Devious One
07-07-2003, 02:24 PM
Wow, it's been like a while since I posted Chapter 9 and now, here's 10. It's been a hectic couple weeks getting Chapter 10 ready, and in the end, I decided to take a scene that I originally wanted in this chapter and I moved it into the next chapter and for those that are wondering, it's a scene between Zedd and Katherine. It's going to be a very important scene and you'll know why after reading it, but regardless, it'll be in chapter 11.
As always, I want to thank everybody for their support and kind words on this novel. You know, after reading Rob's FR Novel, it is kind of daunting following after his work in the "Episode Novelization". I just hope that so far I've done a good job with Countdown because every bit of my free time is going into this Novel and I'm wanting to make the very best that I can.
Keep the posts coming, as well as emails, because I encourage both, regardless of good comments or bad. If you have criticisms, go ahead and give me them because I'm always trying to improve my writing, because I am a Creative Writing major and all. My email addy will be posted at the bottom of these comments and before the actual chapter starts.
One final note: I am planning to post this Novel on more than just my website when it's completely finished. I already have three websites I'm looking at posting this at, so email me if you want to know where it'll be.
And I am still looking for someone who will be willing to design a C2D cover for me. I'm no good at that kind of thing, so I'm asking anyone out there who can help, please help.
Enough of my babbling, here's Chapter 10!
Email: letsrocket_1998@yahoo.com
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
They were now gathered in the main area of the Skull Cavern. Phantom Ranger stood, leaning against the back wall, his eyes on the figures in the rock made area he was in. Master Vile had brought him here from the area he'd been in and then, the others had filed in and the explanations had begun.
And what explanations they were. Phantom Ranger had just been rocked with what Master Vile had told him. So much so that he started shaking his head and placing his hands on his hips. "You've got to be kidding." he said, incredulously.
Master Vile stared back at him. "I kid you not, Phantom Ranger. What you have been told is the truth."
Phantom Ranger studied the assembled group of villains that stood in Master Vile's main throne area aboard his ship. They were faces that, before now, Phantom Ranger would never have affiliated himself with as allies. Now, it seemed, things were different. Very different.
First, there was Master Vile himself. For the longest time, when you thought of the most despised ruler in the universe, his name was up there near the top. Master Vile's capacity for cruelty and slavery was known in the furthest reaches of the universe. Next to Master Vile was his son, Rito Revolto. Although his reputation was mainly as a follower, Rito's ability with a sword was what made him a dangerous foe. While his skills as a warrior was not at the same level as Goldar, Rito was still as lethal an enemy as any.
Near Rito were two individuals that Phantom Ranger had come across many times, always against each other, but he knew they were tough as nails when it came to combat. And they weren't even human or living. They were machines, one of which was technically a member of the ruthless and infamous Machine Empire.
Prince Gasket and Princess Archerina were despised for their treachery and conniving ways. And despite all of their treacherous ways, they were also two machines you always wanted on your side during a major war. These were the only ones currently in the room with Phantom Ranger, but he simply couldn't believe his ears.
"But," Phantom Ranger argued, "your members of his army."
Master Vile laughed heartily. "Phantom Ranger, you need to understand something. Not everyone within the United Alliance of Evil are satisfied with Dark Spectre's leadership."
"You mean..." Phantom Ranger started.
"We are only a few of those who have problems with Dark Spectre." Gasket answered. "One of the big problems myself and Archerina have is the fact that he's already made it perfectly clear that Astronema is to be his heir. A human! As ruler of the UAE....I never thought this day would come."
"You seem surprised that there are traitors within his realm?" Master Vile mentioned.
"I am, though, I suppose I shouldn't be." Phantom Ranger said.
"Well, you superheroes are a lot alike." Archerina sniped.
"Indeed." Master Vile agreed.
"What is it exactly that you all are hoping to accomplish?" Phantom Ranger asked, ignoring the snide remarks the villains were making.
