"Why did you pull me from battle?" ArcKnight demanded the moment he touched down in the lair.
He had the Gold Ranger right where he wanted! He would have defeated the Silver one, too, if it hadn't been for his unwilling withdrawal. He could have delivered to his master exactly what was coveted, Dr Hawkins captured and at their mercy. Instead, he'd been forced to suffer another humiliating retreat.
Ender said nothing as ArcKnight continued to fume, punching at the keys to signal the monster's retreat. As the screens blinked off to signal that the battle was over, ArcKnight stormed toward his comrade, determined to get an explanation.
"Do not ignore me!" ArcKnight warned. "I demand an explanation. You had no right to pull me from battle."
"Oh, ArcKnight," Ender tutted amusedly. "Still can't see the bigger picture. Why do you think I would do that? You're right; I don't have any authority for a call like that."
"Then why did you-?"
"Because I requested it."
ArcKnight froze like his breath had turned to ice as he stammered and turned toward the source. Davian Scolex stood at the entrance to the viewing chamber, front of his suit unbuttoned and looking extremely annoyed.
"You!"
"Yes," Scolex replied with a curling lip. "Because I don't particularly like the idea of trading a Knight when I've just had my line of Pawns cleaned through. I especially don't like the idea when said Knight goes off with his own game plan to make an even bigger mess."
His voice was curt and cold, and yet there was a fresh fire beneath the words that felt different from the icy disappointment he'd evoke when garbed as Xaviax. To have such a small man address him as such twanged at ArcKnight's anger, and it was only the warrior's knowledge of what lay beneath that stopped him from speaking back. Any other human that spoke to him that way would be swiftly on their way to oblivion.
But there was another side to Scolex's fury, one that ArcKnight only realized as he began to pull back his anger. That their boss was here at all in his business attire was a warning of the situation's seriousness. Usually, such moments were reserved only for when Scolex was required himself shortly after addressing his minions.
"I can tell you," Scolex continued, "it was quite the surprise, receiving communications from Ender when I was in the middle of an important meeting. Maybe I should congratulate you; it's not every day that I have to drop everything to come down and make sure a mess that should never have been made is cleaned up. It's a wonder I bothered making you at all, given I need to come up here in my own time to make sure things are done properly. Honestly, did you get none of my mental brilliance? Or are you just a giant bundle of rage that needs to be pointed at something I want gone?"
"Master," ArcKnight began to apologize, choking on his words as he tried desperately to avoid Ender's smirking. But Scolex cut him off, raising a hand to silence him.
"Leaving aside the fact that you thought you could take two of the strongest Rangers on your own, despite all historical evidence to the contrary," Scolex decided. "You're in luck. Just before your petty jump on Granger, another matter was brought to my attention, and your little escapade was exactly what we needed to alleviate it. But be careful, ArcKnight; just because you got lucky today, don't think that this slip-up will be forgotten. I have plans far greater than you can possibly imagine, and they don't involve some upstart suit of armor with a grudge rampaging around the city."
ArcKnight had no words, holding his tongue in the face of his master's berating as he struggled to find a reply. Battle was his purpose, his entire reasoning for being. Why else did he exist if not to destroy his master's enemies? What could Scolex, Xaviax, possibly have made him for if there was no fight to be had?
"You will wait for the command," Scolex said curtly. "When the time is right, then you will have your chance to destroy the Rangers. But only on my word, do you understand?"
Slowly, ArcKnight nodded, tasting the bitterness of humility as Scolex turned to leave, and Ender continued his silent snickering. As ArcKnight was left to stew, Scolex stopped at the door, barely casting a look back over his shoulder as he fired off a stray thought.
"And ArcKnight?" he suggested, "Next time you get a chance to destroy one of the Rangers, don't miss."
Hilary had never been a morning person, but she'd learned long ago that being an early bird meant getting more done. And now that she was juggling her time between the firm and the museum, that meant making as much of the daylight hours as she could. It was barely dawn when she arose and headed to her office to ensure the museum was all set to run for the day. Jessica was incredible, as always, but the last thing Hilary wanted was to pile on more than she needed to. And that meant getting a few things done before anyone arrived so that her day could be freed up for other matters.
With her paperwork finished, Hilary checked the time and decided the lab was her best destination, barely exchanging a hurried "hi" as she passed Jess in the hall. While it would still be an hour or two before she could go back to the firm, Hilary figured that if she had the time spare, then she might as well run a few calculations at her workstation. But for all of Hilary's intentions, a major roadblock greeted her as the elevator doors dinged open.
Ray stood in the lab, leaning on her workbench with a mug of coffee in his hand. Waiting for her.
"Morning," he said, taking a sip with a knowing look that told Hilary she was totally busted.
It was the first time Ray had seen her that morning. In fact, after she'd worryingly checked him over after ArcKnight's ambush, Hilary hadn't even come up to the apartment until after he'd gone to sleep. She'd gone down to the lab in a desperate search for answers, abandoning the man that mere hours beforehand Hilary had been desperately racing to protect.
Like she'd learned nothing at all.
As Hilary stood there, watching Ray put down his coffee, she braced herself for the well-deserved scolding. Telling her that she was neglecting him, that she was casting him aside in obsessive pursuit of knowledge. That he missed her and that he wasn't asking for much, just a little quality time with his wife that didn't involve killer robots and monsters. Just as Hilary guiltily knew what she'd say back, almost without thinking. That there was too much at stake. That Xaviax was too ahead of far of them, that for all they'd done, he was still getting what he wanted. He was winning.
And it was all her fault.
Because she just had to resurrect Project Digitizer, to reopen Pandora's Box and let all manner of horrors out. Because Hilary knew deep down that she, and she alone, was responsible for the chaos inflicted on Lakeview. And that meant it was up to her to fix it, no matter the cost.
But the conversation playing in Hilary's head never happened because instead, Ray said something that cut her far deeper.
"Are you doing okay?" he asked softly.
Oh no, that was far, far worse. And Hilary knew Ray far too well and loved him far too much to ever think of lying.
"It's never-ending," she admitted. "It feels like Scolex has got everything. We take down one of his threats, and he just throws another one at us. It was one thing when he was attacking us out in the street, but now he's hitting us at home? Erika should have been safe. I should have kept her safe. And now you're getting cornered the second you're alone; let's not forget that this whole thing started because they were trying to kidnap you for leverage over me. I need to stop them, Ray. And no one's safe until I do."
