AN: part 2!
since we've reached this point I don't mind saying now that Blake's chapters have so far been my favorite to write. which is weird for me because she wasn't exactly my favorite in the show for a while.
Rogue Shadow part 2
Blake raced through the corridors, her heart pounding in her chest. The voice in her head had promised her the power, and a chance to escape this hellish arena. But more than that, it had awakened something within her, a determination to fight back against the darkness that seemed to permeate this place. as she ran, doubt began to creep in. Was she walking into another trap?
The sound of footsteps behind her made her ears twitch. She glanced back to see Wukong and the others from her cell block following her. A mix of emotions washed over her, gratitude for their loyalty, but fear for their safety.
"You didn't have to come," she called out between breaths.
Wukong's cybernetic eye whirred as he kept pace with her. "And let you have all the fun? Not a chance, little feline."
What exactly was she looking for?
As if in answer to her unspoken question, she rounded a corner and skidded to a halt. Before her stood a massive door, unlike anything she'd seen in the arena complex so far. It was made of a strange, ornate and shimmering material that seemed to shift and change as she watched. Wukong and the others caught up to her. "What in the galaxy are you doing?"
Blake turned to face her fellow prisoners, her amber eyes blazing with determination. "I... I'm not entirely sure," she admitted. "But I think this is our way out."
Wrex eyed the door skeptically. "Looks like a trap to me, kitty cat."
"It might be," Blake conceded. "But it's also our best chance. We can't keep fighting in that arena forever."
Before anyone could argue further, the strange door began to glow. Symbols appeared on its surface, pulsing with an otherworldly light. Blake felt drawn to them, as if they were calling out to her specifically.
Without thinking, she reached out and touched the glowing symbols. A surge of energy coursed through her body, and she gasped as unfamiliar sensations flooded her senses.
"Blake!" Wukong shouted in alarm.
But Blake couldn't respond. There were images that flashed through her mind at dizzying speed. worlds were burning, armies clashing, and at the center of it all, a dark entity commanding legions of Grimm and other monstrous creatures. Among them, she saw Salem, but not as she knew her. This was a 'younger' Salem, her skin still white but unmarred by the dark red veins that had characterized her in Blake's time. She saw many different versions of colorful warriors, fighting alongside each other against the Grimm. She saw strange, alien landscapes and terrifying Grimm creatures beyond her imagination. then she saw something even more shocking than all of the images she had seen so far, the 'younger' Salem bowed to the dark commanding entity!
And then, as suddenly as it began, the visions stopped. Blake stumbled backward, caught by Wrex's strong arms before she could fall.
"What... what just happened?" she mumbled, her head spinning.
Before anyone could answer, the door slowly swung open. Beyond it lay not another corridor or cell block, but a room filled with a large variety of weapons with none of them being identical to each other.
Blake stared in awe at the array of weapons before her. Swords, guns, and exotic alien weaponry she couldn't even begin to comprehend lined the walls and filled racks throughout the room. Her eyes widened as she spotted something familiar, Gambol Shroud, her own weapon, hanging on a nearby wall.
"What is this place?" Wukong whispered, his cybernetic eye whirring as it scanned the room.
Blake stepped forward, reaching for Gambol Shroud. As her fingers closed around the familiar hilt, the voice from before spoke up in her mind "hey, over here" she looked around for the source when she found it she was surprised. it was a strange small black object that looked no bigger then her scroll and it had a wrist strap on it.
Blake cautiously approached the small black device, her hand still gripping Gambol Shroud. As she got closer, she could see it was sleek and futuristic, unlike any technology she'd encountered on Remnant.
"What are you?" she whispered, reaching out to touch it.
The moment her fingers made contact, she could almost feel time compress and her consciousness was sent to a mindscape that looked like a Beacon Academy dorm room, actually it was their dorm specifically, including the bunkbeds.
I really need to stop touching things, she thought to herself as she looked around. A lightly armored figure whose helmet displayed digital eyes on the visor and outfit was vaguely cat-like in appeared appeared on one of the beds "well…for the first time in a really long time, I'm surprised." Blake jumped in surprise at the sudden presence "you're not exactly the person I thought would find me but you do fit the qualifications"
"who are you?" Blake asked still a bit shaken.
"I'm an Artificial intelligence, code name: Rogue Shadow"
Blake's eyes widened in surprise. "An artificial intelligence? Like Penny?"
The figure tilted its head, a hint of curiosity in its digitized voice. "I'm not familiar with Penny, but if she's an AI from your world, then yes, something similar. Though I suspect I'm quite a bit more advanced."
Blake's mind raced, trying to process this new information. "You're the voice I heard earlier, aren't you? The one that led me here?"
Rogue Shadow nodded. "Indeed. I've been waiting for someone like you, someone with the potential to wield my power and determination to fight against the darkness that threatens not just this world, but countless others."