Master Vile stared at him, a look of disbelief coloring his features, though Phantom Ranger couldn't tell. "To remove Dark Spectre as ruler, of course. We've been in secretive meetings with each other for many months now and Gasket and myself were prepared to make our big move when Dark Spectre launched this massive invasion of the universe."
"Dark Spectre's power far surpasses all of you. How were you hoping to combat against him?" Phantom Ranger asked.
"Well, you know that old saying...." Rito started to say. "the bigger they are.....uh.......wait, I know the rest of this......the bigger they are......the bigger they are.....something about falling...."
"Let me save you some time, son." Master Vile remarked. "The bigger they are, the harder they fall."
"That's it!" Rito said.
"Regardless of his size, we would have found a way." Rito's father stated. "But we had to put our plans on hold when this invasion started. Then, of course, something completely unexpected had to happen."
"What?"
Master Vile laughed, the tone and timber of the laugh sounding surprised. "My son in law did. For the first time in.....well, since I've known him, old Zedd is finally showing starting to come back."
"I thought you hated Ed." Rito said.
"I do, but I've always held some respect for who Zedd used to be back in the day. I love my daughter to death, but Rita ruined him! Softened him up completely." Master Vile said emphatically. "I'm glad to see Zedd is starting to make his move now."
"What is Zedd planning?" Phantom Ranger asked.
"For now," Gasket said, "he is merely planning revenge against one of those Rangers of Earth that used to cause him trouble. But in time, who knows."
"None of that is of importance to us now." Master Vile said. "What is important is the plan we currently have going."
"Which is what?" Phantom Ranger prepared himself.
Master Vile turned to him. "Dark Spectre has all of his other loyal monarchs attacking the universe. We are going to do what we can to stop them. Not because it's the right thing to do, but merely because we don't want to see Dark Spectre complete his ultimate goal. And if you'll join us...we could use your help."
Phantom Ranger stared back at him, convinced he was hearing things. They wanted HIS help. He shook his head, thinking their offer over.
*****
The night had fallen over the city. Frightened citizens that now had no homes to go to were huddled around bonfires all across the city. Where there was wrecked buildings or bridges, there were bonfires lit nearby, the helpless citizens huddled around them in remarkable numbers.
The Space Rangers, minus Zhane, were huddled around the same fire as before, with Rocky, Kimberly, and Penny sitting with them. They were speaking with each other, the sounds of Velocifighters soaring above them evident.
All five Rangers were sitting on the ground, their backs leaning against scattered pieces of debris that was once part of a bridge or a house or a building. It had been silent for so long since Rocky and Kimberly had tried to talk some sense into the Rangers for feeling hopeless in the middle of this tramautic event. And while most of the Rangers were just looking into the flames or keeping an eye out in case any Piranatrons or Quantrons were to appear, Andros was staring into the flames, lost in thought.
One of the biggest thoughts that passed through his mind constantly was that of shame. He felt incredibly ashamed of himself for his feelings of hopelessness. He was the leader of Earth's only defense, the Power Rangers! He wasn't supposed to have the desire to just sit around and feel sorry for himself. It wasn't helping his team and it certainly wasn't helping the millions of lives, not only on Earth, but all across the universe either.
Andros kept his mind thinking on possible ways to fight back against Astronema's forces. He wouldn't allow himself to feel hopeless again. He knew the others looked to him for the strength to keep fighting and he had to be strong. That was the one thing he knew beyond a shadow of a doubt about. And he also wouldn't allow himself to think about what Darkonda told him. He didn't have the time for such thoughts.
Andros looked at his friends and the three individuals he only knew by association. "We have to find a way to stop them."
"We do," Rocky answered, "but your forgetting that.....with as many forces as we're all up against, it's going to be hard to overcome them."
"We have to strike at the top. Destroy Dark Spectre." T.J. said after a moment's silence. "If we destroy him and take down Astronema, the rest of their forces will fall away. It's just like a snake..."
"That's right..." Carlos agreed, standing, "....cut off the head and the body dies."
