to be patient, to lure him back in and keep him engaged.

His legs bent in preparation, ready to leap away. Erika's hand snapped to the blade, cracking down into the pistol as she opened fire. Whipping around, the Dark Saber sliced through the energy bolt, batting it away to send it harmlessly into the sky as the crimson visor narrowed her.

"I'm not done with you yet," Erika growled, the barrel smoking as it leveled on her opponent.

"You want to meet your end so quickly?" the Ranger said coldly. "So be it."

Time to put him on the back foot.

Erika fired again, this time surging forward with trigger slammed. The scarlet streaks hounded from the barrel, flaring past as the Dark Ranger dodged, blade lowering as he readied for her strike. Closing the distance, Erika leaped, soaring high with her barrage continuing, raising her hand to summon the axe in readiness to bring it down.

He could block her shots, or he could block her strike. But he couldn't block both.

She hoped.

With a mighty roar, Erika brought down the axe, cleaving the sharp edge toward his enemy's helmet. But the Dark Ranger was ready. His saber began to glow, swiping upwards as he threshed through the laser blasts and kept going. The shots split into booming sparks on the razored edge, splaying with blinding light as he swung to impact her blow. Then the weapons collided all the force behind each blow crashing like a pair of tidal waves. And that power had nowhere to go but outward.

The clash unleashed a shockwave, surging in both directions to slam into the two Rangers. From his perch on the ground, the Dark Ranger was thrown from his feet, swept like a leaf in a gale, and smacked into the rock behind.

But caught in the air, Erika had much further to fly.

No!

Thinking quickly, Erika spun around and charged her blaster, unloading a heavy blast that whiplashed back toward her enemy. In her panicked redirection, she'd surrendered her defense, and the Dark Ranger was already rising.

An opportunity too good to miss.

As Erika soared toward him, the Dark Ranger leaped to his feet, stepping to the side with his sword raised to strike. Erika had nowhere to go, helpless as the Dark Saber flashed against her, searing against her suit and adding to the propulsion. As the strike burst into a shower of sparks, Erika crashed into the rocky outcrop behind. She hit the ground hard, splayed flat as she groaned against the solid surface.

But through all the throbbing through her body, Erika's suit remained active. She'd taken a hit, but she was still in it.

"I'm almost there!" Hilary urged. "Just a little longer!"

If she had a little longer.

After that last hit, Erika could barely stand. She could feel the strain and the bruises from her last few battles, her body compiling them into a bill that would soon be due. She was spent, and The Dark Ranger had barely taken a scratch.

"Erika," Hilary said suddenly in her ear. "You've got this! You just need to hold on, keep him occupied while I get through these last lines of code!"

Every joint was screaming at Erika to stay down as she wearily looked at the Dark Ranger striding toward her with his saber ready for the final strike. A strike that was going to take her down for good. But as the thought hit her, Erika's fist tightened, grasping the gravel as new strength gripped her arm.

This… this… thing!

It had wiped the floor with her, time after time. And now she was just going to lie there and let him finish it? Let it parade over her with a stolen body, lauding about how much better than her it was. Just the thought alone stoked Erika's flickering embers, and a seething breath inhaled to feed oxygen to her flickering flames. To let them roar into an inferno once more.

Hilary had been right. Anger wasn't good a driver, but it was a hell of a good fuel. This thing had done so much already, to her and her friends.

And she was done being its plaything.

As Erika's renewed resolve growled beneath her breast, her teeth groaned in readiness. The Dark Ranger thought he'd won, thought that Erika had nothing left to give. And she was going to show him just how wrong he was.

"Any last words, Red Ranger?" the Dark Ranger snarled.

"Yeah, just one," Erika wheezed. "Psyche!"

From her place on the ground, she whipped around her legs, spinning like a Knee-Rocking beak dancer and shooting her leg into his chest. The Dark Ranger snapped to block, arm lashing down to catch her foot, but Erika had already got what she wanted. Her discarded pistol was back in her grip.

She squeezed the trigger, light blasting from the barrel as Erika hit the Dark Ranger dead-center. The Ranger gasped as the shot flared into him, bursting into sparks as he stumbled back, suit scorching from the source. With a fell swoop, Erika collected her axe, leaping to her feet with a flourish of her weapon.

"Lucky shot," the Dark Ranger growled.