Blake's brow furrowed. "What darkness? you mean The Grimm?"
The AI's form flickered slightly, its voice taking on a more serious tone. "The Grimm you've encountered here are just the beginning. The being you call the Overseer is part of a greater threat, one that spans across this Universe and perhaps others. I was originally created to combat this threat, but I need a partner. A wielder."
Blake glanced down at her hand, still gripping Gambol Shroud. "And you think I'm that partner?"
Rogue Shadow's digital eyes seemed to soften. "I know you have doubts, Blake Belladonna. You've fought for equality, for justice, but you've also known defeat and despair. But it's those very experiences that make you the ideal candidate. Your compassion, your determination, your ability to rise above your past, these are the qualities needed to face what's coming."
Blake took a deep breath, her mind whirling with the implications. "What exactly would partnering with you entail?"
"I would become an extension of you," Rogue Shadow explained. "My capabilities allow me to access The Morphing Grid, which would enhance your own fighting prowess. access to Advanced weaponry, tactical analysis, the ability to interface with technology across the Universe. Together, we could face threats you've never imagined."
Blake hesitated, her ears twitching nervously. "And what about my friends back in the cell block? What about getting home to Remnant?"
Rogue Shadow's form shifted, displaying holographic images of the arena and beyond. "Accepting me doesn't mean abandoning your immediate goals. In fact, I can help you escape this place and potentially find a way back to your world. But you should know , the path ahead won't be easy. The threats we'll face go far beyond what you've encountered so far."
Blake closed her eyes, weighing her options. The promise of power, of answers, was tempting, but she'd seen firsthand how the pursuit of power could corrupt. Yet, if what this 'Rogue Shadow' said was true, the stakes were higher than she'd ever imagined.
Opening her eyes, Blake met the AI's gaze. "If I accept, I'm doing so on my own terms. I won't forsake who and what I am just for the sake of power."
the AI's physical form seemed to relax "I just needed to be sure."
Blake was confused "wait 'sure' about what?"
The room started to break apart as the AI answered "that you understand who you are, that the spirit of your convictions will keep you on the right path despite the power. now with certainty I can say: Blake Belladonna, Huntress of Remnant," the room started to fade to white "You are worthy"
As the white light faded, Blake found herself back in the weapon room, gasping as her senses readjusted to reality. The small black device was now securely fastened to her wrist, pulsing with a soft purple light.
"Blake? You okay?" Wukong's voice snapped her back to the present.
She looked up to see her fellow prisoners staring at her with a mix of concern and confusion. Only a few seconds seemed to have passed in the real world.
"I'm... fine," Blake said, flexing her hand and feeling a new surge of energy coursing through her body. "Better than fine, actually."
As if on cue, alarms began blaring throughout the complex. The Overseer's voice boomed over hidden speakers, tinged with rage and... was that fear?
"Intruders in the Trophy Room! All guards converge! Do not let them escape!"
Blake's ears twitched as she heard the sound of heavy footsteps approaching. She turned to her companions, a newfound determination in her amber eyes.
"Everyone, grab a weapon," she ordered, her voice carrying an authority she didn't know she possessed. "We're getting out of here."
The others didn't need to be told twice. They rushed to arm themselves, each choosing weapons that suited their unique physiologies and fighting styles.
As Wrex hefted a massive energy hammer in two of his four arms, he grinned at Blake. "So, kitty cat, what's the plan?"
Blake's mind raced, tactical information flooding her consciousness courtesy of Rogue Shadow. She could see potential escape routes, guard patrol patterns, even the structural weaknesses of the arena complex.
"We fight our way to the main arena," she said, her voice steady. "From there, we can access the Overseer's control room. If we can take control of the arena's systems, we might have a chance of escaping this planet entirely."
Wukong's cybernetic eye whirred as he checked the charge on a sleek plasma rifle. "And what about the other prisoners? We can't just leave them behind."
Blake nodded, a plan already forming in her mind. "We'll free as many as we can along the way. The more chaos we create, the better our chances."
Just then, the door to the armory burst open, revealing a squad of guards in their Grimm-like armor. Their weapons were raised, ready to fire.
"Surrender now, and your deaths will be quick!" the lead guard shouted.
Blake's eyes narrowed, her hand tightening on Gambol Shroud. She felt Rogue Shadow's presence in her mind, enhancing her reflexes and battle awareness.
"how about 'no'?" she said softly, then louder to her companions, "Attack!"
In a blur of motion, Blake launched herself at the guards. Gambol Shroud sang through the air, its blade enhanced by energy from the device on her wrist. The guards' armor crumpled under her strikes.
Wukong and Wrex and the other warriors were right behind her, their newly acquired weapons blazing. The narrow doorway worked to their advantage, funneling the guards and preventing them from using their superior numbers effectively.
