Ultimate Power Rangers: Reloaded

[Ryuranger]

author's note: I'm rewriting seasons one and two, adding a few chapters, and adding screen shots to each chapter on my Web site. I'll still finish the Psycho saga. This will not change continuity or any plot points.

---Ultimate Power Rangers: Reloaded
---Season One
---Battle Task Force Power Rangers
---Chapter One: The Legacy Begins

Angel Grove, California

15-year-old Jason Scott walked through the shoulder packed crowd in Angel’s Square with his jaws clenched and his hands rolled into fists.

The rush and commotion of the neo-light filled techno-maze put New York’s Time Square to shame.

Jason walked along one of the sidewalks, past the homeless ‘merchants’ looking to make a few bucks selling stolen Rolex’s, and looked at the street ahead of him as it split off into a ‘Y.’ In between the two prongs of the ‘Y’ stood a massive building that had a large television projector screen that was showing the news.

An update on the alleged terrorist attacks in Central Angel Grove that occurred a week ago was being broadcast.

Jason shook his head. He knew for a fact it wasn’t terrorists…it was Bandora.

What is that witch waiting for? Jason thought to himself as he eyed each person that passed him with suspicion. Man…I wish I knew what I was getting myself into…wish this would just get over with.

Then, the daily rush hour suddenly stopped as the crowed glanced up into the skies and the cars screeched to a halt.

The clouds above them had turned and twisted into neon purple pools of energy. Lightning crackled from those pools and crushed the ground below it as the people on the streets ran in panic and screamed as they struggled to escape the fiery debris falling towards them.

Jason stood tall and still as he looked up at the sky and people ran around him in a desperate attempt to try to escape the streets.

The streets eventually cleared and the young teen found himself alone.

Jason looked around the empty streets, his impatience was growing. “Come out!” he shouted.

One of the large displays on a building behind him began flashing. A spiky-armored figure emerged from it and jumped down towards Jason while bringing his chained blade down towards the teen’s back.

Jason flipped out of the way as the blade struck the ground behind him. He turned around and assumed a fighting stance. “So…you finally decided to show up.”

The villain held his chained blade at the ready. “Fool…do you really think you are a match for Bandora’s power?”

“You’re about to find out!” Jason charged at the villain and reverse flying side kicked him in his chest armor.

The villain stumbled backwards and then backfisted Jason across the face, sending him skidding across the ground.

Close by, an 9-year old blonde-haired boy named Simon ran to the scene. He stopped and stood with his eyes wide open as he saw what was happening. “Whoa!”

“Simon!” an unseen girl called for him.

“Over here!” he shouted.

His older sister, Maya, ran over to him. Maya and Simon lived with foster parents in Angel Grove North. Simon had seen many brothers and sisters come and go, but Maya was a constant in his life. He often considered her his only family.

Maya stopped in her tracks as she saw Jason standing up to the giant monster.

“Is that…?” she said quietly as she brushed her long dark hair from her face. She recognized the type of monster and the young teen’s fighting stance.

Her grandfather had often spoke of such monsters and warriors, but she had always thought him crazy. She was apparently wrong.

The monster swung his weapon onto the ground and shouted “Ground Cracker!” as an energy wave erupted that began to tear up the streets. Jason jumped out of the way, causing the wave to move towards Simon and his sister Maya.

“No!” Jason yelled as he jumped back and pushed the two of them out of the way. The energy wave nearly missed them. “Get out of here…Now!” Jason shouted to the two siblings.

A chain then wrapped around Jason and the villain swung him around in circles. Then he slammed Jason into several walls.

Jason fell to the ground, bruised and battered, as the villain started to laugh. “Pathetic human.”

He hurled his weapon’s blade at Jason. Jason stared at the weapon as it inched towards his head. This is it…He braced himself for a death blow that never came. A foot snapped out and kicked the weapon out of the way. It was another teen, Zack Taylor.

“Having trouble standing,” he said with a smile as he reached his hand down towards Jason.

Jason wrinkled his brow and stood on his own. He had only known Zack for a week and was already sick of his cockiness. Three others then arrived on the scene. Kimberly Hart, Billy Cranston and Trini Kwan.

They all stood behind Jason as Maya watched. “The five…these are the five my grandfather talked about.”

“Do you really think your friends will be able to help you? You are all nothing compared to me!” the monster shouted.

Jason and the others readied small hand held devices with coins stuck in the middle of them.

“It’s time to take it up a notch…” he said.

“Dino Buckler!” the five shouted as they thrust the bucklers forward and flipped the devices open. Energy shimmered around them and they transformed into multi-colored suits of light armor.

Maya’s eyes lit up as she smiled. “It is them!”

The Rangers assumed fighting stances and shouted their names.

“Tyranno Ranger, Red!” Jason yelled.

“Mammoth Ranger, Black!” Zack called.

“Tricera Ranger, Blue!” Billy shouted.

“Tiger Ranger, Yellow!” Trini yelled.

“Ptera Ranger, Pink!” Kimberly shouted.

“Battle Task Force…Power Rangers!” They shouted in unison.

“So…” the villain said. “You show your true skins now.”

“Let’s get him!” Tyranno Ranger yelled.

The five rushed at the monster, but were batted away one by one with his weapon. The villain blocked a kick from Tyranno Ranger and swung his blade across the Ranger’s chest, sparking on impact. Mammoth and Tricera Rangers dashed forward to attack, but the creature swung his blade in an ‘x’ pattern, slashing the two Rangers away. Ptera and Tiger Rangers leapt forward through the air. The monster swung his weapon through a wide arc, his blade sparking against the two Rangers’ armor and knocking them from the air.

The Rangers regrouped and fell back into defensive stances.

“We have to hit him from different angles. Distract him,” Tricera Ranger said.

“No,” Mammoth Ranger said as he pushed Tricera Ranger away. “We just have to hit him low.”

The Rangers were then hit again by a shockwave produced by the monster’s weapon.

“Could you two stop?” Tyranno Ranger asked his two teammates with growing frustration in his voice.

Maya shook her head as she mumbled to herself. “They’re not working together.

“No! Rangers! The five of you have to work together to win this battle!”

The Rangers and the monster both looked at her. “So…it appears you wish to join in on our fun.”

Simon and Maya were wrapped up and carried to the villain by his chain. He held them up for the Rangers to see.

“Let them go!” Tyranno Ranger yelled as the monster held a blade up to Simon’s neck.

“Very well,” the villain said as he threw the two backwards and through a view screen. The siblings were absorbed into the screen as if on television.

Mammoth Ranger rushed towards the villain. “He’s mine!”

“Zack no!” Tyranno Ranger yelled.

“Mammoth Breaker!” he yelled as he leapt through the air with his axe and sliced the monster across the chest, explosions sparking on impact. Maya and Simon screamed.

“What?” Mammoth Ranger said in shock. The monster slashed its blade across the Ranger’s chest.

Mammoth Ranger was knocked away and the others joined them. “That was stupid, Zack.” Tyranno Ranger said.

“What?!” Mammoth Ranger said.

“There appears to be some kind of connection now between the creature and the two civilians,” Tricera Ranger asked.

“What kind of connection?” Ptera Ranger asked.

“If we hurt him,” Tiger Ranger explained, “Those two will feel it!”

“You know what I hate about an itch?” the villain asked. “You can’t help but scratch it!”

He scratched his own armor and Maya and Simon screamed.

“Enough is enough!” Tyranno Ranger shouted. “Tyranno Sword!”

He readied his sword. “Jason no,” Tricera Ranger said, but Tyranno Ranger shrugged his teammate off.

“I know what I’m doing,” Tyranno Ranger said and then ran towards the monster. “Power Blade!” he shouted as his sword produced a massive shockwave. The shockwave tore through the street and disintegrated the monster.

The two siblings fell from the screen and Ptera Ranger ran to their side as the others stared at the building Tyranno Ranger had cut in half with amazement. They didn’t realize they had such power.

“That was cool!” Simon yelled as he stared at the broken building. Then a streak of light appeared and struck the fallen creature as he grew to giant size.

The five raised their hands into the air and shouted “Dinozords arise!”

Five armored dinosaur creatures stomped through the streets as the Rangers hopped into their cockpits. Each beast moved as if alive, covered with shining armor. The cockpits were wedged inside the armor.

“Simon, get back,” Maya said as she pulled Simon away.

The monster struck the Tyrannosaurus. The red-armored zord went crashing backward and skid across the street, tearing up pavement along the way.

The Triceratops and Saber-toothed Tiger charged the villain, but he kicked them away effortlessly with a swipe of his blade.

“He’s to strong for our zords,” Tricera Ranger said.

“Let’s bring ‘em together,” Tyranno Ranger shouted. “Dinozord fusion!”

The five zords stampeded through the streets and started to reshape. The Tyrannosaurus streaked forward, gliding off the ground as the Triceratops and Saber-toothed Tiger slammed into position as legs. The Mammoth came on from behind, wrapping around the back of Tyranno and forming arms. The Pterodactyl moved in and formed a shield of chest armor as the zord stood upright.

The Megadinozord snapped into a fighting stance as energy crackled across its armor.

The Megadinozord blocked one of the monster’s blows and backfisted the creature twice in the chest.

“Do you really think you’re safe inside that tin can?” the villain asked. He swung his blade and it cut the Megadinozord across the faceplate

“It’s time to shut this metal head up,” Tyranno Ranger said. “Megadinozord Saber! Battle Crash!”

The Megadinozord armed its double-edged saber and lifted the blade into the air. Red energy snaked around the blade as the Megadinozord swung downward with a powerful chop that cut through the monster.

The creature fell backwards, its own energy overloading and exploding with a force that shook the earth below.

The Rangers hopped back down to the torn streets as Simon ran over to them with Maya not too far behind. “You guys are awesome!”

Then, the seven gathered stood at alert as they heard an evil laughter from the rooftops above. They saw an individual whose green armor looked a lot like theirs, except for a golden chest shield, who stood in front of three other armored warriors.

The green-armored warrior was the Dragon Ranger.

“You fools,” Dragon Ranger shouted down to them.

“Who are you?” Tyranno Ranger asked.

“We’re the Dark Warlords…” Dragon Ranger said. “I am the Dragon Ranger, Warlord of Cruelty.”

The warlord with dark green serpent-like armor lifted his head up high as he announced himself. “I am Secmet, Warlord of Venom.”

The warlord with the dark purple spider-like armor crossed his arms in front of his chest. “I am Dayus, Warlord of Illusion.”

The final Warlord, who wore dark brown armor and a red cape, held his sword in a fighting stance as he announced himself. “I am Kayl, Warlord of Deception.”

“The creature you killed was but a pawn,” Dragon Ranger said. “Bandora is ready to strike now…and when she does, nothing will stop your world from falling.”

“We’re not afraid of you!” Mammoth Ranger yelled.

“You will be…” Dragon Ranger and the other three warlords stepped away and vanished.
The seven below stared silently at where the warlords had appeared.

Tyranno Ranger rolled his hands up into fists. What are we getting ourselves into?
________________________________________________________________________

The next day, Jason kneeled at his twin sister’s grave. It read that she died two weeks ago. “You’ll never guess what happened to me today.”

Jason sat silently for a moment. “I’m doing this for you…I don’t want to see anyone innocent die.”

Tears started to stream down his cheeks. “I couldn’t save you… Master Ohm told me I can’t save everyone…but maybe now I can.”

END

---To be continued…Chapter Two. this thread. watch for it...

The site, for full effect: www.geocities.com/gbwhitej/ultimatepowerrangers.html

[wildranger]

not bad

[Ryuranger]

Thanks. Since this is a rewrite, I plan to have one update a day.

[wildranger]

thats great

[RangerFan]

No offense, but why are you rewriting these? To be perfectly honest, I'd prefer it if you concentrated your energy on finishing up seasons 5-7 as well as the sub-series of past seasons (Kamen Rider, Metal Heroes, PR Turbo, etc).

Also, this is a little off topic, but can I make a suggestion about Ultimate PR? Why not make up a timeline that outlines the continuity and major plot points of the series so that people can catch up?

Good job nonetheless, I'm just curious about some things.

[MingyMingyJongo]

I'm confused. I don't get the 'Ultimate.' Yes, you may be retelling the story like the 'Ultimate' Marvel comics, but your changing it so drastically and adding in all these odd Sentai elements. I'm sure it's a great fic, but I just don't understand why it's 'Ultimate' Power Rangers.

[ModrnEerie]

I'm confused. I don't get the 'Ultimate.' Yes, you may be retelling the story like the 'Ultimate' Marvel comics, but your changing it so drastically and adding in all these odd Sentai elements. I'm sure it's a great fic, but I just don't understand why it's 'Ultimate' Power Rangers.
I pooted.

[Ryuranger]

Rangerfan- a couple people said they wanted to see more out of the first two seasons because they seemed rushed, and i agreed.

The time line is a good idea, and since reloaded doesn't seem too popular, i may just do that instead. i'll try to have the time line done by the end of the week.

Mingy- I called it Ultimate because the whole series was inspired by Ultimate Spider Man and Ultimate X-Men. And yes, the fics have a lot of drastic changes. So?

[Ryuranger]

ULTIMATE POWER RANGERS
Essential plot points and data

The beginning of time:
- An evil being named Sauron ruled the entire galaxy from the planet Eltar. A group of Eltarians banded together using a magick forced called The Power to defeat Sauron. One of the Eltarians, Jestin, became the first Ranger.

- An order of Rangers and Masters was established across the galaxy.

Billions of years ago:
- A warlord name Lord Zedd came to power and used his forces to kill all the Rangers and Masters in the galaxy.

- A soldier for Zedd’s forces, Zordon, turned to the side of light. He formed a Ranger team of his own and banished Zedd.

- Zordon followed an evil spirit names Daisatan to Earth. Daisatan attacked an ancient tribe that lived alongside dinosaurs. He recruited Bandora from the tribe to lead his forces.

- Zordon used the dinosaurs as a template to make a Ranger team, Zyuranger. The Power Coins infuse the wearer with the fighting spirit of the Dinozords and allow the wear to channel energy from The Power. The Rangers armor was stored, as a spell, in the individual Dino Bucklers.

- Zordon defeats Bandora, but is imprisoned in a time warp as a result. During his years on earth, he helps form other ancient Ranger teams such as the Gingaman, Kakuranger, Gaoranger, and Dairanger.

01: 2001/2002: Battle Task Force Power Rangers, Kamen Rider Black. Both run side-by-side.
- The ancient spirits of the Zyuranger give the five Power Coins to Jason, Zack, Trini, Billy, Kimberly to turn them into Power Rangers. They are all starting their sophomore years in High School. The Power Rangers fought against Bandora, who was freed from her imprisonment.

- A young girl named Maya, and her younger brother Simon, help the Rangers track down Zordon. Maya’s grandfather had a computer packed with data about the history of Rangers in the galaxy. To this day, she doesn’t know why.

- Tommy’s girlfriend Shannon was critically injured in Bandora’s first attack, and Tommy thought she was dead. Bandora placed a spell on Tommy and turned him into the green Dragon Ranger, leader of her Dark Warlords.

-Tommy’s spell is broken and he joins the Power Rangers. He learns that Kyra, one of Bandora’s villains, is actually Shannon. She was taken from Earth and “reprogrammed” as Kyra by Bandora. Kyra/Shannon dies at the hands of Goldar.

-Tommy meets the Dark Man for the first time, an elusive figure that can appear everywhere and knows much about the Rangers’ various conflicts.

-Bandora brings Daisatan back to Earth. Tommy kills Daisatan, even after losing his Ranger powers, when the evil spirit takes human form. Tommy is able to access his Kiryoku powers for the first time to beat Daisatan. Tommy proceeds to kill Bandora.

-The Power Coins and Dinozords return to The Power. Zordon and Alpha return to Eltar for a year.

- Meanwhile in Japan, Hikaru escapes an evil cult after it gives him the powers of Kamen Rider Black. He uses the Kamen Rider power to fight against the cult.

02: 2002/2003: Five Star Task Force Power Rangers, Shogun Task Force Ninja Rangers, Kamen Rider Kuuga, Spider Man. All run side-by-side.
- Sensei Kaku recruits Tommy, Billy, and Kimberly, along with newcomers Rocky and Adam, to be Power Rangers and fight against an empire called the Gorma. The Rangers use their natural energy, Kiryoku, to access The Power. Their morphers spark their key to draw from The Power. Their morphers also store their armor and weapons.

- The Gorma was an empire that flourished in Japan 6,000 years ago. The Gorma tribe attacked the Dai tribe, and a team of Rangers called Dairanger rose to oppose the Gorma. Kaku waited 6,000 years ago after the first war and prepared, with the help of Zordon, for the Gorma’s return.

- Tommy learns that his birth father, who dies when Tommy was four, was actually the original Dragon ranger 6,000 years ago. Tommy’s father turned to the Gorma and betrayed his friends during that war. In the end, he died saving his son’s life.

- A young boy named Kou becomes the Kiba Ranger.

- The Rangers defeat the Gorma Empire. Kaku dies at the hands of a Gorma general named Shadam.

- Jason, Trini, and Zack studied in Japan for a year. They accidentally released a group of evil spirits known as the Youkai from imprisonment. Jason, Trini, and Zack, along with newcomers Jonathan and Richie, became Ninja Rangers to fight the Youkai throughout Japan.

- At the end of the school year, Tommy and Jason’s teams respond to a distress call from Zordon on Eltar. Both teams travel to Eltar and assist with a battle on Edenoi. The Rangers help Dex become Kamen Rider Ryuuki and fight against his evil uncle Dregen. Zordon and the Ranger return to Earth after defeating a band of demons, led by Daimon, that Dregen released on Eltar.

03: 2003/2004: Five Star Task Force Power Rangers, Star Beast Task Force Galaxy Rangers, Kamen Rider Ryuuki, Beetle Borgs. All run side-by-side.
- Lord Zedd returns on earth and kills Kou. The Power Rangers create new Thunderzords to fight against Zedd and his minions.

-Billy’s small private business gets an unsuspected boost from a billionaire in Angel Grove. His business, INET, starts to take off.

- Tommy’s brother by adoption, Teddy, became the new Kiba Ranger.

- Kimberly is possessed by a comic force known as the Phoenix. She dies, but is revived by the Rangers. Tommy killed Zedd shortly afterwards.

-Simon, under the tutelage of Tommy, enrolls in the Hayate Way School. The school is where Tommy trained in the martial arts.

- Meanwhile, a group of space pirates from 3,00 years ago, the Balban, revives on earth. An ancient tribe hidden in a pocket dimension north of Stone Canyon fight against the Balban. The tribe’s Rangers, the Galaxy Rangers, are Ryoma, Hikaru, Hyate, Gouki, and Saya.

-The Power Rangers graduate from High School.

04: 2004/2005: Ultra Task Force Zeo Rangers, Hyper Task Force Turbo Rangers, Beetle Borgs Metallix, Cybertron. All run side-by-side.
- The Machine Empire attacks earth and the Power Rangers fight back, but their magick-based powers are useless against the villains of cold iron. Rocky, Adam, and Kimberly are kidnapped, and Billy’s back is wounded. Tommy recruit’s a team of Rangers powered by the Zeo Crystal to combat the Machines. The new Rangers are Justin, Kat, Ashley, and Chris. The four new Rangers are starting their senior years in high school.

- Rocky, Adam, and Kimberly are freed, but decide to not to assume the Zeo Power. They go their separate ways. Kimberly moves to Florida for college. She breaks up with Tommy.

-Billy leaves Earth for Aquitar. He plans to help the Aquitions revive a set of ancient morphers to fight against Namor, ruler of the Dark Waters on Aquitar.

-Sauron revives after countless eons and starts to gather a force to attack the galaxy. Zordon returns to Eltar to respond to the threat.

- Meanwhile, a mage named Dappu flees to earth. At his heels is the space pirate known as Divatox. Dappu gives five high school kids the Turbo powers and turns them into rangers. The Turbo Rangers are Luke, Tyler, Carlos, Tanya, and Cassie.

- The Rangers defeat the Machine King and Machine Prince, but the Zeo Crystal is shattered in the process. The Command Chamber is destroyed.

05: 2005/2006: Digital Task Force Astro Rangers, Nova Troopers, SHOC. All run side-by-side.
- Eltar is conquered by Sauron and his general, Astronema. The powerless Zeo Rangers use a shuttle built by Billy’s company, INET, to blast off into space. They rendezvous with the Megaship, also built by INET, and get new Astro Ranger powers. Cy, a human from KO-35, was tasked by Billy and Zordon to deliver the ship and morphers to Tommy and the Rangers.

- Tommy learns he was actually born on KO-35 under the birth name Andros. He was sent to Earth shortly after his father “died.” He also learns that he had a birth sister named Karone. Karone was kidnapped at the same time Tommy was sent to Earth. She was raised into becoming Astronema.


- author’s note: For character information, look at my bio sites. For more complete background information, read the seasons and chapters.
- second note: yes, I rotated between past and present tense, and yes, it was annoying.

[Ryuranger]

---Ultimate Power Rangers: Reloaded
---Season One
---Battle Task Force Power Rangers
---Chapter Two: Seeking Answers

Jason walked with Maya and Simon towards a small apartment building a few miles southwest of Angel’s Square.

It was a rundown part of the city, so Jason was thankful it wasn’t night. He’d had enough trouble for now.

“Why didn’t the others come?” Simon asked.

“They wanted to stay behind in case Bandora tried to pull anything again,” Jason said.

“Who?” Simon asked.

Jason shrugged. “We’re not sure who she is to tell you the truth. We don’t even know anything about our powers…except how to use them.”

“I’m certain my grandfather can help you,” Maya said. “I remember him telling me legends when I was a girl, similar to what you just went through.”

Jason nodded. “That’s what I’m counting on. We appreciate your help.”

The three entered the apartment building and passed through the empty lobby and towards the old elevator.

I hope this isn’t a wild goose chase, Jason thought to himself as the elevator doors closed.
_______________________________________________________________________

Inside a tall palace-like structure on the moon, Bandora was staring down at her four Dark Warlords. Goldar, Scorpina and Gurail stood behind her.

Goldar was a simian warrior from a planet called Titan. His golden armor was similar to that of his mate Scorpina. Her beauty matched her deadliness.

Gurail’s face was hidden behind his blood-red mask. His dark suit of samurai-style armor was covered in a brown and yellow robe.

Bandora herself was covered in robes as black as night. She wore a silver headpiece that matched the color of her long staff.

“I am sorry my empress,” Dragon Ranger said as he and his fellow warlords kneeled on the ground. “I didn’t feel it would be wise to engage the Rangers at that time.”

She struck him in the back of the neck with her staff, causing him to collapse. “It was a perfect time! They’re still inexperienced with their powers! You could have killed them with your bare hands!”

Dragon Ranger kneeled silently. He hated letting Goldar see him liked this. He hated the Titan warrior more than he did the Rangers…he just wasn’t sure exactly why.

“Take your warlords and go back to Earth. Those Rangers are the only things standing in my way. I want them wiped out,” Bandora said.

Dragon Ranger nodded. “Yes, empress.”

Goldar glared down at Dragon Ranger with eyes of fire. Dragon Ranger glared back at the Titan while speaking to Bandora. “It will be done…”
________________________________________________________________________

“I don’t know why we have to wait here,” Zack said. “We’re just wasting our time.”

Zack was by far the most hyper of the group. Always on the move, always had to do something to keep him busy.

He and the others were sitting at Hulman Park, a few blocks away from the apartment complex Jason had headed to. The park had a long field of flowers shaped in a rectangular pattern surrounded by brick walkways. In the center of the field stood a large iron-webbed sculpture of the Earth.

“Jason wanted us to wait,” Kimberly said. “So…we’ll wait.”

“What is it with you two anyway?” Zack asked.

Kimberly rolled her eyes. “It’s nothing like what you’re thinking.”

“Bull,” Zack said. “I’ve seen the way he looks at you. And he’s always pretty protective of you.”

Kimberly shook her head. “He told me he thinks of me like a sister.”

“Nah…” Zack said. “We haven’t even known each other that long.”

Kimberly shrugged. “I don’t mind.”

Zack smiled mischievously. “I’m sure you don’t.”

Billy sighed and adjusted his glasses as he watched Kimberly talk and smile with Zack. It was obvious that the two of them had started flirting. She’s so…beautiful…
Trini was pacing back and forth behind Billy. “What’s taking Jason so long?” she asked herself, hoping that nothing had happened to Jason.

The winds started to howl through the park as people were literally blown off their feet. The globe in the center of the park was blown out of its based and went smashing through a nearby building.

The four gathered together. A bolt of green lightning struck the ground and exploded as Dragon Ranger appeared and walked boldly towards the teens.

“You again!” Zack said as he assumed a fighting stance.

“Dragon’s Fang!” Dragon Ranger shouted as he formed an energy sphere between his hands and hurled it at the teens. They jumped out of the way just in time to miss the explosion, but the shockwave hurled them across the walkway.

Dragon Ranger wrinkled his brow beneath his helmet. It’s finally time for me to pay them back for what they’ve done…or is that what they didn’t do? He shook his head to clear his mind. He didn’t have time to think things through; he only had time to fight.

“We can’t fight him like this,” Trini said. “We have to transform.”

The four rose and shouted “Dino Buckler!” Energy shimmered around the four as they transformed into their armor.

The four Rangers charged towards Dragon Ranger as he held his sword at the ready.

“You’re finished!” Dragon Ranger shouted as he ran towards his opponents.
________________________________________________________________________

Jason, Maya and Simon walked towards her grandfather’s apartment room on the top floor of the building.

“So is this the place?” Jason asked as he stopped in front of a wooden door.

Maya nodded. “Yes. My grandfather should be inside.”

“This way,” Simon said as he grabbed Jason by the hand and led him inside.

As they entered the room, the sky outside turned blood red and shadows crept towards the building

The three walked into a dark room with ancient suits of Japanese armor on display in glass cases. Her grandfather had his back towards them and was hunched over his lap top computer, slowly typing.

“Grandfather,” Maya said. “You’ll never believe what happened.”

Her grandfather turned away and looked towards her as he stood. “Maya…so this is a Ranger…”

Maya nodded. “Yes…how did you know? I didn’t…”

Her grandpa grabbed her. “Do you take me for a fool, Maya?”

“Ah…stop,” Maya said.

“No,” Simon said as he pulled at his grandpa. “Stop it! You’re hurting her!”

The grandpa pushed Simon aside.

“Hey,” Jason said as he walked towards them.

The grandpa pushed Maya away and rushed towards Jason with a knife. Jason blocked and dodged the weapon and stood in front of the other two to protect them.

The grandpa’s eyes grew red.

“Grandfather?” Maya asked.

“I don’t think that’s your grandpa talking,” Jason said.

The suits of armor then came to life. “Down!” Jason yelled as the armor suits crashed through the glass and attacked.

Jason fought back as the grandpa walked towards the two siblings with a crooked smile on his face.
________________________________________________________________________

Dragon Ranger used his sword and fought his way through the other Rangers one by one. He knocked Mammoth Ranger’s axe away with a wide arc and swung his blade back around, slashing the Ranger across his chest.

The Green Ranger spun and slammed a spinning-heel kick against Tricera Ranger’s helmet as the Blue Ranger failed at a sneak attack.

Ptera and Tiger Rangers moved in next, each with their Blade Blasters in dagger mode. Ptera Ranger lunged forward as Dragon ranger stepped aside and slapped his sword down on her blade. The Pink Ranger, having put too much power in her thrust, went tumbling forward.

Dragon ranger immediately slammed a jump kick against Tiger Ranger’s faceplate.

The Rangers regrouped.

“Where’s Jason when you need him,” Ptera Ranger said.

“Your ‘leader’ is having trouble of his own,” Dragon Ranger said as he walked towards the four laughing. This is perfect…they are no match for me, just as I thought…

“Mammoth Breaker!” Mammoth Ranger called as he summoned his axe and slammed it to the ground while calling out “Power Crusher!”

The ground ripped apart and created a shockwave, but Dragon Ranger leapt over the blast and brought his sword down twice across Mammoth Ranger‘s chest. Dragon Ranger dashed past Mammoth Ranger while thrashing horizontally across the black armor, then turned, bringing his saber down against the Ranger‘s back, sparking on impact.

Mammoth Ranger went tumbling forward.

The others regrouped at his side. Ptera Ranger held his head up. “Zack…”

“Let’s hit him together,” Tiger Ranger said to Tricera Ranger.

“Right,” Tricera Ranger said.

The two ran towards Dragon Ranger.

“Blade Blasters up!” Tiger Ranger yelled as they readied their sabers.

Dragon Ranger energized his sword with green energy. He swung the blade with a blur of jade-colored light, slashing across the two Rangers. The thrash exploded against their armor and knocked them backwards.

Ptera Ranger leaped forward with a jump kick, but Dragon Ranger blocked the blow and slammed the end of his hilt against the Ranger’s faceplate before side kicking her in the chest.
________________________________________________________________________

Jason knocked another suit down with a jump sidekick, only to see the grandpa holding Maya with a knife to her throat and Simon trying to pry them apart.

“Don’t make another move…” the grandpa said.

Jason pulled a knife he started carrying two weeks ago from his back and jumped towards the grandpa while Maya yelled. “Don’t kill him!”

The knife stopped a centimeter from the grandpa’s face as an evil spirit left his body. The grandpa fell over.

“Grandpa!” Simon yelled as he kneeled at his grandfather’s side.

“Don’t…be sad…my little hawk…” he said to Simon in a weak raspy voice.

The two siblings sniffed back tears.

“It’s begun,” the grandpa said. “The Rangers…you must…help them find their way…”

He reached up to his keyboard as he slowly rose to his knees.

“Grandpa don’t,” Maya said. “Save your strength.”

“Let’s get him to a hospital,” Jason said.

“No,” the grandpa said. “There isn’t time…”

He pulled up text data on his computer. “This will lead you to the answers you seek…” the man said. He grabbed Jason by the shirt. “Protect my granddaughter.”

He collapsed after exhaling his last breath. “No!” the two siblings yelled and started to cry over their fallen grandfather.

“Tyranno Ranger!” Jason heard someone yell.

Jason ran to the window and looked to see one of the warlords, Secmet, stare at him from a building across the street.

Jason looked back at Maya and Simon. “I’ll be right back.”

Jason leapt through the window, used his strength to arc through the air, and landed in front of the warlord. “Are you behind this?”

“Indeed,” the warlord said.

“Dino Buckler!” Jason shouted as he activated his buckler and changed into his Ranger form. He snapped into a fighting stance. “Tyranno Ranger, Red!”

“I am Secmet, warlord of Venom.”

Tyranno Ranger ran towards the villain.

“Snake Bite Strike!” Venom yelled as he fired a red energy wave that blasted Tyranno Ranger off his feet.

Venom ran towards the Ranger and turbo stabbed him with what looked like six arms. The arms moved in blurs of motion, stabbing and sparking against the Ranger’s armor.

Tyranno Ranger fell to the ground. The Red Ranger tried to raise himself with his sword as Venom stalked towards him.

“You’re weaker than I thought. It’s not like me to over estimate an enemy,” he said.

“Who you callin’ weak?” Tyranno Ranger said as he rose to the ground. “Power Wave!”

Tyranno Ranger swung his blade forward as it energized with a red glow. A crimson wave of power stabbed from the blade and exploded against Venom, ripping half the warlord’s body away.
_______________________________________________________________________

Bandora wrinkled her brow as she watched Venom from her balcony on the moon. She pulled out a card etched with various demonic symbols and writing. She whispered an incantation before hurling the card towards the Earth below. The card glowed with a blinding light as it streaked through space towards its target.
________________________________________________________________________

The card struck Venom’s fallen form, causing him to grow.

“Not again,” Tyranno Ranger said as he looked up at the giant warlord. .
_______________________________________________________________________

Dragon Ranger turned away from the injured Rangers and looked towards the distance as Venom stomped through the streets.

“Looks like Secmet is keeping your friend busy…” he said.

“Jason…” Ptera Ranger said.

“We have to help him,” Tiger Ranger said.

Dragon Ranger laughed. “You’ll have to go through me first.”

“If you say so!” Mammoth Ranger and the others charged their opponent.

Dragon Ranger hook kicked Mammoth Ranger across the helmet, and then cut into the other three Rangers swiftly. His blade was a blur of motion as it sparked against Ptera, Tricera, and Tiger Rangers’ armor, knocking the three backwards as quickly as they had tried to attack.
_______________________________________________________________________

“Tyrannosaurus Dinozord arise!” Tyranno Ranger shouted to summon his zord.

The red-armored beast stomped through the streets and Tyranno Ranger leapt into the air, sliding into the cockpit embedded in the zord’s armor.

Tyrannosaurus swung its tail and bashed the limb against Secmet, sparking against the warlord’s armor. The Dinozord followed through and slammed its head against Secmet, knocking the warlord back. Tyranno roared as it stomped forward to attack again.

Secmet didn’t give the zord a chance. He swung his blades in a series of diagonal strikes, each exploding across the zord’s armor, each forcing Tyranno back, until their fight moved back by two city blocks.

Tyranno snapped its jaw around the warlord’s arm to stop the attack. The zord tightened its jaw, snapping the warlord’s armor as he winced in pain. The warlord took a step back as Tyranno lashed out with its tail, thrashing across the warlord’s armor.

Secmet went tumbling across the streets. He rose to his knees, clenching his injured arm as he took a step backward.

“We’ll meet again, Ranger,” he said as he rose to his feet and disappeared.

“We’ll be waiting,” Tyranno Ranger said.
________________________________________________________________________

Dragon Ranger chopped Tiger Ranger to the ground with a powerful horizontal strike from his sword. The Yellow Ranger went rolling back to her injured teammates.

“Haven’t you fools learned? You’re no match for me!” Dragon Ranger said.

Blasts exploded against Dragon Ranger‘s chest with a series of sparks. It was Tyranno Ranger with his blade blaster.

“You think you’re so tough? Take me on!” Tyranno Ranger shouted as he stood between Green Ranger and his team.

“With pleasure!” Dragon Ranger hurled his sword and it struck the Ranger in the chest.

The two then charged each other and traded fierce volleys of kicks and punches. Dragon ranger snapped a roundkick towards Tyranno Ranger’s head, but Red Ranger blocked the blow. Green Ranger blocked a punch from Tyranno Ranger, and launched a knifehand strike towards Red Ranger’s throat. Tyranno Ranger blocked the blow, turned, and snapped a sidekick towards Dragon Ranger’s faceplate.

Dragon Ranger moved in low and swung his left hand in for a knifehand strike against the Ranger’s side. He pressed forward, slamming a right knifehand against the Ranger’s other side, and slamming a third knifehand strike against the Ranger’s neck. Dragon Ranger jump kicked Tyranno Ranger in the helmet, knocking Red Ranger backwards.

Tyranno Ranger landed hard against his back.

Dragon Ranger picked up his sword and held it to Tyranno Ranger’s throat.

“Go ahead,” Tyranno Ranger said. “I’m not afraid.”

“You’ve been weakened from your fight with Secmet…” Dragon Ranger lowered his sword. “When I defeat you…I want you to be in your prime.”

Dragon Ranger turned and walked away. The Rangers looked at each other, stunned, surprised the evil Ranger had spared them Then Dragon Ranger turned to face Rangers. “But let me leave you with a little gift…Dragon’s Fang!”

The Rangers were blasted to the ground by a crackling sphere of jade energy that exploded against their armor.
________________________________________________________________________

The teens were with Maya and Simon in the grandpa’s old room. Maya was tending to the rangers’ wounds.

“I thought our armor was supposed to protect us?” Zack asked as Maya wrapped a bandage around his arm. “A hell of a job it’s done so far.”

“We’re not invulnerable,” Billy said.

“We should be,” Zack said.

Trini sighed. “I don’t think it’s safe to stay here too much longer. Bandora might expect to find us all here.”

“We won’t stay for long,” Maya said as she walked over to her grandpa‘s computer. She ran her fingers across the keyboard and pulled up a .jpeg file. The file showed a map of the mountains east of Angel Grove.

“What is that?” Kimberly asked as she stood behind Maya.
“A map my grandfather gave me before he…”

Jason placed a hand on her shoulder. “I’m sorry.”

She nodded, not wanting anymore sympathy.

“Where does it lead?” Simon asked.

“Only one way to find out,” Jason said.

END

--- to be continued in chapter three. this thread. watch for it...

[wildranger]

very good

[bjlovel]

I like the time-line. Can u fix the galaxy map of the Astro Rangers because since you re-did it I can't get it on my computer.

[wildranger]

have any pointers on writing a fanfic cause im new that this

[Ryuranger]

wild- thanks. IM me sometime and i can give you a few pointers.

b- glad you like the time line. I'll look into the map situation.

[wildranger]

sure i will did you get my message

[Ryuranger]

---Ultimate Power Rangers: Reloaded
---Season One
---Battle Task Force Power Rangers
---Chapter Three: The Story Unfolds

Dragon Ranger practiced with his sword against make believe enemies while in the depths of Bandora's palace. Each blow was swift and perfect. He suddenly snapped around and tossed his sword like a spear. The sword struck a wall concealed by the shadows. Goldar stepped out from those shadows, inches from where the sword had struck.

“Impressive,” Goldar said as he walked towards Dragon Ranger.

“You shouldn’t be here,” Dragon Ranger said. “Animals aren’t allowed.”

“And witty too,” Goldar said as the two circled around each other. “No wonder you’re Bandora’s prized warrior. Pity you fight with the grace of a Kerovian sea slug.”

Dragon Ranger launched himself at Goldar and slammed the simian face down on the ground, pinning him there while bending back his arm. “You had your chance at conquering this world, Goldar. You failed. That’s why I’m here. So I suggest you stay out of the way and let me show you how it’s done.”

Dragon Ranger released Goldar and walked out of the room while grabbing his sword.

“Get back here!” Goldar shouted as he fired a fire stream from his sword that struck a pillar and vaporized it.

Scorpina stepped from the shadows and placed her arms around Goldar. “You shouldn’t let him treat you like that, lover.”

Goldar shook his head. “I don’t intend to.”
________________________________________________________________________

The five teens walked through the mountains outside of Angel Grove along with Maya and Simon. They were following a map left behind by Maya’s grandfather, one of the first victims of Bandora’s attacks. The rangers hoped to find answers in wherever the map lead them. Answers about their powers. Their war. Bandora.

“I think we’re getting close,” Maya said.

Zack shook his head, out of breath, “Not close enough.”

“Oh come on Zack,” Simon said as he hopped over to the teen. “This is fun.”

Kimberly smiled at the two. Zack looked over and smiled at her too. Jason wrinkled his brow at the brief exchange. He was not happy with the blooming relationship between Kimberly and Zack at all.

Trini walked over to Billy. “You’ve been awfully quiet.”

Billy nodded. “I find it hard to believe that anything could be hidden in these mountains. This is a well explored and mapped out area.”

“According to what my grandfather left me,” Maya said, “only the chosen ones can find what we’re looking for.”

“And I bet that’s it,” Jason said as he pointed to a sleek looking stone compound in the distance.

“Whoa!” Simon said as he started to run towards the place.

“Simon wait!” Maya ran after him. The teens looked at each other for a moment, hesitantly, and then followed.
________________________________________________________________________

Bandora wrinkled her brow as she watched the teens through her crystal ball. “They’re trying to find Zordon…”

“Mistress,” Dragon Ranger said from behind her as he bowed. “Allow me to stop them.”

“No!” Goldar practically shouted. “The Green one has had his chance. He has failed you.”

“As if you haven’t,” Dragon Ranger spat back.

Bandora lifted her hand and struck them down with a crimson energy pulse. “Enough! I’ll send down my rock soldiers.”

She pulled out several cards, each with demonic symbols and writing. She whispered an incantation as the cards circled around her, the writing on each glowing deep red. She shouted and extended her hand towards the Earth, launching the cards through space.
________________________________________________________________________

The teens were walking along with Simon and Maya when the gray rock soldiers appeared all around them. The red-eyes soldiers circled around the group with wobbly movements, probing for the best point of attack, measuring the size and defense of their new enemies.

“You two stay back,” Jason said to Maya and Simon as he joined his team in fighting off the creatures.

Jason jump kicked a soldier in the chest and smashed the creature across the head with the back of his fist. Another rock soldier came in from behind and swung a long gray arm blade towards the ranger. Jason rolled out of the way, but the blade cut across his back, drawing blood.

Jason rolled to his knees and pounced forward with a sidekick that slammed the soldier away.

Zack slammed an elbow against one of the soldier’s guts, then spun forward while slamming a roundkick against its side. He finished the rock soldier off with a jump kick upside the head.

A soldier moved in from the side and slammed a roundkick against Zack’s gut. He snapped out a sidekick and spinning sidekick combo that knocked the soldier back.

Billy flipped a soldier over his shoulder, using its own momentum against the villain, and slammed the rock soldier to the ground. He slammed his foot against its neck, hoping it would be as effective of a strike as it was on humans.

Kimberly flipped backwards while kicking a soldier upside the head. The villain’s body whipped backwards before crashing against the rocky ground.

Trini stood in front of Simon and Maya, protecting them from an incoming rock soldier. She slammed a palm-heel strike against a soldier’s face, spun forward, and slammed a knifehand blow against the back of the soldier’s neck.

The last of the soldiers crumbled as the five rangers regrouped with Maya and Simon.

“Let’s get back on track,” Jason said as they continued their trek. After a while, they made their way to the base of the complex.

“Does your map say how we get inside?” Jason asked.

Maya nodded. “It says the five of you already have the keys.”

“Our Power Coins,” Billy said.
Jason nodded. They found five slots and placed their coins in them, causing the doors to open.

They took the coins back and went inside to find themselves in a dark stone chamber with a foggy floor and control consoles around them. Columns lined the outside of the chamber, giving the room an almost Egyptian-type feel. Control panels were laid out in an upside down ‘u’ shaped patter. The brightly colored panels rested on the same stone material as the rest of the room.

Billy walked over to the controls, moving past a clear globe and into the curve of the ‘u‘. “Fascinating…”

“Don’t touch that! Ay-yi-yi!” an android said as he walked in from the shadows. The android had a saucer-shaped head and stout body.

“It’s a robot!” Simon said as he walked over to the android.

“Stay back, Simon,” Maya said protectively.

A holographic projector in the front of the chamber hummed to life and a giant holographic head appeared. “Greetings Rangers. I am glad you have found your way here.”

“Who are you?” Jason asked.

“I am Zordon of Eltar. This is my assistant Alpha-5.”

“Eltar?” Zack asked. “So are you some kind of an…alien?”

“Whoa…an alien…” Simon whispered.

“I do come from a planet other than your own, yes,” Zordon said.

“How are you involved in all this?” Billy asked.

“In more ways than you can imagine,” Zordon said. “I am sure you all have many questions, so I will try to tell you all I can.”

“Who’s this Bandora?” Jason asked.

“Where do our powers come from?” Billy asked.

“Who’s the weird looking green guy?” Simon asked.

“How was my grandfather involved in all of this?” Maya asked.

“Ay-yi-yi,” Alpha said. “One at a time please.”

“Perhaps if I start at the beginning…” Zordon said. “As you know, 1700 million years ago, your world was populated by dinosaurs. What you do not know, was that there was a small ancient civilization that coexisted with the dinosaurs.

“They were a civilization of warriors that worshiped the ancient beasts as their Gods. They lived peacefully before the coming of Daisatan, an evil being that I followed to your planet.

“Daisatan recruited Bandora from one of the Earth’s tribes and used her to lead his army of evil.

“The Earth was thrown into chaos, until one day, The Power sent down a group of armored mythological beasts to fight against Bandora. I assisted the tribes in gathering six warriors to draw power from these beasts and fight against Bandora. They became the Power Rangers.

“After years of conflict, I defeated Bandora and imprisoned her. Now I am afraid that she has been released and only you can stop her.”

“I thought you said there used to be six of us?” Jason asked.

“The sixth Ranger was the Green Dragon Ranger who is now under the control of Bandora,” Zordon said.

“You mean he used to be one of the good guys?” Kimberly asked.

“Yes,” Zordon said. “His name was Burai. He was seven years old when his baby brother was born, and eight when he first lost him. His father was the Black Knight and a member of the Yamato clan, a man with a little too much pride. The Black Knight ran afoul of the Yamato King, and for his affrontry, was fined his second-born son. Geki. The Black Knight went to war to retrieve his boy, only to end up mortally wounded in battle against the Yamato King. Dying, the Black Knight swore his eight-year-old son to vengeance. And so Burai trained, every day of his life.

“Later, Geki and Burai were both chosen to be Rangers. When Burai discovered that Geki was the Red Ranger, and adopted son of the Yamato King, Burai betrayed him and joined Bandora.

“Burai ended up taking his own life, and his Power Coin has remained in Bandora’s hands ever since.”

“So if this Burai isn’t the Dragon Ranger anymore,” Jason asked, “who is?”

“I am uncertain,” Zordon said.

“Speaking of the Power Coins,” Billy said, “how do they function?”

“The Power Coins infuse you with the spirits of your Dinozords,” Zordon said. “They also allow you to channel energy from The Power, a force that all living things draw energy and life from. The people on your planet commonly refer to it as magic. Your armor is stored in your bucklers and is energized by The Power.”

“So does Bandora use this Power as well?” Billy asked.

“Yes,” Zordon said. “The Power provides the balance between good and evil in the entire universe. Please observe the Viewing globe.”

The Rangers turned to the globe to see a fiery version of their planet. “This is what will happen to your world if you fail.”

The teens stared in silence, grim looks of determination on their faces.
________________________________________________________________________

Dragon Ranger stood cross-armed on the rooftops and stared down at the city. Vengeance burned inside of him.

“Soon, Rangers,” he said. “Soon.”

END

--To be continued in chapter four. this thread. watch for it...

[wildranger]

this is good keep u the good work Ryuranger

[Ryuranger]

Thanks.

[Splush]

Ryuranger, so far I love your fic. I read the first chapter on your site and it is pretty good, I cant wait to read more. I am kinda disapointed that Jason is no longer in your writing after the nija season... :o

[MingyMingyJongo]

Mingy- I called it Ultimate because the whole series was inspired by Ultimate Spider Man and Ultimate X-Men. And yes, the fics have a lot of drastic changes. So?
I know, but that's what I don't get. How is it 'Ultimate'? Ultimate X-Men and Spider-Man are retellings of the stories but haven't changed THAT MUCH since at the core they're still the same idea. This changes much mroe drastically than Ultimate Spider-Man did, and you have random Sentai elements. It discourages writers to write a real 'Ultimate' fic.

I'm sorry if this sounds offensive, it isn't, I'm just making an observation.

[Ryuranger]

splush: Jason will be around. he's in one of the season 03 "movies," he'll be in C2D, and he'll be in the series finale along with every other Ranger and hero from seasons one through seven.

Mingy: 1) "That much" is quantatative. Some people may have very well thought that Ultimate Marvel was a big change. Thor is a hippie. There are no Avengers for Christ's sake, the F4 does not go into space, the spider was not radioactive, etc.
2) It's Ultimate because it is a retelling. With deeper characters. Refreshed themes. New stories. It's that simple.
3) I've been calling it Ultimate for three years. In that time, people have tried to make an Ultimate Power Rangers. They have all failed. My fic doesn't discourage people.
4) It's my God damn fic. It doesn't have to make sense to you. Because it's mine. Mine. For example, I've used this example before before, I could rewrite a Forever Red fic with Alf if I wanted to:

Alf's home planet burned around him. He readied his morpher, emblazed with the symbol of the cat. He found it ironic, drawing his power from something he liked to eat with a big red apple stuck in its mouth.