"I'm just getting started."

As the Dark Ranger lunged, Erika whipped up the pistol and fired a crimson bolt that careened toward his head. The Dark Ranger stepped aside, moving to lunge while her weapon was raised, unable to see the shot for what it was. Guidance.

Now locked into momentum, the Dark Ranger was charging on a hard course, Erika's pistol arm moving as the blade unfolded from it. The tip plunged, piercing the ground and locking in place just the Dark Saber sliced in the same. As the two weapons parried, Erika was already moving, leaping into a spin to bring her axe down upon him.

The Dark Ranger saw her ploy too late, leaping back from the strike just as the head connected with his chest. The sharp edge sheared against the nanofiber, bursting into tiny flashes as the Dark Ranger stumbled back.

But Erika didn't let up, not now. She had him on the ropes and was refusing to relent, determined to make the most before the tables turned again. She swung like wild, all her strength behind every spin and forcing the Dark Ranger to dodge. Between the strikes, she thrust the sword, each arm offending and refusing to give him a break, every swing contributing to the next as momentum built, again and again. She'd built the pattern and knew he'd be looking for a break.

She just had to be ready for when he did.

His footing stumbled, catching a protruding rock as his balance shifted. With an angry gasp, the Dark Ranger dropped, trying to find a gap in her offense and hit her back. His sword swung wide, too high to account for a sudden stumble, and Erika realized she had the opening.

She started to correct, feet kicking from the ground as she leaped into a flip, aiming to dodge his counter before following with one of her own.

Big mistake.

She'd mistimed it, leaping early and opening herself up as the Dark Ranger recovered. Erika could almost see the sneer from stolen lips as he readied the blade strike. To hit her hard with nowhere else to go. The Dark Ranger wound back the blade, and Erika braced for the impact.

And then he stopped.

The arm held high, readying to strike but refusing to move, shaking as the Ranger's head twisted in horror and stared at the disobedient limb. In a heartbeat, Erika realized what was happening.

Miguel! He was fighting back as well, rebelling against the capture of his body. Even if he'd only stopped a limb, only for a second, it was enough.

Enough to make it count.

Still committed and no longer pressured, Erika roared as she brought the weapon down, the axe head flaring as it slammed into the Ranger's chest. The strike burst on impact, flinging the Dark Ranger from his feet to send him crashing him into the rocks. Panting, Erika, skidded to stop, watching her opponent writhe in recovery.

"Done!" Hilary proclaimed. "The override code is history!"

If only things were so simple. To Erika's horror, the Dark Ranger rose, head turning towards her with renewed fury.

"A lucky hit," he growled, voice still deep and menacing. "But it will take more than that to defeat me."

What?

"Uh, Hilary?" Erika said nervously.

"Dammit!" Hilary swore. "I got rid of the program but there must be some sort of failsafe lingering in the system. I can hit it with a purge protocol, but you'll need to trigger a hard reset for it to take effect!"

"Hilary; English!"

"Turn him off and on! Throw him out of morph!"

Sure, because that was so easy!

But just as Erika thought it couldn't get any worse, she heard a different snickering voice in her ear, cackling through her comline. And it wasn't Hilary.

"Oh dear, Red Ranger. It seems you have found yourself in quite the pickle."

Ender.

The sinister voice sent crawling down Erika's spine, twisting at her stomach as their worst fear was realized. It could mean one thing, he was in the system, the same as Hilary was theirs.

Xaviax had figured out what they were up to. If Erika didn't end it soon, then she'd only be on borrowed time.

More than she was already.

"Hilary," she warned. "They know you're in there."

"Yeah, I know," came the hurried reply. "He's hitting me with a bunch of DOS attacks to keep me from plugging the back door. You worry about Miguel, I'll worry about Ender!"

But now Erika had another worry. If Ender knew what they were doing, he'd only undo Hilary's work if Erika pulled back now. The hacker was fighting a battle on two fronts, and Ender was able to gleefully lunge wherever Hilary's attention wasn't. She protect Erika, or she could protect Miguel, but there was no way that Hilary could do both.

Erika had to end it, all of it, and she had to do it fast.

Hilary said a hard rest would close the backdoor to Miguel's Morpher. The same had to be true for her own. It wouldn't be too hard on her end, the Dark Ranger had hit her hard enough that a stiff breeze would de-morph her. Erika just had to pray that she'd hit him enough to do the same.