As Blake fought, she felt a strange sensation , as if her body was moving faster, reacting quicker than ever before. Rogue Shadow's voice whispered in her mind, providing tactical data and warning her of incoming attacks.
"Blake, duck!" the AI warned.
She dropped low without hesitation, feeling the heat of a plasma bolt pass over her head. In one fluid motion, she swept the legs out from under the guard who had fired, then drove Gambol Shroud through a weak point in his armor.
The battle was fierce but brief. Within minutes, the floor was littered with unconscious or groaning guards. Blake stood panting, surveying the carnage with a mix of pride and concern. She'd never fought so efficiently before, and part of her wondered if this new power might be too much.
"Nice moves, little feline," Wukong said, clapping her on the shoulder. "Where'd you learn to fight like that?"
Before Blake could answer, Rogue Shadow's voice echoed in her mind. "More guards approaching from the east corridor. We should move quickly."
Blake nodded, both to Wukong and in response to the AI. "We need to keep moving," she said aloud. "Our next stop is Cell Block B. We'll free as many prisoners as we can on our way to the arena."
As they moved through the corridors, Blake found herself naturally falling into a leadership role. She directed their movements, using Rogue Shadow's tactical analysis to avoid the heaviest concentrations of guards and find the quickest routes.
They freed prisoners as they went, their group swelling in size. Many were confused or frightened, but the sight of armed and determined escapees gave them hope. Blake made sure to arm as many as possible from the weapons they scavenged along the way.
As they neared the main arena, the resistance grew fiercer. Waves of guards attacked, their weapons more powerful and their tactics more coordinated. But Blake and her growing army fought back with everything they had.
In the heat of battle, Blake felt something changing within her. The power flowing through her from Rogue Shadow was growing stronger, more integrated with her own abilities. She found herself executing moves she'd never even dreamed of before, combining her natural agility with impossible feats of strength and speed.
"What's happening to me?" she thought, even as she vaulted over a guard's head, using Gambol Shroud to take out three more in a single swing.
"You're adapting to my power faster than anticipated," Rogue Shadow replied in her mind. "Your innate abilities are synergizing with my power. But be cautious, there's still many more…"
As if on cue, a bone-chilling roar echoed through the corridors. Blake's blood ran cold as she recognized the sound.
"What was that?" Wrex asked, his four arms tightening on his weapons.
It's the Alpha Beowolf" Blake responded readying herself.
The Alpha Beowolf burst through the wall, its massive form dwarfing the guards around it. Red eyes gleaming with malevolent intelligence, it fixed its gaze on Blake.
"You've caused quite the stir, little huntress," the Overseer's voice boomed from hidden speakers. "But playtime is over. My pet here will show you the true meaning of fear."
Blake's grip tightened on Gambol Shroud as she assessed the situation. The Alpha was larger and more heavily armored than any Beowolf she'd encountered before. Its bone plates seemed to pulse with an eerie red energy.
"Everyone, fall back!" she shouted to the escaped prisoners. "Wukong, Wrex , with me. We need to take this thing down fast."
As the others retreated, Blake, Wukong, and Wrex formed a defensive triangle. The Alpha Beowolf charged, its massive claws leaving gouges in the metal floor.
Blake leapt into action, her movements enhanced by Rogue Shadow's power. She darted under the creature's swipe, Gambol Shroud slashing at its exposed underbelly. But the blade barely scratched the surface.
"we need room to maneuver! lead it to the arena!" Blake shouted over the sound of scraping metal.
Blake, Wukong, and Wrex led the massive Alpha Beowolf through the corridors towards the main arena, dodging its savage attacks along the way. The creature's enormous bulk smashed through walls and doorways, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
As they burst into the arena, Blake's enhanced senses took in the vast open space. The stands were empty, but she could see guards and other Grimm gathering at the entrances, waiting for the Overseer's command.
"Spread out!" Blake called to her companions. "We need to flank it!"
Wukong darted to the left, his cybernetic arm transforming into an energy cannon. He fired a barrage of shots at the Alpha, but they seemed to dissipate harmlessly against its bone armor.
Wrex charged from the right, his four arms wielding an assortment of weapons. He managed to land a solid blow with his energy hammer, causing the Alpha to stumble briefly.
Blake used the distraction to leap onto the creature's back, driving Gambol Shroud into a gap between its armor plates. The Alpha roared in pain and fury, thrashing wildly to dislodge her.
"Its armor is too strong!" Wukong shouted, narrowly avoiding a swipe from the Alpha's massive claws.
Blake's mind raced, searching for a weakness. Suddenly, Rogue Shadow's voice echoed in her thoughts.
"The red energy pulsing through its armor , it's similar to the power source I detected in the Overseer's chamber. If we can disrupt it, the Alpha's defenses should weaken."
"How do we do that?" Blake thought back, barely maintaining her grip as the Alpha bucked and twisted.
