Power Rangers Galactic Justice

by Lucas Harrell

Welcome to my whole new take on Power Rangers Lost Galaxy where instead of basic Ranger canon, it takes place in a version of DC comics.

10. Chapter 10

See Chapter 1 for the Disclaimers.

Summary: When the team accidentally gets stranded on another planet, they find themselves entangled in a war for the very lives of the natives.

Power Rangers Galactic Justice

By Lucas Harrell

Chapter 10

"The battle for Odym."

Leo was typing into the keyboard of the main console in Shedquarters. "All right, what do I do next, Cyborg?" he asked. Cyborg was on the line, giving him instructions. The Galaxy Rangers and Th'm's were all gathered around behind him.

While Th'm's was still pretty new to the game here, Leo and the Galaxy Rangers had been defending Terra Venture both from Scorpius' troops, but also various other threats while based out of Shedquarters which was currently on the roof of his apartment building but was now being moved to the forest dome.

This wasn't going to be as easy as having the nanites deconstruct Shedquarters and reconstruct it, because of its tie to the Phantom Zone. They had to uproot it from its spot there and use the the tether system to take it to the new location. This was very risky, but it was going to have to be done at some point.

"We're going to have to be very careful about this first part," Vic pointed out.

Leo nodded. "All right, connecting the tether from here to the target location and removing the spatial anchors," he said. Spatial anchors were what kept it between the main world and the Phantom Zone. A few minutes later, he nodded then looked back at his team. "Hold onto your butts."

They nodded and strapped into some chairs Leo had made specially made for this occasion. Everything that could go flying had been broken down by the nanites and would be rebuilt they finished the move. It was just harder to do that to the building itself.

Leo hit the enter button and suddenly, the entire building started shaking as it moved through the Phantom Zone at a rapid pace. "Sorry about the shaking," he apologized, "We have to do this as quickly as possible or the Phantom Zone will tear Shedquarters apart without the spatial anchors."

Suddenly, something came up on the screen and Leo's eyes went wide. "What the Hell?" he said, "A portal's opening out of the Phantom Zone to an unknown destination directly in our path. Everybody, brace yourselves as we're going to fast to avoid it!"

The g-forces hit the team hard, causing most of them to black out. Leo and Th'm's were the only ones who rode it out without losing consciousness. They checked the others but other than bloody noses, they were fine and woke up shortly. "Where are we?" Kendrix asked.

Leo turned back to the console and tried rebooting it but no use. "The nanites must've been burned out keeping Shedquarters together after getting booted out of the Phantom Zone, because I'm not getting anything," he said.

"So, we're stranded here?" Kai asked.

"Don't worry, I'll have some of the nanites in my suit start repairing Shedquarters but that'll take time so yeah, we'll be stuck here for at least a few days, if not a week or 2," Leo explained, typing into virtual keyboard above his watch. Several nanites shot out of it. "I'm sorry everyone. Good news is this can't be the Phantom Zone."

"It's not your fault, bro," Johnny said, "We're lucky to still be alive and not stranded in the Phantom Zone without Shedquarters, which would be much worse than wherever we are without Shedquarters to protect us." The others nodded.

"Well, shall we go out to see where we're going to be staying for now?" Leo asked, gesturing towards the doors leading outside. The others nodded as the whole group unstrapped themselves and headed for the door.

Leo'd had the foresight to make a manual lever to open the doors. It was a pump handle but that was a piece of cake. The doors opened and their collective breath was taken away by the surroundings.

"Whoa, this place is amazing," Damon murmured.

"I'm not getting anything, not even any spatial coordinates, just planetary ones," Leo said as he typed into his watch then glanced at Th'm's, who was scanning their surroundings with his Green Lantern ring. "Are you getting anything, Th'm's?"

Th'm's shook his head. "I can't even pull up the database or contact Oa, which shouldn't be possible," he replied, "The planet might be causing some kind of natural interference, something we've come across before, so I'm going to go up and out of the atmosphere and see if that'll give me any better readings. I shouldn't be gone too long."

Leo nodded. "Just be careful out there as we have no idea what could be dangerous here," he said. Nodding, Th'm's took off. He turned to the others. "Well, we're stuck here for the immediate future, so we'd better get to know our surroundings better. Morph, spread out in pairs, and keep your comms open."

The Galaxy Rangers nodded. "Go Galactic!" they shouted and were soon suited up. They split up in their usual pairs of Damon and Kai, Johnny and Maya, and Leo and Kendrix.

"This place is beautiful," Kendrix said. Leo smiled. As a botanist, he could only imagine she was in heaven with all the plant life they could see. "At least we don't have to worry about water as with this much vegetation, there has to be some nearby. Food might be a problem though as I don't see anything safe to eat that I recognize, though I'll check a little later."

Leo nodded. "We can only hope any water is potable or at least can be made to be using nanites or we could be in trouble," he pointed out, "It's weird, if I didn't know any better, I'd swear we might be on Mirinoi again. I bet Maya feels right at home."

"Yeah, it does kind of remind me of what we saw," Kendrix agreed, "What are you picking up with your super hearing?"

"Mostly the little things you'd expect, like animals and stuff," Leo replied, "There's some kind of weird buzzing sound but it must be pretty far away as it's just on the edge of my max hearing range. I'll have Th'm's go check it out when he comes back down."

Suddenly, the hairs on Leo's neck stood up which was weird. Usually, only Batman or one of the Linear Men would set that off. "Waverider, is that you?" he called out. Kendrix gave him a strange look. "Something's setting off my weird little alert that I'm being covertly watched and I'm trying…"

Kendrix couldn't help but fall back with a gasp as a spear-like object flew out of nowhere that might've skewered her if Leo hadn't seen it at the last second and caught it effortlessly. "We're under attack," she called to the other Galaxy Rangers, sending them their coordinates.

Meanwhile, after nonchalantly driving the spear into the ground to about halfway down the shaft, Leo was scanning the tree line around them, looking for the asshole that tried to kill Kendrix.

Leo picked up a small stone and flipped it like a coin for a moment, focusing his senses, before spinning suddenly and launching it. A shout told him he hit someone. He didn't throw it hard, only about as hard as the average human could, so it would've just been a minor hit.

"You don't want this fight," Leo warned whoever it was then murmured "Are you alright?" to Kendrix, who nodded albeit shakily as she got up. "I don't know who you are or why you're trying to attack us, but we're not here to harm you and I'm sorry to suddenly appear but I assure you that it was an accident."

It was at that moment Leo realized that the attackers probably couldn't understand him. He typed a few things into his watch to turn the nanites translation mode on.

Suddenly, the other Galaxy Rangers portaled back onto the scene and things started to get crazy when a flood of aliens came running at them, trying to attack them with primitive weapons. They snarled something the translator couldn't catch.

It was when Kendrix disarmed one of her attackers and they shrank back with a cry that she knew something was wrong. "It's okay, I won't hurt you," she tried to reassure them in a calm, soothing voice as she dropped the weapon that she'd taken from them, sheathed her Quasar Saber, and put her hands up in a non-threatening manner.

The alien gave Kendrix a weird look then said something to the others in their group, all of whom paused in their attempts to attack, as did her teammates. One of them began talking. "Are you getting anything yet, Leo?" she asked.

Leo shook his head. "Not yet but I'm hoping the translators will kick in soon," he replied softly. He closed his eyes and lowered his head for a moment, Kendrix guessing he was focusing on the info the translator was feeding him.

Suddenly, Leo's eyes reopened as his head popped back up. "Everybody, power down," he called out, "They think we're invaders that from the sounds of it are robots, so they need to see that we're all flesh and blood."

They all nodded and powered down. Leo also deactivated all but the translator in his gear and the natives seemed to relax a little though stayed in defensive mode in case the group attacked.

"Did it finally kick in?" Kendrix asked.

"It's starting to, but I'm still only getting about half of what they're saying," Leo answered, "Just a sec while I try to speak to them in as much of their language as the translators are allowing me to." Kendrix nodded and when he opened his mouth, the noise the aliens made came out.

The apparent leader of the group nodded and visibly relaxed a little, though he still gave the group a weary look as he replied with a gesture. "His name is Trasquell… I think, but the translator's still acting a little weird on that… they call this planet Odym, and he wants us to follow them to their village," Leo explained, switching back to English for a moment.

"I'm all for it as long as they don't attack us again," Johnny pointed out.

"You don't have to worry about that, as I'm pretty sure the fight was just a big misunderstanding," Leo said, "Here, let me network our watches so your translators have what mine does and they can work together to fix the language barrier problems."

Leo typed into the keyboard for a few more minutes and suddenly, the others were getting snippets of what was being said. He usually did this at the central console at Shedquarters, so it took a few more minutes to work around using his watch.

Leo had told them the more interactions they had the better the translators work, so Kendrix struck up as best a conversation with the alien she had disarmed earlier, a female named Loréñzsa, as she could since the nanites were still working hard. "I'm so sorry about earlier," she said.

"It is all right," Loréñzsa reassured Kendrix, "We must apologize as well for thinking you are allied with the big shiny invaders. You and the members your group are very attractive especially Leo. Are you 2 bonded?"

Kendrix grinned. She heard that all the time, so she wasn't put off by Loréñzsa's question. "Thank you and so are you and your group and yes, they are very handsome and pretty in mine and Maya's cases and yes, Leo's my boyfriend if that's what you're asking," she said.