Ray nodded in understanding but said nothing, letting the quiet settle between them. Hilary didn't have to question why, she'd been with him for more than long enough to know. Because when you marry a shrink, there was nothing that he needed to say that she hadn't told herself. But eventually, he did.
"I'm worried about you," Ray said sadly. "It feels like I never see you. And I'm not just saying that because it'd be nice to have a date once in a while. You're barely sleeping, and I'm worried I'm going to wake up one morning to find out you never left your lab at all."
So that was why he'd come there, to check if Hilary had even come to bed. Because while she wasn't at that point yet, she was heading in that direction. Because she was no longer there when Ray lay down to sleep, and she was already gone when he awoke. Because every waking hour was being consumed with her fight against Xaviax. And something was eventually going to give.
"I…" she began, but Ray was already ahead of her.
"I know the stakes," he agreed. "I know what's riding on this. But there's an old myth about a man who held the world on his shoulders, and do you want to know what his main story is? Tricking a hero into taking his place because even he needed a break. You want to beat Xaviax, I get it. But you need to still be standing when the time comes, and you can't do that if you're all burned up."
What could she even say to that? How could Hilary begin to explain the weight that she carried, a weight that was no one's but her own? She knew Ray was right, but that didn't change the reality. Deep down, Hilary knew that Ray was focusing on helping her when, by all rights, he should be angry. That he should feel angry and neglected, just as Hilary continued down her path with bold determination.
"I can't do this now," Hilary decided, turning instead back toward the elevator. "I found something at the firm, and I need to get on it before Scolex finds out I was snooping around."
Ray said nothing, only nodding sadly as Hilary turned her back on him and exited the lab. She hated it when he was right, almost as much as when she would keep on going despite it. Keep walking the path she was on, not for stubborn pride, but the sheer unknowing of any other option.
The entire drive across town was nothing but sullen wallowing in her guilt, arriving at the firm to find the doors already surprisingly open. Hilary was thankful; she was expecting to have to sulk in her car until opening hours. But in her relief for a welcome distraction, Hilary gave no thought as to why the firm's doors were open so early and was unprepared for the face that greeted her as she entered.
"Dr Hawkins!" Davian Scolex declared with a smile of oozing charisma. "Now, this is a surprise!"
Charlotte's face lit up on seeing her, and it took all of Hilary's efforts not to recoil in disgust at the billionaire's presence. She shot her acquaintance a confused look, but Charlotte seemed oblivious to Hilary's discomfort.
"Mr. Scolex here just offered his company's IT services to assist with the migration," Charlotte explained. "Free of charge."
"Her firm's joining the family of a company we often employ," said Scolex. "When I heard about their little network issues, I figured having a few people come down here was the least I could do."
There was a quiet menace about him, something in the calm demeanor that sent chills crawling up Hilary's spine. An all too clear subtext that was meant for her alone. He'd beaten her; again. Hilary had been accessing his outer servers for less than twelve hours, and already Scolex had figured out that she was on to him. And now he'd arrived to personally shut her out, blocking another pathway for good.
As Scolex watched Hilary hold back the seething rage, she noted the smirking spark of enjoyment in his eye. Because this wasn't just about stopping her. He was enjoying being steps ahead, enjoying watching Hilary scramble for scraps of information when he already held all the cards. But as Hilary stood there, roiling in contempt, Scolex's eyes flicked toward Charlotte, a silent warning of what he had the power to do. And then Hilary realized the true meaning behind his appearance.
Scolex could have sent people from the beginning, but he didn't. Not until after Hilary went poking around. He could have sent them from the shell company that had purchased a stake in the firm, but he didn't. He made a point of sending them from his own flagship holdings. And he made a point of announcing them himself.
Because Scolex wanted Hilary to know that he knew. And he wanted her to know exactly who would suffer the consequences if she pushed him any further. It wasn't an olive branch he'd come down to deliver, it was a threat. She was powerless to stop him; there was nothing Hilary could do that Scolex couldn't retaliate ten times over. It was his game that they were playing, and Hilary had no choice but to play by his rules.
Or else.
"How lucky Lakeview is to have such a generous, local billionaire," Hilary said bitterly.
"Just trying to do my part," Scolex chuckled before turning to Charlotte with another charming smile. "Now, I just came down to make sure it was all running smoothly, but I must be off. You know how it is: time waits for no man."
"Thank you so much, Mr. Scolex," Charlotte replied warmly. "It was truly generous."
Scolex nodded before turning to Hilary. "Always a pleasure, Dr Hawkins. We really must catch up at some point and talk shop. And do give my best to that lovely husband of yours."
"I'll try to keep it in mind." Hilary's reply was almost a growl, hissed through clenched teeth, and her eyes glared witheringly as Scolex sauntered from the room. As the door closed behind him, Charlotte raised an interested eyebrow at Hilary, noting her surly demeanor.
"Sorry," Hilary admitted, hurriedly trying to think of an excuse that didn't involve Scolex's evil alter-ego. "That guy just gives me the creeps. He keeps trying to recruit me to his corporate lab and is not taking no for an answer."
But to Hilary's surprise, Charlotte didn't offer some fawning excuse nor tell her that she was misjudging the wayward billionaire. Instead, she shrugged acceptingly before offering a seat. "I get it. If someone came swooping in here and tried to scoop my life's work from under me, I'd be pissed too. Coffee?"
Hilary was stunned, almost falling into the seat as the firm's owner walked to the steaming pot and began to pour. She couldn't believe it; it didn't make sense. Not just at how easily Charlotte had accepted Hilary's response but at how the reply was misaligned with present circumstances.
"But, if you wouldn't want someone to take over," Hilary asked, "why are you getting bought out?"
With a long, regretful sigh, Charlotte placed the cup on the table beside Hilary before taking the opposite chair. Sitting back, she took a long and ponderous sip before staring out the window as if caught in a memory of times long past.
"You know what this place is?" she asked Hilary. "It's four walls and ceiling. And it's also where I've spent the better part of the last fifteen years. It's crazy to think it was just me when I started this place; I didn't have an office at first, so it felt like a dream come true when I was doing well enough to rent a space and hire staff. And yet, no matter what I did, no matter how much I achieved, it just never felt like enough. There was always more that I could do. I just couldn't stop."