"Your weapon , channel my energy through it. Aim for the largest armor plate on its back."
Blake focused, feeling a surge of power flow from the device on her wrist into Gambol Shroud. The blade began to glow with an intense purple light.
"Wukong! Wrex! Keep it distracted!" she shouted.
Her companions redoubled their efforts, attacking the Alpha from all sides. The massive Grimm roared in frustration, torn between multiple targets.
Seizing her moment, Blake plunged the energized Gambol Shroud into the center of the Alpha's back plate. There was a blinding flash of light as purple energy collided with red.
The Alpha Beowolf let out an ear-splitting shriek. Its armor began to crack and splinter, the red energy dissipating rapidly.
"Now!" Blake yelled. "Hit it with everything you've got!"
Wukong's energy cannon blazed, Wrex's weapons found their mark, and Blake herself leapt clear, firing Gambol Shroud in its gun form. The combined assault tore through the Alpha's weakened defenses.
With a final, earth-shaking roar, the Alpha Beowolf collapsed to the arena floor. Its massive form began to dissolve into black mist, leaving behind only a fading red glow where its armor had been.
Blake landed gracefully, her chest heaving from the exertion. She looked to Wukong and Wrex, who were similarly winded but grinning with the thrill of victory.
"We did it," Wukong said, his cybernetic eye whirring as it scanned the dissipating Grimm. "I can't believe we actually took that thing down."
But their moment of triumph was short-lived. A slow, mocking applause echoed through the arena. Blake's ears twitched as she turned to face the source of the sound.
The Overseer stood in its private box, its jackal-like head tilted in what might have been amusement. "Impressive, little huntress," its voice boomed. "You continue to surprise me. But did you really think it would be that easy?"
With a wave of its clawed hand, the arena entrances burst open. Hordes of Grimm poured in , Beowolves, Ursai, and creatures Blake had never seen before. "You've provided excellent entertainment," the Overseer continued, its red eyes gleaming. "But all games must come to an end."
Blake's mind raced, searching for a way out. They were outnumbered and outgunned. Even with her newfound powers and her companions' strength, they couldn't hope to fight their way through this.
"Any bright ideas?" Wrex growled, hefting his weapons as the Grimm and guards advanced.
Suddenly, Rogue Shadow's voice echoed in Blake's mind. "The Overseer's control room. If we can reach it, I might be able to override the arena's systems."
Blake nodded, her resolve hardening. "We need to get to that control room," she said to Wukong and Wrex. "It's our only chance."
"Great plan," Wukong replied sarcastically. "Except for the army of monsters between us and there."
'Rogue Shadow' spoke up "there is one way, I was hoping to have more time to adapt you to this but it appears we have no choice now"
Blake's heart raced as she stared at the morpher on her wrist. "Just say the phrase 'It's Morphin Time' followed by my name 'Rogue Shadow'"
Blake took a deep breath, steeling herself for whatever was about to happen. She raised her wrist, the morpher glowing with pulsing energy.
"It's Morphin Time!" she called out, her voice ringing through the arena. "Rogue Shadow!"
A surge of power unlike anything she'd ever felt before coursed through her body. Purple energy enveloped her, swirling around her form like a tempest. Blake felt her body changing, growing stronger, faster, more powerful.
When the light faded and the dust from the sudden explosion of power settled, Blake stood transformed. She was clad in a sleek, black suit of armor with yellow highlights that seemed to blend seamlessly with the shadows around her. Her cat ears were now part of her helmet, giving her an even more feline appearance. Gambol Shroud had transformed as well, becoming a more advanced, energy-infused version of itself.
Wukong and Wrex stared in awe. "By the cosmic winds," Wukong whispered in awe. "a Power Ranger!"
Blake looked at where The Overseer was and saw a mixture of fear and rage in his face "IMPOSSABLE! THAT MORPHER WAS BROKEN!"
she turned to her still stunned in awe allies "get to the control room. I'll keep the Grimm busy"
Wukong, shaking himself out of his stunned state, said "but even if you are a Power Ranger now, there must be at least a hundred of them!"
Blake then spoke with a confidence she felt from one person before, her teammate and close friend Yang "I know, he should have sent more" She launched into action, moving faster than she ever had before.
Blake moved with incredible speed and agility, her new Ranger form enhancing her already formidable skills. She leapt into the fray, Gambol Shroud flashing as it cut through Grimm after Grimm.
The creatures dissolved into black mist as they fell, but more kept coming. Beowolves lunged at her with razor-sharp claws, only to find themselves striking nothing but air as Blake's shadow clones reappeared, her new powers allowed her to mimic her semblance now amplified by her Ranger powers.
The Overseer roared, its composure cracking. "Guards! Destroy her!"
Plasma bolts sizzled through the air, but Blake was always one step ahead. She vaulted over a charging Ursa, using it as a shield against the guards' fire. The beast roared in pain before dissolving, and Blake was already moving to her next target.