"Feline Frenzy! Alf-mania online!"

The furry man transformed into a suit of off-white with purple and black stripes. He stood by the only red rangers in history: Rocky and Eric.

[wildranger]

very good

[MingyMingyJongo]

splush: Jason will be around. he's in one of the season 03 "movies," he'll be in C2D, and he'll be in the series finale along with every other Ranger and hero from seasons one through seven.

Mingy: 1) "That much" is quantatative. Some people may have very well thought that Ultimate Marvel was a big change. Thor is a hippie. There are no Avengers for Christ's sake, the F4 does not go into space, the spider was not radioactive, etc.
2) It's Ultimate because it is a retelling. With deeper characters. Refreshed themes. New stories. It's that simple.
3) I've been calling it Ultimate for three years. In that time, people have tried to make an Ultimate Power Rangers. They have all failed. My fic doesn't discourage people.
4) It's my God damn fic. It doesn't have to make sense to you. Because it's mine. Mine. For example, I've used this example before before, I could rewrite a Forever Red fic with Alf if I wanted to:

Alf's home planet burned around him. He readied his morpher, emblazed with the symbol of the cat. He found it ironic, drawing his power from something he liked to eat with a big red apple stuck in its mouth.

"Feline Frenzy! Alf-mania online!"

The furry man transformed into a suit of off-white with purple and black stripes. He stood by the only red rangers in history: Rocky and Eric.
Sorry, once again I don't mean to be offensive. It just didn't make sense. It'd be like taking Spider-Man but changing a few characters into completely new ones, and adding in another random comic's elements in too, like Superman. Your concept is great, your writing is greatm it's all great. I just didn't get the 'Ultimate' part. Sorry again.

[Ryuranger]

It's okay. I'm just being crabby.

[Ryuranger]

---Ultimate Power Rangers: Reloaded
---Season One
---Battle Task Force Power Rangers
---Chapter Four: Finishing Extinction

Jason, Zack, Billy, Trini and Kimberly gathered in the Command Chamber as Zordon appeared. The hologram looked down at his rangers, taking notice of their still stunned expressions. Zordon wasn’t taken a back by their reaction. He had the same effect on people even when he had a body.

“Rangers,” Zordon said. “I fear Bandora is determined to finish the task she started millions of years ago: the extinction of the dinosaurs.”

“Uh, Zordon,” Zack said, raising an eyebrow in disbelief. “I think that asteroid of hers pretty much finished the job. Unless she wants to destroy all the fossils…”

“That is not her plan,” Zordon said, ignoring the sarcasm. “When Bandora’s first summoned asteroid struck the Earth, a group of wizards gathered two dinosaur eggs and locked them into a case laced with magick. They sent the case out to sea, not wanting the species they worshiped to vanish from existence.”

“Zordon,” Kimberly said, “I don’t understand…it’s just a couple of dead eggs. What can Bandora possibly do with them?”

“It’s not the eggs themselves I am concerned about,” Zordon said, “it is the method in which Bandora will try to retrieve them. Only those with your five Power Coins can open the treasure chest. I fear Bandora may lure you into a trap, or take hostages, to manipulating you into retrieving the eggs.”

Zack wrinkled his brow and shook his head. “They’re just eggs.”

Jason shot his teammate a glare. “Knock it off, Zack. You heard what Zordon said. People could get hurt.”

“Yeah,” Zack said. “…for eggs. Am I the only one that finds this ridiculous?”

Alarms in the Command Chamber started to blare. Red lights flashed from within the pillars of stone as an image appeared on the viewing globe. The creature had the head of a cobra with dirt-gold scales and snakes wrapped around its arm. The red-eyed creature was armed with a bow and arrow, and its jaws were lined with saliva-dripping fangs.

The creature was stalking through the outer rim of a grassy park, surrounded by a circular pattern of ornate fountains and statues, in the middle of Angel Grove East.

“This is Bandora’s latest creation, the DoraLadoon,” Zordon informed the Rangers. “Bandora is able to summon these creatures, and her rock soldiers, through a deck of mystical cards she possesses. Each card is laced with dark magick that can summon these creatures from other realms and dimensions.”

“Let’s get to work,” Jason said to the others.
________________________________________________________________________

SWAT teams drove onto the scene and surrounded the monster with their shields and weapons out. They opened fire on the creature, but their bullets were harmless. Conventional weapons were no match for Bandora’s forces.

DoraLadoon aimed a trio of arrows and fired. The arrows pierced through three cops and exploded, ripping apart half of the police force.

The SWAT team fell back and retreated, running for their lives. The five rangers arrived, running onto the scene with their Dino Bucklers in hand. The creatures turned and hissed at the rangers, the snakes that made up its arms squirming and slithering.

“I hate snakes,” Zack muttered under his breath.

The rangers thrust their transformation devises forward. “Dino Buckler!” they shouted as they changed into their Ranger forms.
________________________________________________________________________

Dragon Ranger watched the battle begin from the rooftops. He placed his right leg on the edge of the building and leaned forward on his knee. His sword was at hand, but wasn’t needed.

Bandora’s plan was to lure the Rangers out with her DoraLadoon, a creature she foolishly boasted of as one of her finest, and kidnap a few humans in the process. The humans would be hostages of the Dragon Ranger. He would demand that the Rangers give Bandora the eggs she wanted, or the hostages would die.

Dragon Ranger knew Bandora’s desire for the eggs was stupid, but he didn’t question her lust for the dinosaur’s destruction. If her plan could weaken the Rangers, he could kill them. That was all that mattered.
________________________________________________________________________

DoraLadoon opened its jaws and spat out a volley of leather-skinned snakes. The snakes scattered across the Rangers, wrapping around their bodies despite their best efforts to fight back.

The snakes tightened their body and dug their fangs into the Rangers’ armor, causing small explosions to spark across their bodies. DoraLadoon took advantage of their weakness and stalked forward towards the team.

The monster fired crimson energy blasts from its eyes that exploded against the Rangers and tossed them backwards. The snakes, immune to the blast, kept on squeezing and biting. DoraLadoon cocked an arrow and let it fly. The arrow stopped above the Rangers while in midair and started spinning, spreading a shower of sparks that exploded against the Rangers with a violent series of sparks.

A scream sounded nearby. The Rangers, still struggling on the ground against the snakes, turned to see Dragon ranger standing near a fountain. The evil Ranger held a young Asian girl in his left arm, and used his right hand to aim his sword towards her neck.

Dragon Ranger looked to DoraLadoon. “Call your little snakes off. I need to have a word with my good friends here,” he said in a mocking tone.

The monster recovered the snakes. The Rangers struggled to rise onto their knees, their bodies weak and battered.

“Bandora has a little job for you fools,” Dragon Ranger said. “I’m sure you’ve already heard all about it from that bloated head who calls himself your mentor.”

Tyranno Ranger raised his sword, despite his trembling weakness. Every joint and muscle in his body ached with pain, but he wasn’t going to let that stop him. “You have five seconds to let that girl go, warlord.”

“Fine,” Dragon Ranger said. “In two seconds you’ll be in too much pain to count. He extended his hand and fired a jade energy pulse that exploded against the Rangers’ armor.

“Now…” Dragon Ranger said. “About that job. You will bring the dinosaur eggs to me. At the top of the eTech skyscraper.. You have ten minutes. Not a second more.”

Tyranno Ranger rose to his feet, his body still trembling from snake bites. “Fine. But if you hurt even one hair on her head-”

Dragon Ranger plucked a hair from the girls head. “Spare me the false threats. Get the dinosaur eggs. Now.”
________________________________________________________________________

Goldar watched through his viewing crystal as Dragon Ranger taunted the Rangers. He hated the Green one. Dragon Ranger did not deserve to defeat the Rangers. He would ruin the plan. Ruin the trap. And the Rangers would slip through Dragon Ranger’s claws.

Goldar snarled just thinking about it. He wasn’t about to stand by and watch the plan unfold. Either Dragon Ranger would win, or an opportunity to eliminate the Power Rangers would pass. Neither was acceptable.
________________________________________________________________________

The Rangers met Dragon Ranger on the rooftop nine minutes later. He held the girl in his arm and pressed his blade against her throat. He wondered if the Rangers knew that the girl’s fate was sealed. Her death would enrage the Rangers, make them act on emotion and not think. Her death would throw the team off guard. That’s what Dragon Ranger wanted.

The Rangers stepped forward and tossed the chest containing the eggs onto the roof. Zordon had teleported them to the chest and brought them back to the exchange point.

“There,” Tyranno ranger said. “Now let the girl go.”

“But of course,” Dragon Ranger said in an icy tone. He slit the girl’s neck and tossed her aside.

“NO!” Tyranno Ranger shouted as he and the others pounced forward.

A group of rock soldiers appeared and blocked the Rangers from Dragon Ranger. Even the warlord was taken aback by the grunts. “What the hell?”

Goldar glided through the air and dropped to the roof while retracting his wings. He armed his double-edged blade and aimed it towards the Rangers. “Your doom is here, Rangers!”

“Goldar!” Dragon Ranger shouted. “What are you doing here, monkey brain!?” A telepathic spell suddenly cut through his mind, causing him to drop to his knees in pain. It was Bandora. She wanted the eggs.

“Damn her,” Dragon Ranger muttered beneath his breath as he retrieved the chest. He teleported back to the palace with a burst of pale green light.

Goldar led the rock soldiers in a charge, and they slammed against the Rangers. Mammoth ranger, Tricera Ranger, Tiger Ranger, and Ptera Ranger split up and attacked the soldiers, slamming against them with a flurry of kicks and punches.

Tyranno Ranger snapped his Blade Blaster into position and squared off with Goldar. The two started circling around each other, switching fighting stances, and preparing to strike.

“Bandora’s gone too far this time,” Tyranno Ranger said.

Goldar ignored the Ranger’s comments. The simian had been inactive for too long while the warlords did battle. He didn’t want to waste time with banter. This was his time to strike. His turn to win.

Goldar swung his sword and launched fiery pulses of energy that exploded against Tyranno Ranger’s armor. Tyranno Ranger was blasted backward, and when the sparks cleared, Goldar was standing in front of him and swinging his sword.

Goldar’s blade thrashed diagonally across Tyranno Ranger’s armor. Tyranno Ranger spun with the blow and slashed his blade horizontally across Goldar’s chest. The Ranger snapped a sidekick that smashed against the simian’s armor and knocked the villain backward.
________________________________________________________________________

Dragon Ranger kneeled before Bandora and slid the box to her feet. Bandora glared down at the box with a hatred that even Dragon Ranger could not understand. She was being irrational. “I have brought you your prize, my empress.”

Bandora extended her staff down towards the box. Her magic lifted the lid and revealed two preserved dinosaur eggs inside. Her staff started to slow red and sent out an energy pulse. The pulse slowly consumed the eggs.

An evil glimmer sparkled in Bandora’s eye. “Kai…” she said softly. “You can rest easy now.”

Dragon Ranger tilted his head with confusion. Who the hell is Kai…?
________________________________________________________________________

Goldar slashed his sword across Tyranno Ranger’s armor. The Red Ranger went stumbling across the roof as Goldar stalked forward. “It’s finally over, little red weakling! Bandora’s DoraLadoon has taken the fight out of you!”

Tyranno Ranger rose to his feet as the snake/lizard creature appeared behind Goldar and joined the simian at his side. The other Rangers regrouped around Tyranno Ranger after finishing off the grunts. They helped their leader to his feet as the two villains stalked forward.

“Kimberly,” Zordon’s voice said over the team’s communicators. “Use your Ptera bow to strike DoraLadoon before he can launch his snakes.”

The creature hissed as it spat a volley of snakes at the five Rangers. Dozens of the slithering reptiles scattered towards the team.

“Get back!” Tyranno Ranger shouted as he pushed Ptera Ranger out of the way. The snakes wrapped around all of the Rangers, except Ptera Ranger. The reptiles bit against their already weakened bodies, sending pain shooting through their muscles.

Ptera Ranger rose to her feet and immediately armed her bow. She pulled an arrow backward and aimed. DoraLadoon spat another volley of snakes at the Pink Ranger. Ptera Ranger leapt to the side, out of the snake’s path, and fired a trio of arrows. The arrows cut through the monster’s throat and exploded, blasting off the creature’s head.

The monster’s body fell back as its energy overloaded and exploded with a shockwave that knocked Goldar off the roof. With the monster gone, the individual snakes shriveled up and died.
________________________________________________________________________

Goldar limped back to his chambers in Bandora’s palace. Dragon Ranger waited for him in the shadows. “You messed up again. Did you actually think you stood a chance against the Rangers? You’re barely a match for one of them, let alone the entire team.”

Goldar snarled and pounced towards Dragon Ranger. Dragon ranger grabbed the simian by the arm and slammed him against the ground. “Never again. You will never again interfere with my fight against the Rangers. Never again.”

Goldar snarled. “I will kill you…”

“I’m shaking in my boots, dog breath,” Dragon ranger said as he stood and walked away.

Goldar glared at the Ranger as he walked away. “I will kill you…” he snarled again.
________________________________________________________________________

Kimberly sat outside the Command Chamber, leaning against her knees as she looked out at the rock formations surrounding her. She could not get the image of the murdered girl out of her mind. It was the most terrifying thing she had ever seen.

Zack sat down beside her and draped an arm around her. She laid her against his shoulder and said nothing.

END

To be continued…Chapter Five. this thread. watch for it...

[Ryuranger]

---Ultimate Power Rangers: Reloaded
---Season One
---Battle Task Force Power Rangers
---Chapter Five: Brothers and Sisters

An enticing melody played throughout the chambers of Bandora‘s palace. It was a girl playing an energy harpsichord. She was dressed in white and red robes that were covered with a light suit of golden armor. Her long dark hair was pulled back and held together in an intricate golden hairpiece. A black cloth covered the lower part of her face so that only her dark brown eyes were visible.

Gurail walked up behind her and placed a hand on her shoulder; a sign of affection. “I’m glad you’re doing well.”

She placed her hand on his and slowly ran her fingers along the indents of his gauntlet. Kyra felt awkward within Bandora’s palace, but she didn’t know why. Only Gurail and her music gave her comfort. “This is still all so strange…I feel like…”

“Give it time, Kyra, my love,” Gurail said.

Dragon Ranger watched Kyra from the shadows. He felt a deep aching inside of him that seemed both strange and somehow familiar to him.

Dragon Ranger shook his head and stumbled through the hallway. He braced himself against a wall and placed his hand on his helmet. “What…why does she make me feel this way?”

He approached his chambers to find the three other dark warlords chatting with each other, each with his helmet off. The three warlords appeared humanoid, except for their odd colored hair. Venom’s hair was as green as Dragon Ranger’s armor. Kayl’s hair was deep crimson, and Dayus’ hair was dark purple.

“He’s weak and pathetic,” Kayl said. “If he were a real warlord, he would have the head of the Red Ranger by now.”

“He’s not even one of us,” Venom said. “He’s a Ranger.”

“Dragon’s Fang!” Dragon Ranger fired a sphere of green energy that exploded against the three villains and knocked the warlords down. “I’m more fit to be a warlord than you three will ever be!”

“Hmph,” one of the warlords said mockingly.

“Prove it,” Venom said.

“I don’t need to prove anything to you dogs,” Dragon Ranger said as he turned and walked away. His body trembled with rage as he moved down dark hallways. “They want proof…” he rolled his hands up into fists. “They’ll get their proof…”
________________________________________________________________________

Kimberly walked down the steep stairs outside of South Clinton High. She sighed with frustration and adjusted her backpack. “School sucks…” she mumbled to herself.

Kimberly’s gymnastics coach had given her a hard time again, berating her every move and stance. Her teammates always laughed at the exchanges. They enjoyed seeing the school’s star gymnast repeatedly put down.

Jason caught up with Kimberly after wading through a crowd of departing students. He walked over to her, his own book bag draped over his shoulder. “hey Kimberly.”

“Jason…” Kimberly said, surprised to see him. “What are you doing down here?”

He shrugged. “I was in the neighborhood, so I thought I’d drop by and say hi.”

Kimberly arced an eyebrow and smiled, not believing what she was hearing. “Jason, you go to school on the other side of the city.”

Jason grinned sheepishly. “I know.”

The two started walking away from the school as the student parking lot emptied and underclassmen jetted off on bicycles. Kimberly always walked home, her apartment not too far from the high school.

“So,” Jason said, “I hear Zack asked you out for this weekend again?”

“How’d you hear that?” Kimberly asked, starting to get a little defensive.

“Simon has a big mouth,” Jason said.

“Ah. So what’s a matter? Jealous?” Kimberly asked as she grinned jokingly.

Jason shook his head. “It’s not that at all…it’s just that…I’m not sure I like him. He doesn’t take anything seriously, he has no respect for anyone, and I swear he’s on something.”

“Oh please,” Kimberly said. She started walking faster. She hated it when people tried to control her life. She was independent. She had to be.

“Kimberly…” Jason said as he tried to catch up with her.

“Look Jason,” she snapped as she turned around. “I’ve appreciated the way you’ve looked out for me since we’ve met but…I don’t need that. You’re like the over-protective big brother I never asked for.”

“I…” Jason stopped. He looked like someone just punched him in the gut. “I’m sorry.” He turned and practically ran away.

Kimberly sighed and shook her head as Jason walked off. What was that all about?
________________________________________________________________________

Jason walked through the rainy streets alone at night. He was walked through a block that was quickly becoming a bad part of the city. A few rival gangs had moved in as if from nowhere. Drug and weapons sales were happening on more and more streets.

He stopped by one particular alley and looked down between the two buildings.

“This is where it happened,” he said to himself quietly as he walked into the alley, his hands in his pockets. “Why couldn’t I save you…”

A brief gust of wind came from behind as Dragon ranger suddenly appeared. “Because you’re worthless.”

Jason snapped around and raised a fighting stance. “What do you want?”

“Take a wild guess,” Dragon Ranger said.

Jason pulled out his transformation device and snapped it open while shouting “Dino Buckler!” Energy shimmered around him as he changed into his Ranger form.

Dragon Ranger pounced forward like his namesake.



The two Rangers charged at each other. Tyranno Ranger moved down low with a leg sweep while Dragon ranger spun forward with a jump-spinning heal kick. He passed over the Red Ranger.

The two turned and snapped round kicks toward each other before exchanging a fierce volley of kicks and punches.
________________________________________________________________________

Kimberly creaked open the doors to Master Ohm’s dojo. The small dojo was concealed within the city, but surrounded by a grove of trees and flower gardens. It seemed isolated, despite the bustling city activities outside the dojo ground’s border.

Kimberly peaked her head in. “Is Jason here?”

Master Ohm was sitting in a meditative pose on his dojo mat. He looked up, meeting Kimberly in the eye, and shook his head. “No…may I help you with something?”

Kimberly took a step inside the dojo. “You’re Master Ohm, right? Jason’s teacher?”

He nodded and smiled, waving his hand down towards the mat. “Yes. Please…have a seat and tell me what troubles you.”

Kimberly hesitated for a moment before sitting down. “Well…I snapped at him today and I wanted to apologize…sort of.”

“But there’s more,” Ohm stated more than asked. “More you want to know.”

Kimberly shrugged. “Well...yeah…it’s just that…he kind of acts weird around me sometimes.”

Ohm smiled and nodded. “You look much like Janet. It’s to be expected.”

“Who’s Janet?” Kimberly asked.

Ohm sighed, a look of sorrow flashing across his face. “Janet was Jason’s twin sister. The two were very close. They shared the same zest for life, as well as the same talent in the martial arts.”

Tyranno Ranger and Dragon Ranger fight as Ohm tells the story. “Not too long ago, they were out on the town at night, and while taking a short cut home down the alley, they were mugged.

“Jason and Janet both fought back, but during the struggle, a gun went off and Janet lost her life. The attackers fled leaving Jason alone with his dying sister in his arms. He hasn’t been the same since then. He was always protective of his sister, and the one time he couldn’t help her, she died.”

Ohm sighed again, the memory was still clearly vivid and freshly painful. “I suggest you talk to him. He needs a friend.”

Kimberly nodded. Her communicator went off before she could reply. “Thank you.”

Zordon and Alpha had provided them with communication devices to keep in touch, and also to access special teleportation powers.

She went outside and hid behind a tree as she activated her communicator. “This is Kimberly.”

“Kimberly,” Alpha said, “Dragon Ranger is attacking Jason in the city. You and the others must help him.”

She nodded, determined to help her friend. God, I can’t believe I snapped at him… “I’m on my way.”
________________________________________________________________________

Dragon Ranger slammed a sidekick against Tyranno Ranger’s chest. Red Ranger sprung back and swung his Blade Blaster down towards Green ranger’s head, but the evil Ranger grabbed Tyranno Ranger’s arm and lifted him off his feet. Dragon Ranger tossed Tyranno Ranger against a wall.

Tyranno Ranger slammed against the brick wall, making a web-like crater on impact, before slipping down and slamming against the ground.

“You’re worthless,” Dragon Ranger said as he stalked towards his fallen foe. “Barely worthy to be finished off by my blade. It‘s a wonder you got your powers in the first place.”

Tyranno Ranger rose to his feet and readied his Tyranno Sword, tightening his grip on its handle. “We’ll see who’s worthless.” He charged towards Dragon Ranger with his sword and the two began dueling.

Tyranno Ranger parried Dragon Ranger’s blow. Tyranno Ranger arced his sword back around, chopping down towards Green Ranger’s head. Dragon Ranger lifted his sword high, blocked the blow, and pushed Tyranno Ranger back while slamming a front kick against the Ranger’s chest.

Dragon Ranger followed with a spinning heel kick that crashed against Tyranno Ranger’s helmet, and sent the Red Ranger crashing through a wooden wall. Tyranno Ranger rolled out of control across a cold concrete floor in the abandoned building. He rose to his knees to see Dragon Ranger step out of the rain and through the hole.

Tyranno Ranger placed a hand on his injured left shoulder. It felt dislocated, but he couldn’t be sure. All he knew was that he was in pain, and his left arm was nearly useless.

Dragon Ranger slowly walked towards his foe while extend ding his sword. “And now it’s time to end our little game….It’s been fun…”

Tyranno Ranger glared at the approaching evil Ranger. He tightened his grip on his saber, ready to pounce forward as soon as Dragon Ranger moved close enough. The Red Ranger would not let himself go down without a fight.

Red energy lances suddenly exploded against Dragon Ranger. The blasts took him by surprise and knocked him backward. Dragon Ranger turned his head over his left shoulder to see the other four Rangers enter the room. They held their Blade Blasters aimed forward at the Green Ranger while running to Tyranno Ranger’s side.

Tiger Ranger draped Tyranno Ranger’s arm over her shoulder. “You should have called for help, Jason.”

“I was a bit busy,” Tyranno Ranger said as he stood on his own.

Zordon’s spoke through the Rangers’ communicators. “Bring your weapons together to form the Power Blaster: a mystical cannon that combines your energy into a powerful blast.”

“Alright, Zordon,” Tyranno Ranger answered. “ Let’s bring our weapons together guys.” he shouted to his team. “Form the Power Blaster!”

The Rangers combined their weapons. The Mammoth Breaker formed the main cannon of the weapon. The Ptera bow rested perpendicular across the barrel. Tricera Ranger’s Lance split in two and joined Tiger Ranger’s daggers across the bow.

“Power Blaster!” the Rangers shouted together. “Fire!”

Four energy streams burst from the cannon. The streams combined into one and shot forward. The blast exploded against Dragon Ranger, knocking him off his feet and sending him crashing back into the alley. He slammed through a brick wall, kicking up debris and dust.

Dragon Ranger slowly crawled from the rubble, his chest shield having protected him from most of the blast. Tyranno Ranger stepped forward and aimed his sword at the fallen Green Ranger. “Go crawling back to Bandora, you wanna-be Ranger.”

Dragon Ranger rose back to his feet. “You won’t be so lucky next time, Ranger,” he said before teleporting away with a burst of dark green energy.
________________________________________________________________________

Jason and Kimberly kneeled down at Janet’s grave. Kimberly had asked to come, and Jason accepted her offer. He wasn’t used to letting people share his pain, but decided to make an exception.

“I wish you would have told me sooner,” she told him.

Jason nodded, his eyes fixated on the tombstone. “I wanted to…I just wasn’t sure how.”

Kimberly placed a hand on his shoulder. “It’s not your fault…”

“It is,” Jason said without hesitation. “”I couldn’t save her, Kim. But it’s different now. No one’s going to lose anyone else because of me. Not while I have this power.”

END

To be continued…Chapter Six. this thread. watch for it...

[Ryuranger]

---Ultimate Power Rangers
---Season One
---Battle Task Force Power Rangers
---Chapter Six: Life's Lessons

The Cathedral café in Angel Grove North had no cultural boundaries. The coffee house/dance club had customers dressed in preppy shirts and slacks, as well as Goth teens in all black with piercing everywhere. The café was a hangout for Zack and his friends from school.

Zack sat at a small café table with three of his friends. He drank coke instead of tea or coffee. The room was dimly lit with the faint glow of neon lights creeping in from the dance room in the building’s rear.

“So what’s her name?” one of Zack’s friends asked. The friend wore a black jacket draped over a gray buttoned undershirt. His dark hair was short and slick.

“Kimberly,” Zack answered. “We’re going out again this weekend.”

Another one of his friends slugged him in the shoulder. “You dog.”

Zack smiled and shrugged. “I try.” he pulled out a flask of alcohol and spiced up his drink. He took a sip. “Whoo…” he said as he shook his head.
*
“Would you like some coke with that Jack. Jeez man,” the slick-haired friend said with a laugh.

Zack just smiled and took another sip. The teen drank with his friends often. On the weekends they gathered at whichever home was parent-less to smoke weed.

Zack was about to come back with a witty remark when his communicator sounded. “Oh man, not now…”

“I didn’t know you had a pager,” one of his friends said.

“It was a gift,” Zack said as he rose to his feet, the alcohol hitting his head with a wave of dizziness. He stumbled to the door, hoping Bandora had sent a monster no stronger than a bunny. A very small bunny.
________________________________________________________________________
*
Mammoth Ranger ran to the western financial district. A multi-armed gladiator-type creature was ripping apart the streets with energy blasts and swipes from his broadsword. The creature threw a car into a building, causing a massive explosion, as Mammoth Ranger regrouped with the others.

“Zack!” Tiger Ranger called when she saw her teammate run towards them. The gladiator monster was too powerful for them to handle while short a member.

Mammoth Ranger regrouped with the team and leaned on his knees to catch his breath. Another wave of dizziness and head pain hit him. He had learned a few months ago that alcohol and exercise was not a wise mix.

Ptera Ranger placed a hand on his back. “Are you okay?”

“Just great,” Mammoth Ranger said as he steadied himself. “Too much movement makes my head spin.”

“Maybe you should sit this one out,” Ptera Ranger said.

“No way,” Mammoth ranger said as he swatted her hand away and stepped past her. He wasn’t about to let her think he was worthless. “He’s mine!”

Mammoth Ranger charged at the monster. The four-armed creature snapped into a fighting stance.

“That hot head!” Tyranno ranger shouted. He was growing tired of Mammoth Ranger’s recklessness.

“Mammoth Breaker!” Mammoth Ranger shouted as he leapt forward towards the creature, holding his axe high.

The Black Ranger pounced forward and swung his axe down towards the monster’s head. The villain used one of its sabers to thrash across Mammoth Ranger’s chest and toss him backwards through the air.

Mammoth Ranger slammed against the ground as the villain turned and stalked towards him. The Ranger ignored the pain and shot to his feet, throwing himself at the monster for a second time.

The gladiator effortless blocked Mammoth Ranger’s chops and slashes before charging its own weapons. The villain’s bottom pair of arms energized two double-edged axes.

“Crusher Axe!” the creature shouted as it swung the two axe blades forward.

The energized blades slashed against Mammoth Ranger’s armor and tossed him backwards. The Black Ranger stumbled out of control and landed near a marble sculpture at the center of the plaza.

The monster powered up a massive electric blast and fired. The blast shot towards Mammoth Ranger, who had risen to his knees.
*
“No!” Tyranno Ranger shouted as he pushed Mammoth Ranger out of the way. The blast exploded against the Ranger’s helmet with a deafening force.

Tyranno Ranger’s limp body crashed back against the ground. His broken helmet dissipated because of a power overload in his body. Jason’s bare forehead had blood trickling down it.

“Jason!” Ptera Ranger shouted as she ran to her friend, snapping arrows off towards the gladiator monster to keep it at bay. The four Rangers gathered around their fallen leader’s side and teleported away with a burst of light.
________________________________________________________________________
*
“How do you feel Dragon Ranger?” Goldar asked. The two villains stood on Bandora’s palace balcony. The monitored the battle below through enhanced-vision spells that the balcony provided. “Knowing that a barely sentient monstrosity could accomplish what you couldn’t? Could kill the Red Ranger?”*

“Never under estimate your enemies, Goldar,” Dragon Ranger said. He kept his eyes on the planet below. “That’s why you’ve failed time and again.”

Goldar snarled his teeth and placed his hand on his sword, ready to silence the Ranger with a swipe from his blade.

Dragon Ranger turned and walked past the simian, still not making eye contact. “I have more important things to do…”

Goldar turned and glared at the departing Ranger. “Fool,” he grumbled under his breath. “Foolish boy.”
*_______________________________________________________________________
*
The rangers returned to the Chamber. Alpha and Billy led Jason to one of the medical beds on the outskirts of the chamber. The medical table was made of stone identical to the rest of the chamber. A panel attached the table had a slick, flat control console with various colored controls and displays.

Billy and Alpha lied Jason back onto the medical bed. They extended a slab that hovered over his chest. Light pulsed through the slab like blood coursing through veins. Alpha and Billy monitored Jason’s vital signs and tended to his wounds. A soft blue glow drifted over his body as the medical bed made what repairs it could.

Zack sat with his back against one of the chamber’s outer columns. His head was hung low as Billy and Alpha tended to Jason nearby.

Kimberly sat across from him on the floor, placing a hand on his leg. “Are you okay?”

Zack shook his head. The teen was consumed by guilt. “No…no I’m not. This is all my fault.”

Kimberly shook her head and leaned forward. “No it’s not. You’re being to hard on yourself.”

“No, Kimberly,” Zack said as he pushed himself back onto his feet. “I’m not being hard enough.” He turned and ran off.
________________________________________________________________________

The four-armed creature continued to stalk through the streets. Its rampage had moved from the financial district to Angel Springs Plaza, a path of white concrete that wrapped through flower gardens and ornate statues.

Zack ran to the scene, raging anger covering his guilt. He skid to a halt as the gladiator sent an energy blast exploding through a nearby statue.

“Hey you! The freak with the four arms!” Zack shouted.

The mindless gladiator turned and hissed at the ranger. The monster recognized his enemy well. Its entire existence hinged on killing the teens.

“You hurt my friend,” Zack shouted as he readied his Dino Buckler. “Now I’m going to hurt you! Dino Buckler!”

Zack thrust the buckler forward and snapped it open. Dark energy spread across his body as he transformed into his suit of armor. He snapped into a fighting stance. “Mammoth Ranger! Black!”
*
The two charged at each other. Mammoth Ranger armed its axe, while the creature chose to fight bare handed.
*
Mammoth Ranger leapt through the air and brought his axe down vertically towards the monster’s head. The monster blocked the blow with one set of hands and double punched Mammoth Ranger in the chest with another set.
*
Mammoth Ranger fell to the ground, but quickly flipped back up.
*
“Blade Blaster!” he shouted as he fired lances of energy at the creature, but the monster deflected each blast with his weapons.
*
“Electric Shocker!” the monster yelled as he fired a blade of electric energy that slammed into Mammoth Ranger and sent him crashing into one of the fountains at the plaza.
________________________________________________________________________
*
Jason rubbed the back of his head while he pulled himself up on the medical bed. His entire body ached. Dots of light still blurred his vision. He rubbed his eyes to try and clear his sight and mind.

“He’s awake!” young Simon called out from besides the medical bed.

Jason shook his head to wave off the last of his clouded mind. “What’s going on?”

Zordon looked over to the ranger. “You were injured by Bandora’s latest creation and brought here. Zack is now engaging the monster alone.”

“What?” Kimberly asked in shock. She and the others looked to the Viewing Globe. An image of Mammoth Ranger appeared as the four-armed creature slammed its fists against the Black Ranger.

“The five of you must function together,” Zordon told the gathered rangers. “Your strength lies in team work.”
*
Jason gathered his strength and rose from the medical bed. “Let’s go help Zack…”
*
“May The Power protect you,” Zordon said as the teens left the Command Chamber, headed towards their next fight.
*_______________________________________________________________________
*
A sword was about to crash down on Mammoth Ranger’s head. Tyranno Ranger appeared and kicked the blade out of the way. Tyranno Ranger spun a heel kick that slammed the monster away from Mammoth ranger..
*
“You’re on a roll today,” Mammoth Ranger said as he climbed back to his feet.
*
“Let’s form the Power Blaster,” Tricera Ranger said.
*
“Right,” Tyranno Ranger said as he armed his Tyranno Sword.

The Rangers combined their five weapons to form the Power Blaster cannon. Bandora’s monster charged towards them to attack, but the Rangers fired the cannon before the creature could strike.

The blast speared against the monster and exploded, ripping through the creature’s armor and bone as it burst into flame, its own energy overloading and igniting.

A card streaked down from the skies in a streak of dark light. The card struck the monster’s burning remains and triggered a spell. The spell reassembled the four-armed creature on a gigantic scale that towered over the streets.

The Rangers raised their arms above their heads and called for their calvary. “Dinozords, arise!”

The five Dinozords stomped through the streets. The Rangers leapt into the air and jumped into their zords’ cockpits. Each cockpit was fused inside of the zords’ armor.

“Dinozord fusion!” Tyranno Ranger shouted.

The five Dinozords reassembled and combined to form the Megadinozord. The Rangers joined in the zord’s central cockpit.

The gladiator creature swung its axe down towards the Megazord. Megadinozord used its forearm to parry the blow, and slammed a backfist against the creature’s chest.

“Let’s make this quick,” Tyranno Ranger said. “Megadinozord Saber Battle Crash!”
*
Megadinozord lifted its sword high above his head. The blade energized with crimson energy as the zord swung downward. The saber cut through the gladiator, causing the creature to stumble backward as its energy overloaded and exploded.
________________________________________________________________________
*
Zack was sitting alone outside the Command Chamber. Jason walked up besides his fellow ranger and took a seat.

“So what’s up?” Jason asked. Zack had told Jason to meet him outside.

Zack took a deep breath. What he was about to say did not come easy for him. “I just wanted to…say thanks,” he said. “And I’m sorry. You almost died because of me.”
*
“We’re part of a team now,” Jason said. “We have to look out for each other. We’re not invincible you know.”
*
Zack nodded. “I know now.”
*
Jason patted him on the back. “Thanks Zack.”
*
Jason climbed back to his feet and walked inside. Zack followed a moment later, Jason’s words weighing heavy on his mind. They were not invincible. Far from it.
________________________________________________________________________
*
Zack sat on his basement floor with a group of friends. His parents were gone for the weekend on different business trips, meaning it was his turn to host. They passed around a small black and gold marijuana bowl.

“You’re awfully quiet,” one of Zack’s friends said to him. “We usually can’t shut you up about this time.”

The others laugh, more so than the comment called for.

Zack nodded, his eyes glazed over. “I was just thinking…”

“About what?”

“Death.”

They laughed again between hits.

“Seriously,” Zack said. “Who knows when we’re going to die? Or how? It could happen tomorrow.”
*
His friends laughed at him again, one of them leaned back so far he actually tipped over.
*
Zack shook his head and took another hit. It’s all real to me now…too real.

END

---to be continued in chapter seven. this thread. watch for it...

[Ryuranger]

---Ultimate Power Rangers
---Season One
---Battle Task Force Power Rangers
---Chapter Seven: Sidelines

Part One-Michael

His life was turned upside down. The world as he knew it was crazy. Monster movies like Godzilla didn’t seem funny anymore, since most residents of Angel Grove had saw the real thing. As for the army, who needed them? Protection came from five strangers in bright shiny suits, that everyone swore were spandex.

Michael Long sighed and shock his head as he passed a newspaper stand. The stand sat in the midst of sprawling activity as citizens moved about the streets during the afternoon rush. Newspapers at the stand showed pictures of workers and firemen cleaning up after a mess of rubble in Angel Grove South.

Michael had only lived in Angel Grove for a year, and had just gotten used to the place. Few cities on earth were quite as large, thus Angel Grove being divided into five parts: Central, North, East, and West. Most viewed each as an independent city all its own.

But now Michael had other things to adjust too. Things like the newspaper’s front page article: “Monster rampage kills 16.”

“Hey Michael!” a voice shouted from behind the 17-year-old. It was his friend Brandy. The red-headed girl ran over to him. “Wait up!”

Brandy ran to his side and slung an arm over his shoulder. She was always cheery, and sometimes, it drew Michael crazy. Especially on days like the one he was having.

“Are you going to the movies with us tonight?” she asked.

Michael sighed and shook his head. “Nah, I think I’ll stay home and read.”

Brandy rolled her eyes. “What else is new. Don’t be worthless. Come with us.”

A siren cut through the city streets. The sound didn’t signal fire, tordanos, or earthquakes: it signaled a monster attack. An actual monster alarm. At school they even had monster drills.

“Fucking insanity,” Michael said as he and Brandy moved to the nearest shelter.
________________________________________________________________________

Scorpina had gone behind Bandora’s back to attack the Power Rangers. She ached for battle, and was confident she could kill each of Zordon’s elk. They were only children.

An group of rock soldiers split up and attacked the Rangers as Scorpina stood by and watched. The grunts would wear the Rangers down, and she would learn their fighting styles while watching in the meantime.

The first thing she noticed was how they wasted so many movements. Sometimes it was almost as if they were dancing instead of fighting.

Tricera Ranger slammed a double punch against a rock soldier’s chest. Two more grunts charged at him, but Tricera Ranger dropped and swept the legs out from underneath one of the soldiers.

Tyranno Ranger armed his sword and chopped down vertically, ripping through an incoming rock soldier.

Ptera Ranger leapt through the air and snapped off two arrows. The arrows exploded against a pair of grunts and knocked them backward.

Tiger Ranger flipped backward while kicking a soldier upside the head.

Mammoth ranger reached back and slammed an elbow blow against a rock soldier that had tried to sneak up on him.

Scorpina armed her boomerang-shaped blade. It was time for her to strike. She ran her hand along the blade’s edge as it gathered golden energy. She tossed the blade forward. The blade spun and cut against the Rangers, exploded with clouds of spark against their armor.
________________________________________________________________________

Ironically, monster attacks were great for Angel Grove’s economy. The shelters themselves provided hundreds of jobs for people.

None of the cities shelters were anything to brag about yet. But future designs showed luxury waiting rooms, television screens and games. Some of the more daring developers actually proposed opening food commons in some of the main shelters.

Michael was again sickened and in complete disbelief by his existence. He was sitting on a carpeted floor while playing a game of cards with Brandy.

“I can’t believe what they’re actually trying to do with these places,” Michael said. It was his first time in the shelter during an actual attack. “I mean, Christ…we spend more time in these things for school drills than we do actual emergencies.”

Brandy rolled her eyes, something she found herself doing a lot when she was with Michael. “I think it’s a good idea. The more you give people to do, the less they’ll worry.”

“In theory,” Michael said. “But 16 people died yesterday. No one seems to give a damn. We just go about our lives…and some people are actually trying to profit from it. I saw pictures of the golden monkey thing that trashed a whole city block and killed more than a dozen people. A bunch of losers were selling the things.”

Brandy shrugged. “It’s just the way the world works. Everyone is apathetic these days. It’s…just the way it is.”

“Well it’s stupid,” Michael said. “Just stupid.”
________________________________________________________________________

Ptera Ranger and Tyranno Ranger leapt forward towards Scorpina. Ptera Ranger swung her bow down towards the villain’s head. Scorpina sidestepped and slapped her blade against the Ranger’s weapon.

Ptera Ranger’s momentum made her fall forward and crash to the ground.

Tyranno Ranger armed his sword and swung down towards Scorpina’s chest. Scorpina blocked the blow with her blade. The two opponents pressed their swords together while staring face-to-face, trying to gain the upper hand.

“Give up, Scorpina,” Tyranno Ranger said.

She merely knocked his weapon aside and slashed her blade across the Ranger’s chest. Her weapon sparked upon impact.
________________________________________________________________________

“Christ,” Michael muttered as he placed down another card. “How long is this thing going to last?”

“Alright,” Brandy said, dropping her normally cheery tone as she pushed the cards aside. “What is this really about?”

“I’m shitty,” Michael said. “That’s all.”

“But why?” Brandy asked.

Michael sighed with frustration. He hated explaining himself. “I don’t really think it’s that complicated. Do you see where we are? Do you see? This is insane. It’s driving me insane.”

Brandy knew there was a deeper meaning to Michael's feelings, but decided not to press the issue. They kept playing cards.
________________________________________________________________________

Part Two- Brandy

She sat on her bed and cried. She had never been more terrified than when she was in that shelter. Michael was right, alothough she’d never tell him that. Their world had gone mad. Brandy just managed to hide it well.

She tried to be optomistic. She put on a facade of bravery. But it hurt. She was afraid. Werewolves, vampires, the boogey men, and all creatures kids grow up scared up copuld now actually be under a bed, in a closet, or around a corner.

Her mother burst into her daughter’s room. “Pack your bags. We’re leaving.”

“What?” Brandy asked, sniffing back her tears.

“Today was the last draw. I refuse to live in a place like...like this!” she practically shouted. “We’re going to stay with my mother in Reefside. It’s quiet there. And normal. Until we find a place to stay, we’ll leave our things here.”

“But-” Brandy started to say.

“No buts,” her mom said. “We’ll take a plane from the Crossworld City airport tomorrow. We’ll have our things brought to us later. Pack what you can now.”

Brandy’s mother left the room. Brandy curled up into ball andleaned her head against her knees.
________________________________________________________________________

Bandora had been launching a stream of creatures that week.

The Rangers had fought against a spider creature, a monster’s who’s head resembled an elephant, a flea-type monster, and a slimey creature fo fangs and claws.

Each creature had stormed through the city and caused much damage before the Rangers took them down.

The latest attack was Bandora’s biggest yet. The Dark Warlords fought against four of the Rangers while one of Bandora’s creations, a black-armored knight, isolated and attacked Mammoth Ranger.

The Rangers fought the Dark Warloda at The Angel's Wing, a plaza known for one of the largest and most ornate fountains in the world.

Secmet armed his swords and charged forward towards Tricera Ranger. The villain started stabbing so fast that his arms became a blur of motion. The sword sparked and exploded against the Ranger's armor while pushing him back.

Tyranno Ranger's sword clashed against Kayl's curved blade. The villain snarled beneath his red face mask while charging his blade with black lightning. The jagged lightning expldoed against Tyranno Ranger's chest and knocked him backward.

Dragon Ranger slammed a jump kick against Tiger Ranger's faceplate. Tiger Range's head snapped back, but she counter attacked with a roundkick aimed towards the Ranger's side. Dragon Ranger blocked the blow and slammed the back of his fist across Tiger Ranger's helmet.

Dayus launched a volley of bladed spears forward that exploded against Ptera Ranger and knocked her backward before she could snap off an arrow.

Meanwhile, the knight had Mammoth Ranger cornered against a rocky shore. The villain's golden-hilted saber had strong magick that could destroy practically any weapon it touched, Zordon had warned.

Mammoth Ranger leapt forward towards the knight and swung his axe towards the villain’s head. The knight blocked the blow with his saber. Flashes of yellow energy discharged from the blade and exploded against the axe, creating a shockwave that knocked the Ranger backward.

Mammoth Ranger rolled back onto his knees. The knight extended his blade forward and fired a flurry of energy pulses that exploded against Mammoth Ranger’s armor.

Mammoth Ranger used his axe to steady himself while he rose back to his knees. The axe was black around the edges and smoked, damaged from the knight’s blade.

“Damn...he trashed my axe!” Mammoth Ranger shouted.

The knight charged forward and slashed upward across Mammoth Ranger’s body, whipping the Ranger backward.
________________________________________________________________________

Brandy was running away from home. At least she thought she was. She wasn’t sure what she was doing. Yes, the city scared her, but could she leave it so abruptly? Leave her friends? Leave Michael?

How could her mom spring this up on her all of a sudden. Just when she thought thing’s couldn’t get any crier, they do.

Brandy sniffed back more tears as she turned a corner and moved through a city plaza near Angel’s Wing. She didn’t notice the plaza was deserted. She didn’t hear the metal clashing nearby - until a shockwave knocked her off her feet.

She screamed as she looked up to see Red Ranger slam back-first ointo the ground in front of her. The brown-armored warlord landed on on th eground, a cold and thin smile on his face, as he charged his sword with black electricity.

Tyranno Ranger looked back to Brandy. “Run. Get out of here, now!”

Her body froze with fear.

Kayl whipped his sword forward and fired a jagged energy burst. A green blur of motion dropped down and blocked the blast before it could strike Tyranno Ranger and the girl. It was Dragon Ranger. He had used his shield to protect them.

“Don’t hurt the girl, Kayl,” Dragon Ranger said.He turned and glared at Brandy. “Get out of here, little cow. Run.”

Brandy turned and fled as fast as she could.

Tyranno Ranger couldn’t believe it. Dragon Ranger, who had slit a captive’s throat in cold blood, just saved a civilian? And a Ranger in the process? Tyranno Ranger couldn’t believe it.
________________________________________________________________________

Michael was right, Brandy thought to herself in the backseat of her parent’s car. She was leaving Angel Grove. She never wanted to go back, ever. She didn’t even bother to call Michael and tell him. She just left him a letter…
________________________________________________________________________

Michael finished reading the letter. He laughed at the insanity of it all. The irony. His only friend. Best friend. The girl he loved. Gone. Because of big scary monsters.

He laughed, tears rolling down his cheeks, his body trembling. He laughed.

---To be continued…Chapter Eight. This thread. Watch for it...

[Ryuranger]

---Ultimate Power Rangers: Reloaded
---Season One
---Battle Task Force Power Rangers
---Chapter Eight: Feeling Blue

Bandora’s latest monster was an amphibious creature covered in blue slime. The monster had a single eye and single horn extending from its head. Simon had been at the Command Chamber with the rangers when the monster appeared. He had dubbed it the “Goo Fish.”

The monster had appeared on the rocky shores of Angel Grove, an obvious invite to the Rangers since no one walked those shores. Bandora wanted the Rangers to fight on ground of her choosing. She knew the Rangers would strike before the monster could enter the city.

A group of rock soldiers split the Rangers up with a barrage of attacks so the Goo Fish could attack the team one-by-one. The monster’s first target was Tricera Ranger.

Tricera Ranger snapped into a fighting stance as the Goo Fish stalked forward. The creature produced a dirt-gold colored staff and aimed it forward at the Blue Ranger.

Tricera Ranger watched the monster’s movements closely, not wanting to rush into a fight.

The monster suddenly dropped its staff aside and leaned forward to spit a spray of blue fluid. The liquid exploded against Tricera Ranger’s armor and knocked him backward.

Tricera Ranger stumbled and rolled across the ground as Goo Fish leapt forward to strike.

Tyranno Ranger leapt in front of the monster before it could attack and slashed with his sword. His vertical blow sparked against the monster on impact and knocked Goo Fish backward.