"The way I've heard people talk about this place, people really love you," Hilary admitted. "Ever since my husband and I moved here, everyone's told us that you're the firm to go to if we needed help."
"Glad to hear it," Charlotte replied sadly. "I worked hard for the rep. I just wished I'd thought of the cost before seeking it."
There was more to the story, but Hilary wasn't sure if it was her place to ask. A somber silence fell between them, the unspoken hope that Hilary would inquire further, calling out to her, although she wasn't certain she wanted to.
"How long have you and your husband been married?" Charlotte asked.
"Together fifteen years," Hilary smiled. "Finally married five years ago."
"Kids?"
"Hoping to, one day."
Charlotte smiled, as if hearing Hilary's answer brought her back to a different time. But as she did, a fresh sadness filled her eyes as she turned her head and looked through the glass door to the firm's halls.
"I had such high hopes for this place," she said. "Wanted to change the world. Or at least make Lakeview a better place. To help others wherever I could. But it meant lots of long nights and lots of weekends back at the office. Plenty of nights, I don't think I'd have eaten dinner if my wife hadn't come and delivered. And I'm pretty sure if she hadn't kicked up a stink, I probably would have slept here a few times."
A knot suddenly twisted in Hilary's stomach, the lingering guilt from her earlier conversation with Ray returning with a vengeful churn. The words were just too similar for Hilary's liking. She almost didn't want to ask the next question, the one on the edge of her lips that seemed so obvious to ask. As if not asking would seal away a future that she could be damned to repeat. But ask, she still did.
"What happened?"
"I'd say it came out of nowhere," Charlotte replied, "but I'd be lying. There were signs; I just didn't want to see them. It wasn't like she didn't make every effort to let me know something was wrong. I think even when her bags were packed, and she was loading up the car, she was still hoping that I'd do something, make some change that would make her stay. But I didn't; my work was just too important. Even then."
Because she'd been warned. Begged even. And still, she persisted, insisting that there would be enough time when she was done, knowing she never would be. As Charlotte leaned back in her chair to take a wistful sip of her coffee, Hilary couldn't help but see the mirror before her. Of what awaited her if she didn't change the path she walked.
Because how many times had her needs taken the front seat, been a driving factor at every stage in their relationship? They moved in to be closer together but picked an apartment closer to Hilary's college than Ray's because of all her time in the Lab. Then she got a grad position on the other side of the country; one Hilary couldn't wait on while Ray finished his own studies, forcing them to go long distances for a year before Ray could eventually follow her. And then they moved back west, all so Hilary could reopen Pandora's box and drag them back into the world of weird. And now here they were in Lakeview, living in an apartment above Hilary's work because of what she needed, and Ray was making do.
Every step they'd made, everything they had, all of it was possible because of sacrifices Ray had made for her. And there Hilary was, barely fitting him in.
"You want to know why I'm giving up control of this place?" Charlotte asked her. "Because after fifteen years, it's still just four walls and a ceiling. Because I've been so busy changing people's lives that I forgot to live my own, to share it with the person who wanted to spend it with me. So now I'm pushing fifty and exactly where I was a decade ago, while she's getting remarried and living the life I should have given her in the first place. That's why I'm giving it up. Because if I don't let someone take it, then this place is just going to take me instead."
"I'm sorry," Hilary said softly. It felt so useless, like a hollow platitude that could do nothing to help or ease the pain. But as she said it, Charlotte simply smiled in perfect understanding.
"I brought it on myself," she replied. "I've got a lifetime of regrets, but I can't change the past. All I can do now is make the most of what's in front of me. It's all any of us can do."
Hilary's communicator beeped, a convenient signal to end the conversation as she politely finished off the coffee and placed the cup on the table.
"I should get going," she decided. "Sorry, I couldn't be more help before the big wig swooped in."
"You've done more than enough," Charlotte insisted. "Thanks for everything, Hilary. Now go and spend the weekend with that husband I've heard so much about. Enjoy it while you can."
"I will. Believe me."
Like a rumble of thunder, Hilary held back the heavy quaking in her chest, blinking the heaviness in her eyes as she bid Charlotte farewell and hurried outside. Moving around the corner, she checked that no one was watching before opening up the communicator.
"I'm here, Jess," she announced. "What's happening?"
"We're here too," Erika's voice crackled through the speaker.
"Looks like our boiler friend's found his fire again," Jess explained. "He's hitting a construction site in the industrial district with a bunch of his no-good friends."
"We need to be careful," Ray advised, "He hit you guys pretty hard last time."
At hearing her husband's voice, Hilary's lips twitched into a smile, the very sound of him lifting the weight from her chest with a light, cathartic breath. But even as he said it, Hilary could practically imagine Erika's raised eyebrow on the other end.
"We'll get him, don't worry."
"I'm just downtown," Hilary told them. "I'm on my way."
"And I'm heading there right now from the Lab," Ray confirmed.
Her team was getting back to action, and this time, there was no way Hilary was letting them go in alone. The problem may be her responsibility, but time and time again, the others had shouldered it with her. Sometimes, even for her, and Hilary had to honor that. She had to see it through with them, not without.
Shutting the line, Hilary spun around, flashing the clunky Morpher to her wrist as she proudly bellowed the security phrase.
"Server Force! Login Access!"
Like a bursting torrent of silver flame, the morphing light showered Hilary in empowering, radiant energy. The strength surged through her limbs as the Digitizer spirited her across the city, wrapping the suit around her body as the helmet encased her vision. As she slammed down, six technicolored beams joined her. Arrived and ready, the team of seven Rangers raced forward to survey the chaos.
There were Cyberdrones everywhere, running rampant around the construction site as the workers fearfully fled for safety. The ones on the ground had managed to make a getaway, but Hilary's heart jolted as she saw a large number clambering up the scaffolds and girders in a desperate bid to escape the harassing Cyberdrones. And somehow, that still seemed to be the least of their problems.
There was Boiler-Maker, rolling around and crashing through the yard with maniacal glee. As he bounced to his stumpy feet and spun around to see the Rangers, the iron maw on his stomach spread into a blazing, eager grin.
"I think this place is much better as a de-construction site!"
