Power Rangers: Zero Tolerance [Archive]

bushwacka666

06-07-2008, 04:40 AM

***SUIT-RELATED CREDIT STUFF***
Basic template courtesy of Acatl.

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A very special individual whose birth was brought about through mystical means rather than conventional means – has no biological father as her mother became magically pregnant with her. Her arrival is foretold in an ancient prophecy, declaring that she is the one destined to fight the evil Metal Minds and protect humankind from the threat they pose. However, although her destiny only relates to the Metal Minds, she has also found herself fighting other villains, such as Takala.

Jasmine inherits many traits from her mother Tara: she is a beautiful young woman whose strength is commendable, whose skill is impressive and whose determination is unwavering. Told about her destiny from a very young age, she has grown up over the years with the knowledge of what her future holds, allowing her the time needed to accept and train for the battle to come. She also possesses a unique ability to assist her with this: she can observe any manoeuvre or fighting style, and then instantly copy it without hesitation or error.

Despite her not having any genetic ties to him, Jasmine also seems to have inherited some characteristics from her adoptive father Steven: she is able to remain level-headed in even the most critical of situations, and offers nothing but her best effort to accept the burden of her destiny with a smile – such qualities will prove vital if she is to ultimately emerge victorious.

Jasmine is a very popular girl at school, although her only two close friends are Tyler and Craig. In her life of being a chosen one and fighting evil, she relies on the boys to maintain her connection with a more normal existence. Her friendship with Craig can prove complicated at times though, as she knows about his deeper feelings for her that she is simply unable to return. Her best friend of all, however, is her mother, with whom she shares an extremely close bond. The Bennet women have always supported each other through the last 17 highly chaotic years. Jasmine also finds essential support and guidance in the form of her deceased father, whose ghost secretly remains to watch over her. They also share a close relationship, but she does feel some frustration as nobody will tell Jasmine the specific details about how he died

As Ranger Zero, Jasmine is the key ingredient in keeping Stone Canyon, and indeed the whole world, safe from the Metal Minds. She wields the Fatal Zero, a versatile weapon with six different modes. She drives the Zero-G, a unique hovering vehicle with unparalleled manoeuvrability. Her Zord is the Zero Striker, a mighty warrior-class machine capable of close combat, as well as the potent Zero Blast attack.

Since more Hyper Rangers joined the ranks, they have used their armour to supply Jasmine with different modes and forms. Both Tyler and Craig’s shoulder cannons clamp to her arms to provide the energy firing Prometheus Mode. Team Militia’s armour provides the powerful Artillery Mode.

Prometheus Mode:
http://h1.ripway.com/darkforge/PRZT/RZ - Prometheus Mode.bmp

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Tyler is one of Jasmine’s closest friends. A strong and talented martial artist, he can often be found working out in the gym at the Dominion or shooting hoops down at the basketball court. He does well at school, although would much rather be relaxing given half the chance.

Both Jasmine and Craig know they can count on Tyler to stick by them as well as lighten the mood in any depressing situation. Since finding out about Jasmine’s secret identity as Ranger Zero, he has vowed to help her in the fight against evil.

As the Blue Ranger, Tyler forms part of the core team that keeps Stone Canyon, and indeed the whole world, safe from the Metal Minds. He wields the Hyper Sword as well as the Hyper Blaster sidearm. He also makes use of a shoulder-mounted laser cannon. He rides a Hyper Cycle which boasts great speed and firepower. His Zord is the Hyper Tank, an armoured tracked vehicle armed with twin beam cannons on the roof.

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Craig is one of Jasmine’s closest friends. A quiet and reflective young man, his keen attitude to school along with his glasses and dress sense sometimes earns him the label of “nerd”. Both Jasmine and Tyler try to bring him out of his shell, however, with Tyler teaching him martial arts.

Although he is a shy individual, Craig is nonetheless fiercely loyal to his friends, always willing to do whatever it takes to help them. Secretly he also carries a torch for Jasmine, but has lost all faith in a relationship after she refused an expensive present from him. Since finding out about Jasmine’s secret identity as Ranger Zero, he has vowed to help her in the fight against evil.

As the Yellow Ranger, Craig forms part of the core team that keeps Stone Canyon, and indeed the whole world, safe from the Metal Minds. He wields the Hyper Bow as well as the Hyper Blaster sidearm. He also makes use of a shoulder-mounted laser cannon. He rides a Hyper Cycle which boasts great speed and firepower. His Zord is the Hyper Cruiser, a swift aircraft armed with powerful blaster cannons.

Team Militia
Picture (http://h1.ripway.com/darkforge/PRZT/Militia.PNG)
Residing in Angel Grove, Team Militia is the first of the additional support teams to aid Jasmine in her fight. Their leader is Mitch Dunford, the Green Ranger, whose self-assured personality appears to affect Jasmine. Graham Turner, the Black Ranger and Tony Brett, the Orange Ranger follow Mitch's orders to the letter, dedicated to supporting Ranger Zero whenever the need arises. Mitch wields the Hyper Staff, Graham wields the Hyper Axe and Tony wields the Hyper Slingshot. All members carry the Hyper Blaster sidearm.

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Back when her surname was Lawrence, she fought against evil as the Green Zodiac Ranger. Now, 23 years later, Tara guides and trains her daughter through her own battles.

Once upon a time, little did Tara know that she was destined to magically fall pregnant through no action of her own, and give birth to a miraculous child who would grow up to be mankind’s best hope against the evil Metal Minds. The Metal Minds made an assassination attempt which resulted in Tara falling into a six-year coma. She pulled through, however, and had Jasmine. Although initially unaware, the Metal Minds have now discovered that Tara survived, and know they must stop at nothing to destroy her and her child once and for all.

The greatest trauma in Tara’s life came shortly after Jasmine was born, when her husband Steven died during the final battle against DarkStar. Her emotional pain that followed was unbearable, and it was only for her daughter’s sake that she carried on. Tara and Jasmine have since formed an exceptionally close bond, vowing to stand by each other through all the joys and hardships that their lives bring. Although she can sometimes be a little overprotective, Tara has complete faith in her daughter’s abilities. The pair are able to talk openly to each other about many topics, but the one guilty secret that Tara keeps from her daughter – and indeed everybody – is the truth about who really killed Steven… Tara herself.

Strong and determined as ever, Tara continues to support her daughter through the ongoing struggle. She now works as a gym instructor at Stone Canyon’s local youth centre, the Dominion.

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Former technical director and Power Ranger for secret organisation Ultrastar, Katrina now returns to her roots, developing weapons and technology to help in the fight against evil.

Seventeen years ago, Katrina’s career as the Black Ultrastar Ranger was cut tragically short in the final battle against DarkStar, who left her paralysed from the waist down. Now confined to a wheelchair but refusing to let that stand in her way of carrying on with her life, she still maintains her positive and upbeat attitude in spite of every obstacle she now has to cope with.

She is one of the many people who still believe that DarkStar was the one who killed Steven, and offers his widowed wife her unconditional love and support through their shared grief.

Katrina now lives with Tara and Jasmine, helping them out wherever she can. She is the one responsible for creating the powers of Ranger Zero, as well as her arsenal and Zord. Her continued dedication to the task at hand remains a crucial necessity to the good guys staying one step ahead.

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Former Primal Ranger, former Red Zodiac Ranger and former General of secret organisation Ultrastar… time and time again, Steven Bennet had earned himself the accolade “hero”.

After his marriage to long-time sweetheart Tara and the birth of their daughter Jasmine, Steven’s future looked perfect. All this changed, however, during the final battle against DarkStar. Fooled by the villain’s treachery, Tara mistakenly opened fire on Steven instead of the enemy… his instant death drove the woman who was both his wife and his killer into a downward spiral of grief and guilt. Only Jasmine, and her impending destined war against the evil Metal Minds, persuaded Tara to carry on.

Tara and Katrina guide Jasmine through her new life as Ranger Zero, but secretly the young seventeen year old has a third mentor – the spirit of Steven remains with her to advise and teach her in any way he can. She is not his biological daughter but he loves her all the same, never missing an opportunity to offer his support and comfort whenever she needs it. Even though he is long since dead, Jasmine has had her father with her throughout her entire life, and he has been an essential part of her upbringing.

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Leader of the evil Metal Minds, Steelador number one priority is conquest. He remains wary of the prophecy that the Chosen One could ruin his plans, but vows to destroy her at any cost. Steelador possesses numerous abilities: the hundreds of metal plates on his body can shift around into different weapons and other shapes, he has the power of magnetism and he can fire electrical blasts from his hands.

Iron Claw
General of the Metal Minds. A robot of hulking proportions, it was Iron Claw who placed Tara into her six-year-long coma, hoping to eliminate her before her Chosen One child could be born. His attempt to thwart the prophecy failed, however, and he now takes the fight directly to Ranger Zero. He possesses brute strength, aided by his massive claw, as well as a visor laser.

Coppertron
Technician and scientist for the Metal Minds. Coppertron creates the Tin Men and the various monsters that are sent down to attack Stone Canyon. His intelligence is undeniable, although his personality can sometimes annoy his companions. While he doesn't enter a battle often, he is also a capable fighter, who can fire lasers from his beak as well as fire his metal feathers like missiles. In his spare time, he indulges his growing obsession over what he consider to be Earth's greatest invention, the Internet.

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Loyal foot soldiers of the Metal Minds. Strong and resilient, each one is powered by a red sphere of energy held in their chests, protected by a glass cover. One must smash the glass chest and release the energy sphere in order to defeat the Tin Men.

Takala
A mysterious individual who was witnessing battles from the shadows, Takala has now made his presence known to everyone, to great effect! Physically revolting in appearance, a mixture of scales and technology, with countless live maggots slithering in and out of half his face. Initially forming a tentative alliance with the metal minds, he has now gone his own way, trusting nobody but himself.

Takala's right arm features a metal barrel-shaped device, which has so far displayed the following capabilties: laser cannon, a nozzle which fires a high powered water stream, and a spinning disc which is able to absorb incoming energy attacks and then deflect them back to the enemy. Presumably the arm has even more features that have not yet been displayed.

Takala apparently has some grand plan in the works, although at present nothing is known about his goals.

bushwacka666

06-07-2008, 04:42 AM

It is believed that all those connected to the Morphin’ Grid have some specific goal to achieve, some ultimate purpose to fulfil.

For the young human Tara Bennet, her purpose was to play a crucial part in an ancient prophecy. The deadly Metal Minds were destined to someday target Earth as a possible new foothold in their universe-wide dominion, and Tara would give birth to a child – the only one who could hope to stop them.

Despite an attempt by the Metal Minds to thwart this prophecy, the chosen-one baby finally came into existence. Following the birth, Tara would take it upon herself to guide and train her child. Other than that, all she could do was wait for the Metal Minds to arrive, and wait for the battle to begin.

Now, seventeen years later, the wait is finally over…

*

A dense forest, remote and far away from the poisons of modern civilisation. Clear blue skies, a bright shining sun, a calm and gentle breeze, the emphatic chirps of the singing birds filling the air… a perfect example of nature in all its tranquil beauty.

A pair of small rabbits (one white, one brown) happily hopped their way along, darting among the trees, joyfully jumping across the unspoilt grass, then across the soil, then across… a large metal floor.

The rabbits quickly came to a halt, seeming to instinctively realise that something was not right here. Metal floors had no place in this forest, so what was this? As the animals turned their tiny heads to survey their surroundings, the enormous metal building came into their view. A strange and imposing bunker, situated in the very spot where many trees had once stood.

It was then that a loud buzzing hum suddenly began to build up, small tremors easily felt beneath the floor. The rabbits wasted no more time, quickly turning tail and scurrying back in the direction they had come. The brown one made it safely back onto the forest’s natural earth. The white one, however, was not quite fast enough…

The small and innocent creature had its first introduction to electricity, countless volts coursing through its fragile little body. The death was swift, the animal remaining motionless right on the edge of the metal floor.

The brown rabbit cautiously hopped back to its fallen companion but kept its distance, not risking stepping onto the metal again. It could only stare on in mourning, trying to ignore the smell of singed fur, knowing that it had just lost a dear friend.

The remaining rabbit knew that it could not do nothing. It would find the other rabbits in the forest. It would warn them about this threat. It would tell them that they should all stay well clear…

…until a laser blast blew it away.

*

“Wow that was fun!” exclaimed the screeching voice of a figure inside the metal building, stepping away from the controls to the laser cannon, the image of the dead rabbits fading from the screen.

The figure turned around: a small and slender parrot-looking creature, its metal body coloured a dull brown all over except for its shiny brown beak. Feathers, again entirely made of metal, decorated its back and its winged arms.

“Tests are complete boss, the defence grid is working perfectly” he spoke. “The Compound should now be protected against almost any attack.”

“Excellent” replied another voice, this one having an electronic, almost metallic quality to it. “You have done well Coppertron, I am most satisfied with your services.”

“Well as long as you’re happy boss, then so am I.”

The other figure stepped forward, coming up beside Coppertron. This one had a metal body that seemed to be made of small square plates. The face was exactly the same, with only the glowing yellow eyes providing any variety. The robe and hood that he wore completed the truly frightening look.

“Coppertron, I never said that I was happy” this figure told his minion. “Happy is something I shall not be until this miserable planet is under my control.”

“No offence boss but that’s a pretty tall order” Coppertron reminded his master. “We’ve all heard about just how many villains have tried to conquer this planet. Dark Specter, the Machine Empire, Lord Lizzax, Lord Zedd, Divatox, Devastator, Lothor… the list just goes on and on.”

“True, but none of those fools are myself. The Earth shall long remember the day that the mighty Steelador came to stay, the day when all of their freedom and values came crashing down around them.”

“Well there’s no time to start like the present boss. Shall we start an attack now?”

“Not just yet, but the time will almost be upon us. Where is Iron Claw?”

“In his chamber, training I think. Shall I summon him?”

“Yes, do it immediately” commanded Steelador. “Our wait is finally over. We shall invade this miserable little world – and best of all, nobody exists who can stand in our way!”

*

The bell rang loud, and a few moments later several doors began to open, dozens of teenagers promptly pouring out into the hallways. It was hardly a surprise: after all, it was the end of the school day – chances were that many wouldn’t be willing to stick around any longer than they had to.

One young man wearing a blue T-shirt waved goodbye to a couple of classmates as they parted ways. He let out a weary sigh as he ran a hand through his short dark hair, glad that the torture was through for the day. Not that he was someone who completely hated anything and everything to do with school, but it had seemed to drag on a bit today. He now stood at his locker, putting some books away when he heard somebody call out his name:

“Tyler!”

Tyler turned round, smiling as he saw the other boy approach. This one wore black trousers that looked a lot smarter than Tyler’s white jeans, and a yellow and black-striped woolly jumper. Not the most fashion-conscious guy who ever lived, Tyler had to admit, but he was a great friend.

“Hey Craig, my main man” Tyler greeted him along with a quick high-five. “How were classes this afternoon?”

“Yeah pretty good” replied Craig. He waited for Tyler to finish in his locker before the two walked down the hall.

“Last period was history,” Craig continued, “and it was actually pretty fascinating. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to actually…” He paused briefly to push his glasses back up his nose, “…live in the same time as George Washington?”

“Can’t say I have actually” Tyler chuckled. Craig was the guy who always got excited about this stuff, and usually made loads of contributions in class. With that and his glasses and his socially-ignorant dress sense, he would probably be labelled as a “nerd” by many. Tyler was someone who experienced more in the way of extra-curricular activities, such as his martial arts and soccer. Quite amazing really, that two such different people could get on so well.

The pair continued down the hallway, passing other students. Unfortunately, Craig did not notice a foot suddenly extending out from a group of people at the side…

“AHH!” he cried in surprise as he went down, stumbling over the foot and landing face first on the floor, his glasses flying off. As on-looking students laughed at the poor nerd’s misfortune, Tyler looked round to see who had tripped him. He recognised the guilty ugly mug instantly: Rocco McCarthy, resident school bully.

“Enjoy your trip dweeb?” Rocco chortled, watching Craig fumble around trying to find his glasses.

“Damn it Rocco, leave him alone!” yelled Tyler. He tried to move in to help Craig but found himself held back by Jake “Jackal” Matthews, Rocco’s main sidekick.

“Come on Nolan,” Jackal told Tyler, continuing with his and Rocco’s annoying habit of calling almost everybody by their surnames, “you know better than to interrupt Rocco when he’s teaching dweebs who’s boss.”

“You know Scanlon, you really need to watch where you’re walking” Rocco taunted the still grounded Craig. “You never know who could be waiting to give you a hard time. In fact, I think that…”

Rocco’s gloating was cut short when a pair of hands suddenly grabbed him by the arm, pulling hard and shoving him up against the locker with a hard thud. Enraged that anybody would dare do that to him, he made a step forward again – only to abruptly pause when a foot came to a halt just a mere inch away from his nose.

Finding himself practically pinned up against the locker by this person, Rocco didn’t even have to see the face to know who it was. He practically spat out the name:

“Bennet…”

Sure enough, a young woman dressed in a red blouse and matching trousers was there, maintaining perfect balance on one leg whilst her other stretched up high to keep Rocco at bay. He managed to turn his head enough to look down at her, and she moved a hand to brush her long jet black hair away from her face so she could look back up at him.

“Rocco” she replied with a wry smile. “Escaped from your cage again, I see?”

“I suppose this is the point where you ask me to leave your friends alone?”

“No, this is the point where I tell you to leave my friends alone. Now why don’t you and your Goon Squad go and do your homework like good boys?”

What followed was a tentative silence that swept through the entire hallway, other students watching in anticipation as to what Rocco would do next. Then again, they could pretty much guess. Rocco was a tough guy, but for some reason there was always one person that he seemed scared of – and she was currently aiming a foot in his face. Rocco’s expression told everybody else all that they needed to know.

“Jackal, let’s bail” he said to his fellow bully. “This place is crampin’ my style.”

The girl finally lowered her leg, allowing Rocco to walk away with Jackal and a couple of others. She stood guard to make sure they left, while Tyler now extended a hand down to Craig and helped him up, before crouching back down and picking up his glasses for him.

“You alright man?” he asked his friend, handing his glasses over so he could place them back on.

“Yeah I’m fine, thanks” answered Craig. They then stepped up each side of the girl to watch Rocco and Co. move round the corner and out of sight.

“It’s pathetic, is what it is” Tyler said with a disapproving sigh.

“Yeah,” Craig agreed, “but it’s a good thing you’re here to teach them a lesson, Jasmine.”

“Well somebody has to” Jasmine replied. “Can you imagine the bad reputation that Stone Canyon High would get if creeps like that were just left to do whatever they wanted?”

The trio now began to continue their walk down the hall.

“Well I’m heading down to the Dominion,” Tyler announced, “work out a little, maybe grab a shake. You guys coming with?”

“Yeah man, I’m there” Craig approved of the idea.

“I might catch up with you later, but I want to go home first” said Jasmine.

“Oh right, it’s Friday. Your mom finishes work early today” Craig realised. “You really like to spend time with her, huh?”

“You bet! She’s awesome!”

“I wish my mom was like yours” chuckled Tyler. “All mine ever does is nag at me to clean my room!”

“Tyler, I’ve seen your room” Craig reminded him. “Trust me, she has a point!”

“Okay guys I really better going” Jasmine told them. She gave them a little wink; her trademark parting gift. “See you later.”

The boys said their goodbyes and watched her go. Tyler couldn’t help but notice the way Craig stared after her.

“Man you’ve really got it bad for her, haven’t you?” he laughed.

“Well you’ve got to admit,” replied Craig with a shy smile, “she really is something!”

“Come on Romeo, let’s go.”

*

Inside the Compound, Steelador and Coppertron turned to see their other comrade enter the main chamber. The hulking figure of the light blue robot towered above them both, his rectangular red visor glowing brightly.

“You sent for me sir?” he enquired in his deep and booming voice.

“Indeed I did, Iron Claw” Steelador confirmed. “The time has come to launch our first attack on this planet. Since you are my most trusted general, the honour is yours. Do you feel you are ready?”

“Sir, I have been ready for my entire existence” Iron Claw assured his master, emphasising his point by clenching his right fist tightly in anticipation. “I shall unleash the power of the Metal Minds upon this miserable world, and we shall not be stopped, especially since the prophecy about the human who would oppose us was thwarted twenty-three years ago.”

“Yes,” Coppertron chimed in, “you yourself made that happen, by killing the chosen one’s mother before the chosen one was even born. The perfect crime!”

“It really was quite an achievement,” Steelador agreed, “which is all the more reason why you should carry out the first attack – you have earned that right. Coppertron, are the Tin Men ready?”

“Just putting the finishing touches on them now sir.”

“Good, let me know the minute they are ready” Iron Claw declared. He raised his left arm high above his head, the huge menacing claw sharp and proud. “As soon as possible, I shall be having a lot of fun!”

*

Completing the short walk from school, Jasmine turned into the driveway of her house, heading for the door. Her eyes darted between the three steps leading up to the door, and the low ramp beside them. Usually she would take the lazy option and go for the ramp, but today she was feeling more energetic and jumped the steps in a single leap. Taking her key and opening the door, she went inside.

“Mom, I’m home” she called out. “Mom?”

“In the kitchen sweetie” replied a voice. Jasmine wasted no time, dumping her school bag at the foot of the stairs as she passed. She entered the kitchen, and sure enough there she was: the woman who had brought her up. The woman who had raised her and cared for her for longer than she could remember. The woman who was one of the most important people in the world to Jasmine.

“Hey” Jasmine greeted happily, giving her mom a brief but warm hug.

“Hi honey” said Tara with a smile, looking up from the book she was reading. The years had been good to her: her hair still kept its natural colour, and she was always in great shape. A few ageing lines were beginning to appear on the face, but Jasmine knew without question that she had never looked more beautiful.

“How was your day?” mother asked daughter as she turned back to her book.

“Yeah it was fine, I guess. School’s school, you know? How about yours?”

“Not too bad. Being a gym instructor pays the bills okay but I sure wouldn’t mind a bit more variety in my job.”

“Well you can’t really complain, at least you can stay in shape. Speaking of which, I should go and get some training done. Got the new material?”

“Yep, picked it up today. It’s over there on the counter.”

Jasmine looked and saw what she needed. She walked over and picked up the DVD case:

“Drive?” she asked, reading the title. “Marc Dacascos, Kadeem Hardison… never heard of it.”

“Well it’s a pretty old film now, from the mid 90s” replied Tara, her head still buried in her book. “It’s awesome though, and some of those moves could really challenge you.”

“Mother please! None of the others have been challenging, and I don’t see it happening yet.”

Jasmine began to walk back over, when she caught a glimpse out of the corner of her eye. As she stepped nearer and peered over her mother’s shoulder, she realised that it was not a book she was reading. No, it was a photo album. More to the point, it was that photo album – and the man pictured in it was unmistakable.

“You really miss him, don’t you?”

“Every day” Tara replied after a moment. She sighed: “I wish… I wish you had the chance to know him.”

“Yeah, me too” replied Jasmine. She left the conversation at that, gave her mother a quick kiss on the cheek, and then went to start training. Tara was left alone to stare on at the photographs in front of her, of that one special man. Of his genuine smile and kind eyes. Of him and her together, the way it was supposed to be.

God, why did she keep torturing herself like this?

A tear fell from her eye, its watery trail staining her cheek. Even now, seventeen years on, the memory of that fateful day still plagued her mind as though it had happened only moments ago. The memory of how the treacherous DarkStar had assumed his form, and the great confusion that followed. The memory of when she squeezed the trigger, sending several shots into the chest. The memory of DarkStar finally reverting back to her true shape, revealing the full and horrifying consequences of the wrong choice she had made. It still made her sick to the stomach, her guilt and shame all-powerful and all-consuming. She knew that she would have given up on life long ago, if it were not for the fact that she had to remain strong for their daughter.

It was true that her child had taught her to smile once more, but Tara knew that she would never truly be happy ever again. Not when she had to carry on without him. Part of her liked to think that maybe he was still watching over her somehow, but the rest of her remained convinced that he would have hated her now. Despised her for her unforgivable treachery. What would he say, if he were here now? Indeed, what would any of the others say if they knew the truth about what had happened?

“Hello?” called a voice. “Anyone home?”

Speaking of one of the others… Tara quickly closed the photo album and hid it in the nearby cutlery drawer, her self-induced guilt causing her to feel almost ashamed for looking at it in the first place. She forced her tears to stop as she called out with a “Hey” in response.

“I’ve got the shopping,” the voice called again, another female, “would you mind giving me a hand?”

“Sure thing” Tara agreed. She put on her happy face as she left the kitchen and went to help her housemate.

“Hey Katrina.”

“Afternoon” greeted Katrina as she wheeled her way forwards, several of the smaller shopping bags balanced expertly on her lap. “It’s just the couple of bigger bags outside, thanks.”

Tara picked up the bags and kicked the door shut behind her, before following Katrina back into the kitchen. The still youthful 34 year old took a second to brush her long black hair aside before lifting the bags off her lap and onto the counter.

“Get everything on the list?”

“Every last item. You know me: Katrina Dearing, always the resourceful one.”

Tara smiled as she silently agreed with that statement. Resourcefulness and integrity had always been among Katrina’s many fine qualities. As she watched her casually move herself and her wheelchair from one side of the kitchen to the other, Tara could not help but admire the courage and resolve that Katrina had exhibited in the seventeen years following the blow from DarkStar that had left her paralysed from the waist down. It hadn’t always been an easy task, far from it, but she had finally begun to make peace with her new and permanent circumstances. Truly Katrina was an inspiration to Tara in many ways.

“Jazz home?” Katrina asked.

“Upstairs, doing her training” replied Tara, helping to put the shopping away.

“Man I still find it amazing, you know? The things she can do, the fact that she needs so little effort to do them…”

“Yeah she’s real special, that one. I guess that when you’re a chosen one prophesised to fight the forces of evil, you’re usually extended a few privileges.”

“I bet you consider yourself the luckiest woman in the world, don’t you?”

“Well…” Tara stammered hesitantly, “not always.”

Tara left with the pile of new magazines to put them in the living room. Katrina knew what she had been referring to, but she chose not to draw too much attention to it. His death had affected all of them, but it was no secret that Tara had been hit the hardest by the whole ordeal. There were some things about him that she just wasn’t willing to discuss, and his death was one of them. If Katrina could bring him back, she would. But what was done was done. DarkStar had killed him, and nothing could change that now.

She pulled the last item from the final shopping bag: a new cutlery set that she had bought on the spur of the moment. She wheeled over to the cutlery drawer and opened it – and discovered the photo album resting inside, with a single partially dried teardrop splashed on the cover. Katrina had seen the album hastily stashed in so many places before, enough times to figure out what that poor widow had been spending her spare time doing yet again. She sighed sorrowfully:

“Oh Tara…”

*

They stood ready, they stood willing, they stood patient.

Steelador, Iron Claw and Coppertron all entered the room to inspect the fresh batch of Tin Men, loyal foot soldiers of the Metal Minds. The bright blue eyes shone from the white heads, the red energy spheres glowed inside the transparent chests of glass on the otherwise black bodies, radiating light out into the dark corners of the Compound’s walls. Steelador walked slowly along the long row of soldiers, eying each one in turn.

“Your verdict boss?” Coppertron pressed, awaiting praise.

“You have done well, Coppertron” Steelador replied. “Robust, finely constructed… you continue to maintain your usual high standards.”

“I am humbled by your generous words boss” said the technician as he bowed.

“Iron Claw, they’re all yours” announced Steelador. “Command them as you wish.”

“Tin Men, hear my words” Iron Claw declared as he stepped up to them. “You will shortly be deployed into the heart of the city these Earthlings call Stone Canyon. I will be your superior for this assault, you will obey only the orders that I give you. Your duty is simple: to attack, to destroy, and to serve the Metal Minds until you rust. Understand?”

The Tin Men thumped a fist to their chests in perfect unison, their version of the devoted salute.

“They are ready sir,” Iron Claw reported, “as am I.”

“Excellent. Then by all means go, Iron Claw. Go now and lay waste to this planet.”

The general and his soldiers wasted no more time, teleporting away in flashes of light. Steelador’s thick metal lips twisted into a cruel smile: after countless millennia of waiting, the show was finally about to begin.

*

The Dominion, local youth centre of Stone Canyon. Teenagers and a few younger kids bustled about, some working out in the gym area, others having another try at beating the high score on their favourite arcade games. The place had often been compared to the old Juice Bar at neighbouring city Angel Grove, but the Dominion often scored more points for its larger size, updated facilities and overall more modern feel.

“Here you go man,” announced Craig as he walked up to a table with a couple of glasses, “a nice cool soda.”

“Cheers dude” Tyler thanked him as he took hold of his glass. His forehead still held a few beads of sweat from his earlier workout, and this was the perfect way to cool off.

“I’m surprised Jazz hasn’t arrived yet” said Craig, taking a seat. “She said she’d show.”

“She said maybe she’d show. Hate to remind you man, but you have a habit of always hoping for the best whenever Jasmine Bennet is concerned.”

“Well can you blame me?”

“No I guess I can’t. She is a really great girl.”

Craig’s eyes narrowed suspiciously at his friend: “And what’s that supposed to mean?”

“Nothing!” Tyler insisted with an amused grin. “Relax C, I’m not looking to steal your honey.”

“Except she’s not…” Craig paused briefly as he pushed his glasses back up his nose, “… my honey.”

“Well maybe not yet. But dude, maybe if you just told her how you feel…”

“Aw she’d never say yes.”

“How do you know?”

“Look, I’ve seen the type of guys she’s dated…” Another pause while he pushed his glasses up, “…before. She wouldn’t see anything in a guy like me.”

Tyler almost opened his mouth to argue again but ended up quickly biting his lip instead. Thinking about it, he found that he couldn’t argue with part of what Craig had just said. Jasmine had only dated a couple of guys that he was aware of, but he had to admit that they had been worlds apart from Craig. Those guys had both been the rugged, muscular jock type – far closer to Tyler himself, truth be told. Nobody could ever deny just how much Jasmine cared about Craig as a friend, but yeah… they wouldn’t exactly be the Ross and Rachel of Stone Canyon High.

Craig managed a small smile: “Your silence speaks volumes, my friend.”

“Hey, now you know nobody wants you and Jazz to get together more than I do…”

“Yeah, yeah I know. Don’t sweat it man, I’ll survive. Anyway, weren’t you meant to be teaching me some new karate moves today?”

“You bet. Let us train, my young grasshopper.”

“Stop calling me that!”

*

It was quite spacious, Jasmine’s bedroom. Furniture like her bed, wardrobe, desk and so on were up against the walls, purposely leaving large amounts of empty floor perfect for her regular training routine. A lot of time was spent in her room practising and training, whether it be just a few simple stretches or a lengthy and intricate kata. She always thought of her room as her sanctuary, something which her mother had been only too happy to help out with. The Bennet women really did hold great care and respect for each other.

Jasmine’s expression remained completely passive as her eyes locked on the television, the movie Drive playing in the DVD machine. The main character, Toby Wong, had just put a pair of a bad guy’s boots on his own hands, and was now using the rubber soles to block several incoming electrical stun sticks. Wong then proceeded to switch to a handstand, the boots providing sturdiness whilst his legs flailed out in a rapid awe-inspiring spin to kick the bad guys down. Jasmine’s eyes took it all in, scanning the images into her memory, her brain then preparing to transmit them through her nerves and down into her body.

She lifted the remote and pressed the pause button. That was major cool – she was seriously impressed! But she was confident that even that display would give her no trouble whatsoever. She walked over to her shoe rack and picked up her favourite pair of stylish red boots, slotting them over her arms as she returned to stand in the middle of the room. Her eyes gently closed, she took a deep breath in and out, then another, then another. Then her eyes flew open again…

And she began to move. Visualising those same bad guys standing in front of her, she positioned her arms to block the imaginary attacks, her movements every bit as fast and fluid as what she had just witnessed on the film. It was as though she herself was Toby Wong, matching the character’s display move for move, speed for speed, position for position. Without pausing even once she flipped onto her hands and perfectly executed the twisting kicks, another flawless mirror image of the movie. When she returned to her feet and concluded the move, she thrust her arms forward to remove the boots, the footwear flying onto the bed. She calmly brushed her hair from her face, not even the slightest bit out of breath.

“Eat your heart out Dacascos!” she quipped with a sly smile.

This was the gift that Jasmine Bennet seemed to possess: the capacity for rapid absorption of body movement and rhythm. Her brain able to understand the way a human body moves and store it in memory, and her body able to copy those motions without flaw or error. When it came to fighting skills, such an ability proved particularly valuable: she could learn virtually any technique purely by observation. All she had to do was see someone performing some martial arts, even for a few brief moments, and mere seconds are all it would take for her to become every bit their equal.

Jasmine honestly couldn’t remember when she realised she possessed this unique ability, but she knew she had been very young. Her mother had told her about her excellent co-ordination even as a baby, and so she figured this was an ability she had from birth, courtesy of whatever was responsible for making her the “chosen one”. All Jasmine really knew for sure was that she was capable of so many things with this gift – and she loved it!

*

Meanwhile, downstairs in the living room, Katrina flicked through the TV channels, trying to find something – anything – even half-decent to watch. It was a futile attempt, she knew. Maybe she was just beginning to show her age, but she no longer found herself gripped by those cheesy teen dramas that she used to watch years ago. In fact, not much of anything on the Box these days seemed to hold her interest for very long. How times had changed for this young woman: she lost the ability to walk, she was worried about getting old, and modern TV sucked!

Finally her channel surfing came to a halt on an old rerun of Family Guy, a cartoon that was dated even in her youth, but it had always made her giggle. She remembered this episode: Joe, the wheelchair-bound character, had built himself a new home theatre, which main guy Peter was insanely jealous of. She watched the part where a movie started playing, with Joe pushing forward in his wheelchair before flying into the air, both arms stretched high in pride and a happy smile on his face.

Katrina couldn’t help but smile sadly as the new meaning of the scene hit her. She used to watch that part of the episode with nothing more than a slight giggle about the corniness of it all, but that was before she was put in a wheelchair herself. Now she had to admit that it was kind of inspiring. This guy was stuck in a wheelchair, denied a “normal” life in many ways. But he was happy, and he continued to reach for those goals.

Katrina had been forced to accept her circumstances too. When the doctors had first broke the news to her that she would never walk again… well, “upset” didn’t even begin to explain how she had felt. But somehow, over time, she managed to made peace with herself, to build her life again. She knew now that she had to keep reaching up with a smile on her face as well. Maybe, just maybe, she would someday feel like she too could fly.

Suddenly, a man’s voice jumped out from the speakers: “We interrupt this program to bring you an urgent news bulletin. We now go live to our on-the-scene reporter, Michaela Cornell.”

“Damn it!” Katrina muttered to herself. She finally finds something decent to watch, then this happens. It was as she thought: TV sucked!

“I’m Michaela Cornell,” spoke the woman now on screen, a middle aged blonde, “and I’m here in downtown Stone Canyon, where a terrifying event has just occurred.”

‘Great, another tragedy,’ Katrina thought to herself, ‘that’s all you get on the news these days’. Still, she couldn’t deny that Michaela Cornell was the right woman to send for reporting on these things. Her big sister Cassidy had been one of the most famous reporters in Reefside, and it seemed like the talent ran in the family.

“Our cameraman will now carefully peer around the corner of the building behind me,” Michaela continued, “where you will witness the latest threat to befall our planet.”

The camera did indeed veer around the corner to look down the street – and Katrina’s eyes immediately widened in shock.

“As you can clearly see,” Michaela’s voice carried on off screen, “a small force of unknown soldiers have invaded our fair city. Alien attacks have not occurred near Stone Canyon since Angel Grove was targeted by Ivan Ooze 23 years ago, but now it would seem that our time of peace has finally come to an end.”

Katrina couldn’t believe what she was seeing. She had never seen these soldiers herself, but she immediately identified them from the description she had been given before.

“Tara!” she yelled out. “Tara, get in here!”

“Hang on a sec…”

“Now, damn it!”

Moments later and Tara entered the room: “What’s all the fuss…” She trailed off when she saw the TV, and she too recognised those soldiers instantly.

“Tin Men” she breathed in astonishment.

“We knew it was going to happen Tara, we just didn’t know when” Katrina reminded her.

As if Tara needed any reminding! Within seconds she was standing at the foot of the stairs and shouting up: “Jasmine!”

In her room Jasmine heard her name being called and went to open the door. “What’s up?” she asked.

“It’s started.”

“What has?”

“The thing I hoped never would.”

Jasmine finally cottoned on: “You mean…?”

“Yes!” Tara confirmed. “I’m sorry Jazz, but peaceful days are over. It’s time.”

Jasmine needed no more explanation. She hurriedly ran over to switch off her TV and DVD player, then headed back for the door, knowing that this was the day she had been mentally preparing herself for her whole life.

She got to her door, paused, and turned around to stare back into her room. She awaited some silent words of encouragement, which she promptly received…

“Go get ‘em, Princess!”

With a confident smile, Jasmine left her room and headed downstairs.

bushwacka666

06-07-2008, 04:46 AM

I think you already know! Jasmine makes her Ranger debut. I'll also be trying something that I usually avoid when writing fics, so I hope I manage to pull it off okay.

Jacen

06-07-2008, 06:08 AM

To quote the dude on the Starcraft 2 trailer. "It's about time" :D. Now for the comments.

I think the way you brought the bad guys in was amazing. Poor bunnies through. I'm not really liking the bad guy names through :(

Even for a single chapter, I'm really liking Jasmine. I really can't wait for the next one.

I noticed a spelling error somewhere in there but I can't find it now :( Either way, really can't wait for the next chapter Bush.

EDIT: And I got first reply too ^_^ But you knew I would ;)

roc da mic

06-07-2008, 03:20 PM

man i have follwed the story since primal fury and it is obvious that you have not lost a beat.

Time Ranger

06-07-2008, 09:43 PM

I am really liking this so far. Jazz is going to kick some tin man butt. Canit wait for the second chapter man. Peace God Bless

T-Rexor Ranger

06-08-2008, 04:25 PM

Been waiting for this, the villains seem to be cool, though I need read more before I make my final verdict on them.

Tyler and Craig are cool characters, for some reason they kinda gave me a Rocky (Zeo) and Billy (MMPR Season 1) sort of feel. Which is pretty interesting to see and look forward to see how that progresses. Jasmine is definitely Red Ranger material I think, though with her unique gift I can see her getting a little too cocky, which could end up getting her in way over her head and it'd be a nice way for her to have developement later on. Maybe Craig will have a part to play in helping her through some of those situations.

I'm a little dissappointed that there will be no team up, after finishing Special Ops I was expecting it and to me this sort of begs for it. But that's just mean.

Good luck on finishing it man, I'll keep reading when I get the time. :)

Silver-Ranger

06-08-2008, 09:09 PM

Sweet Bushwacka your series has come back with a vengence.

bushwacka666

06-09-2008, 02:00 AM

Well thanks guys, as ever I always appreciate the early support.

Jacen: I'm sorry you weren't so keen on the villain names. I'll be honest and say I didn't put too much thought into them, I was just thinking of puns to play off the whole metal theme. Personally I think they're not too bad, but I guess you can't please everybody. ;)

Oh and if you or indeed anybody come across any spelling mistakes, please don't hesitate to let me know. I do go through them afterwards and try to catch as many as I can, but there's always a chance I've missed something, and I welcome the proof-readers.

T-Rexor Ranger: I am sorry to disappoint you about the lack of team-up. I thought that with the way Special Ops ended, a team-up wasn't going to be easy to pull off. The Ultrastar Rangers clearly went their separate ways at the end, with Katrina losing the ability to walk and Jessica severing all contact due to the potential danger of her mysterious tattoo - bringing them all together again in a way that didn't seem... shall we say "convenient"... would've been a tough thing to do.

But as I say, even though the powers of the Ultrastar Rangers are done and dusted, the characters themselves will certainly still make their presence felt. HINT: the first of them will pop their head in during Chapter 4! So no team-up, but try not to worry: I don't forget the past and I will make them a part of the future! :)

Thanks again for the early support everyone - any more where that came from? :D

Angelfox

06-10-2008, 01:43 AM

welcome back BW

GreyRanger

06-10-2008, 07:19 PM

Whey finally man, finally!!!
Well i like how you used the bunnies and how you killed them, you psycho! Finally we get a bit more about the Metal Minds, Steelador sounds evil, and Iron Claw will see how wrong he is soon i think.
As for lil Jasmine Bennet, Taskmaster anyone? I think it rules, i reckon red ranger from the colour of her blouse alone and that Steven was red back in the day? Either that or green, cuz of Tara. Nice Cameo by Katrina but i think she's gonna have a bigger role than that right mate?
And nice references to Dino Thunder and the other series with Coppertron's list and the Cornell sisters.
You continue to carry on your magic in this first chapter man, may it never run low :023:023: I cannot wait till the next capter man, can't beleive it took me this long to find this fic! Won't be making that mistake next chapter :)

Einsider

06-10-2008, 10:01 PM

AWESOME! and it needed to be in capitals. Been reading your first fics on and off man (although VERY slowly due to exams etc) and your story-writing ability is incredible - and this series is the same! I doubt i will end up reading the first three before you finish this series, simple due to time constraints(!) but be sure that il be reading this fic chapter by chapter! ML said he'd fill in any gaps in my knowledge about the 1st 3 bennetts so im well up for chapter 2! Write on man, write on!

bushwacka666

06-12-2008, 03:31 AM

Thanks Angelfox, M_L & Einsider, glad you liked. :)

M_L: you are correct that Jasmine will be Red. In fact if you remember from the Suit Creation thread, you've already seen all the suits that will appear. As for Katrina: well personally I thought she had more than just a cameo here, but whatever. In any case, she's the one former Ranger from Special Ops who continues to be a main character here, so you'll definitely see more of her.

And I'm glad you liked the little references to past seasons there. If you notice, Coppertron's list of past villains also includes Lizzax and Devastator from the previous Bennet fics. I like to do little things like that to help sell the belief that The Bennet Legacy could actually exist alongside real PR seasons.

Einsider: velcome to my vorld, ya? :D I always appreciate the new fans. I understand that real life always has to take priority, and also that there's a Zordon's Head-sized amount of Bennet stories to get through. As I said though, I'm posting this one as I go along so there will be longer waits between chapters. So there's always a chance for you to catch up. But M_L's kind to offer helping bring you up to speed - I extend the same offer myself, so if there's any questions then feel free to ask. :)

I'll get Chapter 2 up soon just so we can get things really started. I'll also try and put up the first lot of character profiles at the same time. The ride has begun, people, and it's a rollercoaster! :023:

bushwacka666

06-17-2008, 02:58 AM

Alrighty then, so here's Chapter 2, just so the Ranger related action can really kick off.

At this point, I'd like to give a special shout-out of thanks to my main man []V[]etal []_ion (or Metal_lion as I will continue to refer to him as because that new spelling is a bitch to keep typing! :P ).

There's one thing I always avoid in my fics: writing in the first-person perspective. I never think I'll be able to handle it effectively or do a character justice by it, so I just don't even attempt it. Metal_lion, however, busted out his insanely awesome fic Unholy Confessions, which used the 1st-person perspective to epic effect! It is largely thanks to this fic that I've been inspired to finally try it myself.

Therefore, I present the first of the Dear Diary chapters, which will mix my normal writing style in with a few excerpts written from Jasmine's point of view. I'm not saying it'll be done to the same extent or handled anywhere near as effectively as Unholy Confessions managed it, but I hope you'll appreciate the fact that I'm having a go at something new.

So a huge thanks to you M_L - next time you're in town the milk & cookies are on me! :)

Well, hope you all enjoy the next chapter.

bushwacka666

06-17-2008, 02:59 AM

Dear Diary:

From what people have told me, the first day in a new job can be full of surprises. Sometimes you’re excited, sometimes you feel nervous – and often it’s both! You never quite know how things are going to turn out at the end of that first day, let alone several weeks or months down the line.

Today was my first day on the job, and I understand now what they were talking about.

*

Jasmine bounded down the stairs as fast as she could, joining her mom at the bottom.

“Tell me this is just another one of your drills” she said hopefully.

“I only wish it were, but I’m afraid this is the real deal” replied Tara. “Come on, follow me.”

Tara began to walk, her daughter following close behind.

“Are we going where I think we’re going?” asked Jasmine.

“Yes. It’s time you finally visited the Hyperlock.”

Jasmine drew a breath of anticipation. She knew the Hyperlock existed, she knew where it was and she knew how to get there, yet she had never before been allowed to go in. Until now.

The pair turned into the hallway. Jasmine had been down this hallway countless times before, as it led to the bathroom, but this time she had a different destination. Katrina sat waiting for them in the hallway and, when Tara and Jasmine joined her, they all turned to look at the framed poster on the wall:

It was a life-size photograph of the man himself, dressed in a bright red T-shirt and white jeans, standing up against a tree and smiling brightly. Tara had to force a tear back as she stared at the face of her dead husband.

But only the face as a whole, not the eyes – Tara knew she would never be able to look him in the eye ever again.