Loréñzsa gave Kendrix a strange look. "Boy… friend?" she asked.

"I'm sorry, didn't the translators process that right?" Kendrix asked, "Just a sec while I try see what's wrong." She opened up her virtual keyboard and started typing into it.

"What is that?" Loréñzsa asked. Kendrix explained the best she could and she looked very amazed. "Can I have one?"

"Maybe but I'll need to check with Leo as they're his and he's just letting the rest of us borrow the ones we're wearing because we're friends and fellow superheroes," Kendrix said. Loréñzsa nodded. She continued typing into the keyboard, but nothing was coming up as wrong.

"That's weird," Kendrix said, "Don't you have an equivalent of boyfriend among your people's language? To my people, it's when 2 people start seeing each other regularly on a romantic level, sometimes eventually marrying and having children after at least a few years."

"Oh, you mean spirit bond mates in the early stages of the bonding," Loréñzsa said, looking more than a little disappointed. "I thought I saw that you 2 were connected as well as Maya and Jah-nee."

"I guess," Kendrix said, a little amused at the slight mispronunciation of Johnny's name.

Suddenly, a green light plummeted from the sky and fell hard to the ground a few feet away from the group. "Don't worry, that's our friend, Th'm's," Leo explained to Trasquell when his people reacted by bearing their weapons. Him and the Galaxy Rangers all rushed to Th'm's.

"Some weird robot things are coming," was all Th'm's could get out before the scene exploded with action. Robots that were even taller than him jumped into the clearing they were in, ready for action.

"Whatever you do, do not let them cut you with their weapons," Trasquell warned Leo and his team, "They are coated in something that will slowly and painfully kill you and deliberately go for shallow cuts to allow it to do just that. We have lost many of our people to it."

They nodded. Leo activated his nanite gear while the Galaxy Rangers morphed again. Th'm's didn't have to worry as his ring gave him a nearly impenetrable force field around his body.

The group began fighting the robots and it didn't take long for Leo and his team to send their new enemies packing. However, a few of Trasquell's party had been struck down, including a friend of Loréñzsa's, who was very heartbroken.

Kendrix turned to Trasquell. "Don't you have anything to counteract the poison?" she asked.

"Yes, but we are currently out," Trasquell answered, "That is what we were doing when we came across you, gathering the ingredients for the antidote, especially certain plants close to the waterfall that are the strongest we need which was why we were heading that way when we came across you."

"Did you gather them?" Kendrix asked. Trasquell shook his head. "If it's close and the antidote is quick to make, we might still be able to save them." He nodded and led them back in the general direction they came from. Th'm's used his ring to make stretchers for the ones hurt to float along with them.

"Leave it to Kendrix to be excited about gathering plants," Leo murmured to his other teammates with a grin as they walked. Kendrix knew he was just joking and rolled her eyes. He looked over at Th'm's, who seemed to be moving a little gingerly. "Are you alright, buddy? That looked like a pretty nasty fall."

"I'm all right, Leo," Th'm's replied, "It wasn't fun, but the ring mostly protected me. I just had to make the crash landing to keep them from taking more potshots at me. I couldn't get out of the atmosphere though, sorry. There's some kind of barrier that kept me from leaving. It must be what's cutting me off from Oa."

Leo nodded. "Don't worry, you're good, Th'm's," he said, "That must also be the reason why I can't get spatial coordinates. We'll just have to make sure we find the source of the barrier and shut it off."

"So, what do the plants we're searching for look like?" Kendrix asked when they got the site to gather what they needed. Trasquell gave her a quick overview. "All right, I know most of those plants though under different names, which will make this easier." She also knew they had medicinal qualities.

"You must know what you are doing with plants then," Trasquell said with a smile. Leo and the Galaxy Rangers all chuckled. Th'm's was still fairly new to the team, so he didn't quite get the joke either.

"Yeah, you could say that Trasquell," Leo said, "Kendrix is one of our top scientists and one of her fields of study is what we call botany, the study of plants, and is one of our leading experts where we come from. She could probably tell you more about the ones she knows than you could tell her."

"Really?" Trasquell inquired and Kendrix nodded, "We are having… trouble trying to pronounce your name in our language, so would you consider us calling you Dùjīn Méiguī? It was the name of one of our heroes that was a healer and botanist as you call them and is an honored title among our Masters of the study."

"If that'll help then of course you can," Kendrix said.

The group was quick to gather the herbs and other items they needed for the antidote, including water and some scrapings of the bark and sap from some of the trees. They'd also brought a few of the enemy weapons with them to collect the poison from.

Kendrix helped Trasquell and a few of his group prepare the antidote. Thankfully they were able to make enough for almost everyone that were being affected. However, they weren't quick enough getting back to save a couple of them, including Loréñzsa's friend.

"I'm so sorry, Loréñzsa," Kendrix murmured to her new friend. She instinctively wanted to hug the poor girl or at least put a comforting hand on her shoulder but was reluctant as she didn't know if they'd think those actions were inappropriate.

"I have lost too many friends and family to this war," Loréñzsa said sadly then looked up at Kendrix, "Why are they doing this?"

"I don't know but I promise we'll do what we can to make sure whoever is doing this is brought to justice," Kendrix promised, "That's what my friends and I do, help people in trouble and stop the bad guys."

"Thank you, Dùjīn Méiguī," Loréñzsa said.

"You're very welcome," Kendrix said with a smile.

Th'm's didn't have much of a charge left in his ring, but he did have enough to create stretchers to get all of the victims mobile again as they headed out. It didn't take them long to get to a good-sized village. It reminded Kendrix of a cross between Chinese and ancient Roman architecture.

The victims and most of the native group headed off, but Trasquell and Loréñzsa lead Leo, Th'm's, and the Galaxy Rangers up a winding staircase to a building. They went inside to find it was a lodge that had 4 rooms and 1 of them have an en-suite bathroom while there were 2 in the hallway.

"Before the invasion, people would come from all over Odym to visit and they stayed in lodges such as this," Trasquell explained, "We would be honored if you would as well. There should be enough room, though most of you will have to double up.

"We will provide anything you need," Trasquell said, "All you have to do is ask. I wish I could offer more so you do not have to double up, but this is all we can spare at the moment as we are rebuilding after a couple of recent attacks, so this is the only lodge that we have available for visitors."

Leo nodded. "We understand and really appreciate this, Trasquell," he said.

"It is the least we can do," Trasquell replied.

"All right, I think the ladies should take the back right room as it has an en-suite bathroom, Johnny and I will take the room across from it, Damon and Kai will take the front right, and Th'm's will get the front left," Leo said, "That sound good to everybody?" They all nodded except Th'm's.

"Look, I don't require much sleep as you know, Leo, so I don't really need a room of my own," Th'm's explained, "If 2 of you would like your own room, I don't mind sleeping out here. I think that way would be easier for me to come and go through here at night."

"Are you sure?" Leo asked. Th'm's nodded. Kendrix and Maya still wanted to share a room, so him and Damon did rock, paper, scissors that the Green Galaxy Ranger won so him and Kai each had their own rooms.

With that decided, Kendrix and Maya headed down the hall with their new friend Loréñzsa to check out their room and most of the guys did the same, while Leo and Th'm's stayed behind to talk to Trasquell.

"I could never thank you enough for putting us up here," Leo said, "We might've been in trouble out there if you hadn't found us. We knew there had to be water nearby, but food might've been a problem. I don't know how we can pay you back for it but don't worry, we'll figure out a way."

"It is no trouble, my young friend, and do not worry," Trasquell said, "We no longer have currency as such but if you and your friends could help out around the village, we are good."

"I'd be glad to and I'm sure the others would agree as it's the least we can do," Leo said.

"Same and I'd also be glad to make routine patrols over the village to do my part," Th'm's promised, "Don't worry, nothing nasty will be able to get in without me seeing what's going and stopping it, especially once I put a sensor net down to detect anything that isn't one of us, your people, or an animal."

"I do not doubt it," Trasquell said, "We will bring some food around shortly and there is a well in the backyard for you to draw water from. I can assure you that it is more than clean enough for you to drink from."

Leo nodded. "So, who do we check in with to do chores and stuff to help out?" he asked, "I can help out in the fields I saw or if you need some help with construction or whatever. I'm glad to help with anything super heavy, so don't hesitate to ask."

"Same thanks to my ring," Th'm's added.

Trasquell had no problem believing that after seeing the 2 take out most of the enemy troops within seconds all by themselves. "If you cannot find me, then check in with the workers in the fields or the head of our construction crew," he instructed. They nodded.

There was a bit of a low-key welcoming party when some food was brought to the lodge with a bunch of the villagers in attendance. Not much as they didn't really have a lot, but it was enough to fill their stomachs.

It started getting kind of late shortly after and Leo and the Galaxy Rangers was exhausted after everything that went down, so Trasquell and Loréñzsa left. Th'm's recharged his ring and headed out to make his first round of patrols above the city. The rest bid their good nights and turned in.

PRGJ

The next morning, Leo was the second up after Th'm's and headed down to the village to find Trasquell. "Good morning, my young friend," the village leader said, "How did you sleep?"

"Good morning, Trasquell, and I slept like a baby," Leo said, "I'm usually up about half the night expecting to be called out to help someone, so it was nice to fully sleep through the night. Have you seen Th'm's? He wasn't at the lodge, so I'm guessing he's still patrolling or just helping out."