"Sorry, pal!" Erika called to him. "This site's union only!"
"But I've got a union right here!" Boiler-Maker cackled. "And we've got a real firm "No Rangers" picket line!"
The Cyberdrones spun around and lunged from all directions, the Rangers barely having time to draw their weapons before the horde descended. Hilary swerved back before immediately taking to the air, unloading with the Mainframe Blaster to unleash a torrent of energy on the writhing mass below. The blasts boomed beneath the robots' feet, scattering them in all directions as Hilary landed and unfolded the blaster into a sword. All around her, the other Rangers were hitting back with full fury. Last time, they'd let themselves get caught up in the sea of henchmen, but not this time.
"Ray! Hilary!" Erika called to them. "We can handle the ball-bearing. Those people in the building need help now!"
"On it!"
Hilary didn't waste a second, leaping high toward the wall-less frame with her husband right beside her. The two of them landed on the second floor and shot straight onto the offense, batting back the Cyberdrones as they scanned for helpless civilians. The closest group, huddled behind a half-built drywall, didn't need an order to race for the exit. The coast was clear, and Hilary was determined to keep it that way.
"Is it just me," she asked Ray as she spun into a slash that cleaved through a group of bots. "Or are these Cyberdrones really bad at safety regulations?"
"I know, right? It's like they're asking for an accident to happen." her husband laughed. "No safety equipment, no hard hats!"
"At least we showed up in bright colors!"
"Exactly!" As another group of Cyberdrones came at him, the Gold Ranger retreated, leaping toward an A-Frame ladder and planting his foot on the rung. As the henchmen closed in, he swatted them away, swinging around the frame to kick it into the robot. "Careful there! I hear that's bad luck!"
"Then yours is about to turn!"
Like a black flash, ArcKnight lunged into view, launching himself at Ray as the Gold Ranger leaped back in retreat. Ray's footing was fast, quick enough to gain some distance and prepare for the next assault. But rather than press on, ArcKnight spun around, eyeing Hilary skidding around the flank and pointing the sword's glowing tip. Streaks of lightning unleashed from the blade, cutting off Hilary's advance and forcing her onto the backfoot. The Silver Rangers halted, skipping back as ArcKnight stared the pair of them down.
"HELP!"
Hilary's heart seized as the panicked scream wailed above, whipping up her head to see a worker dangling from a suspended girder. He must have jumped to escape the pursuing drones and missed his footing and was now scrambling for grip as he held on for dear life. And, of course, the Cyberdrones on his floor were already preparing to make him fall. Someone needed to get to him, now!
Which would leave the other at ArcKnight's mercy.
"Hilary!"
Her gaze shot back to her husband's call, seeing the Gold Ranger's head nod to the space beside the building. A pallet on a pulley had been set up to haul goods between the floors. It was the perfect leverage Hilary needed, and its counterweight was tied off just ahead of Ray. ArcKnight stood between them, which left the way clear for Ray to lunge for the rope. It would leave him open to a counterattack, but it would give Hilary the perfect launching point.
Not the perfect plan, but it was the only one they had. No words needed to be spoken; a simple glance between the two to communicate their plan of action. Because who else knew her better, who else's mind could she read? They were each other's partner in crime, the perfect team.
And they knew exactly what they needed to do.
Without wasting another second, Hilary lunged for the suspended palette as Ray made for the rope, blade swinging back as ArcKnight saw their plan and lunged. Their timing was perfect, the sword cutting through the chord and releasing the weight just as Hilary's silver boots planted on the platform. As Ray spun around to block ArcKnight's strike, the wooden pallet beneath Hilary soared upwards, surging to the top at rocketing speed as her eyes narrowed on the helpless worker.
His grip was getting looser, already slipping off the beam. He looked like he was going to fall any second! But not if Hilary could help it.
Propelled by the rising platform, Hilary launched herself high, further supported by the strength of her Ranger suit as she soared toward the man. A second later, he was firmly in her grip, clutched beneath Hilary's arm as she whipped out her Security Pistol and opened fire on the leveled floor. The menacing Cyberdrones were unprepared for the Silver Ranger's dynamic entry, helpless to the fury of her fire as they collapsed into a steaming heap. With the ground clear, Hilary landed firmly on the floor as she let go of the man she'd rescued.
"Thank you!" he gasped as he collapsed on the solid ground. "I thought I was a goner!"
"Next time, take the stairs," Hilary advised.
As the man nodded gratefully and scurried to the descending ladder, Hilary's attention shot to the floors below, desperately scanning through the maze of half-completed floors for her husband.
Ray was on the back foot. Now cornered and alone, ArcKnight was determined to press on the assault, to back the Gold Ranger into a corner before help could arrive. The armored warrior was assaulting with full fury, determined to bring about the Ranger's end.
Oh no, you don't! Not today!
As Ray battered back the iron sword, Hilary lunged for the open, empty elevator shaft, rocketing downward in a furious bid to reach her husband.
"You know, ArcKnight," Ray told his opponent. "All these surprise appearances, it's like you're obsessed with me or something."
"My only obsession is with your demise!"
"Then prepare for disappointment!"
Reaching the floor, Hilary kicked out against the shaft, bounding off the wall and out into the open to surge toward ArcKnight. The armored warrior barely heard her taunt in time to react, spinning to plant his shield as Hilary's Mainframe Sword collided. The blade sheared against the surface as it bounced off, ArcKnight roaring as he threw Hilary off him and scowled.
"You'll have to do better than that, Hawkins!"
"Well then, how about this?"
Hilary's attack had been all Ray needed, the rescue from the pressure that allowed him to fold back the Mainframe Defender into its blaster mode. Now he stood there, smirking beneath his gold helm as ArcKnight realized he had nowhere to go.
"I know you want to face me alone," Ray chuckled.
"But that's just not how we do things," Hilary agreed.
Ray squeezed the trigger and unleashed a tidal surge of gold, blinding energy erupting from the barrels as ArcKnight gasped in fury and spun around his shield. He blocked just in time, enough to tank the damage, but nowhere near enough to hold his footing. The armored knight went flying, carried by the current of the blast, to soar out of the building site. With a grin of satisfaction, Hilary watched him land in the distance with a plume of choking dust, vanishing moments later in a furious flash of green.
"Thanks for the save," Ray smiled at her Hilary.