"You guys are forgetting something." Andros said, crossing his arms.
"What?" Cassie asked, silently agreeing with T.J. and Carlos.
"Astronema's still my sister, regardless of what Dark Spectre and Ecliptor's done to her." he said, simply.
As always, I want to thank everybody for their support and kind words on this novel. You know, after reading Rob's FR Novel, it is kind of daunting following after his work in the "Episode Novelization". I just hope that so far I've done a good job with Countdown because every bit of my free time is going into this Novel and I'm wanting to make the very best that I can.
Keep the posts coming, as well as emails, because I encourage both, regardless of good comments or bad. If you have criticisms, go ahead and give me them because I'm always trying to improve my writing, because I am a Creative Writing major and all. My email addy will be posted at the bottom of these comments and before the actual chapter starts.
One final note: I am planning to post this Novel on more than just my website when it's completely finished. I already have three websites I'm looking at posting this at, so email me if you want to know where it'll be.
And I am still looking for someone who will be willing to design a C2D cover for me. I'm no good at that kind of thing, so I'm asking anyone out there who can help, please help.
Enough of my babbling, here's Chapter 10!
Email: letsrocket_1998@yahoo.com
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
They were now gathered in the main area of the Skull Cavern. Phantom Ranger stood, leaning against the back wall, his eyes on the figures in the rock made area he was in. Master Vile had brought him here from the area he'd been in and then, the others had filed in and the explanations had begun.
And what explanations they were. Phantom Ranger had just been rocked with what Master Vile had told him. So much so that he started shaking his head and placing his hands on his hips. "You've got to be kidding." he said, incredulously.
Master Vile stared back at him. "I kid you not, Phantom Ranger. What you have been told is the truth."
Phantom Ranger studied the assembled group of villains that stood in Master Vile's main throne area aboard his ship. They were faces that, before now, Phantom Ranger would never have affiliated himself with as allies. Now, it seemed, things were different. Very different.
First, there was Master Vile himself. For the longest time, when you thought of the most despised ruler in the universe, his name was up there near the top. Master Vile's capacity for cruelty and slavery was known in the furthest reaches of the universe. Next to Master Vile was his son, Rito Revolto. Although his reputation was mainly as a follower, Rito's ability with a sword was what made him a dangerous foe. While his skills as a warrior was not at the same level as Goldar, Rito was still as lethal an enemy as any.
Near Rito were two individuals that Phantom Ranger had come across many times, always against each other, but he knew they were tough as nails when it came to combat. And they weren't even human or living. They were machines, one of which was technically a member of the ruthless and infamous Machine Empire.
Prince Gasket and Princess Archerina were despised for their treachery and conniving ways. And despite all of their treacherous ways, they were also two machines you always wanted on your side during a major war. These were the only ones currently in the room with Phantom Ranger, but he simply couldn't believe his ears.
"But," Phantom Ranger argued, "your members of his army."
Master Vile laughed heartily. "Phantom Ranger, you need to understand something. Not everyone within the United Alliance of Evil are satisfied with Dark Spectre's leadership."
"You mean..." Phantom Ranger started.
"We are only a few of those who have problems with Dark Spectre." Gasket answered. "One of the big problems myself and Archerina have is the fact that he's already made it perfectly clear that Astronema is to be his heir. A human! As ruler of the UAE....I never thought this day would come."
"You seem surprised that there are traitors within his realm?" Master Vile mentioned.
"I am, though, I suppose I shouldn't be." Phantom Ranger said.
"Well, you superheroes are a lot alike." Archerina sniped.
"Indeed." Master Vile agreed.
"What is it exactly that you all are hoping to accomplish?" Phantom Ranger asked, ignoring the snide remarks the villains were making.
Master Vile stared at him, a look of disbelief coloring his features, though Phantom Ranger couldn't tell. "To remove Dark Spectre as ruler, of course. We've been in secretive meetings with each other for many months now and Gasket and myself were prepared to make our big move when Dark Spectre launched this massive invasion of the universe."