As she fought, Blake could sense Rogue Shadow's presence in her mind, feeding her tactical data and helping her anticipate attacks. It was like having a second set of eyes and reflexes.
"The others are nearing the control room," the AI informed her. "But they're meeting heavy resistance."
Blake nodded, knowing she needed to buy them more time. She tapped into a new power she felt bubbling beneath the surface, channeling energy into Gambol Shroud. The weapon hummed, then split into multiple energy blades that orbited around her.
With a thought, she sent the blades flying, each one finding its mark in a Grimm or guard. The arena was filled with flashes of purple light as her attacks connected, clearing a wide space around her.
But the onslaught was relentless. For every enemy she took down, two more seemed to take its place. Blake could feel fatigue starting to set in, her movements becoming just a fraction slower.
"Your friends have reached the control room," Rogue Shadow reported. "But the Overseer's security systems are proving difficult to crack."
Blake gritted her teeth, knowing she had to hold out just a little longer. She gathered her strength for one final push, channeling a large amount of energy into a massive attack.
"Shadow Storm!" she called out, instinctively knowing the name of this new technique.
A whirlwind of dark energy erupted around her, expanding outward in a shockwave that sent Grimm and guards flying. For a moment, the arena fell silent, the remaining enemies stunned by the display of power.
Using the brief respite, Blake turned her attention to the Overseer's box. With a mighty leap, enhanced by her Ranger powers, she soared through the air, landing gracefully in front of the Grimm-like being.
The Overseer stumbled back, its red eyes wide with a mixture of fear and rage. "I defeated the previous owner of those powers ten thousand years ago" he swiped at her but she dodged out of the way landing back in the arena. "and I'll gladly do it again!" he jumped out towards her landing on the arena ground.
Blake stood her ground as the Overseer landed heavily in the arena, its massive form towering over her. Despite her newfound power, she couldn't help but feel a chill run down her spine at the sight of this ancient, evolved Grimm.
"You may have fancy new powers, little huntress," the Overseer growled, its voice dripping with malice, "but you're still just a child playing a hero. I've devoured worlds, crushed civilizations. What hope do you have?"
Blake's grip tightened on Gambol Shroud, her mind racing. She knew she couldn't match the Overseer in raw strength, but maybe she didn't have to.
"It's not just 'hope' that I have" Blake replied, her voice steady despite her racing heart. "but the Will to fight for what's right, because no matter what you or Salem says, ten thousand years later, WE ARE STILL HERE!"
The Overseer laughed, a harsh, grating sound that echoed through the arena. "Pretty words, but I've seen inside your mind Huntress. the only thing driving you is your own guilt."
Blake's eyes narrowed behind her helmet. The Overseer's words had struck closer to home than she cared to admit. But she refused to let doubt take hold. "You're right," she said, her voice low and determined. "I do carry guilt. For the mistakes I've made, the people I've hurt. But that guilt doesn't define me, It drives me to be better, to fight harder!"
With shocking speed for its size, the Overseer lunged at Blake, its massive claws raking through the air. Blake's enhanced reflexes allowed her to dodge, but she could feel the wind from the attack ruffle her suit.
She retaliated with a flurry of strikes from Gambol Shroud, the now energy-infused blade leaving trails of purple light in its wake. But the Overseer's bone armor seemed to absorb the blows with minimal damage.
"We need to find a weak point," Rogue Shadow's voice echoed in her mind. "Its armor is strong, but there must be a vulnerability."
Blake nodded, continuing to dodge and weave around the Overseer's attacks. She noticed that while most of its body was covered in thick bone plates, its joints seemed less protected.
Seizing an opportunity, Blake feinted left, then used her shadow clone to leap over the Overseer's head. As she sailed over, she drove Gambol Shroud into the back of the creature's neck, right where the armor plates met.
The Overseer roared in pain and fury, black ichor seeping from the wound. It thrashed wildly, nearly catching Blake with a backhand swipe as she landed.
"Insolent whelp!" it snarled, its red eyes blazing. "you think you're a hero?" The Overseer's form began to shift and grow, bone plates extending and reshaping. "it was you and your team's actions that caused Atlas to fall!" Within moments, it had transformed into a monstrous, draconic version of itself, with wings of bone and a tail tipped with razor-sharp spikes. "Hero's don't betray their allies for a group of strangers they barely even know!"
Blake stumbled back, the Overseer's words hitting her like a physical blow. Memories of Atlas' fall flashed through her mind, the chaos, the destruction, the lives lost. For a moment, doubt crept in, threatening to overwhelm her. Had their actions truly led to that catastrophe?
"Don't let it get to you," Rogue Shadow's voice echoed in her mind. "It's trying to exploit your fears and guilt. Stay focused."