"Right back at you."
They took a moment, just one, to embrace the tenderness of their partnership, to enjoy the security of each other's company that had defined them for so long. Each knowing all they'd do to support the other.
"Now," Hilary decided as she spun to the unfolding battle below. "Let's shut down this wrecking crew."
"Good idea!"
The two of them launched from the higher floor, somersaulting into action as they enclosed on the Boiler-Maker's battle with the Rangers. Last time, they'd got him cornered before he started rolling. Now, it seemed to be all he could do, bounding around the place as his weighty forms crashed through anything in his path. At the speed he was moving, the Rangers could barely keep up to dodge.
"This isn't much of a fight!" he laughed as he smashed through the brickwork Abbey had just been standing in front of. "I'm just rolling over you guys!"
"I'm not a fan of ball games!" Abbey replied as she spun around and opened fire with her bow. The blast hit him back, bounding him away with a burst of sparks. The monster went flying, crashing into another wall as his impact sent flying a rain of debris. But as the smoke cleared, his armor was barely even scratched. Leaping back, Abbey cursed as she realized the futility of her shot and regrouped with Zeke and Erika.
"We've barely made a dent in this guy," Erika warned Ray and Hilary as she landed beside them.
"If we can't hold him still, then we'll never hit him with the DeFrag," Zeke agreed.
Mind racing, Hilary examined the scene, eying the destruction Boiler-Maker had wrought in his excited chase of the Rangers. On the ground, he was just too fast. But in the air…
"Erika," Ray realized, already speaking through the plan as if reading Hilary's mind. "Think you can hit him hard enough to send him spinning?"
"You know I can."
"Good," Hilary decided. "Send him to Zeke; we'll use the shield as a ramp."
The others nodded, realizing Hilary's plan as they readied to engage again.
"He'll still be moving fast once he's airborne," Abbey realized. "What do we do if he lands before we can assemble the canon?"
"Leave that part to me," Hilary replied. She just had to hope they could catch. "We've got no time to waste. Now, go!"
That was putting it mildly. While the other Rangers had come up with a plan, Miguel and Lena had been keeping Boiler-Maker busy, leaping for dear life as the rolling monster rumbled between them. But now they were at the end of the road, neither realizing that his seemingly uncontrolled path of destruction had been serving a purpose. With every leap and bound, Miguel and Lena had been slowly pushed closer together, and now they were the perfect targets.
"Two for the price of one!" Boiler-Maker announced with glee. "I'm on a roll!"
Having only just landed, the White and Dark Rangers had nowhere to go, crying in terror as the giant ball of metal smashed into them. He collided with explosive force, landing so powerfully that a fireball ignited beneath their feet as the two Rangers went flying. As the Boiler-Maker cackled, Miguel and Lena hit the ground, groaning as their Ranger suits flashed away.
"And I came in like a wrecking ball!" Boiler-Maker cackled, so consumed with his own hilarity that he didn't see the Red Ranger land beside him.
"And I've never hit so hard in love!" Erika replied. "Batter up!"
Her axe head glowed, crashing hard and low as the weapon flared on impact. With the Red Ranger's full might, Boiler-Maker went rocketing forward, right toward where the Yellow Ranger was standing.
"Time to roll out the welcome mat!" Zeke decided as he crouched low and tilted the shield.
"More like the exit mat!" Abbey corrected.
"Wait!" Boiler-Maker screeched. "What-re you-?"
As the rolling monster reached the Ranger's makeshift ramp, Abbey unleashed her bow, adding to the propulsion as Boiler-Maker hit the incline and rocketed into the air. And then it was Hilary's turn, and all she could do was pray she could catch.
Already waiting in position, she launched herself high, rocketing on an intercept path and grabbing hold of the globe-like creature. Shifting her weight, the Silver Ranger pulled downward, spinning to put herself beneath him as they plunged to the ground.
"Put you high in the sky, and now you're coming down!"
Her knees bent as she landed, as graceful as she could as she took the full weight of the monster on her shoulders, holding him in place as the Rangers readied their weapon. But the landing was much more than she'd accounted for. Hilary had done plenty of superhero landings in her time, but they were nothing compared to having the full weight of a wriggling iron ball land with her. The full force of the landing slammed into her, forcing Hilary's knees to buckle beneath the weight as the Boiler-Maker threatened to crush her. Flipped on his back, his tiny limbs flailed in fury as he pushed down on her with all his weight. Even with all the strength of her Silver Ranger suit, Hilary was struggling, inching closer and closer to the ground as Boiler-Maker's mass bore down upon her.
Her knees strained, her arms slipped, and Hilary let out a gasp of exasperation as she began to buckle beneath the weight on her shoulders. She thought she could take it; she thought she could handle it. But even with everything she had, it wasn't going to be enough.
The Rangers weren't ready, and they needed Hilary to hold him still to get off their one and only shot. If she let go, if Hilary bent to the pressure bearing down on her, they'd lose the only chance they had. She had to hold on, she had to!
And then the weight began to lift.
Boiler-Maker was growing lighter, the pressure on Hilary's shoulders lessening as it shifted to a weight she could handle. As if something else was holding it. As best she could, Hilary turned her head, almost gasping as she saw what she hadn't expected but should have.
It was Ray.
The Gold Ranger stood beside her, as close as possible, with his hands pressed beneath Boiler-Maker's bulbous body. He wasn't taking the weight from her, he was holding it with her.
"I've got you!" he told her, voice straining as he struggled with the weight.
Because he always would. He would always be by her side, helping take the weight she'd tried to hold all on her own. As she would always try for him. A nod of understanding was all they needed to share, and agreement on Hilary's part as she did all she could to take her share of the monster's mass.
"Guys?" Hilary pleaded into the coms. "Any time now!"
Right on cue.
"Wait!" Boiler-Maker pleaded. "I'm not ready to roll over!"
"DeFrag Blaster!" the trio of Rangers declared. "Fire!"
The spiraling beam of primary light boomed above them, crashing into Boiler-Maker's flailing position and ripping him from the Gold and Silver Rangers' hands. His tiny arms could only flail as the energy consumed him, moving faster than his own soaring body to drill through the armored plating and puncture out the other side. As the light from the cannon faded, Boiler-Maker crashed into the ground, detonating on impact as steaming chunks of metal flew in all directions.