"He has done both so far already today and I believe he is currently investigating some strange reports from our scouts in the woods near where we found you," Trasquell explained, "Do you want me to send someone to get him?"

"Nah, I can contact him if I need to," Leo said, gesturing to his watch.

"Ah yes, Loréñzsa was telling me all about those fantastic devices you all wear," Trasquell said.

"Oh, that reminds me," Leo said, "Kendrix… sorry, Dùjīn Méiguī… said Loréñzsa was asking if she could have one. While I don't want to offend her as she seems really nice and it's nothing personal, I don't like giving tech out as it's a no no with the larger network my friends and I are part of."

"Loréñzsa will be disappointed, but I am sure she will understand," Trasquell said, "So, what can I do for you this fine morning?"

"I'm just looking for something to do to start doing my part to help out I guess," Leo said, "Like I said last night, don't go light on me at all. If you need someone to lift some heavy lumber or something similar for construction? I'm your man. I can lift several tons without breaking a sweat."

"Well, a few houses did collapse after the last attack here," Trasquell said, "We have not had enough able bodies to rebuild but if you could help us, that would be quite amazing."

"Anything to help," Leo said.

Trasquell took Leo to the lumber processing building. "We need to get 20 of these to the construction site across town," he explained, gesturing to the processed logs.

"No problem," Leo said, "You have anything to bundle them together?" Trasquell gave him a strange look at the request before nodding and showed him specially made belts. "All right, how many do you usually bundle together?"

"We generally only bundle 4 at a time at most," Trasquell answered, "Any more than that is too heavy for our carts and the straps holding the bundles also tend to slip or break sometimes."

Leo nodded and walked over to the logs and began testing their weight. Trasquell's jaw dropped when young man picked up 2 using just one arm with no trouble, had him strap them together on ether end, did the same with a couple more, then lashed all 4 together.

Leo tested the weight of the bundle then shrugged. "All right let's get the others we'll need bundled together, then I'll start getting them over to the site," he said. After they did so, he hauled one of the bundles up across his shoulders as if it was nothing. "Show me the way and please try to keep people from getting too close."

Trasquell nodded and led the way towards the construction site. Along the way, Leo passed plenty of people that gaped in awe at his magnificent show of strength, something he was used to though he usually needed to have his image inducer going.

Some of the kids wanted a piggyback ride while he was carrying the lumber, but Leo had to decline. "While I'd be as careful as possible, there's no guarantee you won't get hurt and I don't want that to happen," he reasoned. The kids pouted but nodded.

PRGJ

That was how Kendrix found Leo an hour or so later, about halfway to the construction site while hauling around the last bundle of lumber like it was nothing. "Leo, stop showing off," she jokingly scolded him.

Despite her words as well as being used to it, even Kendrix was in awe that Leo could carry such huge log bundles with no effort. He was so gentle when he wasn't fighting, especially with her, that she sometimes forgot that he was so unimaginably strong.

"Not showing off when I'm doing it for a good cause," Leo pointed out.

Kendrix had to give Leo that. She squeaked in surprise when he easily shifted the bundle to free up his right arm so he could snag her around the waist faster than she could even blink, pulling her close and giving her a kiss. "All right, now I know you're showing off," she said with a laugh.

Leo just gave Kendrix his usual heart-melting grin and wink as he let go after one more kiss then shifted the bundle back over his shoulders evenly. "Might wanna duck," he said. She did and he spun back to his right and headed down the street towards the house they were rebuilding.

Leo had just put down the stack of lumber at the construction site when suddenly he heard a yell as someone working on the roof lost their balance. He was just a feet away, so he tensed up his legs and jumped up high, catching the villager. It reminded him of how he first met Damon. "Are you alright?" he asked.

"I am fine and thank you so much, visitor," the villager said.

"You're welcome," Leo said, "Just be more careful next time, all right?" The villager nodded before hurrying off. He headed over to Trasquell, who thanked him for saving the villager from at least a serious injury as well as bringing the lumber. "It's no problem. What do you need me to do next?"

Trasquell was just in awe of this young man. While he hadn't thought he was lying about his incredible strength, he had thought he was over-exaggerating until he'd lifted the first bundle of lumber like it was nothing and that was 5 bundles ago. "I think this is all we need for today," he said.

Leo nodded. "Well, don't hesitate to ask if you need me to do more," he said. He looked over at Kendrix. "I'm going to go check on Th'm's. Want to come with me?" She nodded and morphed as he got hold of Th'm's and got his coordinates. She opened a portal, which they went through.

PRGJ

Over the next few days, the Leo, Th'm's, and Galaxy Rangers began to really thrive among the villagers. They helped out when and wherever they could, not only building healthy relationships with the villagers but also strengthening their bond as a team.

Kendrix was an especially big help to the natives of Odym as she used her extensive knowledge of botany to come up with a better version of the antidote as well as a much better way of delivering it into their systems using injectors.

Leo checked back on Shedquarters often and was glad to see it was getting repaired at a good pace, but it looked like it'd still be a few more days before it could get them back home. He also worked on its inner layout, expanding it to hold as many as possible for his worst-case scenario.

One problem that came up was that Leo and his team only had the clothes on their back. For Th'm's it was no problem as the ring provided clothing as long as it was charged, but he couldn't extend that to them.

However, the villagers were relatively quick to provide them with some clothing that was simple but elegant in their own way, with color themes matching their costume colors. The Galaxy Rangers even had designs of the local equivalent of the animals their Galctabeasts represented.

There were a couple of attacks but now that they knew what they were dealing with, the heroes were able to dispatch them pretty easily with no casualties among the team or the villagers.

However, one day, Th'm's was on a patrol looking for the enemy base using one of Leo's backup suits for its chameleon mode and found a huge army of the robots on their way to attack, more than he could think they could fight off without someone getting hurt or dying. That came with good news though as he was able to follow their trail back to what looked to be the enemy base.

It was decided Th'm's and Leo would stay in the village to fight off the big chunk of the army while the Galaxy Rangers would evacuate the villagers. Damon, Kai, and Kendrix, who was very reluctant to leave her boyfriend, would take the adult villagers across the plains.

They were hoping doing both of these would draw the enemies' attention away from Maya and Johnny, who would be leading the kids through the forest and to Shedquarters. It was just the 2 of them because it was a shorter distance and they were hoping they could do it covertly.

Everyone said reluctant goodbyes, not knowing if they'd ever see each other again. Leo and Kendrix didn't want to seem to let go of each other as they kissed for several minutes. "Be careful out there as I don't know what I'd do if something happened to you," he said once they finally pulled away.

Kendrix nodded. "Don't worry, this won't be the last time we'll be together," she reassured Leo, "You be careful too. Just because we haven't seen them with anything that can as much as scratch you or penetrate Th'm's' protective field doesn't mean they don't have it. Always together."

Kendrix extended her pinkie and Leo hooked it with his. "Forever and ever," he said then turned to everyone else present "That goes for all of you. Don't do anything dangerous and try to leave the bulk of the fighting to Th'm's and I. We can get only through this together."

Everyone that was present nodded and with that, the Galaxy Rangers morphed and led their respective groups out out of the village in completely separate directions. Using portals with planetary coordinates were iffy sometimes and they didn't want to risk being in enemy territory.

As the robots entered the village and made their way to the 2 combatants, Leo just hoped the others weren't going to their doom. Him and Th'm's quickly had their hands full, so he had to put even Kendrix out of his mind for the time being.

PRGJ

Maya, Johnny, and the village children were hurrying towards the forest as quickly as they could. Each of the Galaxy Rangers had one of the youngest in their arms… him with a kid in each arm and a baby in a sling around his neck, which the 2 held onto so the baby wouldn't be swung around as much… as did most of the older kids, so they were able to set a pretty good pace.

The kids screamed when a few of the robots jumped onto the scene just as they reached the edge of the forest. "Everybody get to the trees, hide, and we'll come get you once it's over," Johnny directed the kids as he reluctantly sat the kids he was holding down, handed one the baby, and him and Maya drew their weapons. The kids all took off for the forest.

Johnny started the battle by blocking a swing made by one of the robots before he kicked it back a couple of feet and slashed it with first his Transdagger in Magna Talon mode then his Quasar Saber in quick succession. That took it out, so he focused on another enemy.

Maya preferred her Transdagger in its split Delta Daggers mode to even her Quasar Saber as it allowed her to make multiple quick slashes. She used them to quickly dispatch her fair share of enemy robots.

They seemed to have defeated the enemy group when Johnny was horrified to notice that one had snuck up on Maya. When he saw that she had no time to respond even if she did notice it, he didn't hesitate in jumping between it and her.

Johnny gritted his teeth as the robot's blade chewed through the spandex like material of his suit and cut a shallow groove into his chest. In return, he charged his Quasar Saber and destroyed the enemy that even dared to think it could cut down his beautiful girlfriend.

A sobbing Maya caught Johnny before he could hit the ground as he lost control of his legs and slumped to his knees without as much as a groan or wince, powering down involuntarily. "Damn it Johnny, why did you do that?" she demanded as she gently lowered him into her lap, "The poison might kill you!"

"I don't care as long as you don't get…" Johnny began but was cut off in mid-sentence and his teeth clenched to keep from screaming as pain ripped through him, worse than anything he'd ever felt, his body trembling as he fought to keep from thrashing about. 'I will not give in to the pain in front of Maya,' was the mantra repeating in his mind.