She remembered the faces of those they'd saved, the lives they'd protected. She thought of Ruby's unwavering optimism, Weiss's determination to forge her own path, and Yang's fierce loyalty. They had made difficult choices, but they had always strived to do what was right.
Blake took a deep breath, centering herself. "You're right about one thing," her voice was growing stronger with each word. "I'm not a perfect hero. I've made mistakes, and I'll probably make more. even with all of my failures, I'll never stop fighting against the monsters like you!"
The transformed Overseer let out an earth-shaking roar and launched itself into the air. It circled the arena once before diving straight for Blake, its jaws open wide to reveal rows of gleaming teeth.
Then something extremely unexpected happened.
as the transformed Overseer approached she heard a loud sonic boom and a split second later a golden…beam? large bullet? whatever it was clipped the wings of the transformed Overseer causing it to slam into the wall behind Blake as she dodged out of the way. Blake looked towards the crater made by whatever just landed and saw…YANG?! it was Blake's turn to be too stunned to say anything as Yang got up to dust herself off. when she looked up she immediately, and extatically yelled "BLAKE!" and hugged her.
Blake stood frozen in shock as Yang embraced her, her mind struggling to process this sudden turn of events. "Yang?" she finally managed to stammer out. "How... how are you here?" then realized something "wait how did you know it was me?" Yang pulled back from the hug, grinning widely. "Are you kidding? I'd recognize those cat ears anywhere, even on a Power Ranger helmet!" Her expression turned more serious as she glanced at the crater where the Overseer had crashed. "As for how I'm here, it's a long story involving interdimensional portals, a spaceship, and a group of Power Rangers. But the short version is: I've been looking for you."
Before Blake could respond, a furious roar erupted from the rubble. The Overseer burst forth, its draconic form battered but still very much a threat.
"You!" it snarled, its red eyes fixed on Yang. "The little dragon who escaped my brethren. How fitting that you should arrive just in time to witness your friend's demise!"
Yang's eyes flashed red as she took a fighting stance beside Blake. "The only one getting demolished today is you, ugly."
Blake couldn't help but smile beneath her helmet at Yang's familiar bravado. Having her partner by her side filled her with renewed energy and determination.
"Yang," she said quickly, "this thing is tough. Its armor is nearly impenetrable except at the joints."
Yang nodded, she lifted her own golden morpher up and touched the glowing crystal.
"Golden Dragon, Spirit UNLEASHED!" she yelled as her spirit energy surrounded her forming her Ranger form. "shall we?"
"we shall" Blake agreed after being in momentary awe.
As the Overseer charged towards them, Blake and Yang moved in perfect sync. Years of training and fighting together allowed them to anticipate each other's moves without a word.
Blake used her power to mimic her shadow clone ability, using it as a springboard to launch herself high into the air. Meanwhile, Yang met the Overseer's charge head-on, her fist connecting with its jaw in an explosive punch that sent shockwaves through the arena.
The Overseer staggered back, momentarily stunned. Blake capitalized on the opening, bringing Gambol Shroud down in a powerful strike at the base of its neck where she had wounded it earlier.
The creature roared in pain and fury, its tail whipping around to swat Blake away, but Yang was there in an instant to catch her.
"I think it's time we ended this." Yang said as she set Blake down on her feet "You up for a combo attack?"
Blake nodded, an idea forming in her mind. "Rogue Shadow," she thought, "can we channel some of my Ranger energy into Yang?"
"It's possible," the AI responded, "but it could be dangerous. Your partner isn't acclimated to this type of power."
"Do it," Blake said aloud. She turned to Yang. "This might feel a bit strange, but trust me, okay?"
Yang nodded. "Always."
Blake reached out, grasping Yang's left hand. She focused, channeling her Ranger energy through their connection. Yang gasped as purple energy began to swirl around her, mixing with her own golden dragon spirit while at the same time, Yang's Dragon spirit energy was mixing with Blake's energy.
"Shadow" Blake instinctively began as the energy concentrated into her weapon
"Dragon" Yang continued, also instinctively, the energy concentrated into the gun portion of her mechanical arm.
"STRIKE!" they both shouted in unison as a massive beams of energy erupted from their weapons towards the Overseer.
The combined beam of purple and golden energy streaked across the arena, slamming into the Overseer with devastating force. The creature let out an ear-splitting shriek as the energy tore through its bone armor, ripping away layers of the black flesh.
For a moment, the Overseer's form seemed to waver, its draconic shape destabilizing.
"Impossible," it gasped, its voice a mere shadow of its former power. "I am... eternal. I cannot be..." Before it could finish, the Overseer's body began to dissolve into black mist, much like the lesser Grimm it had commanded.
As the energy faded, Blake and Yang stood panting, their hands still clasped together. The arena fell eerily silent, the remaining Grimm and guards seemingly frozen in shock at the fall of their master.
"We... we did it," Blake breathed, her Ranger suit flickering slightly as she struggled to maintain the transformation.