With the weight lifted from their shoulders, both Ray and Hilary staggered forward, relived laughter cathartically released as they took a moment to catch their breath.
"Thanks for having my back," Hilary said gratefully.
"Always," Ray smiled back at her.
The moment of reprieve was all they were getting, as the bright green light seared down from the sky to illuminate Boiler-Maker's remains. Moments later, the monster returned with a flash, his crushing, globe-like body now towering over the city.
"All I want is to break your walls!" the monster bellowed at the tiny Rangers beneath him. "Is that such a big ask?"
"Now, that's a weight you're not going to be able to carry on your own," Ray noted to Hilary as they rejoined the other Rangers.
But the Silver simply smirked, tapping into the coms to transmit her request.
"Jess?" she asked. "You remember that new Zord combo we were working on?"
"Just had the same idea!" came the reply. "Deploying Zords!"
As the engines roared in the distance, Hilary watched as Ray turned to Miguel and Lena, demorphed and leaning on each other following their hit from Boiler-Maker.
"You guys deserve a break," he told them. "You did great."
The two teens nodded gratefully, vanishing in a crack of black smoke as Miguel wisped them away. Then, as the five Zords rocketed into view, the remaining five Rangers stood together, their original three proteges standing at their mentors' sides as they readied to take the monster together.
"Let's bring them together!"
The Rangers leaped into the air as the vehicles swept beneath them, all of them gracefully landing in their cockpits and strapping in as the Zords pulled into formation. Down below, the Red Street Racer and Yellow Truck Zords pulled alongside each other as the three aircraft pulled into a flying V. As the truck and racer formed the core body, the three Alpha Flyers steered closer to Abbey's Jet, drawn to the magnetic clamps as they combined into a larger aircraft. The red and yellow body surged upwards, the combined fliers swooped in, and the floor beneath Hilary dropped to send her seat shooting down into the shaft below. As Hilary whizzed into the brand-new cockpit of the combined Megazord, the armored plates of the fliers shunted forward, locking along the arms of the mech as the final pieces hissed into place.
Erika had her place at the central controls, with Zeke and Abbey beside her in ready support. Taking the seats on the flank, Ray and Hilary proudly sat on the edges, like a pair of wise guardians ready to guide their proteges.
"Hyper-Driver Megazord!" the five of them announced together, sitting proudly side by side.
"You guys again?" Boiler-Maker demanded. "You're really starting to make my blood boil!"
"You think you're boiling now," Hilary chuckled as she punched at the controls to pull up the full specs of the Megazord. "Erika, you know your favorite plan in the world?"
"Charge right in without a care, or hit it really hard?"
"Both."
"Gotcha."
On the other side of the cockpit, Ray was already on her page, diverting power and systems as he began guiding the others.
"Abbey. I need you to prime the jets. We're about to need maximum thrust."
"On it!"
"You all done over there?" Boiler-Maker demanded. "Time to get this ball rolling!"
"You're not rolling anywhere," Erika replied as she commanded the others. "Hit it!"
The thruster flared as the Hyper-Driver rocketed forward, a trail of blazing smoke left in their wake as they shot across the gap.
"Zeke!" Hilary warned. "Go low!"
The yellow complied without question, reefing down the leg controls as the Megazord skidded to a stop beneath Boiler-Maker and crouched lower. The hands clamped to the sides, holding tight and wide as the monster struggled in their gasp.
"Wait! What's happening?" he panicked. "Maybe we should roll back the clock on this one!"
"NOW!" Hilary commanded.
She, Ray, and Abbey all fired on the thrusters, the mighty jets on the Megazord's back roaring with new life as the force of the engines pummeled the ground. Then, with the might of all five Zords, the Hyper-Driver began to rise, and Boiler-Maker began to rise with it.
"Put me down!" he demanded. "I don't want to be a high roller."
But the Rangers paid him no heed, the Megazord pushing higher and higher into the air as their captive flailed in their grip. As the city grew smaller and smaller beneath them, the sky's blue hue grew softened, the darkness of the horizon beginning to appear as they breached the upper atmosphere.
"I think he's seen enough," Erika decided. "Time to let him crash?"
"Like a blazing fall," Hilary grinned delightedly.
"Wait! I'm not out of steam!" Boiler-Maker pleaded. "I'm not going to just roll over like this!"
"Only one place you're rolling!" Ray replied.
And giving Abbey the honors of the button, the Hyper-Driver's hands released their grip. For a moment, Boiler-Maker was weightless, arms flailing in surprise as the Megazord relinquished its hold. And then gravity got word, snatched him down to sink him like a stone. As the monster fell, the Rangers soared above him, with the Megazord's canons primed and ready as they emerged from the wrists and shoulder.
"Data Dump…" the Rangers announced together. "Blast!"
The beams of flaring light burst from the barrels, smashing into the falling monster as he plummeted towards the earth. The energy flashed on contact, exploding in a dazzling display as it shredded into the monster's form. And what the cannon didn't handle, gravity finished.
"All you did was wreck me!" the monster bemoaned.
The giant monster hit the Ranger's target dead on, crashing into the Lakeview gorge as the last of its form detonated in a calamitous blast. As the flames spiraled high in a twisting pillar, the Hyper-Driver touched down beside it, back to the vaporized monster as it looked out upon the city. And as it did, Hilary couldn't help but look at the others with beaming pride. At her husband, for all he did to help her. And three teens, whom he'd lifted up along the way.
"So," Xaviax's icy voice reverberated through his mask. "Once again, I am met with failure."
"Master!" ArcKnight pleaded. "I beseech you…!"
"No," Xaviax replied. "I grow tired of your excuses. It's always the same, time after time. You talk a big game, ArcKnight, but you do not put those actions into words. For a second time in two days, you had the Gold Ranger in your sights, and for the second time, you were unable to defeat him before his reinforcements could intervene. And now we are left still facing seven Power Rangers while Dr Hawkins is even closer to uncovering our plans. To be honest, ArcKnight, I'm beginning to wonder what purpose you even serve for me."
The warrior stood frozen in place, too humiliated to speak for fear of greater reprisal. Behind their master, Ender was silent. The monster maker was fortunate; while his creation had also failed to land any deceive victory over the Rangers, its existence had still fed into Xaviax's greater plan. Plans that their master had not deigned to tell his general.