Tyranno Ranger aimed his sword at the fallen monster while the other Rangers gathered behind him. “When are you freaks going to learn. You never win. Ever.”
________________________________________________________________________

Bandora wrinkled her brow as she watched the battle from her balcony on the moon palace. She saw the Rangers assemble their Power Blaster and destroy her creation.

“So,” she said with venom in her voice. “It seems the Rangers have grown tired with my little pets…” a cold smile spread across her face. “Very well.”
________________________________________________________________________

Bandora whispered an incantation and moved her hands across a crystal ball as four cards circled around her. Each card was glowing with white-hot energy. Dark power swirled within her globe.

Gurail and Kyra watched Bandora while keeping a safe distance. Scorpina was leaning in a dark corner and watched as well. Kyra looked mystified at the display.

“What is she doing?” Kyra asked.

Gurail kept his eyes on Bandora while whispering to his lover. “She’s summoning the four horsemen of Daisatan.”

“She must be getting desperate,” Scorpina said.

Bandora finished her incantation with a hideous shriek as she shot her hand forward. The four cards went streaking down to the Earth below.
________________________________________________________________________

Billy and Kimberly left the Greenwood Mall in Angel Grove Central and walked down the city streets. They both carried paper shopping bags, filled mostly with Kimberly’s purchases. Billy was dressed in a blue-button shirt and kaki pants instead of his overalls. He wasn’t wearing his glasses either.
*
“I’m not sure what to think of this new look, Kimberly,” Billy said.
*
“What’s wrong with it?” Kimberly asked. “I think you look handsome...in that cute little brother way.”
*
Billy blushed and smiled. “It’s just that my mother always used to tell me not to be somebody I’m not.”
*
“Billy,” Kimberly said. “It’s fine that you’re into science. I think it’s great…it’s just…you use it as a shield. It’s like you hide yourself with it. I’m sure your mom will love this look. It suits you.”
*
Billy sighed. “My mother died when I was a boy.”
*
“Oh, Billy,” Kimberly said. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know.”
*
“It’s okay,” Billy said.
*
“How did she…?”
*
“Cancer,” Billy said. “That’s when I started my whole science kick. I want to find a cure some day.”
*
Kimberly smiled. “That would make her proud.”
*
Billy nodded.
*
“You know what else would make her proud?” Kimberly asked.
*
“What?”
*
“If you would come out of your shell.” she said as she playful nudged against his shoulder.
*
Billy wrinkled his brow.
*
“I’m not trying to be mean...it’s just that…you don’t need to hide yourself anymore. You have friends now that care about you. We’ll help you through whatever you’re going through,” Kimberly said.
*
Billy nodded. “Thank you. I’ve never really had friends…ever.”
*
Kimberly smiled. “I know the feeling.”
*
“You?” Billy asked with surprise. Kimberly seemed like the kind of girl every guy wanted to be with and every girl wanted to be. She was perfect, and god help him, his falling more and more in love with her.
*
“That’s a whole other story,” Kimberly said.
________________________________________________________________________
*
Billy entered his garage lab in the suburbs of Angel Grove Central to find his 9-year-old student Steven eagerly waiting. The lab was cluttered with electrical equipment, laptops, computer parts and casings.
*
Billy was involved with a program that tutored elementary school children in the Center Grove School district. Steven was his most promising student, and Billy had even been teaching him martial arts.
*
“Hey Billy,” Steven said.
*
“Steven. How was school?”
*
“Oh alright I guess,” Steven said. “Too easy. I learn all the cool stuff from you.”
*
Billy smiled. “Have you talked to your mom about maybe getting you into a harder class.”
*
Steven sighed. “She won’t listen. And now that Dad’s not around anymore…”
*
Steven’s parents had divorced a few years ago. He stayed with his mother while his older brother Elliot lived with their father in Angel Grove North.
*
Billy nodded. He empathized with the young child. He was a budding genius with only one parent. Bored with the typical challenges of school. “I’ll see if there’s anything I can do.”
*
“Thanks,” Steven said.
________________________________________________________________________
*
Simon and Maya were in the shopping district at the heart of Angel Grove North. Simon was snacking on a pretzel when he noticed a store window out of the corner of his eye. A line of cutting-edge skateboards were inside.

“Maya!” Simon called as he ran over to the window. “Check it out!”

Maya smiled and shook her head. She was amazed at how Simon took so much joy in simple things, despite the world they’d been thrown into. A world of monsters and Rangers.

“Oh no,” she said. “We don’t have the money.”

“Please,” Simon said as he grasped her arm and gave her his best puppy-dog eyes. “The red one is sooo cool! It even has a hawk on it!”

Maya sighed at his last remark. Their grandfather had often referred to Simon as a little hawk. Even right before he died at the hands of Bandora’s creatures.

Maya was about to give in when four streaks of light streaked down from the skies. The skies above blackened. The lights took humanoid form spread across the city streets.

“Simon move!” Maya shouted as she pushed her younger brother aside and ducked for cover.

A series of explosions ripped through the streets, fiery blasts of destruction sent clouds of rubble flying in every direction. Cars overturned and went crashing through buildings. Maya and Simon ducked for cover in a nearby alley.

“What are those things?” Simon asked as the creatures moved across the skies.

One of the villains had black metal wings on his back. His skin was pale white and his eyes blood red. Blonde hair parted down the center of his head. He held a double-edged sword with a white gem at the hilt. He was Death.

The second villain wore black armor over burnt and boiled orange skin. It had streaks of white hair staggered across its bald head. His fists radiated with kinetic energy. Streams of fire slithered across his skin. He was War.

A third villain was a frail, black skeleton warrior with dirt-gold armor. The villain carried a pair of jagged blades. He was Famine.

The final attacker was a female with purple skin, covered in open sores and wounds. Dark red hair wrapped around her body. She was Pestilence.

Maya opened her laptop computer and shuffled through various files for information. “According to the information grandfather left me…they’re the four horsemen of Daisatan.”
*
“The Rangers will take care of them,” Simon said, his hands rolled into fists as he narrowed his eyes at the villains.
*
Maya nodded. “They will.”
________________________________________________________________________
*
Billy was analyzing his Dino buckler at one of his lab tables. Steve sat at the other end of the table, oblivious to what his older tutor had in his possession.

“This is so complex…” Billy said quietly to himself. “And yet simple…our armor is apparently all energy, fueled by this Power Zordon talked about. The Power is almost like a grid that can morph matter and energy. A morphin grid.”
*
Billy’s communicator sounded. He rose from the table and shut off the nearby computer screens while he placed his buckler back in his pocket.

“Steven,” Billy said to his young friend,, “I have to go. If you need anything, my Dad is inside.”
*
Steven tilted his head with concern. He had never seen Billy act so anxious. “Are you okay?”
*
Billy sighed. Her was never good at lying. “Yes. I just need to take care of something.”
*_______________________________________________________________________
*
“The four horsemen?!” Dragon Ranger said to himself “Has Bandora gone crazy?!”
*
He watched through the crystal ball in his private chambers as the four horsemen attacked the city. “They’re impossible to control. After they wipe out the Rangers, they’ll come after us.”
*
Dragon Ranger rolled his hands into fists. He turned and walked away. “I can’t let that happen.”
*_______________________________________________________________________
*
The Rangers arrived on the scene to see the four figures unleashing destruction. Death was using wing darts to shatter windows. War was blowing up everything in site with concussion blasts, and Famine and Pestilence were preying on the weak and injured.

Tyranno Ranger readied his Blade Blaster in blade mode. “Let’s take them down and out.”

The five Rangers started to charge towards the horsemen, but War fired a dark red concussion blast at the team. The blast exploded against the Ranger’s armor with a series of sparks. The Rangers were thrown back off their feet.
*
Death then spread his wings and fired energy darts at the Rangers that they barely managed to roll out of the way from.
*
Pestilence leaned towards a fallen Tyranno Ranger, and just as he was about to grab Red Ranger’s helmet, Dragon Ranger appeared, kicked the hand away and kicked the monster away.
*
“Why…” Tyranno Ranger asked. A mortal enemy had just saved his life.
*
“Shut up, Ranger,” Dragon Ranger said. “These horsemen are just as big as a threat to me as they are to you.”
*
Dragon Ranger ran in and launched at Pestilence and Famine with a flurry of punches and kicks to keep them away from the Rangers, giving the five enough time to regroup.
*
Tyranno Ranger readied his sword.
*
“Well, I can’t believe I’m saying this, but let’s help him out!” Tyranno Ranger said.

War fired a pair of concussion blasts that Tyranno Ranger and Mammoth ranger rolled out of the way from while bringing out their firearms.

“Blade Blasters!” Tyranno Ranger shouted. The two Rangers blasted lances of red energy that exploded against War.

Ptera Ranger and Tiger Ranger leapt through the air towards Pestilence. Ptera Ranger snapped off a trio of arrows and Tiger Ranger hurled her daggers forward. The weapons exploded against the villain’s chest on impact.

Tricera Ranger armed his lance and swung the weapon back into a fighting stance as Famine stalked forward. The creature extended its hand and fired a cloud of spores that surrounded the Ranger and exploded against his armor.

Tricera Ranger fell onto his knees as Famine darted forward to finish the Blue Ranger off. Tricera Ranger armed his Blade Blaster in its dagger mode and spun forward while jamming the blade through Famine’s chest. The creature slipped backward, fell to the ground, and exploded.

It was Tricera Ranger’s first solo kill.

Mammoth Ranger slammed his axe against War, cracking the villain’s chest open. Tyranno Ranger energized his blade with crimson power and swung downward. The slash exploded with sparks upon impact as the creature fell backward and exploded.

“Arrow shockwave!” Ptera Ranger shouted as she energized an arrow and fired. The arrow exploded against Pestilence with a force that shook the ground.

Dragon Ranger was left to deal with Death.
*
Dragon Ranger flew through the air to side kick Death, but the winged villain swooped out of the way and struck Green Ranger in the back with a volley of energy darts. Dragon Ranger collapsed to the ground after the darts exploded against his back.
*
Dragon Ranger struggled to rise to his knees as Death swooped towards him.
*
“Dragon’s Fang!” he shouted. Death was struck through the chest with the energy blast and collapsed to the ground, dead.

The five Rangers regrouped and stood behind Dragon Ranger. They weren’t sure whether to attack or extend gratitude. Tyranno Ranger made the first move.

“Thank you,” he said.
*
Dragon Ranger shook his head and glared at the team. “You won’t be thanking me next time we meet. I’ll have you begging for your own death.”
*
He disappeared.

Maya and Simon stepped out from behind a pile of rubble after witnessing the battle.

“Weird,” Simon said as he looked off in Dragon ranger’s direction.
________________________________________________________________________
*
Bandora lashed out with red lightning and slammed Dragon Ranger against a wall as he screamed out in pain.
*
“Next time you betray me…you will die,” she said.
*
“Yes…Empress,” Dragon Ranger whimpered as he lied on the ground in pain.
*
Bandora walked away. Goldar laughed, walked over to him, kicked him in the chest, and left.
*
Dragon Ranger rolled his hands up into fists. I’ll show them…I’ll show them all…

END
*
To be continued…Chapter Nine

[Ryuranger]

---Ultimate Power Rangers: Reloaded
---Season One
---Battle Task Force Power Rangers
---Chapter Nine: In Training

Tiger Ranger pounced forward through the air and thrashed her daggers across a rock soldier’s chest. The last of the grunts fell backward onto the amphitheater steps.

Bandora’s new dark warrior, its slender body covered with brown and black camouflage armor, pounced forward to attack Tiger Ranger. The creature armed a slender ninja-like sword and swung the blade down towards Tiger Ranger’s head.

Tiger Ranger slapped the blade away with one of her daggers and ran the other blade across the villain’s chest. Explosions sparked across the monster’s armor as Tiger Ranger moved in low and kicked the legs out from underneath the creature.

The red-eyed monster flipped back to its legs and extended its hand before Tiger Ranger could react. An invisible pulse blast exploded against Tiger Ranger’s armor and sent her stumbling backward.

The other Rangers regrouped around Tiger Ranger as she rose to her feet. The monster streaked forward in a blur of motion and slashed its blade against the Rangers repeatedly. Explosions sparked against their armor as the monster moved faster than sight, slashing and cutting.

The Rangers slumped to their knees as the dark warrior moved to the top of the amphitheater steps and stared down at the team. Dragon Ranger appeared besides the dark warrior and crossed his arms over his chest.

“Do you like him, Rangers?” Dragon Ranger asked in a vile tone. “I made him myself.”

Tyranno Ranger slowly rose to his feet, his body still injured. “I didn’t think you’d need to hide behind a poor-man‘s ninja, warlord.”

Dragon Ranger looked to the creature he’d summoned. “The Red one is mine. Take care of the others.”

Dragon Ranger somersaulted forward through the air and brought a knifehand chop down towards Tyranno Ranger’s head. Tyranno Ranger blocked the blow and snapped a high round kick.

Dragon Ranger knocked the kick away and moved forward with an inner crescent kick that slammed against Tyranno Ranger’s helmet.

Tyranno Ranger was forced back as Dragon Ranger pounced forward, swinging both his hands towards Red Ranger’s head like a pair of claws. Tyranno Ranger held his arms out to block the blow, and the opponents pressed their arms against each other.

Dragon Ranger sidestepped and knocked Tyranno ranger’s arms away. He follow with a spinning heel kick that slammed against the Ranger’s helmet and knocked him backwards. Tyranno Ranger went stumbling down the amphitheater steps.

Mammoth Ranger and Ptera Ranger moved in towards the dark warrior from opposite sides. They swung their Blade Blades horizontally towards the monster’s body.

The dark warrior blocked the blow, slapped their weapons away, and slashed them both across the chest with a series of strikes.

Tiger Ranger took the creature by surprise with a flurry of kick combinations that forced the creature back. She followed with a powerful swing of her daggers that slashed across the monster’s chest.

“Mammoth Breaker!” Mammoth ranger shouted as he leapt forward. He energized his axe and swung downward

The axe chopped through the dark warrior’s chest. The monster fell backward, its energy overloading and exploding with a ball of flame.

Dragon Ranger kicked Tyranno Ranger aside and turned to the other four Rangers.

“Dragon Fang!” the villain shouted as he gathered a sphere of crackling jade energy between his hands. He shot the sphere forward.

The energy blast exploded against the four Rangers’ armor with a violent explosion that knocked them backward. Dragon ranger was gone when they rose to their feet.
________________________________________________________________________

Trini arrived at Rosedale Park in Angel Grove West to meet with her grandfather. The park was nestled in between a group of high-rise upscale apartment units of white, ornate brick. The park itself was dotted with trees, bushes, and a fountain fashioned after a miniature water fall.

“You’re late,” Trini’s grandfather said to her as she arrived.

“Sorry grandfather,” she said. “Dad and I got into it again.”

The excuse was not completely false. Trini and her father by adoption had spent the afternoon arguing. Bandora’s attack delayed her meeting even further.

The grandfather sighed and nodded.. “He objects to everything I try to teach you.”

“I’m sorry,” Trini said again, not knowing what else she could say.

“It’s not your fault,” he said. “Ever since I took him into my home when he was an orphan, he has objected my teachings. To this day I don’t know why.”

Trini nodded, letting the silence speak for itself. Her father was an uncomfortable topic for both of them.

The grandfather shook his head to clear his mind so he could turn his attention top the task at hand. “Shall we continue?”

Trini nodded. The two started moving through a slow and beautiful kata. Each movement possessed a deadly grace.
________________________________________________________________________

Scorpina watched through her crystal ball as Trini moved through a series of fluid movements. She was in her private chambers within Bandora’s palace, standing alongside her companion, Goldar. “These Rangers are always training to fight while I’m stuck here.”

She shot a look at Goldar. “Well?” she snapped.

Goldar nodded. “I agree we have been out of the fight for too long. Ever since Bandora gave the dragon coin to that….boy.”

Scorpina nodded. She was destined to be the strongest warrior ever. It was a destiny she was eager to claim. “Well I’m sick of waiting.” She swatted her crystal ball away, and it crashed onto the foggy ground beneath Goldar’s feet.

“I’m going down to Earth,” she said.

“Scorpina my love…” Goldar started to object.
“Shut up,” she said as she pushed him out of the way
.
Dragon Ranger stood concealed in the shadows and laughed to himself. “Those two fools.”
________________________________________________________________________

Trini walked through the park after her workout. She carried a yellow bag over shoulder, and was dressed in a yellow t-top with loose-fitting black plants.

Her grandfather had noticed a difference in her fighting style. She knew why the difference was there, but of course, could not tell him. Their Power Coins infused them with the spirits of their dinosaurs. This infusion altered their fighting abilities. Some of those fighting instincts remained with the rangers, even in their normal forms.

Trini heard someone step out from behind a tree several meters behind her. She turned to see Scorpina standing with her boomerang blade in hand.

“Tiger Ranger!” the villain shouted as she pointed her blade towards the ranger.

Trini snapped into a fighting stance. “Scorpina again? I was wondering what happened to you.” She pulled out her buckler and thrust it forward, snapping it open while shouting: “Dino Buckler!”

Yellow energy shimmered around her as she transformed into her Ranger form. She snapped into a tiger-like fighting stance. “Tiger Ranger! Yellow!”

The opponents charged at each other. Scorpina swung her blade towards Tiger Ranger’s head. Tiger Ranger ducked under the blow and armed her Blade Blaster in its dagger mode. She swung the weapon upward in a blow that sparked against Scorpina’s armor.
________________________________________________________________________

Dragon Ranger stood with his back to the wall within Bandora’s palace. He was in one of the many corridors, listening to the melody that Kyra played on her energy harp. The melody always penetrated him. Made him feel…something. Something elusive. It was calming and maddening. Longing and rage.

“That song…” he said.
He was suddenly grabbed by the neck and thrown across the room.

“Never intrude on my personal matters again, Ranger!” Goldar shouted.

“I am a warlord,” Dragon Ranger said as he readied his sword. “It would be best that you treated me like one!”

Kyra stopped her music and ran in between the two villains. She spread her hands apart to keep them from tearing into each other. “Stop!” Kyra ironically hated violence. At least when it was at her doorstep.

Gurail was at her heels, not happy with her decision to intervene. “Kyra, my dear, perhaps we should-”

“No, Gurail,” Kyra said. “This has gone on for long enough. Must you two always fight?”

Goldar slapped her across the face with the back of his hand. “Does that answer your question.”

“Dog!” Gurail shouted as he launched at Goldar. He slammed the handle of his blade against Goldar’s chest, and slammed an armored foot against the simian’s gut.

Dragon ranger leaned down to Kyra and gently helped her to her feet. “Are you alright?” he asked with a softness in his voice that none had heard.

Kyra nodded. “Yes…” she said, in a voice that made her seem frail.

Dragon Ranger nodded. He couldn’t take his eyes off of her. He was captivated by her blue eyes. They stirred the same emotions as her music.

Nearby, Gurail slammed the back of his fist across Goldar’s head. The Titan warrior fell back against the ground as Gurail held his blade down towards the simian’s throat.. “Touch her again and I will kill you.”

Goldar stood, knocked the weapon aside, and walked away.

Gurail moved over to Kyra and scooped her into his arms. He ran an armored hand across her face and gazed into her eyes. “Are you alright?”

“Yes,” she answered.

The two lovers walked away, moving down the corridor, and leaving Dragon Ranger alone in the shadows.
________________________________________________________________________

Scorpina thrashed her blade across Tiger Ranger’s chest. Tiger Ranger was thrown backwards and went stumbling across the ground before rising back to her knees.

“Don’t bother getting up,” Scorpina said with a cold smile. She extended her hand palm up. A small work-like creature sat on her hand and opened a pair of tiny jaws. The work spat lines of crimson energy that streaked out and started to wrap around Tiger Ranger.

The worm surrounded Tiger Ranger in a cocoon of powerful red strands. She struggled to break free, but could not snap through the strands despite her best efforts.

Scorpina charged forward with her blade held high. She was ready to deal the Ranger a finishing blow. She had fantasized about this moment since Bandora’s first attack. She was about to slay a Ranger. One of Zordon’s Rangers.

Explosions rang around her before she could strike. Tyranno Ranger and the rest of the team ran to the scene with their Blade Blasters aimed forward at the villain.

“Trini!” Ptera Ranger shouted as she ran over to the cocoon. She used her Blade Blaster in its saber mode to rip the strands off of the Yellow Ranger.

“Thanks, Kim,” Tiger Ranger said.

Scorpina twisted her palm and let the worm creature drop to the ground. The worm radiated with energy as it grew human size and started snapping its jaws. Scorpina stepped backward and teleported away so her pet could do its work.

“Well it was nice to see her again,” Mammoth Ranger said.

Tyranno Ranger nodded. “Tell me about it. Now let‘s turn this thing into worm food!”

The worm thwiped a strand of webbing that wrapped around Tiger Ranger’s leg. The worm snapped its head back, tossing Tiger Ranger through the air, and sending her smashing against a tree.

Trice Ranger and Mammoth ranger moved in to attack with their weapons. The worm used its webbing to pull Tricera Ranger’s lance away while whipping the weapon against the Black Ranger’s chest.

“Power Blade!” Tyranno Ranger shouted as his sword flashed with red energy. He swung the blade downward, emitting a shockwave that ripped through the worm creature.

The monster fell backward and exploded, its own energy overloading.
________________________________________________________________________

Scorpina returned to her chambers where Goldar waited. She started pounding her fists against the wall with a fit of anger. “Damn you Bandora. If you were a real leader…this world would be ours by now…”

“Patience, my love…” Goldar said. “The Rangers are not immortal.”

Scorpina grinned. “Neither is Bandora.”

END

---To be continued…Chapter Ten

[Ryuranger]

---Ultimate Power Rangers: Reloaded
---Season One
---Battle Task Force Power Rangers
---Chapter Ten: The Harshness of Neglect

The Springs was an outside café in downtown Angel Grove South. Tables and chairs were set up in front of an artificial dam of stone and concrete. High-rise officer buildings and stores lines the streets.

The lunch rush was getting settled, mostly workers from surrounding businesses and shops, when an unexpected visitor dropped in. The creature was the latest monster summoned by Bandora. It appeared as a toad-like being with spikes across its head and slimy skin.

The creature’s yellow eyes flashed and explosions sparked across the café area. Citizens ran in panic and screamed as the creature stalked forward and fired another set of energy pulses.

A red blur of motion flipped from behind the water fall and slammed a flying sidekick against the toad’s back. The toad went stumbling forward and skid across the ground as the Power Rangers landed and snapped into fighting positions.

“You’re through toad!” Tyranno Ranger shouted.

The toad leaned forward and flashed its eyes, firing another energy burst that exploded against the Rangers’ armor.

Ptera Ranger and Tiger Ranger recovered first and leapt forward to attack with their Blade Blaster’s up. The toad lashed out its tongue, whipping the two Rangers out of the air as explosions sparked across their chests.

Dragon Ranger and the Dark Warlords appeared behind the creature with a flash of red lightning. Dragon Ranger started issuing orders. “Secmet, Kayl, take them from the -“

The three warlords ignored Dragon Ranger and charge forward to attack.

“Snake Bite strike!” Secmet shouted as he fired a jagged crimson energy blast that snaked towards the Rangers.

“Move guys!” Tyranno Ranger shouted as they leapt for cover. The blast exploded against the pavement, creating a shockwave that sent the Rangers flying off their feet.

“Web of Deception!” Dayus shouted as his blade4s tore into the ground and produced a net of webbing. Tyranno Ranger rose and cut through the webs before they could bind and restrain.

Mammoth Ranger leapt forward and chopped his axe down towards Kayl’s head. The warlord parried the blow and thrashed his saber across the Ranger’s chest.

Dragon Ranger dashed forward and snapped a spinning heel kick towards Ptera Ranger. She ducked under the blow and rose while swinging her Blade Blaster towards Dragon Ranger’s chest. The Green Ranger blocked her blow and kicked her in the gut before slamming a backfist across her helmet.

Tricera Ranger leapt towards the toad monster and thrust his lance forward towards the creature. The toad used its tongue to wrap around the Ranger and toss him aside. The creature fired optic pulses that exploded against Tricera ranger’s armor.

The monster turned and stalked towards Tricera Ranger, but a pair of yellow-energized daggers exploded against the creature. It was Tiger Ranger. She flipped forward through the air and slammed a kick that knocked the creature backward.

“Thinks, Trini,” Tricera Ranger said as he moved over to the Yellow Ranger’s side.

A streak of light struck the toad monster, causing its body to expand and grow giant.

Tyranno Ranger used his sword to thrash Secmet and Kayl out of his way before raising his hand into the air. “Dinozords arise!”
________________________________________________________________________

Dragon Ranger couldn’t believe Bandora’s stupidity. She had the Rangers overpowered with the warlords and a creature, but still made the monster grow. Before it was even destroyed. How could she have not known the Dinozords would rip her creature apart. It happened every time.

The witch needed a new strategy.
________________________________________________________________________

The next day, Kimberly walked into her apartment and tossed her keys onto the end table near the door. The apartment was a two bedroom, with a counter separating the kitchen area from the living room. She lived at the apartment with her mother, at least according to the lease.

She walked towards the counter and turned on the answering machine. The machine beeped before sounding its new messages.

The first was from her mother: “Kimberly this is your mom. I won’t be home until midnight again today. Bye.”

Kimberly sighed. She couldn’t say she was surprised. How many sophomores in high school could honestly say they almost never saw the parent they lived with?

The next message was from Zack: “Hey babe, this is Zack. Give me a ring.”

“Babe?” she said as she wrinkled her brow. It wasn’t a pet name she was fond of. “Well that’ll have to stop.”

Kimberly picked up the cordless phone and dialed Zack’s number. He answered after two rings. “Hey, Zack.”

“Hey Kimberly,” Zack said. “We’re having a social gathering at my house tonight. You wanna come?”

Kimberly shrugged. She wasn’t exactly a fan of big parties, despite her reputation. Plus, there was always the chance that Bandora would attack during the party. Well, she thought, it‘s better than sitting alone. “Sure. As long as nothing happens.”

“You mean like the boogey man showing up?” he asked.

She giggled. “Yeah.” Zack always made her laugh. She needed that in her life.

“Okay. See ya around 8.”

Kimberly hung up the phone and flopped down on the couch. A smile crossed her face as started to think about the party. Maybe it wouldn’t be as bad as she though. At least it would help her get her mind off things.

Kimberly looked back towards the answering machine and noticed the light still blinking. “Whoops…forgot one.”

Kimberly moved back to the counter and pressed the answering machine’s play button. It was her coach: “Kimberly, this is coach Nern. You weren’t at practice again. I don’t know how you expect to improve your beam work if you don’t show up to practice. Sometimes I think you‘re a lost cause and-”

Kimberly slapped off the machine and sighed with frustration. She had barely made it to any of her gymnastics practices since becoming a Ranger, and it was giving her coach and gymnastic teammates their latest excuse to pick on her
.
If it wasn’t this it would be something else, she thought to herself as she walked over to her room. She went inside and closed the door.
________________________________________________________________________

Kimberly showed up at Zack’s home after a trip on the subway. He lived in a subdivision of condominiums nestled in the midst of the bustling city. Zack invited her inside to a crowd of dozens milling around the living and dining rooms. He introduced her to his friends with a smile of pride on her face.

She noticed a black and gold object sitting on an end table. It was a pipe. She raised an eyebrow as she looked at Zack. She did not appear happy. “What’s this?”

“Oh nothing,” Zack said as he grabbed it and tossed it aside. He turned to one of his friends and mumbled under his breath. “I thought I said to put that away.

“Zack,” Kimberly said. “Do you…”

“Only socially,” Zack said reluctantly.

She shook her head with disgust. “I can’t believe this…” she said as she started to walk away.

“Kim, come on,” he grabbed her by the arm, but she flipped him onto the ground. His friends and partygoers nearby erupted into laughter.

Their communicators suddenly sounded.

“Maybe we should go talk,” Kimberly said.

“Ummm…yeah,” Zack said. They two rangers walked into an empty room and teleported away. And for once, they were glad for the distraction of Bandora’s attack.
________________________________________________________________________

Dragon Ranger had a plan. A simple one, but effective.

He used one of Bandora’s demon cards to summon a monster that appeared as a iguana/salamander hybrid. The let the creature loose on the city with a squad of rock soldiers. It seemed like a typical attack and the Rangers would expect victory.

The creature fired a breath of flame that burnt the streets and caused cars parked near the curb to explode. The rock soldiers scattered, getting the civilians to flee in panic. The Rangers would respond by splitting up and tackling the rock soldiers from all sides. It’s what they always did. Dragon Ranger was counting on them to continue their predictable pattern.

Dragon Ranger stood on a twelve-story building and watched as three Rangers arrived at the scene. Tyranno Ranger, Tricera Ranger, and Tiger Ranger spread out and attacked the rock soldiers.

Dragon Ranger pulled a crystal ball out from behind his back. The crystal emitted an energy burst that streamed towards the ground below. The jagged blue wave surrounded Tyranno Ranger. He disappeared into thin air.
________________________________________________________________________

Jason landed face-down on a terrain of rocks. His buckler fell from his waist and skipped across the ground before coming to a halt against a boulder.

A black-gloved hand reached down and picked up the buckler. The figure was dressed in an onyx-colored undershirt, covered by a dark-green tunic. His slacks were black as night, and his face was covered in a solid black mask that wrapped around his head.

He looked ridiculous, Jason thought.

The figure tossed the morphed aside. “We won’t be needing these, Ranger…”

The voice was unmistakable. It was the Dragon Ranger.

“What are you up to?” Jason asked as he rose to his feet and snapped into a fighting stance.

“You’re nothing without your powers,” Dragon Ranger said. “When I’m through with you, I’ll go after your little friends. They are weak without their leader.”

Dragon Ranger tossed a double-edged sword to Jason’s feet. The gray blade had intricate markings etched along its metal. Thin strands of red cloth wrapped around the handle. The hilt had the same markings as the blade itself.

“That sword belonged to Geki, your predecessor,” Dragon Ranger said.

The disguised Green Ranger pulled out his own blade, different from the one he used while in his Ranger armor. The metal blade was double edged. Its handle was solid black. Its hilt had two prongs that curved upward.

“This ends now, Ranger,” Tyranno Ranger said as he stalked forward towards his opponent.

“I couldn’t agree more,” Jason said as he picked up the light sword.

“Si-kuya!” Dragon Ranger shouted as he charged towards Jason.

“Ay-ya!” Jason shouted as he dashed forward.

The two opponents swung their swords diagonally. The blades crashed against each other. Tommy shifted his wrists and knocked the blade away while swinging in towards Jason’s chest.

Jason spun out of the way and swung his blade towards Dragon Ranger’s head. Dragon ranger ducked under the blow and slammed a reverse sidekick against the ranger’s chest. He followed with a hook kick that struck across the ranger’s head.
________________________________________________________________________

The Rangers battle moved to a rock quarry just outside the city. The iguana-type creature had lured them there.

Mammoth Ranger and Ptera Ranger had regrouped with Tiger Ranger and Tricera Ranger.

Tricera Ranger charged towards the monster and launched a flying roundhouse kick towards the creature. The monster rolled beneath the attack.

The iguana rose back to his feet and launched a fiery torrent of flame from its mouth. The flame blast exploded against Tricera and Mammoth Rangers, knocking the two Rangers backward.

Ptera Ranger kneeled down low and snapped a volley of arrows at the monster. The arrows exploded against the creature as Tiger Ranger dashed forward and thrashed the monster across the chest with her daggers.

The monster spun with the blow and whipped the Ranger with its tail.
________________________________________________________________________

Jason brought his blade down for a high blow. Dragon Ranger parried the blow and outer-crescent kicked the ranger across the head. Jason went falling backwards and rolling across the ground.

Jason rose to his knees in time to parry a pair of strike from Dragon Ranger’s blade. He somersaulted forward, rolling past Dragon Ranger, and rolled to his feet while swinging his sword horizontally.

Dragon Ranger blocked the blow and slammed a round kick against Jason’s head. Jason stumbled backward. He landed right next to his buckler.

“No!” Dragon Ranger shouted.

Jason grabbed his morpher and prepared to snap it open. “Sorry to spoil your fun, but I’m going to help my friends.”

Dragon Ranger leapt forward and swung his blade down towards Jason’s head. Jason transformed and teleported away, and Dragon Ranger’s sword passed through thin air.
________________________________________________________________________

The iguana creature grew giant and started to move towards the city as Tyranno Ranger ran to the scene, joining with his four friends and teammates.

“Just in time for the real fun,” Mammoth Ranger said as the team looked up at the giant monster.

The Rangers called for their companion beasts. “Dinozords, arise!”

The five zords stampeded forward and ran to the Rangers’ aid. The Rangers leapt into the air and entered their zords’ cockpit, embedded in the Dinozords’ armor.

“Dinozord fusion!” Tyranno ranger shouted, commanding the five zords to fuse together. The five Rangers rearranged and meshed together, forming the Megadinozord, as the Rangers joined in the central cockpit.

The monster hissed, spitting venom that splashed against the Megazord’s armor. The venom exploded against the Megazord, eating into the armor.

“This is not good,” mammoth ranger said as explosions sparked and rocked the zord.

“Must you always state the obvious,” Ptera Ranger snapped at him.

“Hey,” Mammoth Ranger said defensively.

The monster spun forward and slammed its tail against the Megazord, knocking the zord backward.

“Now now, you two,” Tyranno Ranger said. “Megadinozord saber!”

The saber activated in the Megazord’s hand. The Megazord slashed upward, its saber sparking against the monster’s thick hide.

“Let’s finish him off,” Tyranno Ranger said. “Megadinozord saber, battle crash!”

The Megadinozord saber energized with crimson power and swung downward, cutting through the creature. The monster fell backward, its energy overloading and exploding.
________________________________________________________________________

Kimberly and Zack sat silently on a bench outside her apartment. Kimberly wasn’t sure what to say exactly, so she decided to throw caution to the wind and just get out with it.

“So why do you do that to yourself?” Kimberly asked.

“Because it’s fun,” Zack answered quickly. A little too quickly, Kimberly thought.

“Now, Zack,” she said in a tone that made it clear she wanted the truth. “Tell me. Tell me the truth.”

Zack sighed and his shoulders slumped down. “It’s to escape, Kimberly. This life…it sucks hard core.”

Kimberly placed a hand on his shoulder. “You don’t need to do drugs to escape, Zack. That’s what you’re friends are for. Not those people back at your house. Your real friends. Us.

“We’ve all had hard times. My parents are divorced and my mother is never around, Jason just lost a sister recently, Billy’s mother died of cancer when he was a kid, and Trini’s Dad is always giving her a hard time. And, we all face death every day as Rangers. These things are horrible Zack, but they bind us all together.”

Zack nodded reluctantly. “I guess.”

“And your body doesn’t need that either. You’re killing yourself,” she said.
“I want to quit but…” he shook his head. He didn’t bother telling her that pot couldn’t really kill you unless a ton of it collapsed on your body. Alcohol was more deadly than pot.

“I’ll help you,” Kimberly said.

“I feel a but coming,” Zack said.

Kimberly nodded. “…but…I don’t think we should see each other in that way until you…” she hesitated, searching for the right word.

“Find myself,” Zack said.

“Right,” she said. “But I still want to be your friend. I’m here for you always.”

“Thanks” Zack said. The two hugged.

---END


To be continued…Chapter Eleven

[ranger fan 9000]

great story

[Ryuranger]

Thanks! more is on the way, a minute or two after this reply.

[Ryuranger]

---Ultimate Power Rangers: Reloaded
---Battle Task Force Power Rangers
---Season One
---Chapter Eleven: Secrets Revealed

Tyranno Ranger high blocked a rock soldier’s blow and slammed an uppercut against the soldier’s chest. He followed with an outer crescent kick that slammed across the grunt’s head.

The Rangers were battling a group of the soldiers at an exquisite resort in the city.

Tyranno Ranger, Tiger Ranger, and Ptera Ranger battled the rock soldiers with a flurry of kicks and punches. Mammoth Ranger and Tricera Ranger were nearby, finishing off one of Bandora’s creatures.

The monster had a body made completely out of grotesque eye balls. Mammoth Ranger had joking referred to him as Eye Guy.

Mammoth Ranger leapt forward through the air and swung his axe down towards the creature. The axe chopped against Eye Guy’s head, sparking upon impact.

Tricera Ranger moved in next. He spun forward and slammed the edge of his lance against the creature’s center eye. The eye shattered, causing explosions to rip across the monster’s eye-covered body.

Mammoth Ranger energized his axe and moved forward to deliver the finishing blow. “Mammoth Breaker!”

The axe energized with dark purple and black energy and chopped against the monster. The creature fell backwards, its energy overloading and exploding with a violent sphere of flame.
________________________________________________________________________

Tilson Auditorium was the bustling center of Angel Grove North. The dome building was surrounded by a network of streets that spread out across the giant city. The dome was home to the annual martial arts tournament involving all the major cities in the region.

Zack, Kimberly, Billy, and Trini gathered in the auditorium and moved through rows of chairs to take their seats. The seats stretched out in sections of red and sections of gold, matching the color scheme of the circular mats below. A large circular mat dominated the center of the floor, and smaller mats surrounded it.

Zack browsed through his program while they took their seats. “So when’s Jason up?”

“Next, I think,” Trini said. The teens had missed the first round of novice fighters due to Bandora’s attack. Luckily, Jason made it back in time to compete in his division.

“There he is,” Kimberly said, her eyes lighting up as she spotted her friend below. “Jason!” she waved.

Jason smiled and waved from below as he approached the large circular sparring mat. He was dressed in a white uniform with black trimming along the legs, arms, and chest. The patch on his left chest was the Korean symbol for bravery.

The PA system crackled over head to announce the next fight. “Our next match...Jason Scott from Angel Grove East versus Tommy Oliver from Angel Grove North.”

The two opponents approached each other on the sparring mat. Tommy was dressed in a solid black uniform with red trimming down the legs and chest. The circular patch on the left side of his chest had a red symbol that looked like an ’h’-shaped throwing star.

Tommy glared at Jason, flashing a wicked smile that made the ranger feel uncomfortable. A chill crept down his spine at the site of it.

Jason shook his head to clear his mind. He assumed he was just being paranoid. A byproduct of his life as a ranger.

The two opponents snapped into fighting stances. When the judge signaled them to begin, Tommy launched at Jason with a fierce volley of kicks and punches. Jason was taken aback by the strength and speed of his opponent.

Jason regained his focus and counter attacked with a few kicking combo’s that Tommy easily blocked, just before he reverse side kicked Jason in the chest, causing the teen to fall backwards onto the ground.

The two opponents snapped into fighting stances and started to circle around each other. They dashed forward at the same time. Tommy went high with a jump spinning heel kick, and Jason dashed low with a leg sweep. The two passed by each other.

Tommy landed and immediately snapped out with a hook kick that smashed against Jason’s head. Tommy followed with a round kick to Jason’s side.

Time ended. The judge declared Tommy as winner.

Tommy’s victory was nearly flawless. Jason wrinkled his brow as he watched Tommy leave the floor. Tommy had a smug grin on his face. The two opponents didn’t take their eyes off each other until the last minute.

Who was that guy? Jason was rarely beaten, and never that easily.
________________________________________________________________________

“It was just…weird,” Jason said to his friends. They were all standing in the locker room as Jason packed up his towel and uniform. “He was so…vicious.”

Zack shrugged. “Some people are like that.”

Jason nodded. “I don‘t know. Something just wasn’t right about him.” Jason slammed his locker door shut and the five rangers left the locker room.
________________________________________________________________________

In Bandora’s palace, the evil witch gave her Dragon Ranger a green and golden box. Dragon Ranger slowly opened the box. He sensed the power inside.

“What is it?” he asked Bandora.

“Your Dragon Dagger. Your last chance to stop the Rangers. If you fail this time…their fate will be yours.”

“What does it do?”

“It will allow you to summon the Dragon Caesar. Your zord.”

Dragon Ranger gripped his dagger. Jade energy flashed along the blade’s edges. The Green Ranger tilted his head back and laughed. His revenge was finally at hand.
________________________________________________________________________


Dragon Ranger appeared on the rooftops near Angel Grove’s coast and looked down at the city streets below. “Look at them,” he said to himself. “They’re like ants…they deserve their fate.”

Dragon Ranger held his dagger to his mouthpiece and started playing an enchanting battle tune. The tune echoed across the rooftops as it moved across the ocean. The ocean started to bubble as a giant beast rose from the water. It was a dragon covered with metallic green and gold armor.

The Dragonzord started to stomp through the city streets. The zord armed it drill tail and smashed through buildings left and right, spraying debris and rubble across the street. The zord stomped on cars, and fired swarms of missiles from its fingers that exploded against several buildings.

The Rangers arrived below just in time to see the Dragonzord destroy a multinational corporation building.

“Now since when does he have a zord?” Mammoth Ranger asked.

“Zordon called it the Dragonzord,” Tricera Ranger said. “Maya’s data concurred.”

“Whatever it is,” Tyranno Ranger said, “we’re taking it out!”

The five raised their hands into the air and shouted “Dinozords arise!”

Five armored dinosaur creatures stomped through the streets as the Rangers hopped into their cockpits. Each beast moved as if alive, covered with shining armor. The cockpits were wedged inside the armor.

“Dinozord fusion!” Tyranno Ranger shouted.

The five zords stampeded through the streets and started to reshape. The Tyrannosaurus streaked forward, gliding off the ground as the Triceratops and Saber-toothed Tiger slammed into position as legs. The Mammoth came on from behind, wrapping around the back of Tyranno and forming arms. The Pterodactyl moved in and formed a shield of chest armor as the zord stood upright.

The Megadinozord snapped into a fighting stance as energy crackled across its armor.

“Power Rangers!” Dragon Ranger shouted from the rooftops, his dagger held tightly in hand. “Prepare to meet your end!”

Dragon Ranger played another melody with his flute, this one deeper and more roaring with power. The sound commanded the Dragonzord to fire a volley of missiles from its fingertips. The missiles exploded against the Megadinozord’s armor.

The Megadinozord recovered from the blasts and stomped forward to attack. But the evil Dragonzord armed its drill-tail whip and swung the weapon forward. The whip smashed the Megadinozord across the face.

Dragon Ranger laughed as his zord slammed a head blow against the Megazord’s chest. “Your zord is nothing compared to mine!”

“We’ll see about that,” Tyranno Ranger shouted back. “Megadinozord Saber!”

The Megadinozord armed its double-edged blade. The zord moved forward and slashed across the Dragonzord with an ‘x’ formation, explosions sparking on impact. The Dragonzord was forced back.

“Megadinozord saber, battle crash!” The Rangers shouted from the cockpit. The Megazord raised its sword into the air, the blade crackling with crimson power.

Megadinozord swung its saber through a fierce horizontal arc. The saber exploded against the Dragonzord, knocking the evil zord backward. Dragonzord smashed against the building Dragon Ranger was standing on, causing the building to crumble.

Dragon Ranger fell off the building and stumbled down through the air, landing back-first in a small park. A single bridge-covered creek ran through the grassy park. It was called Valley Creek.

The Rangers leapt from their zords and flipped down to Valley Creek to face the Ranger.

Dragon Ranger used his sword to steady himself and rose to his feet. He snapped into a fighting stance as he readied his sword and dagger, squeezing both weapons tightly. “You’ll pay!”

Dragon ranger and the five Rangers charged towards each other. Tiger Ranger somersaulted forward through the air with her daggers in hand.

“Power flares!” Tiger Ranger shouted as she fired energy flares from her daggers.

Dragon Ranger leapt to the side to avoid the flares. He held his own dagger and charged it with jade-colored energy.

“Dragon’s claw!” he shouted as he produced a shockwave with his dagger that exploded against the ground, creating a shockwave. The shockwave blasted and scattered the Rangers.

Dragon Ranger flipped forward before landing back on his feet. Mammoth Ranger tried to sneak attack from behind the villain, but Dragon Ranger snapped his foot around and hook kicked the Black Ranger across the face.

“Power Torrent!” Tricera Ranger shouted as he produced waves of energy with his lance.
Dragon Ranger braced himself as the energy spread around him and exploded against his golden chest shield.

Slightly off balance, Dragon Ranger was ill prepared as Tyranno Ranger charged forward and slashed the Green ranger across the chest with a series of strikes. The blade sparked against the villain’s armor on impact.

Dragon Ranger spun with the last strike and snapped a roundhouse kick that slammed Tyranno Ranger out of the way. Dragon Ranger leapt high into the air and prepared to swing both his blades down against Ptera Ranger.

“Arrow shockwave!” Ptera Ranger shouted. She fired an energy-laced arrow that streaked towards Dragon Ranger.

The arrow struck Dragon Ranger in the center of his helmet, splitting a crack along its center. The helmet cracked open to reveal his true face as he fell back-first onto the ground.

Dragon Ranger’s armor dissipated, revealing his true form. He lied unconscious, face up. The Rangers slowly gathered around him, not sure if it was a trick.

“It’s him!” Tyranno Ranger practically shouted as the team gathered around Dragon Ranger. It was Tommy.

“He’s…just like us…” Tricera Ranger said. He had expected Dragon Ranger to be either a creature, or at least an adult.

“Oh man..” Mammoth Ranger said.
________________________________________________________________________

Bandora wrinkled her brow as she saw Tommy through her crystal ball. “Goldar!” she shouted. She was not about to lose her prize.
________________________________________________________________________

An hour later, Maya leaned on the ground next to Tommy. She wiped blood from the unconscious ranger’s forehead as Simon sat by her side.

“I really don’t think that’s a good idea, Maya,” Jason said. Dragon Ranger was a killer. Human or not.

“Jason, he’s hurt,” Maya protested as she continued to wipe his wounds.

“He’s one of them,” Zack said.

“No,” Maya said sternly. “He’s a human being, not some monster.”

Tommy groaned as his body stirred. Maya and Simon inched backward, while Jason stepped forward, ready to attack if he had to. Tommy slowly sat up and rubbed the back of his head as the five rangers snapped into fighting stances.

Maya tilted her head and leaned forward towards Tommy, keeping her voice as calm as possible. “Are you alright?” she asked.

Tommy wrinkled his brow with confusion as he turned his head towards Maya and narrowed his eyes. “Why…? Why did you help me?”

“You were hurt,” Maya said.

Tommy shook his head and rose to his feet. He slowly started to walk away, his balance slightly off.

“Hey pal,” Zack said. “Where do you think you’re going?”

Tommy looked back and glared at Zack while continuing to walk.

Tommy stopped when he noticed his reflection in the stream. He kneeled down and looked at himself through the water. “That face…my face…” He groaned and grabbed his head.

“Tommy,” Simon shouted as he ran over to him. “Are you going to be okay? You’re good now right?”

“Good?” Tommy asked, as if the word confused him. He shook his head and rose.

“So what now, Tommy?” Jason asked. “Will you go back to Bandora?”

“No!” Tommy shouted. “I will never go back there, Rangers!”

“Tommy,” Kimberly said, “maybe you should sit down. You’ve been through a lot.”

“I don’t need to sit,” Tommy said. “I need…I…“ Tommy groaned and felt his head, nearly stumbling forward. “I need to get away from you.”

“So, Dragon Ranger,” Goldar said as he appeared with Scorpina and the three Dark Warlords. “I knew you were a coward, but I never thought you’d turn into a run away.”

“Go back to your hole Goldar!” Tommy shouted as he and the others assumed fighting stances.