"Dark Spectre's power far surpasses all of you. How were you hoping to combat against him?" Phantom Ranger asked.
"Well, you know that old saying...." Rito started to say. "the bigger they are.....uh.......wait, I know the rest of this......the bigger they are......the bigger they are.....something about falling...."
"Let me save you some time, son." Master Vile remarked. "The bigger they are, the harder they fall."
"That's it!" Rito said.
"Regardless of his size, we would have found a way." Rito's father stated. "But we had to put our plans on hold when this invasion started. Then, of course, something completely unexpected had to happen."
"What?"
Master Vile laughed, the tone and timber of the laugh sounding surprised. "My son in law did. For the first time in.....well, since I've known him, old Zedd is finally showing starting to come back."
"I thought you hated Ed." Rito said.
"I do, but I've always held some respect for who Zedd used to be back in the day. I love my daughter to death, but Rita ruined him! Softened him up completely." Master Vile said emphatically. "I'm glad to see Zedd is starting to make his move now."
"What is Zedd planning?" Phantom Ranger asked.
"For now," Gasket said, "he is merely planning revenge against one of those Rangers of Earth that used to cause him trouble. But in time, who knows."
"None of that is of importance to us now." Master Vile said. "What is important is the plan we currently have going."
"Which is what?" Phantom Ranger prepared himself.
Master Vile turned to him. "Dark Spectre has all of his other loyal monarchs attacking the universe. We are going to do what we can to stop them. Not because it's the right thing to do, but merely because we don't want to see Dark Spectre complete his ultimate goal. And if you'll join us...we could use your help."
Phantom Ranger stared back at him, convinced he was hearing things. They wanted HIS help. He shook his head, thinking their offer over.
*****
The night had fallen over the city. Frightened citizens that now had no homes to go to were huddled around bonfires all across the city. Where there was wrecked buildings or bridges, there were bonfires lit nearby, the helpless citizens huddled around them in remarkable numbers.
The Space Rangers, minus Zhane, were huddled around the same fire as before, with Rocky, Kimberly, and Penny sitting with them. They were speaking with each other, the sounds of Velocifighters soaring above them evident.
All five Rangers were sitting on the ground, their backs leaning against scattered pieces of debris that was once part of a bridge or a house or a building. It had been silent for so long since Rocky and Kimberly had tried to talk some sense into the Rangers for feeling hopeless in the middle of this tramautic event. And while most of the Rangers were just looking into the flames or keeping an eye out in case any Piranatrons or Quantrons were to appear, Andros was staring into the flames, lost in thought.
One of the biggest thoughts that passed through his mind constantly was that of shame. He felt incredibly ashamed of himself for his feelings of hopelessness. He was the leader of Earth's only defense, the Power Rangers! He wasn't supposed to have the desire to just sit around and feel sorry for himself. It wasn't helping his team and it certainly wasn't helping the millions of lives, not only on Earth, but all across the universe either.
Andros kept his mind thinking on possible ways to fight back against Astronema's forces. He wouldn't allow himself to feel hopeless again. He knew the others looked to him for the strength to keep fighting and he had to be strong. That was the one thing he knew beyond a shadow of a doubt about. And he also wouldn't allow himself to think about what Darkonda told him. He didn't have the time for such thoughts.
Andros looked at his friends and the three individuals he only knew by association. "We have to find a way to stop them."
"We do," Rocky answered, "but your forgetting that.....with as many forces as we're all up against, it's going to be hard to overcome them."
"We have to strike at the top. Destroy Dark Spectre." T.J. said after a moment's silence. "If we destroy him and take down Astronema, the rest of their forces will fall away. It's just like a snake..."
"That's right..." Carlos agreed, standing, "....cut off the head and the body dies."
"You guys are forgetting something." Andros said, crossing his arms.
"What?" Cassie asked, silently agreeing with T.J. and Carlos.
"Astronema's still my sister, regardless of what Dark Spectre and Ecliptor's done to her." he said, simply.