“Are we ready?” Katrina asked.

“Let’s do this!” answered Jasmine, eager to get this show on the road.

Katrina reached forward and took hold of a certain portion of the frame, and opened it up like a little hinged door. A smooth glass surface rested inside, which Katrina placed her finger on. Her fingerprint was promptly scanned and verified, and the entire picture slid open sideways. The three women made their way into the now revealed elevator, the secret door closing again behind them.

“You’re going to program my fingerprint into the scanner as well now, right?” Jasmine enquired.

“Don’t worry, I’ll make sure you get full access” Katrina told her.

“The only reason it’s been off limits up until now,” added Tara, “was because I really didn’t want you starting any of this before you absolutely had to.”

*

Those were the words she used: “before I absolutely had to”. As much as I love Mom, she’s always been a little overprotective of me. Then again, you’d already know all about that, Diary, I’ve talked about it often enough. Like how she never lets me stay out past ten, even though she knows full well that I can take care of myself. Or like the time she wouldn’t let me go on the Flying Elephant ride at the fairground when I was little. Hell I’m 17 now, and she’d probably still keep me away from it if she could!

Anyway, maybe now that this has all started, I might be able to get a little more leeway with things like that. After all, I can finally go down to the Hyperlock whenever I like. I tell you something: seeing that place for the first time was soooo cool!

*

The round elevator came to a halt following its descent, ending up in a small chamber. Four doorways circled the elevator, marked CONTROL ROOM, LAB, GYM and LOCKUP. Katrina led the way through to the Control Room, and Jasmine’s jaw dropped at the sight.

Never before had she ever seen so high-tech a place. A large room, numerous computers and other machines lining the walls, the countless flashing lights enough to induce an epileptic shock. There was more than one level as well; a couple of higher walkways ran along the side of the far wall, and a ramp led down to a lower pit in the middle of the room. This pit had some kind of circular black device sitting inside.

“Whoa!” she gasped in amazement. “This place is amazing! I knew there was a base under the house but I didn’t know you’d have the whole Batcave down here!”

“I’m glad you like it” said Tara with a smile. “Katrina was working on this place for a hell of a long time.”

“A lot of it’s based on the existing Ultrastar technology, with a few improvements and other little tweaks here or there” Katrina told the still bewildered young girl. “The late Andrew Hartford was a great help with some of the systems too.” After a moment, she also added: “I miss Spencer…”

“Alright enough of the gawping, we’ve got a job to do. Katrina, get it out. Jazz, take a look.

Katrina wheeled back through the doorway and out of sight, while Tara led Jasmine down into the pit with the round device. Tapping a few buttons on the control panel at the side, Tara switched on the device. A bright beam of light promptly shot up from the base, stretching outwards to produce a large holographic screen. The holograms displayed the images of the soldiers currently causing chaos in the city. Jasmine studied these figures closely as she saw them for the very first time.

“I take it these creeps are the Tin Men?” she enquired.

“That’s right” Tara confirmed. “If you think they look freaky here, how do you think I felt when they burst through the restaurant wall and ruined your father and I’s romantic evening?”

“They look pretty tough.”

“Yeah, as I remember they were quite a pain.”

“How do you stop them?”

“I have to admit I’m not entirely sure. Katrina thinks the red energy spheres in their chests may be their power source – and therefore their weak spot – but that’s just a theory. Anyway, as you can see they’re already making a nuisance of themselves as we speak. It looks as though the Metal Minds have officially begun their attack on Earth.”

Jasmine continued to watch the soldiers on the hologram. She had only had these freaks described to her before, and she had to admit that they did look scarier than she had imagined, even as a little girl. Still, her confidence remained in control. She knew she was prepared for this. Her entire life had been just that: preparation.

She turned to her mother: “I’m ready. Just give me the word and I’ll show those walking junk piles what the chosen one thinks of their invasion!”

“I’ve no doubt sweetie! But if you’re going to face the Metal Minds, you’ll need an edge.”

“And luckily,” announced Katrina as she returned to the Control Room, “I’ve got that edge right here.”

Katrina wheeled herself over to Jasmine and handed over a small item, which Jasmine readily took. She examined it: it was like a necklace or pendant, a small sphere of the most beautiful red, with two silver rings orbiting around and crossing over one another in an X shape. A small silver knob was stuck to the bottom of the sphere, whilst a long gold chain extended from the top. Jasmine had never seen any necklace like this before, but she knew it would be easy to pass it off in public as an ordinary piece of jewellery.

“It’s beautiful, Aunt Katrina” she said in all sincerity.

“Good, because you’re going to have to wear it all the time” replied Katrina. “This is your Zero Morpher, the one and only of its kind. This little gem will give you the powers you need to defend Stone Canyon.”

Jasmine’s eyes lit up when she heard that: “By powers, you mean… Ranger powers, right?”

“Just like your father and I before you,” Tara told her, “you’ll make a great Power Ranger. By using that Morpher and calling “Zero Point”, you will morph into Ranger Zero, the Metal Minds’ worse nightmare!”

“Awesome! What about weaponry?”

“Ah now that’s the really cool part!” Katrina grinned. “The Fatal Zero is your personal weapon with six different modes, and I’m sure you’ll find it useful. Unfortunately there isn’t time to explain it all to you now, but you’ll know what to do with it once you morph.”

“Alright, let’s get this show on the road! I’m outta here!”

“I’ll set the teleportation co-ordinates. You’ll be sent into the city faster than you can blink!”

Jasmine stood ready, slipping the Zero Morpher around her neck and fastening it up. Taking hold of it with one hand, she took a deep breath, and prepared to make the call…

“Jazz, wait a sec” Tara stopped her. She stepped up to her daughter: “I just want you to know…” She paused, not really wanting to say those words out loud. Tara somehow thought that it was a little premature. She had faith in her daughter’s abilities, no question about it. She knew Jasmine was a strong, confident and capable fighter, but she was also still her little girl. It was only natural for Tara to be worried about what might happen to her.

“You… you know I wish there was another way right?” she said finally. “You know I wish you didn’t have to be the one to do this.”

“I know Mom,” said Jasmine, “but it’s fine, really. This is what I was born to do, and I’m going to do whatever it takes.”

Tara smiled: “That’s my girl!” She planted a quick kiss on her daughter’s cheek: “You be careful, okay?”

“I will.”

“Hate to break you two up,” Katrina cut in, “but a large group of evil Tin Men not getting any friendlier!”

“Don’t sweat it, I’m on the way” Jasmine told her. Holding her Morpher out in front of her, she spoke the words without any hesitation: “Zero Point!”

*

I can’t find any words to really describe how morphing feels. Mom had told me it was like some kind of electrical charge running through your entire body. I kind of get why she said that: it’s tingly and fuzzy and super cool! But it’s really one of those things that you’ll never understand unless you experience it – and what an experience it was!

Teleportation was a different story, I’m already used to that. It was one of the few Ranger privileges Mom and Aunt Katrina showed me when I was a kid. Anything to help me get prepared for the big day, I guess. I still remember fooling around with Aunt Katrina’s portable teleportation device and getting into all sorts of mischief with it, which didn’t make Mom too happy! At least it was real useful when we played Hide & Seek – Thailand’s a beautiful place…

After I morphed and began teleporting, I kept thinking about what Mom had said to me, making sure I knew she wished I didn’t have to do this. Like I said, overprotective, but she’s real sweet to care. Mom’s always cared, she’s always been honest with me about stuff. I might have been pretty young but she told me the truth about everything as soon as she felt I was ready.

She told me about when they used to be Power Rangers; her and Dad, and Aunt Katrina too. About the battles they fought and the villains they faced. Those stories were always cool to hear at bedtime!

She told me about the Metal Minds, and that I was going to be the one that had to stop them. That knowledge really helped: when me and Mom started my training, I knew what the training was for. I knew what I had to do and how important it would be – it really helped me to focus.

She even hit me with the fact that my Dad wasn’t actually my Dad at all. Actually she admitted that I didn’t even have a biological father. Now there’s a WTF alarm if ever I heard one! But in the short time he had been alive after I was born, he played the role of Dad right up to the last moment. Gotta give the guy props for taking on that one!

I can’t remember too much about how I reacted when Mom told me all of these things. They probably weren’t the easiest things in the world to hear at the time, but it really was all so long ago. But I’m cool with all that now, I’ve accepted these things and made my peace with them. A lot of this isn’t stuff I tend to broadcast to the nation, of course, but for me it’s all been just a normal childhood.

But yeah… it’s cool that she was open about all that stuff, it’s cool that she told me everything when I was little. I don’t think we would be as close as we are now if she hadn’t, and if there’s one thing I’m grateful for, it’s my awesome relationship with my awesome Mom – couldn’t have asked for anyone better!

Anyway, where was I? Right, the first day on the job. I reached the end of my teleportation ride and touched down in the city. First thing I noticed was my slammin’ new suit!

*

A streak of red light solidified into the form of Ranger Zero. She took a few seconds to admire the new look: a super-sleek suit that fit Jasmine’s body like a glove. A white stripe stretched towards the chest from all four sides, merging together into a ring shape in the centre. The helmet bore a large round visor, and the edges of the gloves and boots were each accented by a smaller red and white circle. Overall the design was relatively simplistic, but damn if Jazz wasn’t impressed!

“Oh yes!” she breathed excitedly. “Oh hell yes! Oh my sweet Jesus yes!”

“Um Jasmine?” a sudden voice made her jump. It took her a moment to realise that it was coming from what was apparently a communication system built into her helmet.

“I’m really glad you like the suit,” Katrina’s voice spoke again, “but a little focus please?”

“Sorry Aunt K. It’s just a little like a massive sugar rush, that’s all.”

“Oh believe me, I know the feeling! But a word of advice: take all that energy you have, and put it to good use.”

“Right, on my way” Jasmine agreed, proceeding to head off in search of the metallic invaders. It didn’t take her long either. She ran for a couple of blocks (no problem with her new enhanced speed) and after turning a corner she found her targets: the Tin Men were visible at the other end of the street. Not actually that far from the Dominion, they looked ready to tear up the town. Jasmine, knowing how packed with people the Dominion could get, realised the danger that a lot of people could get hurt. She wasted no time in advancing forward, alerting the robotic soldiers to her presence. Every one of them – she guessed about thirty in all – turned their heads towards her in perfect synchronisation, their bright blue eyes gazing eerily into her dark visor.

“Hey Tin Men, over here” she yelled. “Think you’re so tough? How about taking on an innocent young girl like me?”

It seemed as though the Tin Men were eager to take up that offer, promptly responding in the most appropriate manner they knew: charging forward as fast as their electronic legs would allow.

“Okay Jazz, this is it” the new heroine whispered to herself as she assumed a fighting stance, watching the soldiers as they came ever closer. “This is what you’ve been training for your whole life so give it everything you’ve got.” She clenched her fists tight: “Time to show these creeps how it’s done… Bennet style!”

That was all the verbal encouragement she needed to give herself. There was no time for anything else as the Tin Men finally began to surround her. Her reaction was swift, immediately thrusting a fist forward. A dull crunch was heard as it connected with a soldier’s glass chest, breaking it with ease. The robot’s body collapsed back to the ground. The red energy sphere promptly flew out of its shattered storage, speeding up into the air and away out of sight. That was one soldier taken out already.

“Nice!” Jasmine exclaimed. “Alright, who’s next?”

More soldiers gave their answer, moving in. Jasmine was more than ready for them, leaping up with an impressive roundhouse and knocking down two of her attackers at once. She then grabbed a third and threw it over her shoulder, straight into the path of three more. All four clumsily went down, two more energy spheres flying up and away from the pile. The other two quickly got back to their feet and resumed their attack.

“That’s the problem with you guys” sighed Jasmine. “I guess you never run out of breath, huh?”

She backflipped across the street, placing more of the goons in front of her. Grabbing a Tin Man by each arm and swinging them round, she caused both to collide, their glass chests cracking wide open from the force. That was five down now, but still about another twenty-five to go. She leapt forward, stepping on the shoulders of a Tin Man to launch herself up even higher. A rapid corkscrew kick struck home into another soldier and took it out. Three then began to charge in together, and it was here that one of them landed their first successful hit on the Ranger, slamming a hard kick straight into her back. With a pained cry she stumbled forward – straight into the waiting arms of the other two. They used no words to communicate to each other, yet could somehow agree on what action they would both take. Grabbing her arms and tightening their hold, they dragged her forward and rammed her straight into a wall.

“Ahh! Let go of me, Rust-For-Brains!” she yelled. Yet they retained their grip, shoving her into the wall again.

“If you guys do that once more, you’ll seriously tick me off.”

As if testing her, they did indeed slam her against the wall for a third time.

“Well, don’t say I didn’t warn you…”

They pulled her forward again, but this time she wouldn’t be intimidated so easily. With a quick jump she used the momentum to swing round and run up the wall, before flipping over the two soldiers’ heads and landing behind them. Quickly ramming a flat palm into their backs she shoved them into the wall, giving them a taste of their own medicine. More crunches were heard as their glass chests gave into the pressure, signalling their final defeat. She then quickly ran back up to the wall and pushed herself off again, spinning round with a powerful tornado kick that almost took the head off another Tin Man.

“Alright,” she breathed, a little smile forming underneath her helmet, “now here’s the part where it gets interesting…”

*

In the Hyperlock, Katrina observed the action through the holographic projector. Her eyes had to widen at the sight of some of Jasmine’s moves. She was seriously impressed: she knew that the Ranger Zero powers had to be contributing to the strength and speed of Jazz’s attacks, but the skill and agility was all her.

“Ooh, that’s gotta hurt!” Katrina declared with a chuckle.

“Don’t say that like it’s a good thing!” shrieked a voice behind her.

“No I meant that’s gotta hurt the Tin Men, not Jazz” she clarified. She glanced over her shoulder: “Of course, you’d know what I meant if you were actually paying attention to what was going on.”

Tara did not move her hands that were covering her eyes: “I can’t bear to watch…”

“Would it kill you to have a little faith in the girl?”

“I have faith, but I also have the fear that she’s going to end up with her brains splattered all over the sidewalk!”

“Oh lighten up a little Tara. She’s doing great, and she’s getting a real buzz out of it too. Come on, sit back and enjoy the show.”

“Oh God please…”

“Hey come on, this is her big debut at being a Power Ranger. Wouldn’t she want you to see her in action and be proud of her? What if it was her first day as a cheerleader, or a track meet? Think she’d appreciate it if all you could do was cover up your eyes? Show your daughter a little support for heaven’s sake!”

Katrina had said the whole thing light-heartedly, but it couldn’t be denied that she kind of had a point. Reluctantly, Tara separated a couple of fingers so her eye could peer through at the hologram viewer…

She was just in time to see Jasmine latch onto a Tin Man and vault up so she was executing a perfectly balanced handstand on its shoulders. Then with a quick twist of her arms she pushed off again. The Tin Man went with the momentum, corkscrewing rapidly in midair before crashing chest first on solid concrete, the chest breaking and the sphere flying free. Jasmine made a perfect landing on her feet.

“Wow!” Tara gasped, now slowly lowering her hands.

“See, told ya” said Katrina smugly. “Now you tell me your heart isn’t swelling with pride at this very moment.”

Tara just smiled.

*

The remaining Tin Men – all three of them – regrouped opposite Jasmine. The speed with which she had taken out the others surprised even her. Now there was just this trio of hopeless hacks left. As they assumed their fighting stances, Jasmine readied herself…

She didn’t get the chance to do much else, however, as the Tin Men suddenly lowered their arms again. Jasmine frowned in confusion as she watched them stand down, stepping back and away from their opponent.

“What the…?” she muttered. “So, you guys do know when to surrender then?”

“They have only stopped because I signalled for them to do so.”

The deep booming voice resonated in through Jasmine’s ears and sent shivers straight down her spine. A moment later she saw the large shadow approach from behind and loom over her. Slowly, she turned around, and stared up at the imposing form of Iron Claw…

“Um… hi there, Mr Big Scary Robot” she stammered with a little gulp. This guy was huge!

“A Power Ranger. Hmm, interesting” he mused, his red visor examining her form. “Are you all alone, little girl? Are there more of your team around here somewhere?”

“No team. One girl is all this city needs to take you guys down.”

“Nothing exists that can stop us. Any resistance will be painfully insignificant for you and your kind.”

“Well hey, I took out your Goon Squad. What have you got?”

Jasmine had invited a response, and the hulking general was only too happy to provide it: he swung up his arm with the oversized metal claw and slammed it straight into the pathetic human warrior. Jasmine could not prepare herself for such strength – she hurtled backwards through the air just as if she had been a tennis ball somebody had thrown, and only the structure of the Dominion youth centre stood to slow her flight path…

*

“Okay Craig, that’s it, keep your guard up. Now, do the kick… yeah nice job, grasshopper.”

Craig glanced over with annoyance: “I told you to stop calling me that!”

“But you are my grasshopper” his chuckling friend teased. “And I am… err… whatever’s more dominant than a grasshopper.”

“An irritating laughing hyena?”

“Ah don’t get so hostile man,” replied Tyler, stepping up as he tossed Craig a towel, “you know I’m only messing around. My taunts are taunts of love.”

“Yeah right…” Craig muttered, although even he had to crack an amused smile. “So tell me Sensei, how am I doing?”

“Seriously, you’re really improving. A few more lessons and you’ll be ready to take on Jazz herself!”

“Whoa baby steps, my friend, baby steps! But speaking of Jazz…” Craig paused briefly while he put his glasses back on, “… is she going to show up tonight or what?”

“Hate to disappoint you, but probably not. Place is closing soon anyway.”

“But she said she would.”

“No, she said she might, but might does not mean absolutely will. Don’t get your hopes up man, Jasmine Bennet is not just suddenly going to drop in.”

It was at that exact moment that a red blur came smashing through a nearby window, the destruction of the glass resulting in an almighty crash that resounded throughout the entire room. The civilians immediately went into a panic at the sudden intrusion, some already making a run for it. Tyler and Craig instinctively leapt clear in their surprise, turning back just in time to see the figure hit the ground among the shards.

“Whoa dude!” exclaimed Tyler. “A Power Ranger!”

Jasmine quickly flipped back to her feet, allowing herself a moment to shake the daze out of her head: “Man, now there’s an experience I don’t wanna repeat anytime soon…”

“Hey,” Craig called, “are you alright?”

Jasmine turned and instantly recognised her two closest friends. Seeing them there threw her for a second, but luckily her helmet disguised any expression her face might have betrayed.

“Stay back, you two” she ordered them, “it’s not safe.” The realisation that she would have to keep her Ranger alter-ego a secret from them only seemed to hit her at that moment.

A noise forced her attention back to what remained of the window. Quickly snapping into a fighting stance, she prepared herself as the first of the three remaining Tin Men leapt in after her. Jasmine was ready, jumping into a swift spinning back kick that promptly broke open the soldier’s glass chest, releasing the energy sphere that powered it. Its now limp body promptly falling to the floor.

“Whoa dude!” Tyler declared again, both his and Craig’s eyes wide with amazement. They’d seen plenty of Power Rangers in pictures and on the news, but never before had they witnessed one fighting just a few feet away from them. Perhaps it would have been wise to get clear, but they were both too stunned by the sudden revelation to really register the risk they were taking.

The other two Tin Men now entered, but this new heroine took them both out with ease. A quick back flip brought up both feet to shatter both chests simultaneously. Jasmine made another perfectly balanced landing on her feet, glad that all the Tin Men had been defeated but knowing that she couldn’t relax just yet – the hulking form of Iron Claw now made his charge from across the street, the small tremors heralding his approach. He too leapt in through the window, the jump surprisingly agile for a being of his size.

Tyler’s jaw dropped when he saw the massive blue robot for the first time: “Holy motherfu…”

The crash heard when Iron Claw landed drowned out the rest of that sentence.

“Shall you battle me, Red Ranger?” enquired Iron Claw in his trademark booming tones.

“The names Ranger Zero, please be accurate” Jasmine shot back. “And you bet I’m ready… Fatal Zero, Sword Mode!”

On her command, her weapon was deployed. The belt buckle was detached from the rest of the belt, and everybody watching – even Jasmine herself – had to be astonished as a long blade slid out of the side, soon followed by a handle, and two axe blade-shaped metal plates that formed the hilt.

Further words were not necessary. Jasmine immediately went on the offensive, expertly swinging the sword round into a mighty slash across Iron Claw’s chest, sparks flying as he stumbled back from the hit. She attacked again but this time he was ready for her, bringing up his claw arm to block. With a quick twist he had caught the blade and held it secure. However Jasmine would not back down so easily, crouching and spinning to deliver a low kick to her opponent’s midsection. Iron Claw staggered back again, forcing him to release his grip on the Fatal Zero. Jasmine was thankful: the guy was big, bulky and made of metal, but he didn’t seem too resistant to her attacks.

“Fatal Zero, Cannon Mode!” she announced, commanding a change in her weapon. The blade, handle and one of the metal plates retracted back inside the core. A long round barrel then appeared at a 45-degree angle to the remaining plate, with a small trigger magically forming on the plate’s underside. Jasmine now held the cannon and took aim, pointing straight at Iron Claw’s chest.

“Alright Iron Claw, I’m sure you’ll get a real blast out of this!”

With that she squeezed the trigger, sending several bolts of red energy shooting out of the barrel. They all struck their target dead centre, causing him to topple over and back out of the window.

“What a clumsy landing, Mr Claw” giggled Jasmine. “Do you need some help getting up?”

“The only one who shall need help is you, human” Iron Claw retorted as he managed to stand. “You have won this battle, and your victory over me may have seemed incredibly easy to you. But know this: the Metal Minds are a powerful force, and you could never hope to stop us. You have no comprehension of the danger you are in. Until next time, human.”

Iron Claw teleported away in a flash, the lifeless bodies of the Tin Men disappearing with him. As Jasmine switched the Fatal Zero back to its buckle form and reattached it to her belt, she reflected on what Iron Claw had said and she had to agree: he had been beaten incredibly easily, even more so than the Tin Men. Surely the almighty general of the Metal Minds had to be more of a threat than this! Was Jasmine just that good? Or was Iron Claw perhaps just biding time, trying to lull her into a false sense of security before delivering the true strike?

Her train of thought was interrupted by her two friends now coming up to her.

“Man, that was totally awesome!” cheered Tyler. “I mean, seriously, how cool was that?”

“Glad you enjoyed the show” replied Jasmine. “Are you guys alright?”

“Yeah we’re fine. More to the point, how are you?”

“Pretty pumped after that first battle, but I’m worried that it’s just the beginning of the long fight to come.”

Jasmine headed back for the broken window to leave, feeling it wasn’t wise to converse too much with the guys yet in case she accidentally said or did something to give the game away.

“Wait a second,” Craig asked her, “who are you?”

She turned back for a moment: “I’m Ranger Zero – tell your friends.”

*

Back in the Hyperlock, Tara wasted no time in throwing her arms around her daughter: “You, young lady, were fantastic!”

“Yeah,” replied Jasmine, hugging her mother back, “I kind of was, wasn’t I?”

“Although, I was still worried sick about you!”

“Oh Tara, relax” Katrina chimed in. “She did fine, she came back in one piece... Will you just chill, woman?”

“You know, I have to wonder about what Iron Claw told me though,” said Jasmine, “that the Metal Minds were powerful and I couldn’t stop them. I thought I was the only one alive who could stop them.”

“But that’s just it, they don’t know you’re the chosen one” Katrina enlightened her. “When Iron Claw attacked your mother all those years ago and injected her with that poison, his plan was to kill her so that you could never be born. But he probably doesn’t know that she managed to pull through. Chances are the Metal Minds will figure you’re just a random Ranger who decided to try her luck.”

“And that’s the way I’d like it to stay” added Tara. “If they discover you’re the one in the prophecy, they’ll do whatever it takes to destroy you. But as long as they don’t find out, hopefully they’ll decide you’re not a serious threat, and maybe let their guard down a little.”

*

What did I tell you? Mom’s totally overprotective! She’ll do whatever she has to just so the Metal Minds won’t give me too much of a hard time. I get where she and Aunt K. are coming from though. Maybe that’s the reason Iron Claw backed down so easily – he figured I just wasn’t worth the hassle. They figure they can just take me out, and… well, maybe they’re right. Just because I’m the chosen one, doesn’t mean I’m invincible.

But what they probably don’t realise is just how much of a fight I’ll put up before it ever comes to that! I’ll show the Metal Minds that if they want this planet, they’ll have to go through me first. And whether they find out who I am or not, they’ll sure have hell to pay for thinking they could ever take me on!

Well Diary, I guess that pretty much covers it – my first day of what I guess is more than just my new job, it’s my destiny! What a mind-blower huh? I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little scared about what the future’s got in store for me, but I’ve got to try and not let that get to me. Everybody’s counting on me. Mom will be counting on me, and I can’t let her down.

Man it’s getting late, and I’m shattered! I guess I’ll sign off now and hit the sack. I know it’s going to be a long road ahead and I’ve no idea what’s going to happen next. But one thing’s for sure Diary: from now on your entries are going to get a lot more interesting!

Love & hugz,
Jazz.

*

Jasmine clicked the lid back on her pen and set it down on her desk, closed up her diary, then leaned back in her chair with a satisfied sigh. She was already dressed in her red pyjamas and ready for bed, but knew she had to get everything written down while she was still on an adrenaline high. She rubbed her eyes and let out a little yawn.

“Feeling tired?” asked a voice. A male voice.

“Exhausted!” she replied. She turned around: there was nobody else in the room, yet she was not in the slightest bit surprised or confused about where the voice had come from.

“It’s been a long day” she said.

“Yeah I bet it has” the voice spoke again, this time with a little chuckle. “Go on then, get yourself to bed, young lady.”

“Yes sir!”

Jasmine walked over to her bed and climbed into the covers, settling down for the night. Looking over to the side, she waited for the event that she knew would happen. And happen it did: it started out as nothing, but then a white light began to appear, gradually growing brighter until it took the form of a human figure. His ghostly form was semi-transparent, yet every feature, every expression, was unmistakable. Jasmine remained calm and relaxed; she had seen him countless times before throughout her life.

Steven Bennet smiled down at his daughter.

“I just wanted to tell you that I was really proud of you today” he told her. “You handled yourself like a true Bennet!”

“Thanks” she replied, smiling back. “I just hope I can keep up the good work.”

“You’re going to be great, I know it. Now, try and get some rest – you deserve it!”

“Okay. Goodnight Dad.”

“Goodnight Princess.”

Jasmine rested herself and closed her eyes, the smile on her face showing her excitement but betraying the strain of worry that remained running through her mind.

But Steven’s smile disguised nothing. He felt pure pride and joy, and confidence that his daughter was going to save the world.

bushwacka666

06-17-2008, 03:03 AM

Now that she's become Ranger Zero, Jasmine knows she's got a long fight ahead of her. But could she be taking her new responsibility just a little too seriously?

GreyRanger

06-17-2008, 06:24 AM

Awe-Some-ness.

Well done for using the 1st person, i think you handled it more than well; I actually thought i was reading a 17 year old girl's diary, which is creepy for 2 reasons: 1, i know you're a bloke, and 2, i'm older than 17 and it feels creepy reading a girl's thought's who is younger than me. Congratulations for crepping me out and getting truley inside your character's head; that's what makes first person a lot more challenging but you've done it.

I like how Katrina and Tara interact, you can instantly tell they've had a long history between them and i like how you go Tara's motherly feelings expressed through her language and actions. Nice touch with the ghost of Steven at the end too, although i'm sue there's something deeper with that.

And ranger Zero, i'm gonna track down the suit in the corrct thread, and i like how Jazz's mrpher is completly different form anything else that's been used. I think it also fits her character. The action was great, that's what i need to work on atm (it's the whole reason the next project is not out yet!), but you've been great at it since Bennet 1/Primal Fury. Can we be expecting the debut of the Zord battles soon?

All in all, a great chapter with some new styles that have added to it. Keep it up mate i'm looking forward to chapter 3 :023:

P.S. cheers for the shout out and i know, the new spelling of []V[] []_ is a bitch.

Einsider

06-17-2008, 06:57 AM

awesome second chapter! loved jazz' fight scenes! really exciting and your 1st person was gd, different from M_L's but it was just like reading a diary! I liked how they were just in the chapter but the whole chapter wasn't first person - that worked really well! and i agree with ML, something definatly more going on with his ghost :)

bushwacka666

06-17-2008, 07:25 AM

I thank you, kind sir. :)

Hehe well it wasn't my intention to creep you out with Jazz's diary entries, so I apologise. Then again, after the freak-fest that was Unholy Confessions, maybe you deserve what's coming to ya! :P (And if you think it's creepy reading a 17yo's diary, how do you think I felt writing it? :D ) Seriously though, after reading your fic I knew I wanted to give 1st-person writing a try, but obviously I couldn't just start switcing between 1st and 3rd-person just for the hell of it. I thought the diary approach would be a nice way of working 1st-person into the flow of things and also help get to know our main character a little better in the process. I'll be bringing in a few more "Dear Diary" chapters in the future.

Glad you liked Steven's appearance at the end. I actually put in a subtle line from him at the end of Chapter 1 ("Go get 'em, Princess!") and wondered if anyone would pick up on it and guess that it was him. Sadly nobody seemed to, but I guess you win some you lose some. All the times I mentioned him throughout the first 2 chapters, I purposely never referred to him by name, and only wrote in the words "Steven Bennet" once he actually appeared. Something about that approach just seemed to work to me.

In any case, Steven is certainly a important character here. After his death in Special Ops, some people voiced concerns over whether ZT was really going to feel like a proper Bennet Legacy fic without Steven. Hopefully this revelation will put those fears to rest.

Finally, no need to track down the suit in the creations thread now m8. I've now put up the first profiles and pics for Jazz, Tyler, Craig, Tara, Katrina and Steven. These might give you a little more background if you don't mind a little light reading on the side, and I'll be changing and adding details to them as the fic continues. Oh, and the hot and heavy Zord action intros in Ch.4.

So glad you liked it M_L. Hope the rest of you do too. :)

EDIT: Ooh Einsider, you sneaked in there while I was typing that up. Thanks for the compliments m8, I appreciate it. And I have noticed there's an update on your fic btw, I'll set aside some time to read that soon.

GreyRanger

06-17-2008, 08:26 AM

Hehe well it wasn't my intention to creep you out with Jazz's diary entries, so I apologise. Then again, after the freak-fest that was Unholy Confessions, maybe you deserve what's coming to ya! :P (And if you think it's creepy reading a 17yo's diary, how do you think I felt writing it? :D )

Yeah, touche. Don't think i'll be able to top UC with my next project, just not feeling it at the moment.
I like how you added in the 1st person stuff, so i understand why the Dear Diary bits came in, and like you've said, they make good additions and help us as readers get to know Jazz better.
I also noticed the BIOS appear, good to see some familiar faces once again.
As for the ending of chapter 1, i was too busy fan-gasm-ing to notice Steven's words, but i did pick up on lack of namage until the end of chapter 2.
Remember, i'm always availbe for hosting and suit making shizz...

bushwacka666

06-17-2008, 11:47 AM

V[]etal []_ion;2824045']Remember, i'm always availbe for hosting and suit making shizz...

Well now that you mention it... ;)

lol well not really. I had been thinking whether I should get a Bennet Legacy banner, to cover the series as a whole (seems weird that each fic has a logo but not the flag under which they all fly, so to speak). But what I had in mind would include photos of the 3 Bennet members which would require expert digital insertion and resizing and blending and removing of backgrounds etc (i.e: requirement of Photoshop skills that I do not possess). I figured if I was going to beg anyone it'd be you, (considering how you are the King of, like, everything!), but I somewhat followed the whole fiasco in the Suit Creation thread and I know you weren't taking requests anymore and the whole timing was just really off.

But such is life - when it gives me lemons, I... well I don't make lemonade because it makes me really snotty. But I do go back to the supermarket and exchange them for oranges! :D

GreyRanger

06-17-2008, 03:11 PM

Hey, i always take requests for mates, just not the noobs horribly bastardizing my creations! So pm the details you 'crazy yahoo' to quote a mate :)

Jacen

06-17-2008, 09:55 PM

Well, that was... interesting. I personally don't like first person stories, and diary entires even less, but netherless, that chapter was exciting. I do think Jasmine was a little over excited through.

As a note Bush, I still have these for ya. http://www.xares.net/bush/

bushwacka666

06-19-2008, 06:50 AM

Well M_L, maybe I will send you a PM about it when I have more time, I appreciate the offer. :)

Jacen: I somewhat understand your dislike towards the first-person perspective. I don't dislike 1st-person stories persay, but as I said I have always been hesitant to write them. Rest assured that most of the chapters will remain in the classic style all the way through. Only those beginning with the words "Dear Diary" will experiment with 1st-person, and they'll be few and far between.

As for the flesh-eating horror that is the SO music... BURN THEM, BURN THEM ALL!!! :D

Jacen

06-19-2008, 07:37 AM

Jacen: I somewhat understand your dislike towards the first-person perspective. I don't dislike 1st-person stories persay, but as I said I have always been hesitant to write them. Rest assured that most of the chapters will remain in the classic style all the way through. Only those beginning with the words "Dear Diary" will experiment with 1st-person, and they'll be few and far between.

Thats good to know. I'm half tempted to try a few "dear dairy" chapters myself in my HW-Rewrite. Tempted anyway. Just because you made it work well enough. :P

As for the flesh-eating horror that is the SO music... BURN THEM, BURN THEM ALL!!! :D
I did. To CD :P

You going to do any for ZT?

Bionic Red

06-19-2008, 11:27 PM

Great Work Bush, but I have a question...

A Friends reference? Seriously.

bushwacka666

07-17-2008, 04:16 AM

The bell signalled the end of the school day, the numerous students at Stone Canyon high promptly filling the hallways as they visited their lockers and prepared to make their getaways. Tyler and Craig were two such students, chatting as they put away a few books that thankfully they wouldn’t need again, at least not until tomorrow.

“Man that maths test was a killer” sighed Tyler wearily.

“Tell me about it” Craig agreed. “I’m meant to be the maths whizz, and even I…” he paused while he pushed his glasses back up his nose, “… found it challenging.”

“Well at least it’s over and done with. I think this calls for some serious fun time.” Tyler closed up his locker and turned to his friend: “What do you say, head to the Dominion? It’s just reopened now they’ve repaired the damage after that attack the other day.”

“Ah yes,” Craig reminisced as he and Tyler began to walk down the hall, “the attack which was stopped by our new resident superhero, Ranger Zero. Man that was incredible to see. Who do you think she is?”

“What’s with the interest? Should I warn Jazz she’s got some competition for your affections?”

“Very funny, you’re well aware that there can only ever be one for me! Seriously though, are you telling me you’re not the least bit curious to know who this Ranger is?”

“Hell yes I’m curious! Although you know what a lot of Rangers are like – it’s not often you ever get to find out who one is. Anyway you didn’t answer my question: do you want to head to Dominion?”

“Yeah for sure. After that maths test, I could do with a relaxing environment. What about Jasmine?”

As if on cue, the form of a very hurried Jasmine suddenly rushed past them.

“Hi guys, bye guys” she speedily spoke.

“Hey Jazz, we’re heading to Dominion” Tyler called after her. “You coming with?”

“Can’t, busy” she called back. “See you tomorrow.”

Tyler and Craig both raised their eyebrows in confusion as they watched their preoccupied friend practically sprint out the door.

“Okay, deja-vu” said Tyler. “She did the exact same thing yesterday. She’s in a rush once, alright. But twice in a row, I’m starting to wonder. She trying to blow us off or something?”

“Doubtful” Craig replied with a smile, knowing that his female friend just wasn’t that kind of person. “It’s probably like she said, she’s busy.”

“Busy with what is the question? Seriously, I’ve barely seen the girl all week.”

“Hmm, well now that you mention it…” another pause while Craig pushed up his glasses, “…I’ve been having even less Jazz Time than usual myself. I wonder what she’s up to?”

*

Jasmine was home in record time. She ran up to her room, threw her schoolbag onto her bed, changed into some workout gear, ran back down the stairs to the kitchen, poured herself a glass of juice and downed it in one go – all in the space of three minutes. She was certainly wasting no time as she moved to the hallway with the life-size photo, taking a brief moment to stare at the image of her dad before reaching down to the hidden thumbprint scanner and activating it. Within moments she was in the secret elevator and heading down to the Hyperlock below. Reaching the bottom she immediately walked into the Gym area.

Actually, that last part wasn’t entirely accurate. She didn’t walk in, she backflipped, straight through the door and not stopping until she reached the middle of the mats. The second that she landed back on her feet she had already begun a fast and furious kata, hoards of Tin Men visualised in her mind as she worked to dispose of them. Her face was one of pure concentration, her eyes locked firmly on her imaginary targets with unwavering focus. Her arms and legs moved with lightning speed and pinpoint accuracy, never letting up for a moment. Her heart pounded forcefully but she chose to ignore it, continuing her onslaught.

It was training. It was all about training.

*

“You have won this battle, and your victory over me may have seemed incredibly easy to you. But know this: the Metal Minds are a powerful force, and you could never hope to stop us. You have no comprehension of the danger you are in. Until next time, human.”

The screen showed the image of Iron Claw teleporting off, and following a hand signal from Steelador, Coppertron paused the video with the remote control he held.

“Such threatening words, Iron Claw” Steelador spoke to his general. “Such threatening, menacing, spine-chilling words. But tell me, if you would be so accommodating, why you chose not to show this Power Ranger just how powerful a force the Metal Minds can be?”

“She is of little concern to us sir” replied Iron Claw. “The only human we would have had to worry about is the one foretold in the prophecy. But both that human and its mother were eliminated. This pathetic girl could never defeat us, and you know that as well as I.”

“Indeed you speak the truth. Even so, why not kill this one anyway? Why let her get away with her pointless meddling?”

“Sounds to me like the big blue bot would get bored” Coppertron chimed in.

“Silence!” Steelador growled. “I did not invite your opinion.”

“Actually sir, I must confess that he does have a point” Iron Claw told his master. “With no chosen one to stand in our way, our eventual victory is assured. I have a feeling that our journey to that victory could become very tiresome very quickly. Why should we not allow ourselves a little fun with this Ranger? If she wants to fight us, let her try. Shall success not be all the more sweet when we have an obstacle to overcome, however insignificant it will ultimately prove to be?”

“Hmm…” Steelador murmured, pondering his general’s words. He could certainly see some sense in them, there was no denying it. After all, this Ranger was not the human spoken of in the prophecy. She could still win battles against them of course, but in the long run she would never be able to stop their complete victory, no matter how she tried. This “Ranger Zero” truly was of little consequence to their grand plans.

Movement on the screen snapped Steelador out of his reverie. He saw the video rewinding to the point where Ranger Zero aimed her weapon at her opponent:

“Alright Iron Claw,” came her voice through the speakers, “I’m sure you’ll get a real blast out of this!”

Steelador watched on as Ranger Zero fired her weapon, blasting Iron Claw and sending him toppling through the window and slamming onto his back. Suddenly the video rewound again back to the same point, Iron Claw’s clumsy crash shown again in an instant replay.

With an annoyed growl, Iron Claw looked over at Coppertron, who used the remote control to rewind and re-watch over and over again.

“Oh this is classic stuff!” Coppertron chortled. “I could watch this all day!”

“That’s enough out of you” Iron Claw warned him.

“The way you trip back over the ledge, it’s hilarious!”

“I said cut it out!”

Coppertron ignored him, continuing to cackle away as he watched the scene yet again.

“Alright, that’s it!” roared Iron Claw, finally having enough of this imbecile. He charged forward, grabbing Coppertron by the neck, his huge fist able to clench all the way around. With ease he lifted him clear off the ground. Steelador just sighed wearily, both of his servants sorely testing his tolerance.

“Enough, you two” he told them.

“You’re really starting to bug me Coppertron” Iron Claw snarled, apparently not hearing his master. “One of these days I’m gonna…”

“I SAID ENOUGH!” Steelador bellowed again. He raised his hand towards them, and instantly Iron Claw found his grip on Coppertron suddenly being released against his will. A moment later and he flew backwards for a few metres before coming to an abrupt halt in midair.

“How quickly you forget that I command the power of magnetism” said Steelador. “You are both made of metal, and never safe from my influence.”

“I always remember that boss, believe me” Coppertron quickly assured him.

Steelador turned to Iron Claw: “I know how easily Coppertron can grate on the nerves, but you must learn to control yourself. If the Metal Minds are not functioning as a team then there is no point keeping the team intact, if you understand my meaning.”

“I do understand sir, and I apologise” replied the still floating Iron Claw. He shifted one last glance in Coppertron’s direction before adding, “I shall try to resist the temptation.”

Steelador lowered his hand, bringing Iron Claw back down to the floor and releasing him from the magnetic field. He turned back to the screen, the video now paused at the exact moment where the blast from Ranger Zero’s weapon struck Iron Claw.

“I believe you are correct, Iron Claw” he announced. “This Ranger can never defeat us, but there is nothing wrong with a little healthy challenge – I think I would welcome it. So let us see just how much of a challenge we could have… Coppertron, ready a monster immediately.”

*

Back in the Hyperlock Gym, Jasmine was still going full bore on her training routine. The simulator had been activated, her surroundings changed to that of the local park. She had now acquired herself a wooden staff, twirling it around with expert skill as a large hoard of Tin Men charged towards her. A wide horizontal swing of the staff promptly smashed open the glass chests of three Tin Men, releasing the energy spheres that powered them and rendering them inoperable. She then proceeded to go close quarters with a few more, trying her best to strike them down before they had a chance to react.

Two more Tin Men suddenly surprised her from behind, grabbing onto her and forcing her to drop her weapon. She struggled to break free but their grip remained firm. Peering down, she noticed the staff had landed on top of her ankle. With a knowing smile she kicked her leg up, sending the staff airborne and over. It clonked the heads of the two soldiers, momentarily dazing them and sending them stumbling back. This gave Jasmine the chance to snatch back the staff from the air and swiftly jab it into their chests to defeat them.

She turned back to the main group, her eyes frantically darting from one side to the other as she assessed the danger she was in. Her heart pounded and her breath was heavy, her cheeks were flushed and sweat coated her forehead. She chose to ignore all of these signs, instead remaining focused on the task at hand. Those two earlier opponents had surprised her, she could not let it happen again. As the hoard charged in again she did the same, using the staff to pole vault herself skywards and into the middle of the group. She began to attack before she even touched the ground, lashing out in blind rage yet with precise accuracy. Soldiers fell by the second but more kept coming. Jasmine fleetingly wondered whether she had set the simulator a little too high, but she welcomed a chance to trial herself.

A trial this certainly was: her brief lapse in concentration allowed one Tin Man to get in closer than she would have liked. A swift chop from the soldier snapped the staff in two, sending both halves to the grass with muted thuds. Jasmine snapped back to attention, but it was too late – five Tin Men had already grabbed hold of her, their combined efforts easily flipping her to the ground. Weak and out of breath, she could do nothing to stop the Tin Men as they all reared back their fists, before thrusting them forward towards her. Jasmine instinctively clamped her eyes shut and awaited the inevitable…

It never came.

Reluctantly, she opened her eyes again. The park environment had gone, replaced by the huge square room that was the Gym. The Tin Men army had disappeared also – what now stood in their place was Tara, her arms folded and her eyebrows raised in half-amusement as she looked down at her daughter.

“Hey, why did you stop the simulator?” Jasmine asked her mother between involuntarily breaths. “I had ‘em right where I wanted ‘em.”

“Oh yeah, it looked like it!” Tara quipped back. She extended a hand down and pulled Jasmine back to her feet.

“I think that’ll be enough, young lady” she told her.

“No let’s keep going,” the girl protested, “I’ve still got more to do.”

“Not today, you haven’t.”

“But I’ve only just gotten started.”

“I bet you’ve been training ever since you got home from school – which was about two and a half hours ago. That’s not called just getting started, that’s called pushing yourself too hard.”

“Oh Mom…”

“You’ve been training for hours on end every day since your first Ranger battle” Tara cut her off. “Seriously Jasmine, I’m starting to get worried. You keep this up, you won’t have any strength left to stand. I’m not having you missing any school because of it either!”

“But what I have to do now, being a Power Ranger… this is really important.”

“I know that, I’m not saying it’s not. But even so, you shouldn’t let it take over your whole life. I admire your dedication but you’re wearing yourself out. There’s nothing wrong with a little downtime every now and then. Now, you’re going to walk – not run – into the shower right now to cool off, and then set the table for dinner.”

“But…”

“I’m your mother, don’t argue with me!” She pointed to the door: “Go.”

Grudgingly, Jasmine did as she was told. Tara watched her go, sighing as she shook her head. Her daughter’s commitment earned respect, but there was such a thing as taking even the most serious of situations a little too seriously.

*

“Do you really think this is worth it?” Craig asked as he and Tyler approached the Bennet household.

“What kind of a question is that? She’s our friend.”

“I didn’t mean it like that. I’m just saying that she hasn’t hung out with us at all for days, outside of school. You sure she won’t just turn us down again?”