“I will, and I’m taking you with me!” Goldar yelled as he extended his sword.

“I won’t go back!” Tommy shouted.

“You don’t have a choice!” Secmet yelled as he and the other two warlords charged at the ranger.

“Dino Buckler!” Tommy shouted while extending his transformation device and flipping it open. He transformed into his Ranger form and charged towards the warlords.

Goldar and Scorpina circled around the other five rangers.

“Let’s do it,” Jason shouted as he and the others thrust their bucklers forward.

“Dino buckler!” they shouted as energy shimmered around them and they transformed into their armor.

Goldar and Scorpina dashed forward and slashed their weapons across the Rangers’ armor with a flurry of strikes. Goldar struck Mammoth Ranger across the chest with an upward slash, and in the same arc, brought his blade around to horizontally thrash Tyranno ranger across the chest.

Scorpina blocked a kick by Tricera Ranger and slammed a kick of her own against the Blue Ranger’s faceplate. Scorpina followed with a powerful swing that cut across Tiger Ranger’s chest.

Ptera Ranger led Maya and Simon to safety.

“Stay here,” she told them before turning and joining the fight.

“Web of Deception!” the Dark Warlord Dayus shouted as his six-pronged blade extended and slammed into the ground, producing an energy web that Dragon Ranger was caught in.

“You’ve always been the weakest out of us,” Dayus taunted. “You’re no true warlord.”

“We’ll see about that, Dayus!” Dragon Ranger shouted as he snapped loose from the webs and drop kicked the warlord of illusion.

Dayus was forced back, but counterattacked by using his blades as spears aimed towards the Green Ranger’s head.

Dragon Ranger grabbed the spears and used them to flip Dayus backward, sending the villain sprawling into the creek.

Secmet of Venom rushed in behind Dragon Ranger and stabbed him in the back repeatedly at hyper speeds. Each strike exploded with a shower of sparks upon impact.

“Black Lightning Flash!” Kayl shouted as he produced a storm of dark energy that enveloped the Green Ranger and forced him to the ground.

Tyranno Ranger held Goldar’s sword at bay as he watched Dragon Ranger. “We can’t let them take Tommy,” he said as he kicked Goldar out of the way and ran towards the warlords.

“I don’t think so,” Secmet said as he looked at Tyranno Ranger. “Snake Bite Strike!”

Secmet fired a venom blast that knocked Tyranno Ranger onto his back. Tyranno Ranger used his sword for balance as he rose back to his feet. The other four Rangers battled Goldar and Scorpina around him.

“Man, these guys are tough,” Tyranno Ranger said as he moved to help his teammates. He swung his sword down towards Goldar’s head. Goldar held his blade high and blocked the blow before slamming the end of his handle against the Ranger’s helmet.

Nearby, Kayl thrashed Dragon Ranger across the chest. Explosions sparked against the Ranger’s armor as he fell backward onto the ground.

Kayl stood over the fallen Dragon Ranger, raising his blade over the Green Ranger’s body. A crooked smile spread across Kayl’s face as he prepared to finish the Ranger off.

Dragon Ranger suddenly sprang to his knees and shouted “Dragon Fang!” hitting Kayl with a load of jade-colored energy at point-blank range. Kayl’s armor was singed as he went flying backward through the air.

Kayl grasped onto his wound as he rose to his knees. The other two Dark Warlords joined with him to overpower the Dragon Ranger.

“Snake bite strike!” Venom shouted as he whipped a jagged blast of crimson energy forward.
“Black Lightning Flash!” Kayl shouted as he swung his blade, showering a storm of black lightning towards the Ranger.

“Web of Deception!” the Warlord of Illusion shouted. He fired a web with his pronged blades.

Crimson and black blasts exploded against Dragon Ranger and tossed him backward as webbing encased him, hindering his movements.

“No!” Dragon Ranger shouted as the Warlords held him up in victory.

Goldar thrashed Mammoth Ranger out of the way with a strike from his blade.

“Don’t worry, Rangers,” the simian said as he and Scorpina joined the warlords. “You’ll see the Dragon Ranger again soon enough!”

The villains teleported away with a burst of energy.

“Maya,” Simon said as he grabbed hold of his older sister‘s shirt sleeve. “What’s going to happen to Tommy?”

She shook her head. “I don’t know Simon.”

The Rangers stood quietly, not knowing what the future held for the Dragon Ranger.

---END

---To be continued…Chapter 12

[Ryuranger]

---Ultimate Power Rangers: Reloaded
---Season One
---Battle Task Force Power Rangers
---Chapter Twelve: Corrupting the Soul

Tommy was surrounded by darkness. The blackness chilled his skin and penetrated him to his core. A chill crept down his spine. It burnt.

“Where am I!” he shouted. “Show yourself!”

“Tommy…” Bandora appeared in front of him, her staff in hand. Tommy shouted a war cry and charged towards her. She held up her hand and stopped Tommy in midair. Electricity coursed through his body as he screamed in pain and fell to the ground.

Tommy slowly rose to his feet, looking up to find himself alone. “Get back here you witch!”

“Now, Tommy…” Bandora’s voice said in a mocking tone from the shadows. “…it’s not really me you’re angry with, is it?”

“It’s your fault Shannon’s dead!” Tommy shouted, choking back his tears.

“Have you forgotten everything I’ve taught you? Pity…I spent so much time molding you into what you are today.”

“I’m not one of your pawns…”

“Oh but you are.”

Tommy’s mind flashed back…

Tommy and his girlfriend Shannon were walking through the city streets. They were laughing together, hand in hand. The skies above them suddenly turned black.

A flash of fiery light appeared in the center of the street. Goldar and an army of rock soldiers materialized. The villains started tearing through the streets and thrashing at anything that moved.

“Run!” Tommy yelled.

Goldar started using his sword to fire blasts of fiery energy. One of the energy blasts streaked straight towards Shannon.

“No!” Tommy shouted as he pushed her out of the way. The blast struck a nearby building, sending rubble tumbling to the ground. The shockwave tossed Tommy and Shannon backward, as the rubble collapsed onto Shannon’s body, battering her onto the ground and crushing her body.

“Shannon?” Tommy pleaded as he crawled over to her body. She wasn’t moving. She wasn’t breathing. “Oh God no…get up…please get up…don’t you die on me…”

“Run for your lives, humans!” Goldar shouted with blood-thirsty delight.

Tommy glared at Goldar, rolling his hands into fists. The teen shouted at the top of his lungs as he charged forward towards the villain.

Goldar snarled his teeth at the human, more out of humor than anger. “You dare to resist me, human?”

Tommy jumped forward to attack.

“She died that day…” Bandora said.

“And it’s…your fault…” Tommy said as he dropped to his knees. He struggled to fight back the tears.

“It’s the Rangers fault,” she said. “Jason, Zack, Billy, Trini, Kimberly…they didn’t save her. They let her die.”

“No!” Tommy shouted. “You’re not going to do this to me again…”

“Your sword,” Bandora said as the sword appeared in front of him. “Your sword will be your weapon of vengeance. You want revenge, don’t you Tommy?”

“…yes.”

“Then take your sword. Avenge her death.”

“I…” he screamed as electricity coursed through his veins. He grabbed his sword on impulse. Energy crackled around him as he morphed into his armor.

Then there was silence.

Dragon Ranger stared at his sword and he slowly started to chuckle. His chuckle turned into mad laughter that echoed throughout the darkness.
________________________________________________________________________

The five rangers, Maya, and Simon gathered in front of Zordon. Their confusion over Dragon Ranger’s identity was palpable.

“So what can we do, Zordon?” Jason asked. “Is Tommy really one of them?”

“I’m telling you he’s not,” Maya said. “He seemed scared…confused.”

“Maya is right, rangers,” Zordon said. “I believe Bandora is using some sort of spell to control Tommy’s mind.”

“How can we break it?” Kimberly asked.

“The spell seemed to lose its effect when he was knocked out of his armor,” Billy said. “Maybe the spell is tied to his powers.”

“I believe you are on the right track, Billy,” Zordon said. “In particular, I think that the spell is being focused through the Dragon Ranger’s sword of darkness.”

“So to break the spell we break his sword,” Jason said. He sighed. “Easier said than done.”
________________________________________________________________________

Dragon Ranger appeared on the towering city rooftops. He held his Dragon Dagger tightly and raised the blade to his mouthpiece. He played a powerful melody. The sound summoned his zord from the ocean.

The Dragonzord stomped through the streets, kicking up cars and slamming its drill tail through buildings. Explosions tore through the streets as the Dragonzord roared.

“Destroy it all!” Dragon Ranger shouted. The zord let loose with a volley of missiles that exploded through an office building.
________________________________________________________________________

“Rangers,” Zordon said. “Observe the viewing globe.”

The team turned to the globe. Through its images, they saw the Dragonzord stomp through the street while leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.

“Looks like Tommy’s back,” Zack said.

Jason pulled out his transformation devise, his eyes fixed on the Viewing Globe. “Let’s get to work.”

The rangers thrust their bucklers forward and flipped the devices open while shouting: “Dino Buckler!”
________________________________________________________________________

The Rangers dashed into an alley near the city’s coast. The alley was walled off by towering buildings that ran alongside the docks and shore-side factory warehouses. Each warehouse was staffed with hundreds of innocent people.

“Alright, guys,” Tyranno Ranger said as he and the others looked up to the Dragonzord. “You know what to do.”

Goldar and Scorpina suddenly appeared behind the Rangers with a burst of fiery golden energy.

Goldar snarled at the Rangers and extended his sword forward as a group of rock soldiers appeared behind him. The soldiers spread out in an attack formation behind Goldar. “Not so fast, Rangers!”

“Goldar!” Tyranno Ranger shouted as he turned and armed his sword.

Goldar and his mate charged forward to attack with the rock soldiers backing them up. The simian speared his blade towards Tyranno Ranger. Tyranno ranger slapped the sword away and thrashed his blade across Goldar’s chest.

Goldar spun with the blow and thrashed his blade across Tyranno ranger’s armor. “This is the end, Rangers!” Goldar shouted as he struck again.

“I don’t think so, Goldar,” Tyranno Ranger said as he swung his sword upward in a diagonal blow that sparked against the villain’s armor.

The Dragonzord continued to stomp through the city streets above. A volley of missiles destroyed a nearby building as rubble fell to the ground and the streets shook.

Tiger Ranger jump kicked a rock soldier, and thrashed the soldier across the chest with her Blade Blaster. She was nearly knocked off her feet by the approaching stomps of the Dragonzord. “We have to stop him!”

Tyranno Ranger kicked Goldar away and raised his hand towards the sky. “Dinozord arise!”

The Tyrannosaurus Dinozord stomped through the city streets, charging towards the Dragonzord. Tyranno Ranger leapt into his zord’s cockpit. “I’m taking him out!”

The Tyrannosaurus spun forward and slammed it’s tail against the Dragonzord’s armor. Explosions sparked against the green-armored zord upon impact. Tyranno growled as he charged forward to thrash its claws across Dragonzord.

Dragonzord twisted, slamming its own tail across Tyranno’s armor. The drill tail activated and started to grind against the Tyrannosaurus zord’s armor. Tyranno grabbed the drill tail and tried to toss it away.

The drill tail snapped back and forth and pulled away from the zord while thrashing across Tyranno’s head.

Tyranno moved forward and clamped its jaws against the Dragonzord’s body. Explosions sparked across Dragonzord as Tyranno bit down harder.

The battle between Goldar, Scorpina, and the Rangers continued to rage below. Goldar used his wings to shoot forward and slash his blade across Mammoth Ranger’s chest armor.

The simian landed in time to block a blow from Tricera Ranger’s Blade Blaster. Goldar knocked the small blade away and brought his sword back around to cut across the Blue Ranger’s armor.

Ptera Ranger held her bow high to block a strike from Scorpina. Pink Ranger knocked the blade away and swung a knifehand strike towards the villain’s neck. Scorpina blocked the blow and swung a round kick against the Ranger’s side.

Tiger Ranger moved in behind Scorpina and swung her daggers towards the villain’s midsection. Scorpina spun away from the blow and chopped her blade against the Ranger’s back. Explosions sparked against the Yellow Ranger’s armor as she fell to the ground.

Mammoth Ranger armed his Blade Blaster and swung downward towards Goldar’s head. Goldar blocked the blow, but Mammoth Ranger pulled his blade away and slammed a spinning heel kick against the Titan warrior’s head. Mammoth Ranger hopped forward for another strike, but Goldar vanished with a flare of fiery energy.

Scorpina teleported out too.

“Why’s they back off?” Mammoth Ranger said as he looked up and down the alley, expecting a surprise attack.

“No time for that now,” Tiger Ranger said. “We have to help Jason.”

The four Rangers raised their hands towards the sky. “Dinozords arise!”

The five zords stomped through the city streets towards the Dragonzord. The Rangers leapt off the ground and merged into their cockpits. Each cockpit was embedded in the zord’s armor plating.

The Dinozords attacked one by one. The Triceratops fired a pair of horn missiles that detonated against Dragonzord with a fiery explosion. The Pterodactyl fired streams of energy that wrapped around Dragonzord as explosions danced across its armor. The Sabertooth Tiger armed its tail blaster and fired a pulse of energy that exploded against the Dragonzord’s armor.

Dragon Ranger played a battle tune on his Dagger, commanding the Dragonzord to arm its missiles. The Dragonzord extended its hands and fired a flurry of missiles that exploded against the five Dinozords with a shower of sparks.

“Dinozord fusion!” Tyranno Ranger shouted.

The five Dinozords charged forward as their bodies shifted. The zords merged into one colossal warrior: the Megadinozord. Megadinozord landed in front of the Dragonzord and snapped into a fighting stance.

Dragonzord roared and charged forward to attack. Megadinozord slammed a right fist against the zord’s face and followed with a pair of backfist blows against the zord’s chest. The Megazord stepped forward and slammed its left fist against the Dragonzord’s body.

“Megadinozord saber!” Tyranno Ranger commanded. Megadinozord armed its double-edged saber, and the blade started to crackle with crimson energy. “Battle crash!”

Megadinozord swung its energized saber down towards Dragonzord, but a pair of blades extended out of nowhere and blocked the blow. The blades belonged to Goldar and Scorpina, who had grown to their giant forms.

The feedback from the block exploded against Megadinozord, pushing the zord backward as explosions sparked across its armor.

Goldar pinned the Megadinozord saber at bay while Scorpina started thrashing against the zord with her blade. Each strike cut across armor with a flash of sparks and explosions as the Rangers were rocked in their cockpit.

Dragon Ranger played another tone on his Dagger, commanding his zord to arm another missile salvo. The Dragonzord fired a volley of missiles that exploded against Megadinozord.

Megadinozord swung its blade free and slashed its saber across Goldar’s chest, flipping the simian backward.

Scorpina move forward and wrapped her scorpion tail around the zord’s head. She sent electric energy burst traveling along the tail. The blasts exploded against Megadinozord’s head and sent a cluster of explosions sparking across the zord’s armor.

Megadinozord swung its saber horizontally, cutting across the tail. The blade sparked against the tail on impact, and Scorpina wound the whip-like limb back towards her body.

Before Megadinozord could counter attack, Dragonzord’s tail whip slammed against the Megazord’s chest armor. Goldar and Scorpina placed their blades against each other and aimed forward. A fiery-gold stream of energy poured from the blades and exploded against Megadinozord.

Megadinozord went crashing down to the streets below. Webbed cracks rippled across the streets upon impact as explosions thrashed across the zords.

The Rangers were tossed from their cockpits and thrown to the war-torn streets below. Tyranno Ranger slammed and crushed against the top of a parked car. Tricera Ranger slammed through a parking meter. Ptera Ranger landed through a car’s windshield. Tiger Ranger crushed down on a mail box. Mammoth Ranger landed against a curb.

Their armor powered down.

Jason slumped down from the broken car and collapsed to his knees as he looked up at the zord, explosions still ripping across the Megazord’s armor. “Our zords!”

The teens collapsed, their bodies battered and broken. Dragon Ranger laughed at them from the rooftops.

---END

---To be continued…Chapter 13

[wildranger]

awesome

[GeoRanger]

Excellent. Keep 'em comin.

[Ryuranger]

Thanks! I'm not going to have an update today. But look for one Thursday night.

[Ryuranger]

---Ultimate Power Rangers: Reloaded
---Season One
---Battle Task Force Power Rangers
---Chapter Thirteen: Breaking Free

Jason and the others gathered in front of Zordon. Their clothes were torn. Cuts and bruises still covered their skin.

“Our zords were trashed,” Jason told Zordon. How were they supposed to fight without zords?
*
“They will need time to heal,” Zordon said. The rangers sometimes forgot that their zords were living creatures, no matter how unique.
*
Zack kicked a console, rolling his hands up into fists. “This is crazy.”
*
“Come on, man,” Jason said as he placed a reassuring hand on Zack‘s shoulder. “We’ll get through this.” He wished he was as confident as he sounded.
*_______________________________________________________________________
*
“Why didn’t you finish them off?” Bandora screamed at Goldar. The simian and Scorpina were kneeling before the empress in her moon palace.

“But Dragon ranger-” Goldar started to say, but Bandora hit him in the back of the neck with the end of her staff.

Bandora lifted her gaze to Dragon Ranger, who stood nearby with his arms crossed over his chest. “Go back down there and finish the job for him,” she shrieked.
*
Dragon Ranger nodded and stepped backward into the shadows.
*_______________________________________________________________________
*
The rangers were still in the Command Chamber, waiting for a positive word about their zords. The Viewing Globe caught Trini’s eye. “Guys, look…”

The teens turned towards the Globe. An image of Dragon Ranger appeared. He was standing in the mountains with his sword casually draped over his shoulder. The Dragonzord stood in the background.

“It’s like a challenge,” Billy said.

Jason nodded. “Well we’re taking it.”
*
“How are the zords?” Trini asked Alpha.
*
“They’re still injured, but will function,” Alpha answered.
*
“Remember, rangers,” Zordon told them, “destroy his sword of darkness and you will set him free.”
*
“Right…” Jason said.
*
They readied their transformation devices and snapped the bucklers open while shouting: “Dino Buckler!”
*_______________________________________________________________________
*
The Rangers dropped in the mountains. The landing on a cropping that looked out towards a wide, rocky valley where the Dragonzord stood. The Rangers stepped forward, ready to summon their zords.

“Dinozords, arise!” they shouted as they raised their hands towards the sky. The five Dinozords appeared and stomped through the mountains towards the Dragonzord. The Rangers leapt forward and merged into their zords’ cockpits.

“Dinozord fusion!” Tyranno Ranger commanded. The five zords reassembled and combined to form one giant robo. The Megadinozord landed, crackling with energy as it snapped into a fighting stance and faced off with the Dragonzord.

Dragon Ranger played a booming melody on his Dagger, commanding the Dragonzord to attack. Dragonzord extended its hands and launched a volley of missiles that streaked through the air towards the Megazord.

Megadinozord armed its saber and used the blade to deflect the missiles. The missiles exploded against the saber, protecting the Megazord from impact.

“Clever,” Dragon Ranger said sarcastically. He played another tune on the Dagger. He commanded the Dragonzord to whip its tail drill towards the Megazord.

The drill spun and slammed against the Megazord’s chest armor, exploding with a cloud of spar4ks on impact. The attack forced the Megazord backward, and Dragonzord pushed forward. The giant dragon crashed its head against the Megadinozord’s chest.

Megadinozord struck back with a pair of backfist blows that slammed against the Dragonzord. Dragonzord roared and spun forward, slamming the end of its tail against the zord with a powerful impact. The Rangers were rocked in their cockpits from the attack.

“I’ve got to stop this once and for all,” Tyranno Ranger said as he tightened his fist. “I’m going down.”
*
Tyranno Ranger leapt forward from the Megazord and somersaulted through the air. He landed in a crouched position several meters in front of Dragon ranger while arming his Blade Blaster in blaster mode. He aimed the weapon forward and fired three bursts of crimson energy.

Dragon Ranger played his Dagger as his chest shield flashed with jade energy. Tyranno Ranger’s blasts reflected off the shield and streaked back towards him. The lances of energy exploded against Tyranno Ranger.

Tyranno Ranger rolled to the side, aimed, and fired again as Dragon Ranger continued to play his Dagger. The energy blasts reflected off the shield, streamed back towards Tyranno Ranger, and exploded against his chest.

Tyranno Ranger returned his Blade Blaster to its holster and armed his Tyranno Sword. The Red Ranger charged forward as Dragon Ranger sprinted to attack.

Dragon Ranger leapt forward with a flying crescent kick that Tyranno Ranger rolled underneath.

The Red Ranger rose back to his feet and swung his sword down towards Dragon Ranger’s head. Dragon Ranger used both his blades to blow the blow, knock Tyranno Ranger’s sword aside, and slash both blades diagonally across the Red Ranger’s chest.

Tyranno Ranger spun with the blow and swung his blade horizontally towards Dragon Ranger’s head. Dragon Ranger parried the blow and jump-roundkicked Tyranno Ranger in the side.

Tyranno Ranger was forced back a step, but he pounced back forward and slashed upward diagonally, thrashing Dragon Ranger across the chest.

“Dragon Claw!” Dragon Ranger shouted as he energized his blades with jade-tinted power and swung the swords in an ’x’ pattern. Daggers of energy lashed out and exploded across the Rangers armor with a series of ripping sparks.

Tyranno Ranger was thrown backward and went stumbling across the ground.

Dragon Ranger charged his sword with crackling green energy and thrust the saber into the ground. A wave of power ripped through the soil and jetted towards Tyranno Ranger. The wave exploded beneath the Red Ranger’s feet, causing explosions to spark against the Ranger’s armor as he was thrown backward.
________________________________________________________________________

Bandora watched the battle through her crystal ball. She saw Dragon ranger deliver another strike across the Red Ranger’s chest and kick Tyranno Ranger backward. A cold smile spread across the witch’s lips.

“”I think he’s finally going to do it this time…” she said, blood-thirsty pleasure filling her veins at the thought. The Rangers’ end was at hand.
________________________________________________________________________

Tyranno Ranger and Dragon Ranger clashed swords. Dragon Ranger moved with a series of swings with his sword in one hand, and spun forward with his other hand slashing his dagger across Red Ranger’s armor.

Dragon Ranger pushed forward and roundhouse kicked Tyranno Ranger across the helmet, smashing the Ranger backward.

The villain extended his blades and fired a crackling pulse of green energy. The energy pulse exploded against Tyranno Ranger and ripped across his armor. The Red Ranger was thrown backward like a rag doll and went crashing against the mountainside, smashing a web-shaped crater on impact.

Tyranno Ranger crumbled to the ground as Dragon Ranger charged forward. Tyranno Ranger gathered the last of his strength and shot back to his knees. He ran his hand along the edge of his blade, making the saber glow with crimson energy. He tossed the energy blade forward, knocking the weapons from Dragon Ranger’s hands.

“Power wave!” Tyranno Ranger shouted. He swung his sword downward, producing an energy wave that cut through the air. The wave vaporized the sword of darkness and created a shockwave that tossed Dragon Ranger backward.

Dragon Ranger rolled across the ground as his armor flashed and powered down. Tommy lied on the ground, his body battered and torn from the blast.

Jason powered down his armor as the other teens moved to his side. They looked down at Tommy, not knowing what to say or what to expect.

Kimberly looked to Jason. “Did you do it?”

Jason nodded, keeping his eyes fixed on Tommy.. “I think so.”
*
Tommy slowly rose to his feet as the rangers took cautious steps towards him. He looked frightened. Scared. Confused. Tommy shook his head as if to clear the clouds from his memory.

He looked to the ranger. “I…” he shook his head and took a step backward, his face growing pale the memories of the Green Ranger flooded his mind.

“Tommy,” Jason started to say softly as he took a step forward.

“No,” Tommy said as he narrowed his eyes, his jaw clenched and his hands rolled up into fists. “No!”

Tommy turned and started to sprint away, as fast as his legs could carry him.

“Tommy!” Kimberly called after him.

Jason laid a hand on her shoulder. “Let him go…he probably needs time to think.”
________________________________________________________________________
*
Tommy ran until his own legs failed him, collapsing beneath his body from fatigue. He shook his head, burying his face in his hands. “What have I done…”

From the distance, a man in a dark trench coat that matched his long black hair watched. A grin spread across the Dark Man’s pale face. “And so it begins.”

--- END

---To be continued…Chapter Fourteen

[Ryuranger]

---Ultimate Power Rangers:Reloaded
---Season One
---Battle Task Force Power Rangers
---Chapter Fourteen: Redemption

The remaining three dark Warlord - Secmet, Dayus, and Kayl - kneeled before Bandora in her palace. The three villains were eager to return to Earth and strike. They were eager to claim their place at Bandora’s side now that Dragon ranger had left them.

“You summoned us, mistress,” Secmet of Venom said.
*
“Yes…” Bandora said. “I want you to go down to Earth and find the Dragon Ranger.”
*
“Empress,” Kayl said, caution in his voice. “Even if you can turn him again, he might still betray you sometime in the future.”
*
Bandora laughed. “You misunderstand me. I don’t want you to bring him to me…I want you to bring me his head.”
*
The warlords smiled.
________________________________________________________________________
*
Tommy breezed through a kata at Bear Lake in Angel Grove North. The lake was surrounded by stone paths, trees and bushes. The lake was nestled in between two busting city blocks, their skyscrapers extending into the sky.

Kimberly watched from nearby, not sure what to say when she approached him. Tommy stopped in his tracks when he spotted her.

“Hi…” she said, as she failed to hide her awkwardness. She walked slowly towards him. “Ummm…I’m sorry to just sneak up on you like this.”
*
Tommy nodded, his eyes narrowed. “You don’t have to worry. I’m not her slave anymore.”
*
“I know,” she said as she walked over to him. “That’s why we’re worried. We want to help you.”
*
He shook his head. “I’ve spent the last several months trying to kill you. I won’t blame you if you hate me…”
*
Tommy turned and walked away.
*
“Tommy,” Kimberly said as she caught up with him and touched his shoulder. He turned around to face her as she spoke. “Please…you look like you could use a friend.”
*
He shook his head. “You don’t know anything about me. Why would you want to be my friend?”
*
Kimberly shrugged. “We just do…you’re a Ranger. We look out for each other.”
*
“I don’t want any part of this any more,” Tommy said sternly.
*
“Okay then. Still. Let us help. We know it must be hard,” Kimberly said. She could see the pain on Tommy’s face.
*
“You don’t know!” Tommy snapped.
*
Kimberly took a step back, surprised at his outburst.
*
“I’m sorry,” Tommy said as he lowered his gaze. “I didn’t mean to yell…”
*
She nodded.
*
“Look,” he said. “You want to know what I’m going through? During Bandora’s first attack, I watched the love of my life die at Goldar’s hand. I wanted to avenge her so bad, but instead, I was actually fighting alongside the people that killed her. Alongside them, Kimberly. And in the process, I’ve hurt so many people…killed innocents. I don’t deserve your trust. I don’t deserve your friendship, and I don’t deserve to fight with you.”
*
He turned and walked away. Kimberly stared at him in shock as he left.
________________________________________________________________________
*
Tommy stood on a cliff as tears rolled down his eyes. “So this is what it’s come to…”

“Dragon Ranger!” a voice shouted from behind him. Tommy turned to see the three dark warlords facing him.
*
“You’ve picked a bad time,” Tommy said as he rolled his hands into fists. “I’ll kill myself before I go back with you.”
*
Venom laughed. “Bandora doesn’t want you back. She wants you dead!”
*
“Web of Deception!” Dayus shouted as he swung his prongs forward, thwipping a web that wrapped around Tommy. Dayus swung Tommy backward, sending the ranger hurling through the air, as he landed behind the Dark Warlords.

The Warlords charged towards Tommy as the teen rose from the ground, sliding out of the web. Tommy readied his transformation device.

“Dino buckler!” Tommy shouted as he snapped the device open. Energy shimmered around him as he transformed into his Ranger form.

“If I’m going down I’m taking you with me!” Dragon Ranger shouted as he armed his Dragon dagger and charged forward towards the three warlords.
*
Dragon Ranger flying side kicked Venom in the chest. He then snapped his foot around and hook kicked Kayl across the face.

Dayus shot his spears towards the Green Ranger. The drills crashed against Dragon Ranger, sparking against his armor and forcing him back. Dayus and Venom moved in with their swords, dashing forward, and slashing Dragon Ranger across his golden chest shield.

“Snake bite strike!” Venom shouted as he whipped a crimson energy leash forward. The leash exploded against the ground with a violent blast that Dragon Ranger leapt over.

Venom and Dragon Ranger ran forward while facing each other.

“You’ve always been weak,” Venom said as he readied his swords to attack.

“You’ve always been annoying!” Dragon Ranger shouted back. The two opponents pushed off the ground and leapt through the air towards each other. Dragon Ranger slid his dagger beneath Venom’s armor, puncturing through his heart.

Venom’s lifeless body collapsed to the ground as Dragon Ranger landed on his feet nearby. The Green Ranger turned to face the other two warlords. “Who’s next?”

Both warlords rushed towards Dragon Ranger with their weapons held at the ready.
________________________________________________________________________

Kimberly and the other four rangers sat at an outdoor café near Angel’s Square called Ernie’s. The cafe was along a wide city street of eateries and restaurants that stemmed from the hub of Angel Grove North.

“Well?” Jason asked as Kimberly settled into her chair.

Kimberly shook her head, still shaken up by her encounter with Tommy.
*
Zack sighed. “Well…we can do fine without him, you know.”
*
“It’s not about that, Zack,” Jason said. “We need to be there for him. Tommy’s a part of this whole mess, whether he likes it or not.”
*
The rangers’ communicators sounded. The teens rose from their seats. They found a corner out of view from anyone nearby.

Jason activated his communicator. “We read you Zordon…”

“Rangers,” Zordon said, “Tommy is battling the remaining warlords on his own. It would be wise for you to assist him.”
*
Jason nodded. “We’re on our way.”*
________________________________________________________________________

Dragon Ranger reverse jump hook kicked Dayus across the head, causing his helmet to fly off. The warlord fell to the ground dead. Only Kayl was left.
*
Dragon Ranger and Kayl clashed blades. Kayl moved forward with a series of vicious swings and strikes. Dragon Ranger parried each blow, keeping the warlord at bay. Dragon Ranger moved to his right and slashed the warlord’s sword from his hand. Dragon Ranger knocked the feet out from underneath Kayl.

The warlord collapsed to the ground.

Dragon Ranger leaned down and held his dagger to Kayl’s throat.

Kayl glared at the Ranger. “Finish me…”

The other Rangers arrived at the outskirts of the battle scene, but kept their distance.

“No,” Dragon Ranger said as he shook his head. “I want you to give a message to Bandora…tell her I’m not going to rest until she’s stopped. I’m not going through with this anymore. I’m not letting her hurt anyone else like she’s done to me, like she’s made me do to others. I’m a Ranger now…and I’ll be nothing but trouble for her.”
*
Dragon Ranger turned and walked away. He didn’t see Kayl grab his sword and rush towards the Ranger’s back.
*
“Tommy!” Ptera Ranger shouted as Kayl rushed towards the Green Ranger.
*
Dragon Ranger turned and shouted “Dragon’s Fang!” He extended his hands and launched a crackling sphere of green energy that blasted through Kayl’s chest. The warlord, bulk of his chest blasted away, fell to the ground dead.
*
The Rangers ran to Dragon Ranger’s side. Tyranno Ranger looked at Dragon Ranger. Words weren’t necessary. Tyranno Ranger extended his hand. Dragon Ranger took it.
________________________________________________________________________
*
Bandora wrinkled her brow as she watched Dragon Ranger join with the others. She pulled out one of cards and threw it towards the planet while whispering an incantation.
________________________________________________________________________
*
A skeleton creature appeared with a flash of dark light. The six Rangers snapped into fighting stances as the Skeleton armed a double-edged sword.

“Let’s get him, guys!” Tyranno Ranger shouted.

The Rangers leapt through the air one-by-one. Ptera Ranger snapped off a pair of arrows, and Tiger Ranger tossed one of her daggers, each exploding against the creature. Tricera Ranger and mammoth Ranger thrashed their weapons across the villain. Dragon Ranger and Tyranno Ranger somersaulted through the air and brought their blades down hard against the monster, sparking on impact.

The skeleton creature stumbled backward as the Rangers regrouped. But one of Bandora’s cards cut through the atmosphere and struck the creature. Energy crackled around the monster as it grew to giant size.

The five raised their hands into the air and shouted: “Dinozords arise!” The five Dinozords stampeded forward towards Bandora’s most recent monster. They leapt into their cockpits.

“Dragonzord!” Dragon Ranger shouted as he held his Dagger to his mouthpiece. He played a powerful tone that summoned his might zord. Dragonzord stomped forward and charged towards the creature.
*
“Rangers,” Zordon said to the team through their communicators, “the Mammoth, Triceratops, and Saber-tooth Tiger can now form with the Dragonzord to become the MegaDragonzord.”
*
“Alright,” Tyranno Ranger called from his cockpit. “Dragonzord fusion!”
*
Dragonzord and the three other zords ran side-by-side as energy crackled around them. The zords started to reconfigure and merge. Dragonzord reshaped to form the body of the giant Megazord as the other three zords formed around the mighty dragon.

The five Rangers joined in the main cockpit as the MegaDragonzord snapped into a fighting stance, holding the stiff dragon tail as a drill-tipped spear.

The skeleton monster pounced forward and swung its blade towards the Megazord. The MegaDragonzord used its spear to parry the blow while stepping forward and slamming a pair of backfist blows against the creature.

“Let’s finish him!” Tyranno Ranger shouted. “Mega Spear crash!”

The spear crackled with energy and started to spin. MegaDragonzord thrust the drill forward, piercing through the creature. The monster’s body tumbled backward, its energy overloading and exploding.

The MegaDragonzord stood triumphantly as Dragon ranger stared up at his new teammates.
________________________________________________________________________
*
Tommy stood alone in front of Zordon.
*
“I am glad you have decided to join us, Tommy,” Zordon said.
*
Tommy nodded as he traced his fingers across the new communicator on his wrist. “Yeah, well...I don’t feel like I was given much choice.”
*
Zordon nodded. “I know what you’re going through Tommy. Not only did I loose my love as a result of this war, but I lost my entire family as well.”
*
“But you…”
*
“And I also used to be on the side of evil, only not under a spell, but out of ignorance.”
*
A tear streamed down Tommy’s cheek. “How did you…does the pain...”
*
“It does not,” Zordon said. “But from this moment on, if you live every moment on, each life you save will bring you one step closer to healing. With every battle you win, you will be filled with a greater sense of purpose. It’s a difficult destiny The Power has chosen to give us, Tommy. With that power, comes great responsibility. But remember, your teammates are going through similar circumstances and will always be there to help you. As will I.”
*
Tommy nodded. “Thanks Zordon.”
*
“Welcome home, Tommy,” Alpha said.
*
For the first time in a long time, Tommy smiled.

---END

---To be continued…Chapter Fifteen

[wildranger]

very good

[ringmaster316ms]

so you took the villans of ronin warriors out and put them into this fic. interesting

[Ryuranger]

so you took the villans of ronin warriors out and put them into this fic. interesting

Among other things, yeah.

Thanks for the feedback.

Check out the full disclaimer page on my site.

[Ryuranger]

---Ultimate Power Rangers: Reloaded
---Season One
---Battle Task Force Power Rangers
---Chapter Fifteen: Making Friends

Tommy moved through a kata near Bear Lake, snapping through a series of kicks and punches. He wore black pants and dark green shirt. Billy slowly walked up behind Tommy, tilting his head as he watched the newest ranger’s moves.

“What style is that?” Billy asked.

Tommy looked back through the corner of his eye towards Billy, then continued through his kata. “Hakkyokuseikin,” he answered.

Billy shook his head. “I’ve never heard of it.”

“It’s an ancient Japanese art,” Tommy answered as he kept moving through a series of kicks and punches. “There aren’t a lot of people around any more that know it.”
*
Billy nodded as Tommy continued through a series of movements. He took a few steps towards Tommy and continued speaking. “Master Tao taught me an ancient form of the drunken fist from China. Taikyou”
*
“Who’s master Tao?” Tommy asked as he continued. He was familiar with the art, which was taught at a rival to Tommy’s martial arts school.
*
Billy shrugged and smiled sheepishly as he rubbed the back of his head. “As weird as it sounds, he’s a janitor at my school.”
*
Tommy grinned. “Everybody’s gotta make a living.”
*
Billy smiled and nodded. “He was the only friend I had until all this…Ranger business happened.”
*
“Why’s that?” Tommy asked, after executing a round house kick.
*
“I just kind of…secluded myself after my mother died,” Billy said.
*
Tommy stopped for a moment and turned to face Billy. “I’m sorry.”
*
“It’s okay,” Billy said.
*
“So what brings you up here?” Tommy asked.
*
Billy shrugged. “Well, Kimberly says you come here a lot and…well...I can tell you’re holding a lot in like I used to…still do sometimes…so I just wanted to let you know that if you ever want someone to talk to, I’ll be here.”
*
Tommy nodded. “Thanks.”
*
“Well, I’ll let you get back to practice,” Billy said as he walked off.
*
Tommy paused for a moment, watching Billy walk off. “Hey, Billy…You want to hang around and practice with me?”
*
Billy smiled. “Sure.”
________________________________________________________________________
*
Bandora paced back and forth in front of her armored warrior Gurail and his mistress Kyra. They were standing near the balcony on Bandora’s palace.

“It’s time for you two to take action,” Bandora said to her charges. “Goldar and Scorpina have failed me, the Warlords have been killed…I’m hoping that you two will develop a better track record.”
*
“Yes mistress,” Gurail said, bowing his head down low.
*
Bandora nodded, pleased by the soldier‘s obedience. “Good. Now…The Dragon Ranger remains a thorn in my side. I want him killed.”
*
“It will be done,” Gurail said.
________________________________________________________________________
*
Tommy and Billy sparred at the creek. The two teens moved through fluid strikes and blows, a harmony of motion and strength. Passersby occasional stopped to watch, surprised at the mastery the unlikely pair had. It looked more like a dance than a fight.

The two rangers finished their match. Tommy patted his face with a nearby towel. “Not bad. Your style seems different than what I’m used to.”
*
“It’s because my powers aren’t active,” Billy said.
*
Tommy raised an eyebrow. “Huh?”
*
“I’ve been doing a lot of research on our powers,” Billy explained. “When we morph, the spirits of our Dinozords are channeled through us. That changes our fighting spirit and therefore our fighting style.”
*
Tommy grinned and nodded. “I’m sorry I asked.”
*
A thundering boom crashed through the skies as a voice shouted. “Star Light scream!” Pink lightning crashed to the ground around Tommy and Billy as they rolled out of the way. Kyra and Gurail appeared on the ground as civilians ran for their lives. .
*
“Kyra…” Tommy said as he stared at the female warrior. Half of her face was covered in a light colored cloth, and she wore a large medallion over her chest that radiated with power. Seeing her flooded Tommy with mixed feelings, feelings he still did not understand.
*
“Old friends of yours?” Billy asked.

Tommy nodded, his mind torn. He never thought he‘d have to fight her. He never thought she’d attack him.
*
“Don’t make this any harder than it has to be,” Kyra said as she aimed one of her sai blades forward.
*
“Kyra…don’t do this...you’re…different from them,” Tommy pleaded.
*
“I’m not,” she said. “Star Light Scream!” The two sabers she carried radiated with energy that blasted around the two teens. Tommy and Billy rolled out of the way as explosions sparked across the ground. They rose back to their feet and pulled out their morphers.
*
“Dino Buckler!” They shouted as they snapped their bucklers open. Energy shimmered around them as they morphed into their Ranger forms.
*
“Dragon Ranger, Green!” Dragon Ranger shouted as he snapped into a fighting stance.
*
“Tricera Ranger, Blue!” Tricera Ranger shouted as he assumed a fighting stance.

The two Rangers charged forward towards their opponents. The Green Ranger armed his Dragon Dagger and Tricera Ranger armed his Blade Blaster in its blade mode.

“Quake with fear!” Gurail shouted. He sent his chain smashing through the ground near the two rangers. Dozens of chains sprouted and formed a web of metal that trapped the two Rangers in midair.

Kyra leapt towards the two trapped Ranger and spun her blades, ready to deliver a final blow to incinerate them. But Tyranno Ranger appeared as if from nowhere and chopped Kyra out of the air with his double-edged sword.

The other three rangers used their Blade Blasters to chop Dragon ranger and Tricera Ranger free from the binding chains.

Dragon Ranger landed in a crouched position and held tightly onto his dagger. He leapt forward and pounced through the air, swinging his blade downward towards Gurail.

Gurail parried the blow and thrashed his blade upward diagonally, sparking across the Ranger’s armor.

Tyranno Ranger and Mammoth Ranger moved in towards Kyra. She slammed a spinning heel kick across Mammoth Ranger’s helmet, knocking the Black Ranger backward.

Tyranno Ranger spun forward and slashed his blade horizontally across Kyra’s chest. The strike sparked across the villain’s armor and sent her stumbling to the ground.

“Kyra!” Gurail shouted as he ran to her side. The villain knelt down by his lover’s side and scooped her up into his arms.

“I’m alright,” Kyra said as she placed a hand against his chest.

Gurail shook his head. Kyra was injured. He would take his own life and sacrifice victory to save her. “I’m getting you back to the palace.”

The two villains vanished in a burst of crimson energy.

Mammoth Ranger tilted his head, watching with confusion as the two villains vanished. “What was that about?”

“They’re in love,” Dragon Ranger said, staring ahead at where the two lovers had been standing.

“Huh,” Mammoth Ranger said. “Weird…”
________________________________________________________________________
*
“I am surrounded by incompetents!” Bandora shouted. She pulled out a card, whispered an incantation, and threw the card down to the Earth. The card pulsed with dark light as it cut down into the planet’s atmosphere. The card materialized as a three-headed dragon on the planet’s surface.
________________________________________________________________________

The dragon grew giant size and roared, snapping its three jaws in a fierce display of power and strength. The Rangers lifted their heads and stared at the giant beast.
*
“Our problems just got bigger,” Tyranno Ranger said.

“Dinozords arise!” the five Rangers shouted as they lifted their hands towards the skies. The five zords appeared and stomped forward, charging in to face the three-headed dragon.

“Dragonzord!” Dragon Ranger shouted as he lifted his Dragon dagger to his mouthpiece. He played a battle tune that summoned his zord from the sea. The dragon joined the Dinozords and rushed towards the three-headed monster.

“Dragonzord fusion!” Tyranno Ranger commanded. Dragonzord combined with the Mammoth, Triceratops, and Saber-tooth Tiger. The MegaDragonzord snapped into a fighting stance as the five Rangers joined in the cockpit.

The Tyrannosaurus moved in and spun, thrashing its armored tail across one of the dragon heads. The creature retaliated by firing an ice blast that encased Tyranno in a frozen shell.

The left head fired a blast of molten rock that exploded against the Tyrannosaurus, shattering the shell, exploding against the zord’s armor, and knocking Tyranno to the streets below.

“This dude is tough,” Tyranno Ranger said as he moved the MegaDragonzord forward to attack.

Before the MegaDragonzord could strike, the right head fired an electric blast that exploded against the zord’s armor, nearly overwhelming the MegaDragonzord.

“Guys!” Dragon Ranger shouted from below. “Aim for the center head! That’s its weak spot!”

“Right,” Tyranno Ranger answered back.

“Mega spear crash!” the Rangers shouted. The drill spear started to spin and crackle with energy. The zord thrust the spear forward, drilling through the center head. The monster fell backward, its energy overloading and exploding.
________________________________________________________________________

Young Simon was walking home from school through a park area within the city. Two other kids from school were with him.

“My dad said the Rangers are fake,” one of the kids, Elliot said.

“Yeah,” another boy, Max said. “Mine said they’re really a bunch of terrorists. “

“No,” Simon said, wrinkling his brow at his classmates. “They’re heroes.”

Max and Simon looked at each other and laughed at Simon.

“What do you know, preacher’s boy?” Elliot said.

“Yeah,” Max said. “Get lost, twirp.”

Elliot shoved Simon against his side. Simon stumbled over his feet and collapsed onto the ground. Elliot and Max laughed as they walked off.

“Hey!” Simon shouted after him, narrowing his eyes. He pulled himself to his feet and turned, slamming his fist against a tree. “I hate them!”

*“Hate is a pretty strong word.” Tommy stepped out from behind a tree and walked over to Simon, staring in the direction where Max and Elliot left. “Those guys give you trouble?”

Simon nodded, his brow still wrinkled with anger. “They’re bullies.”

“You’re better than them you know,” Tommy said. “For not pushing back.”
*
“I don’t push them back because I’m a wimp,” he sat down on the ground and hung his head low. Tommy sat next to him.
*
“I used to be like you,” Tommy said.
*
“A wimp?” Simon asked.
*
Tommy shrugged. “That’s what I thought at least.”
*
“So you went from being a wimp to being the strongest Ranger?”
*
Tommy blushed. “I’m not the strongest.”
*
“Sure you are,” Simon said as his face lit up.
*
“Well…it’s not about how strong you are anyway. It’s all about your inner spirit. And martial arts helped me to hone my inner spirit, my chi. It gave me a lot of confidence. I can teach you if you want.”
*
“Really?” Simon asked as his face lit up.
*
Tommy nodded. “Yeah.”
*
“Cool!”
*
Kimberly watched the two from a distance and smiled at the site of Tommy and Simon. “Welcome back, Tommy.”
*
---END

---To be continued…Chapter Sixteen

[wildranger]

keep it coming

[genesis09]

These stories are awesome. They take everything that was good about MMPR & blends thme with the things that were left out from the series, with out changing it into something that's totally different (which i s what I felt happened with MMPR as it went along. Changing to the Thunderzords was fine but when they changed to the Ninja zords I just packed my shit & left. When I looked back once they were in Shogun Zords & I was like "who the hell are these people?")

The Action is awesome, everything is good. I like how you ave everyone actually use their weapons, unlike S2 & so on. It's cool to "see" the original team again & I can't wait for the next episode.

My only compaints are the name "MegaDinozord" (Megazord is just a classic name, one of the few things to continue thru-out the series as it goes on, even after a decade), but that doesn't bother me nearly as much as the "Megadinozord Saber Battle Crash". It just doesn't mean anything to me, like just a bunch of words. When I 1st read it I was like "What the fuck is all that?". The rest of the story is good enough to help me get past it though.

[Ryuranger]

These stories are awesome. They take everything that was good about MMPR & blends thme with the things that were left out from the series, with out changing it into something that's totally different (which i s what I felt happened with MMPR as it went along. Changing to the Thunderzords was fine but when they changed to the Ninja zords I just packed my shit & left. When I looked back once they were in Shogun Zords & I was like "who the hell are these people?")

The Action is awesome, everything is good. I like how you ave everyone actually use their weapons, unlike S2 & so on. It's cool to "see" the original team again & I can't wait for the next episode.

My only compaints are the name "MegaDinozord" (Megazord is just a classic name, one of the few things to continue thru-out the series as it goes on, even after a decade), but that doesn't bother me nearly as much as the "Megadinozord Saber Battle Crash". It just doesn't mean anything to me, like just a bunch of words. When I 1st read it I was like "What the fuck is all that?". The rest of the story is good enough to help me get past it though.

Thanks for the feedback. I've been involved with wedding and work madness, so haven't been able to update in a few days.

As for the MegaDinozord...I just didn't want it to seem like it was THE Megazord. There are several Megazords, so I wanted each Megazord to have a different name.