"Oh God… LEO, WE NEED A DOSE OF THE ANTIDOTE AT THE EDGE OF THE FOREST, PLEASE HURRY!" Maya shouted as she took off her helmet and set it down nearby, "Please don't die on me, Johnny. Someone will come with some of the antidote soon. I just know it."

"Miss Maya?" one of the teens in their group, Rowaz, asked as the kids came back from the forest and gathered around, "My Mom is a Healer and she made sure I knew how to make the antidote. I do not know if it will be a strong one, but I am pretty sure it can help Jah-nee until we can get a proper one and I think I can see what I need around here."

"Please make some and save him," Maya begged.

The boy nodded before turning to his friends and telling them what to look for. They searched the nearby area and found what he needed, though they were weaker versions of the herbs and tree bark he needed. They also brought water from a stream not far away.

They had several little bowls with them just for this possibility, upon one of which Rowaz ground up the herbs and bark they gathered in. They also brought the weapon that had been used on Johnny, so he could carefully wipe some of the poison off using the leaf of one of the ingredients.

Rowaz added the poison it to the mixture in the bowl before carefully pouring half the mixture into a small container of water. It turned a pinkish color. He waited a moment then added more, turning it dark red, then carefully poured the antidote into a small flask like container.

Though tears streamed down his cheeks and his teeth felt like they were going to break from clenching them so hard, Johnny's resolve not to scream in pain in front of Maya held out until he finally passed out. She could tell his trembling was getting worse.

"Rowaz, please hurry," Maya pleaded, "Johnny's tough, but I don't know how much more of this even he can take." Johnny was easily one of the toughest men she'd ever known but knew that even he had to have a limit to how much pain he could take.

Rowaz nodded as he brought the container over. "We have to make sure he gets as much of this down as possible," he explained, "It is very bitter in liquid form so he will probably try to spit it back out, but we cannot allow that to happen.

"The only problem is we did not have time to purify the water, which will probably dilute the effectiveness, but I am confident that this will work well enough until we can purify some for a second dose or one of your friends will bring a dose of the proper antidote," Rowaz finished.

Maya nodded. She carefully lifted Johnny to where he was sitting up, not an easy task as he had started shaking very violently not to mention how big he was, so that Rowaz could pour the concoction into his mouth.

As warned, Johnny tried to spit it back out, but Maya immediately clamped her hand over his mouth to keep as much inside as possible. "I know it tastes awful, sweetie, but you'll die without it," she said in an effort to soothe him.

It was a struggle but Maya and Rowaz were able to make Johnny consume enough of the antidote the boy had made that his body started to relax a moment later and the group sighed with relief. She lowered him back into her lap after hugging him tight and kissing him.

"I think he should be all right for now though it might take a couple more doses to fully counteract the poison if we cannot get the proper antidote really soon," Rowaz said.

Maya nodded. "I can never thank you enough, Rowaz," she said.

"It is the least I could do for all that you, your spirit bond mate, and your other friends have done for us," Rowaz replied. Him and the other kids began searching more to see if they could find more of the plants he'd need as well as carefully starting a small fire to purify the water.

Maya frowned at what Rowaz had said. The people here had been calling her and Johnny spirit bond mates almost from the time they arrived, Leo and Kendrix too, but no one had taken the time to explain what it meant though she was pretty sure she knew as it sounded close to something Mirinoians believed.

Suddenly, another group of enemy soldiers came onto the scene. 'Damn it, you would show up when I'm the only one capable of defending myself and apparently no backup available,' she mused with frustration. "Get back to the trees and hide again," she said to the kids. They nodded.

Though she was exhausted from the fighting earlier and the struggle to give her boyfriend the antidote, Maya gently lowered Johnny to the ground then slowly got to her feet, putting her helmet back on and drawing her Transdagger. She didn't know if she could beat them all as it was a slightly bigger group than before and she was all by herself, but she'd find a way to win as there was no way in Hell that they were going to kill Johnny or these sweet kids, no matter what it took.

Maya felt a rush of relief when Th'm's appeared out of nowhere, using his Green Lantern ring to sweep away most of the enemies in a manner similar to what him and Soranik Natu used against Doomsday, and Leo also portal shifted onto the scene as well, quickly and easily taking out what was left.

"Sorry we couldn't get here sooner but the army they sent into town was bigger than we thought, though the fighting looks to be over for the day," Leo apologized. He had an injector with a dose of antidote. Maya used it on Johnny then she explained what happened to him while they retrieved the kids. Th'm's kept an eye on him as well as keep an eye out for anymore robots that might pop up.

Just as they were getting back to him and Th'm's, a moaning notified Maya that Johnny was conscious again and she hurried over to him. "Maya?" he murmured. He tried sitting up but by the gritting of his teeth, she guessed the pain was still too much for him to do so.

"I'm here, Johnny," Maya said, sitting down next to Johnny again.

"Thank God you're safe, beautiful," Johnny said with a weak smile as his eyes focused on Maya's beautiful face. He noticed Leo and Th'm's behind her. "Did they bring some of the antidote? Is everyone all right?"

"Yes, they did but our helpful little Jr. Healer Rowaz here also made some for you using some ingredients nearby," Maya answered, gesturing and smiling at Rowaz, who blushed. "And everyone's all right and Leo said the others are fine too."

"Thanks, little buddy," Johnny said, painfully reaching over and patting Rowaz's shoulder. The kid grinned. "I owe you one. We need to get out of here as just because the fighting seems to be over for the most part, there could be some stragglers nearby."

"Don't worry, I've got you, Johnny," Th'm's said, using his ring to gently lift Johnny off the ground with a stretcher. Maya opened a portal to town square that they all went through. The Red Galaxy Ranger passed out again in mid-transport, though it looked like it was more from exhaustion than pain.

PRGJ

Johnny moaned as his eyes slowly fluttered open to find himself in the lodge the team had been staying in since coming here, specifically the room he'd been sharing with Leo as he couldn't see the door into the en-suite bathroom. He felt a strange weight on his bare chest and his right arm was pinned, so he looked down and smiled lovingly when he saw Maya snuggled in close next to him, fast asleep. He wasn't too surprised that she probably didn't want to leave him.

Johnny needed to use the restroom and while he was sore, the pain was thankfully manageable. Maya only stirred a little as he slowly slid his arm out from under her head and got out of bed, murmuring his name. She looked so cute, he couldn't help but lean over and kiss her forehead.

Johnny gingerly made his way out into the hall and down to the bathroom, which was thankfully unoccupied, did his business, and was heading back to the room when Leo came out of what was originally the bedroom the ladies were sharing.

"Thank God you're all right, buddy," Leo said quietly as not to disturb the others who he explained were all asleep as far as he knew except for Th'm's, who was patrolling in the sky above the city to make sure nothing bad was happening. Johnny was surprised when he gave him a hug.

"You scared us the hell out of us, especially Maya," Leo added, "Even with the antidote Rowaz made, you came pretty damn close to dying if we hadn't been able to get the antidote to you when we did.

"Even after the Healer said you'd be fine, Maya insisted on sleeping in there with you to make sure," Leo continued, "We would've moved you in here, but the bed in there is bigger and the Healer recommended that over a more convenient bathroom."

"Is everyone else alright?" Johnny asked, "How long was I out?"

"Just a few hours and yeah, everyone's fine," Leo said, "You were the only one to get hurt thankfully. Shit, I mean I hate that you were hurt, but at least there wasn't anyone else."

"It's cool, I know what you meant and I'm glad I was the only one hurt too, especially not Maya or any of the kids," Johnny replied, "I have to admit, it's times like these I wish I had your invulnerability."

"Hey, don't sell yourself short," Leo said, "While most of the team and I are used to your toughness, Th'm's and the kids you and Maya saved were very impressed by your ability to shut out the pain. They'll probably be talking about you around here for years to come, maybe even make you a folk hero."

"Aw, I'm nothing special," Johnny demurred, rubbing his neck embarrassedly.

"Like I said, don't sell yourself short," Leo said, "I'll let you get back to Maya and we'll talk in the morning. Try to get some more sleep, all right? You definitely deserve it."

"You've got it, bro," Johnny said. They fist bumped before he turned and went back into the room he was staying in, to find Maya awake.

"Where were you?" Maya asked.

"Sorry, but I really had to use the restroom and ran into Leo on the way back," Johnny explained.

"Are you alright?" Maya asked.

"I'm pretty sore just about all over but not too bad, all things considered," Johnny said. Maya nodded and he felt his heart sink as tears started streaming down her cheeks. He hated seeing her in any pain, physical or emotional. "Please don't do this to yourself, Maya. I'm all right now."

"Why did you take that hit?!" Maya demanded, getting out of bed and walking over to Johnny. "The damn poison almost killed you! If it hadn't been for Rowaz being with us, I'd be weeping over your corpse right now and it still could've killed you if Leo hadn't come when he did!"

"And if I hadn't, you'd be dead instead and there's no way in Hell I was going to let that happen," Johnny replied, "I'm sorry, beautiful, but your safety is much more important to me than anything, including my own life. I love you too much for anything less."

"I love you too," Maya said. Johnny opened his arms and she rushed into them, hugging him. She nestled her face into his bare chest and couldn't resist kissing his chest, to which he laughed as it tickled. To her, there was no better place than in his strong, loving arms.