This was going to hurt.

"You've thrown all you've had at me," Erika at the Dark Ranger. "And yet here I am, still standing. I don't know why I was worried if this is all that Xaviax has to throw at me."

"You've seen nothing but a glimpse of my true potential," the Dark Ranger snarled. "My full power would reduce you to ashes."

"You're sure doing a lot of talking. I'm yet to see it do it."

Oh boy, did she sure hope it was only bravado.

"If you so readily wish to meet your end," the Dark Ranger warned her. "Then I will gladly assist you."

"Still talking with nothing to show for it."

Both Rangers glared at each other, readying for the strike. Erika's challenge was clear, one warrior to another. One strike was all it would come down to, and she just hoped this thing was arrogant enough to think she couldn't stop him.

In the space of a blink, Erika breathed in deep, feeling the cold air rush into her lungs and calm her senses, stilling her breathing as the world seemed to slow along with it. Feeling all her anger flow from her, she let the current take hold and wisp it away. All into her fists.

And then he lunged.

The Dark Saber flared, glowing with burning intensity as he moved with blinding speed. She'd seen him do it before, a finishing strike that had blasted her and her friends away. Last time, she'd braced against it, attempting a vain defense that shattered when the strike landed.

This time, Erika didn't fight it. Instead, she took it full on, embracing the attack like a swelling current, feeling the energy collide and blast into her suit. She didn't need defense.

Not when she was attacking.

As the Dark Ranger crossed the distance, Erika brought around the axe, all her power focused into a strike, all her energy, all her emotion. The Dark Ranger was too committed, assuming she was bracing to hold her own against him. Unprepared for what was coming.

Unprepared for Erika to unleash everything she had.

With a mighty roar, all her power, all of her rage, everything she could muster flowed into the sharp edge of the axe, flaring like a blazing sun. The twin strikes boomed, exploding as they connected, the combined force merging into a singular blast that hurled them from their feet. Erika slammed into the rock behind, the Dark Ranger tumbling as he skidded across the gravel.

Both slumped as they dropped and then, both of them lying still and spent, the light flashed as their Ranger suits vanished.

It was like he'd been floating, the unnerving sensation of being present in a body that wouldn't listen. Unable to do anything but watch as another acted on his behalf. All he could do was witness Erika as she stood up, again and again, defiant in the face of the monster that controlled him.

Miguel had felt it, the power swelling inside, feeling completely useless as it was used against his friend. A single pause best he could offer was, all his strength to restrain an arm and help Erika land a single blow.

And yet, as her axe sheered across the Ranger suit, blasting him into the ground, something yanked him. Like Miguel had been thrown back into his limbs and the controlling presence hurled away. And in that instance, as the suit vanished and left staring at the sky, Miguel could have sworn he heard the presence screaming, roaring in defiance as it was torn from his body. With a soft click, the device that had been stuck to him, latching on with malicious determination, detached from his arm and fell harmlessly to the ground.

And then there was silence.

Miguel lay there, staring vacantly at the sky, feeling his fingers twitch at his command. His body was his own again, a strange serene silence falling in his mind as the malevolent entity was exorcised. And as he lay there, an elated smile spread across Miguel's. His body was once again his own. For good.

But he wasn't alone.

Feeling the aching protests of his body, Miguel rolled over to see Erika groaning to her feet, rising to wander over slowly. And as she did, all Miguel could feel was shame. This fight, everything his friends had gone through, all of it was because of him. In his anger, in his panic, he'd dragged them into a hell that they didn't deserve. He'd raged against them; he'd said words that he could never take back. In the end, all he deserved was shameful judgment.

After all that he'd put them through, it certainly wasn't friends like them.

"I'm sorry," Miguel said weakly, but Erika appeared to have no time for his self-pity.

"Get up," she said sharply. "Do you think you're the only person that's been lied to? Been abandoned? Do you really think you're the only one hurting? That it should give you some kind of right to lash out at others?"

She was right; this was all his fault and he deserved it. Expecting her fury, Miguel had already shied away in anticipation of her scolding scolding. But instead, as Erika approached, as her shadow darkened over him, she did yell, she didn't snarl.