“Well maybe, but we won’t know until we ask, will we?”

Tyler stepped up to the door and rang the bell, he and Craig awaiting a response. A few seconds passed before they received that response, the door opening.

“Hi Miss Dearing” Craig greeted with a smile.

“Oh hey boys – and I’ve told you both before, you can call me Katrina. What can I do for you?”

“Me and Craig were thinking of catching a movie tonight,” Tyler informed her, “wondering if Jazz wanted to join us.”

Katrina knew straight away that that probably wasn’t going to happen. Jasmine was keeping pretty focused on her training lately, probably a little more than she should be but… As a matter of fact she was down in the Hyperlock right now, but Katrina thought Tara had gone down to talk to her. In any case Jasmine wasn’t free at the moment, but Katrina couldn’t exactly say the real reason why. An excuse was needed.

“Sorry guys, I’m afraid she’s pretty busy right now” she told them.

Tyler let out a little half-chuckle: “Seems to be the story of our lives lately. Come on Katrina, level with us. What’s the deal?”

She thought for a moment: “You know what? It’s actually my fault. She’s been helping me.”

“Helping you?” enquired Craig.

“Yeah, in my lab. You know me, I’ve always got some project on the go. Jazz has been helping me out with some of the more physical tasks for something I’m working on.” She nodded down to her wheelchair: “I can’t exactly manoeuvre myself around like I used to.”

“So you don’t ever think about giving her the night off or something?” Tyler asked as politely as he could.

“I’d love to, really,” she laughed, “but she’s actually gotten pretty hooked on it and now wild horses couldn’t drag her away – I think I’ve created a monster!”

“Well then, that’s a bust” declared Tyler with a sigh. “I guess it’s just you and me C.”

“Well if that’s the way it’s got to be…” said Craig, sighing himself. “Will you tell Jasmine we’ll see her at school tomorrow?”

“Yeah sure thing” replied Katrina.

“Katrina!” Tara’s voice suddenly called from inside the house. “We’ve got a bit of a problem here.”

“That sounds like my cue to leave” said Katrina. She smiled apologetically: “Sorry boys.”

She closed the door again as Tyler and Craig said their goodbyes and walked away.

“Well that didn’t go like I hoped, but it did go as I expected” muttered Craig.

“Tell me about it,” Tyler agreed, “I’m seriously considering having words with that girl. Oh well, I guess you’ll just have to snuggle up next to me in the back row of the movie theatre instead.”

Craig raised a pair of astonished eyebrows: “Oh how tempting that offer sounds…”

Back in the house, Katrina made her way over to Tara.

“What’s going on?” she asked.

“Monster attack in the park” replied Tara. “Jasmine’s going in.”

*

The citizens of Stone Canyon were busy running for their lives, and with good reason too: the wolf-like form of the metal creature looked fierce. Solid metal fangs protruded from its mouth, beneath a set of glowing red eyes. Razor-sharp steel claws jutted out from its fingertips, and its metallic growl echoed off the walls with threatening resonance.

Turning its head from one side to the other, it surveyed its surroundings. The almost radar sight of its eyes locked on a pair of small children standing a couple of hundred feet away, playing catch with a large ball. They had not yet become aware of the danger they were in, but that would soon change. Already the monster was scampering towards them on all fours, moving with surprising speed that closed the distance in mere seconds.

The two young boys heard the growls moments before the monster reached them, but there was no way that they could react or get clear in time. Their frightened screams pierced the air as the metal wolf pounced for its prey…

A sudden and well-timed flying kick from Ranger Zero managed to knock it off course at the last moment.

“Get out of here!” she told the boys. They quickly ran off, their ball dropped and forgotten. The monster had returned to its feet almost instantly after landing, already prepared to attack. It leapt in again, this time catching Jasmine off-guard and knocking her to the ground. She also stood quickly, although taking a few more seconds than the monster had. She advanced, slamming a quick punch combo into the creature’s chest, then a solid kick. The monster recovered quickly however, and responded with a kick of its own, followed by three savage swipes with its claws. Sparks flew from Jasmine’s chest as she fell again.

“Alright,” she panted to herself, “I’m officially out of shape right now.”

The wolf pounced on top of her, and it took all the concentration she had to react in time, bring her arms up to grab hold of the monster, then rolling back and using a leg to toss it overhead. She clambered back to her feet as quickly as she could, facing her opponent again.

‘I went down way too easily that time,’ she thought to herself, ‘not good.’

The wolf was on its feet again, and this time it had a little surprise for the human. Aiming one of its clawed hands towards her, it fired off a strong electrical blast. The bolts struck the ground around Jasmine, forcing her down once more.

*

In the Control Room of the Hyperlock, Tara and Katrina observed the action through the holographic projector. Tara couldn’t help but wince at every hit the wolf landed on her little girl. Even Katrina had a little worry in her expression.

“Oh God, it’s not going well” exclaimed Tara.

“No, it’s not” Katrina replied matter-of-factly. She pressed a couple of buttons, opening up a communication channel to Jasmine: “Jazz, it’s Aunt K. Can you hear me?”

“Yeah…” Jasmine managed to slur back, “Yeah, I hear you.”

“Call for your weapon, I think you’re gonna need it on this one.”

“I think you might be right. God I’m exhausted!”

“And whose fault is that, may I ask?” Tara pressed.

“Okay, okay,” Jasmine admitted, “you might have had a point when you said I was going to wear myself out. Could you not rub my face in it please?”

“I promise not to. That is of course providing you get back here in one piece. I know you’re tired sweetie, but you can do it – you’re not a Bennet for nothing! Come on girl.”

*

Slowly, Jasmine managed to struggle back to her feet once again. Reaching down and removing her belt buckle, she announced the call:

“Fatal Zero, Axe Mode!”

On command, the two axe blade-shaped metal plates popped out from the sides, followed by a long handle at the bottom. Jasmine held the large axe ready with both hands, awaiting her opponent to make a move. And move it did, lunging forward. Acting quickly, Jasmine lowered the Fatal Zero and waited for the wolf to get close enough. Once it did, Jasmine reared the axe back and swung it upwards like a golf club, delivering a mighty strike that promptly reversed the wolf’s direction in midair. Not content to leave it there, she then managed to summon enough strength to leap up, bringing the Fatal Zero crashing down on the wolf’s head.

“That’s my girl” she heard her mother’s voice exclaim in her ear.

“Oh yeah!” Katrina chimed in. “Who’s afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?”

“Certainly not Little Red Riding Helmet!” Jasmine assured her. “Let’s do this – Sword Mode!”

The Fatal Zero switched to its sword form on command and, as the wolf recovered and moved in again, Jasmine began to fight back for all she was worth. The sword blade clashed noisily with multiple metal claws as the two warriors exchanged blows. Jasmine kept her focus, ducking and diving under the swiping claws as she hacked the sword across the wolf’s chest. The monster was weakened but stood its ground. Thinking fast, it latched its jaws around the sword’s blade and bit down hard. Try as she might, Jasmine was not able to wrench her weapon free – the wolf’s bite had a vice-like grip, and she actually had to be thankful that it was only her weapon caught in there and not her arm! Suddenly, with a quick toss of the wolf’s head, Jasmine found herself thrown to the side, her grip on the Fatal Zero forcibly released.

The wolf snarled between still-gritted teeth as it waited, curious to see how the human thought she could get out of this one. Truth be told, Jasmine had to wonder the same thing herself! Her eyes scanned the immediate area, searching for anything which might help her gain her the upper hand…

Luckily, she spotted something.

She was weary, she was out of breath, and right now she wanted nothing more than to be back at home with her feet up. But she knew she had to force herself to keep going just a little bit longer. She could relax all she wanted afterwards, but not just yet. She allowed herself the few moments she needed to summon her strength. Then, she moved.

With a quick dive, she headed straight for the abandoned ball that the boys had dropped earlier. In one fluid movement she rolled back to her feet and threw the ball up, before jumping up after it. A agile airborne twist kick struck home, booting the ball straight into the wolf monster’s snout. With a pained howl he toppled backwards, finally releasing the Fatal Zero which flew up into the air. Jasmine was already there to greet it, gripping the handle once more.

“Zero Slash!” she declared, descending back down towards her target as the weapon’s blade began to glow bright red. With a full 360 degree rotation, Jasmine delivered the energised slash that proved to be the wolf’s final end. Knowing that the fight was over, she finally allowed herself to succumb to her weariness, falling to her knees, using her sword as support as she watched the wolf collapse and explode.

“I think I need a vacation…” she breathed.

*

With a weary sigh, Jasmine fell back onto her bed and closed her eyes, basking in the silence for a few moments.

“Well you had quite a day, didn’t you?” asked a familiar voice.

“I’ll say!” she replied, eyes still closed. “I’ve gotten a lot of my strength back now, but I think I was lucky to make it through that one.”

“Your mother was right, you know. You really were pushing yourself too hard with all that training.”

“I guess. But I have to, don’t I? I mean, training’s important, isn’t it Dad?”

She opened her eyes and sat up so she could look at the ghost of her father.

“Oh it’s important, of course,” Steven agreed, “but you really should learn to pace yourself. If you want to train then by all means train, but there’s no reason you have to neglect your social life for it. I think your two friends, Craig and Tyler, would probably agree with me there.”

“Yeah, they’ve probably forgotten what I look like by now!” Jasmine said with a smile. However, her smile quickly faded again when she added, “Maybe I still want to have a social life, but honestly, I’m not sure if I even have a choice anymore.”

Steven raised an inquisitive eyebrow: “Why wouldn’t you have a choice?”

Jasmine sighed. “Don’t worry about it” she spoke, walking over to her dressing table and sitting down in the chair.

“Jasmine…” prompted Steven. Jasmine rolled her eyes. She understood the tone – no way was he going to let her leave it at that. She looked up and observed herself in the mirror. She noticed the faint white glow of her father’s spiritual form reflected in the edge of the mirror, but all she could focus on were her own eyes.

“I’m scared Dad” she whispered softly. “These things I have to do, this war I have to fight… I’m not sure if I’ve got what it takes.”

“I’m sure, your mom’s sure, Katrina’s sure. Isn’t that enough to convince you?”

“I’m sorry but no, it’s not. No offence but none of you have been put in this position, I have – and I tell you it’s one crappy position! I have to fight the Metal Minds, and that’s something I don’t have a say in. Everyone’s counting on me to do this job, not just Mom and Aunt K, but every single person in the world.”

Steven nodded his head in perfect understanding: “It’s a lot of pressure, I can’t deny it.”

“That’s why I keep training, that’s why I keep forcing myself to be stronger and faster and tougher, because everyone’s relying on me to protect them. I have to be at my best. I can’t lose a fight, I can’t make a mistake, I can’t let anything go wrong. Because if I’m not on my guard all the time, if I stuff up, it’s everyone else who has to pay for it. The Metal Minds could take over the world, and it’ll be all my fault…”

She turned around to face him, and added, “I just don’t know if I’m strong enough to stop that from happening. I keep pushing myself because I’m terrified of what could happen if I don’t.”

Steven looked on at his beautiful daughter. He noticed a few tears of distress falling down her cheeks, and more than anything in the world he wished he could reach out and wipe them away. But alas that was not possible; physical contact was simply beyond his capabilities now.

As a matter of fact, a lot of things were beyond his capabilities now. If he were still alive, if he were still a Power Ranger, he swore in Zordon’s name that he would be out there right now, fighting the forces of evil, standing beside his daughter and helping her to save the world. But now… now, all he could do was just stand there and watch, helplessly.

“I’ve… I’ve never admitted that before,” Jasmine confessed, “not even to Mom.”

“I don’t think you’d have to, I’m sure she already knows” replied Steven. “I see your point Princess, but try and look at it from a different angle. You keep training and training, but how can you be at your best when you’re too exhausted to move? You might be the chosen one but you’re also still human – your body just can’t cope with the constant exertion you’re forcing on it. It’s crucial that you take the time to unwind. Recharge the batteries, so to speak.”

“I guess you do make sense” she told him with a little laugh. She grabbed a tissue from the box on the dressing table and dried her eyes, something Steven was silently thankful for.

“I used to be a Ranger myself remember, I do have some experience in this matter” he reminded her. “Your responsibility is certainly important, but so is reaching some kind of balance between work and play. So make sure you still let yourself have some fun – father’s orders!”

“Yes sir!” she promised him with a bright smile. “Thanks Dad. Now if you’ll excuse me for a second, I have to make a phone call.”

*

Inside the Compound, Coppertron swallowed back a nervous gulp as he looked up. The threatening form of his master towered over him.

“The monster failed” Steelador said simply.

“Yes it did” Coppertron confessed all too eagerly. “I’m so sorry boss. I’m sorry it failed you, I’m sorry I failed you. Oh please don’t destroy me, I beg of you to show mercy! It was such a stupid monster. Such a pathetic, worthless monster!”

“Actually, I liked it.”

“Y…you did?” asked the technician, surprised. “Well of course, it was a good monster. Such a strong and frightening monster!”

“Fearsome, primal, animalistic… what do you call that model, Coppertron?”

“The Steel Savage.”

“A name that lives up to its reputation. Could you make more of those?”

“Absolutely! It’s one of my most favourite designs, so I’m always happy when I get to build one. Some of the necessary components do take a while to arrive – mail order in space can be a real pain – but given enough time, I could certainly construct another.”

“Glad to hear it. I’ll keep that monster in mind for the future, I liked its style.”

“So just to be clear, you’re not angry that this one was destroyed?”

“No, not really” replied Steelador. “Iron Claw said it himself: it doesn’t matter whether Ranger Zero achieves a few victories over us, because in the end it will not matter. We are destined to rule this planet, and there’s nobody alive who could ever stop that!”

*

Jasmine re-entered her room, quickly moving over to her wardrobe and opening the door. Steven still stood in the room.

“Ooh look at you” he said with a chuckle. “You’re bounding about, full of energy, all Miss Happy Face. There’s the Princess I know and love.”

“Yeah. I’ve thought about it, and you and Mom are both right. It won’t do me or the world any good to get too obsessive over my job. I’m still a 17-year-old girl who needs to do 17-year-old things – I don’t know, it kind of feels like a big weight’s been lifted off my shoulders now I’ve realised that.”

“Well since you seem to have gotten your strength back, how about indulging your old man and impressing me with some super cool karate moves?”

Jasmine smiled: “I’d love to, but I’m afraid it’ll have to be some other time.” She fished out one of her favourite jackets and quickly slipped it on. “Tonight, I’ve got a movie date with my friends!”

*

“…so after she saw you, Aunt K. finally talked me into taking some time out” Jasmine explained to her friends as they walked to the movie theatre.

“About damn time too!” exclaimed Tyler. “I was starting to wonder if you were ever going to have time for us again!”

“I know. I really am sorry about everything guys, I promise we’ll hang out more from now on. You guys are my friends and you’re important to me. So what do you say, forgiven?

“Yeah you’re forgiven” Craig assured her. “Don’t sweat it, we’re just glad to have you back.”

“Yeah,” she replied with a smile, “me too.”

The trio continued on their way, not aware that someone – or something – watched them from the shadows…

bushwacka666

07-17-2008, 04:20 AM

Coppertron invents a machine that can enlarge the monsters to gigantic proportions. How ever can Jasmine take on this bigger threat? :P

Plus, keep an eye out for a cameo from a familiar face...

Jacen

07-17-2008, 08:11 AM

Nice Bush, but to be the little annoying pest that I am, I noticed a mistake in the chapter.

In the Control Room of the Hyperlock, Tara and Jasmine observed the action through the holographic projector. Tara couldn’t help but wince at every hit the wolf landed on her little girl. Even Katrina had a little worry in her expression.

GreyRanger

07-17-2008, 09:28 AM

Great chapter. Jazz takes things a bit too seriously, but it was good focus on her and her reason behind it. It's different from the "I'm not gonna be a ranger" that is prevalent in early episodes of a season, in fact it's the complete opposite. I aslo like how Steelador and the Metal Minds are a good mixture of comic releif and sinister actions, very early PR (nowadays they're either too serious that it's funny, or trying to be so funny that it's cringeworthy).
I have to say the banter betweeen Tyler and Craig, it seems like things that my freinds and myself would take about, especially the line about Craig snuggling up to Tyler. That was quality!
I'm looking forward to the nect chapter, ZORD TIME!!!

Einsider

07-17-2008, 12:42 PM

nice chapter dude, definately see why your fics are so well regarded! really well written - i agree with ML, those guys are just like my mates!

bushwacka666

07-18-2008, 03:03 AM

Thank you, my people.

Jacen: THANK YOU for pointing out that mistake - I've fixed it now. How I didn't see that one is beyond me. I think my excuse is that Jasmine is being portrayed here by Kristen Kreuk - one tends to have her on the brain far more than is considered healthy! :D But seriously, I don't think of you as an annoying little pest at all. If anybody sees a mistake, then please by all means tell me. I welcome your sharp little eyes and am thankful for them. :023:

ML: glad you enjoyed the snuggle line, I was hoping someone would appreciate it. Regarding the Metal Minds: Steelador I'm trying to keep as serious as I can, Coppertron is obviously the joker of the three, and Iron Claw can kind of be somewhere between the two. I'm going to put in a little running gag with Coppertron that will begin in Chapter 5, so hopefully you'll get a few chuckles out of that as well.

Einsider: as ever, thanks for your continued support. I appreciate yours and ML's comments about Tyler & Craig seeming just like your mates. I confess I've never really known many people like that myself (my old school mates tended to take jokes like the snuggle line way too personally!), so the fact that you guys can relate to them makes my job worthwhile. Thanks! :)

GreyRanger

07-18-2008, 05:23 AM

(my old school mates tended to take jokes like the snuggle line way too personally!)

They're too old skool, tell 'em to chill.

bushwacka666

07-28-2008, 10:33 AM

Eh I wasn't going to post the next chapter yet, but I'm bored so screw it. Hope you guys like. :)

bushwacka666

07-28-2008, 10:33 AM

Iron Claw stomped his way through the hallways of the Compound, the darkness proving no hindrance to his enhanced bionic vision. Loud metallic thuds echoed with every step he took, his hulking form tall and imposing.

Some strange noises attracted his attention, making him stop in his tracks. There was hammering, a turning of gears, more hammering, some bizarre electronic zip, even more hammering… Iron Claw didn’t know what was going on, but he could guess where the noises were coming from. Curious, he headed for the door to Coppertron’s workshop. As he approached and tapped the door open, he could see multiple showers of sparks flying around from the far side of the room.

“Please tell me all these sparks are from you trying to saw your beak off” he quipped, peering round the corner. The sparks ceased, and Coppertron’s head popped up from behind some object on a table.

“Very funny,” he retorted, “but I assure you my beak’s staying firmly welded to my face.”

“A shame to hear! What in Steelador’s name are you tinkering about with now?”

“Here, why don’t you take a look?”

Iron Claw entered the room, walking over to the table. What rested there was truly a strange looking contraption: a steeply curved keyboard-like box with a few buttons and switches decorating the surface. A big red button stood out prominently, with a large twisting dial next to it. Above the controls were two screens, with an aerial sticking out of the top of one, and an enormous hose protruding from the other.

“Wow,” Iron Claw exclaimed, “that’s, well, yeah…”

“Well yeah? Is that all you can say?”

“No it’s just that it looks very impressive. All those buttons and flashing lights, bet those screens have got some good resolution on them too. It’s got all the bells and whistles. You’ve outdone yourself, this will be a huge help to us.”

Coppertron stared at him dubiously: “You haven’t got any idea what it is, have you?”

“Not a clue! The real question is not what it is, but why should I care?”

“Oh you should care, Iron Claw, believe me! After all, this device will enlarge our monsters to grand scale proportions.”

“Really?” asked Iron Claw, now genuinely intrigued. “You can do that?”

“They may be robots but it is possible. Why should only organic creatures be allowed to have all the fun?”

“Well tell me how it works. And just so we’re clear, by that I mean just stick to the basics. Forget all that techno-babble that only you understand anyway.”

“Basically this device locks in the exact position of the monster, then transmits a signal to a dish I installed on the Compound’s roof. The dish fires a special beam up to a satellite we’ve got in orbit. The satellite bounces the beam back down to Earth, to the exact position of the monster, and the resulting effect should be pretty obvious.”

“Is this device ready to use?”

“Almost, just a few more little things to take care of – and to be honest, it’ll be done a lot quicker if you stop interrupting me.”

“Well in that case, I shall leave you to it.”

*

Jasmine walked down the street leading to her house, her pace slow as she gently rubbed her eyes. It was Friday, the only school day when her mother would be home before her. Usually she would be practically sprinting home in order to spend as much time with her as possible, but today she was simply too worn out after school. A killer pop quiz by her hard-nosed history teacher had unfortunately put a dampener on much of her enthusiasm. Even Tyler and Craig had opted to spend the rest of the day at their respective homes and recover.

She approached her path and began to walk up, but then she stopped. It took her a second before she noticed the unexpected sight: a large moving van was parked outside of the house next door. Two men worked to carry a couch inside, while a third followed close behind with a couple of cardboard boxes tucked under his arms. Jasmine watched the men for a few moments before continuing up to her own door and letting herself in.

“Hey Mom, I’m home” she announced as she entered the living room.

“Hi sweetie,” Tara greeted with a smile, “how was your day?”

“Hellish” the girl sighed, collapsing onto the couch beside her mother. “Why do we learn history again? Do we really need to memorise the details of something that happened 500 million years ago?”

“500 million? I think you may be exaggerating that part just a tad.”

Jasmine shrugged: “Sounded about right to me. Hey, did you notice? Looks like someone’s finally moving in next door. About time too, it’s been empty for months.”

“Jazz, I told you about that the other day.”

“You did?”

“Yep.” Tara grinned: “Oh but of course, I believe that was during your I-Must-Train-All-The-Time, I-Can’t-Be-Bothered-With-A-Normal-Life phase! You probably weren’t paying attention to me.”

“Yes alright, I don’t need to be reminded about that, thank you Mother Dearest. Anyway, so who are the new neighbours? Any cute guys?”

“Hate to disappoint you, but no. Actually the set-up’s a little familiar: single mother and one daughter. The Parker family.”

“Have you met them yet?”

“The mother, briefly” said Tara. “She seems very nice. Haven’t seen the daughter at all yet, but I’m told she’s really sweet.”

“Ah but all mothers say that about their daughters, don’t they?” asked Jasmine with a cheeky smile.

“Yes, luckily for you!”

“Where’s Aunt Katrina, down in the Hyperlock? Is she working on what I think she’s working on?”

“I was,” the answer came not from Tara but from Katrina herself, now appearing in the room, “but I needed to take a little break.”

“How’s it coming?” Tara enquired.

“Not bad, but it’s pretty hard work. I’m not finding it as easy to build these things as I used to.”

“Well I keep offering to lend you a hand,” Jasmine reminded her, “but you won’t let me see it.”

“Well not till it’s done, I want it to be a surprise. Besides which, if I let you near the circuitry you’ll probably blow something up!”

“Oh ha-ha…”

“Seriously though Katrina, you know we appreciate the effort you’re going to here” said Tara. “Still, if you do need a hand, we’d be only too happy to help.”

“Actually I’ve already put in a call to an old friend, who’s on his way as we speak” Katrina told them. “With his help, we should get things finished in no time at all.”

*

Sitting on his throne, Steelador turned to see Coppertron enter the room, approach and bow before him. How courteous, he thought to himself, that his servants could be when the circumstances suited them. Coppertron was often an relentless source of irritation, but when he was after something or needed to suck up, he could actually be quite respectful.

Clearly, this was one of those times. Steelador was silently thankful for double standards.

“Coppertron, what do you have to report?” he demanded.

“Boss, I’m happy to tell you that the Metal Enlargement Digital Automated Laboratory is finished and ready for use.”

“What a mouthful” Iron Claw chimed in from the side. “Oh please tell me we don’t have to call it that every time!”

“The MEDAL, for short” Coppertron offered helpfully.

“Well Coppertron, I am pleased that you have completed the device. Now we shall see if it was worth the effort. Prepare a monster for deployment.”

“You got it boss!”

*

Tara and Jasmine were watching TV in the lounge when the phone rang. They both tensed up in anticipation; that wasn’t the normal ring. Specially rigged up by Katrina, this ring only sounded when one was calling from the Hyperlock. Tara reached over and grabbed the cordless receiver to answer it:

“What’s up Katrina?” she asked, although just a moment’s listening would have answered that question for her – the sound of the alarm could be heard clearly down the line. Even Jasmine could make it out.

“A monster’s appeared downtown” replied Katrina. “Some ugly metal gorilla-type thing, quite charmless really.”

“Got it. She’s on her way.”

Tara only had to glance at her daughter, who understood what needed to be done. Standing up, Jasmine grabbed the Zero Morpher around her neck, and made the call:

“Zero Point!”

*

The gorilla monster bounded its way down the middle of the street, its shiny silver limbs glinting brightly in the sun. The metallic green chest glowed brightly before emitting a large energy beam that effortlessly ripped into some cars parked nearby, sending them flying like leaves in the wind.

“Oh yeah!” the monster chortled to himself, admiring his own handiwork. “It’s time to go primal on this town!”

“Hey!” a voice suddenly called. The monster turned around to see Ranger Zero standing opposite him.

“Primal was a designation my Dad used” she told him. “I won’t have you disgracing the good name.”

“Actually, my name’s Gorillibot. Master Steelador was hoping you would show up to face me. He’s expecting quite a show for your final defeat.”

“And I’m expecting him to be very disappointed. Now what do you say we get on with it huh?”

“Well hey if you want to get right to the part where I destroy you, I ain’t gonna say no to that! Let’s go.”

The two fighters charged in towards each other. Gorillibot, it seemed, had his wits about him. A mighty swing from his arm quickly caught Jasmine off-guard, thumping into her side and knocking her clear. She hit the ground hard but quickly rolled back to her feet. She found herself shaking her arm to make sure it wasn’t broken.

“Man you hit hard!” she moaned at him.

“Oh quit whining, you’re such a girl.”

“Oh I’m a girl alright pal, but that’s not a bad thing…”

She advanced again, this time leaping up into the air. A solid flying kick to the chest caused Gorillibot to stagger back but he was prompt to recover, now moving in again himself. The opponents traded blows, Jasmine doing her best to either block or avoid more of those mighty swings. Gorillibot suddenly thrust both fists forward together, intending a powerful double punch. However, Jasmine was more than prepared to counteract: reaching and grabbing hold of the inside of each arm, she used them to push herself up in between, outstretching her legs to deliver a brutal kick to the monster’s jaw. Gorillibot toppled over while Jasmine flipped backwards to get clear. They both landed at the same time, him on his back, her on her feet.

“Actually I guess it can be a bad thing,” she quipped, “but only for you.”

Gorillibot let out an angered snarl, and with a push from his large arms, somersaulted back onto his feet with surprising efficiency.

“Alright,” he bellowed, dull clangs ringing through the air with every thump of his chest, “now I’m going totally ape!”

He charged, using all four limbs to assist his movement. Within seconds he was just inches away from Jasmine, who couldn’t hope to react in time. He practically tackled her to the ground, forcing a sharp “OOF!” from her lips as she was forced onto her back. She tried her best to struggle free, but the substantial weight of Gorillibot kept her pinned down to the spot.

“So, are you having as much fun as I am right now?” she managed to crack.

“Oh even more, I’m sure!” he retorted. His eyes drifted over her lithe spandex-covered form: “I bet you’re in pretty great shape under that suit. You know, it’s almost gorilla mating season…”

“Eeeeeeeeeeewwwwww!” Jasmine shrieked. “I think I’m gonna be sick!”

An escape plan was needed – there was no way she could stay restrained like this for much longer. Summoning what strength she could, she began to slowly work a hand down to her belt buckle, pulling it off and out to the side.

“Fatal Zero, Disc Mode!” she commanded. The two axe blade-shaped plates promptly popped out from the edges of the buckle, and with a bit of effort, she threw the weapon out.

The Fatal Zero did its job, soaring out into the air like a Frisbee, before automatically reversing direction and heading straight for Gorillibot. The rapidly rotating blades struck their target, skimming across the back of his neck and sending a small spray of sparks bursting forth. With a roar of pain he rolled off of Jasmine, allowing her to return to her feet and put in some distance. She held out her hand, the Fatal Zero magically returning to it.

“You, my primate pal,” she breathed in disgust, “seriously need to lose some weight!”

*

“An interesting match” mused Iron Claw as he observed the fight on the viewing screen.

“Yes,” Steelador agreed, “now let’s make it even more interesting. Coppertron, you may proceed.”

“You’ve got it boss!” Coppertron complied, stepping over to the MEDAL. He flicked a few switches, the device promptly humming into life, the large hose at the top beginning to jerk randomly as something unknown began to flow through. One screen showed Gorillibot while a red crosshair moved in to lock on, the other screen displayed a variety of technical information as Coppertron calculated the angles and positioning needed for the beam to be effective.

“Locked on target” he reported. “On your order, boss.”

“Do it.”

Coppertron did it, slamming his hand down on the big red button. On the roof of the Compound, the large radar dish suddenly emitted a huge beam of bright green energy. The beam rapidly approached the depth of space, making contact with the orbiting satellite which then deflected it back down to Earth in the exact position where it needed to go.

*

A green tint began to radiate along the ground, and only when Jasmine looked up did she realise why…

“What the hell is that thing?” she asked herself, not sure what to make of this beam, but somehow knowing that it wasn’t good.

She was proven correct. The beam made direct contact with Gorillibot, immersing him completely, penetrating through to his very metal core. His arms stretched skywards as he revelled in the experience, willingly accepting this generous gift.

“The power…” he roared as he began to grow, “I can feel the power…”

Jasmine’s eyes gazed skywards. Inside her helmet her jaw dropped in disbelief. She had of course heard tales of growing monsters before, but never had she witnessed such an event for herself. She felt her entire body beginning to tremble involuntarily as she took in the full sight of the enormous Gorillibot, towering over her.

“Huh” she managed to stammer. “I tell him to lose some weight, he suddenly puts on a few hundred tonnes. Typical!”

“So Ranger, what do you think?” Gorillibot thundered down at her. “You’d have to be completely bananas to take me on now!”

He raised up a fist, and Jasmine knew exactly what that meant – she started running as the fist rapidly hurtled down towards her. The fist thumped onto the ground, sending violent tremors and a few cracks spreading through. Only a desperate Ranger-powered dive got Jasmine clear at the last moment.

“Nice dodge,” he sneered at her, “but you think you can avoid me forever?”

“No,” Jasmine told herself with a nervous gulp, “I don’t think I could…”

*

Meanwhile, in an underground hanger situated not too far from the Hyperlock, Katrina reached over as best she could to the side of a large control console, using a screwdriver to attach a metal panel into place. Once she ensured the panel was tightly secured, she sat back and glanced over at the pair of legs sticking out from underneath the console. She had to smile to herself: she hadn’t seen him in quite a few years, and it felt good to be able to catch up again.

“So,” the man’s voice spoke, “it looks like you’ve been keeping yourself pretty busy Katrina.”

“Yeah you could say that” she chuckled back.

“Is it harder for you now, what with the wheelchair and all? Err that is, if you don’t mind me asking.”

“It can be pretty tough, there are definitely some things I don’t find as easy as I used to. That’s why I’m glad you could spare the time to come down here and help me out with this.”

“Think nothing of it, happy to lend a hand” the man assured her. Finished with tinkering about underneath the console, he now pulled himself out so he could see the face of the woman he was talking to.

“And how about you Andrew, you been doing alright?”

Andrew Butler gave a smile as he stood and dusted off his jeans. “Yeah I’ve been okay. Things have been going pretty good, especially with my brother.”

“Yeah I hear the lab’s a partnership now between the two of you, congratulations.”

“Thanks. It’s been a really great experience, and I’ve learned a lot. I even bet my technical skills could rival yours now.”

“Keep dreaming boy!” she grinned. “You’ve got to get up pretty early in the morning to assemble a Medion Transmissions Conductor from scratch faster than Katrina Dearing! Still, I admit that I don’t think I could have finished this if you weren’t helping.”

“Well it’s not finished yet,” the former Blue Ultrastar Ranger reminded his old team-mate, “so what do you say we get back to it?”

“You got it.”

“Katrina? Andrew?” came a sudden voice from a walkie-talkie Katrina had clipped to her waist. “You guys there?”

Katrina answered the call: “Hey Tara, what’s up?”

“Bad news guys. The monster Jazz is fighting has suddenly decided to do some serious bulking up, if you know what I mean. She needs some serious assistance!”

Andrew sighed: “Perfect timing!”

“Does that mean you’ve finished?” asked Tara.

“No, unfortunately that was sarcasm. We’ve still got a few things to finish off.”

“Sorry guys but the pressure’s on. Get your rears into gear – my daughter’s counting on you!”

“Looks like we’ll have to save the catching up for later” said Katrina. “Come on, let’s get this thing finished.”

*

Her eyes widened in shock as a massive metal foot descended towards her, and it took all the speed she had to roll clear in time before it came crashing down with a tremendous clang. She scrambled back to her feet, trying to figure out how the hell she was going to deal with this one. A swing from Gorillibot’s mighty arm forced her to duck down, the arm narrowly missing her but the draft that followed able to topple her over.

“Well,” Jasmine whispered to herself, “I’ve got to do something… Fatal Zero!”

“Cannon Mode” she ordered, her weapon transforming into its laser-firing form. She took aim straight at Gorillibot’s chest and squeezed the trigger, blasting her target as hard as she could. Her target, however, just laughed.

“You think that puny peashooter can hurt me?” he sneered. “If you want a real laser, I’ll show you a real laser…”

Living up to his promise, Gorillibot’s green chest began to glow. He knew that at his current size, aiming was hardly a requirement. Instead he just let the huge beam of energy do its job, dazzling forth from the chest and ripping its way through the concrete below.

“Oh hell…” Jasmine muttered, but resolved to retain her wits. With a short run-up she leapt forward, gaining impressive height to clear the laser. Bursts of fire exploded behind her as the ground where she stood just moments before bore the full brunt of the attack.

“Axe Mode” she commanded, switching the mode on the Fatal Zero and hacking it down onto Gorillibot’s shoulder. Tiny sparks flew out from the hit but Gorillibot just turned his head towards her and let out a breath. The sudden gust abruptly altered her airborne course, sending her spiralling away.

“Disc Mode” she now yelled, forcing her body to somersault round in midair before throwing the Fatal Zero out. The disc hit its mark, slamming into Gorillibot straight between the eyes. This attack seemed to be more effective, the monster letting out a pained roar as he instinctively clutched his face. Just as before, the Fatal Zero automatically returned to its rightful owner, who snatched hold of it seconds before she crashed down onto the roof of a tower block.

“Well, better this than splattering all over the pavement” she groaned as she willed her aching body to stand once more. “Still, I don’t think I can keep this up for much longer.”

“Don’t worry, you won’t have to” answered a voice from her helmet communicator.

“Mom?” she asked. “Tell me you’ve got some good news.”

“I do indeed” Tara confirmed. “Sit tight honey, some big help is on the way.”

Whatever it was, Jasmine wasn’t seeing it yet. All she saw was Gorillibot, now recovered and closing in on the building where she stood. Unconsciously she began to step back as the metallic monster’s mighty shadow loomed over her.

“You’ll pay for that girlie” he roared. “Just see what happens when someone annoys me.”

His chest glowed again and another energy beam fired from it. Jasmine shielded herself with her arms although she knew it would do nothing to help. The beam, instead of being aimed at Jasmine herself, instead struck the building she was on. Instantly she felt the tremors as the beam ripped effortlessly through the layers of brick, glass, wood and metal that stood in its path. Already the tower began to crumble and collapse with a multitude of sickening crunches. Gorillibot just chortled, enjoying the chaos that he was creating.

The roof finally gave way, and Jasmine found herself tumbling down through the air, several large chunks of rubble whizzing past her falling body – she only just managed to jerk her head to the side to avoid one on a crash course with her face! Her screams were lost in the deafening din of the collapsing building as she hurtled rapidly towards the ground. She slammed her eyes shut, screwing them up tightly and holding her breath as she awaiting the impact. She was not disappointed, her body landing hard on the solid surface. Sparing a moment to silently praise her Ranger powers when she realised she was still alive, she quickly brought her arms up above her in a effort to protect herself from the debris that was surely to follow…

It never came.

Reluctantly, Jasmine allowed herself to breathe again. She lowered her arms and slowly opened her eyes – what she saw was black, nothing but black. For a moment she had to wonder if she had been buried under the rubble, but no, she would have felt it. She soon realised that there actually seemed to be some clear space around her, and she even managed to stand up straight. She wondered what could possibly have protected her from the ordeal, and she soon received her answer as rays of daylight suddenly began to appear from now expanding gaps in the darkness.

“What the hell?” she breathed in confusion. The full panoramic view of the sky had now returned, and as she turned her head to survey the surroundings, she now began to realise what she was standing on – it was a hand. An enormous, black metal hand. It seemed as though it had caught hold of her in mid-fall, then closed around her to shield her from any rubble. She turned around, her eyes scanning across the palm of the hand and up the arm that was attached to it. From the arm, to the shoulder, to the chest, to the head…

The Zord stood proudly, a gold strip stretching down and across the chest of its otherwise red and black body, with three brighter red circles inside that strip. The same red and white circle emblems that decorated her own suit were also present on the arms and legs of this machine. The head featured a round visor similar to her own, with a sparkling silver metal grill underneath it. Jasmine now steadied herself as the Zord’s arm suddenly moved, placing the hand up beside the head. A small hatch on top of the head slid open, and Jasmine quickly walked over and headed down. She breathed out an impressed “Wow!” as she examined the various controls that lined the cockpit.

“What is this thing?” she asked.

“Jazz,” the voice of Katrina spoke to her from one of the consoles, “I present to you the Zero Striker. It’s new, it’s bad-ass, and it’s all yours.”

“I love you so much right now, Aunt K!”

“Well prove it. Take your new toy for a test drive.”

“Nothing would please me more.”

Throughout all of this, Gorillibot had just been staring on in utter shock. He thought he had the upper hand, he thought he had this battle in the bag. What was this contraption that had suddenly arrived before him? For all of her human failings, it seemed as though Ranger Zero also understood that machines could be wonderful things to possess.

“An impressive little trick, Ranger,” he told her, “but even that machine will not defeat me.”

“We’ll soon see about that – Zero Striker, power up!”

Taking the controls in hand, Jasmine commanded her brand new Zord to advance. Refusing to be intimidated, Gorillibot did the same, the two massive metal warriors meeting in combat. The Zero Striker was swift to land the first hit, slamming a fist into the monster’s chest, followed by another. A third punch caused him to stagger back slightly but it would take much more than that to take him down. He proved it now, swinging an ape-like arm into the Zero Striker’s shoulder, knocking it sideways and causing Jasmine to jostle about in her seat. She worked to steady the Zord, fighting to remain in control.

“Oh so you wanna play it like that, do ya?” she yelled at him. “Fine by me.”

The Zero Striker moved forward again, reaching out and grabbing both arms of its opponent. Gorillibot struggled but Jasmine kept her hold tight, the two figures engaged in a fierce grappling match as they staggered round in circles. Gorillibot bellowed in the face of the Zero Striker, but Jasmine kept her cool. She had had more than enough of this monster by this point, and she figured the time had come to take care of business once and for all. Catching Gorillibot by surprise she suddenly released the Zord’s grip, leaving the monster open to a solid uppercut. He stumbled back, only just managing to stay on his feet after such a hit.

“It’s been fun Gorillibot,” declared Jasmine, “but it’s time for you to meet the scrap heap – Zero Blast!”

On the command of its pilot, the Zero Striker executed its finishing attack, its right fist beginning to pulsate with a bright red glow. It stretched out its arm and moved it round in a wide motion, the fist drawing a circle in the air. The completed circle quickly began to fill with swirling energy, streaks of red electricity crackling randomly across it. The Zero Striker thrust its fist into the centre – and an enormous red energy beam streaked forward towards its target.

Gorillibot barely had time to see it coming before the beam struck home, ploughing into him without mercy, the pressure actually managing to crush a dent into his chest. One final cry was all he had time to before collapsing to the ground, his final defeat signalled by a fiery explosion.

Victorious, the Zero Striker struck its celebratory pose for what Jasmine hoped would be the first of many times to come. The Zord held up a single finger on one hand, and made a circle with the other.

“That’s Jazz Bennet, One,” cheered the young heroine, “and Gorillibot – he definitely got Zero’ed!”

*

The evening had rolled around. Jasmine had gone to bed and Tara was somewhere in the main house. Down in the Hyperlock, Katrina and Andrew inspected the data on the computer in front of them, examining the results of the Zero Striker’s first fight and making some final adjustments to the systems.

“Well, I think a little celebration is in order” Andrew began. “That is one awesome Zord.”

“Yep” his old friend and team-mate agreed. “I was worried that the Zero Blast attack wasn’t going to be ready, but it looks like we did a fine job on it. I really can’t thank you enough for all your help Andrew.”

“Hey no worries, you know I’m only too happy to help out. Besides, it’s been really great seeing you and Tara again. And little Jasmine too, of course.”

“Well she’s not so little anymore!” laughed Katrina. “But you’re right, it has been great. It’s been way too long since we last saw each other.”

“Indeed it has. What about the others, by the way? I haven’t heard much from them either, have you?”

“Not so much. I do hear from Simon, Jack and Amy once every few months or so. They’ve been pretty busy with their own stuff lately but they’ve always made an effort to say hi whenever they can. I’ve only heard from Kyle once or twice since our Ranger days, last I hear he was still pretty tied down with the Silver Guardians.”

Katrina left the explanations at that. It took a few moments of silence before Andrew felt the urge to prompt:

“And Jessica?”

Katrina looked at him, instantly recognising that hint of worried concern in his voice that a part of herself had constantly held ever since the day of the Ultrastar Rangers’ final battle. She let out a regretful sigh.

“Nothing, not a single word from her in seventeen years.”

Her mind flashed back to those moments – the strange biohazard tattoo on Jessica’s back that was filled with powerful untold energy. The torture that it had put her through ever since the mysterious being had branded it there when she was just six years old. The heartbreaking letter she had left for the others before taking off, filled with the words of a frightened young girl who could not guess how long she had before she uncontrollably hurt everyone and everything around her.

“Wherever she is,” said Katrina, forcing back a tear, “I just hope she’s alright…”

Andrew placed a comforting arm around her shoulder: “You and me both, but at least we’re all still here, safe. Try to take some comfort in that.”

“Yeah, I do. It’s not always easy, you know? But I try to stay as positive as I can, for Tara and Jasmine’s sakes if nothing else.”

“And what about Tara? I mean she’s seemed bright enough while I’ve been here, but tell me honestly: how has she been?”

“Andrew, she’s found it so hard just to keep going sometimes. I’m glad I can be there for her, and I want to help her with everything I’ve got in me. But the truth is she’s not the same person she used to be, not ever since General Bennet died.”

Andrew cracked a small smile. Katrina frowned in confusion:

“What’s so amusing about that?”

“No nothing. It’s just… you still called him General.”

“Oh yeah” she replied, managing a little grin herself. “Well I don’t see why not. He’s always been General Bennet to me.”

“Yeah I know what you mean. The only reason I smiled at that was because I still do the exact same thing. After all we went through together, after everything he did for us and all the times he earned our respect, I can’t imagine ever calling him anything else.” He paused for a moment before adding solemnly, “I miss him.”

“We all do, but of course nobody was hit as hard as Tara, it’s really been tough on her. Like I said I try to do what I can, but to tell you the truth it’s Jasmine that’s really been her rock through all of this. I honestly don’t know where Tara might be now if she didn’t have her daughter. She really has become the most important thing in her whole life.”

“Sounds like Jasmine’s become the most important thing in a lot of lives, now that she’s got to fight the Metal Minds.”

“Tell me about it! That’s why I’m here Andrew, that’s why I moved in with Tara and Jazz – they’re both going to need all the help they can get, and I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure they get it.”

“Well you just remember what I said. If you ever need anything, just give me a call. I’ll be down here faster than you can say “Ultra-Op Engage!”, alright?”

“I’ll keep that in mind, thanks.”

Katrina glanced over at the clock on the wall: “Man it’s getting really late. Shouldn’t you be thinking about heading home? I don’t want you to miss anything important.”

“Right now, there’s nothing more important than spending time with my friend – we’ve got seventeen whole years worth of stuff to catch up on! What do you say? I’m up for an all-nighter if you are.”

Katrina smiled brightly: “Sure, I’d really like that.”

The two of them continued chatting away. So many things had changed since they fought the forces of evil side by side, but even in spite of what little they had heard from each other since then, their friendship remained strong. In these times of trial and danger, Katrina and Andrew at least still had each other to rely on.

bushwacka666

07-28-2008, 10:36 AM

Tyler needs to get a decent grade in an upcoming exam, but is finding the material difficult to learn. In order to help him concentrate, he'll need to find inspiration from an unlikely source.

Einsider

07-28-2008, 11:24 AM

Awesome chapter! Loved the “and Gorillibot – he definitely got Zero’ed!” line, classic!!