Yang's helmet was dissipating but she was still grinning, though her own Ranger energy was on the verge of being depleted. "Was there ever any doubt?"
Before they could celebrate further, Wukong's voice crackled over the arena's speaker system. "Uh, Blake? shall I inform the rest of the Grimm still in the arena, that you are unavailable to fight?"
Blake rose back on her feet, turning to Yang. "Think you're up for one more fight?"
"Always," Yang replied with a wink but even with their new powers they were both drained and not sure if they'll even survive the onslaught that was approaching. as the other Grimm slowly approached them Wukong's voice came back over the arena's speaker system " don't worry, thanks to our new friend here, help is on the way!"
both Blake and Yang looked at each other thinking 'new friend?' and looked up at the control room seeing a Ranger like figure in white and gold.
"him again?" Yang wondered out loud but then she, Blake, and the Grimm were distracted by the sound of a stamped. the warriors from Blake's cell block as well as many other prisoners of various races charged forwards against the Grimm with a loud unified war cry!
Blake and Yang watched in awe as the tide of battle suddenly turned. The freed prisoners, armed with weapons from the armory and driven by a newfound hope, crashed into the remaining Grimm like a tidal wave.
The Grimm, without the Overseer's influence, seemed disorganized and confused. Many began to dissolve into black mist as they fell to the onslaught of determined fighters.
"Looks like the cavalry has arrived," Yang grinned, her fists still raised despite her exhaustion.
Blake nodded, relief washing over her. "Let's finish this."
Together, they charged back into the fray. Blake's Ranger powers, though weakened, still gave her enhanced speed and strength. Yang's dragon spirit, while dimmed, continued to fuel her powerful strikes.
As they fought, Blake caught glimpses of familiar faces in the crowd. Wukong, his cybernetic arm blazing with energy blasts. Wrex, using all four of his arms to devastating effect against a group of Beowolves.
The battle was fierce but brief. Without their master to guide them, the remaining Grimm fell quickly to the combined might of the freed prisoners and the two huntresses.
As the last Grimm dissolved into mist, a cheer went up from the crowd. Weapons were raised in triumph, alien voices calling out in a cacophony of victory cries.
Blake's Ranger suit finally flickered out, leaving her in her normal attire. She stumbled slightly, caught by Yang's strong arm.
"Whoa there, partner," Yang said softly. "I've got you."
Before Blake could respond, they were surrounded by the cheering crowd. Wukong pushed his way through, a wide grin on his face.
"You did it, little feline!" he exclaimed. "Or should I say, Ranger?"
Blake managed a tired smile. "We all did it. Together." but she spotted someone in the stands. it was the Cyborg from the bar aiming his weapon at them. her enhanced senses could see the laser sight aiming at Wukong's back.
everything happened fast, she yelled "Sniper!" the crowd of warriors scattered, she knew Wukong wasn't going to move out of the way in time and without even thinking, she placed herself between Him and the cyborg sniper and closed her eyes expecting the end to come…but the only thing she felt was the heat of the blast missing, striking empty ground to her left. she opened her eyes to see the White Ranger they saw earlier with his sword through the cyborg.
Blake stood frozen in shock, her eyes fixed on the White Ranger as he pulled his sword from the now limp body of the cyborg sniper. Blake was shaken out of her shock by Yang yelling towards the figure "Who are you? And why do you keep showing up to help us?"
The mysterious figure jumped from the stands landing in the arena with a thud creating a dust cloud around him as he approached "I'm sorry Yang, Blake" White Ranger said, his voice distorted "but I cannot answer all your questions yet."
Blake and Yang exchanged glances, their confusion evident. Wukong, who had been stunned into silence by the near-miss and sudden appearance of the White Ranger, finally found his voice.
"You're the one who helped us access the control room," he said. "But how did you get here so fast?"
The White Ranger didn't answer immediately. Instead, he turned his attention back to Blake. "You've done well, adapting to the Ranger powers so quickly. But this is just the beginning."
Blake felt a chill run down her spine at his words. "The beginning of what?"
"A war," the White Ranger replied grimly. "One that spans across this universe and ou-yours." the White Ranger seemed to trip over his words but continued "The Overseer was just a pawn in a much larger game."
Yang stepped closer to Blake, her protective instincts kicking in. "What game? And who's playing it?"
The White Ranger shook his head. "I've already said too much. You'll learn more in time. For now, focus on getting back to Earth I believe Weiss should be arriving there shortly."
now Yang was really confused "how do you…wait let me guess 'can't tell us'?"
The White Ranger nodded in acknowledgement.
"Uugghh" Yang groan in frustration "whos stupid and convoluted rules could you possibly be following?!"