She raised a hand, yes, but not to strike. Instead, as Erika's anger faded and her expression softened, her palm rose in the offering.

"People can only help if you let them," Erika said, the softness of her voice barely veiling the sadness beneath. "Look, I'm the last person allowed to lecture you on bad decisions. But I can tell you from experience that if you push someone away the second they hurt you, then you're just going to end up alone. And then all you'll be left with is your anger and pain, and nowhere to send it but inward."

Slowly, Miguel turned back, looking at the open palm and realizing what was on offer.

"I'm sorry," he said again, meekly.

Erika said nothing, merely keeping her hand extended as at last Miguel reached to take it, allowing her to help him to his feet as already she turned to walk away.

"You've got power now, Miguel," said Erika. "That comes with a few things, but only if you care for it. I'm not going to tell you how to use it, you've had enough of that. But I know that, right now, my friends are still out there, keeping up the fight. So, I don't have time to sit around and talk about your feelings. Not while my friends need help."

Then she nodded to the discarded Dark Morpher on the ground beside them.

"So you can wait here for a sign to let you know how; you can sit here paralyzed by what you've seen. Or you can finally grip the wheel, and I think you know how. How you use that from here, that's up to you."

And then Erika began to walk away. Miguel could only watch, speechless as he realized he hadn't thanked her, astounded that after all she'd taken, Erika was still thinking of going back out there. Out to face the danger, regardless of the risk herself.

She'd fought tooth and nail for him, despite all Miguel had done. He was free because of her, and he owed her for that.

Slowly, Miguel looked down at the black device that now lay harmless on the ground. When he'd first seen it, he'd been scared and confused. He'd thought it was a way out, an answer to the questions that he didn't understand.

But it wasn't. It only made things worse. He'd taken it because it was easy, easier than facing the truth or facing the fear that lay within himself. But now, as it lay in front of him, devoid of the menacing presence that had tormented in, taking the Morpher was no longer easy.

Now Miguel realized just how hard that path really was, what it meant. The secrets it would force him to keep, not just for himself but for others. But in taking it once, Miguel had made Lakeview a more dangerous place, he'd hurt his friends and harmed them possibly beyond forgiveness.

But he would never get it at all if he didn't work for it. People couldn't help him if he didn't let them. Give a little to get a little.

Maybe, just maybe, the answer lay in the Morpher. Not because it was easy, but because it was hard.

And it was about time that Miguel started truly repaying the debts that he owed.

"Wait!" Miguel called, kneeling to pick up the Morpher. "Let me help you. Your friends are fighting out there because of me, I have to help."

Erika didn't protest, nor did she ask if he was sure. Instead, she simply nodded, a quiet acknowledgment of Miguel's attempt to make amends as she raised her Morpher to her lips.

"Hilary?" she asked. "How're we doing?"

"Reboot successful," a cheery reply sounded through the device's speaker. "That hard reboot sure did the trick. Not a single trace of the override protocol, or those nasty probes that were spiking his brain, or our annoying blue-skinned friend. Xaviax is completely locked out. How'd you know that hard resets would work for you too?"

Erika smiled slightly, shooting Miguel a look as she replied, "I had faith."

"Well, I've reset the suit, so you're good to get back out there," Hilary told her. "Just don't overdo it, you're in bad need of a break after all of this."

"Yeah," Erika grinned. "I'll keep that in mind."

She moved to kill the comline when suddenly Miguel heard Hilary's voice sound through the Morpher again. "Oh, one last thing. If Miguel's with you, tell him I've reset his passcode. Once he used it, no one can get in but him."

"I'll pass it on." Erika agreed, at last killing the line before turning back to Miguel. "You heard the lady, it's there if you want it."

"I do," Miguel replied. "I want to help; whatever it takes."

"Careful, those words are hard to take back," Erika chuckled, fiddling with the keycard between her fingers before lifting her Morpher before her chest. "Now, are you ready?"

With a resounding nod, Miguel slapped the Morpher to his wrist, holding it forward in confirmation. "Ready!"

"Server Force!" they cried together. "Login Access!"

The power surged through him, only this time it was unlike anything Miguel had felt before. The light burst from the devices, consuming the two teens as the power of the grid flowed around them. Miguel felt it return, restoring him, rejuvenating him; imbuing him with strength as the black suit wrapped around him. But this time the power wasn't overwhelming, or difficult to control.