It was in that moment that Maya made a decision, stretching up and giving Johnny a kiss like nothing he'd ever felt before. It was like she put her heart and soul into it. "Maya, I don't think sharing a room is a good idea after all," he said softly and reluctantly tried to fully pull away, but she held on to him tight. "Look, I really should go sleep in another…"

"Make love to me, Johnny," Maya practically whispered.

"Are you sure?" Johnny asked. They'd talked about it before of course and even came close a few times, but both had been reluctant so far as they didn't want to rush things. "I mean, we don't even have any condoms or anything. You could get…"

"I've never been surer of anything," Maya answered, "It's too complicated to get into right now, but let's just say you don't have to worry about getting me pregnant for a while though even if I could right now, I'd still want to do this."

"Please don't think you have to do this because I saved you," Johnny said.

"All that did was show me life is too short and that we have to tell and show the people in our lives just how much we love them," Maya replied, "I want you to make love to me. Don't you want to make love to me?"

"More than anything," Johnny admitted with a shy smile. With that decided, their lips met again, this time even more fiery. They stepped back over to the side of the bed, slowly divesting themselves of their clothing, and slid down onto the bed.

PRLG

Kendrix was just outside the room to what had been Leo's and Johnny's shared room. She'd heard Maya blowing up at him earlier but couldn't hear his reply or anything since, so she thought it might be best during to see if they were all right a bathroom trip. But before she could knock, sne heard a soft moaning that sounded like Johnny, a series of little squeaking sounds that she knew for a fact was Maya as she'd heard it plenty of times, and the almost rhythmic movement of the bed.

Kendrix's eyes went wide for a moment when she realized what that meant before she smiled. 'Good for them and I hope Johnny is gentle as it's her first time,' she thought as she turned around and headed back into her room.

Not that Kendrix was too worried about that. She knew Johnny would be very gentle. It was also his first time and she hoped it'd be memorable for both. She heard them crying out as they seemed to be finishing as she stepped back into what was now hers and Leo's room.

Kendrix wished her and Leo could do the same as she ached for intimacy but unlike Maya, she could get pregnant easily enough right now and they couldn't afford for that to happen right now as they were stuck here fighting a war for the foreseeable future.

"Are Johnny and Maya alright?" Leo asked as Kendrix slid back into bed with him.

"Oh yeah, they're just perfect," Kendrix said with a chuckle, "I'm surprised you can't hear them in there as while they're not super loud, I figured they're bound to be loud enough your ears would've picked up the noise pretty easily."

It took Leo a moment to realize what Kendrix was implying and he chuckled as well. He wasn't surprised as he knew there was a good chance Johnny and Maya would make love once he regained consciousness. "To be honest, I've got Blue Kryptonite mode on. Both to give them privacy and because it won't help the fact that I've got my own beautiful girlfriend in here with me that I want to do the same with, but I know it's not a good idea right now."

Kendrix nodded and smiled for a moment as she slid into bed with Leo, resting her head on his broad chest, but the smile didn't last long. "Tomorrow's going to be bad, isn't it?" she asked worriedly.

"I think so, yeah," Leo replied reluctantly. They had an agreement they would always tell each other what was on their mind no matter what as long as it didn't compromise someone else's secrets. We came too close for comfort today. Th'm's and I were barely able to stop the army that marched into the square before they did too much damage, not to mention we were damn lucky not to lose Johnny. If Rowaz hadn't been there…"

"So, what are we going to do?" Kendrix asked, trying to get Leo's mind off what had could've happened to Johnny as she knew the guilt was eating away at him enough as it was.

"I think it's time for us to strike back," Leo answered, "You know how I've been having Th'm's search around when he wasn't patrolling the village, looking for their base, right?" Kendrix nodded. "Well, we think he found it before the fighting started earlier so we've got the coordinates. I'm pretty sure it has to be the weird buzzing sound I've been hearing since we got here. If I had to guess, it's the place they make those robots."

"I don't know if we can hold them off again if it gets as bad as today, so I'm going to portal there and confront the leaders or at least shut down production of the robots if the leaders aren't there," Leo continued, "If it's the latter, we should move base to there to make sure they don't restart production, preferably either taking the villagers as I imagine it'll be much more defensible than this if it's big enough or putting them in Shedquarters.'

"I would've done it today as it would've been the prime time as they would've been low on troops if not for being so worried about Johnny," Leo added, "But if we hadn't…" He shook his head, not wanting to think about it. Anyway, we'll start off tomorrow by sending as many villagers as we can to Shedquarters first thing in the morning, especially the kids. While I don't know if it's anywhere near ready for a return trip back home, I think it's more than repaired enough that they'll be safe there.

"One way or another, this ends tomorrow," Leo finished, "Worst case scenario, we'll hole up in Shedquarters and take them back with us when it's ready for the return trip and bring some Justice League heavy hitters back with us to take out the trash. "I got the population numbers from Trasquell and have the nanites building an expansion to it so we can take everyone with us."

"What about us?" Kendrix said, "Do you want us to go with you?"

"No, I need you and the other Galaxy Rangers and Th'm's to be here in case I can't get them all to focus on me," Leo said. He held up his hand to forestall another argument. "I'm going to do what I can to stop this but if I can't, I need you to be here to keep the damage as minimal as possible."

"Damn it, I hate when you've got a point," Kendrix muttered, "I hate that you'll be facing them alone even more."

"I'll never truly be alone and don't worry, they don't have anything that can even remotely scratch me," Leo pointed out. Kendrix also had to give him that. "Like I said, I hope to have all of the enemies focused on me. If I'm right in thinking that, then all of you can join me so we can end this together."

Kendrix nodded. It made sense, even if she didn't like it. "Just promise you won't do anything stupid or get too overconfident," she said, "Like I said earlier, just because they haven't shown anything that can hurt you doesn't mean they don't have something even they don't know about that can."

"Depends on your definition of stupid," Leo joked but Kendrix hit him with a cross between a worried look and a serious glare, "I promise I'll at least try not to do anything stupid. Without knowing exactly what I'm going into, I think that's about the best I can do."

Kendrix nodded and she couldn't help but get teared up. "Just don't get yourself killed," she whispered.

"Never," Leo promised and kissed Kendrix, "I have too much to live for." She couldn't help but smile at that though she was still a little worried. She had a very troubled sleep that night.

PRGJ

While he still wasn't in the best shape physically when he woke the next morning, Johnny was in a better place mentally and emotionally than he'd ever been. He was on his side with Maya spooned up against him. It was so weird how she perfectly fit against him. 'I can't believe we made love,' he couldn't help but think as he gently hugged his now lover to him and kissed her shoulder, which caused her to stir and turn around to face him, sleepy but with her usual beautiful smile. "Morning, beautiful," he said after a kiss, "Are you alright?"

"Shouldn't I be asking you that?" Maya asked in return, "I'm a little sore as expected for my first time, but I'm good. You're the one who almost died yesterday. Are you alright?"

"I will be," Johnny said with a reassuring smile, "Do you regret it?"

"Absolutely not," Maya replied, "Do you?"

"My only regret is we didn't do it sooner," Johnny replied.

"Same, especially if it's as amazing as last night from now on," Maya replied. They exchanged grins before they kissed. It might've gone further than that, but someone knocked on the door.

"You 2 alright in there?" Leo called though he thankfully didn't come in.

"Leo, leave them alone," they heard Kendrix gently chide her boyfriend from down the hall, "You wouldn't want them bugging us in the same situation, would you?"

"Yeah, we'll be out in a minute, buddy," Johnny said then him and Maya couldn't help but laugh, "I don't know about you, but I really don't want to get out of bed right now. I'm far too comfortable."

That really got a good laugh out of Maya. "I don't either but there's no telling when they might strike again so we need to go and help plan the strategy for today," she pointed out. Johnny sighed and had to concede her point.

It didn't take long for them to get dressed and headed out into the living room area. Kai had made them all a meal, so they sat down and ate before Leo explained his strategy for the day. They all agreed it was probably the best idea. "Johnny, maybe you should…" Maya started to say.

"What, join them in Shedquarters and stay out of any fight?!" Johnny demanded. He was ashamed of how angrily that had come out, but he couldn't believe Maya of all people would ask that of him. She knew he hated being sidelined while others were in danger.

Leo started to say something, but Kendrix gave him a light slap on the knee. "Don't," she whispered just loud enough for him to hear, "They need to work it out themselves or they're not going to make it." He didn't like it but nodded. Kai and Damon seemed to know on their own to stay out of it.

Maya cowered a little at Johnny's tone as she reluctantly nodded. "I'll come too, if it helps," she continued softly, starting to cry. "I'm sorry, but I just don't want to see you possibly get hurt again, especially since I almost saw you die not even a full day ago!"

Maya's tears took the fight right out of Johnny and he hugged her. "I'm sorry for snapping at you like that, beautiful," he said, "But I just can't stand by and let most of my family fight without me. You know that better than almost anybody."

"I know but…" Maya started.

"I know you're worried and you know I appreciate that and love you for it," Johnny said, "But we need all hands-on deck and no matter how shitty I feel right now physically, I have to do my part. If the military taught me anything, it's that we're all in this together and we have to have each other's backs."

"I'm sorry," Maya whispered, burrowing her head in Johnny's chest.

"You have nothing to apologize for," Johnny reassured Maya, "You're being the wonderful, loving, beautiful girlfriend and teammate you've been since… we got the Quasar Sabers." Mirinoi was still a touchy subject with her and Leo, both understandably so. He lifted her head up with his hand and kissed her. He could tell she relaxed with that.