"Master," said ArcKnight. "If you would only inform me of your plans, perhaps then I could better-!"
"Better, what, ArcKnight?" Xaviax sneered, "Please, do tell me, how could you possibly fulfill my desires more effectively by knowing more than you already do? Will it help you capture Dr Hawkins, perhaps? Or even her husband, who we could use as leverage against her? Would it help destroy the Power Rangers, who stand between us and the person we need to complete our goals? Or would telling you more simply enable further failure at what you've already been tasked with."
Like embers still steaming from deep beneath the doused coals, ArcKnight felt a growl rumbling in the chest, stifled just enough before his rage ignited. But even while suppressed, the anger continued to grow within, warming with renewed intensity as every lashing word stoked him. He, fail him?
When had Xaviax ever set foot on the battlefield? When had he faced down the Rangers, any of them, instead of lording from his tower behind his mask? Xaviax's presence before him was theatre, a pantomime that merely reminded ArcKnight of the power his master wielded. But it was power never used.
No, Xaviax cared more for schemes and valor in battle. It was power going to waste.
"I'll be honest," Xaviax continued, "I'm disappointed. I should have expected such rash insubordination from a program like Mileena, an obsolete reject created by a second-rate programmer. But you were crafted by my own hand, ArcKnight. You were born from me, forged to be my right hand to make my dreams a reality. Perhaps the mistake was mine, in imbuing you with so much skill and prowess, I've rendered you nothing more than a simple brute. Perhaps I would be better starting again, with a new and improved model."
"No, my master," ArcKnight bowed his head, determined not to allow his fear and fury to overtake him. Now, in the face of deletion, his steel and nerves were all he had to prove his worth. "I will not fail you again."
"See that you don't," Xaviax said coldly. "We are coming to the final phase of our plan. Soon, we will wipe the Rangers off the board, annihilate Dr Hawkins' defenses, and remove any obstacle to her cooperation. We cannot afford mistakes, so you'll just have to keep your precious ego in check."
As the final threat hissed from beneath his mask, Xaviax swept from the room, out of the viewing chamber, and back into the world of finance and business below. Back into his life as Davian Scolex.
Ender avoided ArcKnight's gaze, instead departing for his lab to prepare the next monster to send against the Rangers. Now alone, ArcKnight stood in the empty room, slowly turning to see the skyline of the city below.
This place was the source of all their master's designs and yet also their greatest barrier. Davian Scolex cared too much for his schemes and machinations, too embroiled in his web of conspiracy to see the solution in front of him. But he would see; yes, in due time, he would be made to see his arrogance and folly. He'd been born from the creator's mind, but that didn't mean ArcKnight belonged to it forever. Xaviax… Scolex, he erred on the side of caution. But to err was to be human, and humanity was a weakness.
Glaring at the city below, ArcKnight slowly realized what needed to be done. His deletion was at hand, of that he was certain. Even if he delivered the ultimate prize to his mater, it was becoming increasingly clear that Xaviax had no long purpose for his general. No, Scolex would likely have him destroyed merely for convenience. In his heart, the black hole of his programming, ArcKnight still held a hope that he and his master could see their envisioned future together. But that didn't mean contingencies wouldn't need to be made.
If Scolex intended to remove ArcKnight from the equation, then the warrior needed to be ready. He could make the preparations; and ensure that he would have what he needed. And then ArcKnight would enact his plan. If his master was determined to play chess with the Rangers, then it was the board that needed to be destroyed. And if Davian Scolex was the weakness within his master, then ArcKnight would need to destroy that too.
"He's coming!"
The four teens rushed to their places, lining up beneath the lights as Hilary inhaled a nervous breath. It had been a crazy idea, conjured in the spur of the moment and thought all but impossible; so simple, yet overwhelming to do all on her own so quickly. And yet, all available ears had been eager and excited the moment Hilary had thrown it out into the world. The beacons were lit, and the cavalry charged in with eager excitement to aid her plan with excited enthusiasm.
Lights had been strung above the roof of the museum, webbed from the top of the stairwell to the various antennae at the edges. Their bulbs now glowed like golden stars, basking on the rooftop in a warm warmth that illuminated the figures beneath them. At the center, Hilary had set a table, two spaces between the candlelit, with silver cloches covering the awaiting meals. Once she was happy that the rooftop setup was proceeding smoothly (and looking every bit as wonderful as she'd imagined), Hilary set to work getting herself ready, determined to make it a night to remember.
Turned out the hardest part of the entire operation was simply keeping Ray busy and preventing him from accidentally uncovering their preparations. And that, once again, was where the cavalry came to the rescue. Every single one of them thought of a reason to need Ray's attention; Abbey wanted college admission advice, Miguel needed someone to proof-read his English Paper, Erika wanted a second opinion on Electro-Head's setlist, and even Zeke thought of something he needed advice on. The only step left was the dress code, covered by Jess calling with the urgent warning that Hilary had been invited to a last-minute fundraiser and needed him to quickly suit up and join her.
Finally, it was Lena who took the duty of guidance, slyly luring Ray to the roof to at last reveal Hilary's surprise. As the Rangers hurried to their position, they began to hear Ray's muffled voice through the door.
"I'm happy to help Lena," they heard him explain. "But it might be useful to know what you need."
"I told you," Lena replied. "It's on the roof."
"That doesn't actually tell me anything."
"Just one more step," Lena grinned joyfully as she opened the door and gestured for Ray to continue. "After you."
Ray's jaw dropped as he stepped out into the evening air, awestruck at the beautiful array above him as he saw the rest of the team grinning mischievously at him.
"This looks amazing!" he gasped. "But how, why did you do all this?"
"Because I asked them." Hilary released her bated breath, shuddering in anticipation as she stepped out into view. And then Ray's jaw really hit the floor.
His eyes lit up, boggling as she elegantly stood before him in a floor-length dress of sequined silver. It flowed down to her ankles, elevated by the sandal heels, serenely wrapping around her figure while revealing just enough to leave the rest to his imagination. Glowing beneath the fairy lights, Hilary stood suggestively by the table and looked back at her husband lovingly.