[Rita_lives]

KEEP IT COMING!!! You are a great!

[genesis09]

Thanks for the feedback. I've been involved with wedding and work madness, so haven't been able to update in a few days.

As for the MegaDinozord...I just didn't want it to seem like it was THE Megazord. There are several Megazords, so I wanted each Megazord to have a different name.
That makes sense.

[Ryuranger]

---Ultimate Power Rangers: Reloaded
---Season One
---Battle Task Force Power Rangers
---Chapter Sixteen: Young Dragon

BATTLE ONE

Tommy drew his sword, the shining katana blade reflected the moon light. He moved through a slow pattern of moves and strikes, twirling his blade through the forest air around him.

Sword practice helped clear Tommy’s mind. Especially while in the wilderness.

But Tommy was finding it harder and harder to find calm. More difficult to find peace. He had his mind back, but his life was an entirely different story. His life was not his own.
________________________________________________________________________

Earlier in the day, a monster resembling a mutant snap turtle crouched in the bushes, watching as the six rangers walked by, exchanging stories of little significance to the creature. He didn’t care what they had to say. What they were doing. All he cared about was their deaths.

The creature, which newspaper men would later dub ShellShock, leapt out from the bushes and glared at the rangers. The monster armed a pair of fist blades on each hand while hissing at the team.

“Rangers!” the creature shouted. “I will rip your flesh from your bones!”

The teens snapped back into fighting stances.

“At least he gets straight to the point,” Zack said as he and the other five rangers pulled out their transformation devices.

“Dino buckler!” they shouted as energy shimmered around them and they transformed into their Ranger forms. One by one, they assumed fighting stances and shouted their names.

“Tyranno Ranger, Red!”

“Dragon Ranger, Green!”

“Mammoth Ranger, Black!”

“Tricera Ranger, Blue!”

“Tiger Ranger, Yellow!”

“Ptera Ranger, Pink!”

Together, the six Rangers shouted: “Battle Task Force…Power Rangers!”

ShellShock opened his jaws and spat a flurry of energy blasts that exploded around the Rangers, sparking against their armor.

Tyranno Ranger somersaulted forward through the explosion while rising to his knees and drawing his sidearm. “Blade Blaster!” he shouted while firing lances of red energy that exploded against the turtle monster.

The creature was taken aback by the blasts’ impact, giving the six Rangers time to regroup.

“Weapons, guys,” Tyranno Ranger commanded.

But before the Rangers armed themselves, two bubble-shaped crystals emerged in the monster’s shoulders. They were ruby red and sparkling with power. The lights flashed and rays of crimson energy shot out towards the Rangers. Dragon and Tyranno Rangers leapt to the sides, somersaulting across the ground to avoid the blasts.

Tricera, Tiger, Mammoth, and Ptera Rangers were struck by the rays. The beams of light formed an energy shell around the four Rangers, keeping them from moving.

Tyranno Ranger rose back to his feet, standing alongside Dragon Ranger and aiming his double-edged sword forward. “What have you done to them!”

The creature snarled. “Just making it easier to do this…”

ShellShock pulled in his right arm and extended a new arm, tipped with an organic tri-barreled cannon. He aimed at the four frozen Rangers and fired.

“No!” Tyranno and Dragon Rangers shouted, throwing themselves in front of their four teammates. Blasts exploded against the Rangers’ armor, tossing them backwards again.

Dragon Ranger rose to his knees and pulled out his dagger.

“He’s mine,” Dragon Ranger said while charging forward to attack.

“Tommy, wait!” Tyranno Ranger shouted.

Dragon Ranger leapt forward, launching a flying reverse hook kick towards the villain. ShellShock ducked under the blow and turned to face the Ranger. The monster armed its fists blades and swung a hook punch towards Dragon Ranger’s head.

Dragon Ranger sidestepped away from the blow and hopped to the side, bringing down his Dagger in a hard diagonal strike. He followed with a quick upward diagonal strike that knocked the monster backwards.

ShellShock stumbled across the ground as Tyranno Ranger and Dragon Ranger regrouped.

“Change my friends back!” Tyranno Ranger shouted.

The monster retaliated with a crimson energy pulse that exploded against the two Rangers.
_______________________________________________________________________

The battle moved downtown, and the monster grew giant. Dragon Ranger and Tyranno Ranger summoned their tune zords. The Dragon and Tyrannosaurus stomped through the streets towards their opponent.

Dragon Ranger armed his dagger. “Dragonzord missiles!” he shouted before playing a battle tune that echoed across the rooftops.

Dragonzord launched a flurry of missiles from its fingertips that exploded against the monster. The creature was taken aback by the barrage as Tyranno moved in and slammed his tail across the creature’s chest.

The monster went crashing backward and sliding across the street, tearing through pavement and roads as his giant shell ripped across concrete and steel. The two Rangers overpowered and destroyed the monster, breaking the energy shell that was freezing the other Rangers in place.
________________________________________________________________________

BATTLE TWO

Tommy slammed his locker shut, taking out the frustration of his sore shoulder on the metal door. The pain itself didn’t bother him. It was what the pain signified. It was a minor injury from ShellShock, and a constant, nagging reminder that he was the Dragon Ranger.

A killer.

He had done so many evil things while working for Bandora. Unspeakable acts of carnage and terror. How would he ever recover?

The halls around him were filled with kids his own age. Their words betrayed far more simpler thoughts. A girl’s boyfriends cheating on her - with two girls at the same time no less - the night before, trouble with math classes, the latest music craze, the occasional mention of “baseball,” a less-than-clever code word for pot.

He walked into a classroom. The walls were trimmed with green. Tommy had never noticed the colors before. He rolled his eyes and took a seat in the back of the room. The teacher started class. He gave a lecture on some political topic. It was all the same. All irrelevant.

Tommy’s mind wandered as his eyes stared ahead at the green trimming on the walls. He felt trapped.

“Tommy?” the teacher called, breaking Tommy out of daze. “Would you care to answer the question?”

Tommy looked to his teacher. What was the question? Which class was this anyway? Everyone stared. Tommy - who had killed three of Bandora’s warlords, battled the Rangers to stand stills, killed innocents - knew fear.

Before he could answer, his communicator sounded. The class snickered.

The teacher crossed his arms over his chest. “Would you turn your pager off and answer the question?”

“I, uh…” Tommy stammered as he rose to his feet. “I don’t feel so well…”

His teacher started to protest but he was already out the door, dashing down the hallway.
_______________________________________________________________________

The media called it the SpitFlower: a plant monster capable of spitting venomous and flesh-eating flowers that had already killed dozens in the city.

SpitFlower had the Power Rangers at his will. The five Rangers were struggling to stay on their feet as small biting flowers covered their armor. The flowers bit down hard, weakening the Rangers despite their best efforts to fight back.

SpitFlower licked its lips, pleased with its handiwork and excited about the meal of Ranger meat he was about to ingest. He leaned forward and fired yellow energy blasts with his antenna that exploded against the Rangers armor and sent them falling backwards.

SpitFlower darted forward with his pincer hands to attack the fallen Rangers. Tyranno Ranger managed to rise to his knees and hold his sword forward, but the monster knocked the Red Ranger away. SpitFlower moved to Tricera Ranger next, thrashing his claws across Blue Ranger’s armor. The creatures beat back the rest of the Rangers one by one, its claws and pincers thrashing against their armor.*

The monster licked his lips again as he watched the Rangers squirm on their bellies like helpless animals. He opened his jaws wide, revealing a mouth full of fangs.

Nearby, Tommy was running to the scene as fast as he could. Legs pumping, he would not let the rangers down. He could not let them die. Not after all the harm he’d cause. He pulled out his buckler.

“Dino Buckler!” he shouted while morphing into his Ranger form and jumping through the air towards SpitFlower.

Dragon Ranger slammed a flying sidekick against the monster, causing the creature to stumble backward. SpitFlower snapped back and swung its pincers towards the Ranger’s head. Dragon Ranger blocked the blow and slammed a roundkick against the monster’s side.

Dragon Ranger followed by swinging upward with a diagonal strike that thrashed across the monster’s body with a burst of sparks. Green Ranger brought his blade back down for another strike that cut against the creature.

Dragon Ranger skipped forward with a jump kick that knocked the monster backward. The creature stumbled off its feet and rolled out of control over the ground.

Dragon Ranger turned and ran to the Rangers’ side. He helped them remove the fanged flowers from their armor and get back to their feet.

A streak of light shot through the sky and speared against the creature’s body. Dark light enveloped the monster and it expanded to giant size with a thundering boom.

“Tommy,” Tyranno Ranger said. “We need the Dragonzord.”

“Right,” Dragon Ranger said as he drew his Dagger, lifting the blade towards the air before swinging it back down towards his mouthpiece.

Dragon Ranger played the battle melody that summoned his zord from the sea.

Dragonzord stomped forward and charged towards the creature while Mammoth Ranger, Tricera Ranger, and Tiger Ranger raised their hands towards the sky and summoned their beasts. “Dinozords, arise!”

The three Dinozords stormed forward and joined the stampede towards the SpitFlower.

“Dragonzord fusion!” Tyranno Ranger commanded from below. The four zords reshaped and merged together into one giant Megazord. The core five Rangers leapt upward and joined in the MegaDragonzord’s cockpit.

SpitFlower leaned forward and fired twin blasts of yellow energy lances that exploded against the MegaDragonzord’s armor. The Megazord was taken aback as the SpitFlower moved in for another attack. The creature swung its pincers towards the Megazord’s head.

MegaDragonzord low blocked the blow with one arm and stepped forward, swinging the other fist hard against the creature’s body. Explosions sparked across the monster on impact as MegaDragonzord stepped forward again, slamming a pair of backfist blows against the monster.

SpitFlower retaliate by hacking a wad of piranha flowers that latched against the zord and bit down hard against its armor. Explosions sparked against MegaDragonzord, forcing the zord a few steps back as the SpitFlower advanced.

Zordon’s voice came from over their communicators. “Rangers, focus your attack on the creature’s pollen sack. The sack is his most vulnerable weak point.”

“Alright, Zordon,” Tyranno Ranger answered. “Mega spear crash!”

The drill spear crackled with energy as it started to spin. MegaDragonzord thrust the spear forward. The spear bore through the monster, causing a gaping hole in its chest as its energy overloaded and exploded.
________________________________________________________________________

BATTLE THREE

Tommy walked through the back streets of downtown Angel Grove North. Street lights and cars passing by cast a pale glow across the night-lit streets. Tommy hand his hands in his pockets and his shoulders slumped down, as if he bore the weight of the world.

He moved through a block of 12-story tall apartment buildings. Tommy stopped in front of a brick building to his right. Shannon had lived there.

Tommy closed his eyes and sighed. He could still hear her voice. Smell the scent of her hair. Feel the touch of her skin. God, he missed her. She had been so vibrant and full of life. She found excitement and joy in the simplest of things. She was brilliant musician on the piano. The piano had been her escape.

Shannon’s father had been an abusive, drunk. Her mother stood by, pretending that all was right with the world. Pretending that her husband didn’t cheat on her weekly or make her daughter cry.

Shannon had lived a hard life. She didn’t deserve to die. Tommy was going to take her away. Far away from all her problems. They were going to start a life together. Raise a family. But they never had chance.

Tommy walked over and sat on the steps leading up to the apartment building. His mind flashed back to when he and Shannon had started dating…

Shannon was leaning on her knees while sitting on the steps next to Tommy. She moved to her left, resting her head on Tommy’s shoulder. A smile crossed her face. “Do you ever wonder what we’re supposed to be doing?”

“It depends on who you ask,” Tommy said, placed a hand over her shoulder. “What do you mean, anyway? You-and-me we or we-in-the grand-cosmic-sense we?”

She smiled and shrugged. “Both.”

“Well,” Tommy said. “You-and-me-we are supposed to be reading about the exploits of our forefathers for history.”

She playfully shrugged him in the shoulder. “Don’t be a dork, Tom.”

“My bad,” he said. “Now…as to your question…ready for the serious answer?”

“Yeah,” she said, readjusting herself to look up into his eyes.

“Well,” Tommy said, “I think that some people have destinies…fate decides what they‘ll do. Other people, like you and me, we make our own destines. We’re above all that fate crap.”

“How so?” she asked.

“I don’t know,” Tommy said, his face turning slightly red.

“Oh…come one,” she said, giving him another playful nudge. “Tell me.”

“Well…it’s almost like we’re out of place, ya know. The life we’re on now, the track we’re on now, doesn’t fit us. So we can branch off, and make our own track.”

“Where would the track take us?” she asked.

“Wherever we wanted it to,” Tommy said. “To the east coast where you could start your own recital hall, and I could open a martial arts school. Maybe over to Europe and do some traveling. I love traveling…although I’ve never actually left the city…so I guess I should say I would like to travel.”

She smiled and nudged him playfully again. “If we’re making our own destinies we need to think bigger.”

“How much bigger?” Tommy asked.

Shannon shrugged and leaned back, looking up into the sky. The city glow blocked out a view of the stars that shone above. “As cliché as it sounds…I want to see the stars. Up close, not from this blotted up view.”

“How come?” Tommy asked.

“Because,” she answered. “The stars make me realize that…there’s more to life than what happens in this city. Or even the world. There’s more to life than you, me, or anyone. There’s something greater out there.”

“You mean like God?” Tommy asked.

She shrugged. “I don’t know…I just know that…if we ever really want to find ourselves…we have to reach for the stars.”

Tommy walked over and sat on the steps. His communicator toned. Tommy rolled his hands into fists. The tone was a reminder. Now and forever, the tone was a reminder.
________________________________________________________________________

A creature whose body resembled a twisted plant and vines with a rotting head for a pumpkin had the five Rangers in a disadvantage. The monster had a vine wrapped around the team. The creature sent pulses of jade-tinted energy along the vine. Each pulse exploding against their armor with a series of ripping sparks.

The Rangers struggled to break free. But blasts of energy stopped each attempt at escape from the vine.

Dragon Ranger suddenly somersaulted through the air. Green Ranger chopped his dagger down through the vine, cutting it in half, and setting the Rangers free.

The monster fell backwards and stumbled across the ground.

The rest of the Rangers regrouped behind Dragon Ranger as he snapped into a fighting stance while holding his Dragon Dagger forward.

“Thanks, Tommy,” Tyranno Ranger said.

Dragon Ranger simply nodded, his mind filled with anger. Bandora’s monster had attacked at a really bad time.

“I’ll hold him down while you guys get the Power Blaster ready,” Dragon Ranger said.

He didn’t wait for them to answer. Dragon Ranger held his Dagger high and charged towards the monster.

Bandora’s creature rose back to its feet and fired an optic blast from its eye socket. Blasts exploded around Dragon Ranger, but he continued his advance, determined to take out his rage against the monster.

Dragon Ranger dashed forward and slashed his blade diagonally downward across the monster’s body. He followed by slamming the end of his dagger against the creature’s head.

Dragon Ranger pushed forward, slamming a roundkick against the creature’s side. The Green Ranger followed with a hook kick against the monster’s head.

Dragon Ranger grabbed hold of the monster, despite its struggling, and held the creature still while he looked back at the Rangers. “Do it now, guys.”

The Ranger brought their five weapons together to form the Power Blaster. “Fire!” they shouted as they launched a massive burst of concentrated energy.

Dragon Ranger glared at the monster. “Later, squash brain.” He kicked the creature aside as the energy blast ripped through its body. The monster fell backward and exploded.

Dragon Ranger lowered his Dagger. One more down…how many more to go?
________________________________________________________________________

BATTLES FOUR AND FIVE

The monster was a white-furred ape. The creature had a row of metal spikes running down its head and blood-red eyes. The media called it the Primitar.

The Rangers snapped into fighting stances and faced off with the creature.

“Tyranno Ranger, Red!”

“Dragon Rangers, Green!”

“Mammoth Ranger, Black!”

“Tricera Ranger, Blue!”

“Tiger Ranger, Yellow!”

“Ptera Ranger, Pink!”

They shouted in unison. “Battle Task Force Power Rangers!”

Primitar armed a double-edged spear and charged forward to attack the six Rangers. Tyranno Ranger and Dragon Ranger moved in to attack first. Tyranno Ranger swung his sword downward, but Primitar parried the blow and slashed across the Ranger’s chest.

Dragon Ranger moved in low and thrashed his dagger across the monster’s chest. He turned and slammed a roundkick against the creature’s back.

Primitar snapped his body around and cut across the Ranger’s armor. Mammoth Ranger chopped down with his axe. The monster deflected the blow and slashed the Black Ranger across the chest. Tricera Ranger speared his lance against Primitar, knocking the monster backward.

Ptera Ranger dropped into a crouched position and launched a trio of arrows that exploded against Primitar. Tiger Ranger leapt downward and slashed her twin daggers across the monster’s body.

Primitar leaned down and launched a volley of head spikes that shot out and exploded against the six Rangers’ armor with a flurry of sparks and explosions. The Rangers were still worn down from a battle earlier in the day…
________________________________________________________________________

A creature resembling a heavily armored armadillo tore through the city streets while firing energy spikes that exploded against nearby buildings and cars. Tommy was walking nearby with his brother when the attack occurred.

Tommy held his kid brother by the arm and ran across a walkway arched by concrete pillars covered with vines. Citizens were running in panic towards the nearest shelter.

“Tommy…” young Teddy said as they hurried along the walkway. “What’s going on? Is it one of those monsters on the news?” His voice was filled with a mix of excitement and fear.

“Yes,” Tommy answered. “But you’ll be fine. I won’t let anything happen to you.” Not like what happened to Shannon, he thought to himself.

Tommy led his younger brother inside the nearest shelter. “Stay here. I’ll be back for you.” He turned to leave, but Teddy called to him.

“Tommy wait!” he said as he grabbed onto his brother’s arm. “You can’t just leave me here…”

Tommy’s heart sank. Could he really abandon his little brother? Did he even have a choice? “I’ll be back, Teddy. I’m going to just find a phone and call mom. To tell her we’re okay. I’ll be back for you.”

Tommy ran towards the shelter’s exit. A guard blocked his path. “Hold on, kid. Just sit tight here until things calm down.”

Tommy narrowed his eyes at the guard. “I have to leave. It’s an emergency.”

“Of course it’s an emergency, kid,” he said as he placed a hand on Tommy’s arm. “That’s why you’re here.”

Tommy grabbed the guard’s wrist and twisted while knocking the man’s feet out from beneath him. The guard slammed against the ground and Tommy sprinted off.
________________________________________________________________________

The armadillo creature crossed his arms over his chest while holding his forearms outward. A volley of energy spikes shot forward and cut through the air towards the five Rangers. The spikes exploded against their armor and knocked them off their feet. They went slamming through parked cars and crashing against nearby buildings.

The Rangers rose to their feet and slowly regrouped as the monster stalked towards them. The creature was prepared to strike again with another volley of explosive spikes.

A green blur of motion streaked down from the air. It was Dragon Ranger. He slammed a flying sidekick against the monster, and the creature stumbled backward across the ground. Dragon Ranger landed in a fighting stance as the monster rolled back to his feet.

Dragon Ranger charged towards the monster. He moved in close and thrashed downward diagonally, his blade sparking while cutting across the creature’s armor. He slashed horizontally, and jump kicked the monster against the chest.

Dragon Ranger moved forward to slam an elbow against the monster, but the creature retaliated by swiping its razor-sharp nails against the Green Ranger’s armor.

The other five Rangers armed their blasters and fired lances of crimson energy at the creature. The monster rolled up into an armored sphere while the blasts exploded harmlessly against the creature’s shell.

The monster bounced off the streets and started to ricochet across the roof tops.

“After him!” Tyranno Ranger shouted as he and the other five Rangers leapt forward and jumped towards the rooftops.
________________________________________________________________________

Teddy paced back and forth across the shelter floor. What was taking his brother so long? Tommy started acting strange after Shannon’s death, but recently, it almost seemed like a different kind of strange. Teddy couldn’t quite think of a better way to say it.

His mind flashed back…

Teddy sat in front of his television. A control held firmly in both hands, he played the recent version of a Playstation Final Fantasy game. His parents were in the adjoining dining room, quietly discussing their fears about the previous day’s attacks. The same attacks that had killed Shannon and injured their son.

The living room door slowly opened. Tommy stepped in. The teenager’s hair was disheveled. His eyes constantly narrowed. His hands clenched into fists.

Teddy raised his gaze up towards his older brother. “Tommy, are you-”

Tommy used his leg to shove his younger brother aside.

“Tommy!” his mother by adoption scolded. “I know you’re upset, but that’s no way to treat your brother…”

“Upset?” Tommy said, his voice like ice as he narrowed his eyes at his parents. “You know nothing…don’t pretend to understand.”

Tommy turned away from the living room and headed upstairs towards his bedroom. His parents were stunned silent.

Teddy shivered at the memory. Tommy had seemed so dark after Shannon died. He almost seemed scary at the time. But things were different now…

Teddy knocked on Tommy’s door again. His older brother had not left the room all day. “Tommy! You missed school. Mom is going to kill you dead.”

Teddy knocked again. He knew it was a futile effort. But he loved his brother. He worried for him. “Tommy, come on…” He leaned his forehead against the door.

“Leave me alone, Teddy…” Tommy said quietly, his voice shaky.

“Come on, big brother,” Teddy said as he knocked again.

Tommy swung the door open. He leaned down and placed his hands on his younger brother’s shoulders. “You don’t understand, Teddy. I need to be left alone. My life…my whole life…is gone. Turned upside down and shaken so hard that it’s shattered. I need to be left alone.”

Tommy let go of Teddy and shut the door.
________________________________________________________________________

Teddy’s eyes slowly opened. He had fallen asleep in the shelter. He looked up to see Tommy reach his hand down. “It’s okay, little brother…it’s safe now.”
________________________________________________________________________

Dragon Ranger swung his Dagger upward, breaking Primatar’s blade in half. He followed with a sidekick that slammed against the monster’s chest, causing Primatar to stumble over his own feet and collapse to the ground.

The Rangers regrouped around Dragon Ranger as a streak of dark light struck the monster’s fallen body. Bandora’s card infused Primatar with energy, causing the monster to expand into giant size.

The five Rangers raised their hands into the air. “Dinozords, arise!”

The five armored beasts stampeded towards their opponent. The Rangers sprung off their feet and leapt through the air, merging into their cockpits that were embedded in the zords’ armor.

“Dragonzord!” Dragon Ranger shouted as he armed his Dagger. He played a battle melody that summoned his zord from the sea.

He stood alone. Playing his Dagger while his teammates battled above. He watched through his visor as the battle started to unfold.

He was removed from it. The five Rangers were fighting as a team. But Dragon Ranger stood alone.

---END

---To be continued…Chapter 17

[Joravenel]

great chapter. Thats all for now. Captain J.

[Judge Joker]

yeah, man. Your stuff is really awesome.

[Ryuranger]

---Ultimate Power Rangers: Reloaded
---Season One
---Battle Task Force Power Rangers
---Chapter Seventeen: Scorpion's Trap

Goldar stood in his dark chambers alone. He was watching through a crystal ball as Tommy taught Simon a series of martial arts movements. Goldar tightened his grip on his sword and snarled his teeth.

“Foolish boy…” he grumbled.

His mate, Scorpina, walked over to him. The warrior woman had a fiendish grin on her face. Her golden armor moved across her skin as she moved. She wore the armor like a second skin.

She grabbed Goldar’s face and kissed him deeply. Goldar was taken aback, not used to such displays of affection. “What…?” he asked, his head in a daze.

“I have a delicious plan,” she said while keeping her body pressed against the simian. “It will allow us to prove we are superior to Bandora…and we can get our revenge against Dragon Ranger at the same time.”

Goldar’s snout raised. A fang-filled smile crossed the Titan warrior’s lips. “I’m listening…”
________________________________________________________________________

Tommy and Kimberly sat at an outdoor café called the Daily Grind. The café was in the center of a wooded park filled ornate sculptures and decorate fountains. The park was nestled in between towering skyscrapers, extending into the sky like ivory pillars.

“So where does your dad live?” Tommy asked as he picked at the fries on his plate with a fork.

Kimberly shrugged. “Who knows. I never hear from him. Hmph, I hardly hear from my mother. And I live with the woman.”

“I’m sorry,” Tommy said softly.

Kimberly glanced up at Tommy. She was eager to change the subject. “You never talk about your parents.”

Tommy sighed. “Well…I’m adopted.”

“Really?” Kimberly asked.

Tommy nodded. “Yeah. They took me in when I was about four after my parents died.”

“Oh…” Kimberly said. “How did they?”

Tommy shook his head. “I don’t know.”

Kimberly felt sympathy for him. There was so much pain inside Tommy. “That must be hard.”

Tommy shrugged. “That’s life, I guess. But anyway, my adopted parents are cool, I guess. And they have two kids: Chelsea, who’s my age exactly. Same birthday and everything. Then there’s Teddy, my little brother.”

Kimberly smiled. “Is that why you’re good with kids?”

Tommy blushed. “What do you mean?”

“I’ve seen you with Simon,” Kimberly said.

Tommy nodded. “I’m helping the kid out.”

Kimberly smiled. “I know.”

Their communicators sounded. Tommy ran his hand along the wrist device. “I never realized how annoying this must have been for you…”

Kimberly smiled as the two rangers got up from the table and walked away.
________________________________________________________________________

The six rangers walked through the woods just south of the city. The wide corridor of trees formed a hilly border between Angel Grove and Stone Canyon.

“Well…” Jason said as he and the others looked around, searching for any sign of trouble. “I don’t see anything…”

“It could be a trap,” Tommy said. “Be careful.”

Rock soldiers suddenly leapt from the ground and pounced towards the rangers. The six teens struck back immediately, still managing to get their strikes in first despite the enemy’s element of surprise.

Tommy slammed a reverse sidekick against a soldier’s chest. He stepped forward and slammed the back of his fist across the grunt’s face, causing the soldier to stumble backward.

Jason jump kicked a soldier in the face. He stepped forward and slammed a double punch against that grunt’s chest, knocking the soldier backward. He turned to his left and blocked another soldier’s blow before round kicking the grunt in the side.

Billy flipped a soldier over his shoulder. The grunt slammed to the ground and Billy leaned down, punching the fallen soldier in the chest. Billy moved to his left, keeping low as he swept another soldier’s legs out from beneath its body.

Trini launched forward with a flurry of kicks that bashed against a trio of soldiers. Each movement was fluid and graceful, along with efficient and deadly.

Kimberly backflipped while kicking a soldier upside the head. She landed and stepped forward, slamming an elbow against the soldier’s chest, sending the grunt tumbling backward.

Zack jump kicked a soldier in the face. The grunt was forced a few steps back as Zack pressed forward with a jumping roundkick that slammed against the soldier’s side and knocked the grunt over.

Through the corner of his eye, Tommy noticed a bulky scorpion monster appear in a flash of golden light. “That’s one of Scorpina’s pets,” he said as he reverse crescent kicked a soldier to the ground.

“Whatever it is,” Jason said, “we’re taking it out.” he sidekicked the final soldier away as he and the other rangers readied their morphers.

“Dino buckler!” the six rangers shouted as they snapped their morphers open. Their Power Coins flashed with energy as light enveloped them, morphing them into their Ranger forms.

The Rangers snapped into fighting stances and shouted their battle cries.

“Mammoth Ranger, Black!”

“Tricera Ranger, Blue!”

“Ptera Ranger, Pink!”

“Tiger Ranger, Yellow!”

“Dragon Ranger, Green!”

“Tyranno Ranger, Red!”

In unison, they shouted: “Battle Task Force…Power Rangers!”

The scorpion monster fired a volley of poison darts from various pores and holes in its body. The Rangers armed their blades and deflected each dart.

Dragon Ranger flipped forward through the air and brought his blade down across its chest, sparking across its body on impact. Dragon Ranger slammed a sidekick against the scorpion and followed with a hook kick across the creature’s head.

The scorpion quickly grabbed Dragon Ranger by the neck, tightening its claws. The scorpion lifted the Ranger from his feet and tossed him backward, sending him arcing through the air towards a tree.

Dragon Ranger managed to somersault through the air and land his feet against the tree trunk, using it as leverage to leap back towards monster while unsheathing his Dragon Dagger. “Dragon claw!” he shouted as he swung his blade, emitting a bright wave of jade-colored energy that exploded against the monster and knocked him backward.

Dragon Ranger landed back on the ground and snapped into a fighting stance as the others regrouped around him. The scorpion creature hissed with anger while dragging itself back to its feet. The creature extended its claws and charged forward towards the six Rangers.

The scorpion slammed against the Rangers. It sprouted another pair of arms from its sides, swinging them outward in an ’x’ pattern that thrashed across Tyranno Ranger and Mammoth Ranger’s chests. The two Rangers were knocked backward as Tricera and Dragon Rangers moved in to attack.

Tricera Ranger swung a spinning heel kick towards the creature. The kick slammed against the scorpion’s head, but the monster retaliated with a quick slash from its claw. The claw sparked across the Ranger’s armor upon impact. Dragon Ranger dashed forward and slashed his Dagger horizontally across the monster’s shell-like armor.

Dragon Ranger adjusted the Dagger in his hand to strike again. Through the corner of his visor, he saw Scorpina standing in the midst of the foliage. She stepped behind a tree and vanished from sight.

“Scorpina!” Dragon Ranger shouted as he ran towards her direction.

“Tommy, wait!” Tyranno Ranger yelled, but before he could go after his green-armored friend, he was struck across the chest by one of the monster’s claws.

Dragon Ranger ran through the trees until a flash of light enveloped him. He vanished and reappeared in a desert-like area dotted with rugged mountains. “Whoa…” he said as he stopped in his tracks.

The eerie wind blew around him, sending a small cloud of dust that twirled across the ground like a miniature cyclone. A voice came from behind him. It was Goldar.

“Welcome Dragon Ranger,” Goldar said as he readied his sword. “I’ve waited a long time for this…”

Dragon Ranger snapped into a fighting stance and held his Dragon Dagger forward. “I could say the same thing.”

The two opponents started circling around each other. They shifted stances, analyzing each others’ defense for weaknesses.

Goldar snarled his teeth. “I was Bandora’s prize warrior…then you showed up. And how did you repay her? By betraying her!”

“She deserved worse,” Dragon Ranger snapped back. “And besides…you killed Shannon.”

Goldar smiled, revealing a mouth full of fangs. “”I’ve killed many people.”

Dragon Ranger tightened his grip on the Dragon Dagger. He screamed with rage as he charged forward to attack. Dragon Ranger skipped ahead and swung his short blade downward. Their swords clashed against each other, sparking upon impact.
________________________________________________________________________

The scorpion creature opened its jaws and spat toxic venom that exploded against the Rangers’ armor with a shower of sparks. The Rangers fell to the ground.

“That venom…” Tricera Ranger said as he and the others tried to rise to their feet. “It’s burning through our armor.”

The scorpion pounced forward and thrashed against the Rangers’ armor. The creature reached forward with four pincers, grabbing Tyranno Ranger, Mammoth Ranger, Tricera Ranger, and Tiger Ranger by their necks.

Ptera Ranger leapt towards the monster’s back and cocked an arrow to shoot forward. The scorpion creature extended its tail, swatting the Pink Ranger from the air.
________________________________________________________________________

“Golden flame!” Goldar shouted as he extended his broad sword. A stream of molten gold shot forth from his sword. Dragon Ranger braced himself as the molten stream exploded around him, his chest shield absorbing most of the blast.

Dragon Ranger hopped through the blasts and armed his blade. “You’ll have to do better than that, Goldielocks,” Dragon Ranger said.

Goldar growled as he snarled his teeth and charged forward. He held his sword high, the blade pointing forward. “I’ll kill you!”

“You’re welcome to try!” Dragon Ranger shouted as he dashed forward.

Dragon Ranger launched a spinning heel kick that Goldar ducked underneath. Goldar stood back to full height while swinging his blade upward, thrashing diagonally across the Green Ranger’s chest.

Dragon Ranger spun with the blow to soften its sparking impact and sliced horizontally across the Titan warrior’s chest armor. Dragon Ranger followed with a sidekick against Goldar’s chest, and a sidekick against Goldar’s face.
________________________________________________________________________

Tyranno Ranger was thrown through the air and went splintering through a nearby tree trunk. The Red Ranger went tumbling across the ground.

“That’s it!” Tyranno Ranger said as he rose to his feet and armed his Tyranno Sword. “Enough is enough. Let’s bring ‘em together guys!”

The five Rangers joined their weapons together. They formed the Power Blaster and aimed the cannon forward. The slender and edged weapon pointed straight towards the scorpion creature.

“Power Blaster…Fire!” they shouted. They fired a combined energy blast that streaked towards the scorpion monster. The blast ripped through the scorpion, causing its energy to overload and explode.

One of Bandora’s cards streaked through the skies and stabbed against the scorpion’s remains. The scorpion rippled with energy as it grew to its giant-sized form.

The five Rangers raised their hands towards the air. “Dinozords, arise!” they shouted. The five zords materialized and charged forward to attack the gigantic monster. The Rangers leapt forward and merged into their cockpits.

“Dinozord fusion!” Tyranno Ranger shouted. The five zords shifted shape and merged into one armored warrior. The Megadinozord landed and snapped into a fighting stance.

The Megadinozord stepped forward and slammed a pair of backfist blows against the monster’s chest. The creature stumbled backward as Megadinozord stepped forward, slamming a fist against the villain’s face.

The scorpion opened its jaw and spat toxic venom at the Megadinozord. The venom exploded against the Megazord and knocked it backward. Sparks ripped across the Megazord’s armor.

The Megadinozord collapsed to the ground.

“We can’t get up,” Tiger Ranger said.

Tyranno Ranger clenched his jaw beneath his helmet. “Man, where’s Tommy?”
________________________________________________________________________

Dragon Ranger and Goldar continued their heated conflict. The Green Ranger pushed forward with a series of thrusts and swings, but Goldar parried each blow. The Titan pushed back and swung his blade down hard like an axe. Dragon Ranger stepped aside and slammed the end of his Dagger’s handle against the warrior’s snout.

Goldar was taken aback as Dragon Ranger spun forward, jamming his Dagger underneath Goldar’s chest armor, and puncturing through the simian’s thick skin. Dragon Ranger twisted the blade, opening the wound wider.

Goldar growled and took a few steps back in pain as blood seeped from his wounds. Dragon Ranger pressed on his attack.

“Dragon’s Blade!” Dragon Ranger shouted as he swung his blade downward and emitted a green energy wave that knocked Goldar backward. The simian fell back onto his knees from the violent impact of the explosion.

“Run away, Goldar,” Dragon Ranger said. “It’s what you’re good at.”

Goldar growled, keeping a hand placed over his injury. “I will see you again, Ranger. Next time…I will be the victor!” He teleported away in a flash of golden flame.
________________________________________________________________________

The scorpion monster slowly stalked towards the Megazord. The creature came to a halt when the sound of the Dragon Dagger echoed through the air.

“Alright, Tommy!” Tyranno Ranger shouted.

The Dragonzord stomped through the streets. Dragon Ranger stood on the rooftops, commanding his zord to continue the charge. Dragonzord spun forward and thrashed its tail across the creature. The zord dashed forward and slammed its head against the creature, the Dragonzord’s head blade cracked through the monster’s armor.

Dragon Ranger played a tune on his Dagger, commanding the Dragonzord to open fire with a missile barrage. The zord opened fire with its fingertip missiles, which exploded against the scorpion.

The Megazord rose back to its feet. The zord armed its double-edged saber. The blade crackled with crimson energy and prepared to deliver the final blow. “Megadinozord saber…Battle Crash!”

Megadinozord swung its saber downward. The sword ripped through the monster, causing the creature to stumble backward. Its energy overloaded and exploded with a massive sphere of flame.
________________________________________________________________________

Goldar leaned against the stone walls of his private chambers within Bandora’s palace. He nursed his wounds while watching Dragon Ranger through his viewing crystal. “I will kill you, Tommy…I will…”

---END

---To be continued…Chapter 18

[Joravenel]

Awesome battle secnes. Can not wait to find out what will happen. Thats all for now. Captain J.

[Ryuranger]

thanks for the feedback! another update is coming in just a sec...

[Ryuranger]

---Ultimate Power Rangers: Reloaded
---Season One
---Battle Task Force Power Rangers
---Chapter Eighteen: Struggling with Revenge

Jason kneeled at his sister Janet’s grave. He laid a bouquet of flowers down near the stone. “I know I haven’t been here in a while…I’m sorry. I’ve been busy. I think you’d be proud of me though. We’ve done a lot of good.”

The Rangers had destroyed half a dozen monsters during the last week, saving hundreds of lives.

Jason sighed and shook his head, his sister’s death weighing his shoulders down. “I’m feeling a little better. My friends helped a lot. Even Zack who apparently is over his drug problem.”
*
A tear made its way down Jason’s cheek as the wind started to blow. “I miss you.”
________________________________________________________________________
*
Jason and Tommy slowly walked through the night-lit city. The two rangers were quickly becoming friends, a startling development since they were mortal enemies no more than two months earlier.

“It’s been kind of quiet tonight,” Jason said, his gaze drifting up towards the moon.

Tommy nodded. “Trust me though…they’re always up to something.”

Jason nodded as the two continued walking. Before he could answer, he saw something that made him stop dead in his tracks. He stared down a dark alley, noticing a mark of graffiti against the brick. “That sign…”

Jason sprinted down the alley, moving into the darkness. He stopped beneath the gang sign and looked up.

Tommy ran over to Jason’s side. “What is it, Jase?”
*
“That gang side…” Jason said as he rolled his hands into fists and narrowed his eyes. “It’s the same one we saw that night…when Janet…”

“This must be their turf too,” Tommy said. “We’d probably better move on.”

“Good idea,” a voice said from the shadows. A punk dressed in a black leather jacket stepped forward. The punk’s fellow gangster’s stepped forward and surrounded the two rangers.

The lead punk tilted his head while looking to Jason. “I remember you, blondie. Didn’t you learn your lesson last time?”

“Bastard!” Jason shouted as he lunged towards the lead punk.

A group of gangsters stepped forward to protect their leader. They were hungry for action, although they’d soon regret it. Jason spun forward and slammed an elbow blow across a gangster’s head while snapping a hook kick across a second fighter’s head.

Three of the gang members pulled out knives and tried to sneak up behind Jason’s back. Tommy intercepted them. He grabbed a punk’s weapon arm and twisted the fighter’s wrist. The knife dropped to the ground, and Tommy slammed a palm-heel blow against the fighter’s chest.

Tommy grabbed the next fighter by the arm and hurled the teen off his feet. Tommy flipped the fighter and slammed him to the ground. Tommy turned to the right and slammed a sidekick against a third fighter’s face.

One of the gangsters pulled out a gun and aimed towards Jason.

“Jason, duck!” Tommy shouted as he dashed forward and pushed Jason to the ground. A pair of bullets whizzed by them. Tommy grabbed a trash can lid and hurled it forward like a throwing disk, knocking the gun from the gang member’s hand.

Some of the fighters ran away, fleeing from the alley. The gang leader hesitated and glared at Jason. “You want to fight, blondie? Meet me here tomorrow night. Alone.”

The leader turned and ran away from the alley. Jason’s frustration exploded inside him. He turned and slammed his fist against a brick wall.
________________________________________________________________________

Jason was outside his sensei’s dojo the next day. It was almost night. He was punching and kicking a tree wrapped in tight rope. Roundkick. Knifehand. Reverse punch. Low roundkick. High roundkick. Each blow shook the branches and splintered bark beneath the rope.

Tommy slowly walked onto the dojo grounds and quietly approached Jason.

“What?” Jason asked as he slammed another pair of kicks against the tree.

“I don’t think it’s a good idea,” Tommy said, his arms crossed over his chest. “Let the police handle it.”

“Screw the police,” Jason said as he slammed another kick and punch combo against the tree. “They didn’t help then, they won’t help now. I’m putting those guys out of business.”
*
“This isn’t like fighting Bandora,” Tommy said. “We’re bound by the law in things like this.”
*
“Screw the law,” Jason said, slamming another kick against the tree and rattling its branches.
*
“If you need me…” Tommy said as he pointed to his communicator. “You call. I’ll bring in my Dragonzord if I have to.”
*
Jason stopped and turned to face Tommy. The ranger relaxed for a moment and nodded. “I will.”
________________________________________________________________________

Jason walked back through the dark alley. No one was in sight. A light cloud of fog hovered above the streets. He stopped in the center of the alley and rolled his hands up into fists. “I’m here!”
*
The gang’s leader stepped forward. The rest of his punks surrounded Jason, forming a circle. The leader had a smug grin on his face. “I didn’t think you’d actually show, blondie.”

“May name is Jason,” he said as he assumed a fighting stance.

The leader laughed as he raised his fists. “Mine’s Max.”

The two started to circle around each other. Jason’s glare was cold as ice and hot as fire. Max had a smug grin on his face. Jason was anxious to wipe the grin off.

Max launched forward and swung a flurry of punches towards Jason. Each punch was sloppy, and Jason dodged the blows with ease. Max threw a right hook punch. Jason grabbed Max’s arm and punched the punk to the ground.
*
Max started to rise back onto his feet, but Jason slammed a swift kick upside the punk’s head. Max fell back, crashing against his spine.

Jason leaned down, lifted Max slightly up by the shirt, and started punching Max repeatedly in the face. The punk’s nose cracked beneath Jason’s knuckles. Jason hesitated for a moment, noticing the punk’s blood-soaked face.

Jason had almost killed the teen. He had lost control.

“Do it…” Max said.

Jason shook his head and tossed Max back to the ground. “No…I’m better than that…better than you…”

Max spat blood from his mouth. “Pussy.”

“I just let you live,” Jason said. He turned and started to walk away. The gang members stepped aside out of fear, allowing Jason to pass.

A group of rock soldiers appeared out of nowhere, dropped from the shadows, and split up while slamming blows against the gang members.

“Not here!” Jason shouted.

One rock soldier swung an arm blade down towards his head. Jason sidestepped and slammed a knifehand blow against the back of the grunt’s neck. The other grunts split up, slamming kicks and punches against the gang members.

A grunt leapt forward, aiming its arm blade down towards Max’s head. Jason instinctively pushed Max out of the way, getting slashed across the back in the process.

Jason slumped against the ground, Max rising to his knees nearby. “What the…” the leader said. “Why…”

“Like I said…” Jason said. A flash of dark light appeared further down the alley as a bat creature materialized. “I’m better than you…”

Jason rose back to his feet, despite his injured back, and moved forward towards the monster while arming his transformation device. “Dino buckler!”

Tyranno Ranger snapped into a fighting stance and faced off with the monster. “Tyranno Ranger, Red!”

Max’s eyes opened wide with shock. His fellow gang members ran off with fear, except for the ones who were frozen with terror.

Tyranno Ranger charged forward towards the monster with his sword held high. He swung the weapon hard through a horizontal arc. The blade exploded across the villain’s chest with a shower of sparks.

Tyranno Ranger brought his blade back down towards the bat’s neck. The villain parried the blow and grabbed the Ranger by the neck. The bat pulled Tyranno Ranger closer and tried to bite down on his neck.

Tyranno Ranger screamed as the monster’s fangs bit down. The teeth tried to push through the armor around the Ranger’s neck. Tyranno Ranger struggled, but he could not break free from the monster’s grasp.

Dragon Ranger suddenly appeared as if from nowhere and slammed a flying sidekick against the bat monster. The creature was knocked backward and went crashing against the alley’s brick wall.

Dragon Ranger moved over and stood next to his teammate. He reached down and helped Tyranno Ranger back to his feet. “I told you to call.”

“I was a bit preoccupied,” Tyranno Ranger said as he rubbed his injured neck.

The monster emitted a high-pitched scream as it charged towards the two Rangers. Tyranno Ranger and Dragon Ranger leapt to the side as the monster lunged between them.

“Dragon’s claw!” Dragon Ranger shouted as he swung his emerald blade and emitted a green energy wave that exploded against the bat creature.

“Power Wave!” Tyranno Ranger shouted as he armed his double-edged sword and swung the weapon downward. The blade emitted a crimson energy wave that exploded against the creature.

The two energy waves combined with a brilliant flash of power and exploded through the creature, incinerating him completely.

Tyranno Ranger and Dragon Ranger turned to face the fallen gang leader, Max. The teen’s face was pale and his breathing quick and shallow. He was afraid. The two Rangers slowly walked towards him.

Tyranno Ranger glared down at the punk. “You killed my sister. And you’ve probably killed others…I suggest you turn yourself in.”

“Or…or…” Max swallowed and rose to his knees, struggling to regain his confidence. “Or what? You won’t kill me…”

Dragon Ranger moved forward in a blur of motion and lifted Max from the ground. The Ranger slammed the punk back-first into a brick wall and held his dagger to Max’s throat. “I will.”

The leader nodded. Dragon Ranger released the punk. Max scurried away as fast as his legs could carry him.
________________________________________________________________________

A week later, Jason kneeled at his sister’s grave. He laid a flower on the ground and put a newspaper next to it. “Well…I hope this makes you rest easier, Janet. He’ll be spending his life in prison.”
*
He shook his head. “Maybe I should have…no…you hated violence. I’d like to think this is what you would have wanted.”
*
He smiled as tears streamed down his cheek. “It is…”

---END
*
---To be continued…Chapter Nineteen

[Eternal]

I'm enthralled by this. I can't believe I just started reading. Well done capturing Tommy's character and making it your own. Way to go.

CT

[Joravenel]

Love it. Now Jason can heal from losing his sister. Thats all for now. Captain J.

[TSoldier]

I'm enjoying the hell out of all these stories. You've managed to make things dark without beating us over the head with it. There's a shit load of character development that doesn't sacrifice any other factors of the story telling process. You're able to twist things enough to make them cool & exciting, but no so much that you change the MMPR story so much so that it's unrecognizable. Looking forward to more, including more character focused battles. What I mean is, in episodes of MMPR where the battles would come down to just one Ranger. Those types of stories usually allow for more specific character developments, as seen in your last chapter. Everything is awesome, & I don''t mean to sound played out but definitely "Keep It Up".

[Ryuranger]

Thanks so much for the feedback! Here's another update. I hope you like it.

[Ryuranger]

---Ultimate Power Rangers: Reloaded
---Season One
---Battle Task Force Power Rangers
---Chapter 19: The Green Candle

Bandora stood on her balcony, facing the Earth, staring at the blue-white gem across the vastness of space. Bandora waved her hands across her crystal ball. She slowly whispered an incantation.

She suddenly snapped her eyes wide open.

“Yes…” she hissed as a smile crossed her face. “I’ve got it finally.”

A slender green candle appeared on a pedestal behind her. She turned and faced the candle. Its wick ignited with jade fire. Bandora smiled as the candle’s flame flickered in the artificial wind.
________________________________________________________________________

Kimberly and Tommy walked along Bear Lake. They laughed with each other, joking about whatever crossed their minds. The attraction between them was palpable. But they would not admit it to each other.

“So, Tommy,” Kimberly said. “My school is having a dance this Friday…”

“Oh,” Tommy said, his face turning slightly red. Was she asking him? And even if she was, what would he say? She deserved more than him. He had tried to kill her. “That sounds cool…”

An army of rock soldiers suddenly flipped through the air. They appeared as if from nowhere as people ran in panic at the sight of them.

“I’m getting sick of these clowns,” Kimberly said as she snapped into a fighting stance.