After the meal, they made their preparations, taking the villagers to Shedquarters, closing off as many avenues as possible through the village the robots could go down to funnel them into town square again as well as lay traps to take out as many as possible along the way, and retrieving their Jet Jammers from it in case they needed to bug out.

Still feeling bad about snapping at Maya earlier when she'd just been looking out for him, Johnny did make a compromise that he'd mostly stick to flying around in his Jet Jammer during the fighting if Leo couldn't keep them distracted at the enemy base. This would also give him the perfect vantage point to use a sniper rifle like weapon he'd been working on using nanites to take out as many robots as possible before they get to the village. He had been the best sniper in his squad.

"But if I see any of you in danger… especially you, beautiful… I'll do what I need to," Johnny said. Maya didn't like it, but she nodded as she knew it was the best she could hope for without another argument and she definitely didn't want that again.

Leo was just about to leave when Kendrix hugged him tearfully, kissing him for all she was worth for several, long minutes for the second day in a row. "Come back to me," she commanded.

"Always," Leo whispered, "It'd be tough to live apart from my heart and you've had that for over a decade." Kendrix smiled at that and gave him another kiss before reluctantly pulling away, at which point he opened up a portal to the coordinates Th'm's had provided. Activating his chameleon mode, he stepped through.

PRGJ

Leo found himself in front of what looked to be a huge castle. "Of course, it would be a creepy ass castle," he said. He ran around the perimeter but didn't find a way to get in at ground level. He jumped up high enough to clear the walls and found a small courtyard that looked to be empty. With his next jump, he landed in it and took a look around. He saw several corridors, but something told him to take one just to his left.

Leo hugged the wall as he creeped down the corridor. Robot guards came through but fell for the chameleon mode, just walking right by him. 'I can only hope my luck holds out and this won't get too ugly,' he mused. All of a sudden, he heard voices… and his jaw dropped when he realized he could understand them perfectly. His HUD read "Dominator translation mode activated". 'That explains a lot, but just what the Hell's going on here?'

"Reports are coming in that the troublesome Kryptonian and his allies are preparing for another defense," one of the voices said.

"Damn it, how did they get through our barricade?" a second voice demanded, "We need to retreat for now. It's only a matter of time before they find a way for that Green Lantern to bring the whole damn Corps down on our heads or that Kryptonian brings the Justice League."

"No!" the Dominator Leo guessed to be in charge shouted, slamming its fist on the table they surrounded. "The blue light is here on Odym, I just know it. We have to find it and harness it. One annoying little Kryptonian won't be able to stop us for much longer."

Leo couldn't help but chuckle as he deactivated chameleon mode and he stepped into the room. "I hate to burst your bubble… bah, who am I kidding?" he taunted them, "I love disappointing the bad guys. Anyway, this 'annoying little Kryptonian' is here to discuss the terms of your surrender."

"Our surrender?" one of the Dominators asked with a sneer, "Who do you think you are? And how did you get here anyway? The partition shield around Odym should've kept any interlopers out."

"That fancy partition shield of yours does jack shit when it comes to Phantom Zone travel, though I will admit us ending up here was completely by accident," Leo replied honestly. "As for who I am, all you need to know is that I'm Trezo-El of Krypton, adopted son of Earth, and you're in big trouble, assholes. After he'd hit Furio with that line on Mirinoi, he often used it on opponents, be it sent from Scorpi-ass as they liked to call him or random idiots like these.

"Bah, you're the underpowered one, the reject," another Dominator growled with a sneer. About a dozen robots came into the room and got between them and Leo.

"I may be underpowered compared to my brother and cousin, but I'm still enough of a one-man army to shut you down," Leo said and with that, he tore into the robots, shredding them all one by one as he didn't have to hold back.

"Send for more!" one of the Dominators yelled.

"How many?" another said.

"All of them, you idiot!"

Leo had to grin at that. 'Go time,' he thought as he turned to take out more.

PRGJ

Back in the village, the battle was going somewhat badly for Leo's teammates though thankfully none of them had been struck down. They were trying their best, but the numbers were just too overwhelming. All of a sudden, the robots stopped. "What's going on?" Maya asked.

"It's gotta be Leo," Kendrix said, "Either he's stopped the jackasses at the source or…" Suddenly, the robots turned and began jumping away. "We've got to get to Leo. "Maya, get your Jet Jammer out and go with Johnny and Th'm's to thin them out. Damon, Kai, you're with me in going straight to the enemy base to join Leo." Everyone nodded. She opened a portal and the 3 stepped through.

PRGJ

Leo turned slightly as he heard a portal opening behind him and Kendrix, Kai, and Damon stepped through. "The others are fine," his girlfriend reassured him when she saw a worried look on his face, "I had them follow the robots that attacked the village to thin the herd before they got back."

Leo nodded. "Good idea," he said, "Ready to end this?"

The 3 Galaxy Rangers nodded. "Always," Kendrix answered for them.

With that, they tore into the remaining robots. Several minutes later, something started pounding on the door behind them, but Leo wasn't too worried when he saw a green light shining from under the door. "And for my next trick, I present to you the end of your tyranny!" He gestured at the door just as it was smashed down and Th'm's, Maya, and Johnny came rushing through. "Now, about that surrender…" the young Kryptonian said as he turned back to the now few enemies left.

PRGJ

Leo sighed with relief as the team got back to the village. He'd never admit it to anyone but Kendrix, but he'd been worried sick things would go horribly bad today, possibly with him being the lone survivor of his team, but against all odds, they'd won the day again without much trouble.

The Dominators that had been trying to enslave the people of Odym and find the "light", whatever the Hell that was, had reluctantly left. Leo used his nanites on their computers to change the barrier to where they would never be able to try it again. It also turned out not all of the people of Odym had been killed as Trasquell had assumed but instead had been slaving away in mines under the castle the Dominators had taken over.

"I don't know about you guys, but I just want to get back into bed and just sleep until Shedquarters can take us back home," Kai said. Everyone chuckled and agreed.

They made it back to the village square to find all of their new friends and a lot more of the natives waiting for them that began cheering for the returning, conquering heroes as they came into view. Johnny had sent word they could come back on the way to join the final battle.

"We owe you everything, our new friends," Trasquell said as the team of young superheroes came to a stop before him. "We could never thank you enough for stopping our enemies."

"Your thanks are good enough, Trasquell," Leo said, "As I said before, it's part of who we are. We're just glad to help out and you don't have to worry. The ones responsible will never be a problem again and I'll leave a way for you to communicate with us if something else ever comes up."

"I insist we throw you a celebration like nothing Odym has ever seen," Trasquell replied, "We also have…" He said something that weirdly enough got past the translator and from the look on Th'm's' face, even his Green Lantern ring hadn't been able to translate it. "Ceremony for you and your spirit bond mate to celebrate."

Leo sighed. He knew Trasquell well enough to know he wouldn't just let this go. He looked at the others who nodded and he did as well. "We would be glad to celebrate with you then," he said.

Trasquell nodded. "Give us a few days and we'll have everything ready," he promised.

"Thank you, Trasquell," Leo said.

With that, the group headed into the lodge they'd been staying in. Though it wasn't dark here, they were exhausted. Leo glanced at Kendrix and gestured to the rooms in the back and she nodded. "Johnny, you and Maya can take the bed with the en-suite since it looks like you're still hurting," he told Johnny.

Johnny nodded. "Thanks, buddy," he said. Having a more convenient bathroom would definitely be handy as he was still sore from being infected by the poison. He smiled at Maya and couldn't help but imagine them having a bath together. She seemed to have the same idea as she grinned back.

Leo rolled his eyes at the 2. 'Maybe I should put Blue Kryptonite mode on for the rest of our time here so I don't hear them,' he couldn't resist musing. While it was tempting, there was no telling what the Dominators could've left behind as a failsafe.

PRGJ

With the battle against the Dominators won, the next few days were a marked improvement over half their time on Odym. The team were able to relax and help both reconstruction of the village as well as help set up for the celebration. However, to her immense displeasure, Kendrix found Loréñzsa flirting openly with Leo every chance she got, though he seemed to be oblivious or at least he was definitely not showing a mutual attraction.

Kendrix had no worries about Leo though as he was very loyal to her. Whether he was out and about as himself or saving people as Trezo, women threw themselves at him all the time on Terra Venture, same with back on Earth from what he's told her.

It came to a head the day before the celebration, when Kendrix saw Loréñzsa actually lean over and kiss Leo square on the lips. He was just as surprised as she was. She saw red and was about to give the girl a piece of her mind when her boyfriend beat her to it. "Look, Loréñzsa, you seem to be a great girl and have been a good friend, especially to Dùjīn Méiguī and Maya, but I'd appreciate if you didn't do that again," Leo said.

"I'm sorry if I've ever done or said anything to lead you on, but I'm with Kendrix… Dùjīn Méiguī… and she means everything to me," Leo continued, "I'm sure you'll find someone soon enough, but it won't be me. I'm a one-woman kind of guy and she's my one woman."

"But…" Loréñzsa stammered.

Before Loréñzsa could finish the sentence, Kendrix made her appearance, sauntering up to Leo and giving him a big kiss, both as a reward for trying to discourage the young native in a sweet but big way but also add to it herself. The teen stormed out in tears.

"Whoa, I should turn down ladies in front of you more often if that's going to be your reaction every time," Leo teased.