Jacen

07-28-2008, 06:22 PM

Sweet. But please tell me the zord isn't permantly in megazord formation. You know I love the zords...

Bionic Red

07-29-2008, 10:33 PM

Tyler needs to get a decent grade in an upcoming exam, but is finding the material difficult to learn. In order to help him concentrate, he'll need to find inspiration from an unlikely source.

Your Bennet Saga is impressive, and I'm working on ignoring the demands and opinions of my readers so that I can completely focus on my writing. I'll be reading this, and I'm almost completely sure that you have finished this series already.

Nice work!

GreyRanger

07-30-2008, 12:39 PM

What a great chapter. As much as i liked the debut of the Zero Striker (hehe cool looking zord, from how you described it) and the witty one liners (Gorillibot getting in his 'mating' season...interesting...), what stole the chpater for me was the return of Andrew and the interaction between him and Katrina. It really reminded me of the old days, especially with the old morph call. Great stuff, looking forward to the next chapter. :)

bushwacka666

07-31-2008, 08:03 AM

Thanks as ever guys, I'm glad to hear that what I personally think is a relatively slow start doesn't seem to be putting you guys off.

ML: glad you enjoyed Andrew's reappearance there, and I hope the rest of you did too. :) As I said before, I definitely want to maintain links to the other Bennet fics, particularly Special Ops. Figured the heart-to-heart between Andrew and Katrina would serve well to remind readers of SO and the way it ended. Tara's never forgotten about Steven, and I want it to be clear that nobody else has either.

Einsider: thanx, I liked that line myself. Where would PR be without the cheesy one-liners eh? ;)

Jacen: I regret to inform you that yes, the Zero Striker is permanently in the warrior form - think along the lines of Zeo's Red Battlezord. But that's not to say you won't still see a few other Zords crop up somewhere down the line.

Bionic Red: as always I appreciate your continuted support m8. You say you're almost completely sure that I've finished this series already, but I'm afraid nothing could be further from the truth. I'm pretty far ahead with the planning of the fic, but alas not the writing. Looks like writing the chapters and posting them here will be pretty much simultaneous - an approach I've never really tried before so we'll see how it goes. In any case I pretty much know exactly where the fic's going, and now I've just got to get it there! :D

Well thanks again everyone. For the reasons I just explained, I'm not sure when the next chapter will arrive, so I'll just advise you to keep your eyes peeled. :)

bushwacka666

08-09-2008, 09:09 AM

The kids of Stone Canyon High sat through their last period as patiently as they could. It was Friday, and all the prospects of the weekend lay just before them. In a history class, Jasmine, Tyler and Craig were among the students who listened to their teacher drone on. Jasmine and Craig seemed to be doing a pretty good job of paying attention.

Tyler, on the other hand, could not deny to himself that his mind was wavering a little. Glancing out of the window he could see the sun beaming brightly. He knew they were in for some fine weather this weekend, and he was already coming up with ideas of how to take advantage of it. Shoot some hoops at the basketball court, maybe even head down to the beach and clock in some serious relaxation… ahh yes, this weekend would be a good one.

The insistent ringing of the bell snapped him back to reality, and he quickly began to pack away his books along with the rest of the class.

“Alright, class dismissed. See you all on Monday, and make sure you’re ready” announced the teacher as the students began to file out of the door. His eyes shifted in Tyler’s direction: “Mr Nolan, stay behind for a moment please. I’d like to speak to you.”

Tyler’s eyebrows raised in nervous curiosity as he complied with the order. He watched the others all leaving towards freedom, a place which would obviously have to elude him for a few moments longer.

“We’ll wait for you outside man” Craig told him before heading out the door with Jasmine. The door closed, leaving just Tyler and his teacher left in the room.

“What’s up Mr Cartwright?” Tyler enquired. “Have I done something wrong?”

“Well, in a manner of speaking” replied Mr Cartwright. He took a seat at his desk: he was a man who was just beginning to display the initial signs of ageing, his head bald on top but plenty of dark brown hair around the sides. The stuffy brown suit he wore was common of the stereotypical history teacher.

“I’ve been reviewing your recent grades,” he said, looking up at Tyler, “and I’m sorry to say that I’m seeing a bit of a pattern here – and it’s not the good kind, I’m afraid.”

Tyler inwardly cursed himself: he had hoped that it wouldn’t have been noticeable enough, that he might have been able to scrape through somehow. But he could guess where this conversation was going.

“I can tell by that look on your face that you realise what I’m getting at here” Mr Cartwright told him. “Quite frankly I’ve been noticing a lack in concentration from you these days. Anything I should know about here? Is it the class, is it me?”

“Oh no sir, it’s not you at all. You’re one of my faves!” Tyler assured him, and it was the truth: despite the less than thrilling subject that he taught, Mr Cartwright had a reputation for being one of the nicest and most helpful teachers at Stone Canyon High. A pair of kind eyes were magnified behind those thick glasses.

“Well I appreciate the sentiment, and in return I’d like to say that I know you have potential inside that brain of yours. You’re a good student, but only if you can get your grades up. I hope I don’t need to remind you about the big history test coming up on Monday?”

“Oh I think I might’ve heard something about it” the young man quipped. His teacher, however, could not crack a smile in return.

“I don’t know what you had planned for the weekend,” he replied, “but I would personally suggest you use the time to knuckle down and revise for it.”

“Mr Cartwright, no offence, but I think I’d be okay. I mean, Craig and Jazz weren’t planning to stay locked indoors cramming all weekend. They’re pretty calm about it.”

“Perhaps, but then they’re not the ones with the slipping grades, you are, and I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t talk to you about it. I’m trying to help you.”

“I realise that sir, really I do, but I honestly don’t see the major emergency. Alright maybe my grades have been slipping slightly, but it’s nothing I can’t handle.”

Mr Cartwright sighed: “Tyler, I don’t think you realise just how serious this upcoming test will be for you. Listen, I’m going to be straight with you…”

*

“Man he’s been in there for a while” Craig exclaimed as he leaned back against the wall outside. “What could they be…” a pause while he pushed up his glasses, “…talking about that takes all this time?

“Dunno” Jasmine replied with a shrug. “Maybe Mr Cartwright killed him.”

He looked at her with wide eyes: “What the…? Jazz, you have an uncanny talent for thinking there’s always something bad going on wherever you go.”

“It’s a gift.”

Just then the door opened. Tyler stepped out and closed it again behind him. Both his friends noticed the troubled expression on his face.

“Whoa, that’s not a happy person” said Jasmine. “You okay?”

“No,” Tyler replied simply, “no I’m not.”

“What is it man?” Craig asked him with concern. “You look seriously bummed.”

“The history test on Monday: I have to get a good mark for it. If I don’t…” he trailed off with a heavy sigh.

“What?” Jasmine pressed. “If you don’t, then what?”

“If I don’t… then I’ll probably have to repeat the school year.”

Tyler left it at that, feeling that was nothing else that really needed to be said. He slung his bag over his shoulder and started off down the hall, his depression made all the more obvious by his sluggish walk. Jasmine and Craig could only follow him.

*

“Iron Claw, have you seen Coppertron?”

“I believe he is in his workshop, sir.”

Steelador headed off through the corridors of the Compound towards his scientist’s sacred sanctuary. Iron Claw followed close behind. The general’s thought process was that if Steelador was actively looking for Coppertron, it could only mean one of two things: he wanted him to perform some task, or he wanted to yell at him for his stupidity.

Iron Claw greatly hoped that it would be the latter.

The metallic pair reached the door to the workshop, and Steelador took hold of the handle – it was locked.

“Coppertron,” he called out, “I know you’re in there. Open this door immediately.”

A few moments passed by but he received no reply. The door remained locked.

“Shall I break it down sir?” Iron Claw offered, raising up the appendage he was named after.

“No,” replied Steelador, “allow me.”

With that, the villain raised up an arm in front of him, his hand stretched forward in anticipation. Then, by his will, the metal plates that covered his arm began to move. Dozens of them sliding and shifting around, constructing a shape that met his exact demands. Iron Claw watched on, remaining as in awe of his master’s ability now as he was the first time he witnessed it.

Steelador’s metal plates had formed a large solid block that now replaced his fist. With a quick thrust, he slammed the block into the door, the flimsy lock standing no chance against such force. The deafening clang echoed off the walls as the pair entered the room.

“Hey!” Coppertron shrieked. He sat at a computer on the other side of the room. “Cut it out, you almost gave me a battery attack!”

“Is that any way to speak to me?” Steelador asked, his metal plates now shifting back to their stationary positions and revealing his hand once more.

“Oh boss, my apologises. I thought it was Iron Claw who forced the door open.”

“Well I would have,” the general told him, “but who am I to deny our leader the pleasure?”

“What in the name of all that is metal are you up to this time?” Steelador pressed for an explanation.

“Sorry boss, I’ve just been pretty hooked on this Earth invention. They call it the Internet. Fascinating stuff.”

“Oh is it now?”

“You bet. You know, it’s unbelievable to think humans could even come up with such a thing. I mean, it’s amazing what you can find out about on here. Pretty much the entirety of human history is documented on these “sites”, as they call them. All sorts of information that could be very useful to us. There’s also games, music; of course I had to check out what they call “heavy metal” – wow that was awesome! But there’s some weird stuff on these sites as well. Like there’s an incredibly large number of humans out there who seem to enjoy assuming these very strange positions along with other humans, and they make all these bizarre noises. I don’t really get what it’s all about, but they seem to enjoy it. There was this one video, right? This male human was just sitting there, then three young females walked in and all sat on his lap together. Then they…”

“Enough!” Steelador cut him off, aiming a hand towards him and firing a quick jolt of lightning from his fingertips. Coppertron yelped out in sharp pain as the electricity surged through his metal body.

“Do you really think I care for this?” sighed Steelador. “Cease your babbling and listen to me: I want you to ready a monster for immediate deployment.”

Iron Claw groaned to himself: this wasn’t a yelling at Coppertron moment after all. Oh well, you win some, you lose some.

“A monster huh? Oh yeah, I can do that” replied Coppertron. “In fact I’ve got just the idea for one.” He pointed at the computer screen, “Take a look at this.”

“What did I just say to you?” Steelador asked.

“No seriously, look” the technician insisted. “There was a period in Earth’s history known as medieval times. They were filled with these “knights” – armoured warriors that rode horses and slew the enemy in the name of their king. I like the look of these guys, I think I could cook up a pretty good monster out of this stuff.”

“Well that’s fine then. Do whatever you need to do, just don’t bore me with the details.”

*

“Alright, so Prince Archibald’s men sought revenge for the death of their leader” Craig explained. “They amassed their remaining forces and headed out to assassinate Lord Tressard and his army.”

“And,” Jasmine added, “this for the $10,000 cash prize and the brand new car: what year did this all happen?”

Tyler closed his eyes, shutting out the distracting surroundings of the Dominion as he tried to recall what he had read in the textbook about fifteen minutes ago. His friends saw that he was trying, but when Tyler opened his eyes and gave his answer, they could tell that trying didn’t seem to be getting him anywhere:

“Umm… 65 million years ago?”

“65 million…” Craig breathed in disbelief. “I’m sorry Mr Nolan, I’m afraid that’s the wrong answer. You must now go straight to jail. Do not pass Go. Do not collect 200 dollars.”

Tyler exhaled in frustration as he slumped back in his chair: “Man, why is this stuff so hard to remember?”

“Oh come on Tyler, you can do it” Jasmine tried to encourage her friend. “I’ve seen you cope with stuff a lot more difficult than this.”

“Yeah,” Craig agreed, “it was only that one time that you smoked up the science lab…”

Tyler shot a glare at him: “You, C, are not helping!”

“Sorry” he apologised sincerely albeit with a cheesy grin. “But seriously, Jazz is right, you can ace this stuff. You just need to try and concentrate a little more, that’s all.”

“How can I do that? I just don’t find all this medieval stuff that interesting.”

“Seriously?” asked Jasmine. “Castles and knights and crusades… it sounds pretty exciting to me.”

“Well I just can’t get my head around it, I can’t remember the stuff I need to. It’s not like I’ve ever seen a real knight to know what his life was like, you know?”

“Come on Tyler,” said Craig, “hit the books for another half-hour, then we’ll test you again.”

“No way, I’ve had more than enough. No point trying to remember something I’m just not going to get. Might as well accept my fate on this one.”

“Oh come on man, don’t talk like that. Look we’ll help you, just take…”

“Forget it,” he cut in, “I’m gone.”

And he was, promptly grabbing his stuff and standing up.

“Tyler…” Jasmine tried, but it was no use. He was already out the door.

“Okay then,” she exclaimed in surprise, “that’s so not like him to get all stressed out like that.”

“I know” Craig agreed. “It must be knowing he’d have to repeat the year, it’s really getting to him. But he’s not going to change that by just giving up.”

It was at that moment that Jasmine felt a sudden shudder on her chest: her Zero Morpher had just vibrated, and she instinctively grabbed it in response. She knew Aunt Katrina had installed a vibrating alert inside it so she could be contacted without much risk of attracting other people’s attention, much like a cell phone. If the Morpher had just vibrated now, it probably meant that Ranger Zero was needed somewhere. Excuse-making time.

“Oh man is that the time? Listen Craig, I’ve gotta bail too. Mom will have been home for ages now, she’ll be wondering where I am.”

“No worries, I guess I should be heading home myself. See you later?”

“Yeah for sure. And hey, if you get another opportunity to try and talk Tyler round, take it alright?”

The pair said their goodbyes and Jasmine headed outside, quickly searching for a place to duck out of sight. She found one over by the trashcans and made her way over, raising up the Morpher to her mouth.

“This is Jazz, what’s up?”

“Monster attack just a couple of blocks away from you,” reported Katrina’s voice, “you’d better get over there.”

“I’m on it” replied Jasmine, now holding out her Morpher in front of her: “Zero Point!”

*

Morphed and ready, Jasmine ran onto the scene, stopping to survey the area. No sign of any danger, but she was having a strange feeling that something, somewhere, wasn’t right. Her breaths remained calm and concentrated as she slowly crept along the street, eyes peeled for anything out of the ordinary.

It was, in fact, her ears that received the first hint: a thundering of hooves, soft in the distance but quickly growing louder. She snapped herself into a alert state but couldn’t yet tell which direction the sound was coming from – she stood in the middle of a crossroads, and the… whatever it was… could be approaching from any four of them.

“Come on, you metal freak,” she whispered, more to herself, “where are ya?”

She got her answer when the sound grew close enough for her to determine the direction, which was right behind her. She whirled around – and promptly had something slam into her chest with great force! Sparks erupted from her suit and she let out a sharp cry of pain as she was knocked clear, landing on the ground with an awkward tumble.

“Man,” she whined, slowly getting back to her feet, “what a hit!”

Her attacker practically skidded to a halt, allowing Jasmine to get a clear look at it: a horse, made of gleaming silver metal, its head jerking about as if it were a real animal, its robotic limbs offering sturdy support coupled with fast and efficient movements.

On the horse’s back was its rider: a figure clad in what looked much like medieval knight’s armour, made from the same metal as the horse. It grasped a red and white-striped lance in its right hand, with a dull grey round shield strapped to the left arm.

One of the two biggest physical distinctions of this monster was that the knight and horse were actually one entity, rather than two – the knight had no legs, his torso instead being joined directly to the horse’s body. The other unique characteristic was that the knight’s armoured head was not a standard helmet design, but rather that of a metal dragon, its teeth gritted fiercely and its yellow eyes glinting clearly even through the bright sunshine.

“Whoa,” Jasmine quipped as she took in the full sight, “now you’re one ugly S.O.B!”

“I am Deadknight,” replied the creature, the electrical-sounding voice clearly coming from the mouth even though it remained fixed in a motionless position, “and I claim this land in the name of His Royal Majesty, King Steelador!”

“King Steelador? Talk about your delusions of grandeur.”

“Silence human. If you want to defend your pathetic little fort of Stone Canyon, you will have to defend it from me.”

Deadknight left his banter at that, veering his horse body into position for another attack run. He promptly began the charge, aiming his long lance straight for the Ranger’s chest just as he did before. This time Jasmine could see it coming and made a large dive to the side. She successfully avoided the lance, but Deadknight’s speed was such that he already came up beside her before she hit the ground. He lashed out with his left arm and slammed his shield into the still airborne Jasmine, cruelly knocking her down once more.

Jasmine rolled back to her feet. Seeing Deadknight begin to slow down and knowing he would take a few seconds to turn back round, she realised that this was her chance. Already she was charging in, removing her belt buckle as she did so.

“Fatal Zero, Shield Mode!” she cried. The buckle responded to her order, the two axe blade-shaped plates quickly popping out from the sides, with more metal plates sliding in between them. Gripping the small handle at the back, she took a big leap forward, hurtling towards her opponent and thrusting her own shield into the side of his head. A loud metal clang echoed off the building walls as Deadknight was knocked for six, his entire equestrian form staggering around as it tried to maintain balance.

“See how you like it pal!” quipped Jasmine. “You want to try that again?”

“As a matter of fact, I do” said the now recovered Deadknight, starting another charge, this one faster than before. Knowing she wouldn’t be able to get clear in time, Jasmine raised up the Fatal Zero in defence. The lance struck home but she was able to block it just in time, the shield absorbing most of the impact. It was still enough to knock her back though, and she had to take a few moments to steady herself to a stop once more. She wouldn’t keep her feet on the ground for long, however, for as Deadknight ran past her, he suddenly stuck his lance out to the side and as low as he could. The lance swept down into Jasmine’s legs, causing them to buckle instantly and sending her toppling to the ground.

Turning round again, Deadknight made yet another run, this time intending to trample the still grounded Ranger Zero under his powerful robotic hooves. Jasmine saw him coming and her eyes widened under her helmet: that hit to her legs had hurt quite a bit, but she knew that if there was any time to get up and start running, it was now! Quickly she scrambled back to her feet and sprinted off as fast as she could, Deadknight eagerly giving chase and swiftly closing distance. Jasmine’s eyes darted around in front of her, frantically searching for anything that might be able to help. That’s when she noticed the scaffolding set up in front of one of the buildings…

Deadknight was almost upon her now, forcing Jasmine to summon a short burst of extra speed from some untold reservoir, speed that helped her to leap towards the wall before jumping off of it again, propelling herself up to one of the scaffolding bars above. Deadknight came to a halt underneath, now unable to reach his prey. On the scaffolding, Jasmine continued to swing expertly from bar to bar, building up momentum with each passing moment. She was no gymnast, but she had learned a lot from watching TV; her unique ability to duplicate any body movement being used to great effect in this situation. She remembered one particular Gold Medallist she had seen in the last Olympics – an Amy… White or Green or Brown… some colour anyway – and she tried to keep those moves in mind now.

“Have you quite finished?” snarled Deadknight, a tone of irritation in his voice. “Or do I have to get you down myself?”

He raised his lance up in an attempt to knock Jasmine off, but she wouldn’t allow him the chance, and after one last swing to get into position she let go of the bar, descending feet first into the side of Deadknight’s torso. The speed and force of the impact was more than enough, Deadknight tipping over onto his side, his four legs wildly kicking at air whilst his arm nearest the ground tried to fervently push him back to a standing position.

*

On his throne, Steelador observed the fight through the Compound’s main viewing screen. His yellow eyes stared on eagerly as he watched Deadknight gaining an advantage, then Ranger Zero, then Deadknight again, then Ranger Zero… the tides of battle seemed to change often.

“A very worthy monster that you have created on this occasion, Coppertron” he congratulated his technician, who just bowed in acknowledgement. “This conflict seems to be quite an even match.”

“Perhaps, but it would appear that Ranger Zero has the upper hand at the moment” Iron Claw pointed out.

“Well then let us rectify that small technicality” said Steelador. “Activate the MEDAL immediately.”

“Right away Boss,” announced Coppertron, already at the controls to the device, “activating MEDAL… now!”

Coppertron slammed his hand down onto the big red button, commanding the dish on the Compound’s roof to emit the green energy beam out into space, where the satellite patiently waited to reflect it back down to Deadknight’s position.

*

“Give up yet Deadknight?” asked Jasmine, but her answer came in the form of the energy beam as it made contact with the frustrated monster, promptly doing the job that it was designed to do.

“I guess that’s a no then…” she sighed, her eyes rolling upwards as they followed the rapidly growing robotic creature. He had finally managed to right himself again somewhere in the middle of the event, and now stood ready to show this Ranger once and for all just who was the mightiest knight in the whole kingdom.

“The price for victory has suddenly become a lot higher, human” Deadknight gloated down at her, but she refused to be intimidated:

“Don’t worry Deadknight, I’ve got a pretty powerful steed of my own… Zero Striker, power up!”

On Jasmine’s command, the personal Zord of Ranger Zero began to tremble into life. On the face of an enormous cliff on the outskirts of the city, a huge concealed hatch slid open, and a large cannon emerged from inside. The machine was transferred from the hanger into the cannon’s barrel, and all systems were ready. The launch cannon fired, blasting the Zero Striker out into the air at tremendous velocity, allowing it to arrive on location within moments. Its pilot quickly leapt up into the cockpit and took the controls in hand.

*

The basketball was straight on target, passing through the hoop after a slight ricochet on the inside. It hit the tarmac, bouncing obediently back to its owner who picked it up again.

Tyler let out a heavy sigh as he absent-mindedly dribbled the ball on the spot. It looked like his plans for a good weekend were a total bust. He basically had two choices: he could do what he wanted to do and relax, but then stand no chance whatsoever of passing the test on Monday. Or he could try to do some revision, but probably wouldn’t be able to concentrate, meaning he would lose all his spare time and still flunk the test! Either way his future prospects didn’t look very promising, and he figured that if it came to a choice between the two, this was the lesser of two evils.

He was sort of annoyed at having to sit through a difficult test about a subject that did little to hold his attention. He was pretty annoyed at the fact that he would probably have to repeat the school year. But he was really annoyed at himself. He shouldn’t be acting like this. He never had a reputation for being a slacker at school, he always thought he tried his best, so why was it different this time? Jazz and Craig were right: he’d managed to ace stuff a lot tougher than this before, this material shouldn’t be beyond his capabilities. If he could just gain a little more interest…

But that was the problem. Ye Olde Worlde of medieval knights didn’t do much to help him do that. They had had their time, they were in the past now, they were long dead and forgotten. Knights hadn’t roamed the Earth in… well the only thing he knew for sure was that it wasn’t 65 million years!

He grew more conscious now of how hard he was dribbling the basketball, the forceful thumping of the object on the tarmac a direct correlation to his frustration. He picked it up in his hands and took aim towards the hoop. After another sigh, he figured that he might as well accept his fate on this one. He saw no way to change the situation. He couldn’t find any interest in the medieval era, and it’s not like a knight was suddenly going to show up and inspire him…

It happened at that exact moment – the enormous form of Deadknight suddenly rising up behind the tower blocks in the distance.

A split second later Tyler threw the basketball at the hoop. An easy shot to make, but this time he missed both the hoop and the backboard completely, caught completely off-guard by this revelation. He rubbed his eyes, making sure he wasn’t seeing things.

“Dude…” he breathed in disbelief.

No doubt about it: it at least looked like a medieval knight (well, apart from the funky dragon head), and Tyler had to admit it – it did look kind of cool.

As did the Zero Striker that soon descended from the sky to stand opposite.

*

Deadknight’s main strength lied in his powerful charging attacks. Jasmine was no fool, however: she realised this and decided not to give him the chance to try one. The Zero Striker moved in close, throwing a few punches into its opponent's chest, followed by a kick up to his underside. Deadknight recoiled a few steps, a snarl of anger escaping his motionless dragon mouth, but kept his wits about him, retaliating by slamming his shield into the Zero Striker’s side. Jasmine let out a cry of surprise as her Zord went down.

“Oh well that’s just charming, that” she quipped, commanding the machine to stand. It did so, but Deadknight had already turned around, the hind legs of his horse-like body waiting for their target. No sooner had the Zero Striker stood did Deadknight unleash a powerful rear kick that landed dead centre. The Zero Striker actually flew back a surprising distance before crashing down again.

“Okay then…” groaned a shaken Jasmine, “Ow…”

Again she took the controls to try and get the Zord back on its feet. Unfortunately she wasn’t sure if it could recover quick enough – Deadknight had now created enough distance to go for a charge. He was coming and he was coming fast!

“Dammit!” the young heroine swore under her breath. “Come on Zero Striker, now’s not the time to be lying down on the job.”

The Zero Striker was a simple machine that had no life or sentience of its own, but it seemed as though it had somehow heard its pilot, now finally responding to her commands and standing once more. Jasmine’s eyes narrowed as her opponent closed in, all her concentration focused on that threatening lance.

“Oh so you want to play it like that, do you?” she announced. “Fine by me, let’s play.”

With the flip of a few switches, she directed all the power she could into the Zero Striker’s arms. Then, as Deadknight approached, she reacted, slamming on the control levers without hesitation. Obediently the Zero Striker complied with the order, making a swift sidestep to avoid the lance at the last moment. Then it took hold of the weapon and tightened its grip. Against his will, Deadknight was forced to stop dead in his tracks.

“What do you think you’re doing?” he roared angrily. “Unhand my weapon. I swear it, King Steelador will have your head for this!”

“Save it Deadknight,” Jasmine shot back, “you’re about to be dismounted!”

Summoning all its strength, the Zero Striker gave a mighty upwards tug on the lance. Deadknight screamed in shock and agony – as his torso was ripped viciously from his robotic horse body. Showers of sparks flew from the gaping rough hole as the irreparable damage was dealt. Now letting go of the lance, the Zero Striker dropped Deadknight’s severed torso beside the rest of him.

“NO!” the still active mechanical monster bellowed in contempt. “How dare you? This is an outrage!”

“This is inevitable” Jasmine declared. “Knights disappeared a long time ago, and it’s time you finally joined the rest of them – Zero Blast!”

On command, the Zero Striker’s right fist promptly energised, drawing a red circle in the air. The swirling energy filled the completed shape, preparing to be unleashed on the target. The Zord now thrust its fist into the centre, letting the beam fly.

“I would’ve rather fallen in the moat…” came the last pathetic cry of Deadknight as he met his final end, the explosion bursting into the sky.

The Zero Striker held up a single finger on one hand, and made a circle with the other, in time with Jasmine’s words:

“Jasmine… One, Deadknight… Zero’ed!”

While the massive form of the Zero Striker assumed its victory pose, on ground level, a hidden and secretive presence looked on from a dark alleyway:

“Interesting” spoke a deep and ominous voice somewhere from within the shadows. “Very interesting indeed…”

*

The evening rolled around, and at Craig’s house, he and Jasmine met up for a busy study session for the big test. Jasmine lay face-down on Craig’s bed, a textbook opened up in front of her. As Craig sat at his desk, he couldn’t help but feel a spark of infantile joy at the fact that – yes, ladies and gentlemen – Jasmine Bennet was indeed laying on his bed! But since it was for purely innocent reasons, and since that was likely as close as he was ever going to get, he decided against breaking out the champagne.

“You alright over there Jazz?” he asked her. “No offence but you…” a pause while he pushed up his glasses, “… look a little beat.”

“Yeah, just been a bit of a tough day” she replied, not glancing up from her book. “But I’m good, I’m ready, I am one hundred percent in studying mode.”

“As am I” announced a voice. Jasmine and Craig now looked up to see Tyler walk through the door to Craig’s room, a few of his own books tucked under his arm.

“Howdy there stranger” Craig greeted his friend. “To what do we owe this greatest of pleasures?”

“Big test coming up man, big important test” replied Tyler. “If you guys need a third studying partner, I’m your guy.”

“For sure!” Jasmine readily agreed. “But what’s with the sudden enthusiasm? I thought you found all this knight and castle stuff boring.”

“You know what? I just don’t think I gave it a fair go. Now I think about it, I can see it being pretty cool. I can kind of picture it all in my head now, you know? Galloping horses, long pointy sticks, stocky metal dudes… it’s the stuff legends are made of! So anyway, can I get in on this?”

“Like you even have to ask!” said Craig. “Pick a spot and park that ass!”

Tyler did so, eagerly placing himself and his books on the floor.

“So seriously,” Craig asked him. “what’s gotten you so interested all of a sudden?”

Jasmine held back a laugh, having a feeling that she knew the answer to that one already.

“Ah no time for that now, C” chuckled Tyler. “Test is on Monday, and there’s a lot of knowledge here just waiting to be crammed into my brain – let’s get cracking!”

*

At the end of that week, the students received their marked tests back. Standing out in the corridor with Jasmine, Craig proudly admired the big red A scrawled on the top of his paper.

“Man I hope he’s done okay” breathed Jasmine. “I’m kinda nervous for him, you know?”

“Yeah I hear that,” Craig replied, “but I’ve got faith. I’m amazed at how he just suddenly knuckled down and really got into it – it was a real turnaround.”

The door opened, and Tyler slowly dragged his way out of the door, his test paper dangling at his side.

His face was not a cheerful one.

“Oooh,” Jasmine began softly, “that doesn’t look like a happy camper!”

“Alright, break it to us” prompted Craig. “How did you do?”

Tyler sighed heavily: “I tried, I really tried. I was focused, I was concentrating, I was ready. I mean, I did my best – I know I did my best! All that time, all that effort… I put everything into this!”

“And?” Craig pressed gently.

Tyler’s expression suddenly brightened: “And it paid off! Check it out.”

He now held up his paper so the others could see the large B+ written there.

“Take that naysayers!” he declared with a cheesy but undeniably proud grin.

“A B+?” exclaimed Craig, giving Tyler a high-five. “Dude, way to go!”

“Well done Tyler” Jasmine cheered, giving her friend a hug. “You really deserve it, I’m very impressed.” She was too, having only just scraped in with a C+ herself.

“Thanks guys” Tyler replied. “I’m sorry I was kind of a jerk about it before, but I really appreciate you helping me through it.”

“Ah no problem man, what else are friends for?” said Craig. “I think this calls for some celebration drinks down at the Dominion? You there?”

Tyler nodded: “I’m so there, that I’ll probably meet myself when I walk in! Let’s go!”

The elated trio headed off down the corridor. Jasmine couldn’t help but think of the strangeness of it all: the Metal Minds were dedicated to the annihilation of every last human on the planet, yet one of their monsters had been indirectly responsible for inspiring Tyler to make it through a challenging time.

‘Never thought I’d say this,’ she thought to herself, ‘but thanks Steelador.’

bushwacka666

08-09-2008, 09:17 AM

Craig's feelings for Jasmine continue to grow. Could he actually be considering to attempt the impossible? Is he actually planning to tell her how he feels?

All that, and more seed-sowing, in the next installment of PRZT.

Einsider

08-09-2008, 03:26 PM

sweet chapter, makes me want to go and research some knights myself! (I think i will manage to restrain myself though) loving the story Bush and a good ending line! looking 4ward to the next chapter!

bushwacka666

08-12-2008, 06:23 AM

Thanks m8. I personally consider that chapter weaker compared to the ones before it, but all the same I'm glad you liked it. In any case it sets up a couple of things that will play out later down the line. Don't know when the next chapter will arrive, but I'll try to summon it forth at fast as I can.

When the next installment of "Noir" coming, btw?

GreyRanger

08-12-2008, 07:58 AM

Great stuff Bush, i like how everything worked out for Tyler, and it shows that some good can come out of bad.
I personally thought this chapter wa s a bit harsher than your previous works, i mean ripping of Deadknight's torso? Not your usual way of dealing with monsers, i'm sure Disney would have something to say about dismemberment :D
I think it's fair to say that Coppertron stole the chapter with his speech about the internet. Quality humour and a great insight into the uses of the net :)
Looking forward to the next installment of PRZT with relish!

Einsider

08-12-2008, 10:13 AM

I've nearly got the next chapter finished now - i'm really looking forward to getting back to uni when i'll have time to write one a week! but at the moment i'm just writing when i can. Glad you're interested in it though, i may be able to post soon, hoping to finish the next chapter tonight so will either be posted today or tomorrow if all goes well - I enjoyed the chapter, i like getting to know your characters private lives but liked how it was linked in to the action stuff :)

bushwacka666

08-14-2008, 06:59 AM

V[]etal []_ion;2880268']Great stuff Bush, i like how everything worked out for Tyler, and it shows that some good can come out of bad.
I personally thought this chapter wa s a bit harsher than your previous works, i mean ripping of Deadknight's torso? Not your usual way of dealing with monsers, i'm sure Disney would have something to say about dismemberment :D

Thanks as always m8. I agree that Jasmine's dealing with Deadknight was a little more viscious than your normal. I think I had in mind the whole concept of knights jousting and one trying to knock the other off his horse. But of course Deadknight's torso and horse body were joined (almost like a centaur) so I had to keep that in mind when "dismounting" the rider.

I think it's fair to say that Coppertron stole the chapter with his speech about the internet. Quality humour and a great insight into the uses of the net :)

Introducing the running gag I mentioned in a previous post - I'll try to put in some more of Coppertron's Internet insights from time to time! :D Don't know if it was really noticable, but during Jasmine's battle with Deadknight I also put in a small mention of a certain Pink Ranger from Special Ops... giving these small references every now and again can only help to tie the whole Bennet Legacy together.

Again, not sure when the next chapter will arrive. I wrote the first scene yesterday, and it seemed to flow pretty well - I enjoyed getting it down, even if it was a little on the long side. If I can keep up that pace for the rest of the chapter, then hopefully the wait won't be too long.

Einsider: I've seen the update on "Noir" - will read it now! :023:

GreyRanger

08-14-2008, 07:32 AM

You mean the gymnast Amy? I picked it up, just forgot to put it in my review (which btw i am trying to make more specific to actually give better and more quality feedback).

bushwacka666

08-27-2008, 07:50 AM

New chapter - yay! :D Alas the action really does take a backseat in this chapter, just too much storytelling and setting up to get through... my apologies. But I hope you still enjoy to some degree.

bushwacka666

08-27-2008, 07:50 AM

It was one fine morning in Stone Canyon, a good excuse for people to get out there in the bright and warm sunshine. Jasmine, Tyler and Craig took the opportunity to go on a bike ride, currently coasting their way through the local park just round the corner from Jasmine’s house. Out of the trio, Craig was the only one to wear a helmet – something which occasionally earned him a bit of innocent teasing from the others, as they all felt they had outgrown those years ago, but Craig didn’t mind. He was a firm believer in putting safety first.

“Come on boys,” taunted the young female, “keep up if you can.”

Trailing a little behind Jasmine, Craig and Tyler picked up the pace, not willing to let that smug expression remain on her face. Looking over at Craig, Tyler noticed his eyes were fixed firmly on Jasmine in front. That hardly came as a surprise: he had the hots for her and with the way she was sitting on that bike with those tight jeans, her ass was an inviting sight for pretty much any sane male teenager! It was actually surprising the amount of effort he was putting into catching her up. Tyler actually let out a small grunt of exertion as he struggled to match the speed.

Jasmine glanced over as Craig approached her side, and flashed him a wry smile:

“Oooh why Mr Scanlon, you’re like a speeding bullet!” she called over in a mock impressed tone. “You big strong man, you.”

“All in a day’s work, m’lady” he replied. “Now, let’s see if you can keep up!”

The trio continued racing through, Craig now coming out in front. It was rare that he put this much effort into riding a bike, but hey at least she was watching him. Sure her sounding impressed might all be a light-hearted joke, but beggars couldn’t be choosers! He turned his head to look behind him, flashing her a big cheesy grin.

“Kiss the winner after the race, okay?” he said to her.

“Oh yeah,” she retorted, “you’d like that wouldn’t… oh my god, CRAIG LOOK OUT!”

“Wha…?” he muttered, turning back round just in time to see a small black and white cat dashing across in front of him. Some incoherent expletive escaped his lips as he jerked the handlebars sideways, trying to swerve clear of the scampering animal. Unfortunately his speed was too fast for him to maintain control. Jasmine and Tyler managed to break to a safe halt, and Jasmine observed the cat heading for a tree and climbing straight up with incredible haste. Meanwhile the bike and its panicked rider began wheeling wildly all over the place – Tyler could barely watch as several people scattered the area only moments before the bike zipped past them.

“Coming through, excuse me” came Craig’s apologetic yells to the startled bystanders. He was forced to grip the handlebars with one hand whilst his other tried to keep his glasses in place. “So sorry, pardon me, excuse me… COMING THROUGH MEANS MOVE, PEOPLE!”

Jasmine’s eyes scanned the bike’s current trajectory, and quickly realised that although the people were running clear, that picnic bench probably wouldn’t be so forgiving!

“Oh,” she sighed, looking away, “this isn’t going to be pretty…”

She was right: it wasn’t! Finally the bike was halted as it crashed into the bench – with a loud cry Craig was launched forward, straight over the top of the bench and down to the grass on the other side. He rolled for a couple of metres before coming to lay on his back, groaning a little as he tried to recover from his daze.

“Wow…” he breathed in exasperation, “what a ride…”

With no further hesitation, his friends were already running to his side.

“Craig, are you alright?” asked a concerned Jasmine. With such a beautiful face looking over him, Craig fleetingly wondered whether he had literally died and gone to heaven. But once he saw Tyler’s face also… well no such luck, it would appear!

“Yeah,” he groaned his reply, readjusting his glasses, “yeah I’m fine… I think. That hurt, you know!”

“Yeah I bet it did” Tyler agreed as he and Jasmine slowly helped their friend back to his feet. “That Superman impression looked well impressive, mind you.”

“Bet you guys don’t think I’m stupid to wear this helmet now huh?”

“You earn points for being prepared, I’ll give you that.”

Jasmine narrowed her eyes at Craig: “Do I really need to give you a lecture on looking where you’re going?”

“Well I guess I deserve it. Lecture away.”

Jasmine opened her mouth to begin, but paused when she heard a noise behind her. Turning around, she noticed the noise was coming from a little girl – she was crying.

“I’ll put the lecture on hold” Jasmine told them, already starting to walk over towards the child. “Hang on.”

While Tyler tested Craig about how many fingers he was holding up, a concerned Jasmine came up to the girl. She was a little redhead, looking to be no more than about five or six years old.

“Hey there” Jasmine spoke soothingly, kneeling down beside the girl. “Why all the tears? What’s wrong?”

“Fluffy,” blubbered the redhead, “he’s stuck in that tree.”

The girl pointed up, and Jasmine followed the finger to where she could see the same cat that Craig had almost ran over on his bike. It was pretty high up, and looked a little frightened.

“Oh that’s your cat?” she asked her. “Yeah he does look kinda scared huh?” She realised part of that was probably Craig’s fault, having startled it up there in the first place. But that was the thing with cats: they were pretty good at climbing trees, but it was getting down again that sometimes proved a problem.

“He can’t get down” the girl sobbed again, as Tyler and Craig now came up at Jasmine’s side.

“You wait there alright?” she told the girl. “I’ll see what I can do.”

“You want me to try climbing up there?” offered Tyler.

Glancing at the tree, Jasmine thought back to when she watched the cat scurry up it. Already her mind was trying to visualise those actions for her body to copy. Sure a cat wasn’t a human being, but all the same, both species had four limbs in pretty much the same places… it couldn’t be all that different, could it? She had never tried her mimicking abilities on anything other than human movement before, but already she could sense that feeling entering her heart; that undoubted confidence that told her she was capable.

“No that’s okay,” she answered Tyler’s question, “I’ve got it covered.”

No sooner had she finished speaking, she was already running for the tree – and clambering straight up it just like a cat! Craig and Tyler stood wide-eyed and slack-jawed as they watched their friend performing yet another incredible feat. They had seen her do quite a few astonishing things in their time, but that never made it any less of a shock to witness.

“Wow!” was all the girl could say, her face quickly brightening up.

Up in the tree, Jasmine had already arrived at the same branch. Reaching out carefully, she took hold of the cat and scooped it gently into her arms. Making sure it was tucked in securely, she took a deep breath and leapt down, managing a quick somersault in midair before landing firmly on her feet.

“Dude!” breathed Tyler.

“There you go sweetie” Jasmine announced, kneeling back down in front of the girl. “One cute little cat, safe and sound.”

The little girl quickly gave Jasmine the tightest hug she could in appreciation. Jasmine then handed the animal into her eager waiting arms.

“That was cool! Thank you!” the girl squealed in delight.

“You’re welcome,” Jasmine laughed, “glad I could help.”

She watched the girl run off before turning back to the boys and saying, “Let’s go guys. We’ve still got a lot of ground to cover, and those bikes aren’t gonna ride themselves!”

She and Tyler headed back towards their bikes. Craig took a few moments to gaze at Jasmine in admiration.

“She is amazing!” he breathed.

*

“But sir, I do not understand. Why would you not allow me to do this?”

“The time is not yet right, Iron Claw” Steelador informed his general as they entered the main chamber of the Compound.

“We are to begin another attack on Earth,” Iron Claw continued, “and I am your mightiest warrior. Should I not be involved in the assault, and help bring the humans to their knees?”

“He’s got a point boss” chimed in Coppertron, waiting for them. “I’m not saying my monster can’t get the job done, because it can, but where’s the harm in having the extra muscle on board?”

“The hunger for battle crackles through my very wiring,” the general assured his master, “it radiates through my circuitry and bubbles within my oil. It is my very motivation for all that I do in your name.”

“I am well aware of that,” replied Steelador, sitting down on his throne, “and your devotion does not go unnoticed. However I do not wish you to drain your energy during this attack; I sense that your strength and ruthlessness will be required for another task, and soon. You will obey my orders and stay here, until I command you otherwise. Is that understood?”

Iron Claw bowed in respect: “It is, sir. I have always served your wishes, and I continue to do so now.”

“Good. Coppertron, is your new monster ready for deployment?”

“You know it boss! Wire Witch patiently awaits your command. Just need a few more minutes to finish off the latest batch of Tin Men, and we’ll be ready to go.”

“Very well, you may send them in when ready.”

*

After their bike ride, the gang headed back to Jasmine’s house for lunch. While Jasmine talked with her mom downstairs, the boys sat up in her room and happily munched down their sandwiches and zipped their sodas to cool off. Well, at least Tyler did. Craig seemed a little spaced, which his friend easily noticed.

“Yo C, you alright man?”

He received no answer.

“Earth calling Craig, come in Craig! Do you read me?”

“Huh, what?” Craig stammered, finally snapping back to attention. “Oh sorry man, I was someplace else.”

“Wow really? I would never have guessed! What’s with the vacancy bro? You still going all giddy over Jazz’s heroic cat rescuing this morning?”

“Well… it was something!”

“Yeah, yeah it was” Tyler agreed with a chuckle. “Still, something tells me that’s not all that’s on your mind. For one, you keep staring down at your lap. You hiding something?”

“What? No, of course not” came Craig’s all too swift denial. However, his body language told his friend otherwise. He turned away in his chair so that his back was turned to Tyler. It only took Tyler a moment to decide what course of action to take: as quietly as he could manage he stood up and began to stealthily creep up behind Craig. In near complete silence, he edged closer, bringing his lips up beside his friend’s ear whilst his hand slowly came up in front of him. Closer, closer…

“OOOGA-BOOGA-WOOGA!” Tyler suddenly bellowed out into Craig’s ear, his hand simultaneously popping up in front of his face and waving rapidly.

“WAAAH!” came Craig’s startled cry, caught totally off-guard by the unpleasant surprise. He practically fell off his seat, half-tumbling to the floor. Sure enough, there was something nestled in his lap, which now drifted to the floor – a piece of paper. Craig noticed it out in the open, but Tyler’s reactions were much faster than his, and he had already picked it up.

“No wait, don’t read that!” yelled Craig, trying to pick himself back up in time to stop Tyler, but it was too late. Tyler had already unfolded the paper and began to read aloud:

“My Dearest Jasmine,

I’m no good at saying it out loud, I’ve always been afraid to shout out what I know I should’ve done a long time ago. So in this letter is everything that I can’t tell you in person…”

Tyler’s eyes widened as his voice trailed off in shock, but he continued to skim through the rest of the letter to himself. The expression on Craig’s face said it all: he was rumbled.

“Dude,” Tyler finally spoke up again, “this is… I mean, you’re actually saying…”

“Yeah, yeah I am” Craig admitted, now managing to snatch the letter back and folding it up again. “Don’t make a big deal out of it okay?”

“B…but it is a big deal, it’s a huge deal! What brought all this on?”

The young hopeless romantic sighed: “I don’t know, I guess I just can’t keep it to myself any longer. I’ve had the letter with me all day, debating whether I should give it to her. What happened this morning with the cat reminded me just how amazing she is… I can’t just stand there and do nothing anymore, Tyler. I’ve got to let her know the truth, I have to know for sure whether she feels anything for me too, before I drive myself insane!”

A few seconds of silence passed. Tyler tried to take in this new revelation: Craig was finally going to tell Jasmine how he felt about her? Alright he was going for the cowardly option and writing a letter rather than actually saying it to her face, but still. Tyler knew Craig better than anybody else did, and he wasn’t blind to the amount of courage it must have taken him to do even this.

“Well?” Craig finally prompted. “What do you think? Am I doing the right thing here?”

“Yeah I guess.”