It was his, and his own to do with what he chose.

And as the light faded, as the helm encased his head and the crimson flashed before his eyes, Miguel and Erika leaped into action, soaring across the sky to the aid of their friends. His boots hit the ground and leaped again, parting from Erika without a word as he bounded toward his destination. To fight where he bore the greatest burden; the battle between Abbey and Lena.

With a graceful somersault, Miguel landed between them, standing coolly as both combatants paused in surprise. Uncertain of the meaning of his arrival, the two girls stepped back, staring at him in caution. But as he rose, Miguel turned, spinning to face Lena front on before looking back to Abbey.

"Erika's gone to help Zeke," he said. "I'm sure they could use another hand. I need to have a word with Lena."

Abbey's body moved to follow her audible gasp as even concealed beneath her light blue helmet, the elation on her face was clear as day. Then she straightened up, recomposing herself as she nodded emphatically in agreement.

"Right," Abbey said. "I'm on my way."

Across the battlefield, Lena snarled, raising her weapon to strike the fleeing Ranger. But Miguel just turned back to her, his visor locking with her glare in a dangerous warning. The hesitation was the only window Abbey needed.

"Welcome back, Miguel," she smiled. And then she bounded away, leaping into the sky to join friends as the Dark Saber flashed to Miguel's hand.

"Now, Lena," he said. "I think it's time that you and I had a talk."

Erika bounded high, every leap carrying her further as she raced to help her friend. Miguel might have been on their side, but they were far from out of the woods. Blow up the raging monster, then they could celebrate.

With a mighty cry, Erika lunged into the air, axe held high as she spied the battle below. Zeke was holding on, but it was tight. He spun in place, feet dancing across the sand as he ducked beneath his shield. The Iron-Spider plunged in its pincers, slamming into the barrier as Zeke shuddered beneath the blow.

"Don't like that?" the monster laughed. "Well, I've got seven more just like them!"

"Well then, how do you like this?"

Reaching the crest of her arc, Erika let gravity take her, plummeting down with the axe held wide. Iron-Spider had no idea what'd hit it. Crossing the distance, Erika twisted with all her might, funneling every ounce of strength into the blow. The axe-head flashed, a burning crimson tearing across the monster's as it was wretched from its feet and soared back.

Landing beside the Yellow Ranger, Erika offered a hand.

"Good hit," he congratulated.

"Thanks for lining them up for me."

But their troubles were far from over. From the rubble, Iron Spider leaped to its lower legs, main limbs waving as it cackled at the two rangers.

"Would you look at that!" they laughed. "Another fly to land in my web!"

Before either could react, a spray of white string burst from the monster's hands, zipping toward them and lashing around tight. Both Rangers' arms snapped to their sides, bound by the sticky substance and keeping them contained. Erika and Zeke gasped in angry frustration as they wrestled with their bonds, trying to break free to no avail.

"My, my!" Iron-Spider cackled. "Looks like you're in a sticky situation!"

But that's where their laughter stopped. Before Erika could so much as a groan, a bolt of blue shot from the sky, searing toward Spider and exploding as it bulls-eyed. As the Iron-Spider was thrown from their feet once more, another arrow sliced the air, this time cutting the binding connecting Erika and Zeke to the monster.

The team's Blue Ranger had arrived.

"Hey guys, sorry I'm late," she said. "Lena just didn't want to let me go."

"Talk about clingy," Zeke chuckled.

"I know, right?"

"Now that we're all here," Erika decided. "How about we zap this bug?"

"Yeah!"

As the Iron-Spider climbed their feet, the Rangers were already in motion, Power Weapons locking in place as they lowered the cannon at their foe.

"DeFrag Blaster!" they called. "Ready!"

"Now, that's just arachnophobic!" the monster wailed.

"FIRE!"

The canon boomed as a twisting helix of primary colors erupted from the barrel, exploding on impact as it collided with a giant arachnid. The flames surged in all directions, shattering the monster's form into a steaming mess of scattered parts, the Rangers retracting their weapons and admiring the work of a job well done.

Almost home free.

The light descended, illuminating the smoldering pieces and drawing the monster back together, engulfing them in sizes as Iron-Spider reformed and grew to mighty eighty stories.