"Very funny, smartass, and sorry about that, but she's been getting on my nerves lately," Kendrix replied, "She told me she found you very attractive that first day we met everybody here, but I never would've guessed she'd kiss you like that."

"Same and I was trying to let her down gently but you kind of blew that out of the water," Leo agreed, "Not that I'm complaining, mind you. I hate to do it, but I'm going to have to talk Trasquell about her. Not only is he the leader here, but I think she's like his niece or at least related to him."

Kendrix nodded. "I think so," she said.

Leo sighed. "I'm going to go see if I can find him," he said, "Good thing is, she doesn't strike me as someone who'd make up stories to make herself look good and me and you the bad guys. I guess that's more a human trait or something."

Kendrix nodded again. "I need to change and get out to the fields, which was what I was coming in for," she said, "Trasquell mentioned they've been having trouble with some of the produce recently, so I'm hoping I can figure out how to help them before we leave."

"Sounds like a plan," Leo said and with one last kiss, they went their separate ways. It didn't take him long to find Trasquell and he pulled him aside and told him about Loréñzsa's actions.

Trasquell sighed. "I am very sorry, Leo," he said, "I have noticed the way Loréñzsa has been acting around you but did not think much about it, thinking it was a simple infatuation she would work out on her own. I will talk to her after the celebration so she can enjoy herself."

Leon nodded. "I would appreciate it," he said, "Just don't be too hard on her. She's a teenager, right? About 16 I think she said?" Trasquell nodded. "Like you said, it looks like she has a crush on me, which I deal with all the time back home, both in and out of costume, and I'm used to it so if it was just me, I'd have no trouble with it.

"However, I can't have her kissing me like that especially in front of Dùjīn Méiguī," Leo continued, "She knows I would never consider being with another woman, so all that would do is cause trouble between them and I wouldn't want that to happen over me."

"That is very admirable and understandable, my friend," Trasquell said, "Do not worry yourselves about it anymore. I will have it settled first thing after the celebration and ceremony tomorrow."

Leo nodded. "And that's another thing," he said, "You mentioned the ceremony tomorrow is for me and my spirit bond mate… Dùjīn Méiguī I'm guessing… and I was curious what it was for."

"Partly but also for Jah-nee and Maya if they wish," Trasquell said, "It is a simple ceremony to help your bond along the natural path. I believe on top of helping us, fate brought you here to take part in it."

"Do you need us to dress in a certain way for it?" Leo asked.

"Yes, but do not worry as we will provide as we have so far," Trasquell replied, "Our tailors as you put it still have your measurements and are working on the appropriate attire for all of you. They're almost ready and will be waiting for you at your lodge first thing in the morning."

"And we appreciate it," Leo said, "I'll see you later if not tomorrow then." Trasquell nodded and the young Kryptonian headed out to find something to do to help out and repay their kindness.

PRGJ

A little later that day, Maya was a little hesitant in approaching Trasquell. "Hello there, Maya," he said with a broad smile.

"Do you have a moment?" Maya asked, "I need to speak to you in private."

"Sure, we can talk just over here," Trasquell said and led Maya over to a small shed like building and they went inside. "So, what can I do for you today, my friend?"

"About the ceremony tomorrow…" Maya began.

"Leo asked me about that earlier and do not worry, it is simply meant to help your spirit mate bond with Jah-nee along as well as Leo's with Dùjīn Méiguī," Trasquell said.

"I thought so and that could be a problem," Maya said, "I assume you use magic as part of the ceremony?" Trasquell nodded. "My people have something I think is similar, at least in that it's magical, and we're bound by the magic we're born with to follow the magical rites."

"Ah, so there could be some potentially dangerous interactions with our magic and those of your people," Trasquell said. Maya nodded. "Well then, you and Jah-nee are welcome to not take part just in case you're right."

Maya sighed with relief. "Thank you, Trasquell," she said, "I hope I didn't offend you in any way, but I didn't think it'd be a good idea for Johnny and I to take part in the ceremony."

"Oh no, you are not offending me or my people at all, merely trying to adhere to your own rites as well as hoping to avoid something problematic, which is admirable," Trasquell replied, "I understand that you are the last known member of your people."

"It's possible that some people got away like I did," Maya said, "But yes, as far as I know, I'm the last Mirinoian." At that, Trasquell gave her a look of shock and awe. "What's wrong?"

"We have heard wondrous tales of Mirinoi and their Cosmic Colossi," Trasquell said, "It is said the last holders of your powers came and saved us from an ancient evil. I just never put it together that your powers are the same as those heroes until now.

"My people owe yours an honor debt that will never truly be paid, doubly so to the last known member of your noble race for helping us defeat another evil," Trasquell added, "I am truly blessed to meet you. If you are ever in need of anything, we are your humble servants."

"No, no, no, while I'm humbly honored, I don't need servants or anything like that," Maya said, "Please don't treat me any differently than you do the others. That's all I ask." It wasn't the first time she'd gotten this reaction from visiting warriors trying to get a Quasar Saber.

"If that is what you wish at least for now, then so be it, but please keep it in mind," Trasquell said, "You never know when it might become necessary in the future."

Maya nodded. "I will and thanks again, Trasquell," she said.

Trasquell was a little surprised when Maya hugged him and kissed him on the cheek before leaving the little building. 'I don't think I'll ever get used to the customs of our visitors,' he mused with a chuckle.

PRGJ

Leo made a trip to Shedquarters and was pleasantly when the door opened on its own and the interior was all lit up. "Holy shit, I was wondering if we were going to get out of here after all," he said as he stepped over to the main console.

Thankfully, everything seemed to be working though only at a little under 70% capacity. 'But that should be more than built up enough to get us back home now that Th'm's and I have worked out Odym's spatial coordinates,' Leo thought.

After checking on everything, Leo headed back to the village. It was getting pretty late when he made it back to the lodge, where he briefed the rest of the team. "I'd say we have 2, maybe 3 more days before it's 100% but waiting that long shouldn't be necessary now that we have spatial coordinates, so we can leave anytime just about any time after tomorrow," Leo said.

The others nodded. "I have to say, I'll miss this place," Kai said, "I know we need to go back but this place is just so peaceful, especially now that we've defeated the Dominators."

"Amen," Johnny said, gently squeezing Maya, who smiled lovingly at him. The others also agreed. The team headed for bed not long after, very excited to see just how wild the celebration the next day was going to be.

PRGJ

And boy was the next day's celebration wild. The whole day, the team ate and drank like crazy. They tried to join the natives in dancing but what they did was very intricate that they'd been practicing most of their lives. That didn't stop Maya though. She loved to dance and was determined to learn how to do this as well as she could. Loréñzsa was happy to take her under her wing and she became quite proficient by the time the sun started to set.

When it started getting dark, as many people gathered in the main temple like building in town square as possible. Trasquell got up onto a raised stage like platform and went onto mention the war against what they now know to be called Dominators. "But they have been banished thanks to our new friends," he said then gestured for Leo, Th'm's, and the Galaxy Rangers to step forward, which they did. He named each in turn, using Dùjīn Méiguī for Kendrix's name of course.

Trasquell asked them all to kneel and they did. Next, he for lack of a better term anointed them with a wonderful smelling oil as he spoke. The translators were working hard but most of what he said was lost. Th'm's later said that even his ring wasn't able to translate it.

Just when the heroes thought it was done, Trasquell bid Leo and Kendrix to come closer. Their clothes had been very different than everyone else there, even their teammates. Hers was a very beautiful dress, which if they didn't know any better was a wedding gown.

"Please join hands," Trasquell requested of the couple, which they did. He spoke several more words that didn't translate, throwing what looked to be rose petals all around and on them, before taking a ribbon of twining silver and gold and wrapping it around their joined hands.

When Trasquell was finished talking, Leo and Kendrix were shocked when the ribbon grew and wound its way around their forearms until it reached the spot on their chests where their hearts were. The ribbon then became energy and entered their chest. The rest of the ribbon unwound from around their forearms and came up between them, almost like a tether connecting them.

All of a sudden, the ribbon pulled taut and Kendrix was yanked towards Leo, who opened his arms by reflex and gently caught her. They didn't know why but something was compelling them to kiss, an even stronger compulsion than usual, and they glowed silver as they did.

All of their friends and teammates were amazed, especially Maya though she was glad her and Johnny had turned it down. It was so completely different than the bonding ritual on Mirinoi, it almost certainly would have caused problems.

The kiss went on for a few minutes and Kendrix was confused as she pulled away slightly from Leo. The glow had died down quicker than it started. "Leo, what just happened?" she asked softly.

Leo didn't have an answer as he was just as confused. "I'm not sure," he replied.

They reluctantly pulled away, though Leo kept hold of Kendrix's hand, and turned to Trasquell, who was smiling widely at them. "Do not worry as all this did was confirm the strength of your bond," he said when they asked, "It is very strong, one of the strongest I have ever even heard of."

With that, they went back out to the square to continue the celebration. Leo and Kendrix were inundated with congratulations over the ceremony by what seemed like everyone that lived on Odym and in the confusion lost sight of each other.

Leo was scanning around for Kendrix when Loréñzsa came up to him. "Hey, Loréñzsa, have you seen Dùjīn Méiguī?" he asked.

"No, but I am sure she will pop up but until then, would you like to dance?" Loréñzsa asked.

Leo was taken a bit aback but shrugged. "I don't know how good I'll be but sure," he said.