“You guess? What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Hey listen C, you’re following your heart – that’s definitely doing the right thing! I just want you to keep in mind the bombshell you’re gonna be dropping on the girl. The whole thing’s gonna come as a shock to her, and you’ve no idea how she’ll react.”

“Yeah I know. I figured I’d secretly leave the letter here in her room just before we go back out again, then when she finds it tonight she’s got time to think about it before we meet back up.”

“Well if this is how you’re going to do it, then it sounds like as good a plan as any. Just make sure you…”

“Hey guys” called Jasmine as she suddenly re-entered the room, “sorry to keep you waiting.”

Craig instinctively hid the letter behind his back, and even Tyler subtly sidestepped to block the view of his female friend.

“No worries,” replied Craig, trying to wipe the guilty look off his face, “we’ve only just finished our lunch anyhow.”

“Well good, you guys ready to rock?”

“Not me” Tyler spoke up. “Being dragged along shopping by my mom this afternoon, remember?”

“Oh yeah” chuckled Craig. “I feel for you man, I really do!”

“Well then, looks like it’s just you and me Craig” said Jasmine. Craig involuntarily blushed a little.

Jasmine exited the room, Tyler following close behind. Craig casually hesitated, bringing the letter out from behind his back. He stared at it for a few moments before shifting his gaze to the bed. She would definitely see it there, and all he had to do was place it on top, and then he could try to put it out of his mind until tomorrow.

His hand edged nearer and nearer to the bed, but with every inch it moved in, his heart began to beat all the more faster. God, surely he wasn’t really going to go through with this, was he? It had seemed straightforward enough, and he figured leaving a letter in the room would have been a piece of cake compared to actually telling her in person. But as it turned out, it didn’t really make much of a difference. So she reads the letter, so she learns the truth… what then? It still doesn’t save him from embarrassment. The two of them would still have to have an awkward conversation, and for what? Just so he can hear her say no?

“Hey Craig,” Jasmine’s voice called back up the stairs, “are you ready?”

“No,” he whispered to himself, unceremoniously shoving the letter in his pocket, “no I’m not…”

“Craig?” she called again.

“Yeah,” he now answered back, “yeah I’m coming.”

He took one last look at the bed and the empty space that mocked him, then turned and left the room, in disbelief of just how big a coward he was.

*

“It’s a real bummer Tyler couldn’t join us this afternoon” said Craig as he and Jasmine walked their way through the crowded city streets. “Forced to go shopping with your mom has gotta suck!”

Jasmine produced an exaggerated fake gasp of horror: “Don’t you ever criticise shopping – it’s a beautiful art form!”

The pair continued on their way, Craig not failing to notice just how beautiful this girl was who walked beside him. What he wouldn’t give to be closer to her, even if they just held hands as they walked, maybe he could put his arm gently around her…

His daydream was rudely interrupted by a sudden collective of shrill screams piercing the air. As the crowds around them gradually began to run wild, it took both of them a few moments to notice the intruding figures of the Tin Men making their way through the masses.

“Uh-oh…” he muttered, recognising the soldiers from when they barged into the Dominion.

“I think it’s best if we get out of here,” said Jasmine, “come on.”

They began to try and make their way through the crowds, but a couple of Tin Men had already caught up with Jasmine, latching onto her arms and holding her back. In all of the confusion, Craig did not immediately notice.

“Let go of me, Metal Heads!” growled Jasmine, trying to wrestle free of the soldiers’ grip.

“Jazz?” Craig enquired, now noticing his unobtainable beau was no longer by his side. Turning around, he now realised the danger she was in. After a moment’s hesitation he began to try and make his way back towards her, attempting to push back through the still oncoming crowds.

“Jasmine!” he called out in anguish.

“Craig, go!” she shouted back, not willing him to put him in danger. “Get out of here!”

“Jazz hang on, I’m… OOOF!” he cried, being involuntarily knocked back by the stampede. It wasn’t the civilians’ fault exactly, they weren’t consciously trying to hurt him, they just wanted to get the hell out of there. Craig was finding it impossible to barge his way through, instead being caught up with the rest of them instead. He desperately tried to hold his glasses in place as he could see the gap between him and Jasmine increasing with each passing moment.

“Jasmine!” he yelled again, but it was no use. He found himself being forced to run along with the crowd in order to avoid being trampled by them. With he and Jasmine separated, he could only pray that she would be alright.

The streets finally cleared, now empty apart from Jasmine, the Tin Men, and a new metal figure that had just arrived. A slim figure, a deep and shiny metallic purple in colour, draped in a black cape. Bright green metal hair stuck out from underneath the pointed witch’s hat, and neatly framed the bright yellow eyes and sinister silver smile.

“Well hello there, my pretty!” screeched Wire Witch. “Little girls really shouldn’t be in the forest all alone.”

“Forest?” asked Jasmine, confusingly glancing round at the roads and tall urban buildings around her. “Yeah, if you say so love…”

Finally Jasmine managed to overpower her two current attackers, flipping both over her shoulders simultaneously. They slammed to the floor, their glass chests instantly crushing on impact and the energy spheres escaping from their storage. With these two soldiers defeated, Jasmine now backflipped across the streets to create some distance between herself and her opponents.

“Get her, minions” the monster commanded with a cackle. “Skin her alive!”

The Tin Men responded obediently, charging towards the human. Jasmine stood ready: as soon as they neared her she quickly lifted a leg to kick one straight in the chest, before reversing its direction and kicking another on the other side. She grabbed a third and grappled with it, pulling it round and knocking it into a wall behind her.

“Zero Point!” she cried, grabbing the Morpher around her neck. In a flash of red light, Ranger Zero was quickly dispatching of the remaining three soldiers, slamming a fist into the chest of one, quickly reversing direction on her arm to elbow the second, then she leg-swept the third to the ground and thumped a fist down.

The Tin Men gone, Jasmine now focused her attentions on the monster, who glared back at her with her eerie permanently narrowed yellow eyes.

“You silly human, you have no idea how angry you’re making me.”

“Ah hop back on your broomstick, you old crone” Jasmine shot back. “Don’t you have any newts to scoop the eyes out of or something?”

“Why you insolent little girl. I’ll boil you in my cauldron!”

As if intent to prove her point, Wire Witch began her charge. The two female fighters began to trade blows, Wire Witch quick to swipe some long clawed fingers across Jasmine’s chest. A few small showers of sparks fell to the ground but the young heroine stood her ground, landing a few punches to the chest herself followed by a couple of solid kicks to the midsection. The monster stumbled back but quickly regained her footing.

“Tongue of toad and tail of trout, wrap up the Ranger – don’t let her break out!”

After reciting the bizarre incantation, Wire Witch thrust her arm forward and proved that her name was well-earned, several strands of a cable-like wire flying forward from her sleeve and magically wrapping themselves around Jasmine’s body.

“What the…?” she cried out, trying to struggle free. The wires, however, seemed to magically tighten their hold around her, severely restricting her movement.

“With the hooves of the herd and the flap of the flock,” cackled Wire Witch, “send to the human a really big shock!”

On command a surge of electricity flowed through the wires straight towards their destination. Jasmine let out a scream of pain as the charge coursed through her ensnared body, more sparks bursting out from her smouldered Ranger suit. Her knees involuntarily buckled beneath her and she toppled to the ground.

“What do you think of your chances now, my pretty?” shrieked a gloating Wire Witch.

“I’m not finished yet, my ugly!” retorted Jasmine, trying to edge her hand down towards her belt buckle.

“Oh but you soon will be, dearie. You soon will be.”

Wire Witch sent another jolt of electricity through her cables, again zapping her prey with a lethal surge.

“Alright that’s it,” Jasmine snarled, fighting through the pain, “now I’m mad – Fatal Zero, Disc Mode!”

Her weapon promptly released itself from the belt, the two blades sliding out. With a careful aim and a quick jerk of the wrist, Jasmine threw the disc out and cleanly severed the wires. Wire Witch let out a cry of disbelief as she watched Ranger Zero stand back up and shake the remaining wires off. The Fatal Zero automatically returned to its owner, who was already prepared to finish this one off.

“Cannon Mode!” she ordered, transforming the Fatal Zero into its laser-firing form. She took aim at her target.

“No, you can’t!” screamed Wire Witch. “Eye of frog and wing of…”

“Oh enough with the lame poetry” Jasmine cut her off. “I can’t take any more of it, or you… Fire!”

Jasmine squeezed the trigger, sending a powerful stream of red energy towards her target. The blast struck home, and Wire Witch knew she was defeated.

“Where was my lucky black cat when I needed him?” she wailed, moments before exploding in a fiery ball.

Jasmine felt no need for any witty remark on this occasion, but she settled for whistling the tune to Ding Dong, The Witch Is Dead as her celebration.

*

The evening approached. As the sun began to set in the sky, Jasmine walked out into her back garden, chuckling to herself as she listened to the frantic voice through her cell phone.

“Craig, relax. I’m fine” she assured her friend. “I managed to break loose and then I just ran for it.”

“God I am so sorry!” he apologised for what must have been the hundredth time. “I tried to get back to you Jazz, I really tried. But I couldn’t get through the crowd. God I was so worried about you.”

“Well I was worried about you too. I’m just glad you managed to get out of there. Listen, you go and calm yourself down. I’ll see you tomorrow okay?”

“Alright. Hey listen, Jasmine…”

“Yeah?”

Silence.

“Craig?” she prompted again.

“Oh no, it’s nothing,” came his stammered reply finally, “nothing important at all… I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Alright. Bye Craig.”

“Goodbye Jasmine.”

Jasmine sighed to herself as the call came to an end, and she tucked her cell phone back in her pocket. Continuing down to the bottom of the garden, she reached the small bomb shelter there – a old relic from decades past – and climbed onto the roof, sitting down to glance up at the stars as she had always loved to do. The shelter was half submerged into the ground so the roof wasn’t very high up at all, but somehow it still seemed like a totally different world where she could just relax, bask in the silent evenings and forget all her cares.

This evening was a little different than most, however, as she realised there wasn’t complete silence: to one side she heard a soft giggle. Looking over she saw a child playing in the garden of the house next door, the one that a mom and daughter had just recently moved into. This must have obviously been the daughter. Jasmine took a second to realise where she had seen the girl before – it was the same little redhead from the park that same morning.

“Hey there” she called out. The girl looked over and also recognised the face in front of her.

“Hi” she answered brightly, running a little closer. The wall separating the two gardens was much taller than her, of course, but the slight extra height Jasmine gained on the bomb shelter’s roof helped to maintain the clear view.

“Thanks again for getting Fluffy back” said the girl.

“No problem” replied Jasmine with a smile. “How is he?”

“Mommy said not to let him out the house again yet. He has to stay indoors.”

“That’s probably a good idea, he needs time to get used to this new place. So you’re my new next-door neighbour huh?”

The girl nodded, a wide grin on that cute little face.

“My name’s Robyn” she announced, seemingly proud of her pretty name.

“Well I’m pleased to meet you Robyn. I’m Jazz.”

“Robyn,” called a woman’s voice from inside the house next door, “time for bed, honey.”

“Gotta go, bye” said Robyn. She gave a little wave before obediently running indoors as her mother had asked.

“Bye” Jasmine called back, chuckling to herself. “Sweet kid.”

She turned her head back up to the heavens again, the stars twinkling brightly in the clear sky. She briefly had to wonder just whereabouts in that big glittering canvas her father was, watching over her. Of course she could converse with her father’s ghost anytime she wanted, but sometimes it still felt nice to think he was also smiling down on her from way up there.

“Jasmine?” called a voice. “You out here?”

Jasmine looked towards her own back door, now seeing Tyler walking out into the garden.

“Hey Ty, over here” she replied along with a wave. Spotting her, Tyler made his way over, climbing onto the shelter roof and taking a seat beside his friend.

“Hey,” she greeted him, “how was your mom’s shopping spree?”

“Don’t ask, just don’t! If I never see another shoe again… But that’s why I’m here. After that horrific afternoon, I need to kick back and relax. Wondered if you wanted to catch a movie or something.”

“Yeah, sounds cool. Craig coming with?”

“Err nah, I asked but he didn’t think it was a good idea.”

“Why not?”

Tyler didn’t say anything, not really sure what excuse to make up instead of the truth; that Craig couldn’t face seeing Jasmine at the moment after his colossal failure to give her that letter. Jasmine narrowed her eyes suspiciously at Tyler – she could tell something was up.

“Oh God… Alright Tyler, spill it. What’s he gone and done now?”

“What are you talking about?”

“Craig. What was he going to do? Because I can guess he was thinking of doing something that would have embarrassed us both, so what?”

“Um Jazz, I don’t know what you’re talking about” the young man tried to cover up. “Why would he be embarrassed about…”

“Tyler, I know.”

“Beg yours?”

“I know how Craig feels about me.”

Tyler’s jaw dropped in shock: “You… you know?”

“Have done for quite a long time.”

“But… how? I thought you had no idea.”

Jasmine chuckled softly: “Come on Tyler, Craig’s not exactly Mr Calm & Cool. The way he acts around me sometimes, how nervous he gets… it wasn’t hard to figure out. He’s really not that good at hiding it.”

“Dude!” Tyler exclaimed, running a hand through his hair. “What a mindblower! All this time, and you already knew!”

“Yep, so tell me. What was he going to do?”

Tyler exhaled in defeat, figuring there wasn’t much point covering anymore: “He’d written this letter, it was going to tell you everything. He was always too shy to tell you in person, so he was going to leave the letter in your room today so you would find it. But he chickened out at the last second, didn’t go through with it.”

“Oh Craig,” she sighed sympathetically. “you frightened little sweetheart…”

“I just can’t believe you already knew how he felt. He may not have done a good job at hiding it from you, but you sure did good at hiding it from us. Well then, I guess that only leaves one question: do you feel the same way about him?”

Jasmine hesitated. She couldn’t quite bring herself to say it, and she could only turn her head back up to the stars.

Tyler managed a small knowing smile: “You don’t, do you?”

She sighed again: “No. I do care about him. I mean, both of you have always been there for me and looked out for me. Craig’s one of my best friends – of course I love him, just… not in the way he wants me to.”

“I have to say he figured as much. That’s why he’s never told you, he’s just too scared of getting shot down.”

“Bless him. That’s why I never told him I knew. I know how sensitive he can be, and I knew I’d probably upset him even if I did try to let him down easy. I don’t want to ruin the great friendship we have, you know? But I just don’t feel that way about him.”

She looked back at her friend: “That doesn’t make me a bad person, does it?”

“Hey stop talking crazy!” Tyler soothed her. “Jazz, you’re listening to what your heart tells you – you are not a bad person! You can’t help it if you’re not in love with Craig, no more than he can help it being in love with you. It’s no-one’s fault, it’s just one of those things.”

“Yeah, I guess. So what’s he going to do now?”

“I wouldn’t worry, he told me he threw the letter away in the end. Honestly I’m surprised he managed to find the courage to even think about doing that, but at the end of the day he figures you’re just way out of his league! Craig Scanlon is officially back to Square One.”

“That’s probably for the best. I just don’t think I’d be able to tell him without hurting him, and I don’t ever want to hurt him. Listen, please don’t tell him that I know, okay?”

“Hey sure, your secret’s safe with me. Anyway, what do you say then? Movie?”

“Movie” Jasmine confirmed, hoping it would take her mind off things. “Let’s go.”

The pair jumped down from the shelter roof and down to the grass below. Jasmine was a little unnerved at that fact that Craig had taken this new small step towards delivering what could be a big blow to their friendship, but she tried not to let this news haunt her. Tyler was probably right: Craig was back to Square One. He had to be.

bushwacka666

08-27-2008, 07:54 AM

Tara's safety is compromised as the Metal Minds discover she's still alive, and in turn realise that the Chosen One destined to stop them could be out there after all. In order to save her mother, Jasmine wonders whether she should let Tyler and Craig in on her own big secret!

Einsider

08-27-2008, 02:27 PM

good chapter dude - and what did you mean by lack of action?! i've never been more scared for a cat (or a bike-rider!) more in my entire life! lol I thought you did craig's love for jazz really well, i could feel his pain... but enough about that, lol

roc da mic

08-27-2008, 06:48 PM

One Big BOOYAH!

GreyRanger

08-28-2008, 02:15 PM

Oh i feel Craig's pain...

*Ahem* Wire Witch was a very clever creation, although i'm surprised the Zero Striker didnt' come out to play (i'm sure there's a reason for that somewhere down the line with Steelador's comments to Iron Claw). A nice chapter that focused more on the friends rather than the ranger side of things. Looking forward to the next chapter mate :023:

bushwacka666

08-30-2008, 04:05 AM

Hmm, seems like Craig's dilemma is striking a chord with more than one person here... I wonder what that could mean? ;)

As you pointed out ML: this chapter focused more on the friends. The biggest setup here was the reveal that Jazz knew how Craig felt about her all along. Meaning that IF Craig ever does confess all to her, it won't come as a surprise but she'll still have to have that conversation she dreads. The tension this could cause would be a nice detail to explore.

And of course, the daughter of Jasmine's new mother & daughter neighbours (as mentioned at the beginning of Chapter 4) is revealed as 5yo Robyn Parker. I intentionally wrote this chapter's opening scene to make it seem like that little redhead was just another one of those single-episode-and-never-seen-again child characters that PR's had so many times over the years. But now we know she lives right next door to Jazz... well let's just say she'll pop up again from time to time. :023:

So yeah, not much in the way of action here. But it allows more room for things that will play out later down the line. I hope the wait will be worth it for you guys.

I liked Wire Witch too - disappointed that she didn't do much here. I may be tempted to bring her back in a future chapter.

Einsider: the opening scene with the bike ride and Robyn's cat is the scene I mentioned flowed really easily for me when writing it. So I'm glad to hear you seemed to get into it at least half as much as I did. :)

roc da mic: I'm not entirely sure if "BOOYAH!" is meant in a good way or a bad way. But I'll choose the first unless told otherwise! :D

GreyRanger

08-30-2008, 08:46 AM

Hmm, seems like Craig's dilemma is striking a chord with more than one person here... I wonder what that could mean? ;)

You so do NOT wanna go there my friend...

And of course, the daughter of Jasmine's new mother & daughter neighbours (as mentioned at the beginning of Chapter 4) is revealed as 5yo Robyn Parker. I intentionally wrote this chapter's opening scene to make it seem like that little redhead was just another one of those single-episode-and-never-seen-again child characters that PR's had so many times over the years. But now we know she lives right next door to Jazz... well let's just say she'll pop up again from time to time. :023:

Yeah i hated those random kids too, wanted to smack 'em a bit :005: As for your plans with Robyn...is she the evil little munchkin i'm hoping she will be? Like Moira? Cuz i really wanted to smack Moira.

roc da mic: I'm not entirely sure if "BOOYAH!" is meant in a good way or a bad way. But I'll choose the first unless told otherwise!

Roc always talks like that, i just go with the flow. I think "Booyah" is good...

bushwacka666

08-31-2008, 03:19 AM

Hmm, personally I liked Mora. In fact it was really her ongoing involvement in SPD which persuaded me that a recurring child character was possible to pull off in this fic. But ML: do you really think I'm going to tell you everything about Robyn THIS early on? Come on my friend, you really should know better than this by now! ;)

And we're all agreed? "Booyah" is positive? Well aright then - meeting adjourned! *bangs hammer*

roc da mic

08-31-2008, 04:59 AM

[QUOTE=
And we're all agreed? "Booyah" is positive? Well aright then - meeting adjourned! *bangs hammer*[/QUOTE]

yeah its just a catch phrase that i use from time, to time. Believe me its good.
oh and i talk like that , because ima phillidelphia cat.:cool:

Einsider

08-31-2008, 06:27 AM

that's a good enough reason for me!

and on Moira: i agree with ML: i wanted that kid to be disiplined - most annoying child ever!

GreyRanger

08-31-2008, 06:49 AM

yeah its just a catch phrase that i use from time, to time. Believe me its good.
oh and i talk like that , because ima phillidelphia cat.:cool:

Fair enough Roc, however i'm still sure even 'Philidelphia cats' speak english lol.

Jacen

08-31-2008, 12:29 PM

Hmm, I seem to have missed this when it was posted :( Too busy working on my own fict I guess :(

It came as no surprise that Jasmine knew about Craig. It also came as no surprise that she didn't feel that way towards him. I loved the chapter regardless. I really can't wait for the next chapter, it's the one I've been waiting for since the beginning ^_^

bushwacka666

09-07-2008, 06:14 AM

Thanks Jacen, I'm glad you liked it. No worries about initially missing the chapter - I think we're all guilty of that from time to time. We are, after all, only human. (Or at least, that's what I keep trying to tell everybody... ;) )

Anywhose, you can wait no longer. New chapter is here, hot off the presses - careful, don't burn yourselves! :023:

bushwacka666

09-07-2008, 06:15 AM

Bright sunshine, warm breeze, birds chirping cheerfully… it was the kind of serenity that only occurred in the happiest of dreams.

For at least the fiftieth time today, she questioned whether she deserved to experience this. The last seventeen years had been filled with much sorrow, and while she sometimes thought that maybe it was finally time for a change, change had never arrived. Perhaps… well, perhaps sorrow was all she was entitled to now.

Actually, truth be told, she was probably being a little harsh: it hadn’t been total doom and gloom since her husband’s death, a death which she herself caused. Her daughter remained what was possibly the one bright spark in her life now. That special little girl that had quickly grown up into an extraordinary young woman, becoming more of a fine tribute to the proud Bennet name than she would ever have believed possible. She guessed she must have done an okay job in raising Jasmine, but she still wondered just how different – how better – things might have been had her daughter had both her mother and her father to guide her through life.

Tara continued on her slow and solitary trek through the forest, basking in the relative silence around her. She enjoyed these moments to herself, a chance to get away from it all, albeit only for a while. As much as she adored her daughter, every glimpse of that beautiful face still served as a harsh reminder of what Tara had taken away from her. Something that, despite her prayers, she could never be capable of giving back.

A soft sigh escaped her lungs: she had to stop doing this to herself, at least for the moment. She could grieve over Steven’s death all she wanted later on, but this was supposed to be a time for temporarily forgetting all that. Leaning against one of the trees, she gently closed her eyes, giving in to the tranquillity surrounding her and attempting to clear her mind of the world’s worries.

This was bliss, she had to admit it. Beautiful surroundings, a bit of peace and quiet, not another soul within any significant distance. Nothing could touch her here.

No, nothing at all…

*

Steelador and Iron Claw watched on as Coppertron tapped away at the controls in front of him, the screen cycling through various live scenes of Stone Canyon.

“These humans,” Steelador announced, “these ridiculous worthless humans. Why do they exist? Why do they breathe? What is it about them that stirs evil’s hunger for power and destruction?”

“They are merely cattle, sir,” said Iron Claw matter-of-factly, “especially to the likes of us. We are compelled to hate them.”

“Yes, but for what purpose? Such pathetic excuses for “intelligent” life-forms… you have to wonder why they would be worth our time, or worth the time of any evil force that has targeted them over the years. Out of all the inhabited planets that exist in the Universe – many laden with far more advanced races and technology – why is it always this one particular planet that continually falls under threat? It is an interesting topic to consider.”

“Well you’re the one leading the attack, boss” Coppertron chimed in. “If you don’t know why you’re doing it, I don’t see how we’re going to.”

“Silence, you imbecile. If I want your opinion, I shall magnetise it out of you! Now, do you see anything worth our attention?”

“Well if by anything worth our attention, you mean innocent humans to slaughter, then yeah there’s loads! The city streets are full with them at the moment. A perfect opportunity to attack.”

The screen flashed up some footage of the streets so Steelador could see the crowds for himself. Sure enough there seemed to be a high number of the “cattle”, as Iron Claw had so accurately described them earlier. The screen continued on its cycle of other areas but Steelador held his interest on the heart of the city.

“Excellent” he declared. “Iron Claw, you will lead the…”

“Wait!” Iron Claw abruptly cut in. “Go back.”

Steelador glared at his general: “You dare to interrupt me while I am giving you orders?”

“I’m sorry sir but I think I saw something. Coppertron, the screen showed the forest a moment ago. Switch back to it – NOW!”

“Alright alright, keep your chips on!” exclaimed Coppertron, startled by the sudden urgency in the warrior’s voice. “Give me a minute. Forest, forest, forest…”

“What is the meaning of this?” asked Steelador. “I demand an explanation.”

“Okay here it is” said Coppertron, now locating the forest on the screen again. There they saw, leaning against a tree, one single female. Iron Claw stared at the image, knowing he had to be sure.

“I… I don’t believe my visor!” he exclaimed in shock. “How is it possible?”

“You ignore a whole field of humans and instead focus on just one?” Steelador pressed, none the wiser. “Cease this infuriating ambiguity and explain yourself to your master. Immediately!”

“It is her” Iron Claw finally revealed. “The mother of the prophesised Chosen One. That…” He pointed a big blue finger at the figure on the screen for emphasis, “… is the human.”

“Impossible!” argued Coppertron. “You took care of her twenty-three years ago. You said you injected that poison directly into her body.”

“I did. It was definitely administered successfully. It definitely went in.”

“Well there’s no way any human could’ve survived that.”

“Well clearly we were wrong. This is the very same human.”

Steelador took a glance at the human on the screen – she looked healthy enough to him. He turned back to his general: “Iron Claw, are you certain of this?”

“I am positive! My memory banks do not make mistakes. I do not understand how she could have survived, but obviously she has. I tell you this is her!”

“Hmm,” Steelador mused, “clearly an unfortunate turn of events. I was not expecting this.”

“Nor I” said Iron Claw. “Coppertron, this is all your fault!”

“What the…?” screeched the deeply offended technician. “How is this my fault?”

“You were the one who made that poison. You assured me it would work.”

“Hey don’t blame me for this! You may find me irritating, Iron Claw, but even you can’t deny that I do my job and I do it well. I don’t understand how this has happened any more than you do, but I assure you that poison was flawless. The only explanation I can think of is that she must have received medical help somehow, from someone with knowledge of methods that the average human would never be aware of.”

Coppertron turned to his master: “Whatever the reasons, we have more important things to worry about. With all due respect boss, I think you and Iron Claw are both missing the bigger picture here.”

“What do you mean?” enquired Iron Claw.

“According to the prophecy, a human would give birth to the Chosen One, the only one who would have the power to stop us. We targeted the mother – our plan was to kill her before the child could ever be born, and we thought we were successful. But if the mother in fact survived…”

“… then the Chosen One may have been born after all” Steelador finished the sentence for him, now understanding the full severity of the situation. He realised that at least part of his earlier question about why they targeted humans had, in a way, just been answered.

“This is most distressing” said Steelador. “If the Chosen One in the prophecy does indeed exist, then everything we have worked for could be ruined. This cannot be allowed to go unchallenged. Forget the civilians in the city. Iron Claw, you will attack this human again.”

“Yes sir” replied Iron Claw. “This time I shall make sure that she dies.”

“No you fool! Do not kill her, at least not yet. We first need to determine whether the Chosen One has been born, and if so, we need to uncover their identity. Attack this human, take her hostage, use her to draw the Chosen One out into the open.”

“Understood sir. Your orders shall be carried out.”

In a flash of light Iron Claw teleported down to Earth. Steelador could only watch the screen anxiously. All this time they assumed the prophecy had been thwarted, and now they faced the danger of losing everything. They had to take care of this once and for all.

This time, there could be no margin for error.

*

Tara continued to succumb to the silence, finally beginning to really relax and feel at peace. A strange but brief noise suddenly pierced the air, snapping her into an alert state. Her eyes flew open and she carefully surveyed the scene in front of her. There was nobody there, all was quiet again. The cautious woman took a few more moments to make sure of her solitude, and finally figuring it must have just been her imagination, she gently closed her eyes again.

“Hello human” spoke the deep and booming voice, resounding through the air with unopposed superiority. Tara’s eyes slowly opened again, accompanied with a barely audible gasp – she recognised that voice, and it instantly sent shivers down her spine. Realising the robot in question was behind her, she pushed herself away from the tree and turned around to face him.

“No…” she breathed in fear, her body tensing, “this can’t be happening…”

“I could say the same thing” exclaimed the hulking form of Iron Claw. “You should be dead.”

“Sorry to disappoint.”

“I will grant you this: you did well to elude the Metal Minds for so long. We had no idea you had survived, and yet here you are, alive and well after twenty-three Earth years.”

“Well I’ll grant you something too” replied Tara, now finding her voice. “You did take me out for six of those. But I guess you can’t keep a good Bennet down.”

“Indeed you may have cheated death once, human, but for what? Only for us to eventually discover the truth, and for you to face me once again. I almost killed you the first time, what hope would you have now?”

“We all have hope, Iron Claw. The whole world has a hope against you and your kind.”

It only took the robot’s processors a second to calculate the number of possible meanings that statement provided. The number was small, and he could easily guess the most plausible translation:

“You refer to your child” he said with complete certainty. “The Chosen One has been born.”

Tara bit her lip: Jasmine’s biggest advantage was that the Metal Minds did not know she was the Chosen One, and paid her no serious attention as a result. But now they knew the Chosen One existed. If they were to find out the truth about her, she would be in so much more danger than before.

“You’ll never find her!” she shot back.

“And it’s a female” said Iron Claw with a mocking chuckle. “Anything else you care to share? A photograph? Her address?”

Tara cursed herself.

“Rest assured we shall find her, and you will help us do it.”

“Get bent! I’ll never help you.”

“It shall not be achieved through choice.”

Iron Claw left his words at that. With Tara left unprepared for his next move, he now began to charge. Tara’s eyes widened, and she knew sticking around any longer was a bad idea! Immediately she turned tail and began to run as fast as her legs would take her. Already she was succeeding in putting in distance: Iron Claw could never move as fast as a human, especially not one in as fine physical condition as Tara. In addition, his bulky frame proved a hindrance among the densely packed trees of the forest, preventing him from darting through the smaller gaps like she could.

Iron Claw let out a growl of annoyance, determined not to let the human escape. Perhaps she could outrun his body, but the same could not be said of his laser – a quick beam of energy from his visor struck the ground around Tara’s feet, toppling her off-balance and forcing her to the ground. She tried to shake off the daze and stand but already he was there. Reaching down he grabbed her, gripping the entire circumference of her arm in his mighty blue fist. A strong toss over the shoulder and she was sent flying, crashing down again with a dull but painful-sounding thud. This time, she took longer to recover.

“Puny human” bellowed Iron Claw, closing in again. “How you ever survived my first attack is something I shall never be able to comprehend. You, like your entire kind, are weak and pathetic. It amuses me to think you could ever dream of defeating us.”

“I’ll show you it’s more than just a dream, pal” Tara retorted, struggling back to her feet. With not enough time to try running again, she now began to defend herself, swiftly lashing out with three solid kicks to Iron Claw’s midsection. The robot just laughed as the dull metallic clangs echoed through the air, himself remaining entirely unharmed. Tara was bewildered but would be damned if she was going to give up that easily. She ducked away and thrust another kick to the robot’s side. This seemed to have a little more effect, prompting a jerk and a slight grunt of pain from her opponent. Knowing she could be onto something, Tara tried again, but this time Iron Claw would not give her the chance, swinging out with his huge fist. Tara was alert, ducking down a mere second before the bulging metal arm swung overhead. She headed for the nearest tree, the thick wooden pillar able to momentarily block Iron Claw’s view of her before she leapt up and latched onto a branch, swinging back round with a powerful boot to the general’s head. She landed, standing ready in an attack pose. He staggered back, taking a few moments to regain his stability.

“A foolish mistake” he roared. “You shall regret your insolence.”

With a fearsome cry he thrust his left arm forward, the enormous claw menacingly ensnaring its prey. Tara could never hope to react in time, being slammed up against the tree. The air was knocked from her lungs upon impact, causing her to wheeze hoarsely. As she struggled to reclaim her breath, she glanced around at the claw that circled her, securing her tightly to the tree. With a defeated sigh, she knew she would never be able to wrench herself loose of this restraint, even as she continued to struggle.

“That was too easy” Iron Claw scoffed. “I have you, and now it is your daughter’s turn.”

*

“My turn? What do you mean it’s my turn?” asked Katrina with an amused chuckle. She held her cell phone to her ear with one hand while the other tapped away at one of the keyboards down in the Hyperlock Control Room.

“Yeah I know you cooked last time, but I assumed that meant you’d be cooking every time… No? Ah well, can’t blame a girl for trying… Yeah I suppose I do make a pretty good pasta bake. That with some wine, very romantic… How romantic? Well I guess that depends on how much you behave yourself!”

She giggled as the person on the other end of the line said his suggestive little phrase. He really was a great guy. Admittedly she wasn’t 100 percent sure of where this was going yet – it was still early days. But it was certainly off to a promising start.

The Hyperlock’s alarm system rudely interrupted their verbal liaison. Katrina swore in annoyance as she watched the map on the screen highlight the area of Stone Canyon forest, indicating the location of the apparent danger.

“Yeah that’s the alarm,” she told her acquaintance over the phone, “sorry babe but I’d better go… Yeah I’ll look forward to it… Same to you, bye.”

With one last smile she ended the call, resting the cell phone in her lap before turning her full attention to the matter at hand. Tapping a few more keys, she brought up a live feed of the forest on the screen to investigate the situation. There she saw Iron Claw standing in the forest, now accompanied by a squad of Tin Men.

Having been training in the Gym area, Jasmine had also heard the alarm sound. She now joined Katrina in the Control Room to find out what was going on, and just in time as Iron Claw bellowed out his message:

“I call to the Chosen One, as foretold in the prophecy. Can you hear me, human? The Metal Minds know you exist, we know you are out there somewhere. You will show yourself, you will come here to face me.”

“What the hell?” Jasmine exclaimed. “I thought they still believed the prophecy had been thwarted. How could they know…”

“Jazz,” Katrina cut her off, “look.”

Jasmine did so, helped by Katrina’s pointing finger. The figure, now tied to a tree with a length of thick rope and guarded by the Tin Men, was unmistakable:

“…Mom?”

“Do you see who I have here, Chosen One?” Iron Claw continued to call into the air. “No longer is your existence a secret, no longer are we oblivious to the truth. Your mother is my prisoner. Come here and reveal yourself, or she dies this day!”

“My God” Katrina whispered, caught off-guard by this latest revelation.

“Mom!” cried a worried Jasmine, already dashing for the elevator. “I’ve gotta help her!”

“Jasmine, wait!” Katrina called after her. “It could be a trap, you can’t rush into this.”

If Jasmine heard that warning, she had chosen to ignore it. Her mother – the most important individual in her entire life – was in trouble, and she couldn’t just stand by and watch. With this being the only thought running through her mind, she tore out of her house, running for the forest with a speed faster than she had ever thought her legs were possible of taking her.

“Hold on Mom,” she panted between determined breaths, “I’m coming.”

*

Walking along a path, Tyler and Craig discussed their potential plans of what to do that day.

“We could catch a movie” Tyler suggested. “There’s this new martial arts flick I’ve been wanting to check out.”

“Oh man, not another karate film” whined Craig.

“What’s the problem? I thought you liked them.”

“I do. But every movie I see with awesome fights always…” A pause while Craig pushed up his glasses, “…reminds me just how much I suck at it!”

“Oh quit being so hard on yourself dude. For a beginner you’re doing really well. You’re learning stuff pretty quickly, grasshopper.”

“I told you to stop calling me that!”

“Look, all I’m saying is… whoa, high-speed hottie incoming at 12 o’clock!”

The boys looked dead ahead of them, stopping in their tracks as their surprised expressions observed Jasmine sprinting straight towards them at almost blurring speed.

“Now that’s determination” noted Craig. “Oh Lord, please say it’s me she’s running towards!”

“Jasmine!” Tyler called to her with a wave of his arm. She approached them and slowed down, but only to give them the briefest of acknowledgements:

“Sorry guys, can’t stop. I’ve got to…”

She didn’t even finish the sentence, already running past them and away.

“Story of my life” sighed Craig.

“What was that all about?” exclaimed Tyler. He turned around and began to run after her, “Jazz, wait up!”

She did not stop, even as both boys caught up with her. Tyler stepped round in front of her, forcing her to come to an abrupt halt.

“Hi there Jazz. Remember us, your friends? We take the time to say hi, how are you….”

“Look, I really can’t talk right now” Jasmine told them, already trying to push her way past. She didn’t have time for this, her mom was in danger – she couldn’t let Iron Claw get away with this! Tears of frustration began to trail down her cheeks.

“Yo where’s the fire, girl?”

“Tyler I’m serious, let me go! Please!”

“Jasmine, what is it?” asked a concerned Craig. “What’s wrong?”

“I can’t… please just let me pass. There’s not much time left.”

The boys were half-tempted to just do as she said, but their fondness for their friend currently overrode all else. They could see she was in distress about something, and they wanted to see if they could help.

“Jasmine,” Tyler talked to her softly, “just calm down for a sec and talk to us. What’s going on?”

“NO!” she practically bawled. “Mom needs me! Now let… me… go!”

On that final word she summoned her strength, literally shoving Tyler aside and running off again. Unfortunately she pushed a little too hard – Tyler fell onto his side, landing on the hard pavement.

“ARGH!” he cried out in pain as his arm took the brunt of the impact. The yell persuaded Jasmine to stop again. She turned round and saw what she had done, to one of her best friends of all people. She watched as Craig crouched down beside him, and both of them shot a couple of somewhat annoyed glances in her direction.

Naturally, a wave of guilt overcame her. She stared at them in shame, then anxiously turned around to face the direction she was heading in. She turned back to her friends, then away again. She was in two minds about what to do. She had to get to her mom, she had to save her! Her brain screamed at her legs to move for everything they were worth, but her heart told her she had to apologise properly for hurting her friend.

Despite her fears, she could honestly say that the decision she eventually made did not surprise her.

“Oh God. Tyler I’m sorry, I’m so sorry” she apologised from the bottom of her heart, jogging back and crouching down beside him, helping Craig to pull him back to his feet. “I didn’t mean to do that. Are you alright?”

“Yeah yeah, I’m fine. Just a little bruised I think, no big deal” Tyler assured her, wincing slightly as he gently felt around his upper arm. “Seriously though girl: what the hell?”

“I’m so sorry! I just… I can’t explain, but I really have to go.”

Craig could easily tell the state she was in, and it killed him to see it.

“Jasmine, what is it?” he asked her. “Is it your mom? You said she needs you. Is something wrong? Is she in trouble?”

“I… I can’t…” she stammered in reply, her conscience fighting between her desire to tell her friends and her duty to keep her secret.

“Hey if it’s your mom, maybe we can help” said Tyler. “You really think we’re just going to let you run off by yourself when we can see how worried you are? Just tell us what’s going on.”

“They’ve got her!” she cried. “I can’t just stand here, they’ve got her!”

“Whoa slow down, who’s got her?” pressed Craig. “What’s happening? Jasmine, please.”

“Jazz, if your mom’s in trouble, you have to tell us” Tyler insisted. “I’m going to stand right here in front of you. Now you can tell your best friends what’s going on and let them help you, or if you want to get past then you’re gonna have to push me over again. Now what’s it gonna be?”

A frightened Jasmine let an involuntary whimper escape her quivering lip. She knew Tyler and Craig weren’t stupid: they could see the distress she was in, and no way would they just walk off and pretend like nothing had happened. They were her friends: they cared about her and they cared about her mom. If something about her mom was worrying her like this, of course they would want to help.

There was not a snowball’s chance in hell that they was going to let this go, and indeed, why should they have to? Jasmine, especially in her current state, would need all the support she could get. It would mean telling them everything, but in reality, what other choice did she really have?

“Okay” she finally spoke. “Guys, I’ve got something to tell you. Actually, there’s probably a lot of things that I should tell you, but we really don’t have the time right now. So please, don’t waste the little time we do have asking me loads of questions, don’t think I’m making it up or joking around or talking crazy. Just hear it, believe me, and then help me get my mom back. Alright?”

The boys stared at her dubiously, absolutely no idea of what was coming.

Jasmine took a slow and deep breath: “Guys… I’m a Power Ranger.”

Tyler and Craig continued to stare for a few seconds, the news seemingly taking its time to register with them. They both blinked in surprise, looked at each other, turned back to her, then asked in unison:

“What did you just say?”

“Look I’ll fill you in on the way” she told them. “We have to go. Now!”

*

The trio arrived in the forest, Tyler and Craig doing their best to keep up with a still frantic Jasmine. Along the way she had hastily blabbered through a sketchy summary of the past, mentioning her parents’ Ranger histories, the Metal Minds, her being destined to fight them, her beginnings as Ranger Zero… essentially a crash course in what the boys would need to know. They had difficulty taking it all in, but they tried to accept these surprises to the best of their ability. She could explain everything in more detail later, but now was not the time for it. As they continued to ran, she brought up her Zero Morpher to communicate with the Hyperlock:

“How much further, Aunt Katrina?”

“You’re almost there Jazz,” came Katrina’s reply, “just keep going straight ahead. And hey, be careful okay?”

“I will.”

Sure enough, the three of them soon spotted who they were looking for. Tara remained tied to the tree, still trying to struggle from her ropes but with no success. The Tin Men continued to guard against her escape, whilst Iron Claw’s threatening figure gloated away at her misfortune. The three friends hid behind a nearby bush as they assessed the situation, Jasmine trying to figure out her next move.

“Your mom seems okay from what I can tell” Craig told her. “Doesn’t look hurt at all.”

“Dude,” Tyler whispered, “that blue guy is massive!”

“Yeah well don’t worry,” replied Jasmine, “you aren’t going up against him, that’s my job. Look, if I distract Iron Claw, do you guys think you can get to my mom and untie her?”

They both nodded in response, Tyler with confidence, Craig with a lack of it. But it was the only answer Jasmine needed, now running out from behind the bush and heading for Iron Claw, yelling out his name as she did so.

“Well, if it isn’t Ranger Zero” the general snarled. “I should’ve known you would try to interfere.”

“Jasmine!” cried Tara. “You have to get out of here. They know!”

“Yeah I figured as much” said her daughter. “Don’t worry Mom, I’m going to get you out of here.”

“Hold on,” spoke Iron Claw, now piecing together this simple puzzle, “you are the Chosen One? The Ranger who has opposed us since we began our assault is the one who was indeed meant to fight us all along?”

“That’s right” she confirmed. “A shame the secret’s out but at least now you know I mean business… Zero Point!”

Grabbing her Morpher, Jasmine summoned her Ranger form in a flash of red light. Still waiting in the bushes, Tyler and Craig’s jaws dropped as they witnessed the truth for themselves.

“If anything, Chosen One, it is you who should now know that I mean business” Iron Claw told her. “Prepare to perish.”

With that the mighty robotic warrior advanced, quickly swinging his mighty fist although Jasmine was swift to duck underneath it. They began to trade blows, Jasmine’s Ranger-powered kicks proving more effective against the robot than Tara’s had earlier.

“Guys,” she called out in mid-fight, “go for it, now!”

The signal given, Tyler and Craig made their move, emerging from the bush and making a beeline for the tied up Tara. Iron Claw glanced to the side, noticing these new human intruders.

“Tin Men,” he ordered, “guard the prisoner. Take care of these puny humans.”

The soldiers obeyed, moving in between Tara and the boys, forcing them to stagger to a prompt halt.

“Oh hell…” Craig muttered. He tried to hide behind Tyler, who just assumed a fighting stance, preparing himself for anything that might happen. It highlighted a great difference between the fields in which their individual strengths lie.

“Craig, you get to Mrs B and get her out of those ropes,” Tyler told him, “I’ll keep these goons off your back.”

“Are you sure?”

Tyler wasn’t, but he decided not to say it. As the Tin Men charged in so did he, leaping forward with a strong flying kick that quickly took one to the ground. A roundhouse knocked back a second before he began to exchange punches with a third.

“Craig, go!” he called out. Craig hesitated for a moment but a moment only, now running forward and towards the tree while trying to stay as clear from the scrap as he could.

“Your friend has some skill,” Iron Claw conceded to Jasmine as they continue to fight, “but these humans stand no chance against us. You are the only one told in the prophecy of having that ability.”

“That may be true,” she admitted as she rolled sideways to avoid a thrust from the large claw, “but even the Chosen One can benefit from some help every now and again.”

Iron Claw swung out with his fist again, this time landing a direct hit on his opponent’s chest. She was knocked down but recovered quickly. Reaching down to her belt, she brought out her weapon.

“Fatal Zero, Axe Mode!” she commanded, the buckle promptly transforming into the desired form. Gripping the long handle in both hands, Jasmine took a mighty horizontal swing and hacked the axe across Iron Claw’s chest, sending a shower of sparks to the ground.

Craig approached the tree and quickly moved behind, grabbing the ropes and trying to undo the strong knot tied in them.

“Craig, what the hell’s going on?” asked a bewildered Tara. “Why is my daughter morphing in front of you and Tyler?”

“I’ll explain later” he replied, still struggling with the knot. “In fact, I think we’ll all be having a lot to talk about tonight! Right now I’ve got to get these ropes off.”

“You’ve got to… look out!”