And just like that, they were somewhere else. Back in her childhood home fifteen years prior, Hilary stood atop the stairs in a dress of dazzling gold while Ray looked up with an identical look of awe. All of a sudden, it was like they were kids again, staring back with the same nervous but excited fondness as if no time had passed at all. Every bit as in love now as they were back then.
More, even.
"I think the word you're looking for is…" Hilary giggled, echoing the same words she'd told him then. Only this time, Ray managed to find his breath.
"Oh, I know the word," Ray grinned. "Wow!"
Hilary's heart fluttered as he took a step toward her. The elation sang from her breast, dancing to her lips to encourage a smile as Ray's hands slowly moved to take her in his embrace. As his hand took her own and the other fell to her waist, Hilary pulled her husband in for a deep and passionate kiss. And then she looked over her shoulder with a sly and confident smirk as she addressed her scheming helpers.
"Thanks for your help, guys, I've got it from here."
The Rangers were one step ahead of her.
"Have fun, you two," Erika whistled as she and the others reached the stairs, shutting the door behind them to leave the married couple alone. Under the lights and the moonlit sky, the two of them held each other, reveling in their shared embrace as they slowly began to sway.
"So," Ray asked her mischievously. "Does that mean there's no last-minute fundraiser?"
"Sorry," Hilary admitted. "I needed an excuse to get you in a suit without giving the game away."
"No complaints here, this is definitely the better company," Ray replied as he motioned to the romantic set-up. "You really pulled all this together in an afternoon?"
"I called in the cavalry. You wouldn't believe how eager they were to help. You mean a lot to them, Ray. All of them."
Ray's eyes quivered, an unconscious breath of gratitude that escaped his lips made Hilary fall in love with him all over again. Because it wasn't just the team she was talking about. It was all the gratitude and appreciation she could muster, and it was all for him. And the message was coming through loud and clear.
Hilary's heart roared Ray pulled her closer still, nuzzling her against his chest to feel his heart softly beat through his breast to match the pace of her own. They stood there, swaying in the blissful quiet of the moment, before Ray, at last, turned to the meal that had been prepared and laid waiting on the table.
"So…" he asked with a teasing tentativeness. "Was that something you made or…?"
"Don't worry," Hilary giggled. "I ordered in."
"Oh, thank god."
She couldn't help but laugh, a light catharsis ringing from her lips in concession to his jest. And in that moment, it was as if a weight vanished from her shoulders, as if in voicing his usual jab, Ray told her all she'd needed to know. All she'd desperately hoped for: that they were going to be okay.
And then slowly, as the two of them swayed beneath the moonlight, Ray at last came to the obvious question. "What's brought all this on?"
"Let's just say I had a bit of a wake-up call," Hilary admitted, shuffling in closer to up look at him with her beautiful sapphire eyes. "You do so much for me, Ray, so much that I honestly have no idea where I would be without you. Because you're right, I am terrible at looking after myself. I go all in, I never count the cost, and I let it all consume me to the detriment of everything else. It's who I am; it's who I'm always going to be."
"It makes you the woman I married," Ray reminded her.
"I know," Hilary smiled. "And that's why I realized that the best way to take care of me, is to take care of you. Because I love you, Ray, so much, more than anything else in the world. And I don't ever want you to feel that I don't know what you give up by being with me. So I think it's time you got something back. Everywhere we've ever gone together has been for me, so now it's your turn. When this is all done, when Scolex is behind bars, and the Digitizer technology is safe, we'll go wherever you want to go. Here, home, back east, or out west. I don't care where it is, just so long as it will make you happy."
Ray was floored, stunned at the earnestness with which she meant it.
"Really? Are you sure?" he asked. Hilary nodded with more certainty than she'd ever had in her life, and as she did, Ray couldn't help but smile. "In that case, I already know where I want to go."
There was something about his expression, a daring that sent an excited, anticipant tingle down Hilary's spine. He leaned in close to whisper in her ear as Hilary released a shuddered breath, a prickling shiver flushing across her skin she listened close to her husband's desire.
"Wherever you'll be."
Wait… what?
Hilary pulled back, shocked at her husband's reply. Did he realize what she was telling him? What she was offering? There she was, giving him the world, giving herself to whatever path he wanted to walk down. And all Ray wanted was… her?
"Hilary," Ray explained. "All I've ever wanted was for you to be happy. I love what you do and how passionate it makes you. Because the best way to make myself happy is to make you happy. And seeing as I can do my job anywhere, that means I go where you are. Wherever that leads."
For a moment, Hilary could only stare, dumbfounded at the obviousness of his answer. And, without anything to stop it, she burst out laughing. Like a triumphant cheer of cathartic release, her elated hoots sounded above the rooftops, echoing into the starry sky as her husband beamed back at her.
If she was happy, he was happy.
If he was happy, she was happy.
It was so simple, and yet, in her obsessive self-pity, she'd completely skipped over it. The same as it always had been, and all that either ever wanted.
"Alright then," Hilary said to her husband as her eyes sparkled up at him. "Sounds like a plan. Wherever you want to go, and whatever you want to come next."
"Yeah," said Ray lovingly. "I think I can do that."
Neither kept track of how long they stayed there, up on the roof with the city lights glowering below. How long they swayed in each other's arms, lost in each other's arms as they embraced beneath the lights and stars and the moonlit night, oblivious to the world around them. That night, nothing else mattered, not the monsters, not the Digitizer, not Xaviax. To Ray and Hilary, all that mattered was each other and the knowledge nothing was going to get in their way as long as they were together.
NEXT TIME:
With the Spring Bloom fast approaching, Lakeview is abuzz with preparations. As the dresses are chosen and the decorations finalized, all are surprised to learn who Deryck intends to ask: Lena! While the others are suspicious, Lena is curious and eager to experience the human "dating" ritual for herself.
Meanwhile, aware that they're fumbling in the dark, the other Rangers set out to further their abilities, heading out to the city gorge to better prepare for the next monster attack. But out on the outskirts and isolated, Xaviax seizes the moment to strike, trapping them in the gorge while a monster attacks the city.
Will the Rangers manage to escape the gorge in time? Will Lena's date help her better understand the people she's sworn to protect? And with only Zeke in easy reach, will the two of them be able to hold off against Xaviax's ravenous new monster, or will Lena's first date also be her last?
Find out next time on:
POWER RANGERS
SERVER FORCE
Dating 101
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.