Tommy stood by her side and snapped into a fighting stance too. The rock soldiers started to circle around them. “I think the feeling is mutual…”

The two rangers plowed against the villains. Tommy slammed a sidekick against a soldier to his right, turned, and reverse hook kicked another soldier across the head.

Kimberly flipped backward while kicking a soldier upside the head. She leaned back and slammed an elbow against a second soldier. A rock soldier moved towards her. She snapped an outer crescent kick that knocked the soldier aside.

More soldiers appeared. Kimberly slammed a knifehand strike against a soldier’s neck. She pulled her buckler free to transform. One of the soldiers slammed a front kick against her wrist. The buckler was knocked from her hand and went bouncing across the ground. “Tommy, my buckler!”

Tommy flipped a soldier over his shoulder and reached for his own transformation device.

“Dino buckler!” he shouted as he snapped his morphed open. His Power Coin flashed with jade energy as light green light covered his body. He transformed into his armor.

Dragon Ranger unsheathed his dagger and swung upward diagonally, thrashing across a soldier’s chest. He followed with a jump kick while moving towards Kimberly. The kick cleared the soldier away as another three took its place.

Kyra suddenly appeared in midair behind Dragon Ranger. “Star light scream!” she shouted as she spun her twin blades. The blades shot jagged blasts of crimson energy that exploded against Dragon Ranger’s back and tossed him forward.

Dragon ranger regained his footing and turned to face Kyra, but Gurail appeared and slammed a drop kick against the Ranger’s back. Dragon Ranger went flying off his feet and skidding across the ground.

Kyra landed and moved towards Kimberly. She grabbed the ranger by the hair and pulled back. The two opponents disappeared in a flash if crimson energy.

“No!” Dragon Ranger shouted as he rose back to his feet. He glared at Gurail. “Bring her back, Gurail! Now!”

Gurail laughed with insanity, amused by Tommy’s despair. “Why should I?”

“Gurail, don’t do this!” Dragon Ranger shouted. “What if it was Kyra, how would you feel!”

Gurail laughed again. “I would take it with much more self dignity. I must say Dragon Ranger, you never seemed like the type that would beg”

Dragon Ranger shouted at the top of his lungs and charged towards Gurail. The Ranger held his dagger high and pounced forward. He dashed towards Gurail and swung down his blade.

Gurail parried the blow and slammed his heel against Dragon Ranger’s chest. Dragon Ranger was knocked back, but Gurail snapped out his chain. The chain wrapped around Dragon Ranger’s neck. Gurail pulled the Ranger forward and slammed a knee against the Green ranger’s gut before tossing him away.

Dragon Ranger went skidding across the ground.

Gurail disarmed his chain and blade. “I don’t have time for this, traitor,” he growled to the Ranger. “Bandora has other plans for you…”

The villain teleported away with a pulse of crimson energy.
________________________________________________________________________

“She’s doing it to get back at me. I know it,” Tommy said as he paced back and forth across the Command Chamber’s stone floor. The other rangers stood with them as Alpha and Billy searched for Kimberly using one of the control consoles.

“Relax, man,” Zack said. “How do you know?”

Tommy turned, his eyes narrowed. “Because I know the way her sick and twisted mind works, Zack.”

“Billy,” Jason said as he walked over to his friend and the android. “Have you found anything on her yet?

Billy shook his head, his eyes fixed on the control console in front of him. “Negative.”

“Ay-yi-yi,” Alpha said with frustration as he turned to face Jason. “We can’t find her anywhere.”

A thought suddenly struck Tommy. He kicked himself for not realizing it sooner. “I know where Kimberly is.”

Alarms suddenly blared in the Command Chamber. “Rangers,” Zordon said, “observe the Viewing Globe.”

The six rangers faced the globe. Through the images inside the crystal sphere, they saw a green-skinned hulk of a monster rip through the city streets. Spikes ran down its back. Its eyes were blood red. The creature was attacking Angel Grove South, near the Stark Institute of Technology, along with an army of rock soldiers.

“I’ll get Kimberly,” Tommy said. “You guys take care of the Thorlack.”

“The what?” Zack asked.

“It’s what the monster is,” Tommy said impatiently.

Jason shook his head. “No way you’re going alone.”

“I have to,” Tommy said. He would never understand why Jason would be worried about his safety. He used to be the Rangers’ greatest enemy. “It’s my fault in the first place.”*

Jason nodded, knowing it was useless to argue. He pointed to his communicator. “If you need me…you call.”

Tommy nodded as he reached for his buckler.
________________________________________________________________________

Tommy approached the mouth of a cave outside of Angel Grove. The inside was dark and damp, just like he remembered. “This is it…”

Tommy slowly stepped forward and entered the cave. His mind flashed back…

Tommy awoke to find himself in a dark cavern. Beads of sweat dripped down his forehead. His skin felt hot, but his insides were chilled.

“Where…” he said as he struggled to catch his breath. “Shannon…”

His eyes darted back and forth across the empty cave, but he saw nothing through the dense cloud of darkness.

“Tommy…” a wretched voice said from the shadows.

“Who…?” Tommy said as he instinctively tried to take a step back from the voice. But it was futile. The voice surrounded him, sending chills creeping down his spine.

“She’s dead, Tommy,” the voice he would later recognize as Bandora’s said. “But you can avenge her…”

Tommy wrinkled his brow as anger welled up inside of him, fighting off the cold, heating his body with rage. “How…”

“The sword…” Bandora’s voice said. “The sword…”

A double-edged blade suddenly appeared in front of him.

“The sword…” she said again.

“I should have taken that sword and crammed it in her ass while I had the chance,” he said as he crawled through a tight space in the cave. He descended further before dropping down a hole, flipping, and landing in a crouched position below.

He looked up and saw himself in a dimly-lit room. Fog hovered above the ground. A single spot light cast a pale glow on a dull golden pedestal. The pedestal had a green candle on it. The wick’s orange flame danced in the artificial breeze.

Gurail stepped forward from the shadows, keeping behind the candle.

“So…” Tommy said, not at all startled by the villain’s appearance. “Are you Bandora’s new number one?”

“There wasn’t much competition after you killed her warlords,” Gurail said, a smug grin on his face.

“They give me little choice,” Tommy said.

“You enjoyed it,” Gurail said.

“Oh, please,” Tommy said as he rolled his eyes. “You think your sweet talking can turn me evil when Bandora’s spell hokey spell couldn’t even keep me that way?”

“You are evil, Tommy,” Gurail said. “But that’s not why we’re here…it’s the candle. “

Tommy wrinkled his brow. “What?”

“This candle has a link with you, Tommy,” Gurail said. “It’s siphoning power through your coin…through you…soon the Dragon Ranger will be no more.”

The villain tilted back his head and started laughing.

Tommy pulled out his transformation device and snapped it open while shouting “Dino buckler!” He transformed into his armor with a burst of green light.

Dragon Ranger lunged forward towards the candle, but he passed through it and crashed against the ground.

“It’s not really there, you fool,” Gurail said. “It’s in Bandora’s palace.”

Dragon ranger unsheathed his dagger and swung towards Gurail, but the villain vanished in a flash of crimson light.

Dragon Ranger shouted into the shadows. “I don’t care about my powers! Where’s Kim?”

No one answered. Through the side of his visor, Dragon Ranger noticed a tunnel in between two wedged pieces of rock. He ran through the tunnel.
________________________________________________________________________

The other four Rangers appeared behind the Thorlack. Tyranno Ranger armed his double-edged sword and pointed the weapon towards the creature.

“Hold it right there!” Tyranno Ranger shouted.

The creature turned and snarled at the Rangers. The monster’s tongue hung loose between its razor sharp teeth. He howled and emitted a swirling vortex of jade energy from his jaws. The energy blast exploded around the Rangers, kicking up debris as the team dove for cover.

The Rangers slowly rose back to their feet. The other four Rangers snapped their Blade Blasters into blade mode as Tyranno Ranger led them in a charge towards the green-skinned monster.
________________________________________________________________________

Kimberly was tied down to a slab of rock that lied across the cave floor. She was in a small section of the cave, where the rocks appeared midnight blue. Kyra sat besides the ranger as Kimberly struggled to break free from the straps around her wrists and ankles.

“Why do you do this?” she asked as she looked up at Kyra.

“You deserve it,” Kyra said simply.

Kimberly wrinkled her brow. “Why?”

Kyra looked off, her eyes glazing over. “Because you do…”

Kimberly rolled her eyes. Kyra was starting to give her the creeps.

“Tommy told me about you,” Kimberly said. She was not going to give up. She had to trick Kyra somehow and escape. “He said you’re not like the others.”

“I am like them,” she said, her gaze still empty.. “Like Gurail.”

“You love him?” Kimberly asked.

She nodded.

“I find it hard to believe someone like you is capable of love,” Kimberly said.

“I am,” Kyra said.

Kimberly rolled her eyes again. “You have issues,” she said.
________________________________________________________________________

The monster slammed both its fists against Tyranno Ranger’s chest. He went flying off his feet, crashing back-first into a stone column, making a web of cracks along the concrete pillar upon impact.

Mammoth Ranger swung his axe towards the creature’s head, but the villain bit down on the axe and ripped the weapon from mammoth ranger’s hands. The villain followed by slamming the back of his fist across Mammoth Ranger’s helmet.

Mammoth Ranger went slamming through a lamp pole and skid across the ground towards Tyranno Ranger. Mammoth Ranger rubbed his nearly broken shoulder as he rose to his knees. “That’s one buff monster…”

Tiger Ranger and Tricera Ranger leapt towards the creature. They armed their blasters and fired lances of crimson energy that exploded against the monster’s body with a shower of sparks. The creature retaliated with red optic blasts that exploded against the Rangers’ armor.

One of Bandora’s cards streaked down from the skies in a stream of dark light. The card struck the monster’s body and enveloped the creature with a rippling wave of power. The creature expanded with a thundering boom and grew to giant size.

“Dinozords arise!” the four Rangers shouted as they raised their hands into the air. The four armored beasts stampeded through the streets and charged towards the giant monster.

The creature opened its jaws and launched a torrent of swirling jade energy from its mouth. The energy blast exploded against the Tyrannosaurus, knocking the beast backward and sending it sliding across the ground.

The Saber-Tooth Tiger pounced forward, aiming high as the Triceratops moved in to tackle against the creature low. The monster swatted the Tiger aside and kicked the Triceratops away.

“This is nuts,” Mammoth Ranger said as he moved his zord forward.

“We can’t form the Megazord without Kimberly,” Tiger Ranger said.
________________________________________________________________________

Kimberly continued to struggle with her bindings as Kyra stared at the ranger. “Why do you keep staring at me like that?”

“I wonder why you struggle,” she said. “There’s nothing you can do.”

Dragon Ranger burst into the cave room, his dagger already in hand. “Kyra! I don’t want to have to hurt you.”

“Dragon Ranger…” A smile crossed her lips. She stood while arming her swords. “Star Sword Scream!”

Jagged blasts of light red energy arced towards Dragon Ranger and exploded around the cave walls. Dragon Ranger charged forward towards Kyra, her attacks exploding against his armor.

Green Ranger swung his dagger and knocked her blades away while spinning forward, slamming a reverse sidekick against her chest. Kyra was tossed backward and slammed against the cave wall.

Kyra moaned with pain and rubbed the back of her head as she struggled to stay on her feet. Her legs collapsed and she fell to the ground.

Dragon Ranger ran to Kimberly’s side and untied her. He helped her up from the stone slab. “Are you alright?”

“I will be,” she said as she grabbed her morphed. “Dino buckler!”

Pink energy swirled around her as she transformed into her Ranger form.

“Let’s get out of here,” Dragon Ranger said. “The others need us.”

The two Rangers ran past Kyra and left the cave room. Kyra moaned as she pulled her self back to her feet. “Tommy…”
________________________________________________________________________

The monster stomped towards the fallen Tyrannosaurus. The creature charged its eyes with crimson energy as it prepared to deliver a final blow to the zord. Before the creature could strike, the armored pterodactyl swooped down from the skies and fired swirling beams of energy that exploded against the monster and knocked it backward.

The tune of the Dragonzord cut through the air. Dragon Ranger stepped onto the ledge of a roof nearby and played his dagger, summoning his zord from the depths of the ocean. The green and gold Dragonzord appeared, stomping through the streets towards its latest target.

“Alright,” Tyranno Ranger said at the sight of his friend. “Dinozord fusion!”

Dragon Ranger watched as the five zords combined into one. He was about to use the Dragonzord to lay down covering fire when a crippling wave of pain overwhelmed him. His legs failed and he collapsed to all fours.

What’s happening…to me… he tried to keep from panicking. His armor fluctuated as if made of energy strands. It seemed several of the strands were loosening. Rings of energy traveled along his arms. Power crackled along his chest shield. His powers were unstable.

“Megadinozord saber…” he heard his friends command. “Battle Crash!”

The saber cut through the giant monster. The villain’s energy overloaded and exploded.

Dragon Ranger’s armor fluctuated again. It looked like a spotlight was shining over him, casting a green-grid light pattern where his armor was weakening.
________________________________________________________________________

Bandora stood in her palace and watched the green candle burn. Green strands of The Power were forming above the candle and weaving into a sphere.

“Burn, candle, burn!” she shouted. The Green Ranger’s end was at hand.
________________________________________________________________________

The Rangers gathered around Dragon Ranger on the rooftops. His armor was losing stability.

“Tommy, what’s wrong?” Ptera Ranger asked.

“My powers…” Dragon Ranger said. “The candle…”

“What candle?” Tyranno Ranger asked.

“Get me to Zordon…” Dragon Ranger said.
________________________________________________________________________

Tommy stood in the Command Chamber, leaning on one of the stone-carved bio beds as Alpha scanned him. He looked up towards Zordon. “How can she be stealing my powers?”

“She still has some connection with your Power Coin through you,” Zordon said. “When the candle burns out, she will control the Dragon Coin.”

Tommy shook his head.

“We have to get that candle,” Jason said.

“I’m afraid it’s too late, Jason,” Zordon said.

“What?” Kimberly said.

“The only way to keep the Dragon power out of Bandora’s hands now is to remove the coin’s connection to The Power, and from Tommy, and place the coin in the hands of another Ranger.” Zordon said.

“Isn’t there another way?” Tommy asked still to weak to move from the bio bed.

“I’m afraid not,” Zordon said.

Tommy rose and stumbled. Zack and Billy helped him to his feet. Tommy pulled out the coin and held it in his palm, mixed emotions running through him.

“Here,” Tommy said as he held the coin up towards Zordon.

“Tommy no,” Kimberly said.

“There’s no other choice, Kim,” Tommy said.

“Are you ready Tommy?” Zordon asked.

Tommy nodded. He looked to Jason. “I want you to take the coin.”

Jason nodded, his face stern.

Zordon closed his eyes. “You may feel some discomfort.”

Zordon’s image vibrated as a powerful hum filled the Command Chamber. Tommy’s body started to flash with a green hue as his Power Coin began to pulse. Then it all stopped.

Tommy nearly collapsed to the ground, but Jason caught him. Tommy pulled himself back to his feet, leaning on Jason’s shoulder for support. Tommy placed the coin in Jason’s hand. Jason formed a fist around the coin as it pulsed from green to red.

“It is done,” Zordon said.

Tommy almost collapsed again, his entire body felt like clay. He groaned in pain as what seemed like a lifetime‘s worth of old injuries stung him.

“Will he be okay?” Kimberly asked.

“Yes,” Zordon said. “It will take his body some time to adjust from being separated from The Power.”

Tommy and Kimberly looked into each others eyes. What did this mean for them?

“I’m sorry, Tommy…” Jason said as he placed a hand on Tommy’s shoulder.
________________________________________________________________________

“No!” Bandora yelled. “They stole my power! This can‘t happen!”
________________________________________________________________________

Tommy sat by Bear Lake and threw stones into the water. The stamp of Bandora’s evil was gone. His only source of redemption was gone. Kimberly was gone. What the hell was he supposed to do?

A man who appeared Asian, wearing a dark trench coat that matched his long dark hair, walked up behind Tommy.

“Can I help you?” Tommy said as he stood and turned around to face the man.

The man shook his head. “No…but maybe I can help you. It must be hard…”

“What are you talking about?” Tommy asked as he wrinkled his brow.

“Losing your powers,” the dark man said. “The Dragon Ranger is no more.”

“Who are you?” Tommy asked, rolling his hands into fists. “One of Bandora’s goons?”

The dark-haired man laughed. “Oh, Tommy. Your true war goes far beyond your little conflict with Bandora.”

“Who are you? I’m not going to ask again!”

“So much anger, Tommy…just like your father…”

“What?!”

“I must be going.” The man stepped behind a tree.

Tommy followed the man behind the tree, but he was gone.

---END*

---To be continued…Chapter Twenty

[TSoldier]

Right when I saw the title I just knew I was gonna hate your story simply cuz it meant you were ending the reign of the Green Ranger, and it was the telling of that classic team roster that made your stories appeal to me. But despite the inevitability of the end of the Green Ranger (actually I didn't see it coming in you stories) didn't entirely sour the story. There was awesome action & the interaction between Kimberly & Tommy & Kyra & Tommy & Kimberly & Kyra had all these questions rauning thru my head. The closest comparison I can make is like the To BE Continued at the end of Green Candle part 1 & Return Of An Old Friend Part 1. WHich is good, because it also makes me anxious for the next installment of your story which is a sign of good story telling. I really liked all the other stories you wrote here but for some reason the writing in this part just blew me away, which was quite a feat considering how much hatred I had going into the story jsut based off the title.

[wildranger]

very good

[Ryuranger]

Thanks for the support everyone. Tommy will, of course, be back in Green. And he's the star of the entire Ultimate Power Rangers series.

[TSoldier]

Thanks for the support everyone. Tommy will, of course, be back in Green. And he's the star of the entire Ultimate Power Rangers series.
Phew. Look forward to the next chapter. I do have a question though. A few of the fanfics here on RB that I read are in-fucking-credible. Is PR the only hting you write or do you have any original work you do? Are you pursuing a career in writing?

[Ryuranger]

www.geocities.com/ryuranger59/index.html

This will link you to what I've written online. It's mostly PR, except for Thunderstrike and Avatars (which are kinda based on sentai/anime/etc...)

I'd like to write novels and such. I just don't know how to get started.

[TSoldier]

Hace you ever considered screenwriting?
Check out www.wga.org
The DAQ has a section ofarchived wuestions to experienced writers in the industry spanning all types of topics you can think of. It's a really good learning tool for up & coming writers. I actually got the info from an actress from the TV show Babylon 5. (I never watched i though. Im more of a Star Trek fan.)

[Ryuranger]

---Ultimate Power Rangers: Reloaded
---Season One
---Battle Task Force Power Rangers
---Chapter 20: The Golden Shield

The media called it the Hatchasaurus, although no one could figure out why. The giant creature swung its clawed paw across the Megadinozord, scratching across its armor with a shower of sparks.

The Rangers had destroyed the monster twice. But it kept coming.

“Jason,” Ptera Ranger said, “we need help…”

“Right…” Tyranno Ranger said. He knew he would have to use the Dragon power eventually, he just didn’t think it would be so soon. “I call on the Dragonzord!”

Tyranno Ranger raised the Dragon Dagger and played the battle melody that summoned Dragonzord from the sea. The colossal zord stomped forward to face off with the Hatchasaurus. But Bandora had other plans for the zord.

One of her spells streaked down from the skies in a stream of crimson energy. The energy strand, archaic symbols flashing within, wrapped around Dragonzord. The strand paralyzed Dragonzord, despite the beast’s attempt to break free.

Tyranno Ranger played a battle tune on the Dragon Dagger, but the Dragonzord could not move. The armored beasts arms were pinned down. The zord’s legs could not find their balance. Dragonzord roared weakly as the strand overpowered him. The zord tumbled onto the ground.

“What’s wrong with the dragon?” Mammoth Ranger said.

“I don’t know,” Tyranno Ranger answered. “Looks like we’re going to have to do this without him.”

The monster fired crimson energy blasts that exploded against the Megazord. Megadinozord was forced a few steps back as the Hatchasaurus slammed its body against the zord. The short spikes along the monster’s body radiated with energy and exploded against the Megazord’s body with a shower of sparks and explosions.

“Megadinozord saber!” Tyranno Ranger commanded.

The zord armed its double-edged blade. Megadinozord swung the saber forward, but the monster swatted the sword aside and thrashed its claws across the Megazord’s armor. The creature followed and speared its beak against the zord’s head.

Tyranno Ranger narrowed his eyes beneath his visor. Zordon had told them about the monster’s core, a heart-like mystic computer than operated the entire creature. Tyranno Ranger knew he had to enter the monster and destroy its core.

“I’m going in, guys,” Tyranno Ranger said.

“Into what?” Mammoth Ranger asked, hoping his leader wasn’t actually thinking of entering the creature.

Tyranno Ranger didn’t answer. He leapt out of the zord’s cockpit, flipped through the air, and dove down the monster’s throat.
________________________________________________________________________

Tyranno Ranger landed inside the creature. A pale red hue permeated its body. Tyranno Ranger turned to see the giant heart, pulsing with deep power. Tentacles connected the heart to the rest of the monster.

The Red Ranger armed his Tyranno Saber. Tyranno Ranger dashed forward and swung the blade towards the heart. The tentacles sprang to life and wrapped around the Ranger’s wrist. Tyranno Ranger started to struggle, but another six tentacles wrapped around him and lifted him front his feet.

Each tentacle tightened. Tyranno Ranger could barely breath. He instinctively lifted the Dragon Dagger and started playing, hoping the Dragonzord would be able to break him free. Hoping the zord could overcome whatever force was binding it.
________________________________________________________________________

Earth: The dinosaur age

Goldar hovered above the village and extended his sword. The simian fired bursts of fiery energy that exploded through huts and barns, sending the villagers running in panic.

“Demon-spawn!” a voice called from below. Goldar looked down to see the six rangers running towards him. They pulled out their bucklers and thrust the devices forward. “Dino buckler!”

Energy shimmered around the six as they transformed into their armor. Each suit of armor was identical - even the Green Ranger’s. Only their helmets were different, each resembling a different beast.

The Rangers snapped into fighting stances.

“Tyranno Ranger! Geki!”

“Mammoth Ranger! Goushi!”

“Tricera Ranger, Dan!”

“Tiger Ranger! Boi!”

“Ptera Ranger! Mei!”

“Dragon Ranger! Burai!”

Together, the six shouted: “Kyoryu sentai! Zyuranger!”
________________________________________________________________________

Burai was wounded. The battle with Goldar was a costly one. His arm was nearly ripped from its socket. His ribs were cracked and bruised. Geki had saved him. Geki…Burai felt a strange torrent of emotions when facing Geki. There was something familiar about the red ranger.

He shook his head, dismissing the thought. It didn’t matter. Few things did.

A voice tugged in the back of Burai’s mind. It was the voice of his father, the black knight. When he was only a child, Burai had watched his father’s murder. Burai was helpless as the Yamato King slaughtered the black knight.

“Burai…” his father said in the back of his mind. “You are weak. How am I to be avenged when you can not stand alone against a mere ape?”

Burai had no answer. He knew his powers were meant to protect and not to seek vengeance, but at the same time, he could make his father’s killer pay 10,000 fold with the strength of his Power Coin.

“No…” his father said. “You are weak…You are nothing but a pawn, one of six. Alone you are worthless.”

“No!” Burai shouted into the air.

His father was wrong. He had to be. Burai had trained every day of his life to be the perfect fighter. The perfect warrior. The power he now possessed was his chance to rise to an even higher level of perfection. He would be able to wipe out the entire Yamato Clan!

“It is what you are meant to do,” his father’s voice said. “This Bandora is of little consequence. Avenge me…”

Yes, Burai thought. A vision flashed before his min’s eye. Beyond the Etofu and Sharma tribes, past the great valley of dinosaurs spanning half the island, and near the base of the Daimu volcano - he saw it. A lone weapons’ forger. A survivor of the first Great War that fractured the kingdom and left hundreds dead.

His name was Barza. His only companions were a pack of tamed Raptors.

“I must find him…” Burai said as he set out on his journey.
________________________________________________________________________

“That’s it!” Tyranno Ranger shouted. He refused to lose to a heart with tentacles. He refused to lose at all. Tommy gave him the Dragon power for a reason. It was time to use it. “Dragon power!”

The golden Dragon shield flashed onto the Ranger’s chest with a burst of green-grid light. Golden braces formed along his upper arms. Tyranno Ranger lifted the Dragon Dagger and played a powerful melody.

On the streets outside, the Dragonzord felt the ripple of power traveling along the melody. The zord summoned all of its strength and fed power from Tyranno Ranger to break free from bandora’s spell bindings.

The Dragonzord roared and aimed its hand missiles towards the heart of the monster. Dragonzord fired a missile salvo that ripped through the creature’s chest. The heart and Tyranno Ranger spilled out of the wound and stumbled through the air, falling onto an acre of parkland below.

Tyranno Ranger used his sword to steady himself as he rose back to the ground.

The heart hovered above the ground and lashed out with its tentacles, determined to kill the Ranger. Tyranno Ranger chopped the first two tentacle strikes away, but a third tentacle whipped across his chest, sparking across his armor and sending him stumbling across the ground.

Tyranno Ranger rolled back onto his feet and armed the Dragon Dagger. He held the Dagger forward in his right hand, and the Tyranno Sword back in his left hand.

Tyranno Ranger charged towards the heart. He skipped forward as his chest shield flashed with green energy. A jade-tinted hue enveloped the dagger as crimson energy surrounded the double-edged sword.

Tyranno Ranger swung the Dagger downward diagonally in a streak of green light, cutting through the heart. He spun forward while swinging his sword horizontally, thrashing through the heart a second time. The monster’s core crackled with power before overloading and exploding.
________________________________________________________________________

Burai walked through the great valley near the Daimu volcano. He carred only his Dragon Dagger and a small pouch of water. He refused to bring any other supplies. He was strong enough to make the trek alone. He had to be.

Burai moved through a thick wall of jungle, using his dagger to hack his way through leaves and branches. He stopped in his tracks when he heard a rustling sound come from behind. Whatever it was had two feet. It moved with stealth. It was a hunter.

Raptors, Burai realized. They always traveled in packs.

One of the reptiles pounced through the brush towards the ranger’s side. Its feet were stretched outward and its claws ready to strike. Burai spun backward, out of the way while slamming the edge of his dagger’s hammer across the raptor’s head.

A pair of raptors leapt towards Burai from behind. He rolled beneath them, rose to his feet, and slashed his dagger across both of the raptors’ backs. The reptiles bashed their tails against Burai, sending the ranger flying off his feet and tumbling through the brush.

The ranger crashed onto his back. A raptor landed on top of him.
________________________________________________________________________

Jason and Trini walked across the pathway through Valley Creek, the park where the Rangers had first learned that Dragon Ranger was Tommy. Jason had his hands in his pockets and his shoulders down low.

Trini looked at him with concern. “So are you going to talk about it?”

Jason looked up at her. “It’s Tommy. Every time I have to fight with his shield…there’s just so much history with that shield. It stands for everything that’s happened to him…happened to all of us.”

Trini didn’t say anything. She wanted Jason to continue and knew he would fill in the silence.

Jason sighed. “Bandora killed his girlfriend, then turned him into a murder…he’s killed right in front of our eyes, Trini. She did that to him. Then he broke free, and his powers, his shield, became the only thing that held him together. It was his way of making up for his mistakes.”

He continued. “It’s just strange. That shield stands for everything Bandora has done to us. To all of us. At the same time, it stands for Tommy, and him trying to make things right. But he can’t now.”

“Jason,” Trini said, “it’s not your fault.”

“Yes it is,” Jason said. “I’m the leader. He was my responsibility.”

Their communicators toned.
________________________________________________________________________

The Rangers found themselves facing a twisted version of a black unicorn. The five Rangers fought the creature - along with Goldar and Scorpina - at an industrial plant along the rim of the city.

Mammoth Ranger and Tricera Ranger moved in to battle Goldar. They used their Blade blasters to attack close, swinging hard towards the golden-armored warrior from Titan. The simian parried their blows and swung his sword horizontally, the strike sparking across both Rangers’ armor on impact.

Tiger Ranger and Ptera Ranger faced Scorpina. Scorpina swung her boomerang-shaped blade upward in a strike that sparked across Tiger Ranger’s chest, sending the Ranger slipping backward off her feet. Ptera Ranger leapt forward through the air and snapped a volley of arrows. Scorpina swatted each arrow away and extended her hand, firing a golden-flame blast that exploded against Ptera Ranger’s chest.

The unicorn monster leaned forward towards Tyranno Ranger. The creature’s horn fired a volley of energy pulses that exploded against the Ranger and knocked him away.
________________________________________________________________________

The Raptor and Burai stared at each other. Niether moved. What was the creature doing? Burai wondered.

Burai heard the sound of two hands clap together in the distance. The Raptor stepped off of Burai. Its brothers and sisters stepped forth from the brush and surrounded Burai. Each made threatening hissing noises and growls.

Barza stepped forward past the Raptors and smiled at Burai. “I think they like you.” The weapon maker had flowing robes wrapped across his body and a wooden staff.

“Barza…” Burai said, now recognizing the weapon master’s tame pets. “I have come a long way to find you.”

Barza nodded, a look of a sorrow in his eyes. “I know. I’ve known you would come. Ever since the day your father was killed.”
________________________________________________________________________

Barza led Burai deep into a cave at the base of the volcano. Chains hung from the stone above them. Vats of melted steal lined the cave walls. The heat was intense and made it difficult for Burai to breath. But Barza appeared unaffected.

“Why is it you ask for a weapon, ranger?” Barza asked.

Burai narrowed his eyes. “I thought you knew-”

“I want to hear it,” Barza interrupted.

“My father was killed,” Burai said. “I must avenge his death.”

“Go on…” Barza said.

Burai took a deep breath and stood firm. He had no desire to discuss his private emotions, but knew that if he wanted the weapon, he had no choice. “I’m not powerful enough to inact vengeance alone. I may be crazy to say it, but my own father’s spirit told me so. He told me to seek you out.”

“What is it he would have me make?” Barza asked. “A sword to stab in the heart of his killer. An axe to grind against his skull.”

“Anything,” Burai said.

Barza set to work. He poured vats of steel. Lit mystic candles and sprinkled powder across the cave as he told Burai a story about the Great War that shattered the empire into separate tribes across the island.

“A young prince named Akessell desired nothing more than to be a warrior. He had been shunned his whole life.”

Barza poured liquid fire and a sort of melted gold into a vat in front of him.

“Akessell was small. Weak. And his friends spared no time telling him just that. One day, Akessell attempted to prove his worth to his peers. The boy entered the ancient shrine of our peoples, determined to learn the secrets within. Secrets that would give him enough strength to be respected.”

Barza sprinkled dust in the vat. The liquid inside started twirling like a whirl pool. Flares of golden flame ignited from the vat.

“The boy etched an ancient spell he found in the texts of our people onto the ground. He sat in the center of the symbol and whispered an incantation. He tried to use a spell to reach out to the spirit plane and summon an entity from another realm. His spell was weak, but powered by jealously and pity.”

Barza poured a crystal-clear liquid into the vat. Energy seemed to vibrate within the cave itself. Burai’s power coin started to pulse with jade energy. He summoned the spell from his buckler that transformed him into his Green Ranger armor.

Barza continued. “An evil spirit not far from our own realm heard the boy’s cries. That spirit found Akessell laughable, but useable. The boy got his wish. The spirit started its journey to our realm, and used Akessell as it harbinger. The boy attacked every warrior who had looked down on him, everyone who had cast him a mocking grin, everyone in our realm. The empire itself crumbled under the ensuing war.”

The vat flared. A swirling sphere of golden energy burst forth and the energy started to take shape.

“The evil spirit, DaiSatan, arrived at the realm. He was pleased with the boy’s work, so granted Akessell a painless death. DaiSatan spread across our realm. If not for the arrival of Zordon, we would all be long dead. All of this is because of a boy and his quest for power.”

The sphere of energy shot forth and splashed against Dragon Ranger. His entire body radiated with golden energy as a grid of bright glowing power appeared over his chest and wrapped across his upper arms. He screamed with pain as the power surged through him.

“Power comes with a price, Burai. Since the day I was born, Fate has granted me a special gift. I can see the tapestry she is painting, down to her final brush stroke. The shield I make for you, Burai, comes with a price. The person who wears this shield will be responsible for the destruction of the entire universe. I have seen it with my own eyes.”

The energy material into a golden diamond-shaped shield that fit over his chest and wrapped over his shoulders. Two golden arm bands wrapped across his upper arms.

“That is the burden this shield places on you, and your successors. A heavy burden you will wear on your shoulders. The shield will let you enact vengeance. It will let you right all the wrongs done to you throughout your brief, meaningless existence. But the price…is dire indeed.”

With the shield’s power came knowledge. Burai saw the son of his father’s killer. It was Geki! Geki is a prince of the Yamato tribe! And…Burai rolled his hands into fists. Geki was his brother.
________________________________________________________________________

Burai spent the next few months fighting against his former teammates. The battle between Bandora and Zordon had intensified. Half the realm’s population had been wiped out. Zordon’s consciousness had been banned from his own body.

The Rangers would soon fall. Their leader, Geki, would die.

Burai shook his head as he stared down on a wide valley of grass. The rangers were gathering. This would be their final battle. Why was Burai not pleased? He could not understand. Geki may be his brother, but blood ties are not as important as…as what?

Burai tightened his grip on his dagger. Why were his emotions so mixed? Revenge would finally be his. Burai howled at the top of the lungs as he leapt into the valley.
________________________________________________________________________

Dragon Ranger and Tyranno Ranger clashed blades. Their swords sparked against each other. Tyranno Ranger focused on dodging and parrying blows.

“Burai…” Tyranno Ranger said, continuing to parry Dragon Ranger’s frantic strikes. “It doesn’t have to be like this, brother. It’s not too late!”

Dragon Ranger pressed forward. His madness fueled his every blow and strike. He pushed forward. His thoughts and emotions were in turmoil. He had to succeed. He owed it to his father.

Tyranno Ranger sidestepped and slapped the Dragon Dagger away. He moved forward and slammed the end of his sword’s handle against Dragon Ranger’s chest.

Tyranno Ranger felt nothing but guilt for Burai. His brother. His friend. His former teammate. The pain was clearly tearing Burai apart. Driving him mad. But that was no excuse. Too many people had died. The battle had to end.

Tyranno Ranger struck back. He slashed his sword across Dragon Ranger’s armor. The blade sparked across his golden chest shield. Tyranno Ranger swung his sword in an ’x’ pattern that slashed across the Green Ranger. Red Ranger slammed a jump kick upside Dragon Ranger’s head.

Tyranno Ranger’s sword energized with crimson power. He swung upward diagonally, and downward vertically. Explosions ripped across Dragon Ranger’s armor as his body whipped backward.

His armor flashed with jade energy and powered down. Tyranno Ranger stepped forward and held his blade towards Burai’s neck. Crimson energy flashed across his armor as Geki returned to his normal form.

Burai was exhausted and unable to move. Geki saw the pain in Burai’s eyes.

“Brother…” Geki said. He dropped his sword. “I can’t do it…I can’t kill you…”

Burai lunged forward and grabbed the sword. He held the blade up high and prepared to swing downward. Geki turned his back to Burai and dropped to his knees. Burai hesitated, surprised at his younger brother’s actions.

“Do it…” Geki said, a tear streaming down his face. He looked back at Burai. “Kill me if you must…if it will help your pain go away…”

Burai saw the tears. What had he done? What was he about to do? Confliction raged in his head. He could not fail his father. But he could not kill his brother. Burai screamed and thrust the blade in his own stomech.

“No!” Geki shouted as he caught his brother, and gently lowered him to the ground. Jade energy flashed across Burai as his armor wrapped around him one last time. He did not want to die looking weak. “Why…”

Dragon Ranger shook his head. “It had to end. All of it…” Dragon Ranger removed the coin from his buckler and handed it to Tyranno Ranger. Dragon ranger’s golden shield disipaited and spread across Tyranno Ranger’s chest.

Dragon Ranger handed his dagger over. “Take my Dagger. And my zord…brother.”

Dragon Ranger tilted his head back and died.

Tyranno Ranger heard mad laughter from behind. He rose to his feet and turned. Bandora stood, her iron staff in hand. “How sad…your poor older brother…”

Tyranno Ranger lifted his Tyranno Sword with one hand, and his Dragon Dagger with the other hand. He charged forward towards Bandora. His Dagger energized with jade power. His sword energized with a crimson glow.

Bandora extended her staff. She fired an energy pulse towards the Ranger. The blade struck Tyranno Ranger.

Geki fell backward.

He knew no more.
________________________________________________________________________

The unicorn fired another pulse blast that exploded against Tyranno Ranger and knocked him backward. Tyranno Ranger slammed against a factory wall and slid to the ground.

“I’ve got to chop off that horn…” Tyranno ranger said with frustration.

He reached down and called on the power of the Green ranger. “Dragon power!” golden energy spread across his chest and across his upper arms. The Dragon shield appeared and Tyranno Ranger snapped into a fighting stance, holding his sword high.

“You’re through!” Tyranno Ranger shouted as he charged forward while drawing the Dragon Dagger.

The unicorn monster fired pulses of crimson energy from its horn. The energy pulses splashed harmlessly over Tommy’s old shield, allowing Tyranno Ranger to close in on his target.

Tyranno Ranger skipped forward, his sword glowing with crimson energy and his Dragon dagger radiating with a jade-tinted glow. He brought his sword down diagonally, thrashing through the horn. He followed with a horizontal swing of his dagger that snapped the horn from the creature’s head.

The unicorn fell backward, its energy overloading and exploding.
________________________________________________________________________

The gears of fate were turning.

Six years until the end.

---END

---To be continued…Chapter 21

[wildranger]

very good

[Eternal]

brave-o, brave-o

[Ryuranger]

thanks guys! here's another update...

[Ryuranger]

---Ultimate Power Rangers: Reloaded
---Season One
---Battle Task Force Power Rangers
---Chapter 21: Only Five

Billy sat on Maya’s bedroom floor with a laptop computer open on his lap. He sifted through dozens of data files and journal entries. He reviewed countless streams of data. Maya sat by his side and leaned closer towards the computer screen.

“Billy,” Maya asked, “do you really think my grandfather’s data will have a way to bring Tommy’s powers back?”

Billy nodded, never taking his eyes of the screen. “There has to be something…”

Maya nodded. “I’ll keep looking…” she went to a computer at her desk and started her own data search through her grandfather’s files. He had left so much behind. Maya wondered if she would ever know how her grandfather had learned so much about Bandora and the Rangers.

A certain file caught her eye. She opened it. “This is interesting…”

“What?” Billy asked as he glanced over in her direction.

“I found a file that talks about the first Ranger battle,” Maya said as she scrolled down the page of the file.

Billy set the laptop aside and stood. He walked over to Maya’s computer. “Against Bandora?”

“No,” she said as she shook her head. “Eons before that. Before any recorded time. Apparently…the galaxy was ruled by an evil tyrant named Sauron. Then the first Ranger team appeared on Eltar and defeated him. They were led by a man named Jestin.”

“Huh…” Billy said. “That doesn’t help us with Tommy…but still…” he leaned down and looked over Maya’s shoulder to see the file. “Apparently after that battle an order of Masters and Rangers was established across the galaxy…fascinating.”

Maya looked back at him. “So there are other Ranger teams out there?”

Billy shrugged. “Who knows if they’re still out there.”
________________________________________________________________________

A knock sounded on Kimberly’s door. She nearly jumped off the couch to answer. She straightened her blouse and reached for the door knob. Her heart was pounding in her chest. She had played this moment over and over again in her mind. Now it was about to happen.

She opened the door. It was Trini. Kimberly’s body sank with disappointment. “Oh…hi.”

Trini smiled. “I’m glad to see you too,” she said sarcastically as she walked into the apartment.

Kimberly shook her head as she shut the door. “I’m sorry, come in…I thought you may have been Tommy.”

“Oh?” Trini asked as she perked an eyebrow.

Kimberly nodded. “I haven’t seen him since…” her voice trailed off.

Trini nodded and placed a hand on her friend’s shoulder. “I know. He probably feels bad.”

“I want to help him,” Kimberly said. “It’s not fair for him to have to go through this alone.”

“Maybe he needs to,” Trini said.
________________________________________________________________________

Tommy sat in Sycamore Woods alone. The park was in North Angel Grove. A walking trail wrapped around the hill above him. Various pieces of wood-crafted playground equipment dotted the landscape.

“Tommy!” a voice called for him. It was Simon. The young boy ran down the hill towards the former ranger.

Tommy rose to his feet and turned to face his student. “What are you doing out here?”

“I’ve been trying to find you.“ Simon shrugged. “I haven’t seen you in a while. Are we going to practice?”

Tommy sighed and shook his head. “I’m not in the mood, pal.”

Simon nodded. “You’re sad, huh?”

“That’s one way of putting it,” Tommy said with a shrug.

Bandora was still waging her war. Tommy could do nothing to stop her. He could no fight to bring Bandora to justice. He could no longer keep her from hurting others like she had hurt him. He was weak. And he felt weak, a side effect of being separated from The Power.

A flash of crimson light flashed them. They turned to see Kyra and Gurail stalk forward. Gurail snapped his chain as Kyra twirled her sai-like blades.

“You two,” Tommy said as he stood in front of Simon and snapped into a fighting stance. “I’m not a Ranger anymore, so you’re wasting your time.”

Gurail smiled as he used his gauntlet to sharpen his blade. “I don’t think so…” he tossed his chain forward. “Quake with fear!”

The chain drilled into the ground. More than a dozen chains suddenly sprang from the earth like a web and wrapped around Tommy, lifting him from his feet, and suspending him in the air.

“Simon, run!” Tommy shouted as he struggled against his chains. He saw Simon hesitate below. The chains tightened around Tommy, nearly ripping through his body and crushing his lungs.

“Tommy!” Simon shouted.

“Go!” Tommy yelled. He watched Simon run off.

Gurail stalked forward, a blood-thirsty grin on his face. “This will be too easy…I want to at least make it last.”

“You’re a coward, Gurail,” Tommy said, “attacking me when I can’t fight back.”

“I’m not very picky when it comes to getting revenge against traitors,” Gurail said.
________________________________________________________________________

Maya and Billy were continuing their search through computer files. Maya was at her desk while Billy sat on the floor with the laptop. Simon suddenly burst into the room. He ran over to his sister.

“It’s Tommy!” he shouted as he grabbed his sister’s arm. “He needs help! He’s being attacked and he can’t fight back!”

“Where?” Billy asked as he set the laptop aside and rose to his feet.

“In Sycamore Woods!” Simon said.

Billy ran off.
________________________________________________________________________

Gurail leapt forward through the air. The villain launched a flying sidekick that slammed against Tommy’s chest. Tommy was ripped from the chains upon impact and tumbled towards the ground. Tommy’s back crashed hard onto the earth.

Tommy coughed as he struggled to sit up and regain his breath. “Nice kick…”

“Flattery will get you nowhere,” Gurail said as he prepared to strike again.
________________________________________________________________________

Goldar and Scorpina were in their private chambers in the bowels of Bandora’s palace. They watched through their crystal ball as Gurail taunted the helpless former Green Ranger.

Goldar snarled and had to restrain himself from swatting the crystal ball of its pedestal. “This isn’t fair! I should be the one to destroy the boy!”

Scorpina nodded. How could Bandora let those two lesser creatures kill Tommy? Scorpina knew she and Goldar had more than deserved that right. “My patience is wearing thin with Bandora.”
________________________________________________________________________

Gurail kicked Tommy upside the head. Tommy went flying backward and slammed against a tree. He slid to the ground, his body bruised and battered. But he found the strength to rise back to his feet. “That all you got?”

Gurail narrowed his eyes. “Foolish boy!” he shouted as he ran towards his opponent.

The five rangers dashed to the scene and stood between Tommy and Gurail, facing off with the villain while snapping into fighting stances. Kimberly glanced back at the former Green Ranger. “Tommy…”

Jason reached for his morphed and the others followed his lead. They snapped the devices open. “Dino buckler!”

Energy flashed across the five young teens as they transformed into their armor.

Red Ranger armed his Tyranno Sword and dashed forward towards Gurail. The two opponents clashed blades, pressing against each other’s weapons with a fierce display of strength. Tyranno Ranger sidestepped, using Gurail’s force against him as the villain toppled forward. Tyranno Ranger spun and slashed his sword across the villain’s armor as he dropped.

Kyra hovered in the air and spun her twin sai blades, the weapons vibrating with light-tinted crimson. “Star light scream!”

Jagged bursts of crimson lightning lashed out and exploded against Ptera Ranger and Tricera Ranger’s armor. The two Rangers went crashing backward through tree branches.

Tiger Ranger leapt forward through the air and tossed her daggers towards Kyra. The daggers exploded against Kyra’s armor and knocked her from the air. She landed on the ground as Mammoth Ranger dashed forward and swung his Blade Blaster down towards her. She parried the blow and slashed across Mammoth Ranger’s chest with a shower of sparks.

Tommy stood by and watched. The Rangers were doing fine without him…what did that mean? Did they really ever need him at all? Was this how he was going to spend the rest of his life, standing by and watching as others had to protect him? He didn’t want protection. Tommy walked away.

The five Rangers combined their weapons to form a single cannon. They aimed the cannon at the two villains. “Power Blaster…fire!”

Five streams of energy lashed out from the cannon, combined into one, and exploded against the two villains with a massive burst of fiery energy. Gurail and Kyra were blasted backward, secondary explosions ripping across their armor.

The two villains slowly climbed back to their feet. Gurail narrowed his eyes at the Rangers. “You’ve won this round, but don’t get too accustomed to victory.”

Kyra and Gurail teleported away with a flash of dark light.

Ptera Ranger turned to where she last saw Tommy, but he was gone. She shook her head. “Where’d Tommy go?”

Tyranno Ranger shook his head. “I don’t know.”
________________________________________________________________________

Tommy sat at Bear Lake alone. He tossed small rocks into the water. I’m useless like this…useless…

---END

---To be continued…Chapter 22

[Eternal]

If this isn't fic of the month, then people have some really bad taste in fan ficition. You have a knack for describing battles, ryu. Excellent work.

[Ryuranger]

Thanks! I don't mind if I get fic of the month or not. I won a few times two years ago for The Defenders, UPR, and Thunderstrike. I had my time. Now I just write for readers like you. ;)

[Splush]

Ryuranger, why did you want my aim?

[Ryuranger]

i sent you a pm.

[Ryuranger]

---Ultimate Power Rangers: Reloaded
---Season One
---Battle Task Force Power Rangers
---Chapter 22: Regaining Strength

Zordon looked down at Billy. The rangers’ mentor tried to absorb what Billy had suggested. It was frightening how fast Billy was learning about The Power. “It’s a risky plan, Billy…I’m not even certain it will work.”

“I think we should try, Zordon,” Billy said while standing alongside Alpha-5.

“We will leave that up to Tommy,” Zordon answered.
________________________________________________________________________

Billy’s ambition reminded Zordon of his own ambitious days as a youth. Only his methods were based less on science, and tempered with experience...

The dinosaur era

Zordon sat on the stone floor. His white cloak covered his body. His hood covered his face with shadow. He had followed DaiSatan to Earth. But the evil spirit was too strong for the mage to face alone.

DaiSatan commanded a vast army. An army he seemed to be able to turn giant at whim. How could any warrior fight a monster taller than the tallest building on Eltar? Not even a Ranger could battle a creature so large.