Craig glanced up just in time to see a Tin Man take a swing at him, and it took all his wits just to duck in time, the soldier’s metal fist thumping into the rough bark of the tree. It tried again, and this time Craig had to reach out and grab the arm, using every bit of strength he could summon to wrestle with it, trying to keep it out of the way.

Craig was scared, no doubt about it. He knew he was no fighter, but if there was any time for him to put his lessons with Tyler to good use, he figured it was now. Still keeping the Tin Man’s arm held aside, he delivered a forceful albeit inexperienced kick straight into the soldier’s midsection, causing it to stumble back. It recovered quickly, moving in again, but Craig felt ready – or at least as ready as he thought he was ever going to get! He quickly dodged to the side and grabbed the Tin Man’s arm, pulling hard and swinging it round straight into the tree. The Tin Man hit the tree chest first, the glass instantly smashing upon impact and releasing the energy sphere inside. Defeated, it collapsed to the ground at Craig’s feet.

“Whoa!” he exclaimed, astonished. “Did I just do that?”

“Yes you did, good job” replied Tara with a smile. “Now get me out of these ropes.”

“Right” said Craig, returning to the task at hand. He called over to his friend: “Tyler, smash their chests, it’s their weak spot.”

At the side, Tyler took the advice on board, grabbing two Tin Men by the necks and shoving them together, their glass chests cracking under pressure. He allowed himself a little smile as he watched them fall to the ground in a heap. A third rushed at him but was already prepared, spinning his body round to deliver a powerful side kick straight to the chest, introducing this soldier to the same fate as the ones before it.

Two more, however, suddenly rushed him from behind, latching onto his arms and restraining him. Another approached him in front, proceeding to send several jabs into his gut. He groaned in pain as he strained to struggle free of his captors. All of a sudden, he felt himself being released again, as a figure grabbed the two soldiers and hauled them off.

“I don’t think so” declared a now freed Tara, determined to get her own back. She delivered a chop to the neck of one then turned to the other and sent a roundhouse to its chest. Backflipping across, she quickly grabbed the first one again and tossed it over her shoulder, sending it crashing chest-first to the ground. The Tin Man in front of Tyler was quickly surprised by Craig, who grabbed hold and spun it round like he had done before, sending it reeling into Tyler’s waiting foot.

Iron Claw fired off a laser beam from his visor but Jasmine simply moved too fast for him. With a short run she leapt up, somersaulting above his head before descending behind, simultaneously bringing her axe down on his back in a powerful blow. He roared out as pain overwhelmed his circuitry, only just managing to stop himself from toppling over. He turned around to see Ranger Zero still standing ready as ever, as her mother and her two friends now ran to her side. The four of them faced the robotic warrior together.

“Your move pal” said Jasmine.

Iron Claw found himself forced to reassess the current situation. Before he had not thought of Ranger Zero as being any serious threat, believing her to be just some random Ranger who was trying her luck. He had assumed that the mother of the prophesised Chosen One was killed long ago. But these latest turn of events changed the circumstances entirely: Ranger Zero was in fact the Chosen One, and had been all along. She alone had the potential to defeat the Metal Minds and ruin their plans for total domination.

Her victory was by no means a certainty, but now neither was theirs. It dawned on Iron Claw that this human could actually destroy him this very day – the possibility was there. He could take the risk and continue to battle her now… but no, it would be far wiser to report back to Steelador, and allow the Metal Minds to rethink their strategy.

“You do indeed exist, Chosen One,” he told her, “and be assured, I will be on my guard against you now far more than I had been before. But know this: the Metal Minds will not be defeated easily. We will kill you and everyone you love, or we shall rust to the end trying.”

Iron Claw teleported away, leaving the humans to celebrate their success for now.

“Power down” declared Jasmine, de-morphing back to her civilian state. Quickly she hugged her mother, relieved to have her back safe and sound.

“Mom,” she cried happily, “thank God you’re alright.”

“I’m fine sweetie, thanks to you” Tara assured her. “You and your friends.”

“We’re happy that we could help, Mrs Bennet” said Craig. “Although I’ve got to admit that I was a little scared by the whole thing.”

“Understandable, but you handled yourselves really well” replied Tara. “I’m truly impressed by your courage, both of you.”

“Man this is all too wild!” Tyler exclaimed. “Jazz, I can’t believe you’re Ranger Zero!”

Jasmine laughed: “Well since you guys are in on the secret now, I guess there is a lot we need to tell you.”

“Well I don’t know about you three but I’d rather do it somewhere more comfortable” Tara suggested. “Let’s go home.”

*

Inside the Compound, the image of the four humans walking off was displayed on the viewing screen. The three head figures of the Metal Minds watched them closely.

“So, Ranger Zero is the Chosen One…” mused Steelador, an evil glower in his eyes. “Make no mistake, my servants, this makes our task far more difficult. We will have to infinitely increase our efforts if we are to have any hope against our nemesis. Do you understand?”

“Yes sir” replied Iron Claw.

“Perfectly boss” chimed in Coppertron.

“The time has come to take this game seriously, the time has come to show the humans we mean business, the time has come to lay this cursed prophecy to rest once and for all. We must not fail!”

bushwacka666

09-07-2008, 06:21 AM

Now that they know about Jasmine's Ranger alter-ego, Tyler and Craig find themselves wishing they could do more to help her. At the same time, Katrina's putting the final touches to the two primary sets of powers intended for supporting Ranger Zero in battle - and no prizes for guessing who Tara's got in mind for the jobs! :P

Elsewhere, the mysterious figure in the shadows continues to spy on events, and begins to think that he/she/it should maybe begin to make their move. And Jasmine asks her father a question she's asked him many times before - one question that he refuses to answer.

GreyRanger

09-07-2008, 06:32 AM

Great chapter Bush. I found it amusing how Tara let slip that Jazz was alive and Iron Claw's witty retort was fitting of his character. I can only imagine that there will be bigger and badder chapters to come now that Jazz's secret is out. Adding Craig and Tyler to the mix was inevitable, just didn't think it would be this early. And Katrina got a boyfriend! Bet it's Andrew.
Looking forward to the next chapter mate.

bushwacka666

09-07-2008, 07:33 AM

Wow, a quick reply from you there ML! lol. As always, I'm glad you liked. Yeah Craig & Tyler are getting more directly involved pretty early on, but that's mainly because there's so much more still to come - remember that a total of 14 Rangers will be cropping up in this fic, and Tyler & Craig are only numbers 2 & 3!

And you think Katrina's boyfriend is Andrew huh? *DING DING DING* What do we have for him, Johnny? :D While I won't be specifically stating it in the fic for a while, that is one revelation that I don't mind admitting right off the bat. It's not even really meant to be a secret for you guys and is intentionally pretty easy to figure out. I didn't even come up with the idea myself until reading back over Katrina & Andrew's scene that ended Chapter 4 - just seemed like some good chemistry there and made me think that maybe it could lead to something more between the two of them. Andrew's only an occasional cameo character in this fic so you won't be seeing him with Katrina a lot, but it's just a nice little minor detail to enjoy. :)

GreyRanger

09-07-2008, 10:02 AM

14 rangers? What, are you trying to beat SPD and myself??!! And craig and Tyler are 2 and 3?! Aw man! Hang on...they don't happen to suit up in one of those suits you posted a while back??

bushwacka666

09-07-2008, 11:26 AM

You know what? They might just... ;)

Silver-Ranger

09-07-2008, 11:34 AM

V[]etal []_ion;2911070']14 rangers? What, are you trying to beat SPD and myself??!! And craig and Tyler are 2 and 3?! Aw man! Hang on...they don't happen to suit up in one of those suits you posted a while back??

It took you that long to figure it out? I got it when I first read it just now.

GreyRanger

09-07-2008, 02:22 PM

What do you mean?

Einsider

09-08-2008, 09:45 AM

who knows, lol.

awesome chapter bush - top notch! craig's fight was good, glad he kicked some ass, guessing it helped his confidence loads!

Jacen

09-08-2008, 11:28 PM

That was super awesome. I do think 14 would be a little too many, but I'll wait to see how you pull that off :P

bushwacka666

09-10-2008, 02:58 AM

Thankies, Einsider & Jacen, thankies very muchies! :)

Einsider: yeah Craig really needs all the confidence boosters he can get, the poor sap! :D Oooh in fact, you've just given me an idea for a small little detail that I can add into the fic as I go - thanks m8! :023:

Jacen: I do agree with you - 14 Rangers is a lot! As you say though, best thing is to wait and see how it's handled. What I will say is that Jazz, Craig & Tyler are really the only 3 that you'll see on a regular basis.

Arrow

09-10-2008, 04:49 AM

Jesus Christ. The things I miss when I'm not paying as much attention to the Fanfic forum as I should be...

On the plus side, I got to read seven chapters in rapid succession, which was a pretty awesome way to spend a bored hour.

I'm so excited to see the return of the Bennet legacy, and you haven't failed to disappoint with this new entry. All the ties to the past (character cameos, hot damn!) are especially awesome. Probably no surprise that I'll be keeping regular track of this story.

I think one of my absolute favorite things about this fic so far (though there's a lot) is that it takes place in Stone Canyon. I love when fic authors use Stone Canyon as the basis for a PR team; I'm doing it myself, and more people need to. It such common sense!

Jacen

09-10-2008, 08:56 AM

What I will say is that Jazz, Craig & Tyler are really the only 3 that you'll see on a regular basis.

That is good, I'd love to see those two guys (And our heroine of course) as full time rangers.

Oh and bush, I left you a message in my fict thread as I need to know your opinion before I can continue my story :)

bushwacka666

09-11-2008, 03:20 AM

Jacen: your reply has been given. Sorry about the delay m8.

Arrow: hey man, welcome back! Good to see you around these parts again. :023: I thank you humbly for your kind words m8 - even if I do think you're nuts for choosing to plough through all 7 chapters in one go... man what a brain-ache that must've been! In any case though, I appreciate your support as always. :)

Bionic Red

09-16-2008, 05:06 PM

This is a very interesting twist on the Bennet legacy, although I have to ask, could you have Tara see Steven's ghost close to the end? I really don't like where all that guilt is taking her.

And as for the 14 Rangers, I had a feeling that those three kids would be your main attraction. You were always big an cameo appearances, especially while Tara was still pregnant- not to mention Steven pulling off his superhero Primal stunt.

All in all, nice work.

GreyRanger

09-16-2008, 05:21 PM

I have to ask, could you have Tara see Craig's ghost close to the end?

You mean Steven right??

bushwacka666

09-17-2008, 02:57 AM

Thanks for the praise, Bionic m8, very much appreciated. I am sorry you don't seem too keen on Tara's guilt at the moment, and I feel I should warn you that it won't exactly be getting better any time soon. Right now I'm trying to find some sort of balance - whilst I'm always mindful of the guilt and sorrow that should always be lingering in Tara's mind, I really don't want to make her too depressed and tragic of a character. After all she has got Jasmine and she's justifiably proud of her, so I want that to still shine through in her personality and make sure she can cheer up every now and then.

Glad you like the idea of cameos too. I wouldn't call the rest of the 14 Rangers cameos so much as occasional recurring characters. The only cameo we've had so far is Andrew in Chapter 4, but you never know what other familiar faces might crop up again later. The next cameo is coming in Chapter... *checks notes*... 11. So there's something else to look forward to. :)

bushwacka666

09-28-2008, 06:20 AM

She realised it now.

Before, she had a relatively easy time of it. Her true heritage hadn’t been known, they hadn’t thought her much to worry about. She had a couple of tough battles, sure, but she had pulled through mainly because they hadn’t taken her efforts seriously. Their overconfidence was their downfall.

But it wouldn’t be like that now, circumstances had changed. Now that her secret was out, now that they knew she was the one foretold in the prophecy, they would have to double their efforts, step up their challenge. They would stop at nothing to destroy the Chosen One, to eliminate her before she could achieve what only she had the potential to achieve.

And it was exactly that: potential. Nothing more. Yes she was the Chosen One, yes it was her destiny to battle the Metal Minds, but that ensured nothing. Out of every human who lived in this Universe, she was the only one who stood any kind of chance in the long run. She was the only one who could ever be capable of stopping them, but there was still no guarantee that she would be successful. Supposedly the prophecy told only of her involvement, it did not reveal a final outcome. There was every chance that she could still lose this fight. She could still be defeated, she could still fail the planet and leave the Metal Minds free to conquer everything in their path… and now that they knew the truth about her, that threat had become more real than ever before.

She realised it now – she was fighting for her life.

As her body hit the grassy ground of the park, a morphed Jasmine rolled with the momentum so she could quickly return to her feet. She raised her arms defensively as the Tin Men began to advance once more. She blocked the incoming blows of one before slamming a fist into its chest, promptly smashing the glass and releasing its energy sphere to disable it. Two more rushed her but she was more than ready for them, using a roundhouse kick to knock one back, then ducking under the other to leave herself clear for a solid side kick.

“Come on,” she declared, “is this all you guys have got?”

“I think we both know the answer to that question, Ranger Zero” replied Ferocion, the latest monster to attack the city of Stone Canyon. A hulking figure, almost the same size as Iron Claw. Dark green in colour, his form featured the unique distinction of having multiple faces stretching out from several points on the metal body. These faces were the moulded representations of various deadly predator creatures; a lion, a tiger, a wolf, a bear, a bull, a rhino and a shark were among the most prominent inclusions. His main head itself bore one single red eye in the centre of an otherwise blank face.

Jasmine braced herself as Ferocion moved in with impressive speed, immediately grabbing hold and beginning to grapple with her. Jasmine let out a few involuntary grunts of exertion as she wrestled with the monster – he was a strong one, she had to admit. It was something he easily proved as he overpowered her, hoisting her up and literally throwing her to the side. She let out a little “OOF” upon her rough landing, but managed to recover quickly.

“This is a little unfair, isn’t it?” she quipped. “I mean, what did I ever do to you?”

“Perhaps you should be more concerned about what I’m going to do to you!”

Secretly, she was!

Ferocion advanced again, lashing out with a swift swipe of the claws that Jasmine was only just able to duck under. She retaliated with a low solid kick to the midsection that managed to knock him back, giving her the moments needed to reach down and bring out her weapon.

“Fatal Zero, Staff Mode!” she ordered, her belt buckle transforming into the required shape on command. Gripping the small handle at the back in one hand, she expertly twirled the staff around, hoping to catch her opponent off-guard. She succeeded, delivering a hard diagonal strike with one of the bladed ends, before bringing the other round and spearing it directly to the chest. Ferocion growled in anger as he stumbled back, having to use all his efforts just to steady himself.

“You will pay for that, Ranger” he snarled at her. “You will pay dearly.”

“Yeah, yeah” she retorted, readying the Fatal Zero for another attack. “You guys are all the same, all talk and no action.”

“Oh you want action, do you? Well I can oblige…”

Ferocion charged in once more, his determination greater than ever. Jasmine raised her staff but this time he was simply too fast for her, grabbing hold of the weapon and forcing it aside before she could react. He continued pushing forward, causing Jasmine to stagger backwards against her will. She was shoved back into a tree, almost crushed from the pressure of the monster’s stocky frame. Summoning all the strength she could, she tried her best to resist and push back, but only yielded minimal results.

“Is this more to your liking?” sneered Ferocion.

“Not really” she replied between groans. “Who wants to see all those ugly faces of yours up close? And man, talk about the bad breath…”

“I’m a robot, you silly child. I do not have bad breath.”

“Could’ve fooled me.”

Angered, Ferocion responded in the best way he knew how: swiping one of his clawed hands across Jasmine’s chest, followed by the other. Tiny sparks burst out from inside as she felt herself weakening with each hit. Then with a mighty roar, Ferocion pushed forward again. This time the tree could not withstand the incredible force, and the entire trunk promptly gave way with a deafening mixture of snaps, crunches and creaks. The tall tree plummeted to the ground without hesitation, Jasmine soon following it as she toppled over the remaining stump, crashing down on top of the felled tree back-first. Ferocion chuckled to himself as the human’s pained scream pierced the air.

Weakly, Jasmine rolled off the tree and hit the ground. She thanked her lucky stars for her Ranger suit, knowing it had been the only thing preventing every inch of her spine from shattering. She crawled around, trying her best to get back to her feet.

Ferocion, however, was not content to leave things at that. Grabbing hold of the tree’s thick trunk, he picked it up effortlessly, and then took a big swing.

Jasmine’s eyes widened in terror – this wasn’t going to be pretty…

*

“…And our top story again today: Ranger Zero, Stone Canyon’s much-loved resident superhero, suffered an regrettable defeat in a harrowing battle earlier today. The latest monster from the evil Metal Minds displayed superior strength and power. To her credit, Ranger Zero fought bravely but in the end was simply overwhelmed, and ultimately forced to retreat. The monster also seems to have disappeared for the time being, but is undoubtedly still out on the loose somewhere. We can only pray that Ranger Zero will eventually return and be able to stop the latest threat. Until then, residents of Stone Canyon are advised to take great care when…”

“Turn that off. Please!”

With a sympathetic nod, Katrina obeyed Jasmine’s command and switched off the TV. Jasmine let out a weary sigh as she lay back on the specialist medical bed, located in the Lab area of the Hyperlock. She did not need to hear the news report on her humiliation – she was there, she remembered it well enough!

“This is all my fault” spoke a sorrowed voice from the side. Jasmine glanced over to where her mother sat in a chair.

“I should never have brought you into this,” Tara continued, her eyes drifting to the floor in shame, “I shouldn’t have let you fight the Metal Minds.”

“Mom, it’s not your fault” Jasmine protested. “It’s my destiny to fight the Metal Minds, remember? We don’t exactly have a choice in the matter.”

“We always have a choice, Jasmine. I could’ve refused to get you involved. I could’ve kept everything about the prophecy from you. I could’ve taken you far away and kept you hidden, kept you safe.”

“But for how long? You know how the story goes: I’m the only chance the world has. You keep me out of this fight, and you doom the whole planet and every living thing on it! I’m your daughter and I know you love me, Mom, but I know that even you could never make that choice.”

Tara did not reply out loud, but privately she had to curse herself as she knew her little girl was right.

Jasmine turned to Katrina: “How long till I’m done here, Aunt K?”

“A little longer, I’m afraid” came Katrina’s apologetic reply. “You took quite a hammering, and the Med-Bed needs time to heal you properly. You just lay back and relax.”

“Relax? How can I relax? Ferocion is still out there somewhere, free to do anything he wants! I’ve got to get back out there, I’ve got to stop him!”

“In your current condition, you’re doing nothing of the sort. So just stay there and get used to it, doctor’s orders!”

“You’re not a doctor.”

“I’m the closest you’ve got, young lady. Deal with it.”

With a sigh of defeat, Jasmine rested her head back on the pillow, accepting the fact that she would need to be on top form for when Ferocion showed up again. Katrina left the Lab, motioning for Tara to follow her. Tara got up and walked across the room, but paused by the Med-Bed.

“Are you alright?” she asked her daughter softly.

“Yeah I’ll be fine. You heard Aunt Katrina, just a little longer on the dream machine here and I’ll be as good as new.”

“That wasn’t exactly what I meant…”

Jasmine looked up directly at her mother, knowing what she was getting at.

“I already told you Mom, none of this is your fault. I know I’m your daughter but that’s beside the point. You’re choosing the safety of everybody over the safety of one – it’s the right call to make, and you should never blame yourself for it.”

“I wish… I wish I were stronger. Strong enough to make that other choice.”

“If you did, then you wouldn’t be the same mother who I love and admire so much. But you don’t get it: you didn’t make this choice, I did. Okay you told me about everything that was coming and you trained me so I’d be ready, but in the end I do have free will – it was up to me to decide whether I was actually going to take that step. I’m not just doing this because I have to, Mom, I’m doing this because I want to. The world’s in danger, and I really do want to help.”

Tara smiled: “I guess that’s what makes you the same daughter who I love and admire so much!”

“So let’s just call it even” Jasmine replied with a grin.

The electronic tones of Jasmine’s cell phone suddenly interrupted the pair. Tara reached over to the side table and picked it up, looking at the screen.

“It’s Tyler” she said, handing it over. She planted a soft kiss on her daughter’s forehead in one last motherly gesture before leaving the room. Jasmine was now left alone to answer the call.

“Hey Tyler, what’s up?”

“Jazz! Oh thank God!” came the apprehensive voice from the other end. “Me and Craig saw the news on TV. Are you okay?”

It actually took Jasmine a second to remember that Tyler and Craig knew her secret now. In a way, it actually felt kind of nice to be able to share it with them.

“Yeah, yeah I’m fine. A little battered and bruised but I’ll live.”

“Is she okay?” she heard an anxious Craig demand in the distance. “Is she okay? Is she okay? Is she okay?”

“Yeah man, she’s alright” Tyler assured him. “Just chill dude!”

She had to smile a little.

*

In the Control Room, Tara joined Katrina who was observing one of the screens on the wall.

“Any sign of the monster?” she asked.

“Nope, everything looks clear for now” replied Katrina. “Don’t worry, the alarm system will let us know if he shows up again.”

“Good. I just hope Jasmine can beat him next time.”

“Yeah about that… Tara, you know I have faith in the girl, but she really got pummelled in that fight. She could do with some help, and I think we should bring in the new Hyper Morphers as soon as possible.”

Tara promptly nodded: “I completely agree, but are they ready?”

“Almost. There’s a couple of finishing touches I’ve still got to put on them, but it won’t be much longer.”

“That’s really great news. After all, all the other Morphers were finished ages ago. It’s surprising that these two have taken longer.”

“Well that’s because they require a greater level of compatibility with Jasmine’s own powers” Katrina explained. “I needed to make sure everything was going to work properly.”

“Well better late than never, I guess. Let me know as soon as they’re ready.”

“It’ll definitely be soon – later on today if all goes well. But that’s why I’m telling you: the Morphers will be ready, but we’ll need a couple of people to use them.”

“Hmm…” Tara mused, thinking things through in her head. Katrina noticed her expression.

“You got some candidates in mind?” she asked.

“Yeah,” answered Tara, “I might.”

*

Tucked securely away within the thick walls of the Compound, the Metal Minds celebrated their recent victory over their arch enemy, Ranger Zero.

“It was so great to watch!” cackled an elated Coppertron. “The way you slammed her into that tree, then slammed the tree into her! Brilliant!”

“Truly an amusing scene to witness” Steelador agreed. “You have done very well, Ferocion.”

The monster bowed before his master: “It is my programmed pleasure to serve, sir.”

“You have taught Ranger Zero an important lesson. Now she knows that we are taking this fight seriously. Now she realises that we shall not take her existence lightly.”

“I look forward to educating her further.”

“Oh yes, we’re all looking forward to that” said Steelador with a wicked chuckle. He glanced over at his general: “Iron Claw, you are being very silent. Are you not pleased to see Ranger Zero’s defeat at Ferocion’s hands?”

“I am, sir,” Iron Claw replied, “but we must not forget that she has not been destroyed. She still lives and will return to face us again, possibly with even more resolve than before.”

“But of course you are right. We can not truly rejoice until she is out of our way permanently. You will see to that, Ferocion.”

“Haven’t I done this already?” the robotic monster enquired. “The injuries she sustained were considerable.”

“That’s true, but Power Rangers often have a nasty habit of recovering quickly” said Coppertron. “I’ve done some research into Earth’s various Rangers through this Internet of theirs. Turns out a lot of them probably have access to advanced medical equipment. We can’t rule out the possibility of Ranger Zero completely healing just in time to take you on again.”

“Point taken. However, if I defeated her once, I can do it again. My only mistake the first time was letting her escape, a mistake I shall not make again upon our next encounter.”

“Your next encounter shall begin immediately” announced Steelador. “Resume your attack on Stone Canyon, before Ranger Zero’s injuries can fully heal.”

“Err, boss?” Coppertron cut in.

“We shall have her begging for mercy, and grant her none.”

“I’m afraid I’ve got to stop you there boss. Ferocion’s batteries could do with a bit of a recharge themselves. Can’t have him shutting down in the middle of a fight.”

“Are you serious?” Steelador growled, frustrated at the thought that his orders would not be followed to the letter.

“Sorry boss but it can’t be helped, I’m only as good as my resources. Don’t worry, it won’t take long at all.”

The evil metallic ruler sighed: “This is unfortunate, but if that is the way it has to be. Do it immediately Coppertron. I want Ferocion ready to go again as soon as robotically possible.”

Coppertron and Ferocion both bowed and then left the room, leaving Steelador alone with Iron Claw.

“I do sincerely thank you, Iron Claw, for keeping me mindful to the reality of the situation” he told his general. “It is true that Ranger Zero may recover well from her injuries, however substantial they may be, and become a thorn in our side once more. It does not do one well to become blinded by confidence.”

“I am happy to help sir, and despite my earlier silence, I assure you that I am pleased to have witnessed the Chosen One’s earlier defeat. I only wish that I had been the one to cause it.”

“Worry not, my trusted general, your time will come. All of our times will come.”

*

Jasmine lay back on the Med-Bed, her eyes closed as she decided to enjoy the rest she was getting. She could tell her back was already feeling great, and knew the healing process was just about finished. Sure enough, an electronic DING signalled the end of the procedure, and Jasmine couldn’t help but think of herself as a ready meal in a microwave as she slowly sat up.

“Stick a fork in me, I’m done” she joked to herself.

“Make sure you’re left standing to cool for at least two minutes” spoke a male voice.

Jasmine smiled: “Hey Dad.”

“Hey yourself” said Steven, his ghostly figure stepping up beside the bed. “How are you feeling?”

“Fully healed, by the looks of it. All this medical stuff of Aunt Katrina’s really works wonders.”

“I’m glad to hear it. No offence but that looked like quite a beating you took.”

“Well it wasn’t so bad I guess. You were a Ranger for a lot longer than me – I’m sure you’ve had worse injuries than that.”

“Err well yes, but it’s not a contest.”

“Oh I’m not trying to compete with you, believe me!” she chuckled. “But is there any way you could tell that to Mom?”

“She just worries about you. She can’t bear the thought of you getting hurt. Neither can I.

“Yeah I know, but that’s a risk that comes with the job. You, Mom and Aunt K all know that just as well as I do, probably even more so.”

A few moments of silence passed, Steven considering what his daughter had just said. It was true: all three of them had been veteran Rangers, accumulating far more experience than she had so far. They all knew the risks of being a Power Ranger, but in a way that only made things harder to accept, not easier. They understood only too well the dangers Jasmine had to face, the severity of injuries she could potentially sustain. Tara had lost six whole years, Katrina had lost the ability to walk, and Steven himself had lost his life! It just didn’t get more tragic than that. None of them wanted Jasmine to suffer a similar fate. They all believed in her, make no mistake, but if there’s one thing that Steven had become sure of during his Ranger days, it’s that nothing was guaranteed.

“Dad,” spoke Jasmine, suddenly interrupting the peace, “can I ask you a question?”

“Of course you can sweetheart.”

Jasmine looked straight at him: “How did you die?”

Steven quickly broke eye contact: “Jasmine…”

“Dad, please. I’d really like to know.”

“We’ve been over this more times than I count. You know that’s one question I’m not going to answer.”

“But why? You won’t tell me, Mom won’t tell me, nobody will tell me! I don’t get it. I’m a big girl; whatever the reason is, I can handle it.”

Steven shook his translucent ghostly head: “I’m not sure that you could.”

“Well try me!” Jasmine protested fervently. “What does it say about me when everyone else thinks I don’t even have a right to know how my own father died? How do you think that makes me feel?”

“I’m sorry honey, I truly am, but my decision is final.”

“But I want to know!”

“Trust me Jasmine, you really don’t! Now please, don’t ask me that question again.”

Jasmine opened her mouth to continue arguing but was abruptly cut off by the alarm as it began to blare through the Hyperlock. Jasmine’s head turned from Steven to the door as Tara ran into the Lab.

“Ferocion’s back in the city” she reported. “How are you feeling?”

“I’m fully healed and ready to go” replied Jasmine. She briefly turned back to her side – Steven had disappeared.

“Are you sure you’re up to this?”

“As sure as I’ll ever be” she assured her mother, practically leaping from the Med-Bed and following her mom out of the room. “Let’s rumble!”

*

The horrified screams were music to Ferocion’s non-existent ears as he rampaged unchallenged through the city streets, a dull metal clang resonating through the air with each crash of his feet on the tarmac below. Oh how pathetic these humans were, what easy targets they made. A red laser beam firing from his single eye ripped into a nearby car, sending it corkscrewing into a wall. Ferocion chortled to himself, wondering if the owner’s insurance would cover that.

His running was cut to an abrupt halt as Ranger Zero suddenly leapt in, landing in front of his path.

“Well well, look who’s back?” he sneered at her. “Feeling better now?”

“You know it, ugly! Fully fixed and back for Round 2.”

“I’ve been given a little boost myself. You’ve got no chance, Ranger – now I’m stronger than ever!”

“Yeah, yeah…” retorted Jasmine, trying to keep her cool although secretly she had to feel a little apprehensive of this creep being even stronger than he was the last time.

“Fatal Zero, Sword Mode!” she ordered, bringing out her weapon. “What do you say we do this?”

“Why I thought you’d never ask.”

With that, Ferocion began to charge, Jasmine doing the same a moment later. As soon as she was ready she jumped forward, prepared to bring the Fatal Zero crashing down on Ferocion’s head. The monster, however, would not be caught off-guard so easily, promptly sidestepping clear with surprising swiftness given his bulky size. Jasmine touched down beside him, but only to have him thrust a set of claws into her side, knocking her down.

Quick to recover, she moved in again, using her sword with expert proficiency to attack her opponent. She managed to land in two good hits before Ferocion began to retaliate, bringing up his stocky solid metal arms to block the incoming attacks. Remaining alert, Jasmine ducked low to deliver a side kick straight into Ferocion’s midsection, knocking him back and leaving him open to an upwards strike from the Fatal Zero. He let out a roar of pain and anger as he gradually steadied himself.

“You know, you were bragging about being stronger,” she gloated to him, “but I’ve yet to see the proof.”

“Oh it’s proof you want, is it?” he snarled back. “Well you know what they say: be careful what you wish for!”

On cue, mighty blue laser beams fired from the mouths of every animal face moulded on Ferocion’s chest, in a surprise attack that Jasmine had no hope of expecting or guarding against. The blasts bombarded the ground around her, engulfing her in amongst small explosions, grounding her instantly.

“How’s that for proof?” laughed Ferocion, watching in glee as Jasmine slowly squirmed about on the sidewalk.

“Me and my big mouth” she groaned.

“Or, more to the point, me and my big mouths!”

Using the Fatal Zero for support, Jasmine managed to get back on her feet, trying her best to ignore the pain.

“You know, it’s a real shame we’re not in the park like last time” Ferocion continued to taunt. “There’s no trees around here! There are a few streetlights though…”

“Don’t even think about it!”

Ferocion just chuckled and advanced again, lashing out with another swipe of his claws that landed a direct blow on Jasmine’s shoulder. She cried out but kept her wits about her, spinning to the side and hacking her sword across the monster’s back. He yelled out and turned around, quickly grabbing hold of her and lifting her up off her feet.

“Hey!” she cried. “Put me down, you creep!”

“If you insist…” he replied, hauling her over his head and throwing her clear across the street, smashing into a brick wall.

Jasmine hit the ground, and wasn’t moving.

*

Meanwhile, at Tyler’s house, Tyler and Craig sat watching TV in the living room, Tyler with remote in hand as he flicked through the channels.

“You know,” Craig said to him, “the whole idea of watching TV is to actually watch it. As in actually settling on a channel.”

“Man, it’s all boring” whined Tyler. “And to think my parents shelled out some good cash for the top package. How can there be a hundred channels and nothing on?”

“You’re just being too picky. Maybe if you…” Craig paused to push up his glasses, “… stayed on a channel for more than two seconds, you might be able to give it a chance.”

“But you’ve only got a few channels to choose from, so you’re forced to be more selective. I can afford to be picky!”

Craig just rolled his eyes. He continued to watch the screen as it cycled through the various images: a black-and-white movie, a lame “comedy”, a game show, some nature thing, Ranger Zero fighting a monster, another game show…”

“Whoa whoa whoa, hold up!” he called out, putting his hand on top of the remote as a signal for Tyler to stop. “Go back, that was Jasmine on the news again.”

Tyler did so, flicking back through until he found the right channel. Sure enough, there they saw Ranger Zero herself being attacked by the same monster as before.

“To reiterate,” spoke an announcer, “this is live footage coming from one of our on-site cameramen, in downtown Stone Canyon.”

“Live?” said Tyler. “This is happening right now?”

Thanks to the cameraman – presumably staying at a safe distance and using his zoom function to its maximum limit – the boys watched on as their best friend battled the mean-looking robot. They had to wince a little as they witnessed her being blasted down by the many laser beams.

“Oh man, Jazz is getting trashed out there” Tyler breathed.

“I wish we could do something,” added Craig, “something to help her.”

“Yeah me too, but like what? You want to take on that thing? We’re not Power Rangers, you know.”

Their banter trailed off as they saw Ferocion throw Jasmine back into the wall, her body slumping to the ground and lying motionless.

“Jasmine!” Craig cried out, worried sick for her. This was Jasmine Bennet, his best friend and the girl whom he cared about more than any other. How could he not feel sick to his stomach watching this?

Unfortunately though, Tyler was right: there wasn’t anything they could do.

*

“Oh God, Jasmine” gasped Tara as she observed the scene down in the Hyperlock Control Room. “She’s getting trampled out there.”

“You’ve got to believe in her, Tara” replied Katrina. “She can handle herself.”

“I know, but take a look.”

Katrina glanced at the image on the holographic projector for herself, and she had to admit that it didn’t look good.

“We’ve got to pull her out” said Tara.

“And then what? Heal her back up only for the same thing to happen all over again? Besides, Ferocion disappeared last time but we might not be so lucky again. Look, I’m checking Jazz’s vitals and they’re still good. She’s still got some fight left in her, but if she backs out now then there’s no telling what Ferocion will get up to.”

“Then she needs some backup. Where are those Hyper Morphers?”

“I’m putting the finishing touches on them now, they’ll be ready in ten minutes” Katrina assured her, frantically tapping away at a keyboard. “But Tara, we still need some people.”

“I know, leave that to me. Just get those Morphers ready!”

*

With a soft slurred moan, Jasmine finally began to come round, forcing herself to stand as quickly as she was able. Glancing around, she noticed the Fatal Zero was lying across the street far from her reach, and Ferocion was already closing in on her again. Instinctively she raised her arms in defence, but was still too weak to put up much of a struggle.

“Aren’t you giving up yet?” enquired Ferocion. “I told you I was stronger, far too strong for you to handle.”

“There’s one thing all the Metal Minds should know about me, Ferocion” replied Jasmine. “I don’t give up just because one of their goons flexes a little muscle.”

“Oh I can resort to more interesting tactics, don’t you worry about that.”

Ferocion flung Jasmine aside. She hit the ground but quickly rolled back to her feet, suddenly finding a new supply of strength. She moved in, leaping up and slamming three impressive airborne kicks into the monster’s side. They knocked him back but did little else. She advanced once more, but something suddenly happened that she wasn’t expecting – the lion head moulded on Ferocion’s chest let out a loud roar. Startled, Jasmine skidded to a halt, unsure of what that meant.

Ferocion just chuckled confidently.

The lion head roared again, this time accompanied by a powerful blast of air. Jasmine was blown back by the gust, painfully hitting the ground again.

“Like I said, I can use some interesting tactics” Ferocion chortled to her. “You haven’t even begun to see everything I’m capable of!”

As Jasmine tried to stand once more, a pair of eyes observed the two fighters from a secluded alleyway.

“Truly interesting” spoke the deep voice, its owner concealed within the shadows. “This monster has such strength, such might. This Power Ranger fights bravely, but she cannot match up to the brute force he possesses.”

The mysterious figure continued to observe as Jasmine moved in again, cartwheeling across the street and using the momentum to land a solid kick to her opponent’s chest. Ferocion did not take long to recover though, and charged. Grabbing hold of her and slamming her up against the wall, he pinned her to the spot – then fired the multiple lasers from all his animal faces again. The resulting point-blank range explosion rocked Jasmine to the core. As Ferocion walked away perfectly unharmed, Jasmine collapsed to the ground again.

“Most impressive” the hidden stranger mused to himself. “The Metal Minds have great power on their side. They could be the ones to help me with my own task. I may have to pay them a visit, soon…”

Jasmine was still alive, but how was a question she did not know the answer to. She was sure of one thing though: she stood no chance like this. She had to get back up, she had to keep fighting.

If only she had the strength to do any of that, but she simply didn’t know whether any of that strength still remained.

“You tried, Ranger Zero, you really did try” Ferocion announced triumphantly. “I’ll give you credit for your efforts, but in the end it was all for nothing. Now you have realised that the Metal Minds can not be stopped in their quest for total domination.”

His large red eye glared menacingly down at her battered body, sprawled out helplessly on the ground.

“I suppose your defeat was inevitable” he added. “You are, after all, only human.”

bushwacka666

09-28-2008, 06:25 AM

Jasmine's close to defeat.
Can Tara and Katrina get her the help she needs in time?
Can the deadly Ferocion finally be defeated?
Can I write the next chapter quicker then I wrote this one? :D

GreyRanger

09-28-2008, 09:47 AM

Well i hope you do write it faster, i wanna see Craig and Tyler's debut!!
Well, you certainly smacked Jazz about a lot in this chapter, it's kinda sick lol. Ferocion seems to be upping the stakes with his powerful moves, so i hope Jazz pulls through without too much damage.
Nice touch with Jazz and Steven talking, although i agree with Steven, Jazz will NOT want to know how he died...i can't beleive he even died...so brutal...
The stranger in the darkness, there's always someone lurking in the darkness isn't there? I wonder if it's someone new or an old enemey, Darkstar or the Primal ranger's nemesis?

Arrow

09-28-2008, 10:26 AM

Good lord, so much good stuff. ML covered most of my points.

Though there was one other thing I noticed. Jasmine demorphing... in the middle of battle... when we had last "seen" a hidden cameraman filming the battle live for the local news. Is her cover blown now?

bushwacka666

09-28-2008, 10:59 AM

Once again, thank you guys. :)

ML: All about the stranger in the shadows will be revealed in time. I love it when you come up with theories about various stuff in my fics, and I hope you continue to do so, but you KNOW I'm not going to tell you the full story before the time's right. ;)

Arrow: yes, I noticed this little problem too, although I'm ashamed to say that it was only after I'd actually posted the chapter and read back through it. The original idea was having Ferocion looking down on Jazz's frail and bloody unmorphed self and thus delivering more impact to his "only human" line. Perhaps a good idea from a storytelling perspective, but I'd plain forgotten about that bloody cameraman until I'd re-read the chapter after posting - D'OH! :eusa_doh:

If you look again, you'll see I had edited that last part earlier and removed the de-morph, and I'll make sure I show the cameraman leaving the scene in the next chapter. It was a fuckup on my part, plain and simple, and I apologise. But that's the wonders of posting a fic on message boards like this - I can go back and correct mistakes at any time. So yeah, just pretend you didn't see that part. *slips Arrow some cash* You didn't see it, alright? It was never there! :cool:

Arrow

09-28-2008, 11:43 AM

.....see what part?

::pockets cash::

GreyRanger

09-28-2008, 12:40 PM

Well what can i say, i was a fan of dot to dots when i was little, and i love trying to connect the dots!
Oh, and congrats Bush, that's first time i've ever seen you type a profantiy, congratulations on joining the road to become a foul mouthed motherf*^#*£! :) :023:

roc da mic

09-28-2008, 05:04 PM

Type bush type! For the love of god TYPE! Im literaly on the edge of my seat. just wow I can't wait until the next chapter.

Einsider

09-29-2008, 06:37 AM

kick ass dude! loved the ending - jazz in danger and knowing that her friends will be there 2 save her soon! amazing! write on!

Jacen

09-30-2008, 09:05 AM

I'm curious about Steven. How come he's dead but he's not dead. And what parts will he play in the story ahead? *ponders and slips away into the darkness*

EDIT: According to the board I'm late by a day... again <.< lol

bushwacka666

09-30-2008, 10:48 AM

Arrow: good boy! :P

ML: I implore you to keep connecting away, my friend. ;) And you've never seen me use profanities before? Maybe you should come down and hang out with me for a day or two - I could amaze you! :D

roc & Einsider: I think I can get in a positive mood about Part 2, so I'll get it written as quickly as possible for you guys. Glad you're looking forward to it. :)

Jacen: Steven is what we eggheads in the paranormal community refer to as a "ghost". Now, you see, these "ghosts" are officially dead, but their spirits remain with us... Kendrix? Master Mao? Casper? All had a case of the draped-in-a-silly-white-sheet syndrome at one time or another. Unlike Kendrix, Steven won't be coming back to life - he'll stay deader than the dodo! But it wouldn't be a proper Bennet fic without his involvement somehow, so his spiritual form continues to watch over Jasmine and allows her to have her father around, even if it's not exactly in the same way as Tara.

Jacen

09-30-2008, 08:04 PM

unlike kendrix, steven won't be coming back to life - he'll stay deader than the dodo!

:( :(

By the way Bush, that wasn't the meaning behind my post. I know what a "ghost", but I'd still like to know, probably later rather then sooner, what his role in the overall story line is.

But if you say he's just there to talk to her, I'll... be unhappy lol.

Bionic Red

09-30-2008, 10:35 PM

I implore you to keep connecting away, my friend. ;) And you've never seen me use profanities before? Maybe you should come down and hang out with me for a day or two - I could amaze you! :D

Huh.

I think I can get in a positive mood about Part 2, so I'll get it written as quickly as possible for you guys. Glad you're looking forward to it. :)

Take your time. We want the next part, but we want your quality as well.

Steven is what we eggheads in the paranormal community refer to as a "ghost". Now, you see, these "ghosts" are officially dead, but their spirits remain with us... Kendrix? Master Mao? Casper? All had a case of the draped-in-a-silly-white-sheet syndrome at one time or another. Unlike Kendrix, Steven won't be coming back to life - he'll stay deader than the dodo! But it wouldn't be a proper Bennet fic without his involvement somehow, so his spiritual form continues to watch over Jasmine and allows her to have her father around, even if it's not exactly in the same way as Tara.

I can live with the fact that Tara's too busy worrying about Jazz for her pity party. I can also live with the fact that Steven's not coming back. But the one thing that has me worried is the issue of how he died. Will there be a slip of the tongue moment, or will someone tell her deliberately... like an evil spirit to crush hers?

bushwacka666

10-01-2008, 03:17 AM

Jacen: For now, yes he's just there to talk. Further down the line, he may also have other purposes.

Bionic: I think the issue of how Steven died is something that everyone's worried about. Tara holds the truth to this guilty secret, but of course she's never admitted to anyone what really happened. Steven obviously knows as well, but like Tara he won't tell Jasmine for fear of the repercussions. For all the Ranger-related things Jazz found out about her parents growing up, that is the one matter which neither of them will discuss with her - drives a girl crazy, you can imagine! It would take incredibly exceptional circumstances for one of them to finally talk about it.

All I'll say to both you and Jacen: only time will tell... ;)

Jacen

10-01-2008, 09:42 PM

Besides the fact Bush, how do you tell your daughter that you killed her father? :P

bushwacka666

10-02-2008, 03:39 AM

Exactly my point! :023:

Bionic Red

10-02-2008, 01:10 PM

You don't have to answer every single post that comes on the thread bush. (I only do that because I can count the posts that I don't put on my fic-thread) Please focus your attention on your next chapter; I'll be posting mine shortly.

I haven't seen any comments from you beyond Chapter 3 on my thread.

bushwacka666

10-05-2008, 06:29 AM

Worry no more, my friends, the next chapter is here! Didn't turn out exactly like I hoped, but hey.

And Bionic: there would be a reason you haven't seen any comments from me on your fic... To be perfectly honest with you my time has all been bogged down, not only with writing this but also with that little niggling complication we call "real life", that I'm afraid I've lost track of your fic completely. :( I do sincerely apologise to you, and I promise that I will make an effort to try and catch up as soon as I can. In the meantime, I encourage you to smack me right in the face. *offers cheek* Go on, slap me! Slap me right here - I know you want to, I can see it in your eyes! ;)

Right, before everyone else forms a massive queue for "Wacka-Slapping", I'd best distract them with this...

bushwacka666

10-05-2008, 06:30 AM

Most of the streets in Stone Canyon were eerily silent. The city had been placed on full alert due to the current monster attack taking place, people advised to stay indoors until further notice. The peaceful serenity betrayed the crisis unfolding elsewhere.

What broke this silence was the roaring engine of a car, speeding along the otherwise empty roads. Behind the wheel, Tara attempted to keep her wits about her as her foot pressed down insistently on the accelerator. Their houses were only a short walk away from her own, but in situations such as this, every second counted. She had to get to them as quickly as possible – there was much to do and little time to do it in.