Loréñzsa smiled as she stepped closer to Leo but before they do anything, a sharp voice called out "Loréñzsa!" as Trasquell stepped forward, saying something that didn't make it through the translator. She had her head bowed while he talked and when he finished, she rushed off in tears.

"What was that about?" Leo asked.

"I am so sorry, Leo, but she attempted to interfere with your bond to Dùjīn Méiguī once again," Trasquell replied, "You do not have to worry yourself over this anymore."

Leo sighed and nodded. "All right but like I said before, please don't be too tough on her," he said, "She's just a kid and makes mistakes."

"We know and will take that into account, but I am afraid this is serious to us and cannot be overlooked," Trasquell said, "I must go talk to Krishé and Ponavir, her parents, so if you will excuse me." Leo nodded again as his friend walked off.

"What's going on?" Kendrix asked as she finally was able to make it back over to Leo.

"I'm not sure exactly," Leo answered then explained what he could, "I know we shouldn't interfere but…"

"I don't like it either, but we have to trust Trasquell won't punish her too badly for whatever she was doing wrong," Kendrix said.

Leo sighed then shook his head and extended a hand to Kendrix. "Care to dance?" he asked. She smiled and took his hand, letting him pull her in close as the music a band was playing was a soft melody.

"Damon sure seems to be getting along with the natives," Kendrix said with a grin, nodding over to Damon.

Leo turned and saw Damon showing a couple of of the native ladies how to dance in an Earth style. 'Maybe this is the start of him being able to put Linnea behind him,' he mused but didn't vocalize it.

Leo had caught Damon drunk at the Comet Café a couple of days before they came to Odym. It turned out he'd lost his pregnant girlfriend a few years before on the date and tended to drink away the survivor's guilt every year marking her death. He hadn't been in an even halfway serious relationship since.

Leo and Kendrix danced for what seemed like forever before the celebration came to a close. Before they headed back to the lodge, Damon pulled his Kryptonian buddy aside. "Hey, if anyone asks, I'll be helping Bétluna here see if our biologies are compatible as they seem," he said, nodding to one of the natives he'd been dancing with.

Leo shook his head with a chuckle. "Don't worry, I've got you covered," he said, "Be careful though as I doubt that they have the same views on sex that we do and we still don't know anything about the whole spirit bond thing. Also, don't forget we want to head back first thing."

Damon nodded. "Don't worry, I won't forget and I'll definitely be as careful as I can be," he said with a grin.

Leo headed back to the lodge with the rest of the team. When they asked about Damon, all he'd say was that his hot date might be getting hotter. Maya and Th'm's didn't quite get the joke, but they all had a chuckle when it was explained.

Maya looked to be half-asleep, not surprising as she'd been very busy over the course of the day between learning the local dance from Loréñzsa and helping out with a bunch of little things, so her and Johnny were the first to head to bed and the others weren't long in following suit.

PRGJ

There was a bit of a kerfuffle the next morning when Damon was caught with Bétluna and the friend of hers that also joined in but thankfully Trasquell was able to deescalate the problem.

It turned out they'd been ready to start service in their religion and like Nuns of Earth, they were to take an oath of celibacy, so they had been looking for someone to have one last fling with at the celebration and Damon had caught their eye. Kai was asked too but he'd politely turned down the invitation as he'd started dating a young woman named Hannah recently.

The team could've just portaled back to Shedquarters, but they were in no real hurry so Trasquell and several of the villagers accompanied them back on foot. Kendrix was disappointed Loréñzsa didn't come with them as despite being annoyed at her flirting with Leo, she did consider her a close friend.

"We could never thank you enough, my friends," Trasquell said as they entered the area where Shedquarters was waiting. "You have saved us and given our enslaved people back to us."

"It had been our great honor as well as part of the job, Trasquell," Leo replied, "And you have helped us as well, giving us a place to stay as well as clothed and fed us. Oh and I've done as you asked.

"Only the portal signatures from our watches can breach the partition shield," Leo explained further, "I can't do anything about Phantom Zone portals but to my knowledge, only Kal, Kara, and I can do that and they don't get the coordinates and I doubt they'd come here randomly, so you don't have to worry about that."

"I've also added that if we come here, it'll take time to go back," Leo added, "I hope you don't mind but that way, if someone's on our asses and we needed to portal out in a hurry, we'd have time to strategize before going back."

"That is quite fine," Trasquell replied, "All of you are welcome back any time you feel the need to. However, please tell as few people as possible about Odym to avoid others like those Dominators from coming here. I would like to think my people are close to visiting other worlds, but I would rather it not be so soon."

"If that is what you wish, I won't log any of this with the database our network uses," Leo said.

"Nor will I log more than I need to into the Corps database," Th'm's promised.

"Please tell Loréñzsa we said goodbye," Kendrix said.

Trasquell nodded. "Safe journeys, my young friends," he said.

With that, Leo and Kendrix holding hands, Maya and Johnny as well, Th'm's, Kai, and Damon walked into Shedquarters after taking one last long look around. A few minutes later, the natives of Odym were surprised when it disappeared in a brief surge of green and black light.

PRGJ

Once they got back to Terra Venture, Leo, Th'm's, and the Galaxy Rangers found it a little hard to get into the swing of things over the next few days as they'd gotten into a completely different routine during their stay on Odym that was hard to pull themselves out of. Luckily, there hadn't been any attacks in their absence and only a slight rise in crime but thankfully, Kal had come checking on his brother when he didn't report in and helped stabilize things posing as him.

However, the team quickly became used to their usual lives again. The biggest difference was Johnny and Maya, who were reveling in the new level of their relationship. When they didn't have to work, they were constantly together even more than usual and she was staying in his and Angie's apartment most nights.

However, a few days after their return, Kendrix, Maya, and Angie were having a girl's day out, so Johnny took the opportunity to go ring shopping. Ever since he'd talked to Leo about this, it's been on his mind but now after everything, he had a feeling he needed to get it now.

Kendrix had been his wing woman and subtly got Maya's ring size so when Johnny found one with a wolf motif, though it wasn't exactly a traditional engagement ring, he found it perfect. A wedding band could wait until later when she was with him, while this had to be done covertly.

"Good choice on rings, sir," the Jeweler commented, "I'd say the lady you're giving this ring will be very happy and lucky."

"I'll be the lucky one if she says yes," Johnny replied with a grin. He looked at it closely rang it up and asked if he wanted an inscription and he told them.

"All right, sir the ring should be ready to pick up in almost 3 weeks," the Jeweler said.

Johnny nodded. He'd researched this and knew that was about the general timeframe on personalizing rings. "Thank you so much as I really appreciate the help," he said. He gave them his number to call to come pick it up and Leo's as a backup in case he was unavailable to get it right away.

"You're very welcome and have a good day," the Jeweler said. Thanking them again, Johnny headed out, very excited for when he could pick up the ring and propose to Maya with it.

PRGJ

Kendrix glared at the monster approaching her. She had an odd egg-shaped rock that was denser than anything she'd ever found. According to the cover plate she'd found a month or so ago, it was supposed to contain the Lights of Orion, which the were trying to find as were Scorpius and Magna Defender.

"Give me that stone, girl, and I'll let you walk away with no trouble," the monster offered.

"Not happening, jackass," Kendrix stated defiantly.

"Why you…" the monster said, stepping towards Kendrix.

Before it could get close to Kendrix, however, a strange whistling sound was heard before a charged Omega Scythe came flying onto the scene, spinning horizontally and damn near gutting the monster before it went flying back to Johnny, who caught it easily.

"You really must be an idiot if you think you're touching my sister, shithead," Johnny announced as him and the others rushed to Kendrix. "Are you alright, sis?" She nodded. "Get somewhere that you can morph. We'll make sure jackass here doesn't follow you."

Kendrix nodded but before she could rush away, a blast hit the pavement in front of her. She looked up and was shocked to see Hyuuga there as from what Johnny and Maya said, he'd been helpful since arriving. "What are you doing?" she asked, catching the other Galaxy Rangers attention.

"I need that stone, Pink Ranger!" Magna Defender replied.

Johnny gently moved Kendrix behind him. "Tighten up formation so we can block anybody's view of Kendrix morphing," he told the others, who crowded around her to make sure she wasn't easily visible.

"Go Galactic!" Kendrix called and they moved away once she was suited up.

"You guys take out Ruptor while I try to talk or if I have to, knock some sense into Hyuuga," Johnny said. The others nodded and they all headed towards their assigned. He could feel something weird going on with his powers but put it out of his mind as he put laser focus on Hyuuga like he did all of his opponents.

To be continued…

Notes: A scene from the White Galaxy Ranger series here, a strange scene of unknown origins there… I know, you must be asking "What's going on?" and well, that's a very good question. Starting next week and spanning either 2 or 3 weeks beyond that, there's going to be a crossover event between the White Galaxy Ranger series, Galactic Justice, and the story I reposted earlier from an old one from a site called Paladar's World of fanfics.

I'd highly recommend Paladar's as you'll find all kinds of Power Rangers stories you literally won't find anywhere else. If you want to read some of my older stuff that'll probably be posted here sometime, I'm at the bottom of Room 9. You'll see what I mean when you get there.

Anyway, back onto the crossover event. It's bound to be a whacky event that is sure to shake things up and when all is said and done, you could say there will be a huge change in at least 2 of the universes involved and to quote Forrest Gump, that's all I gotta say about that, lol. Anyway, as always, Catch ya on the flipside.