"What do you know? Out came the sun!" it cheered. "Not so itsy-bitsy now!"

"Hilary?" Erika requested.

"Already on it," came the gleeful reply. "Deploying Zords."

The air was filled with roaring engines and screeching tires, the Rangers cheering as the vehicles ripped out into the streets. In a single synchronous leap, all three leaped into the cockpits and they steered their vehicles together. The racer spun around, inserting into the truck as it split into a pair of legs and rocketed upwards, the jet plunging to form the helmet and chest piece as they rose. United together, the three Rangers stood in the cockpit, and the mighty mech took a thundering step forward in a daring challenge to their foe.

"Cyber Security Megazord!" they cheered. "Online!"

The Iron-Spider seemed unimpressed, its four rear legs waving in the air as it readied for their attack.

"Are you here to fight?" he yelled at them. "Or just play with spiders?"

"Funny," Erika smirked. "We were about to ask the same."

The Megazord thundered forward, every step a mighty quake as the machine surged and raised its fist to strike. Iron-Spider was ready, their hands and four pincers flashing forward as they unloaded a fresh spindle of webbing.

"Better careful," he warned with glee. "You never know what you find on the web."

But the Rangers were already moving, hands snapping down to be free of the strike. As the webbing wrapped around, Erika steered the grip, snatching up and grabbing hold of the tethering rope.

"Maybe you should be careful!" Abbey grinned. "Because you're tangled in our web now!"

"What?"

Before the monster could wail another pun, the Cyber Security Megazord yanked back, reefing the monster as it lunged. Iron-Spider could only scream, flailing helplessly as the entire mech threw itself forward, crashing into them with a mighty body slam that sent it sprawling. The spines along its body were carved against metal, showering sparks as it scratched against the surface.

And the webs.

The sharps prongs sliced the bindings, cutting the arms free as the Megazord followed up with a colossal punch. Iron-Spider staggered back, his steps woozy as his eight, beady eyes spun in circles.

"Whoa!" he cried. "I feel like I just got squished."

"Time to wash this spider out," Erika told the others, both Blue and Yellow Rangers replying with a resolute cheer. The sword flashed to the Megazord's hands, Iron-Spider barely standing straight as the machine rocketed toward them.

"Cyber Power…!" the team cried out together. "STRIKE!"

With a single, clean slice, the Megazord crossed the monster's path, the blade flashing as it impacted and cleaved through its form. The Rangers didn't even steer around, blade lowering as Iron-Spider cried behind them, all its limbs waving as it fell.

"No!" It screamed. "I knew I should have listened to my spider senses!"

And then he exploded.

The flames spiraled upwards a mighty column that seared over the city, a giant flash as the enormous bug was shredded down to its atoms. At last, Erika allowed herself a sigh of relief.

It had taken everything they had, but the city was finally safe once more.

"Come on guys," she told the others. "Let's go home."

Miguel swung wide as Lena dodged away, the Dark Saber cleaving the empty air as she hurriedly leaped for safety. Without missing a beat, he stepped again and launched, the power of his Ranger suit propelling him in pursuit. It was all Lena could do to leap away, flying into a backflip as she landed on the rocks above.

"You could have had everything," she snarled. "I could have given you everything!"

"All you gave me was a cage," Miguel replied, flourishing his weapon in a daring challenge. "My real friends set me free."

"Real friends?" Lena scoffed. "We'll see. You just remember, Dark Ranger, the good your real friends did when you're lying broken at Xaviax's feet. Then you'll see the favor I was doing you."

Then, before Miguel could lunge and begin another bout, Lena snapped her hand to the sky, summoning the flash of emerald light that spirited her away.

Alone on the shores of the lake, Miguel turned back toward the city, seeing the towering Megazord standing in triumph. He'd seen the sight before, standing as a bystander as the giant monsters rampaged through the streets. But now, it felt different, knowing that whatever victory it had had, he had played a part in it.

But the victory wasn't his, not really, and it was time to face to music.

Powering down, Miguel began the long walk back to the city, the Megazord in the distance flaring with light as it deconstructed. A few minutes later, his phone buzzed; it was Abbey.

An hour later, Miguel was standing before the museum, its white parapet towering high above the city as the three teens met him outside. They were waiting for him, waiting to invite him in. And then, as his heart pounded nervously in guilty anticipation, he followed them in.