Her main worries stayed with Jasmine. Her daughter had great skill and courage, but Tara knew she was getting beaten. How much longer could she hope to hold out against Ferocion? How much more punishment could she be expected to take? Tara was not keen on finding out the answers to those questions, and so she kept her speed up. Jasmine may be the Chosen One, but that didn’t mean she couldn’t still get a little help every now and then. When most Power Rangers in the world felt the comforts and sense of unity that comes with fighting as part of a team, to leave Jasmine out there alone would just be foolish, ludicrous and simply unfair.

No, this couldn’t go on. Tara stood firm in her resolve – her daughter needed some help, and now it was time for her to get it!

*

She didn’t know how she found it, she didn’t know where she found it from. Right now, she didn’t really care. All that mattered right now was that she had found it. The strength to stand.

“Still wanting more?” asked Ferocion, genuinely surprised. “You’re either incredibly brave or incredibly stupid… guess which one I’ve got my money on!”

“I don’t really care for much of anything you’re thinking, Ferocion” Jasmine spat back. She tried to ignore the pain throbbing through her limbs, or at least to fight through it. She couldn’t deny to herself that this monster had really done a number on her today, and she guessed she would probably need Katrina’s Med-Bed again once this was all over.

That last thought even amazed herself: she had thought that as if assuming she was still going to live through this one. Despite the anguish she was in, despite Ferocion’s greater strength, she still had some kind of unexplainable faith that good would still prevail, even if she couldn’t presently see how. And she realised that kind of faith was important to hold onto. She couldn’t allow herself to give up, not until she drew her last breath. For all she knew, that could be within the next ten seconds, but they would be ten seconds of her at her most determined.

“Oh believe me, you should care girlie. Especially when I’m thinking about you. Dead.”

Ferocion moved in, forcing Jasmine to react in double-quick time. She dived to the side, rolling with the momentum and putting some distance in between her and her attacker. Using that distance to her advantage, she ran in and slammed a flying kick straight into Ferocion’s chest. Ferocion recovered quickly and thrust a fist forward. Staying alert, Jasmine managed to block the attack by grabbing the monster’s arm and forcing it aside. With a mighty push, she vaulted herself up and over Ferocion’s head, descending on the other side with two quick kicks to his back. He stumbled forward again, taking a moment to steady himself and turn around.

“Sneaky,” he said, “but do you really think you can keep this up forever?”

Jasmine chose not to answer that question. That was a lucky hit she had just gotten in, and it seemed like she was experiencing her second wind, but there was no telling how long that was going to last.

It hardly mattered anyway. Ferocion clearly wasn’t going to allow her any time to respond as he advanced once more. She tried to lash out with a strong side kick, but this time he gained the advantage, using both hands to grab her leg and yank hard. Jasmine uncontrollably yelled in torture as she fleetingly wondered whether her leg had been wrenched from its socket. All of a sudden she found herself being practically swung around by the leg, forced to hop on one foot as she tried to keep her balance. Her efforts proved to be for nothing, however, as Ferocion tossed her aside like trash.

“Had enough yet?” he chortled at his human prey, rolling around on the tarmac once again.

“Yeah you could say that…” replied Jasmine, glancing over to the side. By good fortune, she had landed close to the Fatal Zero. Without hesitation she reclaimed her weapon, still in its sword form, and scrambled back to her feet. Holding it horizontally she struck the blade across Ferocion as she ran past, prompting a shower of sparks from his arm and a cry of discomfort from… wherever his voice came from in the absence of a mouth.

“Staff Mode!” ordered Jasmine, switching the Fatal Zero to its elongated form. Swiftly she turned, twirling the weapon around into a ready position.

“You’re strong, Ferocion,” she admitted to him, “but I promise you one thing: if I go down, I’m going down fighting!”

*

At Tyler’s house, the boys continued to watch their best friend’s battle via the news report on TV. Both were torn between whether they should keep watching or not. They couldn’t bear to see her getting hurt like this but they refused to switch over, almost as though it might be considered as abandoning her in her hour of need.

Not that they were being of use to her in any case.

“Oh man this is brutal” gasped Tyler. “First she’s getting pummelled, then she seems to be doing okay, then that thing gets the better of her again… I don’t know if I can bear to watch this much longer.”

“Oh God Jazz please…” Craig whispered, his stomach churning as his eyes painfully observed every blow Ranger and monster landed on each other. “Tyler, I really don’t know if I can keep watching this. This is torture!”

“Believe me dude, I know how you feel. I really wish I could do something to help her. I feel terrible just sitting here and watching her get smacked down. I feel totally useless.”

Craig didn’t reply, but in his mind he agreed. Feeling useless was a familiar experience for him, especially when Jasmine was involved. God what he wouldn’t give to be able to help her. To save her. To be that knight in shining armour that he had been so many times in his own dreams…

What he wouldn’t give to be somebody. Somebody other than himself.

So excruciatingly engrossed in the battle were Craig and Tyler, they barely noticed the piercing screech of tyres squealing right outside the house. They did, however, hear the ringing of the doorbell, accompanied by a frantic incessant thumping.

“Man, someone’s impatient” noted Craig. “Who the hell is that?”

Tyler got up from the couch and bounded over, taking one more glance at the TV before turning his attention to opening the door.

“Yo, Mrs Bennet” Tyler greeted in surprise. “What’s up?”

“Oh thank God you’re home” exclaimed Tara. “I went round to Craig’s first but there was no answer.”

“He’s here with me.”

“You’re both here? Good. On your own?”

Without waiting for an invitation, Tara practically forced her way past a stunned Tyler and into the house.

“Err yeah. Parents are out” replied Tyler. He closed the door again and joined her in the living room. Tara immediately noticed the fight on the TV.

“So you already know what Jasmine’s going through right now” she said.

“Yeah, we’ve been watching the whole thing” replied Craig. “You’ve got to tell her to get out of there!”

“Wish I could but I’m afraid that won’t solve anything. The monster will still be on the loose, and she’ll still have to face him again. No, this needs to end now.”

“We’ve been saying we feel so helpless just sitting here and watching” Tyler told her. “We wish we could do something to help.”

“Well it’s funny you boys should say that… That’s why I’m here.”

“What do you mean?”

“You say you want to help her, and I think you can. I need you both to come with me.”

“What are you talking about?” enquired an apprehensive Craig.

“There’s no time to stand around here and get into a discussion now,” Tara pleaded with them, “every moment we waste is another moment Jasmine has to stay out there alone. I’ll explain everything to you in a while, but right now we have to go. She needs your help. Please!”

Tyler and Craig looked at each other. They were none the wiser, but in a way they felt they already knew all they needed to know in order to make a decision. Jasmine was in trouble, and if there was any way – any way at all – that they could help her…

The actions of the three were instinctive and in tune. Tara opened the door again and dashed back to her car, Craig ran to the TV and switched it off before following her out, and Tyler paused only to grab his keys off the nearby hook before stepping out, slamming the door shut behind him.

*

Jasmine continued her battle. She found herself mostly on the defensive against her opponent’s strong attacks. Holding the Fatal Zero at each end, she used the staff as a horizontal bar to block Ferocion’s punches, attempting to intercept them with equal force. It did nothing to damage the monster, but at least it helped prevent her from getting pounded on. What she could not anticipate, however, was another bellowing roar from Ferocion’s lion face, blowing Ranger Zero clear off her feet. Jasmine shook the daze from her head as she stood up again.

“It doesn’t matter what you try,” Ferocion sneered at her, “I have so many abilities at my disposal. You can’t hope to guard against them all.”

As if to prove his point, he now aimed his shark face in Jasmine’s direction, the mouth suddenly emitting a high pressured jet of water. It bore its way into Jasmine’s chest, her eyes widening in surprise underneath her helmet as she found herself being forced back, her feet literally sliding across the road. With an uncomfortable wheeze she crashed into the brick wall (something she figured she should’ve gotten used to by now!). Ferocion kept up the pressure, the water beginning to hurt Jasmine as she remained pinned against the wall solely by the sheer power of the stream.

“The Metal Minds have tolerated your interference for long enough” exclaimed Ferocion. “Now, so-called Chosen One, the outcome of the prophecy will finally be revealed – with your defeat.”

“Can’t bear this… much longer,” Jasmine groaned to herself, “gotta get… free.”

Ferocion just continued to snicker at the poor human: “How does it feel to be all washed up?”

“Fatal Zero… Shield Mode!” Jasmine struggled to command, her voice lacking the usual authoritative tone. Thankfully though, it was still enough; the weapon obediently changing form. With white knuckles on both her gloves and her fingers inside them, she gripped the handle to the shield and raised it up in front of her. The water jet now impacted noisily against the shield, finally relieving the pressure on her chest.

She drew a few deep breaths, partially to check that she still could, and partially to psyche herself up for her next move. Still holding the Fatal Zero firmly in front of her, she began to step forward with slow but forceful strides. It took all the strength she could muster, but gradually she was managing to push back against the liquid stream. Her feet involuntarily skidded back again a couple of times but she held her ground, digging in with all her might and refusing to concede defeat. Her entire body literally pitched forward at an angle, her head pressed against the back of the shield. The sound of every individual water drop bombarding the shield proved almost deafening to her ear drums as she slowly staggered closer to the source of the stream.

With one last almighty shove, Jasmine thrust the Fatal Zero forward, slamming it solidly into Ferocion. The impact was more than sufficient, Ferocion’s entire bulky metal body hurtling back through the air, his water jet finally ceasing against his will. The sudden absence of the stream caused Jasmine to stumble forward under her own motion, landing face-first on the tarmac. She tried to stand again but Ferocion – even in mid flight – would not let such an opportunity pass him by…

A quick laser beam fired from his single red eye landed a direct hit on Jasmine, blasting her down once more. Due to the strength of the attack, coupled with her earlier exertion, Jasmine could offer no resistance nor avoidance. Once more she collapsed, her body in pain and sapped of all strength. Ferocion finally crashed to the ground with a thunderous clang, and though it took him a few moments to recover, a recovery is something he did manage to achieve – something which seemed to be completely beyond Jasmine’s capabilities at this point.

“Now that was actually impressive” Ferocion admitted to his foe. “Don’t worry Ranger Zero, I will continue to consider you a worthy opponent even after you are finally destroyed. And that time, you should know, is close at hand.”

Jasmine did not answer. She couldn’t. All her strength had disappeared, her aching muscles feeling like jelly as they quivered inside her limbs, her strained lungs attempting to gasp anything remotely resembling oxygen. She had simply worn herself out. She may be a Power Ranger, she may be the Chosen One, her birth may have been of mystical origin and gifted her with a uncanny ability to mimic body movements. But ultimately Ferocion had been absolutely right: she was only human. There was only so much punishment her body was capable of taking before reaching its limit, and it was clearer to her now than ever before…

That limit had been reached.

*

The elevator slid to a smooth halt at the bottom of the shaft, Tara wasting no time in hurrying through the door to the Control Room. The two boys accompanying her glanced at each other before apprehensively following her through.

As they entered the Control Room, their eyes widened and their jaws dropped in unison. All the computers, the control panels, the state-of-the-art technology… it took their breath away.

“Wow this is incredible!” exclaimed Craig.

“Dude!” added Tyler.

“Welcome to the Hyperlock” Tara announced to them. “Inside this base lies the results of all our collective efforts to help Jasmine in her fight against the Metal Minds.”

“Sorry to wipe off those impressed expressions, boys,” Katrina cut in, “but we don’t have time to give you a guided tour.”

“How’s she doing?” Tara asked her.

“It’s not good” she replied, gesturing towards the holographic projector. Tara and the boys observed the images floating within the beam, seeing the trouble Jasmine was having against Ferocion.

“If we’re going to do this, it has to be now” said Katrina. She handed a small metal box over to Tara, adding, “They’re ready.”

“Katrina, you’re a lifesaver!” Tara breathed with an emotion that sounded almost like relief.

“I hope that’s the case, Tara” the bright technician replied, taking another glance at Jasmine’s struggle. “I really do…”

“What’s in the box?” Tyler enquired. Tara turned to face him and his associate.

“In this box,” she told them, “is Jasmine’s best – and perhaps last – hope for survival. If anything can help her get through this one, it’s these babies. These…” she opened the box, “… are the Hyper Morphers.”

Craig and Tyler peered down at the objects in front of them: two square devices, both bearing a large gold “H” on the face. A coloured strip ran along the middle of the wrist strap on each device – one was blue, the other was yellow.

“Morphers?” exclaimed an astonished Craig. “As in morphing Morphers?”

“Who’s going to use them?” asked Tyler.

Tara just raised her eyebrows, figuring the answer should be obvious enough. Finally, Tyler cottoned on:

“Dude!” he breathed again. “Are you serious?”

“Jasmine’s good, but she needs a support team” Tara explained. “You two are the closest friends she has. She trusts you and she cares about you, and I know the feeling’s mutual. I think you’ve both got what it takes to do this, and I can’t think of anyone better for the job.”

Tyler was in disbelief at what he had just been offered, but he didn’t hesitate, quickly taking the Morpher with the blue strip and fastening it to his wrist. He had always felt so powerless watching Jasmine fight and thinking he couldn’t do anything to help. But he supposed he would be the complete opposite of powerless now! Now he could help, now he could make a difference. Besides, he’d be mad to pass this up: what sane guy hadn’t dreamt of being a Power Ranger before?

Tara turned to Craig, offering the box out to him. Craig, however, hesitated.

“Craig?” prompted Tara.

“I don’t know if I can do this” he said in shame. “I’m not as strong as Jazz or Tyler, I’m no fighter.”

“Come on man,” Tyler tried to talk him round, “I’ve told you before, you’re doing just fine. A few more lessons and you’ll be great at it.”

“Besides, being a good fighter isn’t the only quality a good Ranger needs” chimed in Katrina. “They need moral judgement, compassion and a devotion to the greater good. Martial arts can be taught. All those other things can’t, but you’ve already got them in spades!”

“When you helped me out in the forest the other week, you already proved yourself the right man for the job” Tara told him sincerely. “Usually, I would respect your decision if you wanted to say no. But this is my daughter we’re talking about here – trust me, I’ll force you to do it if I have to!”

Craig felt a nervous gulp force its way through his throat. He could tell she meant it!

Tyler placed a hand on his shoulder and said just three words: “Dude, it’s Jasmine.”

That was it. Even if he ignored everything else Tara and Katrina had spoken about, that was the only argument needed to convince him. It was Jasmine – what else needed to be said? He picked up the remaining Morpher and put it on.

“So,” he spoke, utter resolve in his voice, “how do these things work?”

*

It was a conflict of interests. They both felt the urge to run faster than they had ever run before, but they also knew it would be wise to save their strength for what was to come. The urge to run seemed to be winning. As they sprinted down a deserted street, they heard the rumble of an engine drawing ever louder. Instinct caused them to cautiously slow down a little – a good idea, as sure enough they suddenly saw a van practically skidding round the corner, heading straight towards them. Quickly they leapt out of the way, and the driver slammed on the brakes, the van screeching to a halt. The window was wound down, the boys walking over. It was a news van, they noticed.

“Hey you kids,” the driver called out through the window, “you shouldn’t be out here on the streets. There’s a monster attack happening just a block over.”

“Is there?” Tyler asked, feigning ignorance. “How bad is it?”

“Bad! I was filming the action for a live report but I’ve been told to clear out, it’s just too dangerous to stay out there. Come on, I’ll give you boys a lift home.”

“Uh no that’s fine, we don’t live far. We’ll head straight back” Craig lied.

“Alright, just make sure you do” said the cameraman. He left his words of wisdom at that, obviously more concerned about just getting himself away from danger. He quickly wound the window back up and drove off. The boys waited until the van was out of sight before continuing on their way. They picked up the pace again, knowing that their run-in with the cameraman may have cost them precious seconds.

*

Jasmine peered up at Ferocion as he towered over her, his red eye gleaming menacingly, the various animal faces on his chest seemingly grinning wickedly at the poor human’s misfortune. As he lifted up a chunky metal foot and hovered it above her, she knew she was about to be put out of her misery.

“I shall be honest,” he told her, “I can see why you were the only one who had a chance of stopping us. You have been a fine warrior, but there was always bound to be someone stronger than you. It is simply the way. Just remember my words, Ranger Zero, and find comfort in them: there is no shame in defeat.”

The foot adjusted position slightly as Ferocion prepared to bring it crashing down, and Jasmine could only pray for some kind of miracle.

Ferocion chuckled one last time: “Goodbye, Ranger Zero…”

It was almost as if Tyler and Craig had taken that as their cue. Jasmine had just enough focus still about her to notice the two figures who suddenly rushed Ferocion and barged into him. The fact that the monster had one leg raised was fortuitous as his balance was offset. He went down quickly, landing with a loud crash and a bewildered snarl. Even as Tyler picked her up and carried her over to the side of one of the buildings, it took Jasmine a few moments to finally register who these new arrivals were.

“Tyler? Craig?” she slurred, confused. “What… what are you…?”

“Just take it easy Jazz,” replied Craig as Tyler leaned her back against the wall, “we’re here now.”

“No. You guys have got to… get out of here. It’s too dangerous, you’ve got to…”

“Just stay here and rest” Tyler told her. “We’ll take it from here.”

The boys were already running back towards a recovering Ferocion, Jasmine in no condition to do anything about it. She could only watch – and what she would see was the last thing in the world she would expect!

“Hey what’s the big idea?” growled Ferocion, clearly not amused at the intrusion from these two newcomers. “I was just about to destroy her.”

“We’ll never let that happen!” declared Craig. “You mess with her, you’ve got us to answer to.”

“Oh yeah?” chortled the monster. “And what are you two fleshbags gonna do about it?”

Tyler smiled: “You’re going to regret asking that question…”

The boys raised their wrists, the Hyper Morphers on display. With a tap from their fingers, the gold “H” on each device immediately lit up, and they gave the command:

“Hyper Drive!”

Jasmine and Ferocion weren’t exactly the best of friends, but even they had to share the feeling of shock they experienced as they witnessed the boys morph in a flash of light. Two Rangers now stood side by side, sporting coloured suits with white gloves and boots. The Morphers had now become belt buckles. Each wore an armoured chestplate in a darker shade of their respective Ranger colour, with what seemed to be a fairly large cannon attached to the left shoulder.

“I don’t believe it…” Jasmine could only gasp.

“This is the end of the road for you, Ferocion” announced Tyler. “Blue Hyper Ranger!”

“We’re going to make you pay for what you’ve done” added Craig. “Yellow Hyper Ranger!”

“What the… nobody told me about more Rangers” yelled Ferocion. “Well it makes little difference. I defeated the Chosen One – you two should pose no problem… Tin Men!”

On his order, about a dozen of the Metal Minds' personal soldiers teleported in between him and the new heroes. Immediately they snapped into their ready stances, preparing themselves for the fight to come.

“Craig, you take care of these goons” said Tyler.

“What?” cried Craig. “You’re crazy! My martial arts skills are nothing compared to yours. You can’t expect me to fight them by myself!”

“Well it’s either them or the monster, your call.”

Craig took one good look at Ferocion: “Yeah… when I said “you’re crazy”, what I actually meant was, “That’s a marvellous idea, Tyler”!”

“That’s what I figured. Let’s do this!”

After taking one final deep breath, they moved in. Tyler was already creating a direct path through to his opponent, fuelled by his anger over Jasmine’s suffering, determined to issue some serious payback. He knocked back some Tin Men standing in his way and pushed past others. One grabbed hold of him but he was more than prepared, slamming two fists into the soldier’s head, followed by one mighty kick that smashed straight into the glass chest, disabling it.

He reached Ferocion and promptly chose actions over words, managing to land three strong blows before the villain even began to retaliate. He swung a large fist across but Tyler had already ducked underneath, successfully avoiding the attack and moving to the side to deliver a powerful kick. Ferocion recovered quickly, however, and turned back round to face his new enemy.

“You fool,” he roared, “you will pay dearly for this outrage.”

“Funny,” Tyler shot back, “you took the words right out of my mouth.”

With a mighty leap the Blue Ranger somersaulted over Ferocion’s body, twisting himself into a midair roundhouse kick that collided squarely with the side of the monster’s head.

Not too far away, Craig found himself in the middle of the Tin Men hoard. He raised his arms ready, trying to remember the martial arts Tyler and Jasmine had taught him, and hoping that he could put it to good use.

“Oh hell, here we go…” he muttered as one soldier finally advanced. Unfortunately it landed the first hit, thumping a fist into Craig’s chest. He was knocked back one step but luckily the armoured vest absorbed most of the impact. Craig grabbed a hold of the soldier, pulling it into a more appropriate position before thrusting his own fist into its chest. The Tin Man glanced down, noticed the glass had not been smashed, and looked back up at the deliverer of this pointless attack.

“More strength” Craig sighed. “Okay then.”

He tried again, and this time the punch struck home, smashing the glass and releasing the energy sphere. The soldier fell to the ground but more quickly took its place. Craig did his best to fend them off, using his arms to block incoming attacks and his legs to kick his attackers away. One kick smashed into the chest of one Tin Man, then Craig swiftly spun his body and took out another.

“Well,” he said to himself, “I guess I’m not doing too bad… OOF!”

Suddenly shoved to the ground, Craig gazed up at the soldiers as they crowded over him. Craig, however, already had a little surprise in store for them as he reached down to the holster on his belt.

“Hyper Blaster!” he called, quickly drawing the pistol and squeezing the trigger. Several yellow lasers blasted the Tin Men, forcing them away and allowing Craig the opportunity to get back to his feet. He opened fire again, a laser perforating a Tin Man’s chest with ease, promptly sending it to the scrap heap.

“Oh I’m gonna enjoy this…” chuckled the Yellow Ranger. He dived sideways through the air, firing his sidearm and succeeding in taking out two more. As soon as he landed he turned to face the rest of the soldiers, but one of them quickly lashed out and knocked the Hyper Blaster out of his hands. Craig was caught by surprise but was determined not to let it become that easy for them. Grabbing the offending soldier and pulling him in, he rammed his knee straight into the glass chest, breaking it easily. A leg sweep followed by a driving downwards punch took out another. Craig felt himself growing more confident already. In fact…

“Check this out, Metal Heads!” he exclaimed. One Tin Man leapt towards him but his was ready. Pushing off with both feet he jumped up and somersaulted backwards, bringing both legs to plough into the soldier at the same time. It crashed back down into two more, all three of their chests disintegrating on impact. Craig meanwhile made a perfect landing back on his feet.

“Oh yeah, now that’s Scanlon Style!” he cheered. He knew how serious being a Power Ranger was, but it seemed as though he was making a major breakthrough in his abilities. This was a big step for him, and he wasn’t afraid to admit that he was loving it!

Ferocion would not let this new blue brat get the better of him. A powerful uppercut sent Tyler flying. The teenager let out a pained cry as his slammed into the wall, slumping to the ground but recovering with a speed that surprised even him. Just one of the advantages that a Ranger suit provided, he guessed.

“Alright so that’s your hit” he told Ferocion. “Now have mine!”

He wondered how to make use of his shoulder-mounted cannon, seeing no obvious trigger mechanism. However, it turned out his mere thought was the only trigger he needed: the cannon obediently launched a large bolt of blue energy, directly striking its target. Ferocion himself slammed back into a wall from the force alone. He allowed himself a moment to recover – that was one strong cannon!

Tyler was already on the offensive again, charging in.

“Hyper Sword!” he commanded, a big blue blade materialising into existence in his hands. Ferocion managed to block the first few blows but it seemed that the weapon was an effective one. Tyler landed a mighty slash across Ferocion’s chest, sparks bursting out with frightening urgency. Another strike imitated the first, Ferocion growing weaker with each hit. Tyler speared the Hyper Sword forward, and Ferocion was floored instantly.

“Give up yet?” asked Tyler, feeling confident as he held his weapon ready.

“Not a chance!” growled Ferocion, firing one of his eye beams. Unprepared, Tyler suffered a direct hit from the laser, toppling back and over, losing his grip on the Hyper Sword in the process. Ferocion was quick to move over and grab hold of Tyler, hauling him up off the ground and securing him in midair. Tyler tried his best to struggle free but it was no use, Ferocion’s grip was vice-like.

“Let me go, you big metal freak!” yelled Tyler. Obviously the monster did not comply.

“Your insolence shall be tolerated no longer” exclaimed Ferocion. “I shall destroy you now.”

He wouldn’t get the chance, however, as some kind of yellow energy suddenly impacted against the side of his head. Dazed, he released his grip on Tyler and stumbled around randomly. As Tyler stood back up, he turned to see Craig come up beside him.

“Yeah I don’t think so pal” Craig warned the robot, raising his Hyper Bow and allowing another energy-formed arrow to magically create itself. He let it fly, landing another hit on Ferocion.

“Nice weapon” Tyler told his team-mate.

“Yours too” replied Craig, picking the Hyper Sword off the ground and handing it back to Tyler.

“You ready to end this?”

“As ready as I’ll ever be.”

“Yeah,” spoke a sudden female voice, “the same goes for me too.”

Surprised, Tyler and Craig stepped aside as Jasmine suddenly pushed herself in between them. She was still looking worn out, which didn’t surprise them, but they thought it amazing that she had managed to stand up again at all.

“Jazz, are you sure you’re up for this?” a concerned Craig asked her. “You’re still weak.”

“I want to be the one to finish this” she replied certainly. “He’s got it coming!”

“Well I’m not going to argue with that!”

“Alright fine,” Tyler agreed, “but let us help you. Katrina told us what to do – you’re gonna love this!”

Tyler and Craig nodded to each other, and announced together: “Hyper Switch, now!”

As soon as the command had been uttered, their Ranger suits responded. Their shoulder cannons lifted off, removing themselves completely from the chestplates. Jasmine gasped in wonder as she watched the cannons float down towards her, one attaching itself to each arm. Metal bands magically appeared around her arms to hold the cannons in place.

“Wow!” she exclaimed, somehow already knowing what to do with this new ability. She was tired, she was weak, and she knew she was going to need at least a week of solid sleep after this one! But, as she saw Ferocion staggering back towards her, she vowed to give that one last burst of strength and determination, in order to get the job done.

“What trickery is this?” yelled Ferocion, eyeing Jasmine’s new arm-mounted cannons.

“This is Prometheus Mode…” announced Tyler.

“… and you’re about find out what it does, the hard way” Craig finished.

“Just remember my words, Ferocion,” Jasmine declared with an imitation of the monster’s earlier statement, “There is no shame in defeat… Prometheus Mode – fire!”

Jasmine thrust both arms forward, the cannons instantly responding to her will. Two continuous beams of red energy streaked forward with a speed and power far too great for Ferocion to resist. He could only cry out in the bitter knowledge of his defeat as he felt the beams literally rip through his metal body, boring right through to his core, miniature explosions rippling within but rapidly looking to burst out into a more spectacular display.

The cannons mercifully ceased their payload, but the damage had already been done. Ferocion collapsed to the ground, and the resulting explosion was the most beautiful sight Jasmine had ever seen.

She turned around to face the boys, outstretched her arms – and finally allowed her legs to give way. She fell forward and against her friends, her arms serving two purposes: to lean on them for support, and to embrace them in gratitude for helping her.

“Thank you…” she whispered, never meaning those two words more than she did right now.

“That’s what we’re here for, Jasmine” replied Craig, gently hugging her back.

“And now, it’s what we’re always going to be here for” added Tyler. “You can count on that.”

Meanwhile, the mysterious figure continued to observe from the shadows:

“This could work out to my advantage more than I’d hoped” spoke the voice. “The Metal Minds could help me in my task, but these Rangers do seem to give them some problems. If I help Steelador destroy them, he will have no choice but to repay me in whatever way I desire! Oh yes, this could be the opportunity I have been waiting for…”

bushwacka666

10-05-2008, 06:33 AM

Even though they saved her ass last time, Jasmine still worries about Tyler and Craig getting involved in her battles. Will she be able to learn about the benefits of real teamwork?

Bionic Red

10-05-2008, 10:10 AM

Nice work, as always. Showing Craig's under confidence was perfect, it reminded me of someone from your earlier work. Hyper switch was a nice touch, considering that Jazz needed the extra firepower. Although I initially missed it on the initial read, the Hyper shoulder canons were very well played.

BTW, if those two don't get their own Zords, you're getting an online beating.

I don't know if you're still reading it, but try to look at my fic when you get a chance. I would really appreciate your feedback.

Einsider

10-05-2008, 10:52 AM

awesomness to the max dude! Hyper Awesome in fact! good bit with the cameraman by the way - getting him away from the action, lol. Getting very interesting, keeping me as hooked as much as M_L's unholy confessions!

GreyRanger

10-05-2008, 05:47 PM

OH AWESOME!

I really like the ingenuity of Craig an Tyler's suits an Prometheus mode was a great addition. However, I woulda thought that Craig and Tyler would have been able to use their shoulder mounted cannons themselves, but who knows? They've only just debuted. I also liked how Craig initially refused as some rangers do, but Tara's words made me laugh but i did feel her depseration as you described Jazz's battering. All in all, i like the new support team and look forward to more. MORE!! :023: :023:

bushwacka666

10-07-2008, 03:24 AM

Regarding the shoulder cannons:

First of all, look again - Tyler did use his! Just the once, I grant you, but as ML said, they've only just debuted. The idea is that both can use the cannons to fire bolts of energy, but the beam-firing finisher can only be achieved through Jasmine's Prometheus Mode.

Inspiration for this idea basically came from two sources: The first is Justiriser, where additional mechas would attach themselves over the main dragon mech, to give it new modes and abilities. The second was the intro to classic cartoon Jayce & the Wheeled Warriors, which shows a laser cannon flying out from one vehicle and attaching itself to another. A more direct imitation of the "flying cannons" will be included in the next chapter, and we'll see what other benefits Jazz's support team provides in the future.

Bionic: I'm gonna set some time aside later on today and give your fic a plough through. Promise. :)

Thanks for the kind words guys. I hope you keep reading - you may agree that my fics sometimes take a few chapters before getting to the really good stuff. So if you liked this, just imagine what's still to come! :023:

Jacen

10-08-2008, 05:12 AM

All I can say is... Interesting... Very... interesting...

There was a spelling mistake near the beginning where you said "she" where I think you meant "he" :)

bushwacka666

10-08-2008, 08:13 AM

I think I found the part you meant, Jacen - when Tyler & Craig are watching the fight on TV, right? In that case it turns out I actually meant "they". :D

Well it's fixed now. Thanks for letting me know m8 - much appreciated. :)

Jacen

10-08-2008, 08:20 AM

ReinbachIII

10-08-2008, 06:40 PM

Wow! This stuff is hardcore. I could never think up all this. Good job!

bushwacka666

10-31-2008, 07:11 AM

Things sure were different now, she couldn’t deny it. Sure it was only two extra people, but already the Hyperlock was feeling a little crowded to Jasmine. Before, it had just been her, and she was fine with that. Perhaps she should be feeling grateful for the extra help, but in truth it worried her. Was this the smartest move to make? Was it the right decision? Would they all end up regretting it in the long run?

Standing in the doorway to the Gym area, Jasmine leaned against the frame, arms crossed, as she watched Tyler and Craig sparring with each other on the mat. As she observed Craig, she had to be honest: he was really coming along. No his martial arts skills were not on the same level as Tyler’s or her own, but he had always been a quick learner. She watched as Tyler expertly blocked some incoming punches before attacking forward himself with a fast kick. Craig seemed ready, however, and swiftly caught the foot in both hands before heaving it up, flipping over a surprised Tyler who managed a full somersault before landing back on his feet.

‘Yeah’, Jasmine thought to herself as she smiled, ‘he’ll cope just fine.’

“Jazz?” a voice called her from across the central elevator shaft. She took one last glance at the boys before walking over and into the Lab.

“What’s up, Aunt K?” she enquired.

“Hey, I wanted to show you this” replied Katrina, motioning the girl over. Jasmine stepped up and saw her Ranger belt resting on a table. She watched as Katrina swept a small handheld device slowly over the belt, a clear tube at the top randomly flashing red while she did so.

“What are you doing?” asked Jasmine.

“Not doing, done” Katrina announced. She switched off the device and set it down on the table, then picked up the belt so that Jasmine could see it better. She pointed at a little red button sticking out from the edge of the buckle holder, where the Fatal Zero was stored.

“I’ve just installed this alarm system and homing beacon into your belt” she informed the young heroine. “If you ever find yourself alone and in trouble, you just press this button. An alert signal will be sent to whichever support Ranger is closest to you, along with details of your location, and they’ll be able to get to you as fast as possible.”

“So, you mean that if I’m in a really dangerous fight, I just have to press that button, and Craig and Tyler will come running?”

“Usually, yeah.”

Jasmine raised her eyebrows at Katrina’s slightly odd reply. “Usually”? What did that mean exactly? She opened her mouth to ask the question out loud…

“Yo Jazz!” Tyler’s sudden exclamation interrupted her before she could begin. “Me and C are heading to the Dominion, you coming with?”

“Err yeah sure, sounds good” answered Jasmine. “Just let me go upstairs and grab my keys.”

She patted Katrina’s shoulder by way of a goodbye, and left the Gym to follow the boys over to the elevator. She thought back to the alarm button Aunt Katrina had shown her – if she pressed it, Tyler and Craig would come running.

Yeah, this worried her…

*

To say he was furious was a drastic understatement. So close had the Metal Minds come to exterminating Ranger Zero, to eradicating the only significant obstacle standing in their way. Then suddenly, out of nowhere, come two new Power Rangers, destroying what had been one of their strongest monsters to date. Yes, Steelador was none too pleased about this latest development.

“Ferocion had been a fearsome warrior” he mused to Iron Claw. “If Ranger Zero had remained alone, she would be dead by now. Where did these other two Rangers come from? How is it that we did not know of their existence before?”

“From what Coppertron has read on this “Internet” the humans have, nobody had ever seen them up until now” answered the loyal general. “It would appear that Ranger Zero has some new help, and judging by what I observed from the battle, it appears to be the two humans that helped to rescue the Chosen One’s mother from the forest. But there was no evidence of them possessing Ranger powers at that time, so to see them do so now is a surprise to me also.”

“This does not bode well for our plans. Nobody must be allowed to stand in our way.”

“I do not understand, sir. There is only one individual capable of defeating us, as foretold in the prophecy, and that is Ranger Zero. These other two Rangers would have no hope of stopping us.”

“Not directly, but they assist Ranger Zero. Just because she is the one human in all the world who could spoil our plans, does not mean she cannot receive help from others. You witnessed it as plainly as I did, Iron Claw: they saved her life. Ranger Zero will be able to give us more trouble than ever before because of her friends.”

“I see. As always sir, I am humbled by your wisdom.”

“Yes, of course you are. Now, we must take action to deal with these new irritations. I assume Coppertron is in his workshop?”

“He is, sir.”

“Good. Let us see what our resident expert has set aside for a rainy day.”

*

With a large control console in front of her, Katrina concentrated as she fiddled around with the circuits via an open panel on the side, keeping her hands steady so she could get a tiny screw into position and use a screwdriver to fix it in place. She sang randomly to herself in order to pass the time:

“The screw is connected to the… screw hole. The green wire’s connected to the… power conduit. The CPU is connected to… everything else.”

“Beautiful song” a voice cut in. “You really should go on a talent show with that.”

Katrina glanced up to see Tara standing on the other side of the console, grinning.

“Sorry,” Katrina laughed back, “sometimes I don’t even realise I’m doing it. It helps me remember the important stuff.”

Tara raised her eyebrows: “You need a song to remind you the screw is connected to the screw hole?”

“No, but I like to freestyle.”

“Yeah I kind of guessed! Anyway, did you show Jazz the new alarm in her belt?”

“Yep, no worries there. Now I’m just putting the final touches on the new Zords. The boys should be able to handle them just fine.”

“Good. Jazz is really going to need all the help she can get.”

“She’ll get it, Tara, don’t you worry about that. Alright then, I think this console’s ready for a test run. Could you plug in the power cable for me?”

Tara reached down and picked up the cable: “The power cable’s connected to the… plug hole.”

Katrina chuckled: “Shut up and plug it in!”

“Plugging in now.”

*

“It’s in. How does it feel?”

“God it feels so good! Are you gonna go slow or fast?”

“Whichever you like, baby.”

“I want it real fast.”

“You got it!”

With his beak practically pressed up against the screen, Coppertron stared on at his computer with wide eyes.

“Oh yeah,” Coppertron whispered to himself, engrossed, “fast is always the way to go…”

“Oh Coppertron?”

“HOLY MOTHER OF MONDO!” yelped the technician, startled by the sudden sound of his master’s voice. His chair tipped back, sending him crashing noisily to the floor. Steelador and Iron Claw just sighed to themselves as they allowed their associate the time to straighten himself out. Finally a dull bronze hand popped up to the keyboard, tapping a key and stopping the video. Eventually the rest of him managed to stand up.

“Oh hi boss,” he exclaimed, a sheepish giggle in his voice, “I, um, didn’t see you there. I was just…err…”

Steelador raised his palm: “Stop. I really, really don’t want to know!”

“Nor do I” added Iron Claw.

“Well that works out for me just great then! What’s up?”

“I need a monster” said Steelador. “You know, one of those things that you’re supposed to be making in here instead of doing… whatever it is I don’t want to know what you’re doing.”

“Ah worry not boss, I’m more than prepared to accommodate your needs. Allow me to introduce you to a few candidates.”

*

Heading to the Dominion, Jasmine and her friends took a walk through the park. It was surprisingly vacant for this time of day, only a few other people dotted around.

“Why yes,” spoke Tyler, “I have seen much improvement today, grasshopper.”

Craig sighed: “How many times do I have to tell you? Stop calling me that!”

“Ah pay no attention to him” said Jasmine. She assumed a phoney oriental accent: “But seriously, you have great skill, Craig-san, and a much disciplined mind. Soon you shall become the mightiest of warriors. Hah-so.”

“You really think I’m doing okay?”

“The roar of the lion may ward off the limping gazelle, but the butterfly emerges from its cocoon with a refinement unsurpassed.”

Craig blinked in confusion: “Err… what?”

“Yeah, what?” Tyler chimed in.

“Yes Craig,” Jasmine giggled, now returning to her normal voice, “you’re doing just fine.”

The trio continued their walk, when a sudden scream interrupted their banter. Stopping in their tracks, they glanced across the park to see several people running for their lives. Moments later, and a new metal monster emerged from behind the tall bushes: it seemed to be some kind of mole, dull brown in colour with glowing red eyes and razor-sharp whiskers of steel protruding from its black nose.

“Look, over there” Tyler announced, pointing out the intruder to his friends. “Come on, let’s go!”

Already he was sprinting off towards the danger, determination in his strides.

“Tyler, wait!” Jasmine called after him, but he didn’t stop. His enthusiasm worried her, she couldn’t deny it.

“Dammit!” she cursed under her breath, and then ran off after him, Craig following close behind her. The mole monster turned just in time to see Tyler leap towards him, landing a solid flying kick into the chest. A muted clang sounded as foot thudded into chest, the monster stumbling back but managing to steady himself. He eyed the impertinent young human and his two companions who now arrived beside him.

“I am Molata, and since you three are the only ones I haven’t scared off, I’m guessing you’re the Rangers I was sent to destroy.”

Jasmine glanced around, and realised that he was right; everyone else that had been around appeared to have fled the scene, leaving the three of them alone with him.

“We’re the Rangers you want,” Tyler told him, “but the only one who’s gonna be destroyed around here is you.”

“Ooh tough talk, I’m so scared.”

“Well you should be” retorted Jasmine, her and the boys raising their Morphers:

“Zero Point!”

“Hyper Drive!”

In flashes of red, blue and yellow, Ranger Zero and her two supporting Hyper Rangers were ready for action.

“Let’s do this guys” exclaimed Tyler, but Jasmine stuck out her arm in front of him to cut him off before he could charge in.

“You boys stay back,” she told them, “I’ll handle this.”

True to her word, she advanced, the others watching her as she began her attack, lashing out with a hard kick followed by a couple of punches. Molata swiped a fist of his own which Jasmine managed to block, leaving him open to another solid kick. Recovering quickly, he leaned in grabbed hold of her with both hands. The two opponents wrestled with each other, small grunts of exertion escaping them both.

“Now, you know that the prospect of fighting a big evil monster doesn’t exactly thrill me,” Craig said to Tyler as they looked on from the side, “but are we really just going to stand here and watch her fight by herself?”

“Hell no!” came Tyler’s adamant reply. “Come on, let’s give her a hand.”

Molata seemed to be the stronger fighter of the two, gradually managing to overpower the young heroine. He allowed his arms to increase the pressure down onto her shoulders, and she let out a sharp cry as her legs buckled underneath her, forcing her to her knees. She tried to struggle but was held fast.

“Get off her!” yelled Tyler, suddenly coming in and slamming a forceful fist into the side of Molata’s head. Dazed, the monster staggered clear, allowing Jasmine to get back to her feet. Taking a few moments to recover, she watched as Tyler got stuck in, showing a little too much enthusiasm for her liking. Not that she didn’t appreciate the help, but it wasn’t like she wouldn’t have been capable of getting out of that situation herself.

Tyler continued to put his fighting skills to good use, delivering two rapid punches to Molata’s midsection and then quickly leaping up into a spinning kick. The attack was effective but Molata was back on the offensive quickly, lashing out with his own claws that slashed across Tyler’s suit. The armoured chestplate provided adequate protection but subdued him long enough for Molata to aim a clawed hand in Jasmine’s direction, firing off a laser beam straight towards her.

“No!” came Craig’s cry, suddenly stepping in front of Jasmine, arms outstretched as he took the hit. A pained yell escaped his lips as the blast struck against his suit; a surprisingly strong attack that forced him to the ground.

“Craig, what are you doing?” Jasmine exclaimed as she helped him to stand again. “I told you guys to stay back.”

“I’m alright” he assured her, silently praising the protective properties of his Ranger suit. “I just want to help you, Jazz.”

Before Jasmine could say anything else, Craig was running in to help Tyler, announcing himself with a impressive flying kick for someone of his ability. His morphed state probably helped him, but nobody could deny that it did the job as Molata staggered back again in surprise.

“You ready?” asked Craig, stepping up beside Tyler.

“Oh yeah,” replied the Blue Ranger, “let’s blast this freak.”

“Fire!” both boys announced together. On command their shoulder cannons did their job, blue and yellow energy bolts streaking towards their target. Molata yelled out as he was sent flying, landing with a noisy crash.

“Curse you Rangers!” growled the monster. “You haven’t seen the last of me!”

Using his claws, Molata began to bust his way through the grass, burrowing down through the soil. All three Rangers made a move forward but it was too late – Molata had tunnelled underground and out of sight.

“Man, he got away” sighed Craig.

“Mom? Aunt K?” spoke Jasmine through her helmet radio. “Any idea where he went?”

“Afraid not,” came Katrina’s reply, “there’s no trace of him. Come back to the Hyperlock, we’ll continue to run a search here.”

“Right.”

*

Some time later, Tara and Katrina sat at the computers in the Hyperlock Control Room, on the lookout for anything out of the ordinary. Tyler and Craig stood close behind them, eagerly awaiting any news.

“Any sign of him?” asked Tyler.

“Nothing” answered Katrina. “I don’t think we’re able to detect him while he’s underground.”

“Well keep the search running” Tara told her. “He can’t hide forever.”

While the four of them continued to monitor the city, Jasmine trained in the Gym area across the way, performing a few basic moves. In her mind she kept recalling the fight that had taken place earlier, and decided that she was right to be concerned about her friends.

Tyler had been pretty gung ho about the whole thing, rushing in and getting involved before she could even get a word out. It wasn’t a question of his fighting ability; she knew he could handle himself. But so did he, and that was sort of the problem. Fine he wanted to help, but he would always rush into danger in order to do so. He would always be right there in the thick of it.

Craig was a different kettle of fish altogether. Not a fighter and more hesitant to take chances, but with his little stunt today – taking a hit meant for Jasmine – had made things clear. She knew how he felt about her, and it seemed as though those feelings were in danger of overriding his common sense. Just what lengths might he go to in some crazy attempt to protect her or impress her?

Jasmine stopped her practice, standing still while she considered her options. She could tell how it was going to be now: every time the Metal Minds launched an attack, Tyler and Craig would be there. She couldn’t tell them not to follow her, tell them to stay put – they would never listen. When Molata finally reared his ugly head again, they would immediately be off acting like the heroes, no doubt about it.

By her reckoning, there was really no other choice: she had to take care of this alone.

Being careful not to make any noise that would give her away to the others in the next room, she slowly crept her way over to the elevator shaft and headed up.

*

With an aching back and a few bruises on her joints, Jasmine finally felt her lungs fill with fresh air once more as her head surfaced from the hole. She had just spent the last fifteen or twenty minutes crawling through the tunnel made by Molata when he burrowed his way out of the park – well, how else could she figure out where he had gone to? Bringing out her arms and grabbing at the edge, she heaved herself out and back into the open, standing up and dusting herself down as she took a look around. After a few seconds she realised she was in the quarry near the outskirts of the city; rocks, chalk and dust all around. Why Molata would have come here was a mystery to her, but then again who knows why these freaks did half the things they did?

“Why hello there, Ranger Zero,” spoke a voice, “we meet again.”