Zordon silently cursed himself for thinking he could handle DaiSatan alone. He wished a Ranger team could have helped him. But the Rangers were gone, thanks to Lord Zedd and his empire of evil. The entire order, wiped out.

Zordon searched within himself for answers. He sat in a deep cavern that the natives, the Ryujinn, considered their holy temple. The shrine behind Zordon had five statues modeled after the dinosaurs. The Ryujinn worshiped the dinosaurs as their gods.

Zordon could understand why, having witnesses the primal power of the beasts.

An image struck Zordon. Flashes of time flashed across his mind’s eye. He felt like he had been thrown into a rapid-moving stream. He did not fight the current. He moved with it and allowed the ripples to take shape.

It wasn’t until that moment that Zordon knew the true power of Earth. The planet was ripe with energy. Energy so pure, that The Power itself seemed to be able to communicate with Zordon.

He saw through his mind’s eye: Five dinosaurs, modeled after the five idols behind him. Modeled after the great beasts of the Earth. The creature were even larger than the dinosaurs. Their skin was thick and covered with armor unlike anything Zordon had witnessed. Armor forged by The Power. No, it was more than that. Creature born from The Power itself.

There was more. Zordon was washed further down the stream of images. Dinosaurs, wolves, dragons, apes, the phoenix, wildcats, bull, shark…

Days passed. Then weeks. Months. All in the blink of an eye. Zordon sat in the stream of mind for five years. During that time, mythological beasts appeared on the island of the Ryujinn. When the creatures of DaiSatan grew too giant for the warriors to handle alone, the mythological beasts appeared and destroyed the giant.

The tribes called the beasts ’zords,’ suspecting Zordon himself had summoned the armored dinosaurs.

Zordon was immersed in the river for another five years. Then ten. He shared such a pure connection with The Power. A connection necessary to summon the zords.

Five years passed.

Zordon found the key to that connection. The images of six golden coins flashed before his mind’s eyes. The Power Coins each bore the symbol of a dinosaur.
________________________________________________________________________

An octopus monster covered with pines and spikes lashed out with its tentacles. The tentacles whipped across the Rangers’ chests. Exploding against their armor. The Rangers were thrown backward onto the plaza concrete.

Mammoth Ranger rolled into a crouched position and aimed his Blade Blaster forward. He fired lances of red energy that exploded against the monster, distracting it while Tyranno Ranger and Tiger Ranger moved in to counter attack.

Tiger Ranger somersaulted forward through the air and swung her two daggers downward across the creature, sparking on impact as Tyranno Ranger moved in. The Red Ranger spun forward while slicing his blade horizontally through Bandora’s latest creature.

The monster was knocked backward as the five Rangers regrouped. They combined their weapons into a single, powerful cannon that they aimed forward towards the creature. “Power Blaster! Fire!”

Five streams of energy burst forth from the cannon. The streams combined into a single energy beam that drilled through the monster. The creature’s energy overloaded and exploded, its body incinerated in a sphere of flame.

“Alright guys,” Tyranno Ranger said. “Let’s go.”

The Rangers ran from the battle scene. From behind a nearby pillar, Tommy stepped out from the shadows. He sighed and started to walk away.
________________________________________________________________________

The rangers stood in front of Zordon. Their mentor told them about Billy’s plan. There was only one problem. “I don’t know where to find him,” Kimberly said of Tommy. “I haven’t seen him in weeks.”

“I know,” Billy said as he nodded. “Do you think Simon would know where he is?”

Kimberly shrugged. “It’s worth a shot.”
________________________________________________________________________

Tommy led Simon through a kata at Bear Lake. He was surprised at how quickly the boy was learning. Simon seemed to have a knack for martial arts. His skinny frame hid a well of power.

Billy and Kimberly approached the two. Tommy stopped and turned to face them. They stared at each other silently for a moment.

“Hey…” Tommy said.

“Tommy,” Billy said. He took a deep breath. “We may have good news.”
________________________________________________________________________

Tommy stood in the Command Chamber, a room he never thought he would set foot in. The other rangers were around him. He held his old Power Coin in his hand. It felt surreal.

Billy finished explaining. “So what we do is re-attach your bond with your coin, but not with The Grid.”

“The Grid?” Tommy asked, arcing an eyebrow.

“The Grid,” Billy said again. “It’s what I call The Power.”

“This way,” Zordon chimed in, “Bandora will not be able to steal any energy from you, and you will still have access to your Ranger powers.”

Tommy’s gaze was fixed on his Power Coin. “How can I have any power if I’m cut off from The Grid?”

“The Grid uses what I call morphin energy,” Billy explained. “There’s still some residual morphin energy in the coin and in you.”

Alpha raised a small metallic cube in the palm of his robotic hand. The device was no larger than Tommy’s coin. “Using this devise, we can stabilize that power enough for you to use it.”

“But the effects will not be permanent,” Zordon warned. “Your powers could give out at any point during any battle.”

Billy nodded in agreement. “Each time the stabilization field fluxed, you’d lose more power. Eventually your powers would ware down to nothing.”

Tommy sighed and stared at the coin. The coin would always be a reminder of his loss. Of his evil deeds. But it was his only source for redemption. “Well…” he said. “Let’s give it a try.”

“Tommy…” Kimberly said, a look of caution in her eyes.

“Kimberly,” Tommy said, lifting his gaze to meet hers. “I’m not about to just sit on the sidelines knowing that my friends are out there risking their lives. I may not have wanted this, but it’s something I have to do…someone I have to be…”

She nodded, reluctantly agreeing.

“Well…” Billy said. “Let’s go.”

Alpha placed the device onto Tommy’s Power Coin. He activated it. A jade burst of energy flashed over the coin and Tommy. He nearly collapsed from the strength of the pulse, but managed to steady himself.

Tommy took a in a deep breath. He felt rejuvenated. “I feel it…it’s different, but it’s there.”

The Command Chamber’s alarms started to blare. The rangers turned to the viewing globe. A four-armed bull creature was stomping through the city streets. The creature had massive tusks and spines running down its back.

“Just in time, too,” Zack said.

“Let’s go,” Jason said.
________________________________________________________________________
*
The six teens ran on to the city streets. The bull creature had just used a volley of spike darts to destroy a group of sculptures and statues. The rangers pulled out their morphers.

“Dino buckler!” the six rangers shouted. Energy wrapped around them as they morphed into their Ranger forms.

Dragon Ranger stared through his visor at his gloved hands. “It worked…” he felt the power swirl inside of him. But at the same time, he felt smaller than before. He could tell he was not at full strength. He could tell he was cut off from The Power.

Tricera Ranger smiled beneath his helmet. His plan had worked. “I knew it…”

The monster armed a double edge axe that he pulled from his thigh. He swung the weapon forward, emitting a whirling energy blade. The Rangers scattered and the energy blade smashed a nearby statue to powder.

Dragon Ranger rolled to his knees and leapt forward, unsheathing his Dragon Dagger and swinging the blade downward. “Dragon’s claw!” A jade-tinted energy blade cut through the air and exploded against the monster with a ripping shower of sparks.

Dragon Ranger landed while swinging his weapon down across the monster’s chest, thrashing across the creature while forcing it backward. Dragon Ranger swung his blade upward diagonally, slashing across the monster, his blade sparking on impact.

Dragon Ranger slammed a sidekick against the creature’s chest. The monster went crashing backward and tumbling across the ground. It rose to its knees just as Tyranno Ranger slashed his sword horizontally across the creature’s neck. The Ranger decapitated the monster.

A streak of dark light shot from the sky and stabbed into the monster’s remains. Bandora’s card made the monster grow to giant size with a burst of power.

“Dragonzord!” Dragon Ranger shouted as he played a battle melody on his dagger. The sound summoned the Dragonzord from the ocean.

The monster armed his axe and swung forward, sending a twirling energy blade towards the zord. The blade exploded against Dragonzord, but the green-armored beast continued to stomp forward through the explosions.

The other five Rangers raised their hands into the sky. “Dinozords arise!”

The five armored beasts stomped through the streets towards their opponent. The Rangers leapt into their cockpits, embedded in the zords’ armor.

“Dragonzord fusion,” Tyranno Ranger commanded.

The Mammoth, Tiger, and Triceratops combined with the Dragonzord to form the MegaDragonzord. The five Rangers joined in its cockpit.

MegaDragonzord’s chest shield energized with jade power. The shield fired a massive green energy wave that slammed against the monster and knocked it backward. The energy blast ate away at the creature and dissolved it into nothing.
________________________________________________________________________

Kimberly was lying on her couch later that night. Her mother was out late at work again. She couldn’t remember the last time she saw her. It was well over a week at least.

A knock sounded on her door. She slowly moved towards the door and opened it. She stood in shock at who she saw. It was Tommy.

“Tommy…hi,” she said, shaking away her surprise and trying to recover. “Come in…”

Tommy stepped in and Kimberly shut the door behind him. He looked nervous. “Hey, Kimberly…I just wanted to apologize for just…disappearing. I-”

She reached forward and wrapped her arms around him, holding him a tight embrace. Tommy hesitated, taken aback like never before. He slowly put his hands around her lower back. “What’s this for…?”

She pulled away slightly, keeping her arms around him as she looked into his eyes. A single tear had rolled down her cheek. She smiled at him. “Because if you ever do that again, I’ll hurt you…”

Tommy smiled back. “Oh really?”

She nodded. “I’ve come to care about you a lot…”

“Same here…” Tommy said. Their eyes lingered on each other for a moment. They reached forward and kissed while pulling each other into a tight embrace.
*
---END

---To be continued…Chapter 23

[Eternal]

Oh yeah! Tommy's back. And kissy kiss with Kim. Nice writing especially at the end.


CT

[TSoldier]

The writing somehow got even better. I couldn't believe the quality of, not just the writing, but the ideas & creativity that went into the scenes of Zordon's manifestation of the Zord's whil;e he sat for all those years. Imagining the grandeur(sp?) of the conceptualiztion that bred those scenes actaully took my breath away. In-fucing-credible. Can I still vote for Fanfic of the month? Where? Is it over? I saw it in some area on RB but I didn't go in cuz i didn't want to feel obligated to make a decision, but when it coes down to it, few other fanfics i've read here have taken thru the stories in the ways your stories are.

[wildranger]

not bad

[Ryuranger]

Thank you guys.

[Ryuranger]

---Ultimate Power Rangers: Reloaded
---Season One
---Battle Task Force Power Rangers
---Chapter 23: Kyra's Face

Zordon had kept Tommy in reserve while the other five Rangers battled a rhino monster. The Rangers seemed to gain the uper hand within minutes of the battle. But then things took a turn for the worst. The monster had emitted a swirling energy vortex that imprisoned the five Rangers in a pocket dimension.

Tommy ran to the park to save his friends. He pulled out his morpher and snapped the device open. “Dino buckler!”

Jade energy flashed around him as he morphed into the green-armored Dragon Ranger. He stopped in his tracks as he saw the rhino monster, standing and taunting.

“Bring my friends back,” Dragon Ranger said firmly. “Now.”

The rhino had other plans. It charged forward, aiming its horn towards the Ranger’s chest. Dragon Ranger sidestepped and slammed a roundkick against the monster’s back.

The rhino whipped its head around and tried to thrust its horn into Dragon Ranger. Green Ranger grabbed the monster by the horn and slammed knee strikes repeatedly against its chest.

Dragon Ranger took a step away from the monster and slammed a jump kick upside the creature’s head.. The rhino stumbled backward. Dragon Ranger pushed forward with a reverse sidekick that slammed against the monster, knocking it backward. The creature stumbled across the ground.

A streak of dark light shot down from the skies. One of Bandora’s cards struck the fallen monster. The creature grew to giant size.

“Dragonzord!” Dragon Ranger shouted as he unsheathed his dagger and played a powerful battle melody that echoed over the city and across the ocean. The Dragonzord emerged and entered the city, charging towards Bandora’s monster.

Dragon Ranger played a melody that commanded his zord to open fire with a volley of missiles. Missiles shot from Dragonzord’s fingertips and blasted against the rhino, explosions ripping across its body with a series of sparks. Dragon Ranger played his dagger again. A powerful sound signaled the Dragonzord to lash out with its tail. The tail whipped out and slammed against the rhino, knocking the creature backward.
________________________________________________________________________

Gurail and Kyra were in their chambers within Bandora’s palace. Gurail was watching his crystal ball while Kyra strung her energy harpsacord, making an enchanting sound of sorrow that spread across the inner halls of the palce.

Gurail narrowed his brow as he watched the crystal ball. For once, even the songs of Kyra could not sooth him. He watched the Dragonzord land another blow against the rhino.Shortly afterward, Dragon Ranger tricked the monster into spitting its cloud of mist.

Dragon Ranger rolled out of the way and energized his dagger before tossing the blade through the mist and down the monster’s throat. The attack broke through the pocket dimension as the other Rangers were freed. Gurail watched as the Rangers’ zords defeated another of Bandora’s creatures.

“This has gone on long enough…” Gurail grumbled, restraining himself from smashing the crystal ball with rage.

Kyra sat silently, stringing her harp.
________________________________________________________________________

Later that week, Tommy and Kimberly walked hand-and-hand through the city streets. Kimberly seemed convinced she could turn Tommy into a shopping fanatic. Tommy was not too sure.

“You’ve lived here your whole life and you’ve never been to Honey Creek?” Kimberly asked in disbelief.

Honey Creek Blvd. was a street of rather expensive shopping centyers housed in skyscrapers. Window displays and signs displayed stiore names Tommy had never even heard of, and few people could pronounce. Window displays showed bizarre fashions he was sure the United States were not ready for - and not just because few Americans could pronounce the names. Book stores and art stores were amidst some of the buildings in crescent-shaped outcroppings.

“The city is five-times bigger than Los Angeles,” Tommy said. “I haven’t been to every corner.”

“Not yet,” Kimberly said. She playfully tugged him along by the wrist as they moved towards the nearest shop.
________________________________________________________________________

Jason was walking home from his dojo. He took a short cut that wrapped around a mountainous path at the edge of the city.

A puff of dark light exploded on the path before him. Jason instinctively stepped back and snapped into a fighting stance. One of Bandora’s creatures rose from the ground. The villain was a brown-skinned lizard with a crimson chest and white mane of hair flowing down his head and back.

“So much for a short cut,” Jason said as he reached for his morpher.
________________________________________________________________________

Tommy was waiting outside a dressing room for Kimberly when their communicators sounded.
________________________________________________________________________

Tyranno Ranger swung his sword horizontally towards the lizard’s neck. The creature used its forearm to block the blow, and slammed a backfist across Tyranno Ranger’s helmet.

Tyranno Ranger stumbled backward, his body wary. He had hit the lizard creature hard. But the monster did not seem to feel pain. It just kept coming. The monster slammed a pair of uppercut punches against Tyranno Ranger’s gut.

Tyranno Ranger swung his sword upward, the blade sparking across the monster’s chest, but the lizard did not even flinch. The monster kicked the legs out from underneath the Red Ranger while slamming a fist against his chest. The Ranger went tumbling backward across the ground.

Arrows streaked through the air and exploded against the lizard, distracting the monster as Dragon Ranger and Ptera Ranger arrived. Tricera Ranger, mammoth ranger, and Tiger Rangers were at their heels.

A group of rock soldiers appeared. The gray grunts charged forward and slammed against the Rangers. Dragon Ranger moved past the soldiers and ran to Tyranno Ranger’s side.

Dragon Ranger helped his friend to his feet. Tyranno Ranger leaned on Dragon Ranger for support. The lizard creature growled as it stalked towards the two Rangers.

“Stay back, Jason,” Dragon Ranger said. “I’ll take care of this clown.”

“No way,” Tyranno said. “He’s too strong. Your powers won’t last. We’ve got to-” he groaned with pain as a sharp sensation shot down his spine.

“Yor’re hurt, Jason,” Dragon Ranger said. He turned and glared at the lizard. Tommy was not about to become the team’s liability. “I’ll take care of it.”

Dragon Ranger charged forward. Tyranno Ranger reached out, pleading with his friend to stop. “Tommy!”

Dragon Ranger leapt forward with a spinning heel kick that the lizard ducked under. The monster straightened its back as Dragon Ranger snapped a round kick against its side. The monster did not seem to notice. The lizard slammed its knee against Dragon Ranger’s gut and cross punched the Ranger in the faceplate.

The monster reached down and lifted a large boulder from the ground. The villain slammed the stone against Dragon Ranger’s head. The stone crumbled on impact, forcing Dragon Ranger to the ground. Dragon Ranger started to rise to his knees when the monster kicked him upside the head.

Dragon Ranger tried to ignore the pain. He shot to his feet and slammed a knifehand blow against the monster’s neck. He followed with a reverse sidekick that slammed against the lizard’s chest. The monster swatted Dragon Ranger’s leg away and double punched the Ranger backward.

The other Ranger regrouped around Dragon Ranger as he stumbled to his feet. Mammoth Ranger placed a hand on his shoulder. “Take it easy, man…your powers.”

Dragon Ranger shrugged off Mammoth Ranger’s hand. “I’m fine, Zack,” he said, a lot harsher than he meant to. He did not want to be babied by the team. As long as he had his powers, he planned on using them.

A streak of dark light shot down from the sky and made the lizard creature grow.
________________________________________________________________________

“Idiot witch!” Scorpina spat. She watched the lizard monster grow through the crystal sphere in her lair. “That creature could have killed all six Rangers. Now their zords will do the fighting for them.”

She kept watching. The Rangers formed the MegaDragonzord. The lizard seemed to stay on the offensive. Then the zord armed its drill. The battle was over before it began.

“Idiot witch…”
________________________________________________________________________

Tommy stood in the command center. He felt like he was on the defensive. The rangers and Alpha surrounded him as Zordon looked down on him.

Jason crossed his arms over his chest. “You could have been hurt, Tommy. You have to be careful.”

Tommy shook his head. “Jason, I saved your butt. I just did what I had to do. I know the risk with my powers. I don’t need all of you to babysit me. My powers may be temporary, but they’re still my powers. I can still use them, and I’m still going to. End of story.”

“But Tommy,” Kimberly said, “you could die…”

“We could all die,” Tommy snapped. He shook his head and walked away.
________________________________________________________________________

Four days passed. Tommy walked through one of the city’s parks of grassy hills and trees. Jason caught up with him. The two teens had not spoken since the battle with the lizard.

“Hey Tommy, wait up,” Jason called to him.

Tommy kept walking and looked back over his shoulder at Jason. “I don’t need to be checked up on, Jase. I’m fine.”

Jason shook his head with frustration. “Man, what is your problem.”

Tommy turned and snapped on Jason. “Just leave me alone. There are only so many ways to say it. I. Am. Fine.”

Tommy was in denial. He was really frustrated with himself. He did not want to lose his powers again. He did not want to stand by helpless as Shannon’s killers walked free. And he had to prove himself. He had to make up for the damage he had caused while a warlord. Losing his powers was not an option.

Jason was frustrated at himself. He was the Rangers’ leader. If anything happened to Tommy, to anyone on the team, it would be his fault. They were his responsibility.

The two rangers were being watched. A shark fin protruded from the ground nearby and tore through dirt while ripping towards the teens. Jason and Tommy noticed the fin and leapt to opposite sides as the blade passed between them.

A hammer-head-shark creature burst from the ground at frightening speed.

The two rangers readied their morphers. “Dino buckler!”

Energy shimmered around them as they transformed into their armor. Just as they finished morphing, the shark creature lunged towards them and extended its fists. Dragon Ranger and Tyranno Ranger raised their fists to attack the creature, but the shark was too fast. The monster dove past them, its fists slamming against the Rangers’ chests, sparking on impact and whipping the two Rangers backward.

The creature speared back into the ground as it finished its dive.

“We have to reach high ground,” Tyranno Ranger said. He started moving towards the hills. “We’ll be able to spot him easier.”

“No,” Dragon Ranger said. He started running in the opposite direction. “We should stay low, hit him when he emerges.”

Tyranno Ranger watched Dragon Ranger run off. Their paths divided. He whispered quietly. “Snap out of it, man,” he said to Dragon Ranger. And to himself.
________________________________________________________________________

Dragon Ranger came to a stop in the middle of an open field. He had lost track of the shark creature. He shook his head with frustration as his eyes kept scanning the ground.

Dragon Ranger muttered beneath his breath. “This was a good idea in theory…”

The fin speared up behind him and ripped forward, knocking the feet out from underneath Dragon Ranger. The Ranger stumbled to the ground as the monster burst forth from beneath the surface. The shark armed a boomerang-shaped blade.

Dragon Ranger pounced forward with a jump kick. The shark sidestepped and swung his blade towards the Ranger’s neck. The blade slammed against Dragon Ranger’s collar bone as the Ranger grabbed the weapon, trying to keep it from pushing down further.

Dragon Ranger pushed against the blade, but the shark slipped the saber through the Ranger’s hands. The blade slashed down across Dragon Ranger’s chest with a burst of spark.

Dragon Ranger stumbled backward but stayed on his feet. He unsheathed his dagger and swung the blade horizontally. “Dragon claw!“ A jade wave of energy cut towards the shark, but the monster rolled beneath the energy wave.

The monster pounced forward, swinging its blade upward and slashing across the Ranger’s chest. Dragon Ranger was knocked backward and went tumbling across the ground.

Green Ranger felt a slight wave of vertigo wash over him. The Dragon claw attack had destabilized his powers. He felt his energy weakening. Subtle charges of jade energy danced across his armor like static.

Tyranno Ranger was on a hill nearby and spotted the shark. Red Ranger armed his Tyranno Sword and leapt down towards the monster, swinging his blade like an axe towards the creature’s head.

The shark parried the blow and slashed Tyranno Ranger from the air. Tyranno Ranger slammed against the ground and tumbled near Dragon Ranger.

Tyranno Ranger looked to Dragon Ranger as the two rose to their knees. “This guy is going to make mince meat out of us if we don’t start working together.”

“Right,” Dragon Ranger said as the monster slid back into the ground and its fin started tearing towards them. “Let’s combine both plans.”

Tyranno Ranger nodded. “You hit him high, I’ll go in low.”

The monster lunged from the ground and dove towards the Rangers. Dragon Ranger jumped onto Tyranno Ranger’s shoulders and pushed off, somersaulting through the air towards the creature. Tyranno Ranger swung his sword upward towards the monster. The monster parried the blow.

“Dragon claw!” Dragon Ranger shouted. He swung his blade sideways and emitted a jade energy blast that exploded against the monster and knocked them backward.

Tyranno Ranger dashed forward, his sword sparking through the monster on impact. He turned back towards the monster as his sword vibrated with crimson energy. “Power wave!”

A red energy wave erupted and tore through the monster with an explosive burst of energy that shook the earth beneath their feet. The creature’s energy overloaded and exploded, its body torn to shreds.
________________________________________________________________________

Tommy sat on a bio bed in the Command Chamber as Alpha scanned him with a small device. The battle with the hammer head had taken more energy out of the ranger than he cared to admit.

Tommy looked to Alpha and Zordon. “Well…what’s the verdict?”

Alpha tilted his head. “Your powers are stable for now. But you lost a lot of energy in your last fight.”

“Tommy,” Zordon said. “I know you wish to help your friends, and I admire your decision. However, conserving your energy will let you fight alongside the Rangers for a longer period of time. Avoid energy projection attacks such as your ’Dragon claw’ and ’Dragon fang.’”

The alarms started to blare before Tommy could answer. He looked to the Viewing globe.

“Alpha,” Zordon said. “Alert the other Rangers. Kyra and Gurail are attacking opposite sides of the city.”
________________________________________________________________________

Gurail wrapped his chain around a car and whipped the vehicle from the city street. The driver screamed as the car smashed through the window of a nearby department store. Pedestrians ran in panic as shattered glass rained down on them.

A taxi tried to swerve around Gurail. He lifted his foot and stomped on the front edge of the taxi. His stomp flipped the taxi, and the vehicle went spinning through the air before crashing to the ground and exploding with a burst of flame.

“Come out, Rangers!” Gurail shouted as he spotted his next target.
________________________________________________________________________

Kyra did not attack with the fury of Gurail. She struck a small city park area with deadly efficiency and grace. She hovered above the ground, skyscrapers visible over the line of trees behind her.

“Star light scream!” she shouted as she spun her twin sai blades. Light-tinted crimson blasts exploded through the park like lightning as citizens ran in panic. Fire erupted across the ground and trees caught on fire.

She kept twirling her blades, a calm expression on her face as she launched another wave of crimson power that tore through the park ground below.
________________________________________________________________________

Tyranno Ranger, Mammoth Ranger, and Tiger Ranger ran to the city streets to battle Gurail. They snapped into fighting stances while arming their weapons.

Tyranno Ranger pointed his sword at the villain. “We’ve had enough of you, Gurail!”

Gurail glared at them, firing crimson optic blasts that exploded around the three Rangers as they rolled for cover. Tyranno Ranger and Mammoth Ranger rose to their knees and pounced forward towards the villain.

Mammoth Ranger chopped his axe down towards Gurail’s neck. Gurail used his forearm to block the blow. Mammoth Ranger landed and spun into a crouching position while thrashing his axe horizontally across Gurail’s chest armor. Explosions sparked across the villain’s armor upon impact.

Tyranno Ranger thrashed his sword vertically across the villain’s chest. Gurail used his chain blade to whip the two Rangers out of his way. Tiger Ranger hurled her daggers at the villain. The daggers speared against his chest armor and knocked him backward.
________________________________________________________________________

Dragon Ranger, Tricera Ranger, and Ptera Ranger arrived at the burning park. Kyra stood waiting for them, her sai blades at her sides. She looked at the Rangers with the same blank stare she frequently wore.

“Kyra,” Dragon Ranger said as he snapped into a fighting stance. “This is the last warning you’re going to get from me…knock it off!”

Dragon Ranger had mixed feelings towards Kyra. Her music had been the only thing keeping him sane when he was a warlord for Bandora. She helped him find peace in the middle of that hell.

Kyra ignored Dragon Ranger’s warnings and spun her blades. “Star Sword Scream!” she shouted as streaks of crimson energy crackled across the air. The crimson energy blasts exploded around the Rangers as they rolled for cover.

Dragon Ranger rose to his feet and pounced towards Kyra with a jump kick. She blocked the blow and spun forward, twirling her sabers in a graceful display to try and cut down the Ranger. Dragon Ranger unsheathed his dagger and parried her strikes as she advanced.

Dragon Ranger twisted his dagger and disarmed her right hand. He spun with a reverse hook kick that knocked her second blade away. Kyra freed a hidden dagger from her sleeve and slashed horizontally across Dragon Ranger’s chest.

Dragon Ranger clenched his jaw with frustration. His dagger vibrated with green energy as he swung the weapon back towards Kyra. “Dragon claw!”

His dagger emitted an energy wave that slammed into Kyra. The energy wave cracked her medallion as she fell back to the ground. The medallion fell from her armor and shattered.

Dragon Ranger collapsed to the ground, his legs too weak to stand. Zordon had warned him: his body no longer took kindly to energy-projection attacks. Dragon Ranger looked up at Kyra as her medallion started to crumble and resolve. Then it happened. It was like his vision blurred back into focus.

A spell that had masked Kyra lifted, and Dragon Ranger saw her true face. “Shannon…?” He rose to his feet. He shook his head and stumbled backward. “No way! No…this is a trick.”

Kyra rubbed the back of her head, injured from the fall. She looked at Dragon Ranger and tilted her head, a confused look on her face as memories started to return to her. “Tommy…? I remember now. You…” she suddenly looked panicked. She rose to her feet. “Gurail…where’s Gurail?”

Dragon Ranger stood. It was not fear in her voice when she said his name. It was affection. Concern. “Gurail? Are you serious! What the hell is going on!”

She looked to him, her eyes wide with confusion. “Tommy, calm down. And take that armor off. It scares me.”

Tricera Ranger stepped forward. “Don’t trust her Tommy…”

Was it possible? Tommy thought to himself. He powered down his armor. He slowly took a few steps forward. Shannon nearly broke down at the site of him. A tear streamed down her cheek. She was confused. Afraid. What had happened to her?”

“Is it really you?” Tommy asked as he wiped her tear away and ran his fingers through her hair.

Ptera Ranger turned her head, unable to watch.

“Is it really you?” he asked again.

She nodded. “I…I think so. What happened, Tommy?”

Where could he start. “I thought…I thought you were dead/”

She shook her head. “I thought…I remember falling under that rubble…next thing I knew, I was Kyra. It was like my whole life past life had never existed.”

She put her hands over her head, unable to hold back anymore tears. She buried her head in Tommy’s chest and he wrapped his arms around her, a tear running down his face. “I know exactly how you feel. We’ll get through this. The important thing is you’re alive.” He kissed her forehead. “Dear God, you’re alive…”
________________________________________________________________________

Goldar wrinkled his brow as he watched Tommy and Shannon through his viewing crystal. He still remembered the attack. The day the Dragon Ranger was born. Born because Goldar seemed to have killed the Ranger’s love.

“Time to finish the job…” he snarled.
________________________________________________________________________

Tiger Ranger slammed a kick upside Gurail’s head. He struck back with a powerful swing of his blade that slashed across Yellow Ranger’s armor with a shower of sparks.

Then he heard it. He wasn’t sure how, but he could hear Kyra. She was confused. Afraid. Something had happened to her. He knocked Mammoth Ranger out of his way and started to run towards his love.
________________________________________________________________________

Tommy and Shannon stood silently in each other’s embrace. They did not want to let go. Ever. All they had been through. The confusion. The death. The fear. The sorrow.

The sound of an explosion suddenly shook the ground. Mammoth Ranger and Tiger Ranger were blasted through trees and skid to the ground besides Tricera and Ptera Ranger. Tyranno Ranger flipped through the air and landed next to them. Gurail was at his heels.

“Kyra!” he shouted as he ran towards her.

She looked up and pulled away from Tommy. Something inside of her still cared for Gurail, villain or not. “Gurail!” she called to him.

Gurail stopped in his tracks as he saw her face. She looked different. For the first time, the other Rangers noticed her face as well. Gurail shook his head. What did this mean. “What’s happened?”

She shook her head, trying to keep from panicking. “I-”

A burst of flame appeared in the air as Goldar suddenly teleported in, using his wings to swoop towards the battle field. “This is the last time!”

Tyranno Ranger armed his sword. “Hit him, guys!”

Tyranno Ranger leapt forward, slashing his blade upward across Goldar’s armor. The strike knocked the simian from the air, but he flipped backward, landed on his feet and charged forward to attack. He let his rage fuel him.

Goldar slashed Tyranno ranger aside, parried a blow by Mammoth Ranger and slammed an elbow against the Black Ranger’s faceplate.

Tommy pulled out his morpher. “Dino buckler!” Jade-colored energy swirled around him as he morphed into his Ranger form.

Goldar swung his blades in an ‘x’ pattern to knock Tiger Ranger and Tricera Ranger away, sparks exploding against their armor on impact. Ptera Ranger snapped off three arrows, but Goldar slapped each one aside and thrashed his sword across Ptera Ranger to remove her from his advance.

Dragon Ranger unsheathed his dagger. “Let’s get this over with, goldilocks.”

Goldar knocked Dragon Ranger away and darted past him. “It’s not you I’m after this time, Ranger!”

Goldar lunged towards Shannon. She screamed as his blade inched closer to her chest.

“No!” Gurail shouted as he pounced forward and tackled her out of the way. Goldar’s blade speared through Gurail’s chest. Goldar pushed the blade farther into the villain and snarled with delight. Gurail may not have been his target, but made a pleasant kill none the less.

“You’ve had this coming…” Goldar grumbled.

Gurail narrowed his eyes and stood defiantly, although he could feel his life slipping away. “Back away, dog breath…”

Gurail pushed Goldar with all of his might. The simian was thrown backward and went stumbling across the ground. Gurail collapsed, his own weight too heavy.

“Gurail!” Kyra shouted as she ran to his side. She draped a hand over his wound and used her other hand to help Gurail remove his red faceplate.

Kyra helped Gurail take off his helmet. The man had surprisingly young, sharp features and auburn hair. She ran her hand along his pale skin. Gurail had protected her in the palace. He had given her comfort. Support. Love. She new that inside, hidden deep within armor and darkness, was a good man. A good man who did not deserve to die for her.

“Kyra,” he whispered. It was getting harder to breath. “Thank you…for showing me love.”

Gurail’s eyes drifted away as his life left his body. Gurail went limp, and Kyra knew he was gone.

Goldar rose back to his feet and charged towards Kyra. “Now it’s your turn!” he grabbed her by the arm and whipped her around, holding her back to his chest while he pressed a sword to her neck.

She screamed, and Dragon Ranger froze with rage and terror.

The years ahead for Tommy bore many challenges, villains such as Zedd, the Machines, Sauron, and countless others. But no matter who his opponent, no matter what the cause, the memory of the next few moments would be burned in his mind forever.

“Don’t you dare, Goldar!” Dragon Ranger shouted.

“This time I’ll do it right,” Goldar snarled. “This time I want you to remember that her death is all your fault!”

He slit her throat.

“No!!!” Dragon Ranger shouted as he rushed forward.

Goldar stepped back and teleported away in a burst of golden flame. Kyra continued to drop. Dragon Ranger caught her before she hit the ground. “Shannon…”

He shook his head, cradling her body as he rocked back and forth. “Not again….” He looked up into the sky and shouted at the top of his lungs. “Not agaaaaain!”

--- to be continued...Chapter 24

[Splush]

Ryuranger did you get my email and PM's, I will soon be sending you more info.

[Ryuranger]

---Ultimate Power Rangers: Reloaded
---Season One
---Battle Task Force Power Rangers
---Chapter 24: Betrayal

Tommy sat at the shore of Bear Lake. He picked up nearby pebbles and tossed them at the pond, sending them skipping across the water’s surface. Kimberly walked up and sat besides him. They stared at the lake silently for a few moments. Life had been strange for them recently.

Kimberly leaned her head against Tommy’s shoulder. Tommy placed an arm around her.

“He said it’s my fault,” Tommy said, his eyes fixed on the water. “My fault.”

Kimberly placed a hand on his leg. “He’s just trying to get at you.”

“And it’s working,” Tommy said. “I lost her twice Kim. I couldn’t save her either time…” he shook his head. “I should have known it was her. Something was trying to tell me all along…It was the music she played in the palace. It was the only thing keeping me from going crazy at times. That’s why Gurail…’loved’ her. And apparently she loved him.”

“She was under a spell like you, Tommy,” Kimberly said.

He nodded and sniffed back a tear. “Bandora’s going to pay for all this.”
________________________________________________________________________

Scorpina was in her private chambers within Bandora’s palace. She watched a birds-eye view of Angel Grove span across her viewing crystal. She smiled wickedly to herself. “The time has come…Bandora is weak. Every attempt she’s made at taking this planet has failed. I’m through with her.”

She turned to her private “collection” that lined the walls. Dozens of various scorpion creatures, all created by her golden magick. She pointed her boomerang blade at the creatures. “You will all go to Earth, and in the meantime, I’ll deal with Bandora.”

The scorpion creatures shrieked and clamped their jaws, scraping their claws.
________________________________________________________________________

East Angel Grove’s Party City earned its name. Clubs and bars lines the streets that never seemed to empty. Scorpion’s pets chose those streets as their targets. The creatures appeared in flashes of golden flame and spread havoc.

Citizens ran in panic as stingers started thrashing across the crowd. Some of the monsters favored lifting people from the ground and tossing them from through nearby buildings and walls. Other monsters spat lines of flame, burning everything in their path.
________________________________________________________________________

Bandora wrinkled her brow as she stood on her palace balcony and stared down at the Earth below. She watched the scorpions tear through the streets of Angel Grove. “Scorpina’s pets…” she grumbled. She had authorized no attack. What was Scorpina up to?

Bandora knew she had found her answers when footsteps approached her. From behind. The witch turned to see Scorpina standing with her blade. The golden-armored warrior raised her blade in a fighting stance. “Bandora…”

Bandora laughed at the site of Scorpina. “I see….you really think this will work?”

Scorpina aimed her blade at Bandora. The warrior stepped forward in a challenging posture. Bandora smiled and used her right hand to raise her staff in a defensive position. “My foolish child…I made you what you are today.”

Scorpina narrowed her eyes. “And yet you never let me fight. You resort to sending half-string warriors to the slaughter.”

Scorpina hurled her blade forward. The weapon spun towards Bandora with a high-pitched buzzing sound. The witch lifted her staff and formed an energy shield that deflected the spinning blade.

Bandora extended her other hand. She fired strands of red energy tentacles that wrapped tightly around Scorpina. She screamed as the energy tentacles crackled with electricity that coursed through her veins.

Goldar stepped from the shadows and stood in shock at the sight of his empress killing his mate. “Scorpina…”

“Stand your ground, Goldar…or die,” Bandora said. “As for you Scorpina…join the fate of the underlings you have sent to Earth.”

Bandora teleported Scorpina to the Earth’s surface with a burst of crimson energy.
________________________________________________________________________

The six teens arrived at Party City. Most of the innocents had cleared the area. Scorpion creatures caused as much property damage as they could, crushing buildings, shattering glass, and knocking down light poles.

“It’s like Scorpina opened up her whole zoo,” Tommy said.

“Rangers!” a voice called from behind them. They turned to see Scorpina standing with her blade boomerang in hand.

The Rangers pulled out their morphers and snapped the devices open. “Dino buckler!” they shouted as energy washed across their bodies and they morphed into their Ranger forms.

Scorpina raised her blade and started stalking towards the Rangers. Her army of scorpion creatures gathered behind her. “This will be our final battle.”

“We wouldn’t have it any other way,” Tyranno Ranger said as he armed his Blade Blaster in blade mode.

The scorpion creatures shrieked and leapt forward to attack. Tyranno Ranger swung upward diagonally, ripping through a creature while spinning forward, slamming a round kick against another Scorpion’s head.

Mammoth Ranger swung his Blade Blaster downward, thrashing across the creature, then slammed an elbow strike against the monster’s chest.

Ptera Ranger leapt forward and fired a volley of arrows that speared into a scorpion monster. She landed while smashing her bow against the scorpion’s head. She snapped an outer crescent kick that knocked the scorpion aside.

Tiger Ranger slammed a dagger in the chest of an approaching scorpion. She swung her other dagger down and chopped off the creature’s mandibles.

Tricera Ranger spun forward while slashing the throat of a creature. He turned to his left and slammed a jump kick upside a second monster’s head.

Dragon Ranger cut past three of the creature with his dagger and pounced towards Scorpina. Dragon Ranger swung his blade at the villain, but she parried the blow and swung her own weapon towards Dragon Ranger’s helmet. Dragon Ranger used his dagger to slap the boomerang blade away and slash horizontally across Scorpina’s chest, sparking on impact.

Scorpina spun with the blow and brought her blade swinging towards Dragon Ranger’s neck. Dragon Ranger blocked the blow and slammed a sidekick against Scorpina’s face. Dragon ranger snapped a hook kick that smashed across the villain’s head.

A flash of gold light nearby signaled Goldar teleporting to the area. “No!” Goldar shouted as he ran towards the two combatants.

Dragon Ranger reverse hook kicked Scorpina, sending her crashing backward against a building. She crumbled onto the ground. Scorpina slowly rose back to her feet and charged towards Scorpina. Dragon Ranger sprinted towards the villain too.

“Dragon Fang!” Dragon Ranger shouted as he fired a crackling sphere of jade energy from his hand.

The energy blast exploded towards Scorpina, buckling through her armor and ripping through her chest while punching through her back. Scorpina’s body went flying backward and landed at Goldar’s feet in a lifeless heap.

Scorpina!” Goldar shouted as he leaned over her body. The simian growled at the sight of his lifeless companion. Goldar aimed his sword towards Dragon ranger and straightened his back to his full height. “I hate you with a passion that knows no bounds.”

“Shut up and fight,” Dragon Ranger said.

Dragon Ranger and Goldar held their blades high as they charged forward, each shouting a war cry. Dragon ranger launched a flying-double sidekick that slammed against Goldar’s armor. Dragon Ranger landed and swung his blade upward, sparking across Goldar’s blade on impact.

Goldar wrapped his left hand around Dragon Ranger’s neck and slashed the Ranger repeatedly across the chest, slashes sparking with each strike. Dragon Ranger grabbed Goldar’s wrist and flipped backward, kicking both feet upside the head.

Dragon Ranger reverse sidekicked Goldar in the chest, and reverse hook kicked him, the Ranger’s heel smashing across the Titan’s head. Goldar snarled and tackled against Dragon Ranger. The Ranger was forced backward and went smashing through a nearby wall, debris scattering everywhere as they landed on the floor of a bar, Goldar on top of the Ranger.

They had both dropped their blades. Dragon Ranger rolled backward, placing his feet on Goldar’s chest and hands on the simian’s collar. The Ranger pushed against the villain’s chest as he rolled backward, Goldar went arcing through the air and smashed through a table.

Dragon Ranger rolled to his knees and charged jade energy in between his hands. “Dragon fang!” he shouted. A crackling sphere of jade-tinted energy streaked towards Goldar and exploded. The shockwave tore through the bar, splintering tables and chairs as Goldar smashed through the wall, went crashing through an adjacent building, and went sliding across the pavement outside, his armor ripping up concrete as he slid.

Dragon Ranger stalked towards his fallen opponent. Green Ranger tried to ignore his vertigo and weariness. His powers were growing unstable. Subtle tendrils of jade-tinted energy scattered across his armor like threads starting to unwind.

Dragon Ranger extended his right fist and summoned his Dragon Dagger back with a burst of green energy. Goldar climbed back to his feet and summoned his blade back with golden flame.

Goldar charged forward, howling at the top of his lungs. Dragon Ranger stood his ground, watching Goldar come closer. Dragon ranger waited until the last possible moment and moved down low, jamming his dagger beneath Goldar’s breast plate and twisting the wound open. Goldar howled in pain as Dragon Ranger slammed a kick against the villain’s back.

Goldar stumbled to his feet, blood seeping from his wounds as he took a step backward. “We will meet again, Dragon Ranger! Mark my words, next time, I’ll be leaving with your head.”

Goldar spread his wings and flew off like an injured animal.

“Goldar…” Dragon Ranger said, a wave of dizziness overwhelming him. “I’ll be…”

He collapsed to his knees. And keeled over in pain as his powers started to flux. The fluctuations looked like small spotlights dancing across his armor, each light casting a jade-colored grid. Tendrils of energy started to unweave.

He was unaware of the battle on the other side of the building. The scorpion creatures combined into a single beast and grew giant sized.

“Dinozords arise!” the five Rangers shouted. They leapt into the air and merged into their cockpits.

“Dinozord fusion!” Tyranno Ranger commanded. The five zords shifted shape and pulsed with power before combining into the Megadinozord.

The scorpion lashed out with its stinger. The stinger slammed against the Megadinozord, denting its armor and sending the Megazord toppling onto a building, bringing the whole structure down.

Dragon Ranger looked up to see his friends in trouble. The scorpion creature was firing massive blasts of golden energy that exploded against the Megazord with thundering booms.

Dragon Ranger rolled his hands into fists. By sheer force of will, he managed to keep his powers from shattering into nothingness as he rose to his feet. “Got to…hold it together…”

He lifted his Dragon Dagger and summoned the zord with a powerful battle melody that echoed across the rooftops. Dragonzord rose from the sea and stomped through the city streets. Dragon Ranger played his dagger, commanding his zord to attack.

Dragonzord armed a volley of hand missiles and opened fire. The missiles exploded against the monster, but the scorpion barely seemed top feel the blow.

Dragon Ranger keeled over in pain again. Above, The Megadinozord moved back in to attack.

“That Scorpion thing is ten times stronger than us,” Mammoth Ranger said.

The scorpion lifted its stinger and fired a volley of energy darts that exploded against the zord’s armor with a massive shower of sparks.

Help for the Rangers came as if from nowhere. A brachiosaurus-type zord rolled through the streets and opened its jaws, firing bursts of fiery energy that exploded against the scorpion, cracking its insectoid armor and knocking the monster backward.

“What is that thing?” Tiger Ranger asked.

Zordon spoke to them through their communicators. “That is the Gingabrachion, Titanus. Join your zords together with him to form the Ultradinozord.”

“Alright,” Tyranno Ranger said. “Ultrazord fusion!”

The Megadinozord and Dragonzord crackled with energy and merged into one. Dragonzord fit over the top of the Megazord like an outcropping of armor. The combined zord merged with Titanus to form the Ultradinozord.

The tank started rolling towards the scorpion. The monster fired golden energy blasts that splashed harmlessly across the Ultrazord’s armor.

“Ultrazord,” Tyranno Ranger and the others commanded. “Grand Fire!”

A blinding volley of white-hot energy blasts and power lances erupted from the Ultrazord and slammed against the scorpion. The monster exploded, every cell in its body dissolving into nothing.
________________________________________________________________________

Tommy sat in a bio bed in the Command Chamber. It was almost becoming second nature for him. His powers were growing weaker by the day.

“There you go Tommy,” Alpha said as he finished a scan of Tommy‘s body. “Your powers should be stable again…for now…”

“Thanks,” Tommy said.

“That Titanus was awesome,” Jason said to Zordon, eager to change the subject from Tommy‘s powers. Jason didn’t want to make the power drain any harder than it had to be.

Zordon nodded. “He will be a great addition to your team.”

Kimberly sat down next to Tommy on the bio bed as the others talked to Zordon. “Are you okay?”

He nodded. “My powers almost faded.”

She placed a hand on his leg. “They’ll find a way to get you to full strength.”

Tommy nodded. I hope so, he thought.

---to be continued...chapter 25

[Ryuranger]

---Ultimate Power Rangers: Reloaded
---Season One
---Battle Task Force Power Rangers
---Chapter 25: The Son of Evil

Tommy and Kimberly walked hand-in-hand along a bridge at Greenwood Park. The bridge spanned over an artificial creek that ran through the city, connecting certain acres of parkland. Elementary kids were walking home from school nearby.

The day was mostly peaceful. Bandora had not made a single attack for an entire week. It was a new record for the witch. Tommy knew she was up to something. He could feel it in the air.

He tried to hide his fears to keep Kimberly from worrying. “So, are you excited about your gymnastics meet?”

Kimberly shrugged. “I haven’t had a lot of time to practice this month…”

“Yeah…” Tommy said. So much for getting the subject off of Bandora. He placed an arm around Kimberly and squeezed her shoulder.

“Are you okay?” she asked.

Tommy sighed and shook his head. He could not lie to her. “I don’t know.”

Tommy felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand up. He was sure Kimberly felt it too, because they both stopped in their tracks at the same time. Small objects started falling from the sky. Tommy and Kimberly moved to the end of the bridge and saw the objects for what they were. Dead birds. Dead birds were dropping from the sky.

“Sick…” Kimberly said. The kids nearby made sounds of disgust as well. Flowers started to whither and die all around them. The petals blackened and fell from their stems.

“This can’t be a good sign…” Tommy said as he looked at the surrounding area, waiting to see what threat awaited them. He noticed a slight cloud of fog moving in from the trees to the north. “This way…”

Tommy and Kimberly slowly entered the fog, keeping their senses alert. Whatever Bandora was planning, the two rangers were determined to stop it. The teens had no way of knowing the curious children nearby decided to follow.

Tommy and Kimberly walked slowly through the light fog. The woods were abnormally quiet. Tommy rolled his hands into fists, raising his arms into a low defensive stance. A child-like laughter cut through the quiet. The laughter mocked them.