"Are you sure about this?" Miguel asked, as the wall folded away to reveal the elevator inside.

"Sure are," Abbey smiled. "We want you to see it."

"Step aboard," Erika agreed, leading the way before flashing her keycard against the pad.

The doors closed behind and the elevator trundled downwards, doors dinging open in moments to reveal the waiting lab. Miguel gasped as he saw it, astounded at all that sat beneath the museum to the obliviousness of everyone else. Machines, railings, computers; all of it.

And down the very end, sitting with welcoming, awaiting smiles, was Ray and a blonde-haired woman. There was only one person it could be, matching the stories Ray had told him in their cell. The woman to whom he owed his freedom.

"You…" he stammered, taking her hand and shaking it profusely. "You must be Dr. Hawkins. Thank you! Thank you so much!"

"No problem at all," the woman smiled. "You can call me Hilary."

"Welcome to the Lab," said Ray, guesting to all around. "We've got a training room upstairs, and your Morpher will help get you access."

"My… my Morpher?"

Miguel looked around, confused as to what they were saying, only to see the three teens stepping around the equipment to stand by their two mentors.

"We talked it over," said Abbey. "Seeing as you have Ranger powers now, we wanted to offer you a spot on the team."

"If you want, that is," Zeke added.

Him, on the team? A Power Ranger?

For real?

Slowly, Miguel looked down at the device strapped to his wrist, which until now had brought him nothing but misery. He had so much to make up for. To his family, who he could only hope would take him after he'd vanished for two days. To his friends, for all he'd just put them through. To Abbey…

Too much, it was too much. He didn't deserve it. Not after everything that had happened. But just as he was about to back away, he looked up at Ray, who smiled warmly back.

"Trust is something you build," he'd said back in the cell. "Bit by bit. Giving a little to gain a little."

They'd kept him in the dark, and it had almost cost all of them everything. Bringing Miguel to the Lab and showing him everything, was the start of their way of apologizing.

Of showing that they trusted him.

Which meant now it was Miguel's turn to give something back.

"Are you sure?" he asked. "I mean, you don't have to or anything."

"We want to," Abbey affirmed. "The team will be stronger with you."

"Hey," Erika agreed. "I feel like I'd already made the offer earlier. It still stands if you want it."

And then Miguel dared a look at Zeke, who out of all of them seemed the least happy he was there. And again, Miguel couldn't blame him. He'd thrown plenty of spanners into Zeke's life, and he probably was the only one who still held a reasonable sense of distrust. But even then, as the boy's eyes flickered between his teammates, the writing was on the wall.

He was outnumbered, two to one, with both Ray and Hilary equally willing to go with the majority.

"Sure," Zeke shrugged. "Welcome aboard."

After everything that had happened, they were still willing to take a chance on him. They were choosing to keep trusting him, even though he didn't deserve it. But he would. He would make himself worthy. Of all their trust.

"Go team!" Abbey grinned, putting out her hand in a gesture to create a circle. Rolling her eyes, Erika put in hers to join them, Zeke taking his cue to do the same as even Ray and Hilary added their own. Then, all eyes turned to Miguel. It was an offer, and also a question of what he would do next.

"I'm in," he said gleefully, placing his hands on top of the others to complete the circle. With a cheer, they threw their hands in the air, celebrating the strengthening of their forces.

"Come on," Abbey smiled at him, looping her arm around his and guiding him back toward the elevator, "let me show you around."

"Hey, guys?" Zeke realized as the four of them made their way back up top. "Isn't there some rule that the newbie Ranger has to wash all the Zords?"

But the others ignored him, laughing instead as they began to show Miguel their safe haven. And as they did, Miguel couldn't help but feel a beaming smile part his lips as he embraced the group's acceptance.

Even if Zeke was insistent about the newbie rule all the way to the top.

Ray couldn't help but smile as he watched the Rangers depart, now four strong as the elevator doors dinged closed and he turned back to his amazing wife.

"What a day, huh?"

An understatement and a half, and Ray was half-certain that Hilary was about to throw her arms around him all over again, squeezing him so tight he couldn't breathe, and kissing him like the was no tomorrow. A repeat of the first thing she'd done upon getting him back. But instead, Hilary's face had narrowed, lost in contemplation. Ray knew that look and knew it all too well. The look that Hilary only got when troubled by a puzzle she couldn't solve.