Jasmine whirled around, spotting Molata a little way off. Wasting no time, she grabbed her Morpher:

“Zero Point!”

“No friends this time?” enquired the monster.

“I can take you by myself, Mole Man. Let’s go.”

Accepting the challenge, Molata began to advance, as did Jasmine. The two fighters began to spar as they met, trading blows. Molata got in the first few hits, swiping his claws across his opponent’s chest three times in quick succession. Jasmine then managed to land a few of her own, thumping home a couple of punches followed by a sharp twisting kick. He staggered back a few steps, giving Jasmine the room to take a run up for an airborne attack. She leapt forward but Molata was more than prepared, jumping up himself and striking both of his clawed fists straight into her chest. The sparks flew and Jasmine was instantly floored, landing on her back while Molata descended feet first.

*

In the Hyperlock, the alarm system suddenly blared into life. Already Katrina was tapping away at one of the computers, trying to locate the source of the disturbance.

“Katrina?” asked Tyler.

“Give me a minute” replied Katrina.

She continued doing what she did best as the alarm continued to sound. Tara glanced around the room:

“Where’s Jasmine? When the alarm goes off, she’s usually in here straight away.”

“I’ll go and get her” said Craig, heading off over to the Gym area.

“Man this is so weird” Katrina growled, a hint of frustration in her tone.

“What’s wrong?” Tyler pressed for details.

“The system’s picked up Molata somewhere, but… I don’t know where.”

“Guys,” called Craig as he re-entered the Control Room, “I can’t find her.”

“What do you mean you can’t find her?” asked Tara.

“I thought she was practicing in the Gym but she’s not there. I’ve checked the rest of the Hyperlock too – she’s gone.”

“Hang on,” Katrina cut in, “I’m picking her up on the sensors too.”

“You mean she left without telling us?” asked Craig.

Tara sighed: “I’ve got a feeling she’s gone after Molata by herself. Katrina, where are they?”

“I don’t know” the young woman had to admit despite her intelligence. “I’m detecting both of them in the city but there’s some kind of interference. I can’t pinpoint their location.”

“Rough estimation?”

“Somewhere in the North East, I think, but that’s still too much ground to cover for a search. I’m sorry, I really can’t narrow it down any more than that.”

“Man, what’s she thinking going off without us?” exclaimed Tyler.

Tara had an idea, but she didn’t voice it out loud.

*

Jasmine had to be honest with herself: she was having a tough time of this one. He may not be as strong as the last monster Ferocion was, but Molata was still one tricky customer. His metal frame appeared to be highly resistant to Jasmine’s attacks, her kicks and punches having only a minimal effect. And he was a sneaky one, able to lash his claws out with prompt proficiency. Jasmine was able to block the first couple of hits but he was moving too fast for her, and soon she found her guard lowered as five more strikes bombarded the front of her suit.

“Alright, that’s it” she growled, growing increasingly annoyed with this walking trash can. “Fatal Zero, Cannon Mode!”

Quickly drawing her weapon she took aim and squeezed the trigger, firing several laser blasts towards her target.

“I don’t think so” chortled Molata. He began to burrow his way through the ground, and in the blink of an eye he was tunnelling underground, the lasers from the Fatal Zero harmlessly whizzing through the now empty space where he had stood moments before. Jasmine stayed alert, holding her weapon ready.

“Come on Molata, come out and fight” she called. “Are you a mole or a mouse?”

Molata responded to the challenge, suddenly bursting out from the ground directly behind Jasmine, ramming his claws into her back and knocking her down. Within seconds he had jumped back through the hole again, tunnelling underground once more as Jasmine tried to stand up.

“Oh come on,” she groaned, “is this fair?”

Molata burst back out again, this time at her side, grabbing her arm and tossing her over his shoulder.

“No it’s not,” he snickered, “but that’s what makes it so much fun.”

He burrowed down again out of harm’s way, and Jasmine was growing weaker with every sneaky hit he landed on her, not to mention more annoyed! Once more he emerged behind her, swiping his claws across her back. Before she could respond he went under, circling round to the other side and popping up to deliver another strike. He was definitely picking up speed now, managing to land several surprise attacks on Jasmine and then disappearing again before she could determine where he was approaching from. Expecting him to pop up close to her again, she tried a different tactic:

"Fatal Zero, Axe Mode!" she cried, transforming the weapon into its axe form. She then swung it around in a tight circle, hoping to hack it into his head once he popped back up…

… but no such luck. Molata surfaced from a safe distance this time, firing off a laser beam from his arm and blasting the unsuspecting Jasmine to the ground once more.

“Man,” she panted between painful moans, “I don’t know how much… more of this I can… take.”

“Well why don’t we find out?” laughed Molata, knowing he had the upper hand.

Jasmine glanced over in his direction, and her eye line caught sight of her belt; or more to the point, the small red button on it. The memories of Katrina’s briefing came flooding back to her, and she knew that all she had to do was press it, and everything would be alright.

At that moment she realised the truth: she couldn’t do this job alone. She still worried about Tyler and Craig getting involved, but in a way the whole thing was just silly. They wanted to help and she had a feeling they could prove to be fine Rangers, if only she would just give them the chance. If it hadn’t been for them, Ferocion probably would have killed her that time, and if Molata wasn’t forced out of his underground underhanded habits, he could be capable of it too.

Jasmine could concern herself with any problems later. Right now, she needed her friends.

She pressed the button.

*

As they stood in the Hyperlock, Tyler and Craig jumped simultaneously as their Hyper Morphers suddenly began to beep together in perfect unison.

“Yes!” cheered Katrina. “Good girl Jazz!”

“What is it?” asked Tyler.

“She activated the alert beacon in her belt, her location should be pinpointed now.”

“You’re right” replied Craig, watching as a small rectangular area on his Morpher slid open, revealing a screen that flashed up a few details, “she’s at the quarry.”

“The quarry, of course!” Katrina exclaimed in realisation. “All the high rock build-up around that place must’ve been what was causing the interference, but the alert beacon’s strong enough to break through.”

Tara turned to the boys: “Go.”

*

“Well it’s been fun, Ranger Zero, but all good things must come to an end” said Molata. “I think I’ll finish you off now, that should make Steelador very happy indeed.”

Jasmine tried to fight through the pain, beginning to struggle back to her feet, but Molata was already closing in. He chuckled to himself and raised his claws, preparing to fire off another laser beam at his opponent…

However, Molata himself was the first one to feel the sting of lasers – multiple blue and yellow blasts suddenly streaked in from above, bombarding the monster’s metal body. The surprise was enough to make him stumble back, and he glared in anger to see who would dare catch him off-guard in such a manner. Jasmine had to let out a small sigh of relief as she spotted Tyler and Craig standing at the top of one of the cliffs, their Hyper Blasters drawn.

“Great timing guys” she yelled up to them.

“Anytime Jazz,” replied Craig, “that’s what we’re here for.”

“Incoming Jazz,” called Tyler, “help’s on the way.”

“Hyper Switch, now!” the duo commanded together. Their shoulder cannons responded instantly, detaching themselves from the chestplates. A small rocket booster ignited from the back of each cannon, propelling them forward as they flew down, magically homing in on their new temporary owner.

“I don’t think so,” snarled Molata, “take that!”

He fired off his claw lasers in Jasmine’s direction, attempting to blast her down. Jasmine was prepared, however, charging in and leaping into the air. The lasers impacted the ground below, explosions roaring up around her. After somersaulting in midair to safely avoid the blast, she outstretched her arms and allowed the cannons to fly into position, securing themselves in place.

“Impossible!” Molata cried, taken aback by Ranger Zero’s impressive skills.

The instant that Jasmine landed on the ground again, she was already aiming her new arm-mounted cannons directly at her target. Knowing that this time, she would be the one to launch the swift and deciding attack.

“Prometheus Mode, fire!” she declared, firing the cannons. The two continuous beams of red energy sped towards Molata. He didn’t have any time to avoid the attack, the beams ripping through his metal body and heralding his final defeat. With one last anguished cry, Molata fell to the ground and exploded.

“Yeah!” Jasmine whooped, delighted to see the end of that freak. She watched as Tyler and Craig stepped up either side of her.

“Thanks guys” she told them sincerely. “You really helped me out there.”

“Yeah well if you hadn’t activated the alert beacon, we’d still be looking for you” Tyler reminded her.

“Jazz, why did you go off by yourself?” asked Craig.

Jasmine sighed: she figured she had some explaining to do.

*

“So let me get this straight…” said Tara as the entire group rested in the living room of the Bennet household, “you intentionally snuck away to take care of Molata by yourself, without telling any of us where you were going, all because you thought you’d be better off alone?”

“Yes ma’am…” Jasmine spoke shamefully, her head hung low.

“Oh Jasmine” sighed her mother. “I love you sweetie, but you can be so stupid sometimes!”

“I don’t get it Jazz” said Tyler. “Why did you cut us out? We want to help you.”

“I know you do,” replied Jasmine, “but that was kind of the problem. I’m the Chosen One. I was picked to be in this fight, not you. I don’t like the thought of you guys putting yourselves in danger. I don’t want you two getting hurt.”

“Well it’s nice to know you care” quipped Craig, managing a smile.

“Jazz, we appreciate you being concerned for us, really” Tyler assured her. “But it’s fine. Me and C, we know the risks we’re taking. Bottom line is though: we don’t like the thought of you in danger either, and we want to be there for you. What’s wrong with that?”

“I know, I know, you’re right” she admitted. “I was trying to protect you guys, but it took some time for me to realise that it was actually you protecting me. I realise it now: even the Chosen One needs some help every now and again, and I guess I could never feel safer with anyone than I do with my best friends.”

“Well you’re lucky I installed the alert beacon when I did, talk about timing” Katrina reminded her. “God I’m good!”

“Yes, yes you are! Thanks, Aunt K.”

“I’m just glad you’ve finally learned your lesson” Tara told her daughter. “Nobody’s doubting that you’re the most important Ranger we have, but a true Ranger’s strength always lies in their team. You have that now Jasmine, and I don’t want you to ever forget it.”

“I won’t, I promise” Jasmine gave a guarantee to her mother. She looked over to Tyler and Craig: “Although I think I’ll always be worried about you guys.”

“Fine by us. I like being worried about, but don’t leave us out of the loop” said Craig. “Look at it this way: if you’re worried about us, then do what you can to make yourself feel better. Lead us, guide us, show us how to be better Rangers – we’d be only too happy to learn. And we’ll give you all the help we can too. I think that’s what being a team is all about.”

“I think you may just be right.”

Tyler outstretched his arm, and Craig placed his hand on top of his friend’s. They both looked expectantly at Jasmine.

“So what do you say?” Tyler asked her. “Partners?”

Jasmine smiled, feeling strangely positive about the future. Confidently, she joined hands with the others:

“Partners.”

bushwacka666

10-31-2008, 07:13 AM

As the latest monster takes the battle to the big leagues, it's time for Tyler and Craig to finally take some new machines for a spin! Meanwhile, an old friend requests Katrina's help with a suspicious problem.

Jacen

10-31-2008, 08:23 AM

Awesome story bush.

I think the whole drama of Jasmine worrying about the boys is probably one of the best stories I've read in a long time.

Ace chapter as always =D

GreyRanger

10-31-2008, 11:10 AM

Great chapter Bush. I like how Craig and Tyler feel they have to protect Jazz, whilst Jazz feels she has to protect them; the dilemma of being the Chosen One was used well here. I like how Tyler and Craig are just support rangers to begin with but now want to be partners, sorta like going through their own trial.
Of course, Coppertron stole the show with his video watching, and nice reerence to Mondo!

Keep it up Bush :023:

Bionic Red

11-01-2008, 08:52 PM

Nicely done. I'll have a chapter put in shortly, and I expect a review before the end of November!

Seriously, this is a scenario that I saw coming as soon as I heard the term 'Hyper Drive!' She seemed like the type of person to worry about her friends beyond thinking about their strengths and feelings first.

bushwacka666

11-02-2008, 03:20 AM

Glad to see the loooooong wait didn't disappoint. :D The subject matter in this chapter was an obvious direction to go in, but I think a necessary one. After all, Jasmine needed to learn that it's okay for even the Chosen One to get help. I think it's going to be a fine balance between making all the other Rangers feel useful, yet keeping Jazz at the centre of the whole thing.

Tiny Trivia: Tyler & Craig's new Zords were originally planned to make their debut in this chapter, but unfortunately I just ran out of room. :( It'll probably work out for the best though, as the next chapter is largely focused around Katrina helping out the afore-mentioned "old friend" - no action taking place during her story, and all I've got planned for the Rangers is "fighting a monster". So it's probably best using a debut of new Zords to help them maintain some of the spotlight.

Einsider

11-02-2008, 04:57 PM

sweet chapter as expected Bush! Coppertron made me laugh outloud and i actually made me friend jump!

"the quarry" stole the show for me! made me laugh, so power ranger! lol

bushwacka666

12-23-2008, 10:28 AM

It's a bloody Christmas Miracle, is what it is! The next chapter of PRZT has finally arrived - it's about feckin' time!!! :D

This ended up running a little longer than most chapters, but that's okay. We've got action, we've got humour, we've got mystery, we've got both new Zords and new vehicles, we've even got our next "old friend" cameo.

And it's fitting, too, that this should be the last new chapter of the year. As the end of this chapter will suggest, the fic is about to kick it up to the next level - 2009 is going to be one hell of a ride, folks! :023:

Anyways, I've cut it pretty close here, so maybe some of you may be reading this after all the seasonal festivities are over. In any case, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all my readers a happy holiday season. I sincerely hope you all have/had a very Merry Christmas (or indeed whatever celebration you may... erm... celebrate) and a Happy New Year!

Well enough yammering on - here's my present to you! :)

bushwacka666

12-23-2008, 10:29 AM

Yet another fine morning in Stone Canyon. Already the citizens began going about their business, eager to take advantage of the new day. In the park, a few people could be seen passing through, going their own way and thinking their own thoughts.

Tara was one of those people, enjoying a solitary stroll in the fresh open air. Again she leapt at the chance to get away from it all for a little while, to experience a rare opportunity for some peace. Of course, the last time she had tried this in the forest, Iron Claw had given her a nasty surprise visit, but hopefully this time would be different. She remained optimistic, looking forward to a hassle-free morning…

Her optimism was rudely shattered, however, as a dozen figures suddenly ambushed her from all sides.

Instinctively assuming a defensive stance, Tara cautiously eyed the Tin Men surrounding her, not a doubt in her mind regarding their intentions. She sighed to herself: first the time in the forest and now this! Was one day alone too much to ask for?

“This is getting ridiculous, Metal Heads” she snapped at them irritably. “What, am I really going to need to take a bodyguard with me every time I want to go for a walk?”

The Tin Men responded in the only way they knew how, advancing to attack. Tara was quick to retaliate, swiftly ducking under a swinging fist and then twisting to the side, putting her in the perfect position to send a solid side kick straight into the chest of one soldier. The glass covering smashed on impact, allowing the energy sphere powering the robot to fly out and away, the now lifeless metal shell collapsing in a heap. Two more soldiers promptly advanced towards Tara but she was ready, grabbing both by the arms and knocking them together. Dazed they fell to the ground, but their chests remained intact, letting Tara know that they wouldn’t remain incapacitated for long.

*

Inside the main chamber of the Compound, the head trio of the Metal Minds observed the action via the main viewing screen.

“The Tin Men managed to catch her off-guard” Coppertron noted.

“Yes, but she recovered remarkably quickly” replied Iron Claw. “This human is a skilled warrior.”

“Regardless of her talents, I cannot allow her existence to go unpunished” announced Steelador. “Her survival is an insult to me, to all the Metal Minds.”

“Um, if I may say so boss, I’m not quite sure I understand” said Coppertron. “We were only targeting the mother so that she’d be killed before the Chosen One could be born. But since the Chosen One now lives, shouldn’t we be focusing our attention on her instead?”

“Of course our main efforts remain on Ranger Zero, but still we should not underestimate the usefulness of looking elsewhere from time to time. Even though it is the Chosen One who now stands in our way, targeting the mother may still prove highly beneficial.”

“How?”

“You idiot” Iron Claw snapped at him. “Think about it: if the mother is in danger, it will draw the Chosen One out into the open, make her more vulnerable. And should the mother perish, just imagine the emotional blow that would be struck. Ranger Zero would be devastated, heartbroken, and so much easier for us to manipulate. It’s all about feelings of love and devotion – that is what makes humans so weak.”

“Oh yeah!” Coppertron exclaimed, now finally getting the point. “It seems so obvious now you say it.”

Steelador and Iron Claw just sighed.

*

The Tin Men kept coming. Tara was a good fighter but she was still just one person, taking on around ten soldiers at once. Two of them advanced towards her, one managing to land a hard kick. She stumbled back into another who promptly shoved her to the ground. Gazing up to see the Tin Men crowd over her, she refused to let them get the better of her that easily. In a surprise attack, she kicked out, leg-sweeping a few over and giving herself an opportunity to flip back to her feet. A swift roundhouse kick sent one Tin Man staggering back into three more, then she grabbed another and flipped it over her shoulder, simultaneously thrusting an elbow into its glass chest. She didn’t know if that move might earn her a cut or two, but she could worry about that later.

She continued to fend off her attackers, trading blows with a couple of soldiers and managing to smash open their chests to disable them. One charged in from the side but she was more than ready, pivoting round on one leg before using the other to send three rapid jabs straight to the emotionless metal face. The soldier collapsed instantly, obediently awaiting Tara’s foot to come crashing down onto its chest. She did not disappoint.

“When are you guys going to learn?” she asked. “You have to get up pretty early in the morning to… HEY!”

Momentarily interrupting her focus to taunt her fallen foe, Tara found herself caught by surprise by another Tin Man who suddenly grabbed her from behind. Already she was trying to struggle free, but the grip of this one soldier was surprisingly firm. Another approached her at the front, slamming a punch straight into her shoulder. She let out a sharp cry before biting her lip, trying to save face. Using the Tin Man holding her as support, she raised her legs to kick the second one away, hitting the chest but failing to deliver the necessary force to smash the glass.

“Let go of me, Rust Bucket!” she yelled, trying her best to break free but with no luck. Her now bruised and aching shoulder from the earlier punch did nothing to help matters either. The Tin Man continued to restrain her, securing her to the spot…

… until a sudden laser blast impacted against the side of the soldier’s head, forcing it away. Still struggling and unprepared for the sudden release, Tara fell forward and to the ground again. The Tin Man was now left open for a clear shot, another laser striking its chest and blasting it apart effortlessly. The other Tin Men looked over in confusion, only to have more lasers take two of them down.

Three Tin Men now remained, and they were already charging towards this new attacker. The figure in question was up to the challenge; a male who displayed some fine martial arts skills of his own. He performed a tornado kick that quickly defeated one of the soldiers, then began exchanging blows with the other two. A quick leg-sweep brought one to the floor, allowing the newcomer to slam the butt of his black blaster into its chest. The final soldier made one last desperate attempt at an attack, but the man swiftly brought up his blaster and aimed it behind him without even turning to see where he was aiming. One squeeze of the trigger, and a direct hit signalled the grunt’s final end.

Regaining her senses, Tara rolled over onto her back just in time to see her saviour step up to her, extending a arm down.

“Need a hand?” he asked.

Tara glanced up, managing to get a good look at the man’s face and recognising it almost immediately:

“Kyle!” she exclaimed, extremely surprised by this sudden turn of events, but keeping enough wits about her to grab his hand and be pulled back to her feet.

“Hey Tara,” Kyle Colt spoke with a smile, “it’s good to see you.”

“Yeah, you too” she replied, sharing a brief hug with her old friend. He was dressed in a pristine dark blue Silver Guardians uniform, although he obviously still refused to wear the cap.

“I guess I should thank you for the help” said Tara. “You’ve sure got great timing, showing up when you did.”

“Wish I could say I was just that good, but I’m afraid it was just sheer coincidence that I was driving past and happened to see you” Kyle admitted, placing his blaster back into its holster. “You’re welcome though, I’m glad I was here at the right time.”

“Speaking of which: why are you here? Something tells me you’re not just taking a scenic drive through town.”

Kyle shook his head: “Afraid not, this is official Silver Guardian business. And, as happy as I am to see you, it’s actually Katrina I’m looking for.”

“Well you’re in luck, she’s at home as we speak. Come on, I’ll take you there now.”

“We’ll take my car. Just point out where to go.”

*

Tara took Kyle back to the house, where Katrina was also pleasantly surprised by the visit from her old team-mate.

“It’s real good to see you Katrina,” Kyle told her, bending down slightly so he could give her a hug, “it’s been a long time.”

“Far too long!” Katrina agreed. “How’s life treating you these days?”

“Yeah pretty good, all in all. But I’m sorry Katrina, I wish I was here for a reunion but right now we don’t have time to catch up. The Guardians need your help.”

“What’s going on?”

Kyle sighed: “To be honest, we’re kinda hoping you’ll be able to tell us! Late yesterday afternoon we detected some unauthorised access on our secure computer network. It just suddenly came up out of nowhere and it’s still going on now.”

“Somebody’s hacking in?”

“Looks like it.”

“Don’t you have anything to protect against that kind of stuff?” asked Jasmine, who sat with the others in the living room. “Firewalls or whatever?”

Kyle nodded his head: “Of course. The best state-of-the-art stuff, way more advanced than anything you’ll come across on the public market. Technically it shouldn’t even be possible to hack into our network, but somehow someone’s managing to pull it off. From what the tech guys have been able to tell, there’s some program that’s infiltrated the system and is now having a good old rummage through.”

“For what?” Tara enquired.

“I’ve no idea, but given the amount of sensitive files on the Guardians’ network, it could be anything. But the real scary thing is that it’s running clean through the system, almost as if our firewalls weren’t even there – and we can’t seem to stop it.”

He turned to Katrina: “You’re pretty much the smartest person I know when it comes to all this technical stuff. I was very much hoping you might be able to lend us a hand.”

“You know I’d be only too happy to help, Kyle,” Katrina told him, “but what if the Metal Minds should launch an attack while I’m gone? Tara, you said yourself that you were attacked by Tin Men earlier, and we both know that a soldier attack is usually a sign of something bigger on the way.”

“Point taken, but I think we can manage without you for a few hours” said Tara. “I can keep an eye on things here, Jasmine’s always ready to go and she’s got Tyler and Craig to help her out. We’ll be fine.”

“Don’t worry Aunt K, we can handle things here” added Jasmine. “Whatever’s going on at the Silver Guardians sounds important. You should go.”

“Yeah fair enough” Katrina agreed. “Alright Kyle, looks like I’m all yours. When do you want to leave?”

“Right now if that’s okay. My orders are not to waste any time bringing you in – we really need to get to the bottom of this.”

“No problem. Give me ten minutes to gather some stuff and meet me out front.”

*

“Once again that human woman was suddenly rescued by another” snarled Steelador. “Who is this newest arrival?”

“I do not know sir,” replied Iron Claw, “I have never seen him before. He appeared from out of nowhere. He did, however, seem familiar with her, as if they knew each other.”

“Yes, but can we use that to our advantage?”

At that point Coppertron entered the room, a piece of paper gripped in his metallic hand.

“Found some information boss,” he reported, “just got off the Internet.”

“What have you discovered?” Iron Claw enquired. “Who is this man?”

“Unfortunately I’ve got nothing on him personally, but according to his uniform he belongs to a protection agency known as the Silver Guardians. They are situated in a nearby city, one the humans call Silver Hills.”

Coppertron passed the paper to Steelador, who examined the information printed on it.

“Interesting, very interesting indeed. Coppertron, ready a monster for deployment to Silver Hills. These Guardians shall pay for interfering with our affairs.”

*

The city of Silver Hills, home of the Silver Guardians’ headquarters. The patrol car pulled up to the security gate, the guard on duty inspecting the driver’s identification and stealing a quick glance at the passenger before allowing them through, the gate sliding open and granting the car safe passage to the underground car park. Once the vehicle halted, Kyle and Katrina made their way through the building. Eventually they came to a door which Kyle held open, inviting Katrina to wheel herself through.

“This is the main server room for our computers” Kyle informed her. He gestured to two other people in the room: “These are our chief computer experts, Dr Jensen and Mr Wilcox. They’ve been trying to figure out what’s going on since this all started. Gentlemen, Miss Katrina Dearing.”

“So this is the famous genius Officer Colt has told us so much about” said Dr Jensen, shaking Katrina’s hand. “A pleasure to finally meet you. I really hope you can help us out.”

“Well I’ll do my best” Katrina replied. “Let’s see what we’ve got here.”

*

Jasmine and Tara were on duty down in the Hyperlock when the sudden sounding of the alarm startled them both. Quickly Tara checked the details coming up on the screen in front of her.

“Where’s the fire?” Jasmine asked.

“I’m picking up Tin Men in… wow, in Silver Hills” replied Tara. “That’s where Katrina’s gone.”

“Why would the Metal Minds be attacking there? Do you think it’s related to the trouble the Silver Guardians are having?”

“Could be, or maybe they just targeting the Guardians as payback after Kyle helped me out earlier. Either way, you’d better get down there. If Tin Men are around, a monster’s usually not too far behind.”

“I’m on my way” announced Jasmine, standing up and heading for the door.

“Go on ahead,” her mother told her, “I’ll contact the boys and have them join you there.”

“Right.”

Jasmine made her way into the central chamber and through the door marked LOCKUP. She glanced briefly at the locked display cabinets, storing several weapons such as her Fatal Zero and the boys’ Hyper Weapons, and others she had not yet seen being used.

‘Probably new gear Aunt K’s working on for the future’ she thought to herself.

As she approached the far end of the Lockup area, numerous lights in the ceiling automatically flickered into life, illuminating three vehicles standing in a row. Standing on either side were the two Hyper Cycles, high-tech motorbikes that provided Tyler and Craig with their personal Ranger transportation. In the middle, however, was a different beast altogether: essentially a large transparent sphere sitting in the centre of a single streamlined wing unit.

“The Zero-G” Jasmine breathed excitedly. “I’ve been waiting to try out this bad boy!” She grabbed her Morpher: “Zero Point!”

In a flash of red light she morphed into her Ranger suit. The Fatal Zero magically disappeared from the storage cabinet and materialised onto her belt to form the buckle. Wasting no more time she boarded the vehicle, climbing onto the wing and walking over to the central sphere. Sitting down in the seat and strapping herself in, she took hold of the controls in front of her. The top half of the sphere slid closed, the take-off jets fired from underneath the wings to provide lift, and then the Zero-G flew forward, straight through the exit tunnel and off into action.

*

In Silver Hills, the large numbers of Tin Men rampaged their way through the streets, sending the unsuspecting citizens into a panic. Attacks of this nature hadn’t occurred in the city since the threat from Ransik was thwarted by the Time Force Rangers 26 years ago, so the sudden arrival of these new foot soldiers took everybody by surprise. Their blank expressionless faces stared at their targets with alarming attentiveness. Some wielded small axe-like weapons, adding effectiveness to the carnage they made as they continued on their way. Their target: the Silver Guardians Headquarters. In truth they did not know the exact location of the building, but that did not matter. They were robots, after all. They would never tire, they would never get bored. They would search for however long it took to find it.

Provided, of course, that they could survive that long. The fervent wail of sirens pierced the air, causing every Tin Man to halt in perfect synchronisation, their heads carefully scanning the immediate area for any sign of resistance.

Their caution was rewarded: three human vehicles, dark blue in colour, could be seen skidding round the corner into view, speeding down the street, flashing lights on their roofs announcing their supreme authority. The vans screeched to a halt, promptly followed by opening doors and a group of several uniformed figures taking positions around the Tin Men.

“Hold it right there!” one of the newcomers announced. “We are the Silver Guardians. You are an unauthorised presence in the city of Silver Hills and you are advised to stand down immediately.”

The Tin Men did not react in any way, continuing to just stare at these beings poorly constructed from those incredibly overrated materials, flesh and bone.

The Guardians’ spokesman did not seem to take the soldiers’ ignorance well.

“If you do not comply with our instructions, we will be forced to open fire.”

The Guardians all took that as their cue to withdraw black blaster weapons from their holsters, taking aim towards the metallic intruders.

This time the young officer received a response. Unfortunately it was not the one he had been hoping for: the Tin Man nearest to him suddenly made a move, charging in and hacking its axe straight into the human’s chest. He was dead before he hit the ground.

“Open fire! Open fire!” another Guardian yelled in anger. The order was followed, the Guardians squeezing their sidearms’ triggers. Multiple streams of laser fire instantly ignited the spaces between Silver Guardians and Tin Men, the embittered law enforcers determined to avenge their commander’s murder. The Tin Men, however, had somewhat of an advantage. These humans were not familiar with their weak spot – it would take more than mere laser weapons to defeat them permanently, and their opponents didn’t know it. They, on the other hand, had weapons which had already proven themselves far more effective…

*

Meanwhile, inside the Silver Guardians headquarters, Katrina continued to tap away at the computer in front of her, examining various technical details that scrolled across the screen. A few of her personal devices rested around her on the desk, hooked up to the computer and working their complicated magic. Dr Jensen and Mr Wilcox performed similar tasks on other terminals, all trying to determine the origin or purpose of the unauthorised access on the Guardians' computer network. The door opened as Kyle stepped back inside.

“Everything alright, Officer Colt?” Mr Wilcox asked him. “That was the emergency alarm that went off, right?”

“Yes” Kyle confirmed. “Seems like those metal soldier creeps from Stone Canyon have found their way to Sliver Hills.”

Katrina looked up from her computer in a mixture of surprise and concern: “Tin Men? Here?”

“Yeah. I wouldn’t worry too much though. The Guardians are intercepting as we speak, and I also called Tara who tells me Jasmine’s on her way. We’ve been told not to concern ourselves with what’s going on outside, but just concentrate on the problem at hand. Speaking of which; any progress?”

“Well we’ve determined the following” began Dr Jensen. “The program is somehow bypassing all our security protocols, and rendering all our usual prevention methods useless. It doesn’t seem to be causing any damage to our network, but it’s flowing pretty freely through it, almost as though it were a part of the system to begin with.”

“But how? What’s it trying to do, and why? Who’s behind this? Where’s this attack coming from?”

“Unfortunately that’s proving far more difficult to determine” sighed Mr Wilcox. “We’ve been running several trace programs – every method in the book and also many that aren’t! None of them are narrowing it down. Every time we think we lock in a point of origin, it suddenly bounces to somewhere in an entirely different country! Whoever or whatever is behind this, they know what they’re doing.”

“Well that’s just peachy…” Kyle muttered sarcastically. He stepped up beside Katrina: “You got anything useful at all?”

“Hang on a sec…” Katrina replied, apparently in the middle of something. She tapped away rapidly at the keyboard, pausing briefly to reach over to a box-like device she had brought along and flicking a few switches on it. She then returned to the keyboard again, pressing a few more keys and observing the results on the screen.

“Well what do you know?” she exclaimed. “It’s a duplicator.”

“Say what?” prompted Kyle, none the wiser.

“You mean it’s copying everything?” asked Mr Wilcox.

“Exactly” Katrina confirmed. “Kyle, this thing is doing more than searching through your system, it’s making a copy of everything on it. Every file, every report, every image… every single thing on your network is being copied.”

“You’re kidding me!” he cried, taking a look at the screen for himself. “To what end?”

“Well you said it was like the program was searching for something. With the amount of files you have, that would take quite a long time, and all hacking programs have a weakness somewhere – given enough time and effort it probably could be traced eventually. So here’s one way around it: they copy all your files to their computers, vanish before you can find them, and then they’re free to search through everything until they find whatever it is they’re looking for. I’ve no idea exactly what they’d be looking for, but they’d have it.”

“Yeah, along with every other piece of sensitive information the Guardians have” Mr Wilcox chimed in.

“My God!” breathed Kyle. “Everything we have, everything we know, dished out on a silver platter to God knows who and for who knows what. Every letter of every word that’s ever been typed here, every full stop… hell, every spelling mistake! They’ll see it all – Wes and Eric would go positively nuts! Katrina, you’ve got to stop this thing!”

“Pass me my bag” she said. “It’s over on the table behind you.”

Kyle grabbed the bag and hauled it over, holding it open for Katrina. She reached in and took out a small keypad device, with wires that led to a disk-shaped object. She inserted the disk into the slot on the computer, the screen on the keypad immediately flashing into life.

“What’s that thing?” enquired Dr Jensen.

Katrina flashed a smile: “I call this baby the Dearing 5000. If anything can stop this hacker, it’s this. Prepare to be impressed, boys!”

*

Back on the streets, the Silver Guardians were having a tough time against the Tin Men. Their weak chests still intact, the many foot soldiers remained in full force to wreak their havoc. The Guardians, on the other hand, were now down four members, having met a grizzly fate at the end of the soldiers’ axe blades.

One Tin Man closed in on a frightened Guardian, who raised his blaster in defence. The soldier simply snatched the weapon from the officer’s hand and casually tossed it aside. It raised its axe, and prepared to strike…

A sudden roar of engines provided the timely distraction. The Tin Man gazed up to the sky just in time to see the Zero-G glide overhead. A lone figure in red descended from the aircraft, touching down in between the Tin Man and the Guardian.

“I decided to drop in,” announced Jasmine, “hope you don’t mind.”

With that, she delivered a single solid kick to the soldier’s glass chest, smashing it open and releasing the energy sphere that powered the robotic shell. Defeated, the Tin Man fell to the ground.

Jasmine turned to face the Guardian: “Are you alright?”

“Y…yeah,” he stammered back, “thanks.”

“Tell the other officers that they have to smash the chests. That’s the weak spot.”

The Guardian dashed off to spread the word, and Ranger Zero promptly joined the battle herself, thrusting a punch into one Tin Man’s chest before elbowing a second, then spinning round to kick away a third. Another Tin Man grabbed her from behind and she struggled to free herself. Thankfully a nearby Guardian noticed her predicament; he fired his blaster at the soldier’s head, distracting it long enough to allow Jasmine to break loose and take it out with a swift side kick.

“Thanks pal” she expressed her gratitude. The officer saluted in acknowledgement before returning his attention to the other soldiers. Jasmine started to re-enter the battle also, when the noise of a sudden explosion cut her off. She turned round…

A giant metallic monster, some kind of shark, rampaged among the tower blocks.

“Oh great, that’s all we need” she sighed. She activated her in-helmet communicator: “Ranger Zero to Hyperlock. Mom, can you hear me?”

“I read you honey” came Tara’s reply through her earpiece. “I see the monster.”

“It’s got to be stopped, but I can’t leave the Guardians. They need my help down here.”

“Don’t worry Jazz, you just take care of the Tin Men. The Hyper Rangers can deal with the monster, they shouldn’t be too far away.”

“Alright, tell ‘em good luck from me.”

*

Sure enough, the Blue and Yellow Rangers sped past the Welcome to Silver Hills sign at that exact moment. They both skidded their Hyper Cycles to a halt as they witnessed the huge shark monster in the distance.

“Okay, that’s a hell of a big fish!” said Tyler, he and his team-mate both dismounting from their bikes.

“A shark isn’t a fish” Craig informed him.

“Not the time, C… Yo Mrs B, we’re here and we see the fish.”

“It’s not a fish” Tara answered through Tyler’s Hyper Morpher. “But anyway, your Zords are standing by. Hopefully Jasmine can join you shortly but in the meantime it’s up to you two. Good luck boys.”

Tyler and Craig looked at each other, both giving the other a nod of encouragement, then raised their Morphers to their helmet-encased lips:

“Hyper Zords, power up!”

Back in Stone Canyon, the Zord launching cannon extended from inside its concealed mountainside hanger. The cannon fired twice, sending two coloured energy bolts towards the intended destination. In record time they were flying over Silver Hills, promptly solidifying into two mighty machines. One remained airborne, the other descended to the ground. Already the boys made their move, taking a running leap and beaming into their respective cockpits.

“Oh dude, this is awesome!” Tyler cheered excitedly, taking a moment to fully appreciate the sight of the various buttons and flashing lights around him. He took the controls in hand, the Zord instantly responding to his touch: a sleek and shiny blue fighter jet, sporting two angled wings with a missile battery fixed to the end of each.

“I hear that man!” replied Craig. “This is the second coolest thing I’ve ever seen!”

“Second coolest? What’s the coolest?”

“Jasmine, of course!” chuckled the Yellow Ranger. He grabbed his own controls, now directly driving the low rectangular tank-like machine, a pair of heavy-duty treads rolling effortlessly across the gravely surface.

Both machines headed straight for their target, who had already noticed their arrival. The metal shark began to advance towards them.

“Whoa, incoming fish!” cried Tyler.

“For the last time, it’s not a fish!”

“Okay, okay. Then let’s call it chum, ‘cause that’s all that’ll be left when we’re finished with it! Hyper Cruiser, online!”

Tyler shifted his throttle, the Zord responding by increasing its speed. With a clear shot it opened fire, a flurry of missiles firing out from their wing-mounted launchers. The monster roared out in pain as every rocket struck home, multiple explosions rippling across his shiny surface. He staggered back but managed to steady himself just as the Hyper Cruiser approached. Angrily he swiped a razor-sharp fin through the air, a surprised Tyler forced to quickly roll sideways in order to avoid it.

“Whoa, that was close” he breathed.

“Don’t sweat it Tyler, I’ve got you covered” came Craig’s assurance. “Hyper Tank, all systems go!”

Pressing a nearby button, he readied his Zord’s weapons systems. Two long rectangular boxes raised up from the roof, each supported on a mechanical arm. Taking aim, Craig fired the beam cannons, twin blasts of yellow energy boring their way through the monster’s defences. With a agonised cry the shark toppled to the ground, landing with a deafening crash.

“Oh yeah!” whooped Tyler. “Nice shot dude!”

“Thanks man,” Craig replied, “now let’s fillet this freak!”

The pair manoeuvred their Zords into position for another run, just as the monster managed to return to his feet. With a determined grin that displayed two rows of jagged steel teeth, the shark aimed both fins forward, firing two electrical beams at his attackers. The Hyper Rangers were forced to take evasive action. Both managed to avoid a direct hit although Craig still felt the force as the blasts impacted the ground around the Hyper Tank.

“Hey, didn’t anybody tell him that water and electricity don’t mix?” cried Tyler.

“Finally he gets something right!” muttered Craig. “Come on, we’ve got to hang in there.”

*

“Oh don’t you even think about it!”

Frustrated, Katrina continued to tap away frantically at the keyboard with one hand and her “Dearing 5000” with the other. Countless lines of technical script filled the screen, scrolling off the top only to allow room for more coming up underneath. Kyle, Dr Jensen and Mr Wilcox were all gathered around her, watching her work. The two technicians definitely looked impressed with Katrina’s apparent skill, although Kyle had to confess that he couldn’t make any sense whatsoever of what she was doing. All that jargon on the screen was giving him a headache!

“Does someone want to explain to me exactly what’s going on here?” he asked. “And in a language I can understand?”

“Looks like she’s got a lead on the program’s origin” Dr Jensen informed him. “There’s a chance she can trace where it’s coming from.”

“But I think the program’s almost finished copying the entire contents of the network” added Mr Wilcox. “There’s not much time left.”

“Fellas, less talk, more shush please!” Katrina hurriedly snapped, her eyes not diverting from the screen. The men sheepishly complied, allowing her to work.

“Oh man, this thing’s annoying!” she growled to herself. “It’s like it knows I’m trying to trace it. Somehow it’s managing to stay one step ahead of everything I do. That shouldn’t be possible. This irritating little son of a… oh no NO NO!”

“What is it?” Kyle prompted.

“It’s going to kick me out of my own trace program. I’m trying to avoid it but it’s too well constructed. It’s gonna boot me right back to Square One. How the hell can it do… DAMN IT!”

The glow from the Dearing 5000 faded, and all the writing disappeared from the computer screen, leaving it blank.

“Oh no” exclaimed Dr Jensen.

“Game over” Mr Wilcox sighed in defeat.

Kyle glanced at his old friend: “Tell me it hasn’t…”

“I’m afraid it has” replied Katrina. “The copying procedure has been completed, and that program’s out of there.”

At that moment, a large white box flashed up on the monitor. Katrina found herself reading out loud the message written on it in black text…

We thank your systems for their cooperation.

- NIN

A few moments later, and the message disappeared again.

“NIN? What’s that?” asked Mr Wilcox.

“Nine Inch Nails?” offered Dr Jensen.

Kyle couldn’t help but roll his eyes: “It’s just a guess, but something tells me we can’t point the finger at a rock band formed in the late 1980’s for this one! But what does it mean?”

“I’ve no idea,” Katrina had to admit, “but whatever NIN is, it now has everything on the Silver Guardians computer network.”

*

“Oh my!” yelped Tyler, shoving his steering lever as hard as he could to one side. The Hyper Cruiser veered away just in the nick of time before the shark monster’s jaws could snap shut on top of it.

“I swear on everything that is holy and true, I’m never watching Jaws again!” he gasped, even going as far as wiping an imaginary bead of sweat from his helmet’s brow.

“Agreed,” Craig chimed in, “we’ll stick to Flipper from now on.”

The monster fired another barrage of electrical blasts at the two Zords. This time he managed to land a direct hit on the Hyper Tank, causing Craig to cry out in surprise as his machine skidded back into the side of a building. The Hyper Cruiser managed to steer clear, although the sudden change in direction coupled with the fast speed resulted in Tyler losing his bearings, fighting to bring the Zord back under control.

“Well it all started well,” he muttered, “but I think it’s kind of gone downhill from here.”

“No need to fear” Craig announced, staring out from his windshield. “Hey Shark Boy, look behind you.”

“Yeah right,” chortled the monster, the first time it had said anything, “like I’m going to fall for that old trick.”

However, behind the monster, a large red metal hand extended a finger and gently tapped on his shoulder. Confusingly, he turned round…

Crudely greeted with a mighty punch to the snout from the Zero Striker, the monster staggered backwards wildly.

“Can’t say I didn’t warn you” laughed Craig.

“Great timing Jazz” exclaimed a thankful Tyler, his Hyper Cruiser now flying steady once more.

“I aim to please” replied Jasmine, sitting at the controls to her own Zord. “The Tin Men are all gone. Want me to finish this overgrown haddock?”

“Be my guest.”

“Zero Blast!” she declared, executing the finishing attack. The Zero Striker responded, using its fist to draw the energy circle, which promptly filled with powerful swirling energy. The Zord punched into the centre, unleashing the beam and blasting the monster mercilessly. One last cry of defeat, and the shark was destroyed amid a fiery explosion.

“Jasmine and Hyper Rangers… One, Fish Boy… Zero’ed!” cheered Jasmine.

“It wasn’t a fish” Tyler quickly interrupted.

“Hey,” cried Craig, jumping to his flame’s defence, “don’t correct her!”

Tyler sighed to himself, shaking his head: “I just can’t win…”

*

Evening was starting to settle in over Silver Hills, light just beginning to fade from the sky. The Rangers had returned home, the Silver Guardians had helped with the remaining clear-up job, and now all that remained was for Kyle to drive Katrina back to Stone Canyon.

The young woman in question sat silently in the passenger seat of the car. Kyle put Katrina’s bag into the large trunk beside her wheelchair, then made his way over to the driver’s seat. He closed the door, fastened his seatbelt and slid the key into the ignition, but before he could turn it, Katrina spoke:

“I’m really sorry Kyle. I’m sorry I couldn’t stop that thing.”

“You don’t need to apologise” he assured her gently. “I know you tried your absolute best, and the reports from Jensen, Wilcox and myself will all say so. We really do appreciate everything you’ve done today.”

“What are the Guardians going to do now?”

“Well, there’ll be a massive security overhaul. Every access code will have to be changed, every password re-encrypted. They’ll also have to screen all personnel again and make sure none of them could be responsible… they won’t take any chances.”

Katrina shook her head in disbelief: “I still can’t get over that program. It was running so fast, so clean. It was incredibly sophisticated and nothing I could do had a hope in hell of stopping it. I just… I’ve never seen anything like it!

“Please, don’t get worked up over it. What’s done is done, there’s nothing we can do to change it now. What really concerns me is not how that program did what it did, but who or what put it there.”

“NIN…” she whispered, remembering the letters from the message. “What the hell does that mean?”

The former Supernova Ranger sighed: he didn’t have an answer.

“Obviously the Guardians will begin an investigation,” he said, “but after that copy program avoided every attempt we tried to track it, something tells me they’re not gonna find much. But I’m not going to lie about it Katrina; this worries the hell out of me. All our files, all our secrets… they’re out there now. If that information gets into the wrong hands, then God help us for what could happen next!”

“Well you know I’m only a short drive away if you need some help” Katrina promised her old friend and team-mate. “Although personally, I hope that next time we meet up, it’ll be under happier circumstances.”

“Yeah,” replied Kyle, flashing a bright smile, “me too.”

He turned the key, the engine roaring into life, and the car set off.

And from a distance, the eyes of the mysterious stranger watched on, just as they had done throughout this entire affair.

“The Metal Minds will be angrier than ever after this latest defeat” he told himself. “Now is the perfect time to take advantage of that. It is finally time for me to act…”