Invisible strands of energy lifted the kids that had followed the rangers. The children screamed as they were thrown back and forth, slammed against each other, and knocked into trees.

“What the hell?” Tommy said as he and Kimberly turned to see the kids flailing about.

The laughter came from above them. The rangers snapped around to see a preteen boy standing on a branch above them. He wore white slacks and a white shirt. His hair was silver. Red veins matching the color of his crimson eyes stretched across his face.

He smiled down at the two teens. “Power Rangers…”

The boy lifted his hand and emitted an invisible telekinetic force that pushed Tommy and Kimberly backward. The rangers went stumbling across the ground before rising to their knees. The red-eyed boy teleported from the branch to the ground in less than a blink of the eye.

He extended his hands. Invisible strands of mental energy wrapped around Tommy and Kimberly, pulling the rangers to their feet. The boy moved his arms back and forth, causing the rangers to tumble across the dirt and crash into trees. The boy laughed with every twist and turn he led the two rangers through.

The boy lowered his hands, releasing his invisible grasp on the teens. He tilted his head and laughed, curious as to what the rangers’ next move would be.

“That’s it,” Tommy said with frustration as he and Kimberly readied their morphers. “Dino buckler!” Energy shimmered around them as they morphed into their armor.

The two Rangers leapt forward to attack. Ptera Ranger armed her Blade Blaster while Dragon Ranger unsheathed his dagger. The boy lifted his arms, stopping the Rangers in midair. He swung his hands down hard and the Rangers slammed against the ground.

The child laughed as he used his telekinetic to force the Rangers back on to their feet. They struggled, but could not fight against the mental force pressing against them. The boy turned the two Rangers at each other. He made them dash forward and slice each other across the chest with a cloud of sparks. The child spun them around and made them strike each other again.

“Ha!” the boy shouted as explosions sparked across the Rangers’ armor, their bodies flying backward. They went shattering through tree trunks. The two Rangers went tumbling out of control as the boy released his grasp.

The child turned to the group of elementary school kids that had followed the teens. Only five remained, the others having run off. The child lifted the school children with a telekinetic web. The child and his captives teleported away.

“No!” Dragon Ranger and Ptera Ranger shouted. Then the Earth started to shake.
________________________________________________________________________

Command Chamber consoles and equipments whined in protest as the lighting flickered off and on. “Ay-yi-yi-yi-yi!” Alpha shouted. “What’s going on, Zordon?”

Jason, Zack, Billy, and Trini were in the Command Chamber along with Simon and Maya as the chamber started to shake. They steadied themselves against control consoles to keep from falling.

The shaking stopped as quickly as it started. Lighting and power levels throughout the chamber returned to normal. Jason looked up to Zordon. “What was that?”

“A large wave of incoming energy focused towards Earth,” Zordon explained.

“Caused by what?” Billy asked, already hard at work on the control console to try and find his own answers.

“I fear it can only be one thing,” Zordon explained. “DaiSatan is returning to your world. I thought I had banished him for good…I was wrong.”
________________________________________________________________________

A floating sphere of energy shot through space towards Earth. The sphere was made of pale light and radiated with crimson and cyan energy. The energy crackled across the void, causing disruptions in every system it passed.
________________________________________________________________________

Bandora’s palace on the moon started to shake. Artificial crimson lightning struck the palace structure. Bandora started to walk towards her balcony, using her staff to balance herself. Where was this attack coming from? Bandora wondered. It could not be Zordon or the Rangers.

A bolt of lightning struck her balcony railing and materialized into a child. The boy stood on the railing. He was dressed in all white. His eyes were blood-red. Veins covered his face. It was the same silver-haired boy who attacked Tommy and Kimberly in the park.

“Who dares?” Bandora hackled. She extended her staff and fired a bolt of crimson energy. The boy shot up from the railing as the blast passed underneath him. He twisted through the air and landed behind Bandora.

She turned to face him and raised her staff.

“Mother,” the boy said.

Bandora’s face grew pale. Her eyes opened wide. “Kai?”

He nodded.

Bandora dropped her staff. She shrieked with joy and moved forward to embrace her son. “Kai! You‘re alive?”

She moved forward to hug him, but he floated up, slipping through her arms, and flipped to land on the other side of her. Bandora turned and looked at him in confusion. Kai crossed his arms over his chest. “I am not the same, mother…I have been resurrected by DaiSatan. I have been sent as his harbinger. Soon the Rangers will be destroyed, along with the Earth.”
________________________________________________________________________

Tommy sat on a bio-bed in the Command Chamber. His eyes opened wide at what Zordon had told him and the other rangers. “DaiSatan? This is not good…”

Billy and Alpha walked over to Tommy and finished their scans on the ranger. Billy closed his portable scanner. “This is the last boost, Tommy. After your powers fail next time…”

Tommy sighed and hung his head low.
________________________________________________________________________

The Command Chamber started to shake again as its power systems fluctuated. The rangers gathered in front of Zordon, steadying themselves against each other and control consoles.

The shaking stopped. Trini looked up to Zord. “Is it him?”

“No,” Zordon said. “Observe the Viewing Globe.”

The rangers turned to the globe. An image appeared of the skies above Angel Grove Central. A temple of black spires descended from the clouds. Cars screeched to a halt and crashed against each other and citizens either ran in panic or looked up.

Bandora’s palace settled against the Earth with a deafening boom that shook the city, shattering nearby skyscraper windows.

“Oh no,” Kimberly whispered.

“Tommy narrowed his eyes. “Bandora’s palace.”

“Tommy,” Jason said. “Maybe you should wait here while we-”

“No,” Tommy said. “You guys will need me.”

“Tommy,” Zordon said. “Jason is right. You must not waste your powers. Wait here until your friends need you.”

“But…” Tommy sighed and shook his head. He lost the argument every time. “Okay.”
________________________________________________________________________

The streets were in chaos. The five teens moved through the crowd of people running in panic until they reached the base of Bandora’s temple. Crashed and overturned cars were strewn about the streets. Buildings were heavily damaged.

Bandora hovered down from her balcony, casting a wicked smile down at the teens. “I’ve waited a long time for this, Rangers.”

The teens armed their morphers. “Dino buckler!” Energy shimmered around the five teens as they morphed into their Ranger forms.

“Rangers,” another voice came from behind them. They turned to see Kai hovering in the air as well. He lifted his hand to his face. Five flashes of light appeared on top of a nearby building. The four children Kai kidnapped materialized. They were not moving and their eyes were solid white.

“The kids!” Ptera Ranger shouted.

Kai extended his hand outward towards the city as Bandora extended her staff. The ground started to shake as the skies above turned gray. Red lightning slammed against the ground, creating a shockwave that nearly knocked the Rangers off their feet.

The ground tore open and a white-armored warrior zord arose. The zord was covered with bulky white armor. It had a single eye and a horn extended from its head. Kai and the other children teleported in streaks of dark light into the war zord’s cockpit.

“Behold the power of Cyclopsis!” Bandora shouted.
________________________________________________________________________

The Rangers extended their hands towards the air. “Dinozords, arise!”

The armored beats stomped through the dark streets to battle their latest opponent. The Rangers leapt into the air and merged into their zords’ cockpits.

“Dinozord fusion!” Tyranno Ranger shouted. The five armored zords shifted shape and merged into one. The Megadinozord took shape and landed on the streets while snapping into a fighting stance.

The Megazord stomped forward and slammed the back of its right fist against Cyclopsis. Megadinozord stepped forward and slammed a left punch against the zord, sparking against its armor on impact. The evil zord was barely dented.

Cyclopsis struck back hard. The evil zord opened two chambers of golden missiles concealed within its chest chambers. The missiles streaked forward and exploded against the Megazord’s chest armor. Megadinozord went stumbling backward and collapsed onto a building.

Cyclopsis fired its fist gauntlets, anchored to its arms by chains. The hands latched onto the Megazord and started channeling electric energy through the chains. The energy exploded against the Megazord with a shower of sparks and explosions that lit the night sky.

“Megadinozord saber!” Tyranno Ranger shouted. The sword appeared with a lance of light that cut the chains from the Megazord. The saber speared into the ground. The Megazord rose to its free and pulled the saber from the ground.

“Megadinozord saber!” The Rangers shouted. “Battle Crash!”

The sword energized with crimson power and swung down towards Cyclopsis. The war zord blocked the blow with his forearm. The energy feedback ignited, exploding and slamming the Megazord backward.

Cyclopsis leaned down and fired a vertical bolt of crimson lightning from its horn. The lightning blast tore across the streets and exploded against the Megadinozord.
________________________________________________________________________

Tommy turned to his mentor when he saw the Megazord go down. “Zordon.”

“Go,” Zordon said. “And may The Power protect you all.”
________________________________________________________________________

Tommy ran to the edge of a roof, looking out to see Cyclopsis smash its fists against the Megazord again.

“Guys!” Tommy shouted. He armed his morpher. “Dino buckler!”

Energy shimmered around him as he morphed into his Green ranger armor. He unsheathed his Dagger and lifted the weapon to his faceplate. He played the battle tune that summoned his zord from the sea.

Dragonzord stomped forward through the streets and unloaded a missile payload that exploded against the war zord. Cyclopsis was forced a few steps back, and Dragon Ranger continued his zord’s advance. He used his flute to make the Dragonzord lash out with its tail drill. The drill slammed against Cyclopsis and knocked the evil zord backward.

“Dragonzord fusion!” Tyranno Ranger commanded. The Megadinozord disassembled into its five components. The Mammoth, Tiger and Pterodactyl combined with the Dragonzord to form the MegaDragonzord.

The Ptera zord swooped down from the air and fired curved beams of energy that exploded against the war zord while the MegaDragonzord moved in.

MegaDragonzord armed its spear and thrust the weapon at the war zord. Cyclopsis swatted the spear away and slammed a punch against the zord’s armor. MegaDragonzord was forced a few steps back. The Megazord energized its head blade and shot the weapon forward. Cyclopsis caught the blade and hurled it back towards the Megazord. MegaDragonzord’s own weapon exploded violently against its armor. MegaDragonzord went collapsing on top of a building that crumbled beneath its weight.

Tyrannosaurus fired a power wave from its mouth, but Cyclopsis held up its hands and reversed the wave back towards the zord, causing it to explode and crash to the ground.

Cyclopsis stomped forward and stepped on the fallen MegaDragonzord. The war zord pressed its foot down, slowly crushing the MegaDragonzord beneath its feet.

“No!” Dragon Ranger yelled.

“There’s nothing you can do Dragon Ranger,” Bandora said from behind him. “Your world is about to fall.”

---To be continued…Chapter 26

[Ryuranger]

---Ultimate Power Rangers: Reloaded
---Season One
---Battle Task Force Power Rangers
---Chapter 26: The Coming of DaiSatan

Cyclopsis was crushing MegaDragonzord beneath its feet. Small explosions ripped across the zord’s armor, which was buckling under the pressure. Cyclopsis launched two bolts from its shoulders.

The bolts, connected to the war zord by wires, attached to the fallen MegaDragonzord. Strands of energy traveled across the wire and exploded against MegaDragonzord. The Rangers were tossed around in their cockpit as showers of sparks exploded all around them from the blast impact.

Dragon Ranger felt helpless. He narrowed his eyes beneath his visor while glaring at Cyclopsis. “Dragon fang!”

Dragon Ranger fired a volley of crackling energy shields that splashed harmlessly across the war zord’s armor. He unsheathed his dagger for a Dragon Claw attack. He collapsed to his knees before he could strike. “No…” he said, clenching his jaw. He stabilized his powers by using his own force of will.

He rose to his feet. “Dragon Claw!” he swung his jade blade vertically. The blade produced a green energy wave that cut the wires free from the MegaDragonzord.

Titanus charged through the streets to aid the zords. The armored beast opened its jaw and spat fiery blasts of energy that exploded against Cyclopsis, knocking the war zord off the Megazord.

Cyclopsis went stumbling backward as MegaDragonzord rose back to its feet.

“Alright,” Tyranno Ranger said at the site of Titanus. He tightened his grip on his controls. “Ultrazord fusion!”

The MegaDragonzord separated. The five main zords reconfigured and formed the Megazord. Dragonzord spread out and wrapped around the top of the Megazord like armor. The combined zord landed in Titanus, forming the tank-like Ultradinozord.

“Grand Fire!” The Rangers shouted from within their cockpit. A torrent of energy blasts shot out from the Ultrazord like a wave of lances and spears. The energy blast ripped through Cyclopsis, causing the war zord to explode.

The body of the zord was decimated, but its head flew off and crashed against the streets below like a piece of scrap metal. The five children were freed from Cyclopsis in five streaks of light.

Bandora wrinkled her brow at Titanus as the zords separated. “You’ll pay!”

She extended her staff and fired a jagged pulse of crimson energy that circled the ground around Titanus. The streets caved in like quick sand and started pulling Titanus down. Megazord tried to grab on to the carrier zord’s neck, but it was too late. Titanus was sucked beneath the surface and out of sight.

“No!” the five Rangers shouted. Bandora laughed with delight as she teleported away with a burst of darkness.

The six Rangers leapt to the ground and landed around the five children. They were unconscious, but still breathing.

“They’re alive,” Dragon Ranger said.

“Let’s get them to a hospital,” Tyranno Ranger said.
________________________________________________________________________

“So who’s the silver-haired kid?” Zack asked Zordon. The six teens had regrouped within the Command Chamber. Maya and Simon were there again too. They wanted to know what was happening and help anyway they could. They also felt a lot safer within the fortress.

“And what was that pile of junk he rode in?” Kimberly asked.

“The boy’s name is Kai,” Zordon said. “He is Bandora’s son.”

“Son?” Maya asked.

“During the age of the dinosaurs, Kai disturbed the nest of a Tyrannosaurus,” Zordon explained. “The mother found the nest and chased Kai to the edge of a cliff. Kai fell off the cliff and died. This event led Bandora to selling her soul to DaiSatan for the power to wipe out the dinosaurs. She summoned the asteroid that caused the dinosaur’s extinction.

“Now,” Zordon continued. “Kai has been resurrected by the power of DaiSatan.”

Zack shook his head. They were in trouble. “Man…”

“What happened to Titanus?” Tommy asked.

“I am uncertain,” Zordon said. “I do know he is still alive and in the hands of Bandora.”

The teens sighed and gave each other worried glances. Things were bad. Very bad. Bandora was hard enough to handle, but now with DaiSatan coming, things were going to get worse.

Alarms blared in the Command Chamber. The teens turned to see a giant pillar extended from the city streets. Taller than a skyscraper, the pillar had a cobra-like hood wrapped around what looked like a featureless head with two slits for eyes.

“What’s that?” Kimberly asked.

“With that pillar,” Zordon said, “Bandora plans to summon DaiSatan.”

“Let’s go,” Jason said.
________________________________________________________________________

The six rangers arrived at the base of the pillar and looked up. Dark clouds still covered the skies. Bandora appeared with a flash of darkness and stood on a low rooftop behind them. “You’re too late!” Bandora shouted.

The rangers turned and snapped into fighting stances. “Bandora!” Tommy shouted.

“Ah, Dragon Ranger…it’s a shame you couldn’t be at my side in this moment of glory,” she said mockingly.

“Spare me,” Tommy said.

“No,” she said. She turned her gaze towards the clouds and started shouting an ancient incantation. The earth beneath the rangers’ feet trembled. Black lightning scorched the skies and blasted against the pillar. Crackling strands of energy wrapped around the pillar as it started to vibrate with crimson energy.

The eye slits fired optic blasts that speared through the atmosphere and into space. The clouds turned blood red as a massive barrage of lightning scattered across the streets. Then he came. The ghostly image of DaiSatan’s head stretched across the skies. The villain’s pale blue face was covered in war paint. Its eyes were blood red. Blades of crystal seemed to extend from his head in infinite directions. The evil spirit’s mouth displayed rows of fangs.

The villain opened his mouth wide and breathed black smoke over the city. The smoke started to spread away from the battle area. Citizens across the city started inhaling the gas, and immediately started coughing, hacking up black ichors. Residents across Angel Grove started to collapse as black boils dotted their skin.

“What’s happening?” Kimberly shouted over the artificial wind.

DaiSatan lashed out with a volley of crimson lightning that struck the ground. The lightning started to take shape. Cyclopsis was reborn. Kai laughed sadistically as he leapt into the war zord’s cockpit.

The rangers armed their morphers. “Dino buckler!” Energy flashed around them as they morphed into their Ranger forms.

The Rangers raised their hands towards the skies. “Dinozords, arise!” The armored beats stampeded through the city street and ran to their tamers’ aide. The Rangers leapt off the ground and merged with their zords’ cockpits.

“Dinozord fusion!” Tyranno Ranger commanded. The five zord reassembled and pulsed with energy as they combined to form the Megadinozord.

Long blades grew from the war zord’s wrists. Cyclopsis swung outward in an ‘x’ pattern, thrashing across the zord’s chest armor. Cyclopsis slammed a kick that sparked against the zord’s side, and slashed both blades horizontally across the Megazord, the war zord’s weapons sparking upon impact.

Before the Rangers could arm their zord’s saber, Cyclopsis lashed out with a jagged burst of blue and gold energy from its horn that wrapped around the Megazord and caused a series of explosions to nearly consume the Megazord’s armor.

Megazord fell backward and crashed against a pile of rubble.

Dragon Ranger raised his Dagger to his faceplate. He could barely stand, but had to summon enough power to bring his zord into battle. He played the war melody that summoned the Dragonzord from sea and into battle.

Dragonzord launched a flurry of missiles that exploded against the war zord’s armor.

Cyclopsis ignored the Dragonzord. The war zord amplified Kai’s telekinetic power. Cyclopsis used invisible strands of energy to lift the Megazord up and tilt the zord with its legs up and head down. Cyclopsis started to spin the zord while swinging it back and forth across city blocks, smashing through buildings with massive explosions tearing through the streets.

“No! Dragonzord, come on!” He played his dagger.

Dragonzord moved in and whipped its drill tail against Cyclopsis. Cyclopsis let go of its hold on The Megazord and turned to Dragonzord. Cyclopsis used its arm blades to sever the tail from the Dragonzord. Dragonzord roared in pain. Cyclopsis opened its chest missile chambers and fired a volley that exploded against Dragonzord, knocking the green-armored zord to the ground.

The Megazord charged towards Cyclopsis. The war zord thrashed its blades downward, chopping through the Megazord’s left arm joint, and tearing the limb from the zord. Explosions ripped apart the left side of the Megadinozord as it fell backward.

Cyclopsis moved forward to step on the fallen zord and crush the Rangers inside. The Megazord raised its remaining arm and fired energy blasts from its wrist that exploded against Cyclopsis.

The war zord leaned down and fired a jagged energy blast of blue and gold power that thrashed against the Megazord, buckling armor and ripping at the very core of the beasts within the armor.

The Rangers fell from their cockpit and slammed against the city streets below. Their armor forcibly powered down after the impact. Tommy joined them, helping Jason and Kimberly to their feet. “Are you guys okay?”

“Yeah…” Jason said, ignoring the pain coursing through his body.

The six looked up to see Bandora extended her staff towards the zords. She fired a crimson energy pulse that slammed against the zords and started to envelop them.

“No!” the rangers shouted as they ran towards their zords. Piece by piece, the zords vanished from sight, as if consumed by bandore’s evil power.
________________________________________________________________________

DaiSatan’s black smog continued to spread through Angel Grove like a blanket of disease. Citizens keeled over in pain. Cars crashed against each other. Chaos was everywhere. DaiSatan laughed at the site of it, the evil spirit’s voice causing the Earth to literally shudder.

---To be concluded…Chapter 27

[Eternal]

You keeping topping each chapter. Too good, man. I love how you brought Bandora's son into the fic.

[Ryuranger]

---Ultimate Power Rangers: Reloaded
---Season One
---Battle Task Force Power Rangers
---Chapter 27: The Palace Falls

Cyclopsis ripped through the streets while demolishing buildings in his path. The war zord used its blade to strike down every piece on infrastructure it could fine. Citizens below ran in panic as debris fell around them and the black fog of DaiSatan spread sickness.

The six teens scattered around the streets, trying to help in whatever way possible.

A girl’s leg was broken near the base of a skyscraper that was falling apart. She screamed in terror as a massive piece of debris started falling towards her. Tommy dashed forward, lifted her up, and jumped away as the debris smashed against the empty ground where she was moments before.

He brought her to the entrance of a nearby shelter and dropped her off with one of the shelter workers. Jason and the others helped as many injured residents to the shelters as they could too.

The shelter worker dropped his jaw with shock as the rangers ran back towards the chaos. “Kids! Get back here! You’ll get yourselves killed!”
________________________________________________________________________

Bandora stood on her balcony alone as carnage spread over the dark streets below. Kai appeared behind her with a burst of black light. She turned to face him, her face beaming with pride. She moved forward to embrace him. “Kai…”

Kai floated upward and slipped from her embrace again. He landed on the balcony. “Mother…I am not the same person I used to be…”

Bandora shook her head. Her son was alive. She had to get through to him. First she had to finish the Rangers’ destruction. Then her life could return to normal. She pulled a final card from her stack and held the card between her fingers. “One card left…”

She threw the card over the city streets with a streak of dark light.
________________________________________________________________________

The teens stumbled to the ground with exhaustion. They had moved to a small slip of parkland to regroup and get some fresh air. They weren’t sure why the black smog didn’t affect them. The smog only seemed to make certain people in the city sick.

“This is crazy,” Zack said as he caught his breath. “Bandora has our zords.”

A boomerang blade suddenly cut through the air towards the teens. The six rangers rolled out of the way as the blade moved past them and arced back towards its owner. A monster in dark-red gladiator style armor caught the blade. The creature was Bandora’s last monster.

A group of rock soldiers stepped into loose formation besides the monster.

The rangers rose to their feet and readied their morphers. They snapped the devices open while shouting: “Dino buckler!”

Nothing happened.

“Why isn’t anything happening?” Trini asked.

Billy looked to his morpher. “Our Power Coins draw power from the spirits of our zords. Bandora must have a spell on them blocking the transference of power.”

The rock soldiers charged forward to attack.

Jason armed the sword Tommy had given him what seemed like a lifetime ago, when Dragon Ranger was a warlord with Bandora. The double-edged gray blade had intricate markings etched along its metal. Thin strands of red cloth wrapped around the handle. The hilt had the same markings as the blade itself. The sword had belonged to Geki, the first Tyranno Ranger.

Jason parried a soldier’s blow and slashed the grunt horizontally while dashing forward. He twirled his blade in a butterfly pattern while cutting through three soldiers and moving towards Bandora’s monster.

The creature chopped its blade towards Jason’s head. Jason sidestepped while parrying the blow, and side kicked the creature in the chest. The demon slammed a backfist across Jason’s face. Jason was smashed backward and went tumbling across the ground.

Tommy slammed a left flying sidekick against a soldier and spun around with a right hook kick that smashed the soldier across the head. He saw Jason in trouble and jumped to help his friend.

Tommy roundhouse kicked the monster’s blade and continued his spin to slam a reverse sidekick against the creature’s chest.

Kimberly grabbed a soldier by the wrist, twisted, and flipped the grunt to the ground.

Zack, Billy, and Trini stood with their backs towards each other. Trini kept the rock soldiers at bay with precision strikes of kicks and punches. Zack spun a flurry of kicks that knocked down soldiers left and right. Billy moved in low, twisting his body while slamming a palm-heel blow against a grunt’s chest.

Jason swung his blade down diagonally, but the monster parried his blow. Jason twisted his wrist and brought the sword in low, but the creature blocked that blow and slammed a kick against Jason’s chest. Jason went flipping backward and slammed to the ground.

Tommy helped Jason to his feet as the monster stalked towards them.

The dark image of DaiSatan in the distance turned his gaze towards the Rangers. He blew a twirling vortex of wind that lifted the ranger from their feet and sent them flailing towards the other side of the city.

The rangers landed in another strip of parkland. The sky was bright above, but they could still see the dark cloud hanging over the center of Angel Grove in the distance.

Zack spotted a water fountain. “Water…” he said. He was exhausted, as were the others. He turned on the fountain, but a stream of blood flowed out instead of water. “Sick.”

Billy shook his head. “It’s DaiSatan…”

The other rangers slowly climbed back to their feet.

“Guys!” a voice shouted from a nearby hill. They turned to see Maya and Simon hurry towards them.

“What are you doing here?” Jason asked. He would have preferred they stayed in the Command Chamber where it was safe.

“We were worried,” Maya said.

Simon tugged on Tommy’s sleeve. “What are you going to do?”

The rangers’ bucklers started to vibrate with power. The teens inspected their morphers and saw that their Power Coins were glowing. The six coins pulses with energy as six spirits appeared above them: spirits of the original six Rangers of Earth.

“Whoa,” Simon whispered as he took a step back. “Who are they?”

“The Rangers of the past,” Jason said. “They were the ones who gave us our Power Coins.”

Geki looked down at the rangers. “Bandora has your Shoguzyu.”

“Our what?” Zack said.

“Our zords,” Billy answered.

“You must not give up hope,” Geki said. “You can still retrieve your zords and defeat DaiSatan, but there isn’t much time left.”

“How?” Tommy asked.

Geki extended his hand. A wooden door frame appeared. The rangers saw only pitch black when they looked through the frame. “Through that door. May The Power protect you.”

The spirits vanished.
________________________________________________________________________

Jason, Zack, and Tommy tied rope around their waist. They had no idea what was on the other side of that door, and wanted to be prepared. Jason looked to the others. “We’ll go in. You three stay here and watch Maya and Simon.”

“Be careful,” Kimberly said to them.

The three rangers slowly stepped into the darkness. The dark was so thick that the rangers could not see their hands within an inch of their own face. Dim, pale light started to creep through stone walls as they walked through what looked a wide chamber.

Artificial wind blew through the passageway. Seven spirits of Bandora’s dead monsters appeared: the black knight, the dark warrior, the six-armed gladiator, Fang, the Polluticorn, and the white-mane lizard.

The three teens snapped into fighting stances. Zack shook his head. “We’ve beaten all these guys before.”

Jason tightened his grip on his sword. “We’ll have to do it again.”

Tommy pounced forward with a flying sidekick towards dark warrior, but he passed through the monster. Dark Warrior snapped a hook kick that slammed across the ranger’s head.

Jason swung his blade in an ’x’ pattern, each swing passing harmlessly through Polluticorn as easily as air. The monster slammed a backfist strike across Jason’s head. The teen went stumbling backward and rose to his knees.

The Black Knight charged towards Jason. He moved down low, swiping his sword towards the creature’s midsection. His blade passed through the monster. The knight turned and slammed its shield against Jason, knocking him backward.

Zack had the same problem with the gladiator. He snapped a jump kick that phased through the monster. The creature struck back with six punches that slammed against the ranger’s chest.

Tommy’s roundhouse kick phased through the lizard, along with his sidekick and punch combo. “This is getting us nowhere…” The lizard whipped its tail across Tommy’s body, knocking the ranger backward.

Jason tried to parry a blow from Fang, but the monster grabbed him by the wrist and tossed him over a cliff. Jason went tumbling down a bottomless chasm, his rope snapping, and pulling Zack down too. Tommy was knocked off his feet and pulled along, but he skid to a halt at the edge of the chasm.

His chest against the ground, Tommy leaned over the cliff and tried to hold onto the rope. The rope slid down his hand, burning his skin and causing his hands to bleed. He ignored the pain and tightened his grip to keep his friends from falling. “Guys!”

“Tommy!” they called from below.

The monster spirits started kicking Tommy. The spirits took pleasure in every kick, enjoying the chance to play with their prey before the kill. Tommy clenched his jaw as the creatures kept kicking. He could not let go of the rope. He would not let his friends down.

A monster spirit pulled its leg back to kick him. Tommy rolled onto his back and used his legs to grab onto the monster’s kick and toss the spirit over the cliff. The monster spirit toppled most of the other creatures, and they went spilling over the chasm. He spun back around, repeating the trick with the remaining monster spirits.
________________________________________________________________________

Jason, Zack and Tommy regrouped at the top of the cliff. Tommy was wrapping a torn piece of his shirt around his blood-soaked hands.

Zack shook his head. “Well that was fun.”

“Let’s get going,” Jason said as he retrieved his sword. They spotted a slit in the wall with pale light spilling through. The slit was barely large enough for the rangers to move through. They squeezed sideways into the opened and moved along

They entered a hallway wide hallway of stone brick with torches blazing against the walls. A demonic symbol was etched on the floor nearby. Seven spheres of energy were suspended above the symbol. Energy ricocheted within each sphere walls, as if the energy was trying to escape.

“There,” Jason said as he pointed his sword to the spheres. Their zords were trapped inside the spheres.

Explosions suddenly rang out around the three rangers as they rolled for cover. They rolled to their knees as the gladiator monster appeared, his boomerang-shaped blade held in an attack position. The creature charged forward and started swinging its blade at the rangers.

Tommy rolled to the side to avoid the blade, and stayed low while slammed his heel against the monster’s midsection. The villain stumbled backward as Jason slashed his sword upward diagonally, his blade sparking against the villain’s armor.

Jason started to rush past the monster to free the zord, but the creature grabbed him by the shoulders and tossed him backward. Jason slammed against a wall and slid to the ground.

Tommy and Zack moved in from opposite sides of the creature, snapping round kicks that slammed against the monster’s face.

Jason used his sword to steady himself and rise to his feet. No way he was letting things end. He held his sword forward and charged forward, shouting war cry. The monster stepped back into a defense stance. Instead of attacking, Jason leapt over the monster, pushed off the creature’s shoulders, and flipped towards the spheres.

He swung his sword down and shattered through a sphere. A blinding light burst from the sphere and immersed the cave with cave with a white glow that swept the rangers off their feet while disintegrating the monster.
________________________________________________________________________

The three rangers landed on top of a skyscraper in Angel Grove. They pulled themselves back to their feet as the other three teens arrived.

Trini moved towards Jason.

Jason took a deep breath and nodded. He was still trying to process what had happened. “Yeah…” he said.

The ground started to shake as Cyclopsis stomped towards them. The zord brought down its blade and chopped off the top half of the skyscraper. The rangers rolled backward to avoid the attack, and rose back to their feet.

“It’s time to finish this once and for all!” Jason shouted.

The rangers extended their morphers. “Dino buckler!”

Energy shimmered around them as they morphed into their Ranger forms. They snapped into fighting stances.

“Tyranno Ranger, Red!”

“Mammoth Ranger, Black!”

“Tricera Ranger, Blue!”

“Tiger Ranger, Yellow!”

“Ptera Ranger, Pink!”

“Dragon Ranger, Green!”

Together, the six Rangers shouted: “Battle Task Force: Power Rangers!”

Bandora wrinkled her brow as she watched the Rangers. How had they saved the zords? she wondered. She tightened her grip on her staff. It didn’t matter. Cyclopsis would crush them.

The Rangers raised their hands into the sky. “Dinozords, arise!”

The five armored beasts stomped through the city streets and charged towards their opponent, eager for a rematch. The Rangers leapt into the air and merged with their zords’ cockpits.

The Ptera zord flew in low and fired energy beams that exploded against the war zord’s chest. Tricera zord moved in low and fired horn missiles that exploded against the zord, knocking it backward.

Cyclopsis opened its chest missile launchers. The war zord fired a volley of missiles that exploded against the Tyrannosaurus, knocking the red-armored zord back before it could attack .

“Dragonzord!” Dragon Ranger shouted from the rooftop as he played a battle melody, the sound echoing across the rooftops. The Dragonzord rose from the sea and stomped towards Cyclopsis.

Cyclopsis extended its hands and grabbed Dragonzord in a grip of telekinetic energy. Cyclopsis lifted the Dragonzord and swung the beast over towards Tyranno. Dragonzord crashed against the Tyrannosaurus as Cyclopsis released its grip. The two zords went skidding across the streets.

“Dragonzord fusion!” Tyranno Ranger commanded. Dragonzord, Triceratops, Mammoth and Tiger combined to form the MegaDragonzord.

The zord thrust its spear forward. The weapon crashed against Cyclopsis and knocked it backward. Cyclopsis armed his forearm blades and swung outward. The sabers cut across the zord’s armor, knocking MegaDragonzord backward.

Tyranno moved forward and whipped its tail against Cyclopsis. The tail crashed against the war zord with a volley of sparks.

“Changing formation,” Tyranno Ranger said. “Dinozord fusion!”

MegaDragonzord split back into separate beasts. The main five zords combined to form the Megadinozord.

Cyclopsis swung its blades down towards the Megazord.

“Megadinozord saber!” Tyranno Ranger commanded. Megazord armed its sword and swung upward, severing the blade from the war zord’s wrists. “Battle crash!”

The blade energized with crimson power and slashed across Cyclops with a massive burst of sparks and explosions. Cyclopsis was pushed backward.

“Titanus!” Tyranno Ranger commanded. The carrier zord rolled out. “Ultrazord fusion!”

Dragonzord separated and wrapped around the top of the Megazord. Megazord landed on Titanus, all the zords combining to form the Ultradinozord.

“Grand fire!” the Rangers shouted. The Ultrazord fired a massive wave of energy darts and energy lances that poured forward, blasting through Cyclopsis. The war zord’s armor was stripped away as explosions tore through Cyclopsis. The zord’s energy overloaded and exploded.

“Yeah!” the Rangers shouted. They leapt from the Ultrazord and joined Dragon Ranger on the rooftop.
________________________________________________________________________

Bandora was standing on her balcony, her body trembling with raise. She heard something fall in the palace chambers behind her.

She turned to see Kai crawling forward, blood dripping from his head. The boy was injured from piloting Cyclopsis during the explosion. He had barely made it out of the war zord’s cockpit. He reached out his hand to Bandora, tears streaming down his cheek. “Momma…help me…”

Bandora fell, her body nearly crippled with sorrow as she crawled towards Kai. “Kai…” she whispered. She reached out and took hold of his hand. Kai smiled and squeezed his mother’s hand before his body went limp. His eyes shut for the last time.

“Kai!” Bandora shrieked. “No!!”

The skies turned even darker A Bandora wailed with rage. Crimson energy slammed against the palace, attracted to Bandora’s power. She looked towards the city and narrowed her eyes. She stood tall and walked to the balcony.

Bandora extended her hand and shouted an incantation, her words echoing from the rooftops.

Countless rock soldier started falling from the skies and spreading through the city. Each soldier was fueled with Bandora’s rage.

“It’s not over yet,” Tyranno Ranger shouted as he watched the wave of soldiers spread out through the streets beneath them.

The six Rangers leapt from the rooftop and landed on the streets below. The ground started to shake again as a blinding bolt of crimson energy struck an outcropping near the middle of Bandora’s palace. DaiSatan had assumed humanoid form.

DaiSatan’s skin was pale blue, with black trimming running along the lines of his muscles. Black war paint covered his face and bald head. Nine rows of spikes ran from his forehead, along the back of his head, and down to his side. His eyes were solid red. A ragged vest covered his body and ragged cloth covered his waist.

Dragon Ranger narrowed his eyes beneath his helmet. “DaiSatan….” he said beneath his breath. He knew his powers could fail him at any moment. He had to finish this battle. For Shannon. For redemption.

Dragon Ranger ducked into an alley as the other rangers slammed against the wave of rock soldiers.

“Tommy, wait!” Tyranno Ranger shouted. But there was nothing he could do. The wave of soldiers kept rushing towards them faster than they could knock them down.
________________________________________________________________________

Dragon Ranger ran towards the base of the palace, his dagger in hand. A dozen rock soldiers blocked his path. He did not bother slowing down. He spun forward, slamming a spinning heel kick across a soldier while cutting another three down with his blade. He moved past the survivors of the ground and leapt up towards the palace.

Dragon Ranger landed on the outcropping in a crouched position, then sprang towards DaiSatan.

DaiSatan extended his hand and fired a red energy pulse that exploded against Dragon Ranger’s chest, knocking him backward. Dragon Ranger rolled back onto his knees and sprang forward, leaping through the air and energizing his dagger while swinging the blade down. “Dragon claw!”

A green energy wave tore towards DaiSatan. The villain leapt over the blast, somersaulted forward through the air, and slammed a double kick against Dragon Ranger. Dragon Ranger crashed hard onto his back as DaiSatan landed on his feet.

Dragon Ranger flipped onto his feet and extended his hands towards DaiSatan. “Dragon fang!” he fired spheres of crackling jade energy that DaiSatan dodged with little effort while charging forward towards the Ranger.

DaiSatan grabbed Dragon Ranger in a chokehold and started slamming kicks against his side. Dragon Ranger swung Dragon Ranger backward and pushed him hard against the palace wall, the impact sending web-shaped cracks along the palace surface.

DaiSatan tossed Dragon Ranger aside, and the Ranger went tumbling across the outcropping. Dragon Ranger rose to his feet in time to block a double-jump kick by DaiSatan. The Ranger followed with a round kick towards the head, but DaiSatan blocked that blow and slammed a fist against Dragon Ranger’s chest.

They moved back and forth across the outcropping, exchanging a fierce blow of kicks and punches. DaiSatan slammed an uppercut against Dragon Ranger’s gut and slammed an elbow on the back of the Ranger’s neck.

Dragon Ranger fell and kicked the legs out from underneath DaiSatan. The opponents rose back to their feet. DaiSatan opened his mouth and spat a volley of fire bursts that exploded against Dragon Ranger with a shower of sparks.

Dragon Ranger fell backward as his power started to flux. Strands of energy seemed to unwind around his arm as power started to creep across his armor like lines of static. “Not now…” he cursed.

DaiSatan lifted the Ranger by the shoulder and slammed a round kick against his side before smashing a hook kick across the Ranger’s helmet. Dragon Ranger was knocked backward.

Dragon Ranger keeled over with pain as his armor peeled away, jade energy flashing across his body. Tommy rolled over limp as his armor and powers vanished. Only his Dagger and morpher remained.

DaiSatan kicked the ranger while he was down. Tommy went flailing off the off the outcropping and crashed back-first on a lower extension below.

DaiSatan leapt down towards the ranger. The villain aimed his knee towards Tommy’s chest. Tommy barely rolled out of the way in time. The villain’s knee blow smashed against the outcropping, smashing part of the rock and kicking up debris.

Tommy rose to his feet and moved forward. DaiSatan blocked the ranger’s high roundkick, low roundkick, and punch combination. Tommy swung a spinning heel kick that DaiSatan ducked under, the villain laughing at his seemingly helpless opponent.

DaiSatan slammed a palm-heel strike against Tommy’s chest. The rangers ribs cracks as he stumbled backward.

Tommy rose to his knees as DaiSatan kicked him upside the head. Tommy’s body flipped backward and crashed back on the outcropping.

Tommy coughed, hacking up blood as he rolled onto his stomach. His ribs were broken. His muscles aches. He was pretty sure he had a concussion. He rolled his hands into fists. He could not let himself die, not when he was so close. His friends were counting on him. The world had suffered enough because of the creature standing before him. He had suffered enough.

By sheer force of will, Tommy struggled to his feet. He would not be beaten. He glared at DaiSatan and rolled his hands into fists. “I won’t let you win…”

Tommy closed his eyes and tried to draw on the last of his strength. His body started to glow with a red aura. Lines of red energy started to circle around him. Tommy felt power rush through his veins, revitalizing him, making him stronger than even his Power Coin had.

Bandora watched from her balcony. She wrinkled her brow. “He can’t be…”

Tommy snapped open his eyes. He charged forward and slammed a jump sidekick against DaiSatan’s chest. The villain was pushed back, surprised at the sudden show of power. The villain managed to block Tommy’s first two punches. But the Ranger’s third punch connected beneath the villain’s ribs, and Tommy swung a hook punch that smashed across the villain’s head.

Tommy slammed a reverse hook kick across the villain’s head, and followed with a reverse sidekick that smashed the villain backward.

Tommy’s veins felt ignited with power. He glared at the villain. Tommy felt like his blood was about to boil. He extended his hands while shouting: “Fire Stream!”

A torrent of fiery energy lashed out from between Tommy’s hands and washed across DaiSatan. The villain’s skin cracked and peeled away second before the evil spirit’s energy overloaded and exploded.

Tommy lowered his arms and glared up at Bandora’s balcony. “Bandora…”

Tommy ran through the corridors of Bandora’s palace. He slammed a flying sidekick against a door, shattering it, as he leapt into Bandora’s main chamber. Bandora turned away from the opening on her balcony and wrinkled her brow at the ranger.

“I made you what you are today…and you kill my son.” Bandora said, her voice ice cold.

“Don’t even get me started on the pain you’ve caused us!” Tommy shouted as he charged towards her. He swung a roundhouse kick towards her head, but she blocked the blow with her staff. Tommy brought his leg around with a reverse hook kick, but Bandora blocked with her staff.

The witch extended her hand and fired tendrils of red energy. The tendrils wrapped around and flashed with energy as they pushed the ranger backward and slammed him against a wall. She clenched her jaw as she poured energy onto him.

Tommy bit back the pain, refusing to give Bandora the satisfaction of hearing him scream.

Bandora lowered her hand and Tommy collapsed to the ground.

“You sicken me,” she said as she slowly walked towards him.

Tommy sprang forward without warning. “Burn Knuckle!” he shouted, his fist radiating with fiery energy as he slammed a punch that pushed the witch backward.

Bandora extended her hand and fired bursts of crimson power. Tommy rolled towards Bandora to dodge the blasts, and rolled to his knees while spinning forward and slamming his Dagger through her chest.

Tommy pulled his blade free and Bandora fell to the ground. With Bandora and DaiSatan’s death, the palace started to shake and crumble.
________________________________________________________________________

The rock soldiers turned to dust all around the Rangers. They looked to the palace to see the entire structure fall. The once great palace turned to ash.

“Oh no…” Ptera Ranger said as the ash started to spread across the streets. She fell to her knees. “Tommy…”

The ash came their way and started to spread. The Rangers saw someone walk through the dust towards them. Tommy stepped forward from the cloud of ash.

“Tommy!” Kimberly shouted as she rushed towards him and wrapped her arms around him.

He returned her hug. “It’s finally over…”

They pulled back as the others moved to greet their friends.

“You look like hell,” Jason said.

“Thanks,” Tommy said. They clasped hands and pulled each other into a hug.

The Dinozords above started to roar and looked down at the rangers. The five Power Coins suddenly flashed with energy and streaked towards the sky. The zords turned away and started to charge towards the distance, their bodies turning to energy as they streaked towards the sky alongside the coins.

“They’re gone,” Kimberly said.

“Something tells me we won’t be needing them anymore,” Billy said.
________________________________________________________________________

“Congratulations, Rangers,” Zordon said. “Bandora and DaiSatan’s forces are gone forever.”

Billy looked up to Zordon. “Where did our zords go?”

“They have rejoined with the Power that birthed them,” Zordon said. “I am very proud of you all. However, I regret to inform you that Alpha and I must leave immediately.”

The rangers were taken aback by the abruptness of Zordon’s announcement.

“Why?” Kimberly asked.

“I must return to my home planet. There is information there I must seek. But do not worry…our paths will cross again. Farewell Rangers…” Zordon said as he slowly disappeared.

“Good-bye my friends,” Alpha vanished in a wave of teleportation energy.

The teens stood silently. The reality of the moment would likely not sink in for a long time.
________________________________________________________________________

The teens sat by Bear Lake. The city was starting to heal. DaiSatan’s plague had died along with the evil spirit. Things were starting to return to normal at the city as the rangers tried to find themselves again.

“So what are we going to do with all our spare time?” Zack asked.

“It’ll be weird,” Jason said.

“Guys…we’re not going to see each other as much you know. We all go to different schools,” Kimberly said. “I’m going to miss you.”

“There’s always the weekends,” Jason said.

“Yeah,” Zack said. “You guys are the only real friends I’ve ever had.”

“Umm…” Kimberly said as she lifted her guitar from a nearby tree. “I wrote a song…for all of us. Zack helped.”

She started to sing.

"Down the road, we never know
what life may have in store.
Winds of change will rearrange
our lives more than before.”

Tommy smiled. He found her voice captivating. The sound made them all forget their scars.

Zack joined in, and the two harmonized.

"But you'll never stand alone, my friend.
Memories never die. Within our hearts, they'll always live
and never say goodbye.
and never say goodbye."
________________________________________________________________________

Far behind them, the Dark Man watched and smiled. “Enjoy your peace while you can... Things are only going to get harder.”

THE END
…the saga continues in Season 02’s Five-Star-Task-Force Power Rangers,
Shogun-Task-Force Ninja Rangers, Kamen Rider Kuuga, and Spider-Man

[Splush]

I once read this story a LONG time ago...And I recently started to re-read it. Last night I read 10 chapters and I must say I am impressed. You have an unique writing style and as I read I felt as if I was in an actual episode.

I will finish the story tonight.

[Ryuranger]

Thanks Splush.

Season Two is getting its own thread. It will pic up where this left off.

[Eternal]

Wonderful work. Tommy slaining Bandora was a great read. I was imagining Dragon Ranger entering the balcony as if I were actually watching Zyu footage being dubbed for MMPR. Too bad this isn't a real episode. Looking forward to more.

CT

[Ryuranger]

Wonderful work. Tommy slaining Bandora was a great read. I was imagining Dragon Ranger entering the balcony as if I were actually watching Zyu footage being dubbed for MMPR. Too bad this isn't a real episode. Looking forward to more.

CT

Thanks. :023:

Do I need to make it more clear that Tommy lost his Green Ranger powers during the fight with DaiSatan?

[Eternal]

I understood the power was gone. It's implied and mentioned the power would be gone after the fight by Billy if I recall correctly, right?

CT

[Ryuranger]

Just checking. (Sorry. Kind of out of it today).

[TSoldier]

The entire season epitomized excellency. In creativity & recognition of the material your work is based on. I kinda got scared towards the end that thiis would be it for the Rangers but I'm definitely looking forward to seeing the continuation in S2. At first I didn't get that Tommy's powers were gone for good but I forgot about what Billy said a couple episodes back. Keep up the good work. What will the next Season's title be? You said it'd be in a new thread, I just wanna be sure I recognize the title.

[Ryuranger]

Thanks. Season 2 should be a good rewrite. You can take a peek at what's on the Web site in season 2 now, it's just rushed and sloppy.

The next thread will probably just be called Ultimate Power Rangers Reloaded season 2

[Splush]

Ryuranger your PM box is full. :o

[TSoldier]

Thanks. Season 2 should be a good rewrite. You can take a peek at what's on the Web site in season 2 now, it's just rushed and sloppy.

The next thread will probably just be called Ultimate Power Rangers Reloaded season 2
Cool. Can't wait. Got an ETA?

[Ryuranger]

Splush: I cleared some space. PM away.

TS: Chapter one of season 2 can be up in about five minutes after this post.

Question...Season 2 has two different series that both take place during the same time frame. Should I switch off or put them back-to-back in the thread?

[Imperialwar]

If you want.

[Ryuranger]

If you want.


...

[TSoldier]

Please make different threads. The way I understand it, you mean your writing something about Spiderman & other people I don't care about. It'd make it really hard to track each story if there interspliced with eachother.

[Imperialwar]

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[Splush]

Ah...! I have two more chapters to go! Well so far every thing is great I just have on suggestion for future writings, add more personal life stuff...Don't just focus on the ranger stuff but also what goes on in their life as regular teens are whatever they become...

[Splush]

AMAZING!!!!! FANTASTIC!!!! I love it...Tommorow I will begin to read the second story (COUGH BRING BACK JASON). And Ryuranger I will try to be on around 7-8 on Sunday...If I am not email me.