"What is it?"

At least by now, they'd been together long enough that she didn't ask how Ray knew. Instead, Hilary spun in her chair, punching at the keys to pull up the lines of code and show him.

"Something I realized as I was unraveling the override protocols on Miguel's Morpher," Hilary explained. "Take a look at this."

She pointed at the lines of code, all of which may as well have been Greek as far as Ray could understand.

"I'm sure it's important," he said. "But I've got no idea what I'm looking at."

Nodding, Hilary clicked to the side, opening a fresh window with another set of coding. This time Ray looked more closely, eyes darting between the displays as he tried to discern what she was telling him. It was something that even he could figure out.

"They're almost identical," he realized.

Hilary nodded as she pointed to the first window. "This is the coding from Miguel's Dark Morpher,' she explained before moving to the other. "And this is the coding for the original Data Morphers."

No way…

"Our Morphers?" Ray gasped, looking closer, only to realize he'd have no idea how to tell. But Hilary nodded anyway.

"That's right," she confirmed. "That's how Xaviax was able to build it. Somehow he used the baseline coding of our old Ranger powers to build the Dark Morpher."

"But how could he have done that?" Ray asked. "How could he have gained access to the original source code?"

"I have no idea, and that's what scares me," Hilary admitted. "Because as far as I'm aware, there are only two people who have ever had access to that code."

"Doc?" Ray asked. The obvious one, the man who had designed the original Data Squad powers fifteen years before. "Who's the other one?"

Hilary gulped down, almost too scared to admit it before finally telling him. "Me."

NEXT TIME:

Concerned that their enemy has access to Morpher blueprints, Hilary reaches out to an old friend to determine the technology's safety. Meanwhile, riding a high from their latest victory, Erika allows her overconfidence to get the better of her, putting the team in jeopardy. Will Erika be able to learn the true value of teamwork? Can Hilary discover how Xaviax could build the Dark Morpher? And what could Lena possibly scheming now that her cover is blown and her plans are in tatters?

Find out the answers to these questions and more, next time on:

POWER RANGERS

SERVER FORCE

Great Expectations

A/N: I'll be honest, I don't even know where to begin here.

I always try to end these arcs with a longer note to my audience (for those who wish to read it), reflecting a little on how I got here with a little musing on what's coming. It's probably not a surprise what started this series, and some astutely-eyed readers have already noted the parallels with Dino Thunder that indeed served as an early inspiration for the series. But while I did enjoy the idea of revisiting the characters I'd written as a teen and writing them as adults in the same stage of life as me (just as I had way back when I'd first envisioned them), the true draw has always been this new team. And I hope that they've endeared themselves to you as much as they've slowly endeared them to me. Just as much as I hope that you're all just as eager for what is next to come.

As for what's next, those of you who have been reading my work for a while know that a little break is coming, a little gap to just let me get on top of the next stage and make sure that it's all ready to go (don't worry, it's all already written).

But while you wait for the next installment, I'd love to hear from you all. What do you think of the new team? What challenges do you think are in store for them now that they've managed to defeat the Dark Ranger and bring Miguel onto the team? Whatever your thoughts, I'd love to read people's thoughts in the comments. If you're looking for something more to read, you can always check out my earlier work, Power Rangers: Data Squad and Operation: Timeline Rescue, if you haven't already.

Finally, just a quick shoutout to DanielJenson, Green_Extreme_Ninjetti13, Knight of Fate & DBZFan45, my loyal readers from Data Squad who were some of the first to jump in and follow along here. I've adored reading your reviews and the messages you've sent me with your theories. It means the world when I see that you've read the latest updates, and love reading your thoughts and predictions as you have them. I hope what I've published so far has lived up to what I've promised.

For everyone else, thank you so much time for taking the time to read. May the power protect you all.

Power Rangers: Server Force will return on March 26.

Power Rangers: Server Force is a fan-made team of Rangers, and not explicitly based on any other existing Rangers or Sentai property, with artwork character models created through Hero Forge.

Power Rangers: Sever Force updates on Tuesdays and Fridays. If you like what you read, you can always drop a comment to let me know, and don't forget to subscribe/ follow to find out the second I update. Until next time, may the Power Protect You.