The White Ranger looked down considering his answer and when he looked up, while Yang couldn't see his eyes she could somehow sense he was looking into hers "yours"
Yang was too flabbergasted by the answer to ask more questions.
however everyone was distracted by a large blue ship with red highlights that was landing in the arena to notice the white ranger leaving via portal. as a landing ramp extend to the ground a male with blond and brown hair wearing a gray uniform jacket over a red shirt walked out.
"Ladies and gentlemen," he announced with a roguish grin, "your ride is here. I'm Andros, Red Space Ranger and captain of the Astro Megaship. I hear you folks could use a lift off this rock?"
Blake and Yang exchanged glances, still processing everything that had just happened. The White Ranger's cryptic warnings, the revelation about Weiss, it was almost too much to take in.
"Um, yes," Blake finally managed. "We definitely need to get out of here, But..." she looked around at the crowd of freed prisoners, aliens of all shapes and sizes who had fought alongside them. "What about everyone else?"
Andros held up a hand reassuringly. "Don't worry. I've already contacted Space Patrol Alpha. They're sending ships to evacuate everyone and secure this facility. Yang," he pointed at Blake "I assume this is your friend you came to rescue?"
Yang nodded, her arm still protectively around Blake's shoulders. "Yeah, this is my partner Blake. We need to get back to Earth as soon as possible."
Andros smiled. "No problem. We'll get you there in no time. But first..." He turned to address the crowd of freed prisoners. "Anyone who wants passage to Earth or needs immediate medical attention, you're welcome aboard the Megaship. The rest of you, sit tight. Help will be here soon."
There was a flurry of activity as some of the aliens began to board the ship. Blake turned to Wukong and Wrex, who were hanging back.
"You're not coming?" she asked, a hint of sadness in her voice.
Wukong shook his head, a small smile on his face. "Nah, little feline. Earth's not really my scene. Besides," he gestured to the other prisoners, "someone's gotta help keep this lot in line until the authorities arrive."
Wrex nodded in agreement. "We'll make sure everyone gets the help they need. You two have a bigger fight ahead of you, I think."
Blake felt a lump in her throat. Despite the short time she'd known them, these aliens had become her comrades-in-arms. "Thank you," she said softly. "For everything."
"Hey," Wukong grinned, "that's what friends are for, right? Even if those friends are from different planets."
After a round of heartfelt goodbyes, Blake and Yang boarded the Astro Megaship. As they settled into their seats for takeoff, Blake finally allowed herself to relax slightly but the words of the Overseer still echoed in her mind.
"Yang," she said quietly, she knew she had to be direct about it just to see if the guilt she was feeling was her own "was the fall of Atlas our fault? did we make a mistake in trusting Robyn Hill before General Ironwood?"
Yang turned to Blake, her lilac eyes softening with understanding. She took Blake's hand in her own, giving it a gentle squeeze.
"Blake, we made the best decisions we could with the information we had at the time," Yang said softly. "Ironwood... he was paranoid, making choices out of fear thinking it was logic. We couldn't have known how things would turn out."
She paused, choosing her words carefully. "Trusting Robyn wasn't a mistake. She genuinely wanted to help her people, just like we did."
Yang paused, her gaze distant as she recalled those tumultuous days before the evacuation. "Could we have done things differently? Maybe. But we can't know for sure if it would have changed the outcome. Salem was coming for Atlas, one way or another."
Blake nodded slowly, absorbing Yang's words. "But so many people suffered, so many lives were lost..."
"I know," Yang said, her voice thick with emotion. "And it's okay to feel that weight, to wish we could have saved everyone. But we can't let that guilt paralyze us or make us doubt ourselves. We fought for what we believed was right, and we never stopped trying to protect people."
Blake nodded slowly, feeling some of the tension leave her body. "You're right. It's just... hearing the Overseer say those things, it brought back all those doubts."
"That's what creatures like that do," Yang said, her voice firm. "They try to use our fears and insecurities against us. But we're stronger than that. We've faced our demons before, and we'll do it again."
Blake felt a weight lift from her chest at Yang's words. "what did you mean earlier about interdimensional portals and alien spaceships? And how did you know where to find me?"
Yang took a deep breath, her lilac eyes meeting Blake's amber ones. "It's a long story, partner. But we've got time before we reach Earth. Let me tell you about the Jungle Fury Rangers, a chill guy named RJ, and a whole lot of pizza..."
As the Astro Megaship lifted off, leaving the prison arena planet behind, Blake listened intently to Yang's tale. Their adventure was far from over, but for now, they were together again. And somehow, Blake knew that whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them side by side.
AN: unfortunately we have now reached the point I had hoped I had bought myself enough time for but nope.
don't worry I'm not done or giving up, just announcing that it's, from here on out, not weekly any more. we have reached the original point I was stuck at last year before I found the SUNO AI and made a bunch of songs based off my outline, which inspired me to further extend this fic.
like I said I'm not done yet.
until this 'Part 1' is completed, I'm not even close